Legal
Second Trade Group Sues HHS Over ACA Broker Enrollment Freeze
A trade association has filed a second lawsuit against HHS and CMS challenging the agencies' decision to bar new agents and brokers from registering to sell Affordable Care Act marketplace plans during the 2027 open enrollment period. The suit follows an earlier legal challenge over the same policy, arguing the freeze unlawfully restricts broker participation in federal marketplace enrollment activities. The case adds pressure on HHS and CMS as open enrollment approaches, with brokers and agencies awaiting a judicial resolution on whether the freeze can stand.
Why it mattersHealth plans and brokers relying on marketplace channels face enrollment and revenue disruption if courts do not resolve the broker freeze before the 2027 open enrollment period begins.