Just over 7 million Americans signed up for private health insurance plans through federal and state insurance marketplaces during the Affordable Care Act’s first open enrollment period, according to preliminary figures released by the White House April 1.
The number is a bit of a surprise since only 4.2 million individuals had signed up for health plans as of March 1. A last minute surge helped the administration meet enrollment projections that were made before the technical glitches plagued the start of healthcare.gov in October and November.
Complete enrollment numbers, as well information on how many people have actually paid their premiums, will not be available for a few more weeks, administration officials said.
In the meantime, President Obama pointed to the enrollment number as proof that the health care law is working. And he blasted opponents who have spent the last several months trying to repeal or undermine the law.
"I will always work with anyone who is willing to make this law work even better," President Obama said from the Rose Garden. "But the debate over repealing this law is over. The Affordable Care Act is here to stay."
mschneider@frontlinemedcom.com
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