In the first few weeks of open enrollment, new signups on the healthcare marketplace, healthcare.gov, are up nearly 40%, according to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
According to the Biden-Harris administration, that’s a huge increase in the number of new enrollees from the same time period last year.
“We are off to a strong start––and we will not rest until we can connect everyone possible to health care coverage this enrollment season,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement. “The Biden-Harris Administration has taken historic action to expand access to health care, and ensure everyone can have the peace of mind that comes with being insured. With four out of five people eligible for coverage at $10 or less, do not miss your opportunity to sign up for high-quality, affordable healthcare.”
The new figures come after the administration increased subsidies during the COVID-19 pandemic to enable more Americans to qualify for lower health insurance premiums from the marketplace. The expansion led to historically low uninsured rates, including a 40% decline in uninsured black Americans.
The first open enrollment numbers also come as the U.S. is bracing for a robust flu season and as hospitals are grappling with an RSV outbreak significantly impacting children across the country. In addition, COVID-19 cases are still active in the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting more than 280,000 new cases weekly and 2,222 deaths per week.
The public health emergency (PHE) that was declared at the start of the pandemic will continue past January, after HHS did not notify providers and stakeholders that it would end it within a 60-day notice. The PHE gives certain flexibilities to healthcare providers, including billing for telehealth services.
Open enrollment for health insurance runs from Nov. 1 through Jan. 15, 2022. Enrollees who sign up for health insurance by Dec. 15, 2022 will be covered by Jan. 1 for the 2023 year.
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."