📋 Overview
This comprehensive guide provides agents with everything needed to become certified to sell Health Insurance Marketplace plans across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Whether you're enrolling through HealthCare.gov (Federal Marketplace) or state-based exchanges, you'll find the certification requirements, training links, and enrollment procedures here.
🚀 Master ACA Sales with The Under 65 Lab
Build It. Test It. Close It.
Comprehensive ACA training designed for real closers. Learn the strategies, tools, and techniques to excel in the Under 65 health insurance market.
🇺🇸 Federal Marketplace (FFM) Certification
The Federal Marketplace certification is required for agents selling in states that use the HealthCare.gov platform for enrollment. This includes both Federally-Facilitated Marketplaces (FFM) and State-Based Marketplaces on the Federal Platform (SBM-FP).
Certification Steps:
- Obtain State License: Must be licensed to sell health insurance in your resident state with an active health Line of Authority (LOA)
- Register with CMS: Create account in the CMS Enterprise Portal
- Complete Training: Take FFM certification training through CMS MLMS or approved vendor (HealthSherpa offers free training)
- Pass Exam: Score 80% or higher on certification exam
- Sign Agreement: Execute the FFM Agent/Broker Agreement
- Annual Recertification: Complete shorter training annually to maintain certification
FFM States (28 States):
FFM These states use HealthCare.gov exclusively and can enroll through HealthSherpa:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
SBM-FP States (3 States):
SBM-FP These states use the HealthCare.gov platform but manage their own exchanges. Can enroll through HealthSherpa:
Illinois, New Mexico, Oregon
🏛️ State-Based Marketplaces (Not Available on HealthSherpa)
Covered California
California SBMCertification Required: Yes, separate from FFM
Training: Online certification through Covered California Learning Management System
Passing Score: 80%
Annual Recert: Yes
Enrollment Method: Direct through Covered California Agent Portal (CalHEERS)
Visit Covered CaliforniaConnect for Health Colorado
Colorado SBMCertification Required: Yes, separate from FFM
Training: Online through Connect for Health Colorado
Enrollment Method: Direct through Connect for Health Colorado Broker Portal
Visit Connect for Health COAccess Health CT
Connecticut SBMCertification Required: Yes, separate from FFM
Training: Online broker certification
Enrollment Method: Direct through Access Health CT Broker Portal
Visit Access Health CTDC Health Link
District of Columbia SBMCertification Required: Yes, separate from FFM
Training: DC-specific training
Enrollment Method: Direct through DC Health Link Broker Portal
Visit DC Health LinkYour Health Idaho
Idaho SBMCertification Required: Yes, separate from FFM
Training: Online agent certification
Enrollment Method: Direct through Your Health Idaho Agent Portal
Visit Your Health IdahoKynect
Kentucky SBMCertification Required: Yes, separate from FFM
Training: Kentucky-specific training
Enrollment Method: Direct through Kynect Agent Portal
Visit KynectCoverME
Maine SBMCertification Required: Yes, separate from FFM
Training: Maine-specific training
Enrollment Method: Direct through CoverME.gov Broker Portal
Visit CoverMEMaryland Health Connection
Maryland SBMCertification Required: Yes, separate from FFM
Training: Maryland-specific broker training
Enrollment Method: Direct through Maryland Health Connection Broker Portal
Visit Maryland Health ConnectionMassachusetts Health Connector
Massachusetts SBMCertification Required: Yes, separate from FFM
Training: MA-specific training
Enrollment Method: Direct through MA Health Connector Agent Portal
Visit MA Health ConnectorMNsure
Minnesota SBMCertification Required: Yes, separate from FFM
Training: Minnesota-specific broker training
Enrollment Method: Direct through MNsure Broker Portal
Visit MNsureNevada Health Link
Nevada SBMCertification Required: Yes, separate from FFM
Training: Nevada-specific training
Enrollment Method: Direct through Nevada Health Link Broker Portal
Visit Nevada Health LinkGet Covered New Jersey
New Jersey SBMCertification Required: Yes, separate from FFM
Training: NJ-specific broker certification
Enrollment Method: Direct through Get Covered NJ Broker Portal
Visit Get Covered NJNew York State of Health
New York SBMCertification Required: Yes, separate from FFM
Training: NY-specific broker training and certification
Enrollment Method: Direct through NY State of Health Broker Portal
Special Note: Includes Essential Plan for incomes up to 250% FPL
Visit NY State of HealthPennie
Pennsylvania SBMCertification Required: Yes, separate from FFM
Training: Pennsylvania-specific training
Enrollment Method: Direct through Pennie Broker Portal
Visit PennieHealthSource RI
Rhode Island SBMCertification Required: Yes, separate from FFM
Training: RI-specific broker training
Enrollment Method: Direct through HealthSource RI Broker Portal
Visit HealthSource RIVermont Health Connect
Vermont SBMCertification Required: Yes, separate from FFM
Training: Vermont-specific training
Enrollment Method: Direct through Vermont Health Connect Broker Portal
Visit Vermont Health ConnectVirginia Insurance Marketplace
Virginia SBMCertification Required: Yes, separate from FFM
Training: Virginia-specific training
Enrollment Method: Direct through Virginia Insurance Marketplace Portal
Visit VA Health ConnectorWashington Healthplanfinder
Washington SBMCertification Required: Yes, separate from FFM
Training: Washington-specific broker training
Enrollment Method: Direct through Washington Healthplanfinder Broker Portal
Visit WA HealthplanfinderbeWellnm
New Mexico SBM-FPCertification Required: FFM certification (uses HealthCare.gov platform)
Training: Standard FFM training
Enrollment Method: HealthCare.gov or HealthSherpa ✓
Visit beWellnm⭐ Georgia Access - Special Case
Georgia Access
Georgia SBM HealthSherpa Supported ✓Certification Required: Yes, separate Georgia Access certification
Training: Georgia Access-specific training
Enrollment Method: Direct through Georgia Access OR through HealthSherpa (EDE partner)
Special Note: First state-based marketplace to partner with EDE entities like HealthSherpa
Visit Georgia Access📊 Quick Reference: Marketplace Types by State
| Marketplace Type | Number of States | HealthSherpa Compatible? | Certification Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| FFM Federal Marketplace | 28 States | ✅ Yes | FFM Certification Only |
| SBM-FP State-Based on Federal Platform | 3 States (IL, NM, OR) | ✅ Yes | FFM Certification Only |
| SBM Georgia Access | 1 State | ✅ Yes | Georgia Access Certification |
| SBM Other State-Based Marketplaces | 19 States + DC | ❌ No | State-Specific Certification |
💼 Enrollment Instructions for State-Based Marketplaces
How to Enroll Applicants in States NOT Available on HealthSherpa:
-
Complete State-Specific Certification:
- Visit the state marketplace website (links provided above)
- Navigate to the broker/agent section
- Complete required training (usually 1-4 hours)
- Pass state certification exam (typically 80% passing score)
- Sign state-specific broker agreement
- Pay any required fees (e.g., CA requires DOI endorsement fee)
-
Access Broker Portal:
- Create broker account on state marketplace portal
- Obtain broker credentials and access codes
- Familiarize yourself with state-specific enrollment system
-
Enroll Clients:
- Log into state broker portal
- Start application on behalf of client (requires client authorization)
- Complete all required information including income documentation
- Help client select plan
- Submit application
- Ensure you're listed as Agent of Record (AOR)
-
Follow Up:
- Track application status through broker portal
- Assist with document submissions if required
- Help client with premium payment setup
- Confirm enrollment and coverage effective date
- Each state marketplace has its own portal system - you cannot use HealthCare.gov or HealthSherpa
- Annual recertification is typically required for most state marketplaces
- Some states require carrier appointments in addition to marketplace certification
- State marketplaces may have different open enrollment periods than federal marketplace
- Commission structures vary by state marketplace
🎯 Key Resources
📞 Support
CMS Agent Support: 1-855-CMS-1515
HealthSherpa Support: 1-888-684-1373
📅 Important Dates for 2026 Coverage
Federal Marketplace Open Enrollment: November 1, 2025 - January 15, 2026
Note: Some state-based marketplaces may have extended enrollment periods. Check individual state marketplace websites for specific dates.
Coverage Start Date: Enroll by 15th of month for 1st of next month coverage