ACA signups lag ahead of enrollment deadline

Tomorrow marks the last day of open enrollment — and so far, the numbers suggest that sign-ups are lagging. As of Wednesday, nearly 20 percent fewer new people signed up for health insurance through ACA marketplaces than at the same time last year. Active renewals are also down 8 percent. It's not clear what, exactly, might be behind the lower enrollment numbers so far this year. But the low unemployment rate, the repeal of the individual mandate, less marketing spending, and Virginia's newly expanded Medicaid program could all play a role. Some caveats about the sign-up data: A few states have later deadlines and sign-ups can surge right before the deadline.