Texas has set a record for enrollees in Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance. During the open enrollment period for 2022 health coverage, more than 1.8 million Texans signed up for a health insurance plan using the ACA Marketplace through healthcare.gov.
The state’s enrollment numbers are up 42% from 2021. New enrollment numbers show that 548,000 more Texans signed up for ACA plans for 2022 compared to the year before.
“Texans continue to show that when health insurance coverage is affordable, they will buy it and use it,” says Elena Marks, EHF’s president and CEO. “Health insurance coverage isn’t a magic pill that equals good health, but it’s one key part of the puzzle.”
Many factors contributed to the large increase in enrollment. Under the federal American Rescue Plan during COVID-19, more Texans were eligible for financial assistance to help pay premiums and in many cases the assistance was larger than before. Nationwide, the cost of an average ACA monthly health insurance premium fell by 23%, according to new data released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
In addition, the federal government increased outreach, promotion, and advertising for ACA plans during 2021, and funded more community-based navigation and enrollment efforts than in years past.
In 2021, Episcopal Health Foundation invested $15 million to strengthen community-based clinics and other parts of the safety-net system in Texas. Part of that investment supported organizations that help low-income Texans enroll in ACA plans, other forms of government health insurance, and additional health-related benefits. It’s part of EHF’s strategic plan and continuing commitment to build health systems that meet the needs of our communities and lead to improved health outcomes for all community members.
