April 2015 Update
AIR conducted follow-up interviews in January 2015 with 59 health care providers to gauge their views on the first full year’s experience. The follow-up study is available under Document Downloads.
As of April 2014, more than 1.4 million Californians had selected a non-Medi-Cal health plan through Covered California, the state’s health care marketplace. What was their experience of seeking and receiving care through plans made newly available under the ACA?
This study provides early insight into the successes and challenges of the ACA from the perspectives of consumers as well as from providers in clinical organizations in California. It is based on focus groups with 74 consumers and interviews with 64 health care providers in four areas of the state. Because consumers surveyed were among those quickest to enroll and use services, they are not representative of all Covered California enrollees.
AIR conducted follow-up interviews in January 2015 with 59 health care providers to gauge their views on the first full year’s experience. The follow-up study is available under Document Downloads.
Consumers enrolled in qualified health plans through Covered California described challenges associated with understanding their coverage and obtaining care, yet were generally happy with the care they received since January 2014. Some highlights from the findings include:
Only months after launch, Covered California and its contracting plans continue to refine products and approaches. These research findings suggest opportunities for improved transparency and greater consumer education as implementation continues to unfold.
The complete report and several supporting documents are available under Document Downloads.