CMS freezes new federal marketplace broker registrations until February 1
CMS has paused new agent and broker registrations for the federal health insurance marketplace until February 1, 2027, under an interim final rule effective Tuesday.
The pause covers agents and brokers who do not have Plan Year 2026 agreements and want to register for 2027. Existing registrants can renew. Web-brokers and registrations on state-based exchanges are outside the moratorium.
CMS said the pause will remain while it adds safeguards against unauthorized enrollment and misuse of consumer information. The agency may lift, extend or change the February 1 end date through another notice.
Comments close November 21. CMS acknowledged that the rule will temporarily reduce competition and shift commission revenue toward agents and brokers who already hold federal marketplace agreements.

