New 2026 Training, Oversight & Medicare Rule Changes
This fall brings critical updates for agents and clients.
Plan Year 2026 certification training is now live with updated tools and resources. At the same time, CMS is tightening oversight on duplicate Medicaid and ACA enrollments through new state guidance and a federal data-sharing system. Medicare Advantage and Part D rules have also been revised with updated forms and clearer enrollment procedures, making early recertification and compliance more important than ever.
Get a head start before enrollment.
From October 1–14, agents can review 2026 plan options with clients, compare benefits, and prepare them for upcoming choices. While enrollments cannot be processed yet, this preparation ensures a smoother start when enrollment windows open.
Key enrollment periods are fast approaching.
Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15–December 7, giving clients the chance to switch plans, join Medicare Advantage, or adjust Part D coverage.
ACA Open Enrollment follows November 1, 2025–January 15, 2026:
- Nov 1: First day to apply, renew, or change coverage
- Dec 15: Last day to enroll for coverage effective January 1, 2026
- Jan 15: Final deadline to get 2026 coverage (effective Feb 1 if enrolled after Dec 15)
MLMS Closed July 11, 2025
The Marketplace Learning Management System (MLMS) will close on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM EST as CMS prepares for the launch of Plan Year 2026 training. Agents should ensure their MLMS profile is up to date and print their 2025 Registration Completion Certificate before the deadline to stay visible and compliant.
Meanwhile, on July 17, CMS reported that 2.8 million Americans were enrolled in duplicate Medicaid and ACA coverage in 2024, costing taxpayers $14 billion. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, CMS is requiring affected individuals to respond within 30 days or risk subsidy loss.
Agents should stay alert, help clients respond to CMS notices, and be ready to assist with eligibility updates or appeals as the agency reactivates stricter compliance measures. Stay tuned to NHP University and ACA Way for the latest training and policy guidance.