A record 24 million people have signed up for health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, during the current open enrollment period. This marks the highest enrollment in the nation’s history, nearly doubling the number of enrollees since President Biden took office four years ago. The Biden-Harris Administration attributes this surge in enrollment to policy changes such as extra federal subsidies that have made premiums more affordable, streamlined sign-up processes, and significant investments in advertising and enrollment assistance.
These efforts have contributed to a dramatic reduction in the number of uninsured Americans, with 92% of the population now having health coverage. However, the future of the ACA remains uncertain as President-elect Trump prepares to take office. Trump has previously undermined the law by reducing its funding and has suggested he has “concepts of a plan” to replace the 14-year-old health law.
Record ACA surge under Biden-Harris
The Republican majority in both houses of Congress also poses a challenge to extending the federal subsidies that have made premiums more affordable, as they are set to expire at the end of 2025. Despite this opposition, some Republicans, such as Sen.
Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, have shown support for extending the subsidies. “If lawmakers let those subsidies expire, the results would be catastrophic,” warned Neera Tanden, domestic policy adviser to President Biden. “A retired couple could see their premiums increase by $18,000 per year, and experts estimate that 3-5 million people would become uninsured.”
As the open enrollment period nears its conclusion on January 15, the Biden-Harris Administration emphasizes its commitment to ensuring affordable, quality health care for every American.
President Biden stated, “I urge Congress to double down on the progress we have made and ensure Americans have access to quality, affordable health care by extending the ACA premium tax credit this year.”
The Administration has taken significant steps to lower health care costs and simplify enrollment processes, including eliminating bureaucratic red tape, making substantial investments in outreach and enrollment assistance, and saving consumers an average of $800 annually on their premiums. Other beneficial programs and policies include Medicare drug price negotiation, capping insulin costs for seniors, ending the “family glitch,” and initiatives focused on maternal health and HIV.
