// ACA · MARKETPLACE · 2027 //
ACA Command Center
Everything a Topflight agent needs to write ACA business: the guidebook, CMS Marketplace certification, BenaVest contracting, 2026 broker commissions by carrier and state, HealthSherpa enrollment and the 2027 requirements for the 22 state-based exchanges.
Map the carriers, get certified, and get contracted. Everything you need to launch ACA business, in one mission control.
ACA Guidebook
The Agent's Playbook for ACA & Under 65 Success. Get contracted, aligned, paid, and ready to sell.
ACA Certification (CMS)
Official CMS registration and training for Marketplace agents.
TopFlight ACA Contracting
Fill out the BenaVest form, then watch for their email.
ACA Commission Vault
2026 broker commissions by carrier and state, new and renewal.
Quote and Enroll on the Federal Exchange
Quote and enroll clients through HealthSherpa. New to HealthSherpa? Use this link to sign up. Already have an account? Enter the join code below from your settings page.
Contracted Topflight agent? You are in the right place. Agent Hub
New agent? Start here. Looking for coverage? Find coverage.
AI INTEGRATION · ACA
Meet GIA
GIA is our AI assistant built for ACA. She answers your clients' Marketplace questions any time of day, so you can focus on enrolling and serving. Watch the recording to see GIA in action.
STATE-BASED EXCHANGES · 2027 PLAN YEAR
State Exchange Certification
These 22 states run their own marketplace instead of HealthCare.gov. Agents need each state's own certification to sell there. Pick a state to see its requirements. Updated September 29, 2026.
Covered California
California
REQUIREMENTS
- ▸California license validated with the Department of Insurance (allow 3–5 business days)
- ▸Online certification courses and exam in Covered California's LMS
- ▸Agency of one or more needs an agency manager; downline agents sign the Non-Monetary Agreement
- ▸Small-business-only certification is a separate track (CCSB)
Agent Service Center: (877) 453-9198
Connect for Health Colorado
Colorado
REQUIREMENTS
- ▸Colorado Accident & Health license, resident or non-resident
- ▸E-signed Producer's Agreement
- ▸New-broker coursework in the C4U LMS (roughly 17 hours in the last published overview)
Access Health CT
Connecticut
REQUIREMENTS
- ▸Connecticut license, signed AHCT broker agreement, then training and assessment in the AHCT Learning Management System
- ▸Returning brokers take a shorter refresher path
DC Health Link
District of Columbia
REQUIREMENTS
- ▸DC resident or non-resident health producer license
- ▸Appointments with each DC Health Link carrier before registering
- ▸Six hours of policy and system training through NABIP, then exam
- ▸Free for DC, MD and VA licensees; $79.99 for others. Captive producers are not eligible
Georgia Access
Georgia
REQUIREMENTS
- ▸Georgia Accident & Sickness license
- ▸Plan Year 2027 certification training opened July 15, 2026; pass with 80% or higher
- ▸Create an Agent Portal profile, then enroll through the portal or an approved EDE partner
Your Health Idaho
Idaho
REQUIREMENTS
- ▸Idaho license in good standing
- ▸Training modules in YHI's LMS; final exam 90% or higher within three attempts
- ▸Attest to the YHI Producer Agreement
Get Covered Illinois
Illinois
REQUIREMENTS
- ▸Illinois license with Health line of authority
- ▸Create a Broker Portal account
- ▸PY2027 training is live; pass the exam with 80% and attest to the Non-Exchange Entity Agreement
- ▸Certification valid through Dec 31, 2027; 5 CE credits for Illinois residents
Partner line: 1-866-349-7579
kynect (KHBE)
Kentucky
REQUIREMENTS
- ▸Kentucky license with health line of authority
- ▸Designation with an entity appointed by at least one kynect issuer
- ▸Register through Kentucky Online Gateway; complete training in the COLT LMS within three attempts
- ▸PY2027 training opened Aug 17, 2026; new agents take the PY2027 course
CoverME.gov
Maine
REQUIREMENTS
- ▸Maine license with health authority
- ▸Online new-broker training and final exam in the CoverME LMS
- ▸Register for certification on CoverME.gov; review takes 7–10 days
Maryland Health Connection
Maryland
REQUIREMENTS
- ▸Maryland license that qualifies you to sell health; resident and non-resident eligible
- ▸Submit the authorization application first, then training and the Consumer Assistance Exam
- ▸Annual training every year; renewal application every other year
Broker hotline: 1-844-224-6761
Health Connector
Massachusetts
REQUIREMENTS
- ▸Broker certification is for Health Connector for Business (small group, 1–50 employees)
- ▸MA or non-resident license, Connector training, then broker portal registration
- ▸Commissions are paid by the Connector per subscriber per month
MNsure
Minnesota
REQUIREMENTS
- ▸Minnesota producer license
- ▸Register the agency in the Broker Agency Management Program (BAMP) and add each broker
- ▸Agree to the MNsure Code of Conduct; complete free online training and assessment annually; CE reported to Sircon
Nevada Health Link
Nevada
REQUIREMENTS
- ▸Nevada producer license
- ▸New brokers submit an Intent to Sell form (posted each June); accepted brokers get training by email Sept 1
- ▸Training deadline Oct 15
GetCoveredNJ
New Jersey
REQUIREMENTS
- ▸New Jersey license
- ▸New producers submit the Broker Intent to Sell form to receive training
- ▸Complete GetCoveredNJ training modules and sign the Broker Acknowledgment; certification is rolling after the deadline
BeWell
New Mexico
REQUIREMENTS
- ▸Active NM resident license, or domiciled in AZ, CO, OK, TX or UT with an active license there
- ▸Pass BeWell certification with 80% or higher; appointed with carriers
NY State of Health
New York
REQUIREMENTS
- ▸New York DFS agent or broker license
- ▸Create an NY.gov ID and broker account, then free online certification courses and exam (no CE credit)
- ▸Separate courses for Individual and Small Business; certification runs two years
Explore Health (new for 2027)
Oregon
REQUIREMENTS
- ▸Oregon license
- ▸Oregon Marketplace Certification Training by Oct 31, 2026; 80% on the exam
- ▸Oregon's page also lists CMS agent/broker training as a requirement
Pennie
Pennsylvania
REQUIREMENTS
- ▸Pennsylvania license
- ▸New Agent Certification modules on TrainPA; 2027 training is live
- ▸Pennie approves certifications twice a week; allow 5–7 business days
- ▸Returning brokers must finish by Nov 30, 2026
HealthSource RI
Rhode Island
REQUIREMENTS
- ▸Rhode Island license, HSRI broker training and exam
- ▸Scheduled sessions (2026: Apr 28 and Aug 19); ask for an off-cycle session
Brokers@HealthSourceRI.com
Vermont Health Connect
Vermont
REQUIREMENTS
- ▸Vermont resident license
- ▸Brokers certify through the Assister program: privacy training, about 6 hours of coursework and an open-book exam, then an agreement
Virginia's Insurance Marketplace
Virginia
REQUIREMENTS
- ▸Virginia license with health qualification
- ▸Create an agency and agent portal account
- ▸Request an LMS account at LMS@marketplace.virginia.gov (name, email, cell, NPN); full new-agent training, 80% to pass, sign the agent agreement
Washington Healthplanfinder
Washington
REQUIREMENTS
- ▸Washington license with disability line of authority; appointed with carriers
- ▸$50 certification fee, LMS training, then DocuSign user agreements
- ▸Account is created about a week after the countersigned agreement
LIVE CARRIER MAP · CLICK ANY STATE
// 2026 PLAN YEAR · POWERED BY BENAVEST //
ACA Commission Vault
Broker commissions per member per month, by carrier and state. New business and renewals, all in one place.
| CARRIER | STATE | NEW | RENEWAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ambetter | AL | $20 | $20 |
| Ambetter | AR | $18 | $18 |
| Ambetter | AZ | $20 | $20 |
| Ambetter | DE | $20 | $20 |
| Ambetter | FL | $30 | $30 |
| Ambetter | GA | $30 | $30 |
| Ambetter | IA | $20 | $20 |
| Ambetter | IL | $25 | $25 |
| Ambetter | IN | $20 | $20 |
| Ambetter | KS | $20 | $20 |
| Ambetter | KY | $20 | $20 |
| Ambetter | LA | $30 | $30 |
| Ambetter | MI | $21 | $21 |
| Ambetter | MO | $20 | $20 |
| Ambetter | MS | $20 | $20 |
| Ambetter | NC | $25 | $25 |
| Ambetter | NE | $20 | $20 |
| Ambetter | NH | $20 | $20 |
| Ambetter | NJ | $20 | $20 |
| Ambetter | NV | $25 | $25 |
| Ambetter | OH | $20 | $20 |
| Ambetter | OK | $25 | $25 |
| Ambetter | PA | $30 | $30 |
| Ambetter | SC | $30 | $30 |
| Ambetter | TN | $20 | $20 |
| Ambetter | TX (Premier plan) | $25 | $25 |
| Ambetter | TX (Value plan) | $20 | $20 |
| Ambetter | WA | $25 | $25 |
| Anthem | CA | $15 | $15 |
| Anthem | CO | $18 | $18 |
| Anthem | CT | $10 | $10 |
| Anthem | GA | $20 | $20 |
| Anthem | IN | $20 | $20 |
| Anthem | KY | $25 | $25 |
| Anthem | ME | $20 | $20 |
| Anthem | MO | $20 | $20 |
| Anthem | NH | $23 | $20 |
| Anthem | NV | $22 | $22 |
| Anthem | OH | $20 | $20 |
| Anthem | VA | $20 | $20 |
| Anthem | WI | $15 | $15 |
| Cigna | AZ | $22 | $25 |
| Cigna | CO | $20 | $25 |
| Cigna | FL | $27 | $32 |
| Cigna | GA | $15 | $25 |
| Cigna | IL | $22 | $25 |
| Cigna | IN | $22 | $27 |
| Cigna | MS | $22 | $27 |
| Cigna | NC | $25 | $30 |
| Cigna | TN | $22 | $27 |
| Cigna | TX | $15 | $25 |
| Cigna | VA | $22 | $27 |
| Molina | CA | $10 | $10 |
| Molina | CT | N/A | $18 |
| Molina | FL | N/A | $27 |
| Molina | ID | $13 | $13 |
| Molina | IL | N/A | $25 |
| Molina | KY | $20 | $20 |
| Molina | MI | N/A | $24 |
| Molina | MS | $22 | $22 |
| Molina | NM | $7 | $17 |
| Molina | NV | $16 | $16 |
| Molina | OH | N/A | $22 |
| Molina | SC | N/A | $27 |
| Molina | TX | N/A | $25 |
| Molina | UT | $20 | $20 |
| Molina | WA | N/A | $20 |
| Molina | WI | N/A | $16 |
| Oscar | AL | $20 | $20 |
| Oscar | AZ | $20 | $20 |
| Oscar | FL | $25 | $25 |
| Oscar | GA | $25 | $25 |
| Oscar | IA | $20 | $20 |
| Oscar | IL | $25 | $25 |
| Oscar | KS | $20 | $20 |
| Oscar | MI | $20 | $20 |
| Oscar | MO | $20 | $20 |
| Oscar | MS | $20 | $20 |
| Oscar | NC | $25 | $25 |
| Oscar | NE | $20 | $20 |
| Oscar | NJ | $20 | $20 |
| Oscar | OH | $18 | $18 |
| Oscar | OK | $20 | $20 |
| Oscar | PA | $20 | $20 |
| Oscar | TN | $18 | $18 |
| Oscar | TX | $25 | $25 |
| Oscar | VA | $18 | $18 |
| UnitedHealthcare | AL | $20 | $20 |
| UnitedHealthcare | AZ | $20 | $20 |
| UnitedHealthcare | CO | $20 | $18 |
| UnitedHealthcare | FL | $27 | $27 |
| UnitedHealthcare | GA | $25 | $23 |
| UnitedHealthcare | IA | $18 | $16 |
| UnitedHealthcare | IL | $24 | $24 |
| UnitedHealthcare | IN | $15 | $15 |
| UnitedHealthcare | KS | $15 | $15 |
| UnitedHealthcare | LA | $25 | $23 |
| UnitedHealthcare | MD | $19 | $18 |
| UnitedHealthcare | MI | $19 | $17 |
| UnitedHealthcare | MO | $19 | $17 |
| UnitedHealthcare | MS | $19 | $17 |
| UnitedHealthcare | NC | $25 | $23 |
| UnitedHealthcare | NE | $20 | $18 |
| UnitedHealthcare | NJ | $19 | $17 |
| UnitedHealthcare | NM | $17 | $15 |
| UnitedHealthcare | OH | $20 | $18 |
| UnitedHealthcare | OK | $20 | $18 |
| UnitedHealthcare | SC | $23 | $21 |
| UnitedHealthcare | TN | $19 | $17 |
| UnitedHealthcare | TX | $25 | $25 |
| UnitedHealthcare | VA | $19 | $18 |
| UnitedHealthcare | WA | $18 | $16 |
| UnitedHealthcare | WI | $19 | $17 |
| UnitedHealthcare | WY | $18 | $16 |
Rates shown in dollars per member per month. N/A means not available for new business. Subject to carrier changes.
// INCOME · ELIGIBILITY · MAGI //
ACA Income Requirements
Subsidies are based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) compared to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Premium tax credits generally apply from 100% to 400% FPL. Expansion states cover Medicaid up to 138% FPL.
Income that counts toward MAGI
- ✓Wages, salaries & tips
All employment pay, including bonuses and commissions
- ✓Self-employment income
Net profit from business, freelance or contract work
- ✓Investment income
Interest, dividends, capital gains, rental income
- ✓Retirement income
Traditional IRA, 401(k), pension and annuity distributions
- ✓Taxable Social Security
The portion subject to federal income tax
- ✓Alimony received
For divorces finalized before 2019
- ✓Unemployment compensation
Benefits received while unemployed
- ✓Foreign earned income
Income earned while working abroad
- ✓Taxable scholarships & grants
Funding that exceeds qualified expenses
- ✓Farm income
Net profit from farming operations
Income that does NOT count
- ✕SSI
Supplemental Security Income
- ✕Child support
Payments for dependent children
- ✕Gifts & inheritances
Money or property received
- ✕Workers' compensation
Work-related injury benefits
- ✕Veterans' benefits
VA disability and assistance
- ✕Life insurance proceeds
Death benefits to beneficiaries
- ✕Welfare benefits
TANF, SNAP, public assistance
- ✕Roth IRA distributions
Qualified Roth withdrawals
- ✕Tax-exempt interest
Municipal bonds (added back for MAGI)
- ✕Non-taxable scholarships
Grants used for tuition and fees
- ✕Foster care payments
Payments for foster children
- ✕Loans
Student, personal or any borrowed money
2026 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines
48 contiguous states and D.C. Alaska and Hawaii have higher thresholds. 2026 income is used for Medicaid and CHIP; the previous year's income sets Marketplace savings for the next year.
| Household | 100% FPL | 138% FPL (Medicaid) | 400% FPL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $22,025 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $29,863 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $37,702 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $45,540 | $132,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $53,378 | $154,720 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $61,217 | $177,440 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $69,055 | $200,160 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $76,894 | $222,880 |
Households over 8: add $5,680 per additional person at 100% FPL.
SOURCE · HEALTHCARE.GOV FPL ↗Premium Tax Credits
Lowers the monthly premium on a sliding scale. Lower income means a larger credit. Upper income limits were temporarily removed and extended through 2025.
Cost-Sharing Reductions
Lowers deductibles, copays and coinsurance. Available only on Silver-level plans.
Medicaid Expansion
Little to no cost coverage in expansion states. As of 2025, 40 states and D.C. have expanded Medicaid.
Savings balances are not income. Only interest or investment earnings on them count. $100,000 in savings: the interest counts, the principal does not.
- ▸Income is based on MAGI, not take-home pay
- ▸Clients estimate income for the coverage year when applying
- ▸Differences are reconciled when filing taxes
- ▸Report major income changes to the Marketplace within 30 days
- ▸Alaska and Hawaii use higher FPL thresholds
- ▸Household = client, spouse, and dependents claimed on the tax return
Frequently asked
Questions agents ask about ACA Command Center
How do I get certified to sell ACA Marketplace plans?
Complete the CMS Federally-facilitated Marketplace registration and training at cms.gov. Agents in the 22 state-based exchange states also need that state’s own certification; the state picker on this page lists each one.
How much do carriers pay for ACA business?
The ACA Commission Vault lists 2026 broker commissions per member per month by carrier and state for Ambetter, Anthem, Cigna, Molina, Oscar and UnitedHealthcare, new business and renewals.
Which income counts toward ACA subsidies?
Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI): wages, self-employment, investment, retirement and taxable Social Security income count. SSI, child support, gifts, workers’ compensation and loans do not. Premium tax credits generally apply from 100% to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.
How do Topflight agents quote and enroll ACA clients?
Through HealthSherpa on the federal exchange using the Topflight join code, after contracting through the BenaVest form linked on this page.
Last updated: · Reviewed by Joanna Wyckoff, Founder. Published by the Topflight Data Desk.