American health insurance consumers are a mix of confused and cost-conscious going into the next enrollment period for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, according to new survey results from San Francisco-based Healthline.
The Healthline survey explored consumers' thoughts on the PPACA and the state of health insurance in the U.S.
Listed below are 10 findings from the survey:
1. One quarter of respondents, the equivalent of 59 million Americans said they have little or no understanding of what the PPACA involves. Of those, 40 percent are without health insurance and 26 percent are enrolled in PPACA plans.
2. Thirty-two percent of respondents said they feel the PPACA will have a positive impact on U.S. healthcare.
3. Roughly 82 percent of those surveyed graded the U.S. health insurance and open enrollment system with a "C" or below. Nearly 20 percent gave the system a grade of "F."
4. More than half of consumer respondents, 50.8 percent, would forgo medical treatment due to high costs or coverage limitations. Of those who would forgo treatment, 57 percent have health insurance through their employers.
5. Nearly 69 percent of those surveyed said they would not or are not sure if they would pay a larger premium or a higher deductible for "better" health insurance.
6. Despite negativity, only 9 percent of consumers indicated they intend to switch health insurance plans during the next open enrollment season.
7. Close to 77 percent of respondents claimed they were satisfied with their current plan and 56.5 said their current deductible is reasonable or inexpensive.
8. Roughly 84 percent of those with a PPACA plan are satisfied with their health insurance.
9. For those who want to change their health insurance this year, 38 percent plan to do so through the PPACA, 28 percent will not sign up through the PPACA and 34 percent are unsure.
10. The range of medical coverage offered by a plan was deemed the most important factor when deciding which health insurance plan to choose, with 36 percent of respondents choosing that factor.