Obamacare Data: America’s Smallest Businesses Haven’t Yet Decided If They Will Purchase Health Care on Exchanges
With open enrollment in the nation’s new health care system beginning tomorrow against the backdrop of a potential Federal Government shutdown, The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) , the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released new data from a national survey of its membership showing that more than half (54%) of the 476 respondents haven’t decided if they will purchase health care on the Exchanges. In fact, 64% of the respondents indicated they have yet to even visit the new HealthCare.gov website and 100% of those surveyed answered that price will be a deciding factor in their decision.
“Millions of America’s smallest business owners are heading into the opening of the enrollment period tomorrow confused and unsettled about the new health care system,” said Katie Vlietstra, NASE’s Director of Government Affairs . “As the Government faces a potential shutdown, a majority of our membership has not yet even visited the online marketplace to explore options while over 65 percent expect to pay more for their coverage. Just a day away from open enrollment, our membership – like millions of Americans – are frankly unsure how the new law will impact them or how to even approach the new system.”
The NASE membership survey released today was conducted online from September 18th - 28th . The survey of nearly 500 respondents across the country made up of small business owners that are members of NASE found that:
50% of respondents still haven’t decided if they will purchase health care on the Exchanges 100% indicate that cost will be the determining factor in purchasing health care 67% indicate they expect to pay more for health care in 2014 The full survey results can be viewed here .