Open Enrollment a Success Despite Trump’s Efforts to Torpedo Outreach in Final Days

Washington, D.C. – Although final numbers have not been released yet, the 2017 open enrollment period, which ended yesterday, appears to have outpaced last year’s. By late December, 11.5 million had signed up for Marketplace health insurance through state-based marketplaces and the federally-facilitated marketplace – about 286,000 more than last year. In total, about 20 million people have gained coverage through the Affordable Care Act. Following is the statement of Ron Pollack, executive director of Families USA, on the success of this year’s open enrollment period. And thousands of people across the country helped conduct outreach and enrollment to ensure that millions of consumers were able to successfully enroll in affordable, comprehensive coverage.

“The numbers speak for themselves. The Affordable Care Act is working for millions of people, despite President Trump’s attempt to dampen enrollment by canceling advertising reminding people that the deadline for open enrollment was nearing.

“Even as Republicans pursue repeal of the Affordable Care Act, these numbers show a demand that is both thriving and growing. Instead of rushing to repeal the Affordable Care Act, while offering no replacement for the millions who depend on it, President Trump and Republican leaders in Congress should build upon this success.”