The number of insurers applying to offer coverage on federal exchanges fell 38 percent this year, according to CMS.
To date, 141 individual market payers filed applications to offer qualified health plans on the 2018 exchanges, compared to 227 payers at the initial filing deadline last year. Of those applicants last year, 167 actually participated.
"This is further proof that the Affordable Care Act is failing," CMS Administrator Seema Verma said. "Insurers continue to flee the exchanges, causing Americans to lose their choice for health insurance or lose their coverage all together."
The Kaiser Family Foundation released a brief July 10 showing the individual market has been stabilizing, and participating insurers are "on a path toward regaining profitability in 2017."
Insurers have until the end of September to sign a final contract to participate on the 2018 exchanges.