How the Biden Administration Can Expand ACA Exchange Enrollment

1. Allow access to the ACA's premium tax credit subsidies at higher income levels

Currently, under the ACA, an individual with a household income over 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL) is not eligible for a premium subsidy to reduce the monthly premium amount. Under the Biden health care plan, however, an individual with an income level above 400% of FPL would qualify for a premium subsidy. For example, an individual at 800% of FPL (which is around $100,000 for this individual) could receive a subsidy if they purchase an individual market ACA public exchange plan.

2. Increase the premium subsidy amounts

In addition to allowing more access to subsidies, Democrats have proposed to increase the premium subsidy amounts for individuals purchasing an individual market ACA exchange plan. Subsidies today are based on the premium for the second-lowest cost silver plan. The Biden plan has proposed that subsidies be based off gold plans, which are more expensive, so the subsidy amounts available to consumers would increase.

The amount of subsidy a consumer receives is based on "affordability." Affordability is defined as a plan with premiums that total 9.83% or less of a person's income. Many argue that a premium that eats 10% of a person's income is unaffordable. Biden has proposed lowering the affordability rate to 8.5% of income.

3. Permit those with employer plans to shop on the exchange

Currently, under the ACA, if an employee is offered an affordable plan, the employee is not eligible to shop on the exchange and is not eligible for a premium subsidy.

Democrats have proposed that this restriction be removed, including for those with employer-sponsored insurance. This proposal would let people purchase an individual market ACA exchange plan and leverage premium subsidies if they choose to forego their employers' coverage. This would give the employee more choice and, in theory, attract more people to shop on the exchanges.

If enacted into law, these changes will result in a stronger individual health insurance market. In fact, the Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that millions of Americans with employer coverage would find more affordable coverage in the individual market. Based on this estimate alone, it is reasonable to believe that the individual market could grow by millions.

If more Americans are incentivized to enroll in a plan because of better affordability, the ratio of sick enrollees to healthy enrollees becomes more balanced. When that happens, premiums are likely to decrease in the future, further encouraging enrollments, lowering the uninsured rate, and strengthening the ACA.

Chini Krishnan is the co-founder and CEO of GetInsured.