ACA open enrollment begins Nov. 1 with new ID checks and broker limits

Open enrollment for Affordable Care Act health insurance began Nov. 1 for most states, bringing immediate changes to how consumers select and purchase policies for 2027 coverage.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services implemented new identity verification rules to combat fraud. Consumers using agents or brokers through the federal marketplace must now obtain a one-time confirmation code via text, email, or phone call to authorize an agent to act on their behalf.

These rules specifically target consumers in the federal marketplace, which serves 29 states, and do not apply to state-based exchanges. Individuals classified as high-risk, such as first-time applicants or those with monthly premiums of $30 or less, must verify their identity through a third party like Experian before authorizing an agent.

Joshua Brooker, an insurance agency owner in Pennsylvania, noted that the new scrutiny may force up to one in five consumers to provide extra proof of identity. He warned that some shoppers may abandon the process if the hurdles are too difficult.

The administration is also limiting the number of brokers available to help shoppers. A rule issued in September places a moratorium on agents not registered with the federal marketplace in 2026. These new agents cannot assist with 2027 enrollments until at least February, which falls after the open enrollment period ends.

CMS stated that a disproportionate number of compliance concerns in 2026 came from newly registered agents. Jason Fine, a Florida brokerage owner, said the move may benefit larger call centers that maintain year-round staff, while small agencies struggle to find registered agents.

Two industry groups have challenged the moratorium in court. The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals filed a lawsuit on Oct. 15, while Health Agents for America filed for a temporary restraining order on Oct. 21, arguing the rules unfairly target 19,000 agents.

Costs remain a major factor for shoppers. Enhanced subsidies expired at the end of 2025, leading to premium increases and a decline in overall enrollment. The average premium increase was 26% last year, and analysts project a 15% increase for 2027.

Subsidies continue for many households but are less generous. Income-based subsidies cut off for households earning more than four times the federal poverty level, which is $63,840 for a single person and $86,560 for a couple this year.

Louise Norris, a health policy analyst, said affordability for most people will stay similar to current levels, but consumers should compare plans rather than letting policies auto-renew. Out-of-pocket maximums will rise by 13% in 2027 to $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for families.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has also changed subsidy eligibility for immigrants. Many lawfully present residents, including those with H-1B visas, refugee status, or pending green-card applications, lost subsidy eligibility. Only green-card holders, certain Cuban and Haitian immigrants, and citizens of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, or Palau can still receive subsidies.

Experts advise consumers to reach out to agents early, as fewer brokers are available to assist with the enrollment process this year.