Where new coverage is involved, there's satisfaction, but questions about whether new enrollees will go to the doctor

Aug 6 2014

News outlets report on the behaviors and the satisfaction levels of people who have new insurance as a result of the health law.

The California Health Report: Many Young Men Now Have Insurance, But Will They See a Doctor?
Twenty-one-year-old Albert is a self-described transient who picks up odd jobs whenever possible. On this day in mid-July, he's waiting to be picked up for day labor in Santa Ana. Albert has a black spot on his foot that he knows could signal diabetes, an illness that runs in his family and forced his uncle to lose a leg. He has read about the condition and switched to a plant-based diet as a result. But he doesn't intend to see a doctor. Albert, who declined to give his last name because of the health details he shared, doesn't lack medical insurance -; he recently signed up for California's low-income program, Medi-Cal, while applying for public assistance. He just doesn't seek preventive health care (DePaul, 8/4).

Philadelphia Inquirer: Most Are Satisfied, But Change Is Coming
Seven months after coverage began for people who bought health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, more are now insured and most of the nearly 10 million people who have signed up say they are satisfied with their plans. Yet now a new set of challenges looms. Will the plans be affordable, and will users know how to use tiered networks and other innovations without incurring huge bills? ... (Calandra, 8/3).