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Nearly 11.7 million people signed up for health coverage in state and federal marketplaces under the Affordable Care Act, the Obama administration said Monday. The latest numbers on the second year of open enrollment are a tangible sign the health law is effective, Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell said Monday during a White House event to thank stakeholders who helped during the sign-up period. (Armour, 3/9)

Nearly 11.7 million people were enrolled in an Obamacare plan through Feb. 22, Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell said Monday. That number will continue to increase because of extended enrollment periods through April for those who learn of the penalties for not having health care while they are doing their taxes. But as of now, Burwell said more than half of those who signed up were new customers. (O'Donnell, 3/9)

California fell short of its second-year enrollment goal for Obamacare, but don't blame insurance agents. They accounted for 43% of new enrollment in Covered California, the state's health insurance exchange. That compares with 30% of people who enrolled themselves online or 10% who turned to a certified enrollment counselor or navigator. (Terhune, 3/9)

The Maryland Health Exchange reported Monday that 289,131 people enrolled in private and government-funded plans during open enrollment that ended Feb. 28. The exchange, where under the Affordable Care Act people who don't receive insurance through an employer can get a health plan, enrolled 122,778 people in private plans and 166,353 in Medicaid. (McDaniels, 3/9)