Enrollment In Private Health Insurance Exchanges Doubled In 2015: Accenture

Six million Americans enrolled in private health insurance programs for their 2015 employer benefits, doubling from the three million counted in 2014, according to a new study by consulting firm Accenture. The increase was driven by midsize employers, which Accenture defines as companies with between 100 and 2,500 employees. The firm is expecting enrollment in private health insurance exchanges to grow to 12 million in 2016 and 22 million in 2017. By 2040, Accenture expects the number to rise to 40 million, surpassing enrollment in state and federally funded exchanges. The study found that fewer employers dropped 2015 coverage than initially forecasted. A full 76% of consumers said employer-backed coverage is a key motive for remaining with their current employer.