SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Key findings from a statewide
qualitative research study suggest that a vast majority of those interviewed
are interested in purchasing health insurance through Covered California’s
online marketplace set to open in October 2013.The research consisted of
in-depth, in-person, one-on-one interviews with 412 Californians across the
state in 12 different languages. The 30-minute interviews were conducted among
a diverse roster of insured and uninsured Californians from October 12 through
November 13, 2012.
The research is needed to better understand Californians’
levels of awareness, perceptions and attitudes towards health care insurance
reforms coming to California in 2013. Findings will support a more effective
marketing and outreach campaign that will begin next year.
“This initial research demonstrates that Californians are
curious and positive about Covered California and the marketplace,” said Peter
V. Lee, Executive Director of Covered California. “This type of focused, but
diverse research is helpful in identifying priority areas for education and
outreach, and will help us measure ongoing effectiveness of our marketing
efforts.”
Californians interviewed cited their most significant
reasons for their interest in purchasing a plan though Covered California’
marketplace is to “save money,” “gain health care access,” and “peace of mind.”
Those expressing less of a desire to purchase insurance through Covered California
cited potential costs and lack of need.
The study, conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago,
is available here:
"California's diverse population necessitates we talk
to as many people in as many languages as possible to understand what
Californians think about health care reforms," said Larry L. Bye, a senior
fellow in the Public Health Research Department at NORC. "When Covered
California opens its doors to enrollment in October 2013, it will do so with a
thorough understanding of its potential customers.”
About Covered California
California was the first state to create a health benefit
exchange following the passage of federal health care reform. It is charged
with creating a new insurance marketplace in which individuals and small
businesses will be able to purchase competitively priced health plans using federal
tax subsidies and credits beginning in 2014.
Covered California is overseen by a five-member board
appointed by the Governor and Legislature; the California Health and Human
Services Secretary serves as an ex officio voting member and is its current
Chair.
For more information on Covered California, please visit
www.healthexchange.ca.gov
