Insurance brokers’ association sues over ACA registration freeze

The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals is suing the Trump administration over a freeze on new Affordable Care Act broker registrations. NABIP alleges that the Department of Health and Human Services violated the law by not allowing the public to comment on the policy. The group filed its complaint in Maryland district court.

The moratorium took effect immediately and is expected to last until Feb. 1, according to Healthcare Dive. Nearly 19,000 agents and brokers will be prevented from registering because of the pause, CMS said. The agency said the moratorium would prevent fraud and improper enrollments. NABIP disputes the evidence against new brokers and says the freeze will harm small businesses, independent agents and consumers. The group represents more than 100,000 licensed agents, brokers and benefits professionals in the U.S.