# CMS Proposes ACA Eligibility Verification

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a rule requiring eligibility verification before consumers receive Affordable Care Act (ACA) Exchange premium tax credits or income-based cost-sharing reductions, beginning with 2028 coverage. The proposal is a rulemaking development rather than a contract announcement; CMS says comments are open for 30 days after publication. It could affect the systems and services used to verify applicant eligibility and process supporting documents, but the announcement identifies no solicitation or award.

- Contractors supporting Exchange eligibility systems, data verification, or document processing can assess how the proposed verification process may affect their existing capabilities and service offerings.
- Interested organizations may submit comments within the 30-day period after publication; the signal does not provide a publication date from which to calculate the calendar deadline.
- The 2028 coverage start gives agencies and contractors advance notice of a potential implementation need, but the proposal does not establish a procurement opportunity or confirm final requirements.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Healthcare
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance, Policy
**Published:** October 24, 2026

### Government Entities
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

### Key Quotes
> Implementing the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation will protect taxpayer dollars and restore trust in the Exchanges by verifying eligibility before that money leaves the building.
> — Mehmet Oz, CMS Administrator

### Sources
- [CMS Proposes New Verification Requirements to Implement Law that Combats Exchange Fraud and Protects Taxpayer Dollars | CMS](https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-proposes-new-verification-requirements-implement-law-combats-exchange-fraud-protects-taxpayer) - CMS