Over 2 million Americans have signed up for health insurance coverage since mid-February as part of the ongoing special enrollment period, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced today. 

As of June 30, 1.5 million new enrollees gained health insurance through the federal marketplace, HealthCare.gov, and 600,000 gained coverage through 15 state-based programs, according to a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services update. While marketplace enrollment usually begins in the fall, the Biden administration reopened signups this winter in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused many people to lose jobs and health coverage.3 women wearing masks with logo Get Covered 2021

The special enrollment period — which allows people to purchase a plan without the usual qualifying restrictions — is slated to end Aug. 15. In the meantime, it is important to let uninsured people know that there is still time to enroll, Xavier Becerra, secretary of the HHS, told reporters during a July 14 media briefing.

“They have not missed their chance for coverage, and they should go to Healthcare.gov to join the record number of Americans who have already picked a plan,” he said.

Thanks to expanded tax credits under the American Rescue Plan, 1.2 million federal marketplace consumers were able to choose a coverage plan that cost them $10 or less a month, HHS reported. As of July 1, anyone who has received or has been approved to receive unemployment compensation in 2021 may also be eligible for plans at even a lower cost through the federal marketplace.

“In fact, the vast majority of people will even be able to find a plan for zero premium and enjoy greatly reduced out of pocket costs for the rest of 2021,” said Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, CMS administrator.

People who want to compare coverage options or see if they qualify for tax credits are encouraged to visit HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov, or to contact the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596.

U.S. health leaders are “committed to ensuring that we are working with community partners, enrollment agents and brokers, health plans, and states to ensure Americans know their health insurance coverage options,” Becerra said.