Insurer participation in the ACA health insurance marketplace reached an all-time low in 2018. Many think this was due to uncertainty during the rate-setting cycles low marketplace enrollment, and federal policy changes. The good news is that numbers are looking much better in 2021.

Research showed that the number of insurance options in the health insurance marketplace has increased since 2018. 1,968 counties have more insurers in 2021 than in 2018, whereas only 12 counties have fewer insurers. This is good as it shows growth in competition, which benefits consumers in the long run.

Additionally, counties with monopolist marketplace insurers—where only one insurer offers services—declined to 294 in 2021. That number is down from 1,616 in 2018, which shows great progress.

Overall, the increase in competition is great for consumers as it can lead to lower gross premiums in the ACA health insurance marketplace. 

To read the full report from Health Affairs, click here.