HealthCare.gov enrollment exceeds 15M, surpassing previous years’ milestones

As of December 15, 2023, for HealthCare.gov states and December 9, 2023, for State-based Marketplaces, preliminary data projects that over 19 million consumers will enroll in 2024 coverage through the ACA Marketplaces.

This includes 15.3 million individuals who have selected a health plan using the HealthCare.gov platform. On December 15 alone, the deadline for coverage starting January 1, 2024, more than 745,000 people selected a Marketplace plan through HealthCare.gov — the largest single day in history.

Because of continuing provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, CMS expects nine out of 10 customers to be eligible for savings.

People with current coverage through HealthCare.gov are encouraged to return and shop to see if another plan better meets their needs at a lower cost.

Many people are eligible for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). However, those who are no longer eligible for Medicaid or CHIP should visit HealthCare.gov to see if they are eligible to enroll in a low-cost, quality health plan today.

Individuals will also benefit from a highly competitive Marketplace. More than 90% of HealthCare.gov enrollees will be able to choose among three or more plans.

The Marketplace Open Enrollment Period on HealthCare.gov generally runs from November 1 to January 15. In 2024, January 15 is a federal holiday; accordingly, consumers will have until midnight Tuesday, January 16 (5 a.m. EST on January 17) to enroll in coverage. Consumers who enroll before the January 16 deadline will have coverage that starts February 1, 2024.

As enrollment grows, ACA Marketplace coverage continues to evolve. In addition to important changes for 2024 coverage—including more choices, improved shopping tools, more providers, and improved health equity—CMS recently shared proposed measures to further expand access to more robust, affordable health coverage options for 2025 coverage. For example, if finalized, these measures would, among other things, allow states to add routine adult dental services as an essential health benefit (EHB) by updating their EHB benchmark plans. Comments on the proposed policies are due on January 8, 2024.

The next snapshot of nationwide plan selections, including state-specific plan selection information, will be released January 10, 2024.