Employer-Provided Plans
Burwell’s projection for how many people will buy ACA health plans this year fell short of some expectations. The U.S. has said that’s in part because more people are remaining in employer-provided health plans. In another sign of trouble for Obamacare, UnitedHealth Group Inc., the largest U.S. health insurer, has said it may stop selling ACA policies because it’s losing money on them.
Kevin Counihan, who oversees the marketplaces at CMS, said the government is seeing signs that more individuals are shopping for coverage for the first time. That could improve results for insurers that sell ACA policies.
Charles Gaba, who tracks enrollment at acasignups.net, said Friday’s data probably puts CMS ahead of Burwell’s projection. When the entire country is counted and people are automatically renewed, he figures about 11 million to 12 million people will have signed up.