Health Care System’s Future Splits Views in U.S.
Angus Reid Global Monitor
Polls & Research
December 11, 2007
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Adults in the United States are divided on the way their medical services should operate, according to a poll by YouGov/Polimetrix released by The Economist. 42 per cent of respondents would prefer a plan that replaces the current health care system with a “single-payer” program where all health care costs are paid by the government, while 41 per cent would choose a plan that maintains the current system where most health care costs are paid by individuals or employers.
If a national heath plan were adopted over the next few years, 19 per cent of respondents expect better care than they currently have, 26 per cent think it would be the same, and 32 per cent predict it will be worse.
When asked whether the U.S. government should guarantee health insurance for all citizens—even if it means raising taxes—48 per cent of respondents agree with the rationale, while 36 per cent disagree.
Health care in the U.S. is based on a system of benefits provided by employers, as well as the Medicare and Medicaid programs which allocate health insurance for the elderly, disabled and poor. Around 47 million Americans are uninsured.
Texas congressman Ron Paul, who is running for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination in 2008, decried the idea of a government-administered system on his website, writing, “The federal government will not suddenly become efficient managers if universal health care is instituted. Government health care only means long waiting periods, lack of choice, poor quality and frustration. Socialized medicine will not magically work here.”
Polling Data
Would you prefer a plan that replaces the current health care system with a “single-payer” program where all health care costs are paid by the government or a plan that maintains the current system where most health care costs are paid by individuals or employers?
42% Prefer to have government pay all costs
41% Prefer to have individuals and employers pay more costs
16% Not sure
If a national health care plan is adopted in the next few years, do you think you personally would receive better or worse care than you receive now?
19% Better with a national health care plan
36% About the same
32% Worse with a national health care plan
13% Not sure
Should the U.S. government guarantee health insurance for all citizens, even if it means raising taxes?
48% Yes
36% No
16% Not sure
Source: YouGov/Polimetrix / The Economist
Methodology: Online interviews with 1,000 American adults, conducted on Dec. 3 and Dec. 4, 2007. No margin of error was provided.