3 million bought private health insurance since Oct. 1

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Approximately 3 million U.S. adults enrolled in private health insurance plans via the federal and state online marketplaces since Oct. 1, U.S. officials say.

Marilyn Tavenner, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said this month, so far, 800,000 have signed up to purchase a private health insurance plan.

It's expected by the end of the month, sign ups for private health insurance will reach 1 million, but even if it does, those signed up for private health insurance plans via the online state and federal marketplaces will not reach the forecast 4.4 million by the end of January.

An earlier report by the HHS said from October to December more than 6.3 million individuals were determined eligible to enroll in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program through state agencies and through state-based online marketplaces.

These numbers include both Medicaid and CHIP new eligibility determinations in states that expanded coverage, determinations made on prior law, and in some states, Medicaid renewals and groups not affected by the Affordable Care Act. This does not include eligibility determination made through the federal online marketplace HealthCare.gov, Tavenner said.

"With millions transitioning to new coverage already, we continue to see strong interest nationwide from consumers who want access to quality, affordable coverage," Tavenner said.

"As our outreach efforts kick into even higher gear, we anticipate these numbers will continue to grow, particularly as we reach even more uninsured young adults so that they know that new options and new ways to help eligible individuals pay for their premium are now available, thanks to the Affordable Care Act."