Federal judge vacates major CMS ACA enrollment and eligibility rule

A federal judge vacated most of a controversial 2025 CMS rule governing ACA marketplace enrollment and eligibility. The rule, which imposed stricter verification requirements and limited special enrollment periods, was challenged by patient advocacy groups. The court found CMS overstepped its authority. The ruling reverts marketplace operations to pre-2025 standards, potentially easing enrollment barriers for patients seeking coverage through Healthcare.gov and state-based exchanges. For practices that assist patients with ACA enrollment, this reduces administrative hurdles. Monitor CMS for any emergency rulemaking or guidance on how it will implement the court's order ahead of the 2027 open enrollment season.