The growth and recent evolution of the ACA marketplace

As the United States marks the 10-year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s; Patient Protection and ACA, 2010) health insurance Marketplaces, there is continued growth in Marketplace enrollment (KFF, 2024). During the past year, more than 21 million people (about the population of Florida) have signed up for health plans through the Marketplaces, the third consecutive year of record enrollment. This demonstrates the value, need, and demand for access to affordable health coverage. In Florida alone, 4.2 million people have signed up for a Marketplace plan. The Marketplaces are run by the state or federal government (depending on the state) and are a resource where people without access to affordable employer-sponsored coverage, Medicare, or Medicaid can learn about various health insurance plan options, compare plans, apply for financial assistance, and enroll in the best option for them.