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Kaiser Survey: More Hurt by Health Care Law than Helped

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Kaiser Survey: More Hurt by Health Care Law than Helped
Millions Still Waiting for Applications to be Processed  

(Washington, D.C.) – According to the most recent Kaiser Health Tracking poll, more Americans say they have been hurt than helped by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. Among all Americans, 24 percent say they have been hurt by the law, while just 14 percent say they have been helped. Those who identify as Independents are more negative: 27 percent say they have been hurt and just 11 percent helped. More people hold an unfavorable view of the law than favorable – by a margin of 45 to 38 percent. The Kaiser poll asked people to identify the chief problems with the law. For those who want to see it improved, the top concern is affordability: 20 percent say health care should be made more affordable. 

Relatedly, an independent review of records from 50 states shows that at least 2.9 million Americans are still waiting for their Medicaid applications to be processed. Many filed months ago, and anticipated being able to use this coverage for doctor visits or other medical needs. States are supposed to process applications within 45 days, but many have gone beyond that limit. The problem is particularly bad in California, where the Medicaid backlog grew to 900,000, and where an increasing number of Latinos are reportedly traveling to Mexico for care.

Daniel Garza, Executive Director of The LIBRE Initiative, released the following statement:

"From the day it was signed into law, the story of the health care law has been a story of broken promises. Higher costs, narrower choices, lost health care plans – and now lengthy waits for coverage. Enrollment was completed months ago, yet millions are still waiting for applications to be processed. State-based exchanges have failed, and in at least one case a criminal investigation is underway

It's no surprise then, that more people continue to believe the law is hurting them than helping them. At a cost of nearly $2 trillion to taxpayers, it's time to admit the mistakes and get serious about improving health care. It is time to reform the reform – and if the President is unwilling to lead, Congress should."

For interviews with a LIBRE representative, please contact: Brian Faughnan, 703-678-4581 or Steven Cruz, 202-578-6173.

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