In a recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey, the results proved the Affordable Care Act’s 2016 open enrollment had a much-needed push from assisters and brokers. The open enrollment period lasted from November 1, 2015 through January 31, 2016, and for the third year the KFF conducted this survey to ascertain information on the consumer enrollment experience with the Health Insurance Marketplace when using assistance programs. For the second year, this survey also included brokers.
The needs of consumers—per the assistance programs—primarily involved questions on the enrollment application process. Four out of 5 of assistance programs expressed that consumers lacked “confidence” in applying alone, coupled with a need for further information on plan options. Another interesting observation is that those who applied during open enrollment were less in need of immediate medical attention compared to those who applied during special enrollment periods.
Questions consumers had included help with their own data verification. 230,000 consumers utilized the assistance program for identification verification, with 259,000 utilizing the programs for income verification and 172,000 requiring assistance with immigration status.
Numbers-wise, 2016 open enrollment figures proved a drop in assistance and broker interest. While around 5.3 million people were helped through either assistance programs and brokers during the 2016 open enrollment period, it was 10% less compared to 2015. While over 70% of consumers were using assistance programs for the first time, 52% used brokers for the first time. The remainder were return customers.
Although the stats proved a drop in the need for assistance programs, perhaps that signifies a greater self-understanding of the ACA Marketplace for consumers. However, with the growing numbers of return customers to brokers, the proof is there that consumers not only desire health care, but are on the hunt for the best price for the best coverage.
