Last week, HHS released its latest enrollment figures showing that 186,093 people are signed up for 2017 Marketplace coverage in Utah, more than at the same time last year.
Tuesday, HHS released a new report with detailed demographic, financial, and geographic data on Utah consumers signed up for coverage as of December 24, 2016. The new report also finds that more than 11.5 million people nationwide were signed up for Health Insurance Marketplace coverage as of December 24, an increase of 286,000 plan selections relative to the comparable period last year. Today’s report shows that a broad cross-section of Utahns rely on the Marketplace to access affordable, quality coverage. Utah Marketplace consumers signed up through December 24 include:
- 96,391 female and 89,867 male Utahns
- 45,741 children, 57,924 adults age 18-34, 53,382 adults age 35-54, and 29,211 older Utahns
- 12,014 Latinos and 107,909 Caucasians
- 27,889 rural Utahns
- 42,004 new and 144,254 returning consumers
“With more than 11.5 million people signed up nationwide, demand for health coverage is higher than ever, and Utahns are proving once again that Marketplace coverage is vital to them and their families,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell. “For Utahns who have not yet signed up, it’s not too late. Open enrollment continues through January 31st, but you should visit HealthCare.gov by this Sunday to ensure your coverage starts February 1st. Most HealthCare.gov consumers can find a plan for less than $75 per month in premiums, and millions are finding plans that meet their and their families’ needs.”
Today’s report underscores the importance of financial assistance for Utah consumers. 85 percent of Utahns signed up for Marketplace coverage through December 24 will receive advanced premium tax credits that lower their premiums by an average of $197 per month. On an annual basis, that works out to tax credits of $2,364 per year for up to 156,736 Utahns.
Today’s report also shows that Utah Marketplace consumers are actively engaged with their coverage. 104,881 Utah consumers, 73 percent of all returning consumers in Utah through December 24, came back to the Marketplace and actively selected a plan for 2017.
Open Enrollment continues through January 31st. Last year, enrollment slowed in the middle of January but spiked in the days before the final deadline. Plan selection totals will also fluctuate over the remainder of Open Enrollment as some consumers choose to cancel their plans, for example in response to life changes like starting a new job with employer coverage or gaining eligibility for Medicare or Medicaid.
Consumers have until January 15th to sign up for coverage that starts February 1. With millions of Utahns still in need of affordable, quality health insurance for 2017, HHS will continue its outreach to make sure uninsured Americans know about the coverage and financial assistance available to them. Through the rest of this month, we’ll also be running additional TV and radio advertising, sending targeted emails to consumers, and continuing our innovative partnerships with sites like Twitch, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. And new this year, the IRS will send direct mail to people who went without health insurance in 2015, encouraging them to get covered instead of paying the penalty and letting them know that financial help is available.
An estimated 76 percent of Utahns can find plans for less than $75 per month, and the large majorityof Marketplace consumers nationwide are satisfied with their coverage and report that it offers them financial security and access to care. Consumers should visit HealthCare.gov, CuidadodeSalud.gov, or call 1-800-318-2596 to review their coverage options, learn about what financial assistance is available, or to sign up or re-enroll in a plan that best meets their needs.
