News: COMING SOON - Changes to EDE Platforms

New EDE System Requirements Coming for 2026 Open Enrollment

Important update for Marketplace agents and brokers: New system requirements are coming to Enhanced Direct Enrollment (EDE) websites ahead of the 2026 Open Enrollment period. These changes are designed to help combat fraud and better protect consumers, agents, and brokers.

What’s Changing?

By October 2026, all EDE websites will require consumers to complete a one-time authorization when an agent or broker submits a Marketplace application or enrollment on the consumer’s behalf.

Depending on the consumer, additional identity proofing may also be required before an agent or broker can submit an application or enrollment.

These new requirements will replace the current three-way call process, creating a new authorization and verification process for agents, brokers, and consumers.

What Agents Need to Know

Agents and brokers should be prepared for these changes before Open Enrollment begins. CMS has published FAQs outlining the new requirements, including:

• Which consumers may be required to complete identity proofing

• How EDE partners will communicate with consumers to complete identity proofing and authorization

• Requirements for obtaining and documenting consumer consent

• How long consumer identity proofing and agent/broker authorization will remain valid

Action Recommended:
Review the CMS FAQs now to understand the upcoming requirements and prepare your clients for the new authorization and identity verification process.

Have questions about the new EDE requirements? Contact the CMS Agent/Broker Email Help Desk at [email protected].

Stay tuned to the Agent HUB for additional Marketplace updates and resources as Open Enrollment approaches.