Americans Doubt Healthcare Reform Will Improve Quality, Cost

The survey found:

• Lack of faith that reform will improve cost or quality: A minority of survey respondents (37.9%) believe healthcare reform will improve the cost of care. Even fewer (30.3%) believe it will improve the quality of care.


• Ambivalence regarding federal oversight: 44.5% believe the federal government should play an "active" or "very active" role in the oversight of healthcare, while 53.3% say the government should be "somewhat active" or "not at all active."


• Most believe Americans should get the best care, but don't: 71% of respondents agree or strongly agree that Americans are "entitled to the best healthcare available." However, fewer than half (46.3%) believe the United States has the best healthcare system. More than one in four said they don't know which country has the best care; 11.3% say it was Canada.


• Majority satisfied with status quo: The survey asked respondents to rate their satisfaction with their healthcare providers, costs, and insurance coverage. About 80% said they were satisfied with their doctor, nearly 70% were satisfied with their health insurance coverage, and about 53% were satisfied with the amount they pay out-of-pocket for healthcare.


• Willing to bear a tax increase: About 58% said they are willing to bear a tax increase (1% or more) to support healthcare reform.


• Demographics matter in healthcare debate: An analysis of the survey results based on respondents' age, gender, income, and education found that only three demographic segments provided majority support for the provision that all Americans be required to have health insurance: Those under 35, those earning less than $50,000 annually, and women. Meanwhile, the senior population, compared with other segments, showed a greater satisfaction with their healthcare providers and costs, and a greater resistance to reform.