Recently the Opinion Research Corporation conducted a survey that was sponsored by eHealth, Inc. revealing that one in five Americans – as well as nearly two out of five uninsured Americans – would wait to look into and purchase new health insurance until the health care reform legislation is fully implemented. Unfortunately, this perspective could expose individuals to substantial financial risk in the time being.
The study shows that many respondents believe much of the slated reforms will be implemented this year (2010). However, many of the reform’s elements will not be available until 2014. Some examples are:
- Availability of private health insurance without regard to pre-existing conditions.
- The establishment of government based insurance markets or exchanges.
- Many subsidies related to helping pay for insurance.
- A mandate that each person acquire insurance.
Roughly a third of those surveyed thought that most of the main elements of health care reform would be offered prior to the end of 2012. Some of the most significant reforms set to begin in 2014 that folks think will be starting in 2010 are:
- 60% think insurers will not be allowed to reject an their application for insurance due to pre-existing conditions this year.
- 56% think government health insurance exchanges will be in operation this year.
- 37% think they will be getting a subsidy to purchase medical insurance this year.
- 33% think individuals will be required to purchase insurance this year.
Of the uninsured respondents, 44% are under the assumption that there is “no risk” in deciding to go without medical coverage before the government plans are available. 37% of “young adults” take this perspective as well. In total, 27% (that’s one in four Americans) think there is “no risk” in being uninsured while waiting for the government plans to be available.
Here is a source link for the above referenced information from eHealth, Inc.
http://news.ehealthinsurance.com/pr/ehi/health-reform-survey-lack-of-awareness-158012.aspx