The 2024 marketplace open enrollment period has seen roughly 4.6 million people sign up for Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance since opening on Nov. 1. These new enrollees come from both states utilizing HealthCare.gov and those with their own state-based marketplaces.
The data is based on a recent report from a credible source. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release, the numbers represent 32 states utilizing HealthCare.gov through Nov. 18 and through Nov. 11 for the 17 states and the District of Columbia with state-based marketplaces.
Expressing optimism, an official statement from the HHS Secretary highlighted their strong start to the enrollment period. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in the release that enrollment is off to a strong start and the agency was working tirelessly to connect Americans with health care coverage they can afford.
In his statement, he further shared some impressive details regarding plan availability and affordability this year. "This year, four out of five people can find a plan for $10 or less a month after subsidies on HealthCare.gov. Nearly 96 percent of HealthCare.gov consumers will be able to choose plans from at least three health insurers," he said in a statement. "And thanks to the historic Inflation Reduction Act, these lower costs and better benefits are available to more Americans. Don’t miss your opportunity to sign up for quality, affordable health care."
Moving forward, we look at how these numbers compare with previous years' records. According to data from the media release, enrollment is up with roughly 1.5 million more people enrolled in marketplace coverage nationwide from March to September 2023, compared to the same time period in 2022. The agency believes that this increase is a result of new and stronger marketplace systems and policies that are aiding individuals choose a health coverage plan including those transitioning from Medicaid.
In conclusion, the CMS Administrator encourages potential enrollees by emphasizing the success of this year's open enrollment. "In the first weeks of open enrollment, we have seen an increase in plan selections and a significant increase in the number of new enrollees year over year. Providing quality, affordable health care options is a top priority and the numbers prove that our focus is in the right place," said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. "I am excited to see such a strong early showing and I encourage all those looking for affordable health care coverage to visit HealthCare.gov."
