‘Obamacare’ surprise: Strong showing belies predicted ACA collapse
for HealthCare.gov. That’s a sign of solid interest in the program, which offers subsidized private health WASHINGTON — In a insurance to people who strong show of consumer don’t have access to jobbased demand, nearly 9 million coverage. people signed up for It’s possible that final “Obamacare” next year, as HealthCare.gov numbers government numbers out could end up somewhat Thursday proved predictions higher than reported of its collapse wrong Thursday, partly because yet again. late sign-ups in the Midwest
The Centers for Medicare and the West have yet and Medicaid Services to be added in. said more than 8.8 The nationwide enrollment million people have signed total won’t be known up in the 39 states served for weeks, since some by the federalstates running their own HealthCare.gov website. health insurance markets
That compares to 9.2 — or exchanges — continue million last year in the signing up customers same states — or 96 percent through January. of the previous total. Total national enrollment
The level exceeds what could wind up near experts thought was possible last year’s final number of after another year of political 12.2 million. battles over the Affordable “We know anecdotally Care Act, not to that many state exchanges mention market problems are running ahead of last like rising premiums and year, [and] we could actually insurer exits. On top of make up the national that, the Trump administration enrollment deficit with cut enrollment season higher state-run exchange in half, slashed the ad enrollment,” said Chris budget, terminated major Sloan of the consulting payments to insurers, and firm Avalere Health. scaled back grants for consumer Among counselors. HealthCare.gov states,
“This level of enrollment Florida led in enrollments, is truly remarkable, with 1.7 million people so especially given the headwinds far. Texas was next, with faced by the program,” 1.1 million. said Larry Levitt of Sign-ups for those states the nonpartisan Kaiser could rise, since a deadline Family Foundation. extension is available for
President Donald people in hurricane-affected Trump insistently predicted areas. “Obamacare” would The Trump administration implode as he pursued unsuccessful shortened open enrollment efforts to repeal and other actions it in Congress. that Democrats call “sabotage.”
This week he incorrectly declared the GOP However, the administration tax bill had essentially repealed also took other less it. noticed steps to facilitate
Despite all that, more enrollment, such as creating than 1 million new customers an easier path for insurers signed up last week, and brokers to sign ahead of a Dec. 15 deadline up customers. Associated Press