It never ceases to amaze me how little the average American knows about the health care reform law that kicks into its next gear in just a few short weeks — with the open enrollment in the exchanges.

(Hell, I guess it never ceases to amaze me how little the average American knows about health care, period. Which is probably what startles me about the rise of consumer-driven health products. Putting consumers in charge of their own health care spending is a lot like putting my 13-year-old son in charge of his homework. If it gets done at all, the finished product is a crumpled mess. A little bit of discipline — along with a lot of education — goes a long way.)

Anyway, the latest poll — from the experts at Gallup, no less — reveals 43 percent of uninsured Americans remain oblivious to the mandate (and the subsequent penalty) that kicks in with the new year. That's nearly half the people the law is actually supposed to be helping. I bet more people can tell you who's on Big Brother this summer.