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A Line of Authority (LOA) refers to the type of insurance an agent is permitted to sell.
In this article we’ll cover:
LOA at a glance
LOAs often group similar types of insurance together. Six common LOAs include:
Life
Accident and health or sickness
Property
Casualty
Variable life and variable annuity
Personal lines
Agents selling Marketplace plans are often required to have a valid health-related LOA in every state where they are licensed.
State requirements
Each state Department of Insurance (DOI) determines the licensing and LOA requirements for agents and brokers in that state.
State requirements can vary. Some states also require agents to have at least one carrier appointment in their resident state to obtain an LOA.
Agents who are unsure whether they have a valid health-related LOA in a state where they are licensed should contact the state DOI directly.
Review the full list of state LOA requirements.
How CMS validates LOA status
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) validates agent and broker licensure through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) on a weekly basis.
Licensure validation includes checking:
License status
The presence of a valid health-related LOA in the agent’s resident state
The presence of a valid health-related LOA in cross-licensed states where the agent submits applications during the year
CMS may terminate Marketplace access for agents who write business without a valid LOA.
Agents and brokers who do not have an approved health-related LOA in a state where they write business, as determined by the state DOI, will lose access to CMS Marketplace systems and will not be able to assist consumers with Marketplace activities.
Agents can use these resources to help check the status of their National Producer Number (NPN):
If the NPN Valid column displays No, pull a National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) report to confirm both the License Level LOA and Appointment Level LOA are updated.
Check the CMS Agent and Broker Suspension and Termination List to confirm the NPN is not listed.
Visit the NIPR website to review license and LOA status.
Frequently asked questions
Do agents need an LOA in their resident state only or in all states where they are licensed?
Agents must meet LOA requirements in every state where they are licensed.
Does this apply if an agent is only searching for a consumer on the Marketplace?
Yes. Agents must meet LOA requirements in every state where they are licensed, even when searching the Marketplace.
What should an agent do if they are already appointed with a carrier in their resident state, but the correct LOA is not listed in NIPR?
Agents should contact the Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM) Producer Assister Desk with proof of appointment at FFMProducer-AssisterHelpDesk@cms.hhs.gov.
Additional resources
For help using HealthSherpa or for other assistance, contact Agent Support. Agent Support is available by phone at (888) 684-1373, by email at Agent_Support@HealthSherpa.com, or by chat directly from your account.