Sign-ups fell by 5% nationally at the end of the six week open enrollment period. However, Mississippi was one of five states that saw an increase in total marketplace enrollment over last. The ACA was characterized by uncertainty as federal funds aimed at encouraging enrollment — navigator funds, advertising budget — were cut drastically. Insurers were also worried by the repealed mandate penalty. Ambetter was the sole marketplace provider in Mississippi this past year, and could be a concern for potential consumers. Experts agree that the uncertainty caused by these changes likely kept both young healthy people and those without insurance — two targets of the ACA — out of the market. However, this year saw a 6 percent increase in Mississippians signing up, a 6 per cent increase according to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services enrollment figures. Only Oklahoma saw a greater percent increase in enrollment. Over last year, enrollments in the marketplace increased by Florida, Hawaii, and Wyoming. Mike Chaney, the Insurance Commissioner, announced last week that more than 88,000 people were enrolled in federal marketplace. Chaney stated in a press release that “it is likely that consumers can continue to access individual coverage via the Exchange so long tax subsidies remain available.” Automatic renewals are those who have enrolled in coverage but did not renew through Healthcare.gov last year. They are included in the state’s 88.371 enrollees. Automatic renewals made up a quarter last year. The average premium cost was steady this year, with more than 90% of Mississippians enrolled in coverage receiving a tax credit to help them pay their monthly premiums which were less than $100. Mississippi enrollment increased despite a federal judge’s decision earlier in the month striking down the entire health law. This case was brought by Gov. Phil Bryant was a plaintiff in. According to health advocates, the evidence of the law’s (and especially the market’s) impact is clear and politicians should avoid creating confusion around health care options. Roy Mitchell, executive director, Mississippi Health Advocacy Program, said that it is necessary to reach 350,000 Mississippians still without insurance. Mitchell stated that people are now able to find out what the market is worth. Imagine where we would be if [Health and Human Services] funding and support was available instead of constant sabotage. Despite the odds, the market has maintained enrollment. Polls show that Mississippians are more comfortable with the law and support it. They also like the protections offered by the marketplace, including the requirement that insurers cover pre-existing conditions, and blocking coverage beyond the ACA’s lifetime and yearly limits. Research shows that Mississippians would suffer if the ACA were to be removed. This is because 229,000 people would lose their coverage if it was repealed. “In regards to Mississippi’s involvement in the lawsuit it doesn’t make sense politically. Mitchell stated that Mississippians are sick of the attempts to take away their health care. “There is a disconnect between public opinion, which supports expanding health coverage, and (politicians’) current policy of denying coverage.”