Dive Brief:
- Consumers signing up for health insurance through the ACA marketplaces are tending to be older and possibly less healthy, according to federal officials.
- Of those who signed up in the first three months, 55% are age 45 to 64, according to The New York Times. Just 24% of those enrolling so far are in the 18 to 34 age bracket, a group which is generally healthier.
- While critics say that these stats are evidence that the ACA doesn't work, federal officials contend that more young people will be signing up soon.
Dive Insight:
While it may not be good news for the Administration, it's not surprising to see that less-healthy people are more likely to sign up for the insurance plans available. After all, people tend to buy what they need -- or perceive themselves to need -- and young, healthy folks may suffer from the feeling of invincibility that often shows itself among youngsters. Besides, given the large deductibles and co-insurance that go with most of these plans, only people who really want coverage would sign up for today's ugly bronze and silver plans. Bottom line: if you want more young people to sign up, charge less and offer more.