Poll Shows Healthcare Reform Confuses Americans

Posted in Health Insurance

August 23rd, 2010

A new poll released by Thomson Reuters revealed that not only do Americans have less confidence in their ability to pay for their healthcare, they are also confused about how healthcare reform can actually help them. According to the poll, Americans’ confidence in their ability to pay for and access healthcare has dropped 5 percent, partially due to this confusion.

Consumers Having Trouble Paying for Healthcare

In the poll, also known as the Thomson Reuters Consumer Healthcare Sentiment Index, 3,000 respondents were asked if they had problems paying for their healthcare or had to postpone care in the three months prior. It also asked if they expected to have problems in the coming three months.

Respondents answered all questions in a pessimistic fashion, showing that their confidence in the healthcare system and healthcare reform is eroding.

Healthcare Reform is Confusing

Another issue that respondents seemed to have with the state of our healthcare system is the fact that the reform is confusing to them. According to the poll, it seems that most people really don’t know what has been implemented and how it will affect their ability to secure quality health insurance or otherwise pay for healthcare.

Without knowing how reform has made a difference, they have not-so-great feelings about the system, and feel less confident than before reform passed.

Affordable Healthcare Options

The good news is that until reform becomes a bit clearer and more people are able to have access to affordable health insurance there are other options to take advantage of. If you have a low income, you might consider the following:

• State and Local Health Departments: Each state and many cities have their own resources for affordable healthcare. Learn what they are in your area.
• Insure Kids Now!: If you’re trying to insure your kids you might consider this site, which offers links to free and low-cost health insurance programs around the country.
• Eldercare Locator: Another option to consider is the Eldercare Locator. This directory is a public service of the U.S. Department of Aging and provides a nationwide directory for older persons in search of local, low-income health care support.

It may take some time to sort out all of the details of healthcare reform, but in the meantime, it’s good to know options are available to those in need.