Kaiser Family Foundation Survey on the Impacts of the ACA on the Uninsured in California
The Kaiser Family Foundation has followed the impacts of the Affordable Care Act on uninsured Californians over four reporting periods. They followed a group of over 2000 uninsured from 2013 to 2016. Nearly three fourths gained coverage; primarily through Medicaid (1/3rd), then employment-based coverage (1/5th) and Covered California (1/10th).
They were far more likely to report their health needs are being met, their financial worries lessened. Eighty percent said their experiences were positive; they are satisfied with their choice of hospitals and primary care doctors and over 2/3rds are pleased with their choice of specialists.
A quarter reported unreasonable delays in getting doctor’s appointments and 1/8th reported being turned away by a doctor’s office or clinic.
About a quarter remain uninsured, 10% due to legal status and 17% who are eligible but have not applied. Seventy two percent of the remaining uninsured are very worried about their financial security due to their uninsured status, but are either ineligible due to immigration status or cannot afford coverage. While over 80% of the remaining uninsured are aware of the fines for being uninsured only about half are aware of the Medicaid expansion and premium assistance through Covered California.
Prepared by: Lucien Wulsin
Date: 8/18/2016