Reporting From the Front Lines - 2015 ACA Open Enrollment

By the Numbers - Open Enrollment for 2015 Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance

Earlier today, I joined on the conference call with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Burwell.   After graciously thanking the audience for contributing to the success of this year's Open Enrollment Period, Ms. Burwell provided the following ACA and Health Insurance Marketplace updates:

* 11.4 Million Americans selected or were auto-enrolled into a 2015 ACA plan

* Of the 11.4 Million, 8.6 Million enrolled through the Federal Marketplace and 2.8 Million through State-based Exchanges

* Florida came in first-place for Federal Marketplace enrollments, with 1.6 Million Americans enrolling in a 2015 plan so far

The figures above reflect all consumers completing an application and selecting a health plan, without regard to whether the premium was paid.  Ms. Burwell stated that the federal government's goal for 2015 open enrollment had been 9.1 Million actually paying the plan premium, and it appears that the 2015 goal is likely to be met or exceeded.

Ms. Burwell noted on the call that the 10 Million drop in uninsured Americans from 2013 to 2014 is the largest drop in the uninsured since the 1970s.

Below are additional numbers released on February 11th by HHS:

There has been an increase in coverage choices:

25%              The increase in issuers competing for business in the 2015 Marketplace as compared to last year.

40                 The average number of plans consumers can choose from this year.

It has become easier to navigate the web site or seek help in another language:

76 to 16       The reduction in the number of screens on HealthCare.gov that typical consumers need to click through when completing an application online this year as compared to last year.

200+              Languages in which consumer assistance is provided at the Marketplace Call Center.

60%               Percentage of consumers who visited CuidadodeSalud.gov through a mobile device or tablet.

Help for folks to sign up without the need for their own Internet, cell phone or tablet:

23,000+        Certified application counselors, navigators and in-person assisters on the ground in communities across the nation working to educate and enroll individuals in Marketplace coverage.

74,000+       Agents and brokers on the ground in communities across the nation working to educate and enroll individuals in Marketplace coverage.

Another government date soon approaching is the 2014 Federal Income Tax payment deadline.  Many folks may be interested to know about these just released income tax related numbers:

$268             The average monthly tax credit for people who qualify for financial assistance in the 37 states using Healthcare.gov through January 30.

87%              The percentage of Marketplace consumers who qualified for tax credits to make their monthly premiums more affordable in the first two months of open enrollment.

Until next time,

Andrew Herman

Certified Agent on the Marketplace