Medicaid Backlog Persists While Health Law Grows More Unpopular
Medicaid Backlog Persists While Health Law Grows More Unpopular
Gallup Survey Shows Just 37 Percent Approve
(Washington, D.C.) – According to a new survey from Gallup, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, is more unpopular than ever as second-year enrollment begins. Just 37 percent of Americans approve of the law, against a full 56 percent who disapprove. The news comes as enrollment begins under the second year of the new health care law, and amidst warnings that those who enrolled in the first year likely face significant cost increases if they do not switch plans. Increases are likely to be smaller for those who are willing to change their plan – but families are still unlikely to see the $2,500 in annual savings promised when the law passed. For those eligible to receive coverage under Medicaid, numerous states continue to confront lengthy backlogs in Medicaid enrollment, forcing low-income families to wait months for care. In California for example, the waiting list has dropped to approximately 170,000 applications. The start of enrollment may again bring pressure that causes the backlogs to rise.
Daniel Garza, Executive Director of The LIBRE Initiative, released the following statement:
"It's no wonder the health care law continues to grow more unpopular by the day. People were promised lower rates, more choice, and improved care. Instead, all they are getting are higher costs and less access to doctors. And for low-income families, waiting lists have become a fact of life.
The White House needs to face facts. As long as they continue to pretend the law is working fine, and continue to promise vague fixes that never arrive, more people will grow disillusioned with the law. Americans deserve better. If the White House won't try to reform the reform, it is time for Congress to take the lead."
For interviews with a LIBRE representative, please contact: Brian Faughnan, 703-678-4581 or Steven Cruz, 202-578-6173.
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