SoloHealth survey finds widespread lack of awareness about health insurance marketplaces

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Most consumers have "no" or "a little bit" of knowledge about the health insurance marketplaces set to open on Tuesday, according to a new survey.

Kiosk maker SoloHealth announced the results of the survey at the Health 2.0 conference in Santa Clara, Calif., showing little or no awareness among 64% of respondents. Fifty-six percent didn't know before taking the survey that the government may pay for a portion of insurance for those who qualify, and 60% of those surveyed who have insurance don't know how the law will affect them, along with 53% of those without insurance. The survey was conducted among 13,600 people through SoloHealth Station kiosks at 3,200 retail locations around the country from Sept. 12-22.

The company recently formed a partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services to help promote awareness and information around the new insurance marketplaces and Healthcare.gov. It also has partnerships with insurance providers to link potential buyers with plans to help consumers make appropriate decisions for their insurance needs.