17.6M Insured Under ACA; 10.5M Uninsured Eligible for ACA Plans
On Tuesday, HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell announced that about 17.6 million U.S. residents have gained health insurance because of the Affordable Care Act, the Washington Post reports.
The enrollment figure is up from HHS' March estimate of about 16.4 million people who had gained coverage under the law (Goldstein, Washington Post, 9/22).
Further, Burwell noted that between October 2013 and Sept. 12, 2015, the U.S. uninsured rate dropped by:
- 11.5% among Latino adults;
- 10.3% among African American adults; and
- 6% among white adults (HHS release, 9/22).
Focus Will Be on Remaining Uninsured for Upcoming Open Enrollment Period
Meanwhile, HHS estimates that 10.5 million uninsured U.S. residents are eligible to enroll in coverage that will be available through the ACA's exchanges during the law's third open enrollment period, which is scheduled to begin on Nov. 1.
According to HHS, of the 10.5 million who are eligible for exchange coverage:
- About half are between the ages of 18 and 34;
- More than one-third are members of a minority group; and
- Two-fifths have incomes that are considered as "working class" or "lower-middle class."
Burwell noted that getting individuals who are still uninsured to enroll in coverage is "going to be a bigger challenge." During the upcoming open enrollment period, the Obama administration will focus its enrollment efforts in five areas that have high rates of uninsured residents:
- Chicago;
- Dallas;
- Houston;
- Miami; and
- Northern New Jersey.
According to Congressional Budget Office estimates, 21 million individuals are expected to have coverage purchased from an ACA exchange next year (Washington Post, 9/22).
This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.