Approaches to Universal Healthcare Survey
Results
Moving to universal healthcare is not easy and there are many models and proposals being circulated.
Congresswoman Davis recently conducted a survey to see which popular approaches to universal healthcare are preferred by her constituents. Over 700 people participated.
Question #1: Respondents were asked to choose the healthcare proposal that most closely fit their views based on the table below.
| The United States National Health Insurance Act - H.R. 676 | The Healthy Americans Act H.R. 3163 | The President ’s Healthcare Proposal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Healthcare for all U.S. citizens? |
Yes | Yes | No |
| Summary | Expands Medicare to cover every American. |
States will offer private insurance plans to those not covered by employers. |
Americans receive personal tax deductions for their healthcare costs. |
| Who Pays? | Individual Medicare contributions and federal tax dollars. |
Individuals or employers pay for costs. These costs are tax deductible or subsidized for those with low-incomes. |
Individuals and families will pay for their own insurance and healthcare costs, which are tax deductible. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are also encouraged. |
| Preexisting conditions covered? |
Yes | Yes | No |
| New Federal Spending? | Yes, new federal spending would be required possibly resulting in offsets such as higher taxes or larger deficit. |
According to initial cost estimates, H.R. 3163 may result in some new spending of taxpayer dollars. |
No, according to estimates, it will result in taxpayer savings. |
| Standards of coverage? | The federal government will directly set coverage standards just as it does for Medicare and Medicaid. |
All insurance plans must provide at least the same benefits as insurance plans provided to Members of Congress. |
Does not set minimum coverage standards for private insurance policies. |
Results
Selected Comments:
Supporters of H.R. 676
“Only HR 676 makes sense because it avoids the pork and raising prices of the insurance and pharmaceutical companies that are only there to make a profit…”
“I support HR 676 because I believe it to be most truly deserving of the adjective ‘universal.’”
“HR 676 is at last a chance for all Americans to receive health care.”
“HR 676 is the only plan that will solve our health care crisis and cover everyone -- nothing else will do.”
Supporters of H.R. 3163
“HR 3163 is acceptable if HR 676 can't be passed. President's proposal can not be passed.”
“Assuming HR 3163 passes, we won't be paying any more than Congress does for prescriptions either.”
“I believe that universal health care should be a basic right of every US citizen. It's one thing that shouldn't be left to chance or paid for in a competitive market. And let's not re-invent the wheel. Some other countries have very efficient systems of universal health care that provide better service to more people than ours but don't cost nearly as much. For once, we need to get this right so it's not an administrative nightmare.”
Bush’s Plan
“Being covered by Medicare and TriCare, I have no personal problems at all. However I am concerned about adequate payment to physicians and labs, under continued and increased coverage by Medicare.”
“My concern with HR 676 - The United States National Health Act is that federal government will set coverage standards that do not allow for quality care. My concern with H.R. 3163 is the possible high costs of this care. Is there some controls or governing body that will limit taxpayer costs?”
“The government needs to stay out of the health care business.”
“I support the President's plan, but with additional minimum standards.”
“We ought not to cover illegal immigrants for health care.”
Question #2: What is the most pressing healthcare issue you face personally?
Selected Comments:
Cost
“Private insurance is unaffordable for me. I'm self-employed. Many insurance companies will not insure anyone with pre-existing conditions, making it nearly impossible to get any type of coverage.”
“I can afford A or B only. I can’t afford Medicare and gas.”
“The cost of care is daunting, pharmaceutical and insurance companies show low capacity to function for the common good. We will not have affordable or universal care as long as insurance corporations are intermediaries.”
“Even with insurance, the cost of care is determining whether or not I go to see a doctor.”
“My rates have gone up every year, yet my salary has not increased at all. I am at a point where I won’t be able to keep it.”
Other
“I’m denied coverage for pre-existing conditions”
“I fear that Medicare will be reduced or eliminated.”
“I’m concerned about access --- if I lose my job, I lose my healthcare coverage to pre-existing conditions.”
"I worry if long term care is possible."
“The cost of supplemental healthcare is an issue.”