New to the Exchange

Welcome to the Exchange! These tips can help you certify your QHP successfully. 

Review the QHP Timeline for Important Deadlines

The QHP Data Submission and Certification Timeline bulletin contains a high-level timeline that includes important deadlines for issuers to be aware of throughout the QHP certification process. Issuers should review this timeline and make note of the dates included.

Many states require application data before federal deadlines. Contact your state Department of Insurance (DOI) regulator to learn about state-specific deadlines and any additional requirements for your state.

Read Guidance & Instructions 

Issuers are encouraged to review the QHP certification website to become familiar with and gain a better understanding of the QHP Application and certification process. The following key webpages contain important information that could be helpful for those new to the Exchange.  

• Published Guidance and Regulations: Contains important regulations for issuers to follow in order to participate on the Exchange.
• Key Features:
• Final 2025 Letter to Issuers
• HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2025 Final Rule
• PY2025 QHP Data Submission and Certification Timeline bulletin
• Application Instructions: Includes an overview of the instructions that issuers use to complete their QHP Applications; subpages in this section detail specifics about each component of the application.
• Key Features:
• QHP Application Instructions
• QHP Application Template Instructional Video Series
• Data Validation: Provides an overview of the Plan Validation Workspace and the process of validating data—and addressing validation errors and warnings—prior to submission.
• Submission Systems: Provides an overview of the submission systems issuers use to submit QHP Application data to CMS.
• Key Features:
• HIOS Quick Reference Guide
• HIOS Portal User Manual
  
• MPMS Module User Guide
• Navigating the MPMS Module Instructional Video Series
  
• QHP Application Review Results: Outlines the process of CMS releasing review results and issuers updating their QHP Application data in response to required corrections. 
  • Key Features:
  • Review Roles by State Exchange Model
    
• Plan Management (PM) Community: Outlines the activities issuers complete within the PM Community and instructs issuers on next steps for obtaining access.
• Application Submission: Contains guidance for submitting a complete application, and includes an overview of the QHP Certification Issuer Toolkit.

Know Where to Get Help

Account Manager

Account Managers are on-Exchange issuers' primary point of contact for any non-technical issues. For new issuers, an Account Manager is typically assigned once CMS is aware an issuer intends to seek QHP certification for the forthcoming plan year. If new issuers want to have an Account Manager assigned, or have any questions about this process, contact the Marketplace Service Desk (MSD). 

QHP Webinar Series

CMS hosts several webinar series on various topics throughout the certification cycle, including a series specific to QHP issuers applying for certification. CMS encourages issuers to register for these webinars to learn about the process and ask questions to CMS subject matter experts. Visit REGTAP for more information.

Marketplace Service Desk (MSD)

• CMS_FEPS@cms.hhs.gov 
• 1-855-CMS-1515 (1-855-267-1515)