Nationwide, the number of people buying health plans on Affordable Care Act insurance marketplaces is down by about 833,000 compared with a year ago, according to federal data. Many states are reporting fewer new enrollees, more people dropping their coverage, and more people choosing cheaper and less generous health insurance plans with higher deductibles. Across most states, Thursday was the last day to enroll for plans that start in February. But nine states and Washington, D.C., have deadlines later this month, so the numbers could change. There are 21 states with state-run health insurance marketplaces, and the rest use the federal website. The vast majority of states have seen declines in enrollment so far, compared with around this time last year. Preliminary data released Monday by CMS shows 22.8 million enrollees, down from a record total of 24.3 million last year.
In a social media landscape shaped by hashtags, algorithms, and viral posts, nurse leaders must decide: Will they let the narrative spiral, or can they adapt and join the conversation?
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