Yet another survey shows that Americans overwhelmingly support a public health plan option.
The Employee Benefit Research Institute (Washington) found that 53% of Americans “strongly support” a public health plan option; another 30% “somewhat support” one. Only 14% oppose. About the same number support the idea of major health insurance companies offering national health plans that anyone can purchase.
The survey, which is based on interviews with 1000 adults, also found wide support for other health insurance market reforms such as guaranteed issue, expansion of Medicare and Medicaid, and employer and individual mandates.
None of which is a surprise. Americans also continue to be overwhelmingly satisfied with their current health plan. Nothing new here either. Even during the HMO backlash of the early 1990s, overall customer satisfaction with HMOs was pretty high — as long as members weren’t denied care when they were really sick. (see prior post)
One thing that did stand out: the study found that only 15% of Americans identified healthcare as the most critical or pressing issue facing America today. About 47% said it was the economy.
I’m afraid the message to opponents of reform (esp. a public plan) is clear: you’re out of touch.
Subscribe in RSS Reader
