MIAMI, FLORIDA – A record number of Americans have enrolled in health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, with 21.4 million individuals selecting marketplace plans in 2024. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra highlighted the success of the program, emphasizing that more Americans now have access to quality and affordable healthcare than ever before.
Becerra praised President Biden’s efforts in expanding healthcare coverage, particularly for working individuals across the country. In Florida alone, over 4.2 million people opted for Affordable Care Act plans in 2024, representing a substantial 200% increase from enrollment numbers in 2020. However, despite these achievements, approximately 823,000 Floridians are at risk of losing their Medicaid coverage due to the state’s decision not to expand Medicaid.
To address this gap in coverage, President Biden’s proposed budget for 2025 includes provisions to provide Medicaid-like benefits to individuals residing in non-expansion states, such as Florida. Secretary Becerra expressed hope that these measures will help bridge the healthcare disparity for those affected by the state’s Medicaid limitations.
As the nation commemorates the 14th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, the focus remains on extending healthcare access to all Americans, regardless of their state’s Medicaid expansion status. The record-breaking enrollment numbers reflect a growing demand for comprehensive healthcare coverage, underscoring the importance of initiatives aimed at improving healthcare accessibility and affordability for all.