People with Obamacare exchange policies like them

As open enrollment starts for health care policies bought through the health care exchange/marketplace at healthcare.gov, Gallup has released new data showing what people who used them before think about their coverage.

In past polls, Gallup has shown that the Affordable Care Act led to a big drop in the number of uninsured.

And it turns out that people getting insurance through the exchange like their coverage as much as other people with insurance.

Gallup notes:

Among those who bought new health insurance policies through the exchanges, the majority are about as satisfied with their coverage and healthcare as are other Americans — suggesting that the end result of the exchange enrollment process is a generally positive one for those who take advantage of it. 

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As you can see above, those with policies through the exchange, ratings of quality are a little lower while ratings of coverage are a little higher, compared to people with other coverage.

Per the chart below, people who bought their policies through the exchange are more satisfied with the cost of their policies than the overall population.

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Moreover, only 2% of newly insured Americans plan not to get insurance in the future, with three-quarters planning to renew their current exchange policy or to get another one through the exchange.

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National data suggests that people who already have plans through the exchange should check this year’s plans and prices. 

Last year Mainers could get insurance from Anthem or Maine Community Health Options. The latter usually had the best prices and attracted the most customers. Maine has more companies offering plans this year.

On average nationally, prices for silver level plans are going up just a bit. In Portland, the prices are actually dropping a bit. However, it is definitely worth the time to look at this year’s offerings and prices because the best plan for you last year might not be the best this year. Also, if you got a subsidy, you should check to see what it will be this year.

You can read the full poll report from Gallup at this link and can check eligibility and options at this link.

Amy Fried

About Amy Fried

Amy Fried loves Maine's sense of community and the wonderful mix of culture and outdoor recreation. She loves politics in three ways: as an analytical political scientist, a devoted political junkie and a citizen who believes politics matters for people's lives. Fried is Professor of Political Science at the University of Maine. Her views do not reflect those of her employer or any group to which she belongs.