CMS Announces Change Intended to Streamline Exchange Plan Enrollment

May 2017 ~

CMS has released guidance stating that it will no longer require U.S. residents enrolling in exchange plans via a direct enrollment pathway (DEP) to complete the enrollment process on HealthCare.gov.

According to a CMS media Release, the new streamlined and simplified direct enrollment process will allow consumers to complete their application for individual market coverage through a third-party website of direct enrollment partners approved to use the proxy direct enrollment pathway,

Previously, consumers signing up for health coverage using a third party website were redirected to HealthCare.gov to complete their application. This often led to confusion and made it difficult for consumers to finish the application process.

CMS intends for this approach to reduce regulatory burden for businesses providing direct enrollment services and offers consumers easier access to healthcare comparisons and shopping experiences for coverage offered through HealthCare.gov.

“This is another important step to help create stability in the health insurance market,” said CMS Administrator Seema Verma. “It is common sense to make it as simple and easy as possible for consumers to shop for and access health coverage. It is time to get the federal government out of the way and give patients the best tools to make their own healthcare decisions. We look forward to continuing to work with private partners to make sure these streamlined enrollment pathways are available, secure, and ensure a high degree of program integrity.”

Source(s): American Health Line; Healthcare Finance News; CMS Guidance; CMS Release; Modern Healthcare;