Nearly 3 million Americans gained healthcare coverage during the special enrollment period (SEP) created by President Joe Biden, the White House announced.
The SEP, which ran from Feb. 15 through Aug. 15 this year, enabled Americans to purchase healthcare coverage on the Affordable Care Act marketplace during the COVID-19 pandemic. The normal healthcare enrollment period typically takes place between Nov. 1 and Dec. 15.
“Six months later, I am pleased to report that 2.8 million more Americans have gained access to reliable health coverage through HealthCare.gov and state-based marketplaces,” Biden said in a statement Sept. 15.
In total, 12.2 million Americans are enrolled in healthcare coverage from the Obamacare markets, marking an all-time high.
In addition, the Biden administration added more healthcare subsidiaries to lower the cost of healthcare insurance for many families. The SEP was successful in boosting insurance coverage rates in the U.S.
Americans who purchase their coverage through the Affordable Care Act have seen their premiums decrease an average of $67 a month. That’s more than $800 each year that can go to groceries, child care or other essentials, Biden said. “Over 4 in 10 Americans who gained coverage during the Special Enrollment Period found a quality plan for $10 or less per month,” he added. “Twenty states and the District of Columbia saw premiums decrease by more than $75 a month. And out-of-pocket spending declined dramatically, with the median deductible for new enrollees dropping by more than 90 percent, from $750 to $50.”
Another 81 million people are currently receiving healthcare coverage through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) as of February 2021, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
“Let’s be clear—the monthly Marketplace numbers show that across the country, there’s a demand for high-quality, low-cost health coverage,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Whether through expanded Medicaid or the Health Insurance Marketplace, the ACA is working for millions of Americans—and we’re committed to building on this historic progress.”
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."