CBO projects lower ACA enrollment

An updated estimate of the amount of people expected to enroll in health insurance coverage through the exchanges in 2014 was released today in a

by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). Estimates show a reduction in expected coverage levels in 2014.

Key findings: 

• The projected exchange enrollment in 2014 dropped from 7 million to 6 million;

• The projected enrollment in Medicaid and The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in 2014 dropped from 9 million to 8 million;

• The number of uninsured Americans in 2014 increased by 1 million; and 

• The estimates of the net impact of the Affordable Care Act on employment-based coverage stayed the same. 

Additional points of interest include:

• CBO predicts that about 83% of exchange enrollees in 2014 will receive a subsidy;

• Estimated average premiums were lowered by about 15%; and

• Findings showed that risk corridor payments will yield $8 billion in savings for the federal governement. 

The report cites a recent Department of Health and Human Services enrollment

report

, which includes exchange enrollment data through December 28, 2013.