Affordable Care Act Enrollment Soars to Record 20 Million in 2024
By Braden Hirschi
Published January 13, 2024
In a remarkable achievement, twenty million Americans have signed up for affordable health insurance for 2024, marking the third consecutive year of breaking enrollment records under the Affordable Care Act. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services made the announcement on Wednesday, highlighting the significant impact of the ACA on providing accessible healthcare coverage to millions of Americans.
President Biden's Statement
President Biden expressed his satisfaction with the enrollment numbers, emphasizing that 8 million more Americans have signed up for ACA coverage since he took office. He also noted that most enrollees will have the opportunity to select a plan that could cost as little as $10 a month. Additionally, Mr. Biden criticized Republicans for hindering efforts to enhance progress and make lower healthcare premiums permanent. He warned about the potential consequences of the GOP's healthcare plan, claiming it would lead to escalating healthcare costs for millions, particularly affecting elderly Americans and small business owners.
Support for Affordable Care Act
Mr. Biden's passionate support for the Affordable Care Act was evident as he emphasized the critical impact of accessible and affordable healthcare. He highlighted the potential catastrophic impact on families if healthcare costs were to rise significantly and vowed to prevent such a scenario during his presidency.
Enrollment Details and Impact
The data released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reflected enrollment activity up to December 23, indicating the substantial interest in obtaining healthcare coverage. The Biden administration's allocation of nearly $100 million in Navigator Awards played a crucial role in facilitating consumer assistance, further contributing to the significant enrollment numbers. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra emphasized the historic milestone of more people having health care coverage through the ACA's Marketplace, highlighting the positive implications for preventive care and overall healthcare cost reduction.
Upcoming Enrollment Period
With the open enrollment period ending on January 16th, individuals seeking healthcare coverage are urged to visit Healthcare.gov to explore their options and make informed decisions regarding their healthcare needs.