In a groundbreaking announcement, the Biden administration revealed that a staggering 20 million individuals have signed up for health insurance this year through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces. These figures mark a new record and serve as a testament to the success of the ACA, even as former President Donald Trump, a vocal critic of the program, prioritizes dismantling it.

The enrollment period for ACA coverage is set to close on January 16, prompting the administration to emphasize the remarkable milestone achieved. With an additional 3.7 million Americans enrolling compared to last year, it is evident that President Biden's efforts to expand healthcare access are yielding positive results. The spike in sign-ups can be attributed to the implementation of tax breaks that grant millions of citizens access to low-cost plans, including those with zero-dollar premiums.

President Biden expressed his commitment to build upon this progress, urging for lower healthcare premiums to become a permanent fixture. However, he also recognized that the Republican opposition has consistently impeded such efforts, hampering their potential impact.

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra credited the increased enrollment to a robust outreach campaign launched by the administration. Collaborating with nonprofits across the nation, particularly those in predominantly Black and Latino communities like South Florida, the Biden administration has successfully encouraged new participants to enroll. Additionally, increased funding has allowed for the hiring of navigators to assist individuals throughout the enrollment process, which had suffered significant setbacks during the Trump administration.

Nevertheless, this record-breaking enrollment does come at a cost. Many new enrollees turned to the marketplace after losing Medicaid coverage, resulting in higher premiums and copayments for services. Approximately 14.5 million Americans have been removed from Medicaid since the federal government lifted a three-year ban on purging ineligible individuals from the program. This process has often been marred by errors, leaving thousands of vulnerable citizens without health insurance, including children and pregnant women.

Former President Trump continues to criticize the ACA, labeling it a "catastrophe" while on the campaign trail. He frequently mentions the late Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona, who famously blocked GOP attempts to repeal the law more than five years ago.

While the open enrollment period for ACA coverage concludes on January 16, individuals who have been removed from Medicaid may still be eligible to enroll until the end of July. This extension ensures that those facing a loss of coverage due to eligibility changes have an opportunity to secure healthcare through alternate means.

As President Biden and his administration celebrate the success of the ACA marketplaces, the future of healthcare reform remains a contentious issue. With conflicting views between Democrats and Republicans, the fate of the ACA hangs in the balance, impacting millions of Americans who depend on it for affordable and accessible healthcare.