WASHINGTON — More than 10 million people signed up for private health insurance during the year that ended March 31 under President Barack Obama’s Affordable Coverage Act, the administration said Tuesday. That puts the nation finally within reach of coverage for all.
The report from the Department of Health and Human Services comes as dozens of insurers are proposing double-digit premium hikes for next year. And the Supreme Court is weighing the legality of subsidized premiums for millions of consumers in more than 30 states. A decision is due around the end of the month.
The 10.2 million sign-ups represent consumers who enrolled in a plan and followed through by paying their first month’s premiums. That number will fluctuate during the year as some people get jobs that offer coverage, and others decide to drop their insurance.
Although it exceeds a target of 9.1 million set last year by HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell, “Enrollment has been lower and slower than what most people projected,” said Caroline Pearson of the data analysis firm Avalere Health.