ACA Exchange Customers Prefer Cheap, Narrow Network Plans

A recent poll found that customers who are more likely to sign up for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance exchanges prefer less costly, narrow networks instead of more expensive, broad network plans. This finding differs from the general population who prefer more expensive, broad network plans on average.

In this Kaiser Health Tracking Poll, 51% of the general public said they would rather have a plan that costs more money but allows them to see a broader range of doctors and hospitals. Another 37% of that population would prefer less expensive plans. For individuals who are either uninsured or currently purchasing their own coverage—most likely individuals partaking in the ACA networks—54% would prefer less costly, narrow network plans, while 35% would prefer a more expensive, broad plan. In terms of individuals who are specifically covered by insurance through their employer, and thus more likely to be protected from the high costs of coverage, 55% prefer a more expensive plan, with just 34% in favor of a cheaper plan. See Table (Below) for more details.

However, when individuals who originally preferred narrow network plans were presented with the possibility that they would not be able to visit their doctors and hospitals of choice due to insurance restrictions, the share who continue to prefer this option dropped from 37% to 23% among the overall public, and from 54% to 35% among the uninsured and individuals who purchase their own insurance.

When individuals who prefer a more expensive, broad network plan were told they could save up to 25% on their healthcare costs with a more narrow plan, the share continuing to prefer the more expensive option dropped from 51% to 37% among the general public, and from 35% to 22% among individuals who are uninsured or who purchase their own insurance.

This survey was conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation between February 11, 2014, and February 17, 2014. A nationally representative random digital dial telephone sample of 1051 adults aged ≥18 years living in the United States were included. Of the study participants between the age of 18 and 64 years, 137 were uninsured, 606 had employer-sponsored insurance, and 210 were uninsured or purchased their own insurance.