Following the expiration of the Covid-era enhanced Obamacare subsidies at the end of last year, the corporate media have remained focused on how much Exchange enrollment might decline this year. But a new report issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provides another perspective on the issue.
Official reports by the Congressional Budget Office and Government Accountability Office have previously examined how applicants misstate their income to qualify for subsidies and how Exchanges permitted enrollment of fictitious applicants. But the data HHS analyzed gives additional context and granular details surrounding improper enrollments into Exchange coverage. It provides yet another reminder that “success” should not merely consist of the number of people (real or otherwise) enrolled in government programs — and that Congress and the administration should take additional action to guard against fraud.