ObamaMESS: Many Doctors Not Accepting Former Patient's New Insurance Plans

Some consumers who bought insurance under the Affordable Care Act are experiencing buyer’s remorse after realizing that their longtime doctors aren’t accepting the new plans. 

Before the law took effect, some analysts warned that narrow networks could affect patients’ access to care, especially in cheaper plans. But with insurance cards now in hand, consumers are finding their access limited across all price ranges — sometimes even after they were told their plan would include their current doctor.

Michelle Pool is one of those customers. Before enrolling in a new health plan on California’s exchange, she said, she checked whether her longtime primary care doctor was covered. Pool, a 60-year-old with diabetes who has had back surgery and a hip replacement, purchased the plan only to find that the insurer was mistaken.

Her $352 a month gold plan was cheaper than what she’d paid under her husband’s insurance and seemed like a good deal because of her numerous preexisting conditions. But after her insurance card came in the mail, the Vista, Calif., resident learned her doctor wasn’t taking her new insurance. 

‘‘It’s not fun when you’ve had a doctor for years and years that you can confide in and he knows you,’’ Pool said. ‘‘I’m extremely discouraged. I’m stuck.’’

The dilemma undercuts President Obama’s 2009 pledge that: ‘‘If you like your doctor, you will be able to keep your doctor, period.’’ Consumer frustration over losing doctors comes as the Obama administration is still celebrating a victory with more than 8 million enrollees in its first year.

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