The Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace enrollment continues to move at a fast pace–nearly 5.5 million people have selected an Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace health plan nationwide since the start of the 2023 Marketplace Open Enrollment Period (OEP) on November 1. This represents activity through December 3, 2022 (Week 5) for the 33 Marketplaces using HealthCare.gov and through November 26, 2022 (Week 4) for the 18 State-based Marketplaces (SBMs) in 17 states and the District of Columbia. Total plan selections include 1.2 million people (22% of total) who are new to the Marketplaces for 2023, and 4.3 million people (78% of total) who have active 2022 coverage and returned to their respective Marketplaces to renew or select a new plan for 2023. The 5.5 million total plan selections represent an 18% increase from 4.6 million this time last year.
The 2023 Marketplace OEP runs from November 1, 2022 to January 15, 2023 for Marketplaces using the HealthCare.gov platform. People generally need to submit an application and choose a plan by December 15 for their coverage to start January 1. State-based Marketplace enrollment deadlines vary.
“We are off to a strong start – and we will not rest until we can connect everyone possible to health care coverage this enrollment season,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The Biden-Harris Administration has taken historic action to expand access to health care, and ensure everyone can have the peace of mind that comes with being insured. With four out of five people eligible for coverage at $10 or less, do not miss your opportunity to sign up for high-quality, affordable health care. We urge everyone to visit HealthCare.gov and find the coverage that meets your needs.”
“Providing quality, affordable health care options remains a top priority. We are incredibly pleased to see continued strong enrollment numbers in this second snapshot report, especially the increase in new enrollees. We are going to keep our focus on ensuring that all who seek health care coverage get the affordable, quality coverage they need,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “I encourage all those looking for affordable health care, or interested in exploring their options, to visit HealthCare.gov before the December 15 deadline for their coverage to begin on January 1.”
The Administration encourages all families to visit HealthCare.gov and check out the health care coverage options and savings available to them. This year, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, more people will continue to qualify for help purchasing quality health coverage with expanded financial assistance. Four out of five HealthCare.gov enrollees will be able to find a plan for $10 or less after tax credits. People with coverage through HealthCare.gov are encouraged to return and shop to see if another plan better meets their needs at a lower cost.
Individuals will also benefit from a highly competitive Marketplace. Ninety-two percent of HealthCare.gov enrollees will have access to options from three or more insurance companies when they shop for plans. Also, new standardized plan options are available in 2023 through HealthCare.gov, which offer the same deductibles and cost-sharing for certain benefits, and the same out-of-pocket limits as other standardized plans within the same health plan category, to help consumers compare and select plans. Most of these standardized plan options offer many services pre-deductible, including primary care, generic drugs, preferred brand drugs, urgent care, specialist visits, mental health and substance use outpatient office visits, as well as speech, occupational, and physical therapy.