Health law posts solid signups despite repeal vow

WASHINGTON — Congress may be moving to repeal the Affordable Care Act but millions of people are still signing up. The administration said Tuesday that 11.5 million enrolled nationwide through Dec. 24, ahead of last year’s pace.

Administration officials said about 290,000 more people have signed up than at the same time last year, evidence that the Affordable Care Act is on sound footing despite rising premiums, dwindling choice and healthy people holding back from getting coverage.

Administration officials said the latest numbers refute claims by GOP leaders that the law is in a “death spiral” and about to collapse because of its own problems. Among the Republicans making such claims are President-elect Donald Trump, House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.

“This market is not merely stable; it is on track for growth,” said Aviva Aron-Dine, a senior adviser at the Department of Health and Human Services.

The administration has set a goal of 13.8 million people signed up for coverage in 2017 by the time open enrollment ends on Jan. 31. Officials believe a strong finish will bolster the case for preserving President Obama’s signature domestic policy achievement, largely responsible for reducing the nation’s uninsured rate to a historic low of about 9 percent.

With the final deadline less than three weeks away, the administration is planning advertising and grassroots outreach to millions of people who qualify for subsidized coverage under the law, but remain uninsured. The health law expanded coverage through a combination of taxpayersubsidized private insurance and a state option to expand Medicaid for low-income people.