CMS releases reports on exchange enrollment, subsidies

Almost 10.6 million people had health coverage through the federally facilitated or state-based exchanges in February, according to a report released today by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. That’s about 92% of the 11.4 million consumers who selected a plan during open enrollment, and less than 1% fewer than the number covered in February 2018. The average total monthly premium for exchange coverage was $594.17, about $3 less than last year. About 87% of 2019 enrollees received an advanced premium tax credit, which averaged $514.01. According to a separate report released by CMS on exchange enrollment, unsubsidized enrollment dropped by about 2.5 million people or 40% between 2016 and 2018. Average monthly enrollment in the individual market decreased 7% in 2018 compared to 2017, while the average monthly premium increased 26%. The decrease in enrollment was entirely among people who did not receive an advanced premium tax credit; the subsidized population grew 4% in 2018.