Building On What Works: More Than Two Million Obtain Health Coverage During Special Enrollment Period

WASHINGTON – Providing additional evidence that private plans and public programs are working together to expand access to affordable, high-quality health coverage and care, new data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reveals that more than two million Americans have obtained coverage on the federal and state exchanges during the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) that began February 15, 2021.

Millions Have Gained Coverage Through Existing Options

• “…[S]ince February 15, 1.5 million Americans have signed up on HealthCare.gov with an additional 600,000 enrolling in coverage through the 15 State-based Marketplaces.” (HHS, 7/14/21)
   
• Nearly 31 million Americans have obtained coverage under current law as of 2021. (The Associated Press, 6/5/21)
  • More than 11 million consumers enrolled in marketplace plans;
  • 14.8 million people enrolled in Medicaid via expansion of eligibility during the Obama administration;
  • 1 million individuals enrolled in the ACA’s Basic Health Program option; and
  • Nearly 4 million previously-eligible adults gained coverage under additional Medicaid expansion. (The Hill, 6/5/21)

Americans Are Benefitting From Affordable Coverage Options

• “…[O]f the new and returning consumers who have selected a plan since April 1, 1.2 million consumers (34 percent) have selected a plan that costs $10 or less per month after the American Rescue Plan’s (ARP) premium reductions. The ARP’s expanded premium tax credits have reduced premiums, increased savings, and given consumers access to quality, affordable health care coverage through the Marketplace,” and some federal leaders have proposed making those premium reductions permanent. (HHS, 7/14/21)

Building On What’s Working in Health Care Is The Most Effective Way To Expand Access To Affordable, High-Quality Health Coverage & Care

• The number of uninsured Americans would fall significantly under an enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) model, with roughly 8.1 million (30 percent) and 9.6 million (34 percent) fewer Americans uninsured after ACA enhancements in 2023 and 2032, respectively. (KNG Health Consulting, 5/17/21)