Two-Thirds of Americans Don't Know If They Will Insure Under Obamacare

[Redfairen]

Source: CNBC

Nearly two-thirds of Americans who currently lack health insurance don't know yet if they will purchase that coverage by the Jan. 1 deadline set by the ACA, a new survey revealed Monday.

And less than half of those in the survey released by InsuranceQuotes.com think they'll get better health care after Obamacare takes full effect. Nearly 50 percent believe the ACA will make it more difficult for them to get tests and procedures done in a timely manner, according to the phone survey of 1,001 adult Americans conducted in early May.

And a whopping 68 percent of low-income Americans aren't sure they qualify for tax credits that would subsidize their purchase of health insurance—despite they fact that they almost invariably will qualify, the survey found. That population is most likely to benefit from government subsidies under the health-care reform law.

Laura Adams, senior insurance analyst at InsuranceQuotes.com, said public uncertainty about Obamacare—particularly a lack of commitment to signing up—could end up driving up health-insurance costs under the program because not enough healthy people will participate to offset benefits payouts.

Read more: http://www.cnbc.com/id/100783056

[lumberjack_jeff]

1. Experience corrects ignorance.

"don't know" is the operative phrase in the article.

[24601]

9. It's unclear what it means. If we don't change our insurance after implementation from what we

have, are we insuring "after" ACA or "in accordance" with ACA, are are we just maintaining pre-ACA status quo, our likely case no matter what it's called.

[Agnosticsherbet]

2. It appears that constsant Republican disinformation and propaganda have worked.

just like they were intended.

[still_one]

3. I don't believe anything that comes from cnbs. /nt

[Fumesucker]

4. I have every piece of mail from the government for the last three years

Nothing at all mentions the ACA in any way.

The commercial networks are being left to inform the American public and they are doing their usual job with all the style, panache and credibility we have come to know and love.

[still_one]

33. That is the problem, CNBS and others have been bashing it for 2 years, then do this poll based to

Their misinformation

[grahamhgreen]

5. DON'T BUY CRAPSURANCE, instead use the Community Health Centers in Obamacare!

http://www.healthcare.gov/using-insurance/low-cost-care/community-health-centers/

Community Health Centers

A network of community health centers across the country provides preventive and primary care to millions of Americans. They provide care for free or on a sliding scale based on your income.
How can I get affordable care in my community?

Community Health Centers are hospitals, health centers, or clinics that provide free or low-cost health care. These places provide prenatal care, baby shots, prescription drugs, general primary care, and specialized care for more serious conditions including mental health, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS.

Anyone may use a community health care center, whether you have health insurance or not. How much you pay will depend on your income.

Find out how to locate a community health center in your area.

[magellan]

6. That only goes so far, depending on your need

2009, husband had an abnormally high PSA. We spent a lot of time at our county health clinic. They eventually shunted us off to a church free clinic, where he saw a urologist who decided he needed three biopsies at $1K each. And that was the discount rate. He had one. Even paying it off in installments nearly broke us; we couldn't afford two more.

Our financial situation hasn't changed since '09. Even if we can afford the monthly premiums through ACA there will be a deductible involved; probably $5K or more to keep our premium down. How does that help us? I anticipate having to choose between paying for insurance we can't afford to use, or paying the fine.

[Demo_Chris]

7. The closest is three hours drive from me...

I guess some people get free or low cost healthcare and others do not. The entire Dallas / Fort Worth area has exactly zero of these centers.

[Cryptoad]

10. Send your Thanks to

Gov Perry!

[Le Taz Hot]

13. This isn't just Texas.

This is EVERYWHERE including California. I checked our rates under Obamacare: $1,200 a month WITH a $12,000 deductible. Right now I pay nothing for health insurance to not have any. I can't wait to PAY for the same privilege. THIS PRESIDENT was the one who sold out to big pharma and the insurance companies-- they donated LOTS of dinero to his campaign. This has NOTHING to do with Rick Perry and EVERYTHING to do with a sell-out president who completely caved on Single Payer and WE are the ones who suffer.

[Myrina]

25. ^^ This ^^

Sadly, many of us are in the same boat. Sigh.

[Politicub]

41. Which plan did you choose?

And how many dependents do you have?

I was just curious and can't find the plan that has the costs you have in your OP.

[Demo_Chris]

43. Even if Obamacare had policies that only cost a hundred a month...

Even if Obamacare had policies that only cost a hundred a month, rather than the 1,200 you were quoted, such a policy would be completely un-affordable to any of the hundred million or so Americans on the verge of poverty -- and many beyond that. They don't have an extra 1,200 a YEAR, let alone an extra 1,200 a month. And for them, the idea of a $12,000 deductible makes the policy worthless.

Thanks to Obamacare the poor and desperate are literally being forced, by law, to purchase a product they can not afford, do not want, that does absolutely nothing for them.

And garbage like this is passed off as progress by the new third way Limousine Left.

[Zen Democrat]

55. That's just not true. The poor and desperate will be covered by an expanded Medicaid program.

And states such as Texas who vow not to enroll the poor in Medicaid will soon change their tune when reality sets in.

[Demo_Chris]

67. We'll see how that actually works out...

And remember, these days there are basically two kinds of people: the ones doing just fine and the desperate. Sadly, only the first group has representation in Washington.

[Cryptoad]

12. Having insurance

and what facilities you chose to use, are two unrelated thingys!

[Bluenorthwest]

23. Have you been to one of these? I checked your link and yes, the clinic where there is a

large line each morning for the last 20 years of so is now called 'a community health center' ]but it is not new, it is certainly not seen as open to all as Soup kitchens are 'there for all' in the same was as such a clinic is there for all. I'd feel wrong to use it. Do you also say 'save your cash, go to the food bank'?

[lark]

45. Do all states have to have these?

FL is doing it's dead level best to fuck over it's struggling citizen and deny them healthcare. They turned down Medicaid (stupid, stupid, stupid) then voted in exchanges that are high cost and don't cover much. They also voted to end all price controls on the cost of insurance. Don't know what Rick Scott will do with that one? I hope for once in his life, he acts human and vetoes the bill. My hope for that is this will hurt the hospitals and I've heard his wife took over his interest in HCA and these are in blind trusts (yeah, right to the blind part).

I'm worried sick about my son who is barely surviving now and can't afford even $50 a month extra. If these community centers are required and states can't opt out, as they can with impunity on most things, what will happen when the poor can't afford what our state offers? The federal government is not protecting us on this, folks, or the FL plan wouldn't be allowed.

[Demo_Chris]

8. Whether they qualify for assistance or not...

If people cannot afford it they cannot afford it. For these people, and there are many tens of millions of them, Obamacare only hurts them since they will get slapped with a fine for not giving their money to one of our fine insurance companies in exchange for worthless policies.

Still, Obamacare is a great deal -- if you happen to own an insurance company.

[Cryptoad]

11. Wrong.......If you can't afford it ,,,,,you can afford it..

that the how it works. And if you can Afford it , why would you pay a fine that is greater than the cost of buying insurance?

[Le Taz Hot]

14. To use your vernacular

Wrong! The fine is purported to be $750.00 a year per person PER YEAR which sure as hell beats $12,000 a year in premiums AND a $12,000 deductible. So, yeah, most of us will opt to take the $750.00 per anum beating for the privilege of NOT getting what we're NOT getting for free now: No insurance.

This isn't health care, it's a HUGE giveaway to the insurance companies.

[LiberalFighter]

18. Purported to be???

The fine in 2014 will be $95 per adult or 1% of family income whichever is greater. You might want to check out the details more.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

22. The hatred for the president is a greater motivator than facts.

[Bluenorthwest]

24. It is crappy policy, compare it to the rest of the developed world

When I see people use the word 'hate' constantly to describe dislike for a policy, I know that they do not understand the meaning of the word, they do not have to face any hate in life and they have zero empathy for those who face actual hate, which often kills and maims and imprisons.
They toss the world's most negative word as if it as a nerf ball doing no harm when they hurl it repeatedly as response to policy disagreements.
They are the people who allow actual hate against others to flourish for they know not what they do.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

29. When I see people who don't know about the policy but just regurgitate what they hear because

it suits their point of view, I use the word "hate". When there's always this knee-jerk response to something...ANYTHING...without first looking at the facts, I call it hate because there's no other explanation for it.

It only takes a few minutes to look at the policy.

ACA isn't the best, but it's better than what we have. It should be improved on. We need to push for the public option. Sitting around complaining about how awful it is without doing anything to push for an improvement does no one any good. The Teabaggers never give up. If the situation were reversed, they'd be demanding a change in the policy. What do we do? Sit on a message board day in and day out complaining about how awful the president is. He doesn't do this and he doesn't do that. Whatever. Why not get to work getting progressives elected to office so that we can have a public option? Why not push for change on our end?

Again, anger, disappointment, disdain, and yes, pure hatred paralyzes us.

[CreekDog]

34. that poster says the Clean Air Act doesn't apply to San Francisco, so...

that poster has no idea what they are talking about, on more than one topic, apparently.

[Yo_Mama]

70. The problem is that it's crappy insurance

I mean, if you have a car accident, it will be wonderful for the hospital. And it's going to be good for most insurance companies. But for a lot of people, the deductibles and copays are so high that they literally won't be able to afford routine health care.

Look at Silver plans:
http://www.coveredca.com/PDFs/English/CoveredCA-HealthPlanBenefitsComparisonChart.pdf

The subsidies make insurance cheap but actual medical care very expensive unless you are close to the Medicare line. Geeze, a generic medication copay of JUST $25 bucks? And if you need something not generic, it's a $250 deductible plus $25?

So let's say I have a urinary tract infection. I have already had my one free visit a year. I go to the doctor which costs me $45. The doctor orders a urinanalysis and sensitivity culture (to see what meds the infection is susceptible to), which costs me $45. It's going to cost me at least another $25 for the prescription, and God help me if it turns out I need something expensive, because then it's going to cost me $25 + $250. So the minimum cost for something common like this will be $115, and for some it will be $390.

There are additional lower costs for lower income people, but it looks like those kick in for the out-of-pocket costs.

God help diabetics on expensive meds with low incomes. We might as well just shoot them when they walk through the door. Every time you order lancets it's a prescription, and test strips are a prescription, and insulin/etc is a prescription.

Here's the sliding benefits widget:
http://www.coveredca.com/PDFs/English/CoveredCA_HealthPlanBenefitsSummary.pdf

Yes, a 60 year old with a silver plan and $26,000 a year in income will only have to pay $156 a month for the insurance, but look at the copays for this person which you can find at the link just above.

A lot of people who actually need medical care simply will not be able to get it with this deal. And the lunatics who are claiming this will end medical bankruptcy! My God, the rate of medical BKs are going to go through the roof. The max out of pocket, not including premiums, is $5,200 a year.

So we are theorizing that this 60 year old who has income of $26,000 annually is going to have to pay $7,072 out of pocket any year with high medical costs? That's about 33% of after-tax income, isn't it? So $20,000 - $7000 leaves $13,000 in cash to live on? Pay for transportation, housing, etc?

Sorry, I'm just heartsick at what is happening to a lot of people here. This is a joke. It's not so bad for younger healthy people, but for any one with any real medical problem who isn't earning a pretty good amount, this isn't "access to health care". It isn't. It's a hospital-profit-protection-plan for required-emergency-treatment.

No one in his or her right mind would believe that many of these people will be getting the care they need. These plans aren't so bad for relatively high earners who buy the "Gold" plans (not subsidized). But lower income people won't be able to afford the copays.

[Myrina]

28. That makes it all the more likely people will opt for the fine.

$95 out of my annual tax refund vs. $1,200/mo. & an enormous deductible for no services at all isn't a math problem even I could get wrong.

[quadrature]

59. the fine is avoidable !!

adjust your (income tax)witholding
so you don't get a refund.

everybody wins

[Le Taz Hot]

31. Even better!

The $750.00 was a figure thrown out there a couple of years ago. Only $95.00 per adult to not be insured. I'll take that deal.

[Ter]

72. I'm sorry, but the more I look at this, the more I'm upset it wasn't struck down

Forcing us to buy "or else" is very unConstitutional. John Roberts was wrong.

[Demo_Chris]

44. So the fine for not buying what I cannot afford is only $300 a year for my family?

Well, wasn't that nice of Obama. I'm sure fucking glad I have him fighting for me.

[Politicub]

42. You are just making crap up

If you can't provide links to validate your assertions then you're just blowing smoke up everyone's ass.

[Le Taz Hot]

47. I've been around since 2001

and long ago established my DU credentials. And you? (Rhetorical question, I don't give a shit.)

Here's the link I used: http://www.coveredca.com/calculating_the_cost.html

And if you think I'm going to give you my personal information on the internet you're delusional.

[hughee99]

63. I believe that's the MAXIMUM fine (actually $695), it's not a set amount. n/t

http://www.factcheck.org/2012/06/how-much-is-the-obamacare-tax/

The minimum amount — per person — will be $695 once the tax is fully phased in. But it will be less to start. The minimum penalty per person will start at $95 in 2014, the first year that the law will require individuals to obtain coverage. And it will rise to $325 the following year.

Starting in 2017, the minimum tax per person will rise each year with inflation. And for children 18 and under, the minimum per-person tax is half of that for adults.

However, the minimum amount per family is capped at triple the per-person tax, no matter how many individuals are in the taxpayer’s household. So, for example, a couple with one child over 18 (or two children age 18 or under), and no coverage, would pay a minimum of $285 in 2014, $975 in 2015 and $2,085 in 2016. And that would be the minimum no matter how many uninsured dependents a taxpayer has.

[Ter]

71. There shouldn't be any cost

It should be totally free.

[Autumn Colors]

15. Do you have to pay all up front?

I could afford this with the gov't subsidy (according to the calculator on Connecticut's website) ... BUT, that's only if I only have to pay my part of it at the time of purchase. If I have to pay the full price up front and then wait to get the gov't subsidy back at tax time, then forget it. There's no way in hell I can afford that.

My share is of the premium -- without visiting any doctors -- is calculated to be only about $40 per month. The full price without any subsidy is calculated to be $625 per month. There's no way I can pay that upfront -- not even one month's worth. Needless to say, even WITH the subsidy, I could only afford to pay this on a monthly basis. I couldn't pay the annual amount up front.

[LiberalFighter]

19. Call or contact someone from CT about it.

[lumberjack_jeff]

27. they apply the credit when you buy the policy.

[kestrel91316]

38. When you buy through the exchange, they take care of the subsidy and you only pay your part of the

premium. You do NOT have to pay the full premium and then wait for a tax return. I was very concerned about this and looked into it and was happy about what I found.

If you are in a red state with no exchange being set up, you are screwed, of course.

[LiberalFighter]

49. If the state doesn't set one up it becomes a federal exchange.

So I don't think anyone will be screwed up bad based on that. Personally, I think it will be better.

[madrchsod]

16. my wifes employer still have`t figured out how it will affect their employees

they are waiting for more information from the government before making any statement and/or policy change.

[StandingInLeftField]

17. Considering the South Carolina legislature has just "nullified" the ACA, I'm at a real loss...

...to the tune of about $1200.00 a month for individual health coverage.

The Obama administration has done an exceptionally poor job of informing the public about the ACA, and some states (especially mine) have succeeded in making a farce out of a comic situation. And on top of it all, Healthcare.gov is a joke of a website.

Looks like I'll be taking a $750.00 hit come April 15th....


Not exactly what I had in mind when I voted for Mr. Obama.

[Drale]

26. The South Carolina Legislature cannot "nullify" a Federal Law

no matter how much they want to, they have to follow the law or they will be sued by the Feds and forced to implement it and pay back anything lost because of their stupidity.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

30. "Obama administration has done an exceptionally poor job of informing the public about the ACA"

This is one of my biggest complaints about the president and this administration.

The ACA isn't perfect but it's a good law. The president, his administration, the Democrats should be out there telling the American people why this law is good.

[Demo_Chris]

46. It's a good law IF you are already well off

For the poor, and for our party -- once the average voter realizes just how bady Obama fucked them -- it's going to be a disaster. I think most of those supporting this insanity haven't thought about what the insurance companies are going to do with this mandate down the road. Right now those companies are struggling to help make it work, while complaining bitterly to hide their glee, but once it's locked into place we are well and truly screwed.

[zipplewrath]

57. Dunno

It really depends upon how aggressive the feds are in enforcing the mandate. If they don't, there are alot of people that won't get insurance, and won't particularly know that they were suppose to. Those that do will get a subsidy and appreciate that to some extent. They couldn't afford insurance before, and they can now, even if they slowly realize they can't afford the deductibles or underlying costs of care. But it isn't clear to me that will translate to "blame" politically.

Of course if the feds, or the states, some how aggressively try to pursue the uninsured, especially the healthy uninsured, it could cause a fairly large backlash by people who can't afford it and don't feel they "need it".

[Demo_Chris]

68. The minute the mandate and penalties hit the GOP is going to use it to flog our candidates...

They will be talking out of both sides of their mouthes of course. They'll campaign by making sure everyone knows they lost their tax refund to the Obamacare penalty -- and at the same time they'll be underfunding the assistance, raising the threshold at which assistance is available, and ramming through harsher penalties for those who refuse to buy. And why not, our party is the one left holding the bag. We're the ones who decided healthcare reform was as simple as an insurance mandate.

[zipplewrath]

69. If they raise the threshold, they'll exempt more people

right now, if they won't subsidize your insurance. If they raise the threshold, it will mean more people aren't subject to the mandate. That would actually reduce the backlash. Well, except for those people who wanted the insurance, but couldn't get it.

[hopemountain]

53. they are leaving this to

the states - who ultimately decide exactly how their citizens will be able to implement the ACA.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

65. Yes, I know, but they should've done a much better job informing the public. Commercials,

a public announcement campaign, etc. whatever it takes to inform the public. This is a HUGE change in health care policy. There should've been more effort to educate folks rather than allow the right wing and a complicit corporate media write and push this narrative.

It's a great accomplishment by the administration. They need to tell people how great it is. Not perfect, but great nonetheless.

[Safetykitten]

20. So look for 750 bucks less in your tax return, if you do get any money back.

We are entering the twilight zone, as the crazy shit this debacle will unleash just before January 1st will be freaking nuts.

[Marrah_G]

21. For many it will depend on price.

When you are poor, tax credits don't mean much, because you literally live paycheck to paycheck. Subsidies are a much better way to go.

[kestrel91316]

36. The premiums will be subsidized. I'll be getting a policy for no more than $50 a month.

[Marrah_G]

39. Oh, that's great :)

[LiberalFighter]

50. We need to hear more of that.

Too many are spouting off crap they know nothing about.

[Sunlei]

32. how much will the fine be and is the fine tax deductable the next year?

Do the searches at that InsuranceQuotes.com and see what comes up, the yearly deductables are crazy high for some age groups. The monthly premiums are to high for a couple of 'free exams'. Any insurance that includes dental and eye exams is unafordable for most Americans.

America really needs Medicaid for all ages and a couple more NON-Profit insurance providers.

How about opening the trained military healthcare system, all the VA hospitals, all the Military Doctors and Medicare/Medicaid to all Americans for a premium on a bell curve. These systems are already in place, use them.

[kestrel91316]

35. I will qualify and, YES, I will purchase it.

[Adsos Letter]

37. "Nearly 50 percent believe the ACA will make it more difficult for them to get tests and procedures

Nearly 50 percent believe the ACA will make it more difficult for them to get tests and procedures done in a timely manner...

Doesn't this depend upon the provider chosen? My wife works for Kaiser, and they have had an ongoing emphasis on improving patient access, which is already very good. It is at the top of the goals list at her facility, and within the regional system.

[LiberalFighter]

51. Since those that already have health care insurance aren't likely to be part of that group...

that leaves those w/o insurance thinking that way? Well that seems to be a problem with that logic. They likely didn't have tests and procedures done before so what time reference are they using? Or maybe it has been ages since they last had any done.

[LiberalFighter]

52. I would think if testings and procedures are done right

Meaning doing only necessary that it should relieve the load so it doesn't take as long.

[Adsos Letter]

54. Yeah. Plus, there is a heavy emphasis in the Kaiser system on preventive health care

Try to keep people well, rather than having to treat preventable diseases. That is designed to lower long-term costs, and improve the general level of health among its membership.

[maxsolomon]

61. Here we see people repeating GOP talking points.

What's "timely"? 1 day vs. 2? They're buying GOP BS about Canadian health care.

[Adsos Letter]

62. It has to be something like that.

I'm only familiar with the Kaiser system, so I really can't speak to any other healthcare organizations, or insurance providers.

In the interest of full disclosure: I've been a Kaiser member since I was a kid covered under my dad's CDF benefit, and my wife has worked for them going on 20 years now. Still, I do have a lot of familiarity with their ongoing efforts to rise to the top in terms of value of cost for service, access, preventive healthcare, and community involvement. And, as part of my benefits through the Kaiser Permanante HealthConnect system I have easy access to my medical records, e-mail to my doctors, lab results, etc., plus their on-line library of health-related articles and data.

Plus, at least in my wife's service area, they have very good rapport and cooperation with Labor.

I guess I probably sound like a booster for Kaiser. I've just been really happy with the care they've provided through several very serious illnesses, and the routine stuff, too.
And, I've had a front-row seat to my wife's involvement in the company's larger efforts to become a top notch provider.

[nobodyspecial]

40. I'm not sure because I live in a state that won't implement the program

so I don't think I can get the subsidy that I qualify for. I can't afford it without the subsidy. In fact, I would probably qualify for Medicaid if the state would expand it as some others are doing. I would love to have access to something, even if there is some cost involved.

[konnie]

48. why they won't

it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the reason the working poor, the majority of the uninsured and young people will not buy insurance is quite obvious. for all the yammering on both sides the fact that gets their attention is the $95 penalty for NOT buying on the exchanges. They have been running the risk for a long time. they have no clue what a policy would cost, cover or protect them from. $95, they could probably cough that up if they had to. an unknown and rising monthly premium, unknown co-pays, 80-20 balances versus $95? they may be uninsured, but they aren't dumb.

[zipplewrath]

56. Reduction in their refund

A large number of people will pay the tax out of their tax refund I suspect, and may not evey really realize it. They'll fill out their 10-40EZ and it will tell them to deduct $95 and they'll get some nominal refund and go off an buy a new case for their iPod.

[Laelth]

60. Sick uninsured people will buy these plans, I think.

Healthy ones will not. My hope is that dumping the sick back on private insurers through the ACA will drive private health insurers out of the market. My hope is that health insurance will become unprofitable. That's the fastest way that I can see to get us to a single-payer system.

btw, welcome to DU.

-Laelth

[zipplewrath]

58. 2/3rds already are

more than 2/3rds of Americans are already insured, regardless of Obamacare. And the ACA was specifically designed not to interfere much with that. Some portion willl have their employers mess around with their insurance and they'll have to engage the exchanges, and some folks currently purchasing private plans will engage the exchanges, and may actually get a subsidy, although they may not fully understand the amount of the subsidy. Some may actually start getting employer based plans that didn't have them before too.

[Humanist_Activist]

64. I really hope I don't end up on my employer's insurance provided plan...

it sucks and is one of those high deductible plans, oh, and there's no choices, which also sucks, and it still costs 200 bucks a month.

[Doctor_J]

66. Unfortunately even if they don't sign up they'll get treatment

for a car accident or other emergency. So those who do pay into the system will foot the additional costs. That's why SP should have been part of the negotiation, as we were promised during Campaign 2008.

OTOH if Hate Radio and Fox "News" have convinced half of America of a lie like this, then their exercise of their right to free speech has become a public health menace, and it is time for the government to do something about them. This is very close to yelling fire in a crowded room.

Brace yourselves, real Americans. The manufactured hatred of the ACA may finally spark the cleansing that we have been in need of for 30 years.