Fact Check: "Record 24 million people signed up for the Affordable Care Act in 2022."
What We Know
The claim that "record 24 million people signed up for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2022" is not supported by the available data. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the total number of individuals who signed up for health insurance through the ACA marketplaces during the 2022 open enrollment period was approximately 14.5 million. This figure reflects a significant increase from previous years, but it falls short of the 24 million claimed.
Additionally, the Kaiser Family Foundation reported that while enrollment numbers have increased, the total number of people enrolled in ACA plans, including those who may have signed up outside of the open enrollment period, does not reach 24 million. The ACA has seen a steady increase in enrollment due to various factors, including expanded subsidies and outreach efforts, but the claim of 24 million is exaggerated.
Analysis
The assertion of 24 million sign-ups appears to stem from a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of the enrollment data. The CMS's official reports and data analyses from reputable organizations like the Kaiser Family Foundation provide a more accurate picture of ACA enrollment. The CMS reported that the 2022 open enrollment period saw approximately 14.5 million individuals sign up for coverage, which is a record high but significantly less than the 24 million claimed.
Furthermore, the claim lacks credible support from any official sources or studies that would validate such a high enrollment figure. The sources that do discuss ACA enrollment typically reference the 14.5 million figure, which is corroborated by multiple reports and analyses. The discrepancy suggests that the claim may have originated from a misinterpretation or an attempt to inflate the success of the ACA.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that "record 24 million people signed up for the Affordable Care Act in 2022" is false. The actual number of individuals who signed up during the 2022 open enrollment period was approximately 14.5 million, as reported by the CMS. This figure, while a record, does not support the claim made.
