More than nine in 10 New Yorkers who became newly insured under the Affordable Care Act are “completely or somewhat satisfied” with their health insurance, a new study contends. But the survey also found some respondents had difficulty finding a doctor that would accept their insurance or take them on as a new patient, and […]
More than nine in 10 New Yorkers who became newly insured under the Affordable Care Act are “completely or somewhat satisfied” with their health insurance, a new study contends.
But the survey also found some respondents had difficulty finding a doctor that would accept their insurance or take them on as a new patient, and some struggled to afford their premiums.
That’s according to a survey the New York State Health Foundation (NYSHealth) released on Nov. 10.
The New York State Health Foundation is a New York City–based private, statewide foundation that says it is “dedicated to improving the health of all New Yorkers.”
The survey found 91 percent of respondents feel “much more” or “somewhat more” peace of mind, while 78 percent feel financial protection from big bills.
Almost nine in 10, or 88 percent, said that getting the health care they need is within their reach since securing health-insurance coverage, and 92 percent feel somewhat or much more confident that they will be able to get care when necessary.
Medicaid enrollees report even greater overall satisfaction levels compared with individuals who enrolled in private-coverage options, the survey found.
Rochester–based Harris Interactive, Inc. conducted the online survey on behalf of NYSHealth from Oct. 9-26, 2014, with responses from 250 New York residents aged 18-64 who secured health insurance through the New York State of Health marketplace or Medicaid beginning Oct. 1, 2013.
The survey is the “first to document” the actual experiences of previously uninsured New Yorkers who have gained coverage under health reform, NYSHealth contends in the news release.
More than three-quarters, or 77 percent, have tried to schedule a doctor’s appointment since getting their new insurance.
Another 84 percent have used their coverage to get a range of health or medical services including preventive care, primary care, prescription drugs, care for chronic conditions, and dental care.
Among those who used their coverage to access services, 89 percent report that having insurance made it easier to get that care.
Barriers, affordability
Although access to care is generally “strong,” some respondents encountered barriers, the survey found.
Among respondents who tried to make a doctor’s appointment since securing their insurance, one in five, or 18 percent, said it was very or somewhat difficult to find a doctor’s office or a clinic that accepts their insurance.
In addition, one in four, 23 percent, said it was very or somewhat difficult to find a doctor’s office or a clinic that would accept them as a new patient.
The survey also found “mixed” results regarding the affordability of coverage, and the cost burdens are greater for those with private coverage than for Medicaid enrollees.
Nearly 40 percent of all respondents report that they stretch their household budget “some” or “a lot” to pay their health-insurance premiums.
The figure rises to nearly two-thirds, or 62 percent, among those with private coverage. Only 27 percent of respondents with private coverage rate their monthly premium as “very affordable,” compared with 88 percent of Medicaid enrollees who do so.
Despite these concerns, health insurance appears to be a “priority” household purchase. The survey found 93 percent of all respondents are somewhat or very confident that they will be able to afford their premium payment each month.
Enrollment
Maintaining enrollment and signing up new individuals and families will be “key” to the continued success of health reform in New York, the foundation said.
With the next open enrollment period beginning Nov. 15, about 92 percent of respondents are at least somewhat likely to renew their coverage.
However, four in five, or 79 percent, expect they will need “at least a little help” to renew their coverage.
Similarly, 81 percent received help when they enrolled for the first time from the New York State of Health website or call center, family or friends, a hospital or doctor’s office, a navigator or application assister, brokers, or other sources.
More than three-quarters, or 77 percent of respondents, would recommend that a family member or a friend secure health-insurance coverage through the New York State of Health marketplace or Medicaid, according to NYSHealth.