Washington, DC — Today, the White House announced that 2.8 million people gained health coverage thanks to President Biden’s special enrollment period, raising ACA enrollment to a record high of 12.2 million people. In February, the Biden administration opened the SEP to ensure people could get coverage as they faced economic hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. In response, Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse issued the following statement:
“From day one, President Biden put the health and well-being of Americans first, and now we’re seeing his true impact. Nearly three million Americans gained access to coverage thanks to the Biden administration’s decision to open a special enrollment period — a step that the previous administration refused to take despite pleas from health care experts nationwide. The American Rescue Plan only bolstered ACA enrollment by making coverage more affordable for millions of families.
“Now, President Biden and Democrats in Congress are on the cusp of delivering even more relief for the American people by putting historic health care measures in the Build Back Better budget package. Democrats are fighting to lower prescription drug prices through Medicare negotiation, close the Medicaid coverage gap, expand Medicare benefits to include hearing, dental, and vision, and make permanent the American Rescue Plan’s premium subsidies to make coverage even more affordable. Thanks to President Biden’s leadership, not only do more Americans have the health care they need during the pandemic, but they will have access to quality, affordable care for years to come.”