Health Insurance Enrollment Begins With Stricter ID Rules and Higher Prices

Open enrollment for 2027 Affordable Care Act health insurance began Nov. 1 in most states, bringing a set of new rules that aim to cut fraud but may slow down the process for many consumers. The changes include stricter identity verification for people using agents and a temporary ban on newly registered brokers helping with sign-ups.

Shoppers who use an agent in the federal marketplace, which covers 29 states, must now provide a one-time confirmation code to authorize that specific agent. This code arrives via text, email, or automated call. People deemed high-risk, such as first-time applicants or those with premiums of $30 or less, must also verify their identity through a third party like Experian. If the automated check fails, they may need to upload documents like a driver’s license or passport.

Joshua Brooker, an insurance agency owner in Pennsylvania, noted that the scrutiny targets groups where fraud is more common. He warned that up to one in five consumers might face extra identity proofing, which could lead some to give up on getting insured. Stacey Pogue, a senior research fellow at Georgetown University, agreed that while the response is appropriate, it creates additional hurdles for people without established credit files.

At the same time, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a rule in September that stops new brokers from assisting with 2027 enrollments until at least February. This measure follows a spike in compliance issues from new agents this year. Jason Fine, a Florida brokerage owner, said the rule makes it harder for small agencies to hire enough staff to help clients during the busy season. He suggested the change benefits large call centers that can maintain year-round staffs.

Agent groups have pushed back legally. The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals filed a lawsuit on Oct. 15, arguing the ban unfairly affects 19,000 agents. Ronnell Nolan of Health Agents for America filed a separate suit on Oct. 21, seeking a temporary restraining order to let trained new agents work.

Costs remain a central concern for shoppers. Premiums are expected to rise by 15% on average, down from 26% last year. Most people will still receive subsidies, though they are less generous now that enhanced subsidies expired at the end of 2025. The income limit for subsidies is $63,840 for a single person and $86,560 for a couple. Out-of-pocket maximums also increase by 13%, reaching $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for families.

Experts advise consumers not to let their plans auto-renew. Louise Norris of HealthInsurance.org said shoppers should compare premiums, deductibles, and coverage options, as some insurers like Cigna have dropped areas. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act also removes subsidy eligibility for many lawfully present immigrants, including H-1B visa holders and refugees, though green-card holders and certain Cuban and Haitian immigrants remain eligible.