ACA special enrollment surpasses 2 million people with close to a month to go

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With a month left until the August 15 deadline, more than two million people have signed up for healthcare coverage through the Affordable Care Act during the Biden Administration's 2021 Special Enrollment Period, according to new enrollment reports from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The SEP began on February 15.

The reports also show that access is continuing to expand, with 81 million people receiving coverage through Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program as of February 2021.

The June Marketplace SEP report shows that since February 15, 1.5 million Americans have signed up on HealthCare.gov, with an additional 600,000 enrolling in coverage through the 15 state-based marketplaces. And of the new and returning consumers who have selected a plan since April 1, 1.2 million consumers (34%) have selected a plan that costs $10 or less per month after the American Rescue Plan's premium reductions.

The ARP's expanded premium tax credits have reduced premiums and increased savings, CMS said. For new consumers selecting plans during the SEP, the average monthly premium after the tax credits fell by 25% and the median deductible fell by nearly 90%.

As for Medicaid and CHIP, an additional 500,000 children and adults enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP from January to February 2021. Nearly 10.4 million people, a 14.7% increase, enrolled in coverage between February 2020, the month before the COVID-19 public health emergency was declared, and February 2021.

WHAT'S THE IMPACT?

For hospitals, this will likely translate into less uncompensated care, a financial boon for those still struggling to find their feet during this new phase of the pandemic.

Consumers who want to compare plan offerings, or learn if they qualify for more affordable premiums can check their coverage options by visiting HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov by August 15. They can view 2021 plans and prices and submit an application to see if they're eligible for coverage and financial assistance. 

If eligible, they can enroll in a plan. Current enrollees should review their application, make any changes needed to their current information, submit their application, and then select a new plan, or reselect their current plan, to receive the increased savings under the ARP.

Throughout the year consumers can apply for Medicaid and CHIP coverage online in all 50 states and D.C., and the majority of states complete real-time determinations and automated renewals. All but 13 states have accepted federal funding to expand Medicaid under the ACA.

Consumers who live in a state with a Marketplace that operates its own platform should visit their state Marketplace website or speak with its call center for more information.

THE LARGER TREND

The SEP, which was originally set to end on May 15, followed President Biden's executive order from January that was intended to strengthen the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid. The goal was to make health insurance available for those who lost their coverage, along with their jobs, during the coronavirus pandemic. The SEP has been extended periodically.

Based on data from the normal open enrollment period, enrollment remained stable this year compared with 2020. The results show plan selections this year increased by 7% from 2020, despite a decline in new consumers. Also, for the fourth straight year, the consumer satisfaction rate at the call center remained high – averaging more than 90% – throughout the entire stretch.

According to CMS data, about 8.3 million people selected individual market plans through the marketplaces using the federal platform during the 2021 open enrollment period. This total enrollment is nearly the same as enrollments during the 2020 open enrollment period, despite the fact that New Jersey and Pennsylvania transitioned to state-based exchange platforms starting with the 2021 open enrollment period.

ON THE RECORD

"Let's be clear – the monthly Marketplace numbers show that across the country there's a demand for high-quality, low-cost health coverage," said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. "And month after month, we are reminded that the Biden-Harris Administration is fulfilling its promise to deliver access to quality, affordable health coverage by strengthening the Affordable Care Act and pushing its Build Back Better Agenda.

"Whether through expanded Medicaid or the Health Insurance Marketplace, the ACA is working for millions of Americans – and we're committed to building on this historic progress."  

"The American Rescue Plan has made health coverage more affordable and accessible than ever – and people are signing up," said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. "Health coverage provides the peace of mind that every American deserves. Through August 15, the American people have an opportunity to select a quality healthcare plan that works for them, with costs that are at an all-time low. CMS is dedicated to ensuring people in our communities have the coverage they need."

Twitter: @JELagasse
Email the writer: jeff.lagasse@himssmedia.com