Millions Face Loss of Healthcare Coverage Due to Stringent Reenrollment Policies on HealthCare.gov

A recent study reveals that millions of Americans enrolled through HealthCare.gov are at risk of losing their health insurance coverage because of increasingly burdensome reenrollment procedures. Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, University of South Carolina, and Emory University analyzed data from 2022 to 2024, shedding light on how administrative hurdles are impacting coverage retention. The findings, published in JAMA Health Forum, indicate that the requirement for enrollees to actively reenroll and start making premium payments upon insurer exit significantly reduces renewal rates, particularly affecting those with zero-premium plans.

Specifically, the study notes a decline of about 7% in reenrollment among affected individuals, which translates to approximately a quarter of a million Americans losing their Marketplace coverage in 2024 alone. The process of switching plans or renewing coverage often involves complex paperwork and timely payments, challenges that disproportionately affect low-income enrollees with limited experience navigating the health insurance system.

The introduction of policies that mandate premium payments starting January 1, after a year of not paying, has been identified as a critical factor contributing to coverage loss. This administrative complexity may unintentionally cause people to forgo coverage altogether, especially when they face difficulties adjusting to new plans or due to insurer exits from the Marketplace.

Experts warn that these policies could worsen the coverage gap for millions, particularly under proposals to increase premium payments for current zero-premium enrollees. If implemented, such measures could lead to further declines in coverage and a rise in uninsured Americans, undermining the objectives of the Affordable Care Act which has already provided coverage to over 24 million individuals.

Overall, the study underscores the need for simplified enrollment and renewal processes to ensure that vulnerable populations do not lose access to vital health insurance coverage. Administrative barriers, if unaddressed, threaten to undo progress made in expanding healthcare access through the Marketplace.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-millions-healthcaregov-coverage-loss-due.html