The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is more popular than ever: A new report shows that nearly 50 million people – or one in seven Americans – have had ACA Marketplace coverage at some point.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the proposed “Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters” for the 2026 plan year (or proposed 2026 Payment Notice) that proposes standards for the Health Insurance Marketplaces, as well as for health insurance issuers, brokers, and agents who connect millions of consumers to ACA coverage. The rule proposes additional safeguards, beginning in 2025, to protect consumers from fraudulent changes to their health care coverage, as well as options to ensure the integrity of the Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM). Additionally, if finalized as proposed, the rule would make it easier for consumers to understand their costs and enroll in coverage through HealthCare.gov beginning in plan year 2026. ARTICLE