Current Enrollment Status
Enrollment in federal ACA marketplace plans has decreased to 5.4 million people as of December 4, compared to 7.3 million during the same period last year. New consumer enrollment has also declined to 988,000 from 1.6 million in 2023.
Historical Context and Growth
Despite current declines, ACA marketplace enrollment reached a record high of 21.5 million people in 2024, driven by enhanced subsidies introduced in 2021 that improved premium affordability.
Key Policy Updates and Challenges
CMS has extended the January 1 coverage enrollment deadline by three days due to slower enrollment rates. The agency implemented new policies to prevent unauthorized enrollment changes following over 100,000 complaints. Additionally, a federal judge blocked regulations that would have allowed DACA recipients to access marketplace plans.
