It’s AEP! The Most Important Season of the Year!
The countdown is over! Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is officially underway from October 15 through December 7, 2025. This is the time for beneficiaries to review their current coverage, understand plan updates, and make sure their healthcare continues to meet their needs for 2026. For agents and brokers, it’s an opportunity to reconnect with clients, provide trusted guidance, and ensure all communications remain compliant with CMS regulations. Whether you’re reviewing your own plan, helping a loved one navigate their options, or supporting clients through the process, AEP is about empowering informed decisions and ensuring every individual feels secure and cared for heading into the new year.
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Medicare & ACA News Update
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) officially runs from October 15 through December 7, 2025 — giving beneficiaries time to review their current coverage and explore plan options for 2026.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced ongoing adjustments across the Medicare Advantage (MA) market designed to enhance long-term program stability. Some insurers, including Aetna CVS Health, UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Anthem, will streamline their offerings in certain regions, while new options may open in larger metropolitan areas.
These updates highlight the importance of reviewing your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), checking provider networks, and comparing prescription coverage. Beneficiaries can also explore alternatives such as Medigap or Medicare Cost Plans to find the best fit for their healthcare needs.
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Indiana Marketplace Bonus Announcement for 2026
Earn up to $60 per member with CareSource’s new Indiana Marketplace Bonus Program.
We are excited to announce a 2026 bonus opportunity for all Indiana (IN) Marketplace producers. Qualifying brokers will receive a $60 one-time bonus per active member, paid in May 2026, based on verified membership in CareSource’s system.
How to Qualify
There are two ways to become eligible for the 2026 bonus:
- Automatic Qualification: Individual brokers with 100 or more IN Marketplace members as of November 1, 2025, will automatically qualify.
- Growth Qualification: Brokers with fewer than 100 members on November 1, 2025, can still qualify by growing their CareSource IN membership to at least 100 members by April 1, 2026.
CareSource will take two membership snapshots — one on November 1, 2025, and another on April 1, 2026 — to determine both eligibility and final payout.
Bonus Calculation
The payment will be based on the number of active members in CareSource’s system as of April 1, 2026.
- Example 1: A broker with 110 members on 11/01/25 qualifies automatically. If membership decreases to 80 active members by 04/01/26, the broker will earn a $4,800 bonus ($60 x 80).
- Example 2: A broker with 80 members on 11/01/25 can still qualify by growing to 110 members by 04/01/26, earning a $6,600 bonus ($60 x 110).
Eligibility Requirements Only individual producers with 100 or more active IN Marketplace members and in good standing are eligible. Aggregated production will not count toward qualification.
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.