Streamlined ACA Health Insurance Enrollment

Summary

Reducing enrollment to a single checkbox—rather than requiring a multi-step application—had the largest effect of any communication tested. Even a personalized letter with the applicant's name and pre-filled information outperformed generic outreach. The experiment reframes the enrollment problem: the barrier is the form, not awareness.

Research question

"Does a 'check the box' streamlined enrollment option outperform standard reminder letters?"

Methodology

Result

Positive

Streamlined: +11 pp; Personalized reminder: +7.9 pp; Generic reminder: +4.5 pp vs. control

Evidence strength

Strong

Randomized controlled trial with large sample.

Replication status

Partially replicated