2013
While a modest majority of Americans still disapprove of the Affordable Care Act, what I find disturbing is the great divide along political party lines. It seems to me the facts should determine ones assessment of this law, not whether you are a Republican or a Democrat. The problem of course is that both those for and against are basing their opinion on limited and often inaccurate information.
For example, we know the law expands benefits and mandates new coverage; we don’t know the long term cost impact. We know the law attempts to change payment models for Medicare; we don’t know what will work or its impact on non-Medicare health care. We know there are many new fees and taxes on employers and the health care industry; we don’t know to what extent those costs will be reflected in premiums. We know the law mandates health insurance coverage; we don’t know the level of compliance. We know the law subsidizes premiums and out of pocket costs for the great majority of people using a health insurance marketplace; we don’t know the cost of doing so.
About all we do know is the intent of the law which is as stated, to make health care affordable, accessible to every American and to raise the level of quality care our system provides. That sounds pretty much like every American can support the intent of the law, but supporting or opposing the law based on ones politics is disappointing, but clearly reflective of today’s political climate.
June 27, 2013
Americans Wary of Health Law’s Impact
Majority disapproves of the law itself
by Elizabeth Mendes
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Americans are more negative than positive about the healthcare law’s future impact on their family and on the U.S. in general. Forty-two percent say that in the long run, the law will make their family’s healthcare situation worse; 22% say it will make it better. And almost half believe the law will make the healthcare situation in the U.S. worse; 34% say it will make it better.
The healthcare law itself elicits highly partisan responses, with Republicans nearly unanimously disapproving (89%) and a smaller but still large majority of Democrats (76%) approving. Democrats’ and Republicans’ views are essentially unchanged from November 2012. It is independents whose views have changed — they have become more likely to disapprove now. The majority of independents (52%) approved of the law last fall, while now a majority disapprove (53%).
These data are from a June 20-24 Gallup poll, conducted as the Obama administration and its supporters are trying to raise awareness of the Affordable Care Act. A new nonprofit group, Enroll America, just launched a campaign, “Get Covered America,” to help the uninsured in particular learn about the new law and how to sign up for health coverage, which everyone is required to carry starting in 2014.
via Americans Wary of Health Law’s Impact.
QUINNSCOMMENTARY 