Most Americans are satisfied with the status quo for their own healthcare and are doubtful that reforming the system will create affordable or better quality medical care, according to a Thomson Reuters study released today.
The study, which tracks consumer attitudes toward healthcare reform, addresses a wide range of issues, including the cost and quality of healthcare, the prospect of higher taxes, and satisfaction with physicians and insurance coverage.
"It's easy to see why there is considerable disagreement about healthcare reform. People are generally satisfied with what they have, skeptical that change will improve the system, and divided on the role the government should play," says Gary Pickens, chief research officer for the Healthcare & Science business of Thomson Reuters and lead author of the study. "And we're seeing wide variance of opinion across demographic profiles, suggesting it will continue to be challenging for legislators to find the middle ground."
The analysis is based on a telephone survey of 3,007 households conducted from July 28 to Aug. 9—a segment of the Thomson Reuters PULSE Healthcare Survey, which examines healthcare behaviors, attitudes and utilization.
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.