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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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20

Poll Reveals Broad Support for Government Health Care

Results suggest partisan divide

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(Newser) – Seventy-two percent of Americans support a government-backed health care plan that would compete with private insurance providers, a New York Times/CBS poll reveals. A majority of Americans also believe the government would keep costs down more effectively than private insurers, and 64% think the government should guarantee its citizens health coverage—a percentage that has remained stable for many years.

Opinions on the issue remain heavily partisan: 61% of Republicans believe health care is not the government's responsibility, and more Republicans are concerned about the government's ability to control costs. Personal cost was also a factor among all respondents: 57% were okay with a tax hike to underwrite universal coverage, but when faced with an actual price tag of $500 more per year, that number dropped to 43%.

A stack of documents comprising the health care reform bill and its amendments are seen at the seat of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., June 17, 2009, before a markup hearing of the Senate Health Committee.
A stack of documents comprising the health care reform bill and its amendments are seen at the seat of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., June 17, 2009, before a markup hearing of the Senate Health Committee.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius answers questions about health care during an interview in Washington, Tuesday June 16, 2009.
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius answers questions about health care during an interview in Washington, Tuesday June 16, 2009.   (AP Photo/J. David Ake)
President Barack Obama delivers remarks on health care reform at the annual meeting of the American Medical Association, Monday, June 15, 2009 in Chicago, Ill.
President Barack Obama delivers remarks on health care reform at the annual meeting of the American Medical Association, Monday, June 15, 2009 in Chicago, Ill.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
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20 comments
VIEWING:
 
Reader64481089
Jun 21, 09 8:31 AM CDT
Well imagine that, "Broad Support" rats, another failed attempt be the right to maintain status quo Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+5
IN RESPONSE:
NewserScooter
Jun 22, 09 1:40 AM CDT
Broad support becomes narrow at $500 a year, how broad do you think it will be at 1500 a year?
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-1
IN RESPONSE:
Doctor_Zaius
Jun 21, 09 11:23 AM CDT
We can't afford not to. We already pay twice as much money as any of the socialized medicine countries. It would get cheaper, not more expensive. The Republicans are all in the pockets of the large insurance companies and unfortunately a good chunk of the Dems are too. But the outcry of most Americans (except for the few dim-bulbs who by into the scare-tactics from the right) is simple, give us a comprehensive, government health-care plan and do it now. The fallout of ignoring this mandate will be catastrophic for those few foolish to think they can get away with it.
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+3
IN RESPONSE:
Doctor_Zaius
Jun 21, 09 11:24 AM CDT
by=buy.
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0
IN RESPONSE:
JonmarkP
Jun 22, 09 2:55 AM CDT
I'm sorry, Crony_King, but your wishing it so doesn't make it so. Insurance companies drive up the cost of care by 30%, and add zero to the quality. Their profit comes from DENYING coverage, not providing it. I'd much rather have a disinterested bureaucrat making my coverage decisions than a privateer working on a denial commission. Duh.
Vote up! Vote down!
+2

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