Nearly 5.5 million people have selected an ACA Marketplace health plan nationwide since the start of the 2023 Marketplace Open Enrollment Period (OEP) that started on November 1 and extends until January 15.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reports that total plan selections include 1.2 million people (22%) who are new to the marketplaces for 2023, and 4.3 million people (78%), 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 represents an 18% increase from 4.6 million at the same time time last year.
“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,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement announcing the figures. “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.”
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. State-specific deadlines and other information are available in the State-based Marketplace Open Enrollment Fact Sheet.
“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.
Ninety-two percent of HealthCare.gov enrollees will have access to options from three or more insurance companies when they shop for plans.
