Ninety percent of Americans don’t know that the new health insurance exchanges will open in October, according to a survey by InsuranceQuotes.com. Laura Adams, senior insurance analyst, InsuranceQuotes.com said, “We found a very inconsistent understanding of the Affordable Care Act, and we fear that many people will miss key deadlines and benefits because they don’t adequately understand the new law.”
A majority did answer correctly that health plans cannot deny coverage based on preexisting health conditions and must extend coverage to dependent children up to age 26. Just under half of Americans know that health plans must limit the money that patients have to pay out of pocket each year and that health plans cannot place limits on the total dollar value of benefits that patients receive. Thirty-nine percent of Americans surveyed say they are somewhat knowledgeable about the Affordable Care Act, 28% are not very knowledgeable; and 21% are not at all knowledgeable. Only 10% are very knowledgeable. Forty percent 40% expect health care reform to have a major effect on their lives; 39% expect a minor effect; and 19% expect no effect. For more information, visithttp://www.InsuranceQuotes.com.