6.4 million Americans sign up through HealthCare.gov

Despite having to confront what she deemed political "headwinds," U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell said "The take-away is growth," as her department released a snapshot report of the number of Americans who have signed up for health insurance through HealthCare.gov.

During a media call Wednesday, Burwell said some 400,000 more people nationwide had signed up for 2017 coverage through the federal marketplace exchange as of Dec. 19, compared to this time last year. That's a total of 6.4 million enrollees, she said.

These numbers, Burwell cautioned, do not include auto-enrollments. Those combined figures will be released next month, she said.

In Iowa, 35,931 people had enrolled, the HHS reported. That is increase of 2,094 compared to this time last year.

A national advertising campaign — what Burwell called a 'hard push' — will be launched in January to encourage more people to enroll.

Coverage will begin Jan. 1. Open enrollment through HealthCare.gov will continue through Jan. 31.

Burwell was asked by a reporter during the call what she would tell those who now might not believe they need to sign up, under the assumption the ACA will be repealed under the Donald Trump presidency and they no longer would have to fear a fine for not enrolling.

'The Affordable Care Act is the law of land,' she replied. Moreover, she added, insurance companies have promised her 'we won't see rapid disruption' in the marketplace.

Andy Slavitt, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services acting administrator and who also participated in the call, added that 'three days in the hospital can cost you $20,000.'

Consumers 'can buy a plan for $75 or less' on HealthCare.gov, he said.