The federal government, partnering with many states, will soon launch one of the largest national health care programs in United States history. Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), some 29 million Americans are slated to obtain private coverage through health insurance exchanges by 2019; another 12 million are expected to gain coverage through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). …
In preparing for implementation, officials and other stakeholders can draw on the federal government’s successful launch of Medicare Part D, a major national health coverage program that became law in December 2003 and started enrollment just two years later. …
Although Medicare Part D is generally viewed favorably today, an April 2005 poll showed that 34 percent of seniors had an unfavorable impression of the program, compared to only 21 percent with a favorable impression. …
Supporters of the ACA may be able to take heart from the fact that, in spite of early unfavorable reviews, Part D gained in popularity after it was fully implemented. A year into the program, beneficiaries began to report more positive views. [cont. – PDF]
Center on Health Insurance Reforms, Georgetown U.