Majority Verdict: Health Care System Will Get Worse |
|
|
|
Written by U.S. Insurance News
|
|
Monday, 10 November 2003 |
By a lopsided 62% to 25%, most Americans are noticeably pessimistic about the future of the American health care system, according to a recent survey.
By a lopsided 62% to 25%, most Americans are noticeably pessimistic about the future of the American health care system, according to a recent survey. The remaining 13% were unsure. A major reason for the pessimism may be the rapid rise in health care costs, much of which is being passed on to patients and others with health insurance.
An additional possibility for the pessimism may be the sight of the Congressional Conference Committee on the Future of Medicare struggling to reconcile differing demands of the Democrat and Republican parties, the House and Senate, as well as the various interest groups lobbying to influence this debate. It is still not clear whether any bill will actually emerge and be signed into law. Another reason for pessimism may be that while most people think health care should be an entitlement, that is not the view shared by Congress or the administration.
This nationwide online survey was conducted by Harris Interactive in September of 2003 and contains the opinions of 2,306 adults of various ages, sex, race and education. The highest level of pessimism is found among liberals, independents, Democrats, moderates, those with post-graduate educations and among lesbians, gays, or homosexuals. The most optimist groups include conservatives, Republicans and persons aged 65 and over who stand to eventually benefit if there is a new Medicare drug benefit.
When asked whether health care should be a public entitlement or a private economic good, a resounding 65% indicated it is something to which citizens are entitled. In every other western democracy besides the United States, a reasonable level of health insurance is seen as a right.
It is not commonly known that persons in those countries are also normally allowed to buy additional health insurance and medical care using their own funds. Yet, in those countries, the tendency is definitely to lean more toward the entitlement than the private economic good. The majority of Americans clearly agree with most Europeans and Canadians in this regard.
|
