Building On What Works: Nearly 31 Million Americans Gain Coverage Under Current Law
WASHINGTON – Providing additional evidence that America’s health care system is working to expand access to affordable, high-quality health coverage and care, a new report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reveals that nearly 31 million Americans have gained coverage under current law in 2021.
- Today, nearly 31 million Americans have obtained coverage under current law in 2021. (The Associated Press, 6/5/21)
- 11.3 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)
- More than 1.2 million additional Americans enrolled in health-care plans through this year’s special enrollment period, which the Biden administration has extended until August 15. (The Washington Post, 6/5/21)
- During this year’s special enrollment period, which includes enhancements to current health care law such as advance payments of premium tax credits (APTC), around 1.9 million consumers have returned to the Marketplace and reduced their monthly premiums by over 40 percent after APTC, from $100 to $57, on average. (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 5/6/21)
Recently released research also supports additional enhancements to current law as an effective way to expand access to affordable, high-quality health coverage and 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)
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