Press Release, July 16, 2014, Wisconsin Releases Enrollment Numbers

​Last Updated: July 16, 2014

Date: July 16, 2014
For more information contact: J.P. Wieske, Public Information Officer, (608) 266-2493 or jp.wieske@wisconsin.gov

Wisconsin Releases Enrollment Numbers
Over 165,000 Wisconsinites Enrolled in Coverage

Madison, WI—The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) has surveyed all Wisconsin insurers including those participating in the federal health insurance exchange and those outside the exchange in order to understand the number of Wisconsinites that have enrolled in coverage. Our survey determined that 165,782 Wisconsinites found coverage during the open enrollment time frame. This number does not reflect how many people are now covered through other private insurance or employer-sponsored health plans.

"Wisconsin insurers are reporting that by June 1, over 165,000 people had enrolled in coverage both inside and outside the exchange," reported Insurance Commissioner Ted Nickel. "Over 130,000 individuals enrolled through the exchange and over 30,000 enrolled outside the exchange. But the enrollment numbers don't tell the whole story," continued Commissioner Nickel. "Our decision to allow early renewals ensured Wisconsin consumers, while still having the option to enroll in an ACA compliant plan, could keep their existing plan. As a result, thousands of consumers and businesses kept their current coverage while 165,782 Wisconsinites enrolled in new coverage."

The numbers are based on a survey of all insurers and differ from the federal report of approximately 140,000 enrollments. The Wisconsin survey numbers include individuals who transitioned off the state and federal high-risk pool program (HIRSP) as well as individuals transitioning from Badgercare to private coverage. It does not include individuals who kept their coverage through Wisconsin's transition policy. OCI's survey was completed in late June, and as a result, most consumers who had gained coverage throughout the open enrollment had paid their premiums or were no longer counted as enrolled.

"Fortunately, Wisconsin has one of the most competitive markets in the country, and our consumers were able to enroll in a variety of benefit plans including choosing among the many insurers outside the exchange," stated Commissioner Nickel.

**Please note: DHS Deputy Secretary Kevin Moore and OCI Deputy Insurance Commissioner Dan Schwartzer will be providing a media availability today at 10:00 a.m. regarding operationalization of Governor Walker's Entitlement Reforms.

Created by the Legislature in 1871, Wisconsin's Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) was vested with broad powers to ensure that the insurance industry responsibly and adequately met the insurance needs of Wisconsin citizens. Today, OCI's mission is to lead the way in informing and protecting the public and responding to its insurance needs.