More than half of low-income Californians now rate the quality of their health care positively, and a new statewide survey shows improvement in a range of other key measures as well, including continuity of care, waiting times, availability of appointments, staff courtesy and the cleanliness and appearance of healthcare facilities.

The gains, detailed in a report released today by Blue Shield of California Foundation, indicate the impact of patient-focused improvements among healthcare facilities serving low-income Californians, as well as expanded coverage brought about by the federal Affordable Care Act. The survey finds a dramatic drop in the number of low-income Californians who lack health insurance, from 30 percent in 2013 to 15 percent after the ACA’s first enrollment period.

The statewide survey is the fourth in a series sponsored by the Foundation since 2011, examining low-income Californians’ experiences and satisfaction as healthcare patients, and evaluating primary care redesign through the prism of patient engagement. It was produced, managed and analyzed by Langer Research Associates of New York, N.Y., with sampling, data collection and tabulation by SSRS of Media, Pa.

See the Foundation’s announcement here, with links to the full report.

We’ve seen coverage of the report by Kaiser Health News, Politico Pulse, California Healthline and Fierce Healthcare.