Poll: 50% of Calif. Voters Support ACA, but Some Wary of its Effects
Half of California residents support the Affordable Care Act, but many still have doubts about its effect on health care costs and the economy, according to a recent survey by University of Southern California Dornsife and the Los Angeles Times, the Times reports.
The poll -- jointly conducted by American Viewpoint and Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research -- surveyed 1,503 registered state voters via telephone between Oct. 30 and Nov. 5.
Findings
According to the survey, 50% of respondents said they support the law, while 42% said they oppose it.
The findings differ from national polls, which have found that the majority of respondents oppose the law, according to the Times.
However, the poll found that support for the law was varied, with:
- 44% of respondents in the individual market supporting the law and 49% opposing it;
- 48% of uninsured respondents supporting the law and 45% opposing it;
- Latinos supporting the law by a 2-1 margin;
- 49% of whites opposing the law and 44% supporting it; and
- 77% of Democrats supporting the law and 80% of Republicans opposing it.
In addition:
- 67% of respondents said patients will have greater access to physicians and preventive care under the law;
- 65% said the ACA will decrease the number of uninsured individuals in the state;
- 65% said they believe individuals will have trouble affording coverage under the ACA;
- Nearly 60% said the law will increase health care costs and reduce hiring; and
- 46% said the law will hurt the economy, while 34% said it will boost the economy.
The survey also found that:
- 90% of respondents said they are happy with their current health coverage; and
- 42% said they lack information on the law, including 50% of Latinos.
Reaction
Drew Lieberman with Greenberg Quinlan Rosner said, "Fundamentally, Californians are viewing the [ACA] as a mixed bag." He added that state residents "harbor real concerns about the potential negative impact on costs and the economy."
David Kanevsky with American Viewpoint said California residents "are still feeling the negative repercussions of higher costs and lost policies" despite a "pretty good rollout" of the state health insurance exchange last month (Terhune, Los Angeles Times, 11/9).
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