(CNN) One million people have signed up for Affordable Care Act coverage on the federal exchange during the special enrollment period that President Joe Biden launched in mid-February, the administration announced Tuesday.
"Since it became law more than a decade ago, the Affordable Care Act has been a lifeline for millions of Americans. The pandemic has demonstrated how badly it is needed, and how critical it is that we continue to improve upon it," Biden said. "Through this opportunity for special enrollment, we have made enormous progress in expanding access to health insurance."
Sign-ups are open through August 15.
Typically, enrollment during the year is limited to those losing job-based policies and experiencing other major life events, such as divorce. Former President Donald Trump refused to relax access last spring in the face of the Covid pandemic.
The 14 states -- and the District of Columbia -- that run their own exchanges have also reopened enrollment, though the duration varies.
drof69 on May 11st, 2021 at 15:49 UTC »
It certainly helped me. My premium went from 193 a month to 0. My deductible is 8,000 dollars so it's really just catastrophic insurance that also covers medication.
mizzaks on May 11st, 2021 at 15:16 UTC »
What I don’t understand is how my husband’s work offers health insurance (the premium costs 18% of his income) so we don’t qualify for any breaks if we buy insurance through the marketplace.
The general rule for finances that we follow is to have our mortgage and all utilities be 30% or less of our monthly income. Paying 18% of his income into a high deductible plan is disheartening and makes budgeting really tough. I really wish the fact that he’s offered insurance through work wouldn’t automatically disqualify us for a price break. $860 a month for a health care premium is outrageous as we navigate life as a one income family.
HairHeel on May 11st, 2021 at 14:00 UTC »
How do these numbers compare to the annual enrollment period and normal mid-year enrollment numbers?