Ahead of the November 1, 2021 start of the Open Enrollment Period at Healthcare.gov, a new report released from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows that Medicaid and health insurance from the federal Marketplace helped to prevent major coverage losses in 2020-2021 despite downward economic pressures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our lives in many ways, yet today’s report shows we made significant strides to protect Americans’ health,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to secure access to critical health care, over 2.8 million Americans gained coverage during the Special Enrollment Period. We will double down on these gains by launching Open Enrollment season on Monday with the most affordable health coverage options to date.
“Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, health care coverage is more affordable and accessible than ever. This Open Enrollment, consumers will have access to more affordable plan options, with more help, for an even longer period of time,” said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “I urge individuals and families in need to sign up today at HealthCare.gov for comprehensive, affordable health care coverage for themselves and their loved ones.
The report, conducted by researchers at HHS’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation , details how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted data collection in the United States during 2020-2021. To better understand how the nation’s uninsured rate remained the same during the pandemic, the ASPE report analyzed administrative data on Medicaid and Marketplace enrollment between 2020-2021.