Efforts by the Biden-Harris Administration to make expanding access to health insurance and lowering health care costs for America’s families a top priority have paid off. Under their leadership, the national uninsured rate reached an all-time low earlier this year.
Their administration announced earlier this week that enrollment in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace outpaced previous years, with nearly 11.5 million people selecting a health plan nationwide as of December 15, 2022 – a key milestone marking the deadline for coverage starting January 1, 2023. About 1.8 million more people have signed up for health insurance, or an 18% increase, from this time last year.
Signup for ACA coverage for 2022 occurred predominantly under the Trump administration, where increasing enrollment in the program wasn’t a priority. In addition to aggressive outreach to potential enrollees, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, four out of five customers will be able to find a plan for $10 or less per month.
“Unprecedented investments lead to unprecedented results. Under President Biden’s leadership, we have strengthened the Affordable Care Act Marketplace with continued record affordability, robust competition, and historic outreach efforts – and today’s enrollment numbers reflect that,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “As we head into the new year, there is no greater gift than the peace of mind that comes with having high-quality, affordable health care.”
Ninety-two percent of HealthCare.gov enrollees had access to healthcare options from three or more insurance companies when they shopped for plans.
Enrollment continues through January 15 with coverage beginning on Feb. 1. Individuals in the Marketplace can still go to HealthCare.gov to submit or update their applications until Jan. 15, 2023.