New Poll Finds Support For Provisions of America's Affordable Health Choices Act Remain Strong
August 27th, 2009 by Office of the SpeakerDespite all the myths and the misinformation, a new poll demonstrates that Americans continue to demand health insurance reform and the improvements – such as a public health insurance option, cutting waste and excessive profits from Medicare, and ensuring coverage if you get sick or have been sick – that are essential provisions of America's Affordable Health Choices Act.
The poll on attitudes toward health care reform found:
56 percent say that it is more important than ever that we address health care reform compared to only 32 percent who say that the nation cannot afford to take on health care right now. 55 percent of Independents think that the time for change is now.
4 out of 5 Americans – including 4 out of five Independents – support the creation of a new federal health insurance plan that individuals could purchase if they can't afford private plans offered to them — the essence of the public option. Republicans even support this idea by a 28 percent margin (61 percent to 33 percent).
73 percent of Independents believe that the government should be most financially responsible for making sure that Americans have access to affordable, quality care.
A broad majority of Americans (66 percent to 27 percent) supports looking for savings in the current Medicare program, including 61 percent of those over age 50.
86 percent of Americans say that insurance should be available to everyone regardless of health history, indicating one point of agreement among Democrats (93 percent), Republicans (78 percent) and Independents (87 percent).