BUZZ-Growth in new memberships for insurance coverage better than expected, analysts say

** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said 23.6 million people have so far enrolled for coverage under Obamacare or Affordable Care Act, before the enrolment period closes for 2025 on Jan. 15

** Brokerage Oppenheimer says the latest Open Enrollment period (OEP) is already shaping up to be a record year for plan sign-ups, with enrollment surpassing last year's 21.4 million

** Brokerage Baird says it is encouraged by the 3.2 million new customers who have signed up till date, and expects this to continue growing till the end of the OEP next week

** "New consumers enrolled were better than expected, and we believe this helps create a buffer/cushion against potential fraudulent member attrition" - Baird

** Adds brokerage remains cautious and awaits visibility on potential magnitude of fraudulent member attrition

** The Affordable Care Act was former U.S. President Barack Obama's signature piece of domestic legislation which helps low and middle-income Americans who do not have access to affordable health insurance coverage through an employer

(Reporting by Sriparna Roy in Bengaluru)

((Sriparna.Roy@thomsonreuters.com;))