If you received a text message asking you to authorize your health insurance agent, you may be wondering what it means or whether the link is safe to open.
This step is part of a new requirement implemented by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for all Marketplace health insurance. When you authorize your agent, you’re giving the requesting agent permission to access and help with your insurance application.
The text message was triggered by the agent from the platform used to manage your health insurance application. Replies to this message will not go to the agent and are unmonitored.
Is the request legitimate?
You can use the information in the request to help confirm that it’s legitimate:
Check the agent’s name. The text message should identify the agent who wants your authorization.
Confirm with your agent. If you’re unsure why you received the message, contact your agent using a phone number or contact information for your agent that you already trust.
Take your time. You can ask your agent questions before deciding whether to authorize them.
You should only authorize an agent if you recognize them and want them to help with your health insurance.
What does authorization mean?
Authorization gives a specific health insurance agent permission to access and work on your health insurance application.
It allows your agent to help you with tasks such as reviewing your application, updating your information, and managing your coverage.
Authorization does not change your health insurance plan. It confirms that you want the specified agent to help with your Marketplace application. This message is required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to be sent to you when an agent attempts to access your insurance application.
What happens when I open the link?
If you choose to proceed, here’s what to expect:
1. Open the text message with the authorization request.
Click the link in the text message. You’ll be taken to a page where you can review the request.
2. Verify your identity, if needed
You may be asked to verify your identity first. This is an additional security measure required for certain Marketplace applications.
3. You’ll see a confirmation when the process is complete.
What if I have questions or don’t want to authorize the agent?
If you have questions about the request, contact your agent directly. They can explain why they sent it and help you understand your options.
If you don’t recognize the agent or don’t want them to help with your Marketplace health insurance, you don’t have to authorize them. You can safely ignore the request.
Help - the link expired!
If the link in the text message has expired, you can request a new link. You will receive a new message with a fresh link.
What if I am concerned about fraud?
If you have concerns about fraud, please read CMS’s article to Protect yourself from Marketplace fraud & scams.