Politics

New Poll Finds Majority of Americans Support Health Insurance Reform

By Karina

A CBS/New York Times poll released today shows widespread support for reforming the health insurance system ? including an overwhelming number of people who favor a public health insurance option and other components included in the America?s Affordable Health Choices Act:

The poll also found that 56 percent are concerned that they will be without health insurance at some point in the future if the government does not provide a system of ensuring coverage for all Americans. Earlier this week, the Treasury Department released a study showing that from 1997 to 2006 (a period characterized by economic growth and job creation), nearly half of non-elderly Americans went without coverage at some point:

48 percent are uninsured at some point over a ten-year span

41 percent go without coverage for at least six months over a ten-year span

36 percent go without coverage for at least one year over a ten-year span

In addition, the poll released today found 64 percent of Americans believe Republicans are putting politics over policy and standing in the way of health care reform for political reasons. The New York Times points out:

But the poll suggests that Mr. Obama is in a decidedly more commanding position than Republicans on this issue as Congressional negotiations move into final stages. Most Americans trust Mr. Obama more than Republicans to make the right decisions on the issue; 76 percent said Republicans had not even laid out a clear health care plan. And by a lopsided margin, respondents said that Mr. Obama and not Republicans had made an effort to cross party lines and strike a deal that has the support of both parties.

Full post as published by The Gavel on September 25, 2009 (boomark / email).