Obamacare Enrollment in Texas Surges After Federal Investments
For Immediate Release
Contact: Peter Clark, [email protected]
Tuesday Deadline to Sign Up for Insurance on HealthCare.gov
Austin - The number of people signing up for health insurance through HealthCare.gov has skyrocketed across the country and in Texas according to new data released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). So far, over 20 million Americans, including 3.3 million Texans, have signed up for health plans for 2024 through HealthCare.gov. Those enrollment numbers reflect an increase of 24 percent nationwide and 36.5 percent in Texas since the last open enrollment period. The number of Texans enrolled in plans through HealthCare.gov has nearly tripled over the last three years.
The increased enrollment follows a significant nationwide investment by the federal government in HealthCare.gov affordability, outreach, and enrollment. The federal investment in subsidies, first through the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act and then the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, have saved Texans in the Marketplace an average of $560 on premiums a year. Furthermore, since 2021, the federal government has awarded $13 million in navigator grant funding to ten Texas organizations, substantially increasing enrollment assister capacity for Texans who need help signing up for plans. In addition, a state law by Senator Nathan Johnson and Representative Tom Oliverson made certain Marketplace plans more affordable starting in 2023 by boosting the impact of federal subsidies.
“This is a huge success! We’re thrilled to see the federal government’s investment is paying off, with millions of people across Texas and the nation now getting the insurance they need to stay healthy. We’re on track for another year of record breaking enrollment, making it clear that Texans want and value comprehensive health care coverage when the price is affordable,” said Karla Martinez, Senior Policy Analyst at Every Texan. “Clearly our elected officials can improve access to affordable health care when they make it a priority.”
The last day to sign up for a 2024 health plan on HealthCare.gov is Tuesday, January 16th. After Tuesday, consumers can only sign up if a change in their situation — such as getting married, having a baby, or losing health coverage — makes them eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.
95% of Texas consumers get financial help getting coverage, and four in five customers will be able to find health coverage for $10 or less per month. All plans on HealthCare.gov cover things like prescription drugs, doctor visits, urgent care, hospital visits, and more.
Community organizations across Texas are standing by to offer free, expert help with the sign-up process:
HealthCare.gov has a tool to Find Local Help from certified enrollment assisters at local community-based organizations. To filter search results for community-based groups, click on the rectangle with “Assisters” above the filters.
The Get Covered Connector lets you search for enrollment assistance locations statewide by zip code. In the Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Corpus Christi areas, you can also book an appointment for assistance.
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