Still, the public’s knowledge of and general outlook on the healthcare reform law haven’t shifted much compared with the last few months, according to the January 2014 Kaiser Health Tracking Poll.
From Jan. 14 to Jan. 21, public opinion researchers at the Kaiser Family Foundation surveyed 1,506 American adults about the PPACA. Here are three of their key findings.
1. Most of the public wasn’t aware of the importance of Jan. 1. Despite the fact that most of the PPACA’s major provisions took effect this month, most of those surveyed (62 percent) continue to believe only some of the law’s provisions have taken effect, only slightly down from 67 percent in March 2013. Just 19 percent of those polled said most or all PPACA provisions have been implemented.
2. Awareness of some of the law’s major elements has gone up, although many people remain unaware of other significant provisions. The percentage of the public aware of the PPACA’s individual mandate — which requires Americans to get health insurance or pay a fine — increased to 81 percent this month from 74 percent last March. Additionally, 68 percent are now aware of the health insurance exchanges, up from 58 percent last March. However, only about four in 10 adults surveyed were aware the law gives states the option of expanding Medicaid, prohibits insurers from denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions and provides financial assistance to help low- and moderate-income Americans purchase coverage through the PPACA marketplaces.
3. Overall views of the law remain negative. Of those surveyed, 50 percent said they have an unfavorable view of the PPACA and just 34 percent report a favorable outlook, percentages that have remained relatively stable since November. Still, most Americans think those who oppose the law should cease their efforts to repeal it, with 55 percent advocating for accepting the PPACA as the law and working to improve it. Only 38 percent are in favor of continued efforts to repeal it.
More Articles on the PPACA:
Poll: Most Uninsured Who Plan to Get Coverage Plan on Using Exchanges
3 Ways the PPACA Seeks to Stabilize the Insurance Market
Obama Urges Americans to Enroll in PPACA Plans in State of the Union
