Expanding access to health insurance: Los Angeles County perspective

BACKGROUND. There are nearly 50 million uninsured Americans in the United States, including 9 million uninsured children. Major legislation in the last few years including the Affordable Care Act have provided opportunities for expansion of coverage. METHODS: We conducted a computer-assisted survey to assess the knowledge and attitudes of the general public in the Los Angeles area toward children's health insurance and health reform. We used a combination of in-person intercept interviews and random digit dialing. Participants were eligible to participate if they were age ≥18, residents of Los Angeles County, and spoke English or Spanish. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate methods. RESULTS. A total of 324 surveys were completed; of the respondents, 59% were female; 12% identified as African American or Black, 39% as Latino/Hispanic, 40% as White/Caucasian; and 15% as Asian or Pacific Islander. Overall 22% were uninsured. More than half (58%) reported that they believe the government should require all Americans to have health insurance. Almost all (96%) respondents “agreed” or “strongly agreed” with the statement that all children in the United States should have health insurance coverage. Most responded “favorable” or “very favorable” about government subsidizing health insurance for children (91%) and adults (88%). When considering health care reform, the most common reasons cited for opposing health care reform included the potential of limiting one's current coverage (29%) and the concern it would increase their current health care costs (27%). When analyzing these data by gender, ethnicity, income level and geographic residence, there was no statistical variation. CONCLUSIONS. The public supports government playing a role in ensuring access to health insurance. These findings can be used to influence future policy and advocacy efforts.