Nearly 24 million consumers secure affordable health insurance through ACA marketplace

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According to a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) report, 23.6 million Americans selected plan year 2025 coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance marketplace since the start of the 2025 marketplace open enrollment period, including 3.2 million new enrollees. This figure represents a significant increase of 11.6 million consumers compared to the 2021 open enrollment period.

The 2025 open enrollment period continues until January 15, providing additional opportunities for consumers to secure affordable health care coverage. The significant increase in enrollment builds on last year’s record-setting participation, which saw 21.4 million Americans select marketplace plans. These gains have helped drive the nation’s uninsured rate to historic lows.

“Nearly 24 million people, a record number, have signed up for Marketplace coverage—and the Open Enrollment Period is not over yet. The Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplace and reforms have proven to be successful and critically important for millions of Americans and their families,” Xavier Becerra, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), said in a CMS release. “Every American should have access to quality, affordable health care—and thanks to the ACA, they do. The Affordable Care Act now stands along with Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security as one of the most consequential social programs in the history of our nation.”

According to the release, the success of the ACA Marketplace in 2025 can be attributed in part to expanded financial assistance made available through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. These enhanced tax credits have lowered premiums for millions of Americans, allowing four out of five consumers on HealthCare.gov to find a plan costing $10 or less per month.

“We can’t lose sight of what’s behind our tremendous, record-setting progress: Millions of individuals and families who now have a critical connection to the lifeline of health care coverage,” Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, administrator, CMS, said in a news release. “To the millions more who may still need coverage: Don’t delay. Help is still available, including tax credits that have made coverage more accessible by reducing the barrier posed by high costs.”

Enrollment highlights

As of the latest report, 16.7 million consumers have enrolled through the federally facilitated HealthCare.gov platform, while 6.9 million have signed up through state-based marketplaces. Of the total 23.6 million enrollees:

• New consumers: 3.2 million
• Returning consumers: 20.4 million

These figures demonstrate strong consumer confidence in the ACA Marketplace and its ability to provide affordable and comprehensive health insurance options.

Consumers have until January 15 to enroll in or update their health insurance plans through HealthCare.gov, and state-based marketplace enrollment deadlines vary. Coverage selected by these deadlines will take effect on February 1.

The ACA Marketplace’s record-breaking enrollment figures underscore its critical role in reducing the nation’s uninsured rate and expanding access to affordable health care. Secretary Becerra hailed the ACA as one of the most consequential social programs in U.S. history, alongside Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.

With the open enrollment period still underway, officials are optimistic about further increasing participation. Consumers are urged to take advantage of the remaining time to secure coverage and benefit from the expanded tax credits, which will remain available throughout 2025.