New Survey Shows the Affordable Care Act Has Dramatically Reduced California’s Uninsured Rate
Seventy-two percent of California’s previously uninsured gained coverage since the Affordable Care Act went into effect.
The majority of the recently insured say their experience with their current Covered California plan has been positive.
Nearly half of the remaining uninsured are unaware of the financial help available only through Covered California.
The survey found that recently insured consumers are getting access to quality care:
- Seventy-seven percent say their health needs are being met, which is up from 49 percent in the first survey conducted before the launch of the Affordable Care Act and Covered California’s first open-enrollment period.
- Seventy-six percent are satisfied with their choice of primary care doctors.
- Seventy percent say their experience with their current Covered California health care plan has been positive.
Additionally, recently insured consumers say that their new health care coverage is a good value and that the coverage makes them feel more financially secure.
- Sixty-five percent say health insurance is worth the cost, which is up from 58 percent in the first survey conducted before Covered California’s first open-enrollment period.
- Forty-two percent report feeling more financially secure with health insurance provided by Covered California, which is higher than those who have employer-sponsored insurance.
The survey also showed the importance of continuing to spread the word about the financial help available only to Covered California consumers, as 76 percent of the remaining uninsured said they would be likely to get insurance in the future, if they could buy it for less than they thought. However, only 49 percent of the remaining uninsured said they were aware of the available
Covered California’s next open-enrollment period begins Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 31, 2017. In the meantime, special enrollment for those who experience a change in life circumstances, such as moving, getting married or having a baby, continues year-round.
