Initial Data Shows Strong Start to New Special Enrollment Period

“Today’s enrollment data release shows what’s possible when the federal government actually invests in and supports the ACA marketplace – nearly three times as many sign-ups during this special enrollment period as compared to the same time last year. This is a very strong start to the new special enrollment period that allows anyone eligible for coverage to sign up without verification, a burdensome process that likely hindered some people who were previously eligible due to a loss of coverage in 2020, but failed to complete the verification process required before enrolling in coverage. While this data is not broken down by age, we know from last year’s open SEPs in the state-based marketplace states that young people disproportionately benefited from the SEPs.

We applaud the Biden-Harris administration for taking swift action in re-opening HealthCare.gov, investing $50 million in raising awareness about the SEP, and now investing $2.3 million in Navigator funding to support enrollment assistance. We expect enrollment data to continue to grow over the next two months before the May 15 deadline, and will continue to do our part to ensure all young people can take advantage of this opportunity to enroll in comprehensive, affordable health coverage. The global coronavirus pandemic has dealt a blow to health coverage in the United States, but the first batch of SEP enrollment data is an encouraging development on our road to recovery.”