Health · Healthcare & Policy · 1 hr ago
Court lifts freeze on new ACA broker registrations
A Maryland federal judge blocked a freeze on new ACA brokers that the Trump administration imposed in September.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said the freeze was meant to prevent improper enrollments and fraud on the Affordable Care Act exchanges.
Nearly 19,000 agents and brokers were barred from registering, according to the agency.
Two broker trade groups challenged the freeze, arguing that regulators did not seek public comment and had not considered the financial harm to broker organizations.
The judge found the groups were likely to succeed in their case and that lifting the freeze was in the public interest.
New brokers can now train and take part in open enrollment, which began this week and ends in mid-January.
The court ordered the trade groups to make training available by Friday, but one group said the legal fight is not over.
A Maryland district court struck down the moratorium on new Affordable Care Act broker registrations.
The ruling allows new agents and brokers to train and take part in open enrollment.
The Trump administration imposed the moratorium in September, citing concerns about improper enrollments and fraud.
Nearly 19,000 agents and brokers were prevented from registering, according to CMS.
Two broker trade groups sued, arguing the freeze was unlawful and would cause financial harm.
- Who
- A Maryland district court ruled on a lawsuit brought by the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals and Health Agents for America.
- What
- The court struck down CMS’s moratorium on new ACA broker registrations.
- When
- The ruling was issued Thursday, according to the article published November 6, 2026.
- Where
- Maryland.
- Why
- The trade groups argued that CMS did not allow public comment and failed to consider financial harm. The administration said the freeze was intended to prevent improper enrollments and fraud.
CMS
Broker trade groups
Reason for the moratorium
CMS
CMS said the freeze was intended to prevent improper enrollments and fraud in ACA exchanges.
Broker trade groups
The groups argued the moratorium was unlawful and would cause financial harm to broker organizations.
Legal basis
CMS
CMS imposed the moratorium on new broker registrations.
Broker trade groups
NABIP argued that CMS violated the Administrative Procedure Act by not allowing public comment, while HAFA argued CMS failed to consider financial harm.
The Trump administration placed a moratorium on new ACA broker registrations.
NABIP and HAFA sued over the moratorium.
A Maryland district court struck down the moratorium.
The injunction directed HAFA and NABIP to make training for new agents and brokers available by close of business.
- Affected brokers
- Nearly 19,000 agents and brokers, according to CMS
- Plaintiffs
- National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals and Health Agents for America
- Court
- Maryland district court
- Ruling
- Moratorium on new ACA broker registrations struck down
- Open enrollment
- Started this week and ends in mid-January
What people are saying
Today’s ruling is a significant victory for licensed agents and brokers and the consumers who rely on their expertise
this fight is far from over
CMS must understand that regulatory authority is not unlimited
Fraud prevention must be targeted, lawful, and effective — not accomplished by shutting the door on legitimate professionals.