Note: Sorry for the arguably oxymoronic metaphor. Success can't "fail" but can it "fall?" But I couldn't think of an alternative.
Steve Benen writes about the good news that ACA enrollments are exceeding expectations for this year, with 2.5 million enrollments since November 15, 2014. Of course, we here already knew that, largely through the efforts of Charles Gaba, whom Benen mentions.
Steve also reviews the other recent successes of the ACA:
And let’s not forget, as strong as enrollment totals look, the scope of the progress isn’t limited to this one metric. As we discussed a couple of weeks ago, heartening news – which is to say, heartening for those who want to see the American health care system succeed – coincides with a whole host of encouraging reports throughout the system, including encouraging data on premiums. And customer satisfaction rates. And the lowest increase in health care spending in 50 years. And the growing number of insurers who want to participate in exchange marketplaces. And high enrollment totals with consumers who paid their premiums. And the efficacy of Medicaid expansion. And the sharp improvement in the nation’s uninsured rate. And the efficacy of the medical-loss ratio. And reduced medical errors system-wide.
So, to review:
Enrollment exceeding expectations.
Premium increases down.
Customer Satisfaction up.
More insurers joining.
Medicaid expansion saving lives and solvency.
Decline in rate of uninsured.
Medical loss ratio improvement.
Lowest rate of healthcare cost increases in 50 years.
Reduced medical errors.
And yet, a month ago, ACA approval was 37% -- its lowest point. Other factors, like a post-election bandwagon effect, may have contributed to this, but the main cause is lack of information and disinformation -- constant propaganda against the ACA by Fox et al and failure of the traditional media to cover the positive news (while relentlessly covering, e.g., the website failures).
We can help by disseminating good news on social media. For example, I'm posting the list above with a link to Benen or Gaba on Facebook. Maybe there will be something catchy that can go virial.*
*I considered suggesting that President Obama do a "Two Ferns" reprise by appearing on Stephen Colbert's last show tomorrow. Then I remembered that Stephen's final guest will be Death. Perhaps not the greatest association with the ACA.