And, despite the many glitches that occurred as states launched their insurance exchanges yesterday, it appears the word is getting out about open enrollment. This is a good thing. Assuming the individual mandate isn’t delayed — which Senate Democrats are likely to keep from happening — the most important factor in ObamaCare’s public opinion in the next few months will rest with how easily exchanges are navigated, and the publics’ response to their rates and coverage options.
Previous polls show many Americans are unaware of the exchanges, but I think that’s starting to change. The local NBC news I watch here in Chicago had two stories on it during the 30 minutes I had it on this morning, and The Today Show mentioned the exchanges within its first 10 minutes. And it seems like every time I’ve walked into Walgreens in the past couple of weeks I’ve seen a new sign saying “Ask me about health reform.” Hopefully, as we near Jan. 1, information on how to obtain coverage for those that aren’t covered will be everywhere, and difficult to ignore. Regardless of your view on the mandate, if it goes forward, it’s critical that all Americans affected — even those who are the least educated and health literate — are able to comply, and hopefully, benefit from it.
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