Half of California residents support the Affordable Care Act, but many still have doubts about how it will affect health care costs and the economy, according to a recent survey by University of Southern California. Forty-two percent oppose the law in California compared to national polls that find that a majority of respondents oppose it.
The report also reveals the following:
• 44% of respondents in the individual market support the law, and 49% oppose it.
• 48% of uninsured respondents support the law, and 45% oppose it.
• Latinos support the law by a two to one margin.
• 49% of whites oppose the law, and 44% support it.
• 77% of Democrats support the law, and 80% of Republicans oppose it.
In addition:
• 67% of respondents say patients will have more access to physicians and preventive care under the law.
• 65% say the ACA will decrease the number of uninsured.
• 65% say that individuals will have trouble affording coverage under the ACA.
• Nearly 60% say the law will increase health care costs and reduce hiring.
• 46% say the law will hurt the economy while 34% say it will boost the economy.
The survey also finds that 90% of respondents are happy with their health coverage.
Forty-two percent say they don’t have enough information on the law, including 50% of Latinos.