EXCHANGE COVERAGE REMAINS NEAR RECORD HIGH AS 23.1 MILLION ENROLL IN 2026, REFLECTING CONTINUED STRENGTH AND STABILITY

The following information was released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS):

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) today released the Health Insurance Exchanges 2026 Open Enrollment Report, summarizing plan selection activity for plan year 2026 across the individual Exchanges in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The report includes data on demographics, premiums, financial assistance, and cost sharing.

During the 2026 Open Enrollment Period (OEP), 23.1 million consumers selected or were automatically re-enrolled in coverage through HealthCare.gov and State-Based Exchanges.

Topline findings include:

Impact of CMS Enforcement Actions to Prevent Fraud: In 2025, CMS took significant enforcement action to identify and remove improper enrollments, protecting taxpayers and consumers: we ended advance payment of the premium tax credit (APTC) or coverage for nearly 1.5 million people found to be either ineligible for financial assistance, or enrolled without their authorization on the HealthCare.gov platform.

Plan Selection Trends: Plan choices shifted, with 40% of enrollees selecting Bronze plans, 43% Silver, and 17% Gold. Compared to the 2025 OEP, Bronze plan enrollment increased by 10 percentage points, Gold increased by 4 points, and Silver decreased by nearly 14 points.

Income and Affordability: Nearly half of enrollees (46%) had household incomes between 100-150% of the federal poverty level with the vast majority receiving financial assistance. This highlights the program's role in expanding access to affordable coverage for those who need it most.

Enhanced Data: For the first time, the report includes a six-year overview of insurance agent- and broker-assisted enrollments for HealthCare.gov states. In addition, data on Health Savings Account (HSA)-eligible plan selections will be available to the public due to policy changes from the Working Families Tax Cut legislation.

Operational Updates: The report reflects Illinois' successful transition to a State-Based Exchange for the 2026 OEP and the launch of a Basic Health Program in the District of Columbia.