This bill aims to stop fake or unauthorized sign-ups in Affordable Care Act health plans and better protect consumers. It adds tough penalties for bad actors and sets new rules so people are clearly asked for consent before their coverage is changed. It also tells the federal government to build a process so agents and brokers have to prove they have your okay before enrolling you or switching your plan, and to notify you quickly about any changes so you can undo anything you didn’t allow . The government must not cancel someone’s plan without that person’s consent, to protect continuous care .

Agents and brokers who give wrong info because of carelessness can face civil fines of $10,000 to $50,000 per affected person. If they knowingly submit false or fraudulent information, fines can go up to $200,000 per person, and willful fraud can bring criminal penalties, including up to 10 years in prison . The bill also brings marketing companies that feed leads to agents under clearer rules, including acting in the enrollee’s best interest, avoiding misleading practices, reporting terminations, and registering with the government. Federal and state officials must audit and share results, and keep a list of suspended or terminated agents and brokers for plans and Exchanges to see .

Key points

• Who is affected: People buying ACA plans; agents and brokers; marketing firms that generate leads for ACA enrollments .
• What changes: Proof of consumer consent before enrollments or switches; fast notices of any changes; easy ways to view account details and cancel unauthorized actions; stronger fines and criminal penalties for fraud; audits and a public list of bad actors .
• When: These verification, oversight, and marketing rules must be in place by dates set by the federal government, no later than January 1, 2029 .