Authorize Your Agent for 2027 Open Enrollment
New CMS requirements take effect October 12, 2026. Here is what customers and agents need to know.
October 12, 2026
Authorization available
November 1, 2026
Open Enrollment begins
FLC Insurance Services allows agents to begin collecting authorizations for plan year 2027 even before the Open Enrollment Period begins, through the enrollment platform used for your application. If you receive a request from your FLC agent, follow the secure instructions to confirm your authorization.
Completing authorization prepares us to assist you. It does not enroll you in a plan, renew your coverage, or guarantee eligibility or savings.
What is changing?
A clear confirmation before we assist.
Beginning October 12, 2026, CMS requires agent authorization for agent-driven ACA Marketplace applications and enrollments through the Enhanced Direct Enrollment (EDE) agent pathway. EDE is the approved technology an enrollment platform uses to connect to the federal Marketplace.
Your authorization confirms that a specific agent may access and work on your Marketplace application through that platform. It helps protect your application from unauthorized access and plan changes. These requirements apply to the federal Marketplace and state Marketplaces that use the federal platform; separate state Marketplace procedures may differ.
For customers
How to authorize your FLC agent.
Complete the request yourself
Watch for a request
Your agent sends a secure authorization request by text or email to the contact information associated with your Marketplace application.
Open it promptly
Use your own phone or device. Review the agent’s identity and the plan year shown before confirming. A request may direct you to the enrollment platform we use.
Verify if prompted
Some applications require identity verification. Follow the platform’s secure instructions and complete this step before granting authorization.
Confirm your choice
Approve the agent you want to assist you. Your agent checks that authorization is active before proceeding with your application or enrollment.
Unsure whether a message is legitimate? Call FLC Insurance Services at (800) 459-5750 before opening the link. Do not send identity documents or Social Security numbers through ordinary text or email.
Preparation checklist
Your 2027 preparation checklist.
Mark each item as you complete it. Your progress is saved on this device.
Using a new phone number or email?
If you no longer have access to the contact information on your application, let us know before your review.
- - Sign in at HealthCare.gov and update your application’s communication preferences, if available.
- - You may need to create an account, verify your identity, and link your existing application first.
- - For consumer assistance, contact the Marketplace at 1-800-318-2596.
Agents must not create a duplicate application or substitute an agency phone number or email to work around this issue.
Three separate requirements
Authorization is one part of the process.
Your agent must address each applicable requirement. Completing one does not automatically complete the others.
| Requirement | What it does | When it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Consent for assistance | Documents your permission for an agent or agency to help with Marketplace coverage, within the scope and duration you agree to. | Before the agent searches for your application, accesses your information, or provides enrollment assistance. |
| Agent authorization | Confirms that a specific agent can access and work on your application through the enrollment platform. | Each plan year, for the individual agent and platform used. Complete identity verification first if required. |
| Application review and confirmation | Documents that you reviewed the eligibility application information and confirmed that it is accurate. | Before the agent submits your eligibility application or updates. |
For FLC agents
Your authorization workflow for 2027.
Plan year specific
Use the approved enrollment platform for the application. A note in an agency record or a signed general consent form does not establish platform authorization.
Confirm readiness and consent.
Maintain current Marketplace registration, required training, state licensing, and applicable carrier appointments. Confirm valid documented consent before searching for or accessing consumer information.
Check the consumer’s contact information.
Use the consumer’s accessible phone number or email associated with the application. Do not use your own, the agency’s, or a dummy contact method.
Initiate the correct authorization.
Use your own agent account and confirm the request is for plan year 2027. Authorization uses your FFM username, rather than relying on the NPN already on an enrollment.
Explain the consumer’s next step.
Tell the consumer to open the secure request on their own device, review the agent information, complete identity verification when prompted, and confirm their choice.
Verify completion before proceeding.
Check the platform’s authorization and identity verification results. A sent request, opened message, or clicked link does not establish active authorization.
Complete the remaining enrollment steps.
Review updated eligibility information and plan options with the consumer. Document their review and confirmation before submission, then complete the enrollment and plan confirmation steps.
Track each requirement separately. Record the plan year, agent, platform, request date, authorization result, and any identity verification issue in the approved workflow. Keep consent and application review documentation for at least 10 years and make it available to CMS upon request.
Platform tools: Use the authorization dashboard, status labels, reminders, or exports supported by your enrollment platform. Menu names and available features vary. An agency administrator’s access does not substitute for the individual servicing agent’s authorization.
Identity verification
Some applications need an extra check.
CMS requires additional identity proofing for applications that meet its higher risk criteria. This is a security measure and does not, by itself, mean the consumer has done anything wrong.
| When verification may be required | What to expect |
|---|---|
| New Marketplace application or a different coverage state | The household contact or application filer may need to verify their identity before authorization can be completed. |
| Active coverage with a net monthly premium of $30 or less | The criterion excludes stand-alone dental plans. Net premium is the amount after advance premium tax credits are applied. |
| A different or new agent | A change in the assisting agent may trigger identity proofing. An application may also move into a higher risk category during the process. |
If verification fails, follow the help instructions and reference number supplied by the platform. Depending on the available pathway, this may involve an identity verification help desk, another approved verification option, or the consumer completing their application at HealthCare.gov.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
We are here to help
Questions about 2027 authorization?
Our licensed agents are ready to walk you through the process and help you prepare for Open Enrollment.
Guidance and resources
Reviewed October 16, 2026. Procedures may change as CMS or enrollment platforms update their guidance.