With OEP underway, it’s important not to overlook a few under-the-radar opportunities available to nimble ACA agents that will help them guide individuals and families in finding the best 2027 health coverage options that meet their needs. One such opportunity is to help ACA Auto Assigns.
Hundreds of Thousands of ACA Auto Assigns May Have Questions
Reports indicate that hundreds of thousands of 2026 ACA Marketplace members in 29 states are being reassigned to other ACA Marketplace plans for 2027. Healthcare.gov states, “…..we’ll re-enroll you in a comparable one with a different insurance company.”
The issue is that “comparable” doesn’t mean their current doctors or hospitals are in the 2027 plan’s network, that their prescriptions are covered, or that their other needed services are covered at a cost-share they can afford. The result is that current federal Marketplace members may need additional assistance to find the best 2027 healthcare option that meets their needs for doctors, hospitals, prescriptions, and other services.
This is a significant opportunity for ACA Marketplace agents on the federal Marketplace to help ACA members with questions about their 2027 coverage and who may want to find better coverage options in their area. This opportunity is only for the 29 states in the federal ACA Marketplace, as the other 21 states’ ACA marketplaces have their own processes to address 2027 plan exits.
The 21 State ACA Marketplaces Have This Activity, Too
The 21 ACA state Marketplaces have ACA members whose current 2026 plan won’t be available in 2027. If you’re working on one of these state ACA Marketplaces, you should confirm their plan exit process immediately to determine the needs of these 2027 ACA members.
Each state sets its own rules, so you need to know exactly what they are to determine the best, most compliant way to assist these ACA members with their 2027 health coverage. If a state offers you the opportunity to participate in a hotline or another outreach group to assist state Marketplace members who need to change their 2027 plans, you should strongly consider it.
Off-Exchange Plans Another Good Option
If Federal or State 2027 Marketplace plans aren’t the best options for these ACA members’ 2027 health coverage, off-exchange plans may be another option to offer them after losing their 2026 ACA Federal or State Marketplace health plan. These plans would also be another option to consider for your ACA clients who are losing some or all of their 2026 premium subsidy or CSR for 2027.
You need to have your best off-exchange plans available for each state and area you work in for 2027.
Don’t Forget Your ACA Alternative and Ancillary Coverage Options
These same ACA clients we discussed above are also possible candidates for ACA alternative plan options available in their areas, as well as ancillary options for hospital indemnity, accident, critical illness, dental/vision/hearing, and temporary plan coverage in 2027. These coverage options have more flexible enrollment requirements and offer greater provider flexibility for these members to access in 2027.
For anyone you find in the ACA world with a 2027 health coverage issue, these coverage options are dependable and reliable, providing protection for ACA clients who are not finding the 2027 coverage they need.
The Agility Difference
The Agility ACA team is available to brainstorm with you about all the ACA Marketplace situations and opportunities you’re encountering across your service areas. The ACA team has ideas for product options for you to consider across different service areas to help you best support these ACA clients.
Our team is also happy to discuss compliant communications and marketing outreach to this ACA population. And for ACA agents who also work in the Medicare market, our Medicare team is available to assist you with their AEP expertise during the ACA OEP.
As the insurance market changes, Agility helps agents stand out by sharing updates and offering our team’s expertise to help you grow. If you have questions or want to talk to our ACA, Medicare, CHOICE, Group, life, or ancillary experts, reach out to our dedicated Producer Support at (866) 590-9771 or support@enrollinsurance.com.
We can add you to our weekly email list for tips and updates. Let Agility help you build your skills and discover new opportunities.
