Scores of Americans are losing access to their hospitals and doctors as a result of Obamacare. Twitchy readers have known about this disturbing development for a while, but now even the Associated Press has caught on:
Before the law took effect, experts warned that narrow networks could impact patient’s access to care, especially in cheaper plans. But with insurance cards now in hand, consumers are finding their access limited across all price ranges.
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.
The AP’s findings are underscored by reports from frustrated Twitter users:
I just lost my doctor because of this— First wave of Obamacare destroys single practice doctors http://t.co/ixFOZ2kYF1 via @examinercom
— June Curtice (@NMJune) April 28, 2014
Thank you Obama. I have just been told that two of my doctors and the hospital closest to me no longer accept my insurance. #Obamacare
— Color Me Red ? (@ColorMeRed) April 14, 2014
https://twitter.com/redsteeze/status/459434165713506304
https://twitter.com/rorycooper/status/456218228771942400
https://twitter.com/Mister_T_Bone/status/444509197497950208
https://twitter.com/Tark31/status/432050136642887682
I lost mine. and my doctor. RT @ezraklein: Obamacare cancellation stories were mostly hype: http://t.co/Dijdg5t01d
— Sarah (@mamaswati) April 24, 2014
I lost my doctor due to Obamacare. My doctor noted in letter to us that recent laws have attributed to her decision. #uniteright #ACA
— Markeece Young (@blkrepub24) February 11, 2014
https://twitter.com/lowelljohnsonjr/status/455406930760986624
Congresswoman Jackie Speier; I am amazed that ACA plans are not accepted at so many doctor offices and other… http://t.co/kMoMh6yS4A
— Evy Smith (@EvySmith) May 9, 2014
https://twitter.com/joesuf/status/445262202917122048
Lost my insurance, my doctor and now I'm supposed to give up my cable and phone.. Obamacare is great right!? @hale_razor @brucewildertx
— Jami (@Jami_USA) March 14, 2014
https://twitter.com/TerriLLand/status/459025411431600128
Sad day. Our kids just lost their pediatrician because of Obamacare. (And of course we had… http://t.co/CzbnV3WWjK
— He & She Photography (@heandshe) January 6, 2014
Mostly hype, liberal journos insist. But for people stuck in Obamacare plans, reality is slowly sinking in:
Once more, with feeling: availability of health insurance is not the same as availability of health care. They lied to you. #KruiserFeelings
— SFK (@stephenkruiser) May 13, 2014