This number doesn’t include the 400,000 individuals who signed up on the New York or Minnesota marketplaces through the Basic Health Program.
Here are five things to know about this year’s open enrollment period.
1. Millions of new people enrolled this year. Approximately 4 million new consumers enrolled in coverage in states utilizing HealthCare.gov. In October, HHS said it expects between 9.4 million and 11.4 million enrollees by the end of calendar year 2016.
2. Consumers are increasingly satisfied with their coverage. Last year, about 1.9 million — or 40 percent — of new enrollees signed up for coverage beginning Jan. 1. This year, 2.4 million — or 60 percent of — new enrollees signed up for 2016 coverage.
3. More returning customers wanted to reenroll. Last year, about 50 percent of returning consumers chose to reenroll in their current health plans. This year, approximately seven out of 10 consumers returned to the marketplace.
4. Despite concerns they would skip out on signing up, a number of young people enrolled for coverage. During open enrollment, 2.7 million people between the ages of 18 to 34 signed up for coverage through HealthCare.gov. According to HHS, the percentage of young enrollees in 2016 is higher than last year.
5. HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell is pleased with the results. “Open enrollment for 2016 is over and we are happy to report it was a success. The health insurance marketplace is changing people’s lives for the better,” Secretary Burwell said. “The marketplace is growing and getting stronger and the ACA has become a crucial part of healthcare in America.”
More articles on payer issues:
Cigna reports 2015 financial results: 5 things to know
Empire BCBS cuts broker commissions
Health insurers in the news: Jan. 28-Feb. 4
