FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2022
Contact: Juan Ramiro Sarmiento
(785) 760-6567 | juanramiro.sarmiento@younginvincibles.org

Historic Open Enrollment Numbers Show the Importance of Investments in the ACA Marketplace

(Washington, DC) – Thursday morning, the Biden administration announced final enrollment numbers for the ninth open enrollment period, which began on Nov. 1, 2021. Over the two-and-a-half-month enrollment period, 14.5 million Americans signed up for health coverage – more than any previous ACA marketplace open enrollment period. This number can be expected to grow in the coming weeks, as some states that have extended their open enrollment periods approach their final deadlines.

In response, Mina Schultz, ACA Outreach and Enrollment Program Manager for Young Invincibles issued the following statement.

“The historic success of this open enrollment period once again demonstrates that investments in improving and strengthening the Affordable Care Act marketplaces create tangible improvements in the lives of Americans. Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, coverage is now more affordable than ever before, and it is encouraging to see so many people take advantage of this opportunity to get covered using the new financial help.

Access to quality, affordable health coverage is more important than it ever has been, and these numbers show just how crucial investment in ACA outreach and enrollment assistance has been during the pandemic. Historic funding for the Navigator program has meant more expert enrollment assistance in communities that did not previously have access to this valuable resource.

While this data demonstrates the ACA’s importance in providing health coverage to millions, many of the improvements that made this historic success possible will be expiring next year. Passing the Build Back Better Act would ensure millions more could access affordable health coverage through the marketplaces by extending the important affordability provisions of the American Rescue Plan. Additionally, this legislation would provide new coverage options to the four million Americans who currently find themselves with no access to affordable health coverage in states that have refused to expand Medicaid.

We applaud those who made this open enrollment such a huge success and will continue to push for more investments in health care until affordable, accessible coverage is a reality for all.”

Young Invincibles continues to lead the charge year-round to ensure young people are aware of their coverage options. Through digital ads, virtual events, and peer-to-peer texting, YI was able to reach millions of young people during this open enrollment period. Now, YI remains committed to supporting the outreach and enrollment community in the next steps following enrollment – how to use this coverage to access care.

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