While early "guesswork" had estimated the sign-up rates were not 'terrific', Covered California - the Obamacare exchange - has released data on the final enrollment rates. They are not great:
- *COVERED CALIFORNIA SAYS WEBSITE GOT 987,440 UNIQUE VISITORS
- *CALIFORNIA EXCHANGE COMPLETES APPLICATIONS ON 16,311 HOUSEHOLDS
Assuming each household is a 'unique' then that is a 1.65% sign-up rate. Doesn't seem like the huge success so many have proclaimed.
Odd that the Press Release [3] did not mention that rate...
Covered California™ received tens of thousands of enrollment applications during the first week consumers could officially apply for health insurance at the agency’s online marketplace, as well as those newly eligible for Medi-Cal coverage.
“We’ve started strong,” said Executive Director Peter V. Lee. “The amount of interest and number of applications we’ve received in the first week underscores the demand among Californians for quality, affordable health care.”
Website and Call Center Weekly Report: Oct.1-5
Unique visits to CoveredCA.com 987,440
...
Applications completed with household eligibility determined 16,311
Number of Californians determined eligible for coverage 28,699
Small Business Health Options Program businesses registered as of 10/8/2013 430
...
“It’s just the beginning, but these numbers are truly exciting and encouraging,” Lee said. Consumers were equally excited about being able to enroll online in Covered California health insurance plans that provide quality and value, and uniform benefits, without worry about pre-existing conditions.
...
“With almost three months to enroll for coverage effective Jan. 1, the fact that thousands of Californians and hundreds of our small businesses are stepping forward in our first week is a testament to the need for the Affordable Care Act,” said Peter Lee.
Subsequent weekly statistics will be based on a Sunday-through-Saturday schedule. Total enrollment for October will be released in November.
“Covered California is committed to sharing information and will continue to report weekly on the numbers of visits to our website and the number of consumer calls to our Service Centers,” Lee said.