Number of Uninsured Americans Drops in January

The nation's uninsured rate has dropped slightly this month, according to a new Gallup survey.

The survey found the uninsured rate for U.S. adults in January is now at 16.1 percent, down from 17.3 percent in December. The biggest change was for the unemployed, dropping to 34.1 percent from 40.8 percent last month.

The overall drop in the uninsured rate translates to approximately 2 to 3 million people gaining coverage through health care exchanges.

However, the survey found no significant change among young adults ages 18 to 34. The low-cost demographic is a key group for Obamacare's success.

Frank Newport, Gallup's editor in chief, said the overall drop is not extraordinary, adding it could take a calendar quarter to discern a full trend.

Major elements of the health care law took effect with the new year. Virtually all Americans are now required to get covered or risk fines. Insurers can no longer turn away people with health problems.