A new Gallup poll finds that 43% of uninsured Americans remain unaware that under Obamacare they must obtain health insurance or face fines and penalties.
The poll, taken June 20-24, asked the following: “As you may know, under the terms of the Affordable Care Act, starting January 1 most Americans will be required to purchase health insurance or pay a fine. Were you aware of this before now?”
Eighty-one percent of respondents answered affirmatively, but only 56% of the critical uninsured segment of the population knew of the Obamacare requirement.
Under Obamacare, uninsured Americans will face a phased in penalty structure. In 2014, the fine will be $95 per person and will climb to $695 in 2016 for people who earn between $9,500 to $37,000 a year. From there, says Henry Blodget of Business Insider, the fines increase:
Less than $9,500 income = $0
$9,500 – $37,000 income = $695
$50,000 income = $1,000
$75,000 income = $1,600
$100,000 income = $2,250
$125,000 income = $2,900
$150,000 income = $3,500
$175,000 income = $4,100
$200,000 income = $4,700
Obamacare’s grand opening is set for January 2014.
The federal government has missed several deadlines as it scrambles to cobble together the government health care exchanges in time for October enrollment.
This month the Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report warning that the blown deadlines could complicate Obamacare’s implementation.
“Much progress has been made, but much remains to be accomplished within a relatively short amount of time,” said the report. “And while the missed interim deadlines may not affect implementation, additional missed deadlines closer to the start of enrollment could do so.”
The Obama Administration says it is confident its government healthcare overhaul will go smoothly.
“We’re going to implement the law well, and we don’t worry,” said Obama strategist Dan Pfeiffer earlier this month.
Other Democrats, like Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) have been less sanguine; Baucus says he sees “a huge train wreck coming down” upon Obamacare’s unveiling.