The Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace is experiencing unprecedented success, demonstrating its crucial role in providing Americans with access to affordable, quality health insurance. New data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reveals that a record-breaking 23.6 million consumers have selected health plans through the Marketplaces since the start of the 2025 Open Enrollment Period. This remarkable figure includes 3.2 million individuals who are newly enrolled, highlighting the growing need for and effectiveness of the ACA.
This enrollment surge represents a significant increase of 11.6 million more enrollees compared to the 2021 Open Enrollment Period, underscoring the program’s expanding reach and impact. Building upon the momentum of last year’s Open Enrollment, which saw 21.4 million people gain coverage and drove the uninsured rate to a historic low, the ACA Marketplace is poised to set new records this year. Over 20.4 million consumers who had active coverage in 2024 have already chosen a plan for 2025 or were automatically re-enrolled, indicating strong consumer satisfaction and continuity of care.
“Nearly 24 million people, a record number, have signed up for Marketplace coverage — and the Open Enrollment Period is not over yet,” stated Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra. He emphasized the ACA’s enduring significance, placing it alongside Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security as a landmark social program. Secretary Becerra also highlighted the affordability of coverage, noting that many individuals can find quality plans for $10 or less per month after financial assistance.
CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the human impact of these numbers. “Millions of individuals and families… now have a critical connection to the lifeline of health care coverage,” she said. Administrator Brooks-LaSure urged those still needing coverage to take advantage of available assistance, including tax credits that significantly reduce costs.
A key factor in this open enrollment success is the enhanced affordability made possible by the Biden-Harris Administration and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. These initiatives have expanded financial assistance, making quality health coverage more accessible to a wider range of Americans. For 2025, consumers benefit from greater plan choices and continued access to these expanded tax credits, which are available through 2025. CMS has also implemented various improvements to the Health Insurance Marketplace® for 2025, including website and navigation enhancements, further streamlining the enrollment process. Detailed information on these updates can be found in the “What’s New for 2025 Open Enrollment” fact sheet.
The Marketplace Open Enrollment period on HealthCare.gov remains open until January 15th. Individuals enrolling by this deadline, midnight local time on January 15th (or 5 a.m. ET on January 16th), can secure coverage starting February 1, 2025. It’s important to note that State-based Marketplace enrollment deadlines may vary, and consumers should consult the State-based Marketplace Open Enrollment Fact Sheet for specific state details.
Enrolling or re-enrolling in a health insurance plan for 2025 is straightforward. Individuals can visit HealthCare.gov (or CuidadoDeSalud.gov in Spanish) or call 1-800-318-2596 to complete an application. For those seeking personalized assistance, HealthCare.gov offers a “Find Local Help” tool to connect with Navigators, Certified Application Counselors, or agents and brokers. Furthermore, individuals who have recently lost Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage can also utilize HealthCare.gov to explore their eligibility for affordable Marketplace plans. The Marketplace Call Center is also available to provide support in finding suitable coverage options.
In summary, the Affordable Care Act Marketplace Open Enrollment for 2025 is demonstrating remarkable success, with record numbers of Americans gaining access to health insurance. This progress is driven by increased affordability through tax credits, expanded plan choices, and ongoing efforts to improve the enrollment process. With the January 15th deadline approaching, those seeking quality, affordable health coverage are encouraged to enroll now through HealthCare.gov or by phone to take advantage of these opportunities.
