Obamacare Enrollments Hit 7 Million, But What Does That Number Mean?

Despite some last-minute technical glitches of the sort that has plagued the federal health care exchange since day one, it appears as though Obamacare enrollments have hit 7 million.

But what does that mean?

We don’t know how many of those enrollments represent effectuated policies, meaning the first month’s premium has been paid and the individual(s) on the policy are covered. Estimates indicate that as many as 15 to 20 percent of these enrollments haven’t been effectuated, and there may be more attrition as those enrolled may miss future payments. In North Dakota, the number is 53 percent.

We also don’t know how many of the 7 million represent people were actually unemployed prior to Obamacare, or if they represent people who had insurance previously. Estimates indicate that anywhere from just 25 percent to 33 percent of enrollments came from people who were previously uninsured. That’s a pretty small number.

The whole point of Obamacare was to expand coverage. But if what it has mostly accomplished is re-arranging coverage for the already insured, can it be called a success?

And the vast majority of Obamacare enrollees are going to get subsidies from the taxpayers: