Latest total on how many secured private ACA health plans

Nearly 1 million more Americans have secured insurance benefits through the federal or state-based exchanges since early February, according to new enrollment figures.

Marilyn Tavenner, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, announced approximately 4 million people have signed up for a private health insurance plan since the October rollout.

"As we head into the last five weeks of this historic open enrollment period, millions of Americans are taking advantage of the new choices they now have to access affordable, quality healthcare thanks to the Affordable Care Act," said Tavenner.

She added that a more formal announcement about enrollments will be made in mid-March, two weeks before the individual deadline for securing a health plan without having to pay a penalty.

On Feb. 12, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services revealed there was a 53 percent increase in sign-ups through the various marketplaces in January. Additionally, more than one-quarter of those who secured plans in the first month of the year were young adults.

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius told NBC News late last year that the aim was to insure 7 million Americans by the end of March. However, Vice President Joe Biden recently noted this goal may not be reached.