For those who don't receive health insurance through employee benefits, an important deadline is approaching, that being the Affordable Care Act's open enrollment, the third annual one since the health care law went into effect. While most Americans are aware that they're required to purchase coverage – or risk paying the penalty – a scant few know when they must purchase a policy before time runs out, according to a newly released survey.
Less than 10 percent of uninsured consumers – 7 percent – can correctly identify the health care enrollment deadline, based on a recent poll conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Having started on Nov. 1, the ACA enrollment period runs for two full months, ending on Jan. 31. However, there are also "mini deadlines" within these cut-off periods. For example, in order for a health policy to become active on Jan 1, enrollees had to sign up before Dec. 15. From then on – specifically prior to Jan. 31 – coverage won't go into effect until Feb. 1.
Most uninsured expect to buy coverage shortly
This isn't to suggest that uninsured Americans don't intend to buy coverage, the poll revealed. Over half – 55 percent – plan to purchase an ACA-approved health policy "within the next few months," KFF reported. Meanwhile, about 40 percent said they'll pay the fine, a penalty which docks individuals a certain percentage of their annual income.
Though touted as inexpensive when supporters of the ACA pushed for its passage, the health care law has proven to be wildly misnamed, given recent polling statistics. Among men and women 18 to 64, close to half – 46 percent – said that they tried to get health insurance through the federal or state-based exchanges, but the expense was too much, KFF reported from the same survey, conducted Dec. 1-7. Nearly 10 percent said that they'd rather pay the penalty because it was less than what it would cost to pay for a full policy.
Three in 4 paying more for premiums
In the last year, almost 75 percent of Americans say they're paying more for their health insurance today than they were in January, Gallup reported in a separate poll. That's up from just over two-thirds who said as much in 2014 when a similar survey was performed.
"Health care costs remain a top issue for Americans and one that about a third say led them to put off medical treatment for themselves or a relative," said Justin McCarthy, survey analyst at Gallup. "While they have become more amenable to the concept of the government being responsible for providing health care, Americans remain overall disapproving of the Affordable Care Act."
