Get Prepared for Open Enrollment 2021

Open Enrollment for plan year 2021 starts on November 1, 2020, which is just 10 days away! Are you ready to help consumers?

To help you get prepared, we have provided a list of useful websites, tools, and resources you can use before, during, and even after Open Enrollment.

Helpful Websites:

• Frequently Asked Questions for Agents and Brokers: Did you know you need consumer consent to assist consumers during Open Enrollment? Use this website to quickly learn about obtaining consumer consent, proper uses of CMS systems, and many more topics like receiving compensation for enrollments!
• General Resources Webpage: Browse through more than 100 resources all aimed at helping you support your clients throughout the plan year. Search the list provided on the page for a topic of interest or use the keyword search capability to find resources relevant to your questions.
• Video Learning Center: Check out this YouTube page to find short technical assistance videos to assist you in finding answers to your questions quickly at any time. You’ll find videos on resolving data matching issues, calculating annual income, the streamlined HealthCare.gov application, and more!

 Useful Tools:

• Enhanced Direct Enrollment (EDE) Pathway: The EDE pathway offers you the ability to provide complete support to your clients year-round when you work with an approved partner. To find a list of all approved partners, use the Issuer and Direct Enrollment Partner Directory.
• Help On Demand: This application is a consumer assistance referral system that connects individuals looking for immediate assistance with Marketplace coverage with a registered agent or broker in their area. Sign up to participate so that when a consumer enters his or her contact information, Help On Demand considers you when matching the consumer with an agent or broker who is available, speaks the consumer’s language, and is licensed in the consumer’s state.
• Income Calculator Tool: The income calculation tool allows consumers to add previous income, unemployment benefits (including federal pandemic unemployment compensation), and expected future income to calculate their yearly income.

 Resources:

• National Producer Number: Check out this resource to learn about how to instruct consumers to insert your NPN on their application.
• Batch Auto Re-Enrollment: Learn more about batch auto re-enrollments by checking out this frequently asked question, or these webinar slides.
• How to Resolve Income Data Matching Inconsistencies: Review these slides to learn more on how to resolve income data matching inconsistencies.

Have questions about any of these topics? Contact the Agent/Broker Email Help Desk at FFMProducer-AssisterHelpDesk@cms.hhs.gov

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