While pundits wrestle with just what impact the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is having, or will have, on the country, a survey reveals a number of consumers are expecting the worst.

Respondents to a Robert Morris University poll said they expect their out-of-pocket costs (for co-pays and deductibles) to increase (43 percent) rather than decrease (9.3 percent) as a result of PPACA. Some indicated they expect no impact on their out-of-pocket costs or were unsure — 28.1 percent and 19.6 percent respectively.

A third said they have had to or expect to have to shop around for less expensive health care because of the new law.

The impact doesn't stop there.

Nearly half of the 1,000 people polled said they expect to become “much more involved” in their own health insurance because of the new law. And others said they expect to lose doctors and health plans.

Additionally, the survey found that 39 percent of respondents have or knew someone who has experienced reduced working hours so employers could avoid paying health insurance as mandated for employers with more than 50 employees.

Given these findings, not surprisingly, 58 percent of those polled had an unfavorable opinion of PPACA, while 36 percent had a favorable opinion. (Another 14 percent were unsure.)

The last two months especially haven't helped public opinion on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Recent Gallup numbers showed a big dip in PPACA support.

Gallup's numbers suggested that the exchange's glitch-filled rollout — and subsequent problems — as well as news of insurance plan cancellations are at least partly the cause

Instant Insights /

PPACA expected to inflate out-of-pocket costs

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