New Survey: Since ACA, Market Works Better for Consumers Buying Health Plans on Their Own
<p>The health insurance market has been working better for consumers who buy coverage on their own—including people with health problems—since the Affordable Care Act took effect.</p><p>According to a new Commonwealth Fund survey, the proportion of consumers shopping for individual coverage who reported they could not find an affordable plan dropped from 60 percent in 2010 to 34 percent in 2016. Among those with health problems, the rate fell from 70 percent to 42 percent. The survey also shows that people with low incomes are finding it easier to get affordable insurance on the individual market.</p>
<p>“Before the Affordable Care Act, it was often extremely hard for people not covered through an employer to buy coverage,” said The Commonwealth Fund’s Sara Collins, lead author of the report. “Many were routinely turned down, told a preexisting condition would not be covered, or charged higher rates because of an illness. Now, millions of people are finding and buying affordable plans that provide coverage meeting their needs.”</p>
<p>We invite you to explore our <a href="/publications/surveys/2017/feb/biennial-health-insurance-survey-2003-2016" target="_blank">health insurance trend data</a> in our new Survey Data Center.</p>