A new report released by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shows that more than 2.8 million people newly gained access to affordable healthcare through the 2021 Special Enrollment Period (SEP) on HealthCare.gov and State-based Marketplaces.
With the gains made during the SEP, there are now a record-breaking 12.2 million people enrolled in the federal and state marketplaces. Additionally, there is historic enrollment through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) with over 82.3 million people relying on these programs as of April 2021.
The American Rescue Plan’s (ARP) expanded premium tax credits reduced premiums, increased savings and provided consumers access to quality, affordable healthcare coverage through the Marketplaces:
- Over 90% of consumers who enrolled during the SEP saw their premiums reduced due to these tax credits.
- Existing consumers saved an average of $67 per consumer, per month, in premium savings.
- 48% of new HealthCare.gov consumers received a monthly premium of $10 or less after tax credits.
- The median deductible for new HealthCare.gov consumers fell by over 90%.
CMS also reports historic Medicaid and CHIP enrollment. The April 2021 Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment Trends Snapshot report shows that over 82.3 million individuals were enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP in April 2021, an increase of 580,591 individuals, compared to March 2021. Since February 2020, the month before the COVID-19 public health emergency was declared, enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP increased by more than 11.6 million individuals or 16.4%.
Consumers who still don’t have 2021 coverage can find out if they are eligible at healthcare.gov to enroll through SEPs that cover individuals who have experienced life-changing events, such as a loss of other coverage, marriage, having a baby or moving to a new location. Throughout the year, consumers can also apply for Medicaid and CHIP coverage online in all 50 states and DC, and the majority of states complete real-time determinations and automated renewals.
