What Is ACA Marketplace Consent?

By: Justin Tomlin – Licensed Insurance Agent (FL W960118 | GA 3760385)

3 min read

If you work with an agent to sign up for an ACA Marketplace health plan, you may be asked to sign a consent form. This is a federal rule — and it’s there to protect you.

Why is Consent Required?

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sets the rules for ACA Marketplace enrollment. One of those rules says agents must get your consent before helping you. Consent means you give your agent permission to act on your behalf.

Without your consent, an agent cannot look up your information, search for plans, help you apply, or make changes to your coverage. Every action taken on your account must be something you approved.

Two Steps, Not One

There are two parts to the consent process. Each one happens at a different point during enrollment.

The first part is called Consumer Consent. This means you’ve given your agent permission to help you. It must be in place before your agent collects any of your personal information or searches for plans.

The second part is called Eligibility Application Review. This means you’ve looked over your application and plan choice, and you approve the submission. Your agent cannot submit anything without this step.

Both parts must be kept on file by your agent for at least ten years. That’s a federal requirement.

What The Consent Form Does NOT Do

Signing the consent form does not sign you up for a plan. It does not lock you in to any decision. It simply gives your agent permission to help you.

You can also take back your consent at any time. CMS does not require a specific process for this. Just contact your agent directly.

Why This Consent Rule Exists

This rule was put in place after some consumers were enrolled in plans without their knowledge. The consent form creates a clear record of what you agreed to and when. It protects you from unauthorized changes to your coverage.

Working with a licensed agent does not put your information at risk. The consent form is one of the safeguards that makes the process safer.

Official Resources for Making Decisions