A survey conducted in recent months by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that six in 10 individuals who signed up for a health plan, either through the federal health insurance exchange or a state-based exchange, such as Covered California, were previously uninsured. Four in 10 already had insurance prior to purchasing a plan through the exchange1.
The majority of the previously uninsured individuals reported that they had been uninsured for two years or more. Many said the ACA was what motivated them to obtain coverage, most likely because of the cost-sharing subsidies and tax breaks available to those who qualify on plans purchased through the exchange, and because of the health mandate requiring most people to have health insurance.
The survey findings were based on phone calls made between April and May of this year to 742 people ages 18 to 64, selected at random. All of the individuals surveyed had purchased their own insurance (i.e. were not covered on a group health insurance plan).
Around two-thirds of those surveyed had ACA-compliant plans, while three in 10 had “grandfathered” plans—that is, plans purchased prior to the ACA going into effect.
Interestingly, the survey results appear to reveal that many individuals who purchased coverage through the exchange were unaware that their coverage was subsidized. When asked, only 46% said they were getting help from the government to pay premiums; this is in sharp contrast with the 85% the Obama administration’s data shows.
Obtaining Coverage through the Exchange
While the deadline has passed, to enroll in coverage this year, open enrollment for coverage in 2015 will begin later this year. Contact the Certified Insurance Agents at Benefit Packages for expert advice and information about enrolling in Covered California.
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