ObamaCare marks third year of record enrollment with 5 million more signups

(The Hill) - A record 21.3 million people have officially signed up for healthcare insurance through the HealthCare.gov Marketplace for 2024, marking a third consecutive banner year for the program.

An additional 5 million more people signed up for coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace for coverage this year compared to 2023.

"Today, we broke another record when it comes to lowering costs and ensuring Americans have access to quality, affordable healthcare: 21.3 million Americans have signed up for health coverage through Affordable Care Act marketplaces," President Biden said in a statement.

"That means 9 million more people have gained coverage under the law — and peace of mind — since I took office," he added. "It's no accident. My actions to protect the Affordable Care Act and lower premiums continue to make a big difference. And the American people have made it clear: they don't want the Affordable Care Act weakened and repealed — they want it strengthened and protected."

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced earlier this month that more than 20 million people had already signed up for health insurance through the Marketplace, breaking the previous high for a third consecutive year.

While most people had until Jan. 15 to sign up for coverage, those who were disenrolled from Medicaid during the unwinding that followed the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency have been given until July 31 to enroll.

Biden called for lowered premiums enacted through the Inflation Reduction Act to be made permanent. The president also went after Republicans in Congress for having "a different vision."

"Their recent budget would get rid of the improvements I signed into law, raising costs for millions of people," said Biden. "If the extreme Republicans in Congress get their way, millions of families would face skyrocketing health care costs or lose their health care altogether. I won't let it happen on my watch, and I'll keep fighting to bring down health care and prescription drug costs."