


For the last three consecutive Open Enrollments, the consumer satisfaction rate remained at an all-time high – averaging 90 percent – throughout the entire Open Enrollment Period. The Call Center is often the front line of assistance for consumers as they apply for coverage and compare plan options. Starting November 1, consumers can log in to and or call 1-80 to fill out an application and enroll in a 2021 Exchange health plan. As in previous years, window shopping lets consumers browse plans without logging in, creating an account, or filling out the official application. On October 26, 2020, CMS launched updates to window shopping (the “See plans & prices” page on ) which allow consumers to preview 2021 plans and prices before Open Enrollment begins. CMS continuously monitors each partner to ensure they remain in compliance with CMS requirements.įor more information, please see Enhanced Direct Enrollment Approved Partners.


Enhanced direct enrollment partners are required to undergo rigorous audits to ensure compliance with strict privacy and security controls prior to being certified to use this new platform. The safety and security of consumer information is our number one priority. Through the EDE pathway, consumers have the option to apply for and enroll in an Exchange plan directly through an approved issuer or web-broker without the need to be redirected to or to contact the Exchange Call Center. Enhanced Direct Enrollment (EDE) allows CMS to partner with the private sector to provide more avenues for consumers to apply and shop for Exchange coverage. In addition, more approved private sector partners are offering EDE-capable websites this year. More agents and brokers have registered this year with the Marketplace to assist consumers in applying and enrolling in 2021 coverage. More Agents/Brokers along with Expanded Opportunities through Enhanced Direct Enrollment (EDE) To maximize enrollment opportunities for consumers in the Alaska and Hawaii time zones, individuals will have an additional two hours beyond the 11:59pm PT December 15th deadline to enroll in coverage. The application experience provides enhanced content to help consumers when entering relevant information from their employer’s individual coverage HRA notice and to better understand whether they should accept or decline their employer’s HRA offer. These include a guide on how their individual coverage HRA offer could impact their eligibility for tax credits and cost-sharing reductions to help pay for Marketplace health coverage. introduced new resources and application information for consumers who are offered an individual coverage health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) from their employer. CMS will continue to improve and enhance the application, enrollment, and educational support based on consumer feedback and testing. This summer, added a new planning resource for consumers to estimate their yearly income. The experience has been updated this year by providing better integrated help and enhanced resources to guide consumers by streamlining application questions and by improving content throughout the entire application and enrollment process to help enrollees better understand information they may need along the way in making informed choices about their coverage. Key Updates and Enhancements to for the 2021 Open Enrollment Period Consumers can visit and to preview 2021 plans and prices before Open Enrollment begins. Similar to previous years, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is taking a strategic and cost-effective approach to inform individuals about Open Enrollment, deliver a smooth enrollment experience, and use consumer feedback to drive ongoing improvements across the Exchange platform. The Federal Health Insurance Exchange (also known as the Marketplace) Open Enrollment Period runs from Novemto December 15, 2020, for coverage starting on January 1, 2021.
