Note to Media: We can provide state-level aggregate data for categories shown here for healthcare.gov states where HealthSherpa offers ACA-subsidized policies.
As the last few state exchanges wrap up Open Enrollment, we’re excited to share a recap of how the 2020 Open Enrollment Period (also known as OE7) went on the Federally Facilitated Marketplace.
First and foremost, we’re thrilled to have helped over 1.2 million people find quality, affordable health coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace. That’s a 143% increase over the 2019 Open Enrollment Period (also known as OE6), and represents over 14% of the 8.3 million people who enrolled through the Marketplace as a whole. Over 31,000 of these people took advantage of the deadline extension granted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and enrolled on December 16th or 17th..
As has been widely reported, gross premiums were down this year, a sign of increasing stability in the ACA Marketplace. We saw this in our data, too – the median gross premium among our enrollees this year was $744.62, a 3% drop from the prior year.
What individuals actually paid was much lower; 94% of enrollees qualified for a subsidy, and we helped them access, on average, over $600 per month in savings, bringing the median net premium down to just $47/month. In fact, almost 20% of HealthSherpa enrollees found fully subsidized $0 plans!
At HealthSherpa, our goal has always been to connect Americans to the best comprehensive health coverage (The 3 M’s – Medicaid, Medicare or Marketplace) that they qualify for. In November, we took a step closer to that goal by launching our new mobile friendly Medicaid application. More than 6,000 people have already applied!
The new pathway allows the 1 in 3 low-income Americans who are smartphone dependent to apply with a mobile phone – even if they live in one of the 33 states that doesn’t offer its own mobile-friendly application.
Let’s take a closer look at the data.
Key metrics, Nov 1 – Dec 17 (FFM only)
Volume
- HealthSherpa QHP enrollment volume: up 141% (784,811 for 2019 vs 325,161 for 2018)
- Total call volume: up 89%
- Top States, 2019: FL, TX, NC, GA, MS (in 2018, WI held 5th place.)
Costs & subsidies
- Median gross premium: down 3% ($744.62 for 2019 vs $764.82 for 2018)
- Median net premium: up 27% ($46.67 for 2019 vs $36.63 for 2018)
- Median subsidy: down 3% ($634 for 2019 vs $653 for 2018)
- Percentage of enrollees claiming a subsidy: stable (94.83% for 2019 vs 94.02% for 2018)
Cost sharing
- Metal tier breakdown: 0.04% Platinum / 3.77% Gold / 71.88% Silver / 24.32% Bronze
- CSR Breakdown: 51.6% Share94 / 11.98% Share87 / 3.71% Share73 / 32.69% no CSR
- Median deductible: $200
- Median OOPM: $2,700
Demographics
- Average applicants per policy: stable (1.52 for 2019 vs 1.51 for 2018.)
- Gender of primary applicant: 54.9% female / 45.1% Male
- Median age: 48
- Median income: $21,996
- Age distribution: 1.39% under 21 / 13.85% 21-29 / 17.02% 30-39 / 21.24% 40-49 / 28.06% 50-59 / 18.45% 59+
But numbers only tell part of the story…
Here’s what folks we enrolled said about their journey to finding Marketplace coverage through HealthSherpa:
“What an amazing smooth experience. I moved here from Canada and had no idea how to apply and what for. The advocate on the phone held my hand and walked me through the entire process. After 40 minutes I went from hopeless to covered for $45/month.”
-Alexander from Texas
“Who thought that finding the right health insurance could be fun? In my hour of darkness and stress, the team at HealthSherpa brought me into the light! My time on the phone was easy, fun, light hearted and all of my questions were answered. I am so glad I can rely on your team for questions throughout the rest of the year. I know I will get excellent customer service!”
– Paige from Oregon
“I called the number available on HealthSherpa’s site and was quickly connected with a live person and she was so cheerful, kind and extremely helpful. She helped me fly through the process and easily found the right plan for me. She was so great! It made the process so much better to deal with. Now I’m insured and much less stressed. Thanks guys. You are life savers!”
– Lena from North Carolina
“I have always been fortunate enough to have health care provided through my husband’s employer. After a recent job change, his new employer provides health care for employees, but does not cover spouses. Due to some personal health issues, my only option was to look at the government market place. I found a few options, but lacked confidence in navigating the website and comparing plans. A health care agent referred me to HealthSherpa and I was pleasantly surprised. The agents are friendly and knowledgeable! Their website is easy to use and I was able to look at information and then speak with a service representative who helped me make a decision as to which plan might be most beneficial. Even the week before the sign-up deadline, I did not have to wait long to get through to a customer service representative. I appreciate their professionalism and courtesy!”
– Sue from Tennessee
We’re proud to have helped these and many more people find affordable coverage they can rely on when they need it – and are excited to continue helping folks find peace of mind through quality health insurance in 2020 and beyond.
For media inquiries, please contact our press officer Divya Raghavan, at divya@healthsherpa.com.
To learn more about HealthSherpa’s partnership offering for employers, nonprofits, and other community stakeholders, contact our partnerships manager Aleka Gürel, at aleka@healthsherpa.com.
Disclaimer: data listed here is accurate to 5%.