Classic Direct Enrollment Retires: What Agents Need for 2026

The Classic Direct Enrollment (DE) pathway, including double redirects, is ending for Marketplace enrollments. Starting November 1, 2025, only Enhanced Direct Enrollment (EDE) will be permitted for the Federally-Facilitated Marketplace (FFM), and Quotit is fully EDE approved.

What’s Changing for Health Insurance Agents

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will discontinue Classic DE, including all double redirect pathways, after October 31, 2025. This means agents using outdated systems or partners need to move to EDE before the deadline to avoid disruption.

• Classic DE and double redirects were the old way of connecting to the FFM.

• Only EDE will be allowed starting with the 2026 Open Enrollment Period.

• Agencies and agents who do not switch to EDE risk losing their ability to enroll Marketplace clients.

Why Enhanced Direct Enrollment Matters Now

Enhanced Direct Enrollment is not just a box to check for compliance. It changes how you work, and how clients experience the application process.

• EDE allows agents to complete enrollments directly within approved platforms.

• No more redirecting clients between websites.

• EDE provides a smoother, more modern client journey and keeps your enrollments compliant with new CMS standards.

EDE is already the new standard, and CMS will no longer approve Classic DE for any new or renewing Marketplace connections.

Quotit: Already EDE Approved and Ready

If you’re using Quotit, you’re ahead of the game. Quotit is already fully approved for EDE and ready for 2026 and beyond.

• No last-minute platform changes.

• No risk of enrollment disruptions.

• Agents can keep quoting, enrolling, and servicing clients without interruption.

For agencies still relying on Classic DE through another vendor, it’s time to move to a partner who is ready. With Quotit, you avoid last-minute compliance stress and keep your sales process moving.

What Agents Need to Do Next

Here’s what you should focus on now:

1. Audit your current enrollment tools.
   Confirm if your platform is still using Classic DE or already on EDE.

2. Ask your technology partner about EDE approval.
   Get proof of EDE status; do not assume.

3. Switch before the deadline.
   Waiting until October 31, 2025, means risking downtime.

4. Communicate the change to clients.
   Explain how EDE improves their application experience.

If you want a seamless transition, start with a platform already compliant and running at full speed for EDE...like Quotit.

EDE and Agent Experience: What Improves

Enhanced Direct Enrollment isn’t just about compliance. It delivers new advantages to agents and clients:

• Applications are completed faster, all in one system.

• Fewer lost clients due to site switching or technical hiccups.

• Improved tracking and reporting on enrollments.

• Clients trust agents who are prepared for change.

Quotit’s EDE workflow is built for busy agents. You work smarter and stay ahead.

Why Now Is the Time to Move

The retirement of Classic DE is not just a regulatory shift; it is a chance to improve your sales process and client satisfaction. Agencies that move early have more time to train, test, and market their updated experience.

• Don’t wait for CMS to enforce the rules—lead the conversation.

• Use the switch as a value-add in your marketing and client outreach.

• Quotit supports you through every step, with up-to-date EDE tools and support.

 Book a demo today!