Many Americans Still Confused about New Health-Care Reform Law
Many Americans Still Confused about New Health-Care Reform Law
July 30, 2010 — More than 2,100 adults were given a list of 18 health-care reform items and asked to identify what's included and what's not included in the new law. Four items were correctly identified by the majority of those polled.
58% know that the reform package will prohibit insurers from denying coverage to people because they are already sick. 55% know they law permits children to stay on their parents' insurance plan until age 26; and 52% realize that people who don't have insurance will be subject to financial penalties. Additionally, half are aware that employers with more than 50 employees will have to offer their workers affordable insurance.
These are some of the findings of a HealthDay/Harris Poll conducted between July 15, 2010 and July 19, 2010 among 2,104 adults aged 18 and over.
Other findings:
82% think the bill will result in rationing of health care or that it might (it won't)
79% don't know or aren't sure if drug companies will pay an annual fee (they will)
73% don't know the law establishes a new tax on the sale of medical devices
66% don't know or aren't sure if the legislation will result in insurance exchanges were people can shop for insurance (it will)
63% either aren't sure or don't know if the new law will increase the number of people eligible for Medicaid (it will).
Although the law will prohibit insurers from denying coverage to people because they are already sick, insurers do NOT have to cover these people until 2014. There is a lot of confusion over this.
Michael F Knitter Total Rewards Director Member Since: 4/1/1998 Comments: 2
I receive several updates per week from law firms, top consulting firms and other sources attempting to clarify the law changes and issues. Ultimately this will cost employers more in just attempting to comply and understand yet alone explain to our health plan members what the changes will mean. It does not address tort reform, quality or cost control, all items that could potentially impact costs favorably.
Gregory R Szymanski, CCP Director Human Resources Member Since: 5/1/1999 Comments: 6
“82% think the bill will result in rationing of health care or that it might (it won't)” – How do you know? The law might not specifically mandate rationing of care, it certainly could become an “unintended” consequences.
This poll is terrible. People are going to continue to be “confused” about the almost 3,000 page law because, as Nancy Pelosi said, it had to be passed so we can find out what’s in it. That will be going on for many months.
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