Obamacare 2022 signups breaks records

(Defender News Service) — A record number of people – nearly 11.5 million – signed up for insurance on HealthCare.gov, about 1.8 million more and an 18 percent increase over last year. With enrollment remaining open through Jan. 15, and not counting those who signed up for coverage through their state marketplaces, President Joe Biden said such gains have helped to drive down the uninsured rate to eight percent the lowest level in U.S. history.

“In recent days, we received further proof that our efforts are delivering record results and bringing families the peace of mind that comes with health insurance,” Biden said.

“Right now, four out of five people who sign up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act can find health care coverage for $10 a month or less,” he said. “These lower rates were set to expire at the end of this year, but thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, we were able to extend them and save millions of Americans on Obama-care an average of $800 a year.”

The Biden administration noted that, on Jan. 1, Americans would see the benefits of additional cost-saving measures because of the Inflation Reduction Act. That includes seniors realizing a month’s supply of insulin capped at $35, Medicare beneficiaries paying $0 out of pocket for recommended adult vaccines covered by their Part D plan, and prescription drug companies needing to pay Medicare a rebate if they try to raise their prices faster than inflation for drugs administered at a doctor’s office.

“We’re not finished working to make health care a right, not a privilege,” Biden said.

The administration continues to encourage individuals to visit HealthCare.gov by January 15 to take advantage of lower rates and sign up for health care for the coming year.

This article originally published in the January 9, 2023 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.