Affordable Care Act not yet causing major physician shortages

Officials from several health centers, multi-group practices, insurers, and physician groups nationwide reported that the 13 million newly insured under the Affordable Care Act have not caused major delays with receiving medical care. Due to three years advance notice, many health providers were able to meet the increased need by expanding facilities and hiring additional nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

However, some of the states that saw the largest enrollment increases such as Colorado, Kentucky, and Washington are seeing some delays providing care. Some officials believe increased delays may be on the way nationwide as the surge of late Medicaid enrollees and those who purchased private plans in March and April begin to filter into the system.