ACA Shoppers Face New ID Checks and Rising Costs as Enrollment Opens

Health insurance shoppers in most states began reviewing their 2027 coverage options on Nov. 1. The new enrollment period introduces tighter identity checks for federal marketplace users, a pause on new brokers, and premium adjustments that follow the expiration of enhanced subsidies at the end of 2025. While Idaho, Connecticut, and Massachusetts opened their doors earlier, the national process now officially starts for the majority of consumers.

Consumers using agents in the 29 states served by the federal marketplace must now complete additional verification steps. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requires a one-time confirmation code sent via text, email, or phone to authorize an agent. Applicants deemed high risk, which includes first-time buyers and those paying premiums of $30 or less, must verify their identity through a third-party service like Experian. Joshua Brooker, a Pennsylvania insurance agency owner, noted that these groups were selected because bad actors often target low-cost plans where policyholders might not notice unauthorized changes.

The administration also imposed a moratorium on new brokers for the 2027 period. Agents not registered in 2026 cannot assist with enrollments until at least February, after the standard open enrollment window closes. Jason Fine, a Florida brokerage owner, said this rule complicates staffing plans for small agencies. He noted that larger call centers with year-round staffs are better positioned to handle the workload, while smaller firms struggle to find available agents who meet the registration requirement. Industry groups have filed lawsuits against the move, arguing it unfairly limits new entrants to the market.

Premium costs for 2027 are expected to rise by 15%, a lower increase than the 26% jump seen in the previous year. Subsidies remain available for households earning less than four times the federal poverty rate. For a single person, that threshold is $63,840; for a couple, it is $86,560. While subsidies help offset some costs, analysts warn that affordability remains a critical concern for many households. Louise Norris, a health policy analyst, stated that overall affordability should remain similar for those who managed costs in the current year, but she urged consumers to compare plans rather than relying on automatic renewals. Out-of-pocket maximums are also increasing by 13% in 2027, reaching $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for families.