President Joe Biden has praised the announcement that 21.3 million people have now signed up for 2024 Obamacare health insurance plans.

The US government said Wednesday this figure was 31% higher than the previous year and the highest since its commencement.  

Joe Biden Vows to Strengthen Obamacare

According to Reuters, the Affordable Care Act, also known as ACA or Obamacare, enacted in 2010, is a pivotal piece of domestic legislation from the era of former President Barack Obama. 

The ACA primarily aids low and middle-income Americans who lack access to affordable health insurance through their employers.

Data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, a division of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), reveals that over five million individuals among the 2024 plan enrollees are new participants. 

According to the agency, the open enrollment window remains active in four states and Washington, DC, concluding on January 31. President Joe Biden praised the announcement and vowed to strengthen the law as part of his efforts to lower health care costs.

Biden has already made several steps to enhance Obamacare's appeal, including boosting federal premium subsidies until 2025 and allowing more families to be eligible for assistance.

"The American people have made it clear: they don't want the Affordable Care Act weakened and repealed - they want it strengthened and protected," Biden said in a statement. 

"We need to build on the progress we've made by making lower premiums permanent... I'll keep fighting to bring down health care and prescription drug costs," he added.

According to Biden, an additional nine million people have gained coverage under the law since he took office in 2021. 

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Donald Trump Wants to Repeal Obamacare

CNN reported that former President Donald Trump, who is running for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, has once said that he would repeal Obamacare if elected as president again. 

He said it "sucks" as he vowed to replace it with a better health plan. However, Joe Biden noted that "repealing the Affordable Care Act would throw these 21 million people off their coverage, and end Medicaid coverage for millions more."

"It would return to the days when insurance companies could rip Americans off by denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions, charge women more than men, and make older adults pay astronomical health care premiums based on their age. We must not and will not go back," he added.

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