Behind Obamacare's Looming Enrollment Drop
Obamacare enrollment will decline this year. A large share of that decline will result from people who never should have been counted as exchange enrollees finally being removed from the rolls. Much of the remainder will come from people who decide the coverage is not worth even the small share of the premium they must pay themselves.
TL;DR
- Obamacare enrollment is expected to decline this year.
- A significant portion of the decline will be due to the removal of improper enrollees.
- Another factor is individuals deeming the coverage not worth its cost.
- A Paragon study estimates 6.2 million improper enrollees, more than 25% of Obamacare plan holders.
- These enrollees claim the lowest income to receive maximum subsidies, exceeding plausible numbers based on Census Bureau data.
- Insurers benefited from a model where taxpayers covered most premiums.
- Fraud rings emerged to maximize commissions paid to brokers and enrollment entities.