ACA exchange sign-ups outpacing last year

The number of enrollees in plans offered on health insurance exchanges has increased slightly compared to the last open enrollment period, with sign-ups accelerating before the deadline to get coverage starting Jan. 1, 2017.

According to the latest enrollment figures from HHS, more than four million people have selected a plan since open enrollment began on Nov. 1. In 2015, 3.75 million people had signed up in the same 40-day period.

“Momentum is building,” said HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell. “Most Marketplace consumers can find plans for less than $75 per month in premiums, and it’s easier than ever to shop and compare your options on HealthCare.gov.”

The two biggest days of enrollment so far were Dec. 12 and 13, when more than 700,000 people signed up.

However, most of the enrollees are returning customers, not new ones. About 25 percent of the sign-ups are from first-time buyers on the exchange, compared to the 40 percent share of new customers last year.

The figures only reflect sign-ups on the federal Healthcare.gov website. Enrollment on the 11 state-based exchanges, along with the District of Columbia, is not included.

The largest state-based exchange, Covered California, reported increased demand from customers, with 1.2 million people renewing plans and another 153,000 first-timers buying coverage. The demand was great enough that the exchange extended its deadline for Jan. 1 coverage, giving customers until midnight on Dec. 17 to have a plan in place for the new year.

“This strong demand shows that Californians are using the competitive marketplace that Covered California provides,” said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California. “We are ahead of last year’s pace and are giving our Service Center staff and certified enrollers the time they need to bring health care coverage to thousands more.”

Enrollment had increased just after the surprising presidential election victory by Donald Trump, who has vowed to repeal the Affordable Care Act. It will continue through the end of January, less than two weeks after Trump will have taken office.