Over 10 million people enrolled in Medicaid and the children’s health insurance program since ObamaCare’s launch a year and a half ago, the administration announced Monday.
The numbers show that through the end of December 2014, 10.75 million more people are enrolled in Medicaid or the CHIP children’s health program compared to before ObamaCare’s coverage expansion took effect in 2013, about a 19 percent increase.
While 28 states have accepted the expansion of Medicaid, the government health insurance program for the poor, under ObamaCare some Republican-led states have declined to do so, often citing costs.
In states that expanded Medicaid, enrollment is up 27 percent compared to 2013, the administration said. By contrast, in states that have not, enrollment is up 7 percent.
The numbers come on top of the 11.4 million people who are enrolled in private insurance through ObamaCare’s marketplaces.
As the Supreme Court case, King v. Burwell, set for arguments March 4, threatens subsidies for millions of people enrolled in private coverage, the Obama administration has been seeking to emphasize that the law is ingrained in daily life, and is working.
“These numbers affirm the fact that the Affordable Care Act is working and is truly an important part of the everyday lives of millions of Americans,” Vikki Wachino, Acting Director of the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services, said in a statement Monday.
The Obama administration has been negotiating with some Republican governors for compromises on the expansion that allow conservative changes to the program. Last month, Indiana, led by Republican Gov. Mike Pence, a possible presidential candidate, reached a deal to expand Medicaid while also requiring contributions from enrollees.
In an address to governors on Monday, President Obama made a pitch for more to expand Medicaid.
“If your state isn’t one of the 28 that has already expanded Medicaid, I’d urge you to consider it,” Obama said. “Because our team is prepared to work with you to make it happen.”