General Agency, Medicare, Products

Time to Recertify: Don’t Let Your FFM ID Expire Before ACA Open Enrollment

Posted on by Medicare Team
16
Jul

Time to Recertify: Don’t Let Your FFM ID Expire Before ACA Open Enrollment

If you’re planning to sell ACA Marketplace plans for the upcoming Open Enrollment Period, there’s one thing you need to take care of before anything else:

Recertify your FFM ID.

Every year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires agents and brokers to complete annual FFM training and certification to stay active in the federal marketplace (Healthcare.gov). Without it, you won’t be able to assist clients or earn commissions on ACA plans.

Plan Year 2025 Training Now Available Through MLMS Only

For Plan Year 2025, all required Marketplace training for agents and brokers is available exclusively through the Marketplace Learning Management System (MLMS). To get started and ensure you’re ready for Open Enrollment, log in to the CMS portal, and select “MLMS Training” under the “Marketplace Training – Agent Broker” tile. Don’t wait, complete your training early so you’re fully prepared to serve clients during Open Enrollment.


Why FFM Recertification Matters

Think of your FFM ID as your license to do business in the Marketplace. If it’s not current, you’re basically locked out — no quoting, no enrollments, and no compensation.

And yes, even if you’ve done this for years, you still need to go through the recertification process annually. CMS updates the training each year to reflect new regulations, subsidy changes, and enrollment procedures. Skipping this step not only affects your ability to sell but could also put you out of compliance with federal rules.

Who Needs It?

If you sell or plan to sell:

  • Individual or family ACA plans
  • Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) through Healthcare.gov

…then you need to recertify your FFM credentials each year—no exceptions.

Even if you’re only working in a few states or do a small number of ACA enrollments, this certification is required if you want access to the federal exchange.

When Does Recertification Open?

CMS typically releases the new training in July, giving agents a few months to get certified before Open Enrollment starts November 1. The earlier you complete it, the better — you’ll avoid delays, get full access to Marketplace tools, and be ready to help clients right when demand picks up.

What’s the Recertification Process Like?

  • Training is available through the CMS Enterprise Portal
  • You’ll review updated content on eligibility, subsidies, enrollment steps, and compliance
  • If you’ve certified in past years, you may be eligible for a refresher path, which is shorter than the full training
  • Once you pass the final exam, your FFM ID will be valid for the upcoming plan year

It’s straightforward — but you must take the time to get it done.

A Few Quick Tips:

  • Save your completion certificate — some carriers may ask for it
  • Double-check your National Producer Number (NPN) is active and tied to your certification
  • Don’t wait until late October — the system gets swamped, and support gets slow as the deadline approaches

Final Thought

Recertifying your FFM ID might not be the flashiest part of your business, but it’s essential. It protects your ability to serve clients, keeps your contracts in good standing, and ensures you’re paid for the work you do.

Need help getting started or finding the correct training links? Reach out to our team — we’re happy to walk you through it.

Let’s get ahead of Open Enrollment and start the season strong! Happy Selling!

 

Medicare Team