Washington, D.C. (August 2025) – Great news for millions of Americans navigating Medicare: a court decision has protected their access to trusted guidance and vital resources. Americans for Beneficiary Choice (ABC) successfully challenged new rules from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that could have made it harder for people to get the help they need when choosing a Medicare plan. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas sided with ABC, ensuring that beneficiaries won’t lose access to the expert support they count on.
Agents and brokers play a crucial role in helping people understand their options in an increasingly complex healthcare landscape. With so many choices and changing benefits, their advice helps families avoid costly mistakes and find coverage that truly fits their needs. Field Marketing Organizations (FMOs) support these professionals by connecting them with insurance carriers and offering tools, training, and compliance support—all of which ultimately benefit the consumer.
The Court agreed that CMS went too far in trying to limit how much support FMOs can offer. These restrictions would have made it harder for agents and brokers to do what they do best: provide clear, unbiased guidance to the people who need it most.
“Every year, Medicare plans change—deductibles, benefits, formularies, and more,” said Greg Johnson, Executive Director of ABC. “Agents and brokers are the steady hand that helps people make sense of it all and choose coverage that works for their health and their budget.”
With this landmark ruling, millions of Americans will keep access to expert help when choosing their Medicare plan, with no extra costs or confusion. This decision reaffirms the importance of choice, transparency, and trusted guidance—ensuring that every Medicare beneficiary can move forward with confidence and clarity.