The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is strengthening oversight of health insurance exchange brokers under a final rule issued Monday.
The Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2026 makes it easier for CMS to suspend agents and brokers who market exchange plans. The agency drafted this policy after KFF Health News reported last April that some brokers were switching consumers into different plans without their permission.
Related: 3 Biden healthcare regulations Trump will have to finalize
CMS can immediately bar third-party marketers when the agency identifies "circumstances that pose an unacceptable risk to the accuracy of marketplace eligibility determinations, operations, applicants or enrollees, or marketplace information technology systems," according to a news release. The final rule includes an update to the consent form agents and brokers provide to customers.
The regulation also finalizes proposals designed to help people retain tax credits for marketplace coverage when they fall behind on premium payments or fail to file federal income taxes.