The Circle of Champions is a CMS recognition program honoring insurance agents and brokers who demonstrate expertise in helping consumers find and enroll in ACA Marketplace coverage. With record-high enrollment and important subsidy changes ahead for 2026, working with a recognized agent is more valuable than ever.
The ACA Marketplace has seen unprecedented growth, making the role of experienced agents more important than ever:
Record enrollment: 24.3 million people enrolled in Marketplace coverage for 2025—more than double the 11.4 million enrolled in 2020
Fourth consecutive record year: Enrollment has grown year-over-year since 2021
3.9 million new enrollees: New consumers joined the Marketplace for plan year 2025
4 in 5 consumers: Can find coverage for $10 or less per month with current enhanced tax credits
North Carolina: Among the top 5 states for total Marketplace enrollment, with hundreds of thousands of residents enrolled
Important 2026 Update: Enhanced premium tax credits that have made coverage affordable for millions are scheduled to expire December 31, 2025. Unless Congress acts to extend them, many enrollees will see significant premium increases for 2026. Working with an experienced agent can help you navigate these changes and find the best coverage for your budget.
The Marketplace Circle of Champions is an annual recognition program administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It honors licensed health insurance agents and brokers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to helping Americans find and enroll in quality, affordable health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace (HealthCare.gov and state-based exchanges).
The program recognizes agents and brokers who partner with CMS to connect consumers with ACA-compliant health insurance plans that meet their healthcare needs and budgets. These professionals complete specialized training and meet enrollment thresholds that demonstrate their expertise and commitment to serving the public.
To be recognized in the Circle of Champions, agents and brokers must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:
Complete current-year Marketplace registration and training: Agents must complete CMS-approved training through the Marketplace Learning Management System (MLMS) or an HHS-approved vendor each plan year
Hold a valid National Producer Number (NPN): This unique identifier tracks insurance producers nationwide and must be correctly associated with all enrollments.
Maintain an active, approved health-related line of authority: Agents must be licensed in the state(s) where they operate.
Assist with at least 20 active enrollments: During the annual Open Enrollment Period, agents must help at least 20 individuals complete new enrollments or re-enrollments in Marketplace coverage.
CMS recognizes agents and brokers at three achievement levels based on the number of active enrollments completed during Open Enrollment:
Recognition Level | Active Enrollments | What It Means |
Circle of Champions | 20–99 enrollments | Demonstrated commitment to helping consumers access Marketplace coverage |
Elite Circle of Champions | 100–499 enrollments | High-volume expertise with extensive enrollment experience |
Elite Plus Circle of Champions | 500+ enrollments | Top-tier professionals with exceptional enrollment volume and expertise |
To qualify for Circle of Champions recognition, enrollments must meet specific criteria:
Eligible Enrollments Include:
New enrollments: Helping clients apply for and enroll in Marketplace coverage for the first time
Re-enrollments: Assisting existing enrollees in updating their application, reviewing coverage, or selecting a new plan
All Marketplace pathways: Enrollments count whether completed through direct enrollment, enhanced direct enrollment, HealthCare.gov, or state-based marketplaces
Requirements:
Active status: Enrollments must be active (not cancelled) to count
Open Enrollment timing: Enrollments must be completed during the Open Enrollment Period (November 1 – January 15 in most states)
NPN association: Each enrollment must be correctly associated with the agent's National Producer Number
Per-client counting: Enrollments are counted per individual client, regardless of the enrollment pathway used
Agents and brokers who qualify for Circle of Champions recognition receive a recognition package from CMS that includes:
Appreciation letter: Official acknowledgment from CMS recognizing their achievement
Certificate of recognition: Professional certificate documenting their Circle of Champions status
Digital commemorative badge: Badge for use on websites, email signatures, and marketing materials
Social media toolkit: Resources to promote their recognition professionally
All materials are emailed to the address listed on the agent's Marketplace Learning Management System (MLMS) profile. Spanish-language materials are also available.
If you want to verify that an agent has Circle of Champions recognition:
Ask to see their badge or certificate: Recognized agents receive official credentials they can share
Look for the badge on their website or materials: Many agents display their recognition prominently
Use HealthCare.gov's Find Local Help: Search for registered agents and brokers in your area through the official Marketplace tool
With record Marketplace enrollment and significant changes ahead, working with an experienced, CMS-recognized agent provides important advantages:
Verified Expertise:
Circle of Champions agents have completed specialized CMS training and demonstrated their knowledge through successful enrollments
The federal government externally validates their work
They stay current with annual training requirements and policy changes
Navigating Complexity:
97% of HealthCare.gov consumers have access to 3 or more insurers—comparison expertise is valuable
Agents help you understand premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, and how to maximize your benefits
With enhanced subsidies potentially expiring for 2026, experienced agents can help you prepare for premium changes
Free, Personalized Service:
Agents provide free assistance—their compensation comes from insurers, not from you
They can save you time by comparing plans, checking provider networks, and verifying prescription coverage
Personalized guidance helps ensure you don't overpay or choose a plan that doesn't fit your needs
The enhanced premium tax credits that have made ACA coverage affordable for millions are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. If not extended by Congress:
Premium payments could more than double: Subsidized enrollees may see annual premiums increase from an average of $888 in 2025 to $1,904 in 2026—a 114% increase
Higher-income households lose eligibility: People earning over 400% of the federal poverty level will no longer receive premium tax credits.
Lowest-income enrollees face new costs: Those who currently pay $0 premiums may see their required contribution increase.
Individual market premiums projected to rise ~18%: Separate from subsidy changes, insurers are projecting premium increases for 2026
What this means for you: An experienced Circle of Champions agent can help you understand how these changes affect your specific situation and explore all your options—including whether you might qualify for Medicaid, employer coverage, or other programs.
At Health Plans of NC, we specialize in helping North Carolina residents find the right Marketplace health insurance for their needs and budget. Our experienced agents stay current with CMS training and understand the complexities of ACA enrollment.
We can help you:
Compare available Marketplace plans in your area
Calculate your premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions
Check if your doctors and prescriptions are covered
Navigate enrollment deadlines and special enrollment periods
Prepare for potential 2026 subsidy changes
Whether you're enrolling for the first time, need to update your coverage, or want to explore your 2026 options, our local agents are here to provide free, impartial guidance.
Serving Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, and all North Carolina communities.