Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced that she expects 13.8 million individuals to sign up for coverage through the Marketplaces during the upcoming open enrollment.

The projection was announced as part of her remarks highlighting what she called the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) success in dramatically expanding access to coverage, and describing the Marketplace’s role in the administration’s work to create a smarter health care system that puts Americans at the center of their care.

“We’re confident that millions of Americans will choose to enroll when they learn that quality, affordable health insurance is within reach,” Burwell said. “We believe 13.8 million sign-ups during the upcoming open enrollment will help keep driving down the national uninsured rate, which is already the lowest in our nation’s history.”

Open enrollment begins Nov. 1 at healthcare.gov and various state-operated sites.