ACA marketplace enrollment hits a record
- Ishaan Satija
- Jan 17
- 1 min read
Intro
More Americans signed up for health coverage than ever before, which is good news for families who’ve struggled to afford care.
What Changed
This year, over 24 million people got health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. For many, it means finally having a regular doctor or being able to afford prescriptions. For others, it’s their first time with coverage since losing Medicaid. Navigators and call-center workers have been flooded with questions, especially from parents who are switching their kids between programs. In rural places with few doctors, getting an appointment still takes weeks, but at least more visits are covered. Insurers are handling more customers and new fraud checks as small online brokers pop up offering cheap plans. Some states that run their own marketplaces are finding it easier to reach residents than those relying on the federal site. For older adults not yet on Medicare, this record enrollment brings some relief from big medical bills.
What to Watch Next
Watch how many people keep their plans all year instead of dropping them. Pay attention to states expanding their own marketplaces; those moves shape what options families will have next year.
