PA sees higher enrollment numbers in February

Many states have experienced lower-than-anticipated signups through their insurance exchanges and the federal-run website. However, Pennsylvania is among those states that might be able to meet its initial enrollment forecast.

According to The Associated Press, a new report from the Department of Health and Human Services found the state reached 159,821 enrollees as of March 1, a 30 percent increase from January, which only saw 123,700 people sign up. The AP reported the Obama administration estimated Pennsylvania would reach 206,000 enrollments for health insurance by the end of the open enrollment period, and it looks like Pennsylvania may attain this goal. 

What may be more remarkable is that residents in Pennsylvania must sign up for insurance benefits through the federal exchange, which has experienced significant technical issues since it rolled out. In addition, Government Health IT reported the state is allowing health plans that aren't compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to be renewed through October. Many in the state are choosing to utilize the federal exchange to receive benefits rather than stay on their own plans.