HHS: Nearly 11.3 million sign up for Marketplace plans as of Dec. 26

Nearly 11.3 million Americans selected a 2016 health plan between Nov. 1 and Dec. 26 using HealthCare.gov or a state-based platform, according to a new report by the Department of Health and Human Services. About 35% of enrollees were under age 35 and 27% were selecting a health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplaces for the first time, HHS said. The most common plan selections were silver (68%) and bronze (22%). More than eight in 10 people who selected a plan in the 38 states using HealthCare.gov qualified for an advance premium tax credit, which had an average value of $294 per month. The report also includes data on the 13 state-based Marketplaces. Open enrollment for 2016 runs through Jan. 31.