To sell SHOP health insurance to small businesses, you’ll need to register with the Federally-facilitated Marketplace and sign the SHOP Privacy and Security Agreement each year before helping consumers enroll in and manage coverage.
Step 1. Create a CMS Enterprise Portal user ID
- Create an account (if you don’t already have one) and select "New User Registration." If you already have an account, don't create a another one. Instead, you can proceed to completing the SHOP Privacy and Security Agreement.
- Under the "Choose Your Application" drop-down menu, select the MLMS: Marketplace Learning Management System
- Create a CMS Enterprise Portal user ID and password, and log in.
- Select the agent/broker role and request application access.
- Complete the identity proofing process. Enter and confirm your information and answer identity verification questions. You'll then be asked to log out and log back into the CMS Enterprise Portal.
- When you finish, your CMS Enterprise Portal user ID will be activated.
Step 2. Complete the SHOP Privacy and Security Agreement
- Log in to the CMS Enterprise Portal.
- Navigate to the Marketplace Learning Management System (MLMS).
- Complete a profile.
TIP:
Be sure you indicate you're a SHOP agent or broker when creating your profile.
- You'll also be asked how you would like your contact information to be displayed in Find Local Help.
- Sign the SHOP Privacy and Security Agreement.
NOTE: Small businesses enroll in SHOP coverage through insurance companies or with your help, but you still need to register with SHOP before assisting small business clients.
Questions?
- Review all SHOP fact sheets, how-to guides, videos, and other resources for agents and brokers.
- Contact the SHOP Call Center at 1-800-706-7893 (TTY: 1-888-201-6445).
More Answers: SHOP agents & brokers
- Do I need to provide my state license number?
No. While you must have an active state insurance license to sell SHOP plans, you'll only need your National Producer Number (NPN) to register.
- Do I have to complete training to sell SHOP plans?
No, it’s not mandatory. We recommend you complete training before you sign the SHOP Privacy and Security Agreement, but it’s not required. You can return to complete the training anytime.
- Once I’m registered with SHOP, do I have to register again?
Yes. Agents and brokers must sign the SHOP Privacy and Security Agreement every year. You'll get reminder messages.
These resources and tools make it easier for you to help clients in the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP). For more resources, visit the employer’s resource page.
Advise & enroll small businesses for SHOP plans
- Custom premium estimates: Answer a few questions about your client's business to get a custom premium estimate
- The SHOP Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Calculator: See if your clients may be eligible to participate
- The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit Estimator: See if your clients may qualify for a tax credit and how much it may be worth
- Minimum Participation Rate Calculator: Find out if your clients meet the participation requirement
Fast answers for agents & brokers
Questions?
Contact the SHOP Call Center at 1-800-706-7893 (TTY: 1-888-201-6445).
You'll be asked to enter a home address and a mailing address. You may also be asked to enter this information for your dependents, if they'll be covered by your employer's SHOP plan.
The home address can't be a P.O. box.
It's OK if the mailing address is either a street address or a P.O. box.
If you recently got a notice addressed to the estate of a person, the Marketplace will automatically take action to remove the person from coverage by the date listed in the notice.
What if my household files more than one tax return?
You and your family may be eligible for tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, or coverage through Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
You’ll first get your “Eligibility Results” after you submit your Marketplace application. But, you can also go back and view them at any time by following these steps:
We may ask if anyone on your application was recently turned down for coverage through your state's agency for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Note: If you haven't applied for coverage previously and have been denied Medicaid or CHIP by your state agency, don't check the box.
You may also be asked to select the name of anyone on your application who applied for coverage through their state Medicaid or CHIP agency or the Marketplace during a specific period of time or after a qualifying life event.
Medicaid and CHIP programs may be called different names, like “Medical Assistance,” “All Kids,” or “Family Care.” See what they’re called in your state.
You may be asked if you’ve recently gained one of these immigration statuses. If you have, select your name (or the name of the person in your household who recently gained eligible immigration status).
What if I currently have health coverage?
You’ll be asked if you (or anyone else on your application) currently have health coverage. Some people who already have health insurance can still get more ...
You’ll be asked if you’ve ever gotten a health service from the Indian Health Service, a tribal health program, or urban Indian health program or through a referral from one of these programs. Even if you’ve only gotten a service once, select “Yes.” It doesn’t matter how long ago you got the service(s).
American Indians and Alaska Natives may qualify for special benefits through the Marketplace. If you or anyone else on your application is American Indian or Alaska Native, select “Yes” when you’re asked this question.
What’s my total household income?
You may be asked if your household income will be less than a certain amount this year.