Americans Are Worried That the Exchanges Will Fail

Fifty-six percent of Americans are not confident that the health exchanges will operate smoothly during this fall’s open enrollment, according to a Bankrate.com report. Fewer than two in five people are confident in the technical capabilities of the exchanges. Americans fear much higher prices for health plans during the upcoming enrollment season; 46% say this could be a major problem. Only one in 12 Americans report lower monthly health care spending compared to a year ago while almost half report higher spending. Thirty-seven percent of Americans say they are more negative about the Affordable Care Act’s effect on their own health care than they were a year ago while only 16% are more positive. The negative sentiment is up 9% from August 2013. Bankrate.com insurance analyst Doug Whiteman said, “The Obama Administration is still having trouble getting Americans to believe in affordable health care, despite the Department of Health and Human Services’ recent report that nearly half the people buying subsidized plans on HealthCare.gov are paying $50 a month or less for their health plans.” For more information, visit http://www.bankrate.com/finance/insurance/health-insurance-survey-opinions-on-obamacare.aspx