Changes and Uncertainty in ACA Likely to Impact Enrollment

November 1 was the first day health insurance exchanges began enrollment through the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) Healthcare.gov.

Wake Forest University (WFU) health economics expert Christina Marsh Dalton, PhD, said the shorter enrollment time, the reduction in advertising budget from $100M to $10M, and the increased premiums are likely to impact enrollment.

“Sick people are those most likely to know about the start of the enrollment period and how to sign up,” Dalton said. “They have either already purchased insurance through the exchange, or they have the incentive to sign up this year because of pre-existing health needs.”

Young, healthy people have little incentive to purchase insurance through the exchange. While there has been a 90 percent reduction in the program’s advertising budget, Dalton said advertising is especially important in influencing those who are undecided about purchasing insurance to do so.

“The other piece is that average premiums are increasing as much as 35 percent in the mid-range coverage option. With the uncertainty of executive orders, insurers have built into their premiums the expectation that President Trump may withdraw government subsidies that encourage healthcare providers to enter the marketplace. The uncertainty about the ACA this year and next year will impact this enrollment period and those moving forward.”

For more information about applying for health insurance, visit www.healthcare.gov.

This article was adapted from information provided by WFU.