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Healthcare System

Trend: Is It the Federal Government's Responsibility to Make Sure All Americans Have Healthcare Coverage?

What would you say is the most urgent health problem facing this country at the present time? [Open-ended]

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

F.

G.

H.

I.

J.

K.

L.

M

OT.

DK.

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

2011 Nov

27

20

*

13

14

1

1

1

*

*

*

--

3

4

15

2010 Nov

24

19

1

12

14

2

1

1

1

*

1

--

10

5

9

2009 Nov

27

18

16

9

8

2

1

1

*

*

--

--

5

3

10

2008 Nov

29

25

--

11

12

2

2

2

1

1

*

--

1

4

10

2007 Nov

29

26

1

14

10

1

2

2

1

*

1

--

1

4

9

2006 Nov

22

29

1

14

8

3

6

1

1

*

1

*

*

6

8

2005 Nov

15

25

10

15

9

4

6

1

1

1

1

*

*

3

7

2004 Nov

28

29

2

9

7

2

5

*

1

*

*

*

1

8

8

2003 Nov

25

27

*

13

7

3

8

1

*

1

1

1

*

7

6

2002 Nov

13

25

1

21

7

5

8

1

1

2

*

1

*

5

9

2001 Nov

8

14

1

19

4

6

7

1

2

1

1

22

*

6

8

2000 Sep

13

25

--

20

3

3

18

1

1

1

2

--

*

6

7

1999 Feb

1

13

--

23

1

5

33

--

--

3

2

--

--

13

6

1997 Oct

13

9

--

15

*

3

29

--

--

2

6

--

--

18

5

1992 Mar

--

30

--

5

--

2

41

--

--

--

--

--

--

18

4

1991 Nov

--

20

--

6

--

2

55

--

--

--

--

--

--

14

3

1991 May

2

10

--

16

1

2

45

--

--

*

5

--

--

15

4

1987 Oct

--

1

--

14

3

7

68

--

--

1

4

--

--

8

3

KEY:
A. Access
B. Healthcare/Insurance costs
C. Flu
D. Cancer
E. Obesity
F. Heart disease
G. Aids
H. Diabetes
I. Finding cures for diseases
J. Smoking
K. Drug/Alcohol abuse
L. Bioterrorism
M. Government Interference
OT. Other
DK. No opinion
* Less than 0.5%

Overall, how would you rate -- [ROTATED] -- as excellent, good, only fair, or poor?

A. The quality of healthcare in this country

Excellent

Good

Only fair

Poor

No opinion

%

%

%

%

%

2011 Nov 3-6

20

39

29

11

1

2010 Nov 4-7

21

41

26

11

1

2009 Nov 5-8

21

37

26

14

1

2008 Nov 13-16

17

40

30

12

2

2007 Nov 11-14

17

37

29

16

*

2006 Nov 9-12

16

37

32

14

1

2005 Nov 7-10

16

37

33

14

*

2004 Nov 7-10

20

39

28

12

1

2003 Nov 3-5

18

42

28

12

*

2002 Nov 11-14

14

41

32

12

1

2001 Nov 8-11

15

38

34

12

1

* Less than 0.5%

B. Healthcare coverage in this country

Excellent

Good

Only fair

Poor

No opinion

%

%

%

%

%

2011 Nov 3-6

6

27

41

24

2

2010 Nov 4-7

7

32

37

23

1

2009 Nov 5-8

8

30

32

28

1

2008 Nov 13-16

4

22

42

30

1

2007 Nov 11-14

6

21

41

31

1

2006 Nov 9-12

6

19

41

33

1

2005 Nov 7-10

2

19

43

35

1

2004 Nov 7-10

4

26

41

29

*

2003 Nov 3-5

5

23

42

29

1

2002 Nov 11-14

4

26

41

27

2

2001 Nov 8-11

5

25

43

26

1

* Less than 0.5%

Are you generally satisfied or dissatisfied with the total cost of healthcare in this country?

Satisfied

Dissatisfied

No opinion

%

%

%

2011 Nov 3-6

20

78

2

2010 Nov 4-7

23

76

1

2009 Nov 5-8

26

72

2

2008 Nov 13-16

19

79

2

2007 Nov 11-14

17

81

2

2006 Nov 9-12

19

79

2

2005 Nov 7-10

20

79

1

2004 Nov 7-10

21

78

1

2003 Nov 3-5

20

79

1

2002 Nov 11-14

22

75

3

2001 Nov 8-11

28

71

1

1993 May 10-12 ^

8

90

2

^ WORDING: Now, thinking about healthcare in the country as a whole, are you generally satisfied, or dissatisfied, with ... . Next, … The quality of healthcare in this country.

Which of these statements do you think best describes the U.S. healthcare system today -- [ROTATED: it is in a state of crisis, it has major problems, it has minor problems, (or) it does not have any problems]?

State of
crisis

Major
problems

Minor
problems

Does not
have any
problems

No
opinion

%

%

%

%

%

2011 Nov 3-6

16

57

24

1

1

2010 Nov 4-7

17

55

26

1

1

2009 Nov 5-8

21

50

25

2

1

2009 Sep 11-13

17

56

25

2

*

2008 Nov 13-16

14

59

26

1

1

2007 Nov 11-14

17

56

24

2

1

2006 Nov 9-12

16

55

25

3

1

2005 Nov 7-10

18

52

28

1

1

2004 Nov 7-10

14

53

31

2

*

2003 Nov 3-5

14

54

30

1

1

2002 Nov 11-14

11

54

32

2

1

2001 Nov 8-11

5

44

47

2

2

2000 Sep 11-13

12

58

28

1

1

1994 Sep 6-7 ^

17

52

29

1

1

* Less than 0.5%

^ WORDING: Which of these statements do you think best describes the U.S. healthcare system today -- the healthcare system is in a state of crisis, it has major problems, it has minor problems, or it does not have any problems?

Do you think it is the responsibility of the federal government to make sure all Americans have healthcare coverage, or is that not the responsibility of the federal government?

Yes, government
responsibility

No, not
government
responsibility

No
opinion

%

%

%

2011 Nov 3-6

50

46

4

2010 Nov 4-7

47

50

3

2009 Nov 5-8

47

50

3

2008 Nov 13-16

54

41

5

2007 Nov 11-14

64

33

3

2006 Nov 9-12 ^

69

28

3

2005 Nov 7-10 ^

58

38

4

2004 Nov 7-10 ^

64

34

2

2003 Nov 3-5 ^

59

39

2

2002 Nov 11-14

62

35

3

2001 Nov 8-11 ^

62

34

4

2000 Sep 11-13

64

31

5

2000 Jan 13-16

59

38

3

^ Asked of a half sample

Which of the following approaches for providing healthcare in the United States would you prefer -- [ROTATED: a government-run healthcare system, (or) a system based mostly on private health insurance]?

Government-run
system

System based
on private
insurance

No
opinion

%

%

%

2011 Nov 3-6

39

56

6

2010 Nov 4-7

34

61

5

Who pays the cost of premiums on your health insurance? Do you or someone in your household pay the total cost, does an employer pay the total cost, or is the cost shared between the employer and you or someone in your household?

BASED ON ADULTS WITH PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE

Self/
Household

Employer
pays all

Costs are
shared

None/
Other
(vol.)

No
opinion

%

%

%

%

%

2011 Nov 3-6

21

15

63

1

*

2010 Nov 4-7

25

10

61

3

2

2009 Nov 5-8

25

12

60

2

2

2008 Nov 13-16

19

15

64

1

1

2007 Nov 11-14

18

15

64

2

1

2006 Nov 9-12

20

15

62

2

*

2005 Nov 7-10

18

14

65

2

1

2004 Nov 7-10

18

17

64

1

*

2003 Nov 3-5

23

16

59

2

*

2002 Nov 11-14

21

19

57

2

1

2001 Nov 8-11

19

24

54

2

1

* Less than 0.5%

(vol.) = Volunteered response

Over the past year, has the amount YOU paid for you and your family's health insurance -- [ROTATED: gone up a lot, gone up a little, not changed, gone down a little, (or) gone down a lot]?

BASED ON ADULTS WHO PAY ALL OR PART OF THEIR HEALTH PREMIUMS

Gone up
a lot

Gone up
a little

Not
changed

Gone
down
a little

Gone
down
a lot

No
opinion

%

%

%

%

%

%

2011 Nov 3-6

29

44

21

2

1

4

2010 Nov 4-7

29

48

18

2

1

3

2009 Nov 5-8

25

47

26

1

*

1

2008 Nov 13-16

24

48

22

3

1

2

2007 Nov 11-14

26

43

26

2

1

3

2006 Nov 9-12

29

46

19

3

1

3

2005 Nov 7-10

28

46

23

2

*

1

2004 Nov 7-10

28

48

17

5

1

1

2003 Nov 3-5

31

43

23

*

1

2

* Less than 0.5%

Within the last twelve months, have you or a member of your family put off any sort of medical treatment because of the cost you would have to pay?

Yes

No

No opinion

%

%

%

2011 Nov 3-6

30

70

*

2010 Nov 4-7

30

69

1

2009 Nov 5-8

29

71

*

2008 Nov 13-16

29

70

1

2007 Nov 11-14

30

70

*

2006 Nov 9-12

30

69

1

2005 Nov 7-10

28

71

1

2004 Nov 7-10

26

74

*

2003 Nov 3-5

24

76

*

2002 Nov 11-14

25

75

*

2001 Nov 8-11

19

81

*

1991 Jan 3-6

22

77

1

* Less than 0.5%

When you put off this medical treatment, was it for a condition or illness that was -- very serious, somewhat serious, not very serious, or not at all serious?

BASED ON THOSE WHO PUT OFF MEDICAL TREATMENT DUE TO COSTS

Very
serious

Somewhat
serious

Not very
serious

Not at all
serious

No
opinion

%

%

%

%

%

2011 Nov 3-6

16

50

29

5

1

2010 Nov 4-7

22

47

25

6

*

2009 Nov 5-8

16

42

33

8

*

2008 Nov 13-16

17

41

30

10

2

2007 Nov 11-14

15

45

28

10

2

2006 Nov 9-12

10

48

32

9

2

2005 Nov 7-10

18

37

31

13

1

2004 Nov 7-10

16

44

30

10

*

2003 Nov 3-5

6

42

44

8

1

2002 Nov 11-14

16

43

31

9

1

2001 Nov 8-11

15

47

23

13

2

1991 Jan 3-6

15

37

37

10

1

COMBINED RESPONSES

Put off
treatment
for serious
condition

Put off
treatment for
non-serious
condition

Did not
put off
treatment

No
opinion

%

%

%

%

2011 Nov 3-6

20

10

70

*

2010 Nov 4-7

21

9

69

1

2009 Nov 5-8

17

12

71

*

2008 Nov 13-16

17

12

70

1

2007 Nov 11-14

18

11

70

1

2006 Nov 9-12

18

12

69

1

2005 Nov 7-10

16

12

71

1

2004 Nov 7-10

16

10

74

*

2003 Nov 3-5

12

13

75

*

2002 Nov 11-14

15

10

75

*

2001 Nov 8-11

12

7

81

*

1991 Jan 3-6

11

11

77

1

Overall, how would you rate -- [ROTATED] -- as excellent, good, only fair or poor?

The quality of healthcare you receive

Excel-
lent

Good

Only
fair

Poor

Not
appli-
cable
(vol.)


No
opin-ion

%

%

%

%

%

%

2011 Nov 3-6

40

42

11

5

1

1

2010 Nov 4-7

40

42

12

4

1

*

2009 Nov 5-8

38

43

13

4

1

1

2008 Nov 13-16

36

47

13

3

1

*

2007 Nov 11-14

33

50

12

3

3

*

2006 Nov 9-12

36

43

15

4

1

*

2005 Nov 7-10

29

49

17

3

2

*

2004 Nov 7-10

38

42

15

4

1

--

2003 Nov 3-5

33

49

13

3

2

*

2002 Nov 11-14

28

54

14

3

1

*

2001 Nov 8-11

31

49

15

3

2

*

* Less than 0.5%

(vol.) = Volunteered response

Your healthcare coverage

Excel-
lent

Good

Only
fair

Poor

Not
appli-
cable
(vol.)

No
opin-
ion

%

%

%

%

%

%

2011 Nov 3-6

29

43

14

11

3

1

2010 Nov 4-7

28

43

16

9

3

*

2009 Nov 5-8

29

40

17

10

3

1

2008 Nov 13-16

26

41

19

8

4

1

2007 Nov 11-14

25

45

15

8

5

*

2006 Nov 9-12

26

39

23

8

3

1

2005 Nov 7-10

20

43

21

11

4

1

2004 Nov 7-10

28

41

20

7

4

*

2003 Nov 3-5

22

44

23

6

5

*

2002 Nov 11-14

20

51

17

7

4

1

2001 Nov 8-11

22

46

20

6

5

1

* Less than 0.5%

(vol.) = Volunteered response

Are you generally satisfied or dissatisfied with the total cost you pay for your healthcare?

Satisfied

Dissatisfied

No opinion

%

%

%

2011 Nov 3-6

60

38

2

2010 Nov 4-7

58

40

2

2009 Nov 5-8

62

36

2

2008 Nov 13-16

58

39

3

2007 Nov 11-14

57

39

4

2006 Nov 9-12

54

42

4

2005 Nov 7-10

57

41

2

2004 Nov 7-10

58

41

1

2003 Nov 3-5

57

41

2

2002 Nov 11-14

58

39

3

2001 Nov 8-11

64

33

3
Now thinking about the healthcare overhaul bill passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama last year,

If you had to choose, do you think the healthcare law -- [ROTATED: should be kept in place (or) should be repealed]?

Kept in place

Repealed

No opinion

%

%

%

2011 Nov 3-6

42

47

11

Do you think it would be justified or unjustified to set higher health insurance rates for people who smoke?

Justified

Unjustified

No opinion

%

%

%

2011 Jul 7-10

60

38

2

2005 Jul 7-10 ^

64

35

1

2003 Jul 7-9

65

34

1

^ Asked of a half sample

Do you think it would be justified or unjustified to set higher health insurance rates for people who are significantly overweight?

Justified

Unjustified

No opinion

%

%

%

2011 Jul 7-10

42

57

1

2008 Jul 10-13

34

63

3

2005 Jul 7-10 ^

37

61

2

2003 Jul 7-9

43

55

2

^ Asked of a half sample

Now I am going to read you a list of institutions in American society. Please tell me how much confidence you, yourself, have in each one -- a great deal, quite a lot, some, or very little? First, ... Next, [RANDOM ORDER]

The medical system

Great
deal

Quite
a lot

Some

Very
little

None
(vol.)

No
opin-
ion

Great
deal/
Quite
a lot

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

2011 Jun 9-12

15

24

35

24

2

*

39

2010 Jul 8-11

16

24

38

20

1

1

40

2009 Jun 14-17

15

21

41

21

2

1

36

2008 Jun 9-12

16

19

38

24

2

1

35

2007 Jun 11-14

13

18

38

28

2

1

31

2006 Jun 1-4

14

24

36

22

1

1

38

2005 May 23-26

19

23

33

23

1

1

42

2004 May 21-23

15

29

37

17

1

1

44

2003 Jun 9-10

19

25

36

19

1

*

44

2002 Jun 21-23

15

23

42

18

1

1

38

2001 Jun 8-10

15

25

38

19

2

1

40

2000 Jun 22-25

14

26

37

21

2

*

40

1999 Jun 25-27

17

23

36

22

1

1

40

1998 Jun 5-7

16

24

40

18

1

1

40

1997 Jul 25-27

15

23

38

21

2

1

38

1996 May 28-29

15

27

38

18

1

1

42

1995 Apr 21-24

18

23

38

18

2

1

41

1994 Mar 25-29

14

22

38

24

2

*

36

1993 Mar 22-24

14

20

34

28

3

1

34

* Less than 0.5%

(vol.) = Volunteered response

Health Maintenance Organizations, or HMOs

Great
deal

Quite
a lot

Some

Very
little

None
(vol.)

No
opin-
ion

Great
deal/
Quite
a lot

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

2011 Jun 9-12

7

12

39

35

4

4

19

2010 Jul 8-11

8

11

43

28

4

5

19

2009 Jun 14-17

8

10

44

31

4

3

18

2008 Jun 9-12

6

7

41

38

3

5

13

2007 Jun 11-14

7

8

39

38

4

4

15

2006 Jun 1-4

6

9

40

33

5

6

15

2005 May 23-26

7

10

43

35

2

3

17

2004 May 21-23

6

12

39

36

4

3

18

2003 Jun 9-10

7

10

39

38

4

2

17

2002 Jun 21-23

5

8

36

42

5

4

13

2001 Jun 8-10

7

8

34

40

7

4

15

2000 Jun 22-25

6

10

35

38

7

4

16

1999 Jun 25-27

8

9

34

42

4

3

17

(vol.) = Volunteered response

Next, I'm going to read a list of problems facing the country. For each one, please tell me if you personally worry about this problem a great deal, a fair amount, only a little, or not at all? First, how much do you personally worry about -- [The availability and affordability of healthcare]?

Great
deal

Fair
amount

Only a
little

Not
at all

No
opinion

%

%

%

%

%

2011 Mar 3-6

58

25

12

5

1

2010 Mar 4-7

56

23

12

8

*

2008 Mar 6-9

58

23

11

7

*

2007 Mar 11-14

63

20

12

4

*

2006 Mar 13-16

68

21

7

4

*

2005 Mar 7-10

60

19

14

6

1

2004 Mar 8-11

62

18

13

7

*

2003 Mar 24-25

55

24

12

8

1

2002 Mar 4-7

56

23

14

7

*

2001 Mar 5-7

60

24

11

5

*

* Less than 0.5%

Now thinking about the healthcare law passed last year, would you like to see Congress -- [ROTATED: keep the healthcare law in place as it is, make minor changes to the healthcare law, make major changes to the healthcare law, (or) repeal the healthcare law entirely]?

Keep
as is

Minor
changes

Major
changes

Repeal
entirely

No
opinion

2011 Jan 14-16

13%

29

24

32

3

(Asked of those who think major or minor changes should be made to the healthcare law) Would you like to see changes to the healthcare law that -- [ROTATED: expands what the law does (or) scales back what the law does]?

COMBINED RESULTS: BASED ON NATIONAL ADULTS

Expand
law

Keep
as is

Scale
back law

Repeal
entirely

No
opinion

2011 Jan 14-16

24%

13

25

32

7

When your doctor gives you important medical advice, which comes closer to your view -- [ROTATED: you usually feel confident in the accuracy of your doctor's advice, (or) you usually feel it is necessary to check for second opinions or do your own research on the subject]?

Confident in
accuracy of
advice

Necessary
to check/
do own research

No
opinion

%

%

%

2010 Nov 4-7 ^

70

29

1

2002 Nov 11-14

64

34

2

^ Asked of a half sample

Next, we'd like to read a list of several aspects of the U.S. healthcare system. For each, please tell me if you think the medical care or medical services they provide are generally excellent, good, only fair, or poor? How about -- [RANDOM ORDER]?

A. Hospitals

Excellent

Good

Only fair

Poor

No
opinion

%

%

%

%

%

2010 Nov 4-7 ^

16

56

20

7

1

2003 Nov 3-5

14

56

22

7

1

^ Asked of a half sample

B. Physicians

Excellent

Good

Only fair

Poor

No
opinion

%

%

%

%

%

2010 Nov 4-7 ^

26

58

11

4

1

2003 Nov 3-5

19

62

15

4

*

^ Asked of a half sample

C. Nurses

Excellent

Good

Only fair

Poor

No
opinion

%

%

%

%

%

2010 Nov 4-7 ^

31

57

11

1

1

2003 Nov 3-5

26

59

12

1

2

^ Asked of a half sample

D. Nursing homes

Excellent

Good

Only fair

Poor

No
opinion

%

%

%

%

%

2010 Nov 4-7 ^

3

30

33

16

18

2003 Nov 3-5

3

26

39

20

12

^ Asked of a half sample

E. Pharmaceutical or drug companies

Excellent

Good

Only fair

Poor

No
opinion

%

%

%

%

%

2010 Nov 4-7 ^

12

42

26

18

2

2003 Nov 3-5

10

43

30

15

2

^ Asked of a half sample

F. Health insurance companies

Excellent

Good

Only fair

Poor

No
opinion

%

%

%

%

%

2010 Nov 4-7 ^

6

36

32

24

2

2003 Nov 3-5

3

30

44

21

2

^ Asked of a half sample

G. Hospital emergency rooms

Excellent

Good

Only fair

Poor

No
opinion

%

%

%

%

%

2010 Nov 4-7 ^

17

43

27

10

3

2003 Nov 3-5

15

47

24

12

2

^ Asked of a half sample

H. Walk-in clinics

Excellent

Good

Only fair

Poor

No
opinion

%

%

%

%

%

2010 Nov 4-7 ^

9

45

25

7

15

2003 Nov 3-5

6

45

27

8

14

^ Asked of a half sample

Turning now to the healthcare overhaul passed by Congress in March of this year, taking everything into account, do you think the new healthcare law -- [ROTATED: goes too far, is about right, (or) does not go far enough]?

(Asked of those who say healthcare law goes too far) Would you like to see Congress -- [ROTATED: keep the healthcare law in place but scale it back considerably, repeal the healthcare law and start work on a new healthcare bill, (or) repeal the healthcare law and NOT pass a new healthcare bill]?

COMBINED RESULTS: BASED ON NATIONAL ADULTS

2010 Nov 4-7

%

Goes too far

42

(Should keep in place but scale back considerably)

(7)

(Should repeal and work on new bill)

(25)

(Should repeal and not pass a new law)

(10)

(Unspecified)

(*)

Is about right

20

Does not go far enough

29

No opinion

8

* Less than 0.5%

As you may know, earlier this year Congress passed legislation that restructures the nation's healthcare system. All in all, do you think it is a good thing or a bad thing that Congress passed this legislation?

Good thing

Bad thing

No opinion

%

%

%
2010 Jun 11-13

49

46

5

2010 Apr 8-11 ^

45

49

6

2010 Mar 26-28 †

47

50

3
^ WORDING: As you may know, Congress recently passed legislation that restructures the nation's healthcare system. All in all, do you think it is a good thing or a bad thing that Congress passed this legislation?

† WORDING: As you may know, this past week Congress passed legislation that restructures the nation's healthcare system. All in all, do you think it is a good thing or a bad thing that Congress passed this legislation?

Taking everything into account, do you think in the long run the new healthcare bill will make the U.S. healthcare system [ROTATED: better, would it not make much difference, (or make it) worse] -- than it is now?


Better

Not much
difference

Worse

No
opinion

%

%

%

%

2010 Mar 26-28

42

11

45

2

2009 Nov 5-8 ^†

41

14

40

5

^ Asked of a half sample

† WORDING: Taking everything into account, if a new healthcare bill becomes law, do you think in the long run it will make the U.S. healthcare system -- [ROTATED: better, would it not make much difference, (or make it) worse] -- than it is now?

Taking everything into account, do you think in the long run the new healthcare bill will make your own healthcare situation -- [ROTATED: better, would it not make much difference, (or make it) worse] -- than it is now?


Better

Not much
difference

Worse

No
opinion

%

%

%

%

2010 Mar 26-28

22

35

40

3

2009 Nov 5-8 ^†

26

31

36

7

^ Asked of a half sample

† WORDING: Taking everything into account, if a new healthcare bill becomes law, do you think in the long run it will make your own healthcare situation -- [ROTATED: better, would it not make much difference, (or make it) worse] -- than it is now?

Now, thinking more specifically about how the healthcare bill will affect you and your family, do you think -- [RANDOM ORDER] -- will get better, will not change, or will get worse than if no healthcare bill passed?

A. The quality of healthcare you and your family receive

Get better

Not change

Get worse

No opinion

%

%

%

%

2010 Mar 26-28

21

42

35

2

2009 Oct 16-19 ^

19

40

39

2

2009 Sep 11-13 ^†

18

48

33

1

^ WORDING: Suppose a healthcare bill passes this year. Do you think -- [RANDOM ORDER] -- would get better, would not change, or would get worse than if no healthcare bill passes?

† Asked of a half sample

B. The costs you and your family pay for healthcare

Get better

Not change

Get worse

No opinion

%

%

%

%

2010 Mar 26-28

21

27

50

2

2009 Oct 16-19 ^

22

27

49

3

2009 Sep 11-13 ^†

22

32

42

4

C. The healthcare coverage you and your family receive

Get better

Not change

Get worse

No opinion

%

%

%

%

2010 Mar 26-28

24

40

34

2

2009 Oct 16-19 ^

20

40

37

2

2009 Sep 11-13 ^†

22

41

33

4

D. You and your family's overall health

Get better

Not change

Get worse

No opinion

%

%

%

%

2010 Mar 26-28

20

58

19

2

Now, thinking more specifically about how the healthcare bill will affect conditions in the United States, do you think -- [RANDOM ORDER] -- will get better, will not change, or will get worse than if no healthcare bill passed?

A. The overall quality of healthcare in the U.S.

Get better

Not change

Get worse

No opinion

%

%

%

%

2010 Mar 26-28

34

20

44

2

2009 Sep 11-13 ^†

30

26

41

2

^ WORDING: Suppose a healthcare bill passes this year. Do you think -- [RANDOM ORDER] -- would get better, would not change, or would get worse than if no healthcare bill passes?

† Asked of a half sample

B. The overall costs of healthcare in the U.S.

Get better

Not change

Get worse

No opinion

%

%

%

%

2010 Mar 26-28

29

14

55

2

2009 Sep 11-13 ^†

34

23

40

2

C. Healthcare coverage in the U.S.

Get better

Not change

Get worse

No opinion

%

%

%

%

2010 Mar 26-28

44

13

40

3

2009 Sep 11-13 ^†

40

20

37

2

D. The overall health of Americans

Get better

Not change

Get worse

No opinion

%

%

%

%

2010 Mar 26-28

40

24

35

2

E. The federal budget deficit

Get better

Not change

Get worse

No opinion

%

%

%

%

2010 Mar 26-28

23

14

61

2

F. The U.S. economy

Get better

Not change

Get worse

No opinion

%

%

%

%

2010 Mar 26-28

35

17

46

2

In the next five years, do you think Congress will or will not vote on additional, major legislation to either expand or cut back on the healthcare legislation passed this week?

Yes, will vote on

No, will not

No opinion

%

%

%

2010 Mar 26-28

76

18

6

And, in the next five years, do you, personally, want Congress to vote on additional major healthcare legislation to either expand or cut back on the healthcare legislation passed this week, or not?

Yes, want
Congress to
vote on

No, do not
want Congress
to vote on


No
opinion

%

%

%

2010 Mar 26-28

76

18

6

(Asked of those who want Congress to vote on additional healthcare legislation in the next five years) Would you like Congress to -- [ROTATED: pass bills to expand the government's role in the healthcare system beyond what the bills passed this year do, (or would you like Congress to) pass bills to repeal all or much of what Congress passed this year]?

COMBINED RESULTS: BASED ON NATIONAL ADULTS

2010 Mar 26-28

%

Want Congress to vote on additional healthcare legislation

76

(Pass bill to expand on recent legislation)

(32)

(Pass bill to repeal all or much of recent legislation)

(40)

(Unspecified)

(4)

Do not want Congress to vote on additional healthcare legislation

18

No opinion

6

Based on what you know or have read about the healthcare legislation Congress passed this past week, do you, personally, think each of the following applies or does not apply to that legislation? How about -- [RANDOM ORDER]?

2010 Mar 26-28
(sorted by "applies")

Yes,
applies

No, does
not apply

No
opinion

%

%

%

It will expand the government's role in the healthcare system too much

65

33

2

It will cost the government too much

64

33

3

It does not do enough to deal with rising healthcare costs

58

36

6

It should include a government-run insurance plan, also called a public option

52

43

5

It does not go far enough in regulating the healthcare industry

51

41

8
Would you advise your representative in Congress to vote for or against a healthcare reform bill similar to the one proposed by President Obama?

(Asked of those who would advise their member to vote against a bill) Which would you rather see Congress do -- [ROTATED: start over and work to pass different healthcare legislation (or) not work on healthcare legislation at this time]?

COMBINED RESULTS: BASED ON NATIONAL ADULTS

2010 Mar 4-7

%

Favor bill similar to one proposed by Obama

45

Oppose bill similar to one proposed by Obama

48

(Prefer Congress start over on different legislation)

(30)

(Prefer Congress not work on healthcare legislation at this time)

(18)

(Unspecified)

(*)

No opinion

7

(Asked of those who would advise their member to vote for a bill) What is the main reason you favor such a healthcare bill? [OPEN-ENDED]

BASED ON THOSE WHO WOULD ADVISE THEIR MEMBER OF CONGRESS TO VOTE FOR A HEALTHCARE BILL

2010
Mar 4-7

2009
Sep 11-13

%

%

People need health insurance/Too many uninsured

29

36

System is broken/Needs to be fixed

18

16

Costs are out of control/Would help control costs

12

8

Moral responsibility to provide/Obligation/Fair

12

6

Would make healthcare more affordable

10

11

Don't trust insurance companies

5

4

Respondent or family member currently lacks coverage

4

7

To help senior citizens

4

3

To help the poor

3

4

Other

1

1

No reason in particular (vol.)

1

3

No opinion

*

2

* Less than 0.5%

(vol.) = Volunteered response

(Asked of those who would advise their member to vote against a bill) What is the main reason you oppose a healthcare bill? [OPEN-ENDED]

BASED ON THOSE WHO WOULD ADVISE THEIR MEMBER OF CONGRESS TO VOTE AGAINST A HEALTHCARE BILL

2010
Mar 4-7

2009
Sep 11-13

%

%

Will raise costs of insurance/Make it less affordable

20

9

Does not address real problems

19

10

Need more information/clarity on how system would work

8

14

Against big government/Too much government involvement (general)

8

17

Government should not be involved in healthcare

7

11

Healthcare is a privilege, not an entitlement

6

1

Would cost government too much/Too much spending/Increase the deficit

5

8

People should not be required to buy health insurance

5

2

Will affect respondent's current health insurance

4

4

Socialism/Socialized medicine

4

3

Oppose the "public option" proposal

3

4

Rushing it through process/Should take more time

3

4

Would hurt senior citizens/Medicare

3

4

Would pay for abortions

2

1

Has not worked in other countries

1

1

Illegal immigrants would benefit

--

2

Other

1

1

No reason in particular (vol.)

--

1

No opinion

1

3

(vol.) = Volunteered response

Would you advise your member of Congress to vote for or against a healthcare bill this year, or do you not have an opinion?

Vote for

Vote against

No opinion

%

%

%

2010 Jan 8-10

37

41

22

2009 Dec 11-13

36

43

21

2009 Nov 20-22

35

42

22

2009 Nov 5-8

29

38

33

2009 Oct 1-4

40

36

25

2009 Sep 11-13

38

40

22

2009 Aug 31-Sep 2 ^

37

39

24

2009 Aug 6-9 ^

35

36

29

^ WORDING: Would you advise your member of Congress to vote for or against a healthcare reform bill when they return to Washington in September, or do you not have an opinion?

(Asked of those with no opinion on healthcare bill) As of today, would you say you lean more toward advising your member of Congress to vote for a healthcare bill, or lean more toward advising your member of Congress to vote against a healthcare bill?

COMBINED RESPONSES: BASED ON NATIONAL ADULTS

Vote for/
Lean vote for

Vote against/
Lean vote
against

No
opinion

%

%

%

2010 Jan 8-10

49

46

6

2009 Dec 11-13

46

48

6

2009 Nov 20-22

44

49

7

2009 Nov 5-8

43

48

9

2009 Oct 1-4

51

41

8

2009 Sep 11-13

50

47

3

Which of the following approaches for providing healthcare in the United States would you prefer -- [ROTATED: replacing the current healthcare system with a new government run healthcare system, (or) maintaining the current system based mostly on private health insurance]?

Replacing the
current system

Maintaining the
current system

No
opinion

%

%

%

2009 Nov 5-8

32

61

7

2009 Mar 27-29

39

56

5

2008 Nov 13-16

41

49

10

2007 Nov 11-14

41

48

11

2006 Nov 9-12

39

51

10

2005 Nov 7-10

41

49

10

2004 Nov 7-10

32

63

5

2003 Nov 3-5

38

57

5

2001 Nov 8-11

33

61

6

Regardless of whether you favor or oppose healthcare legislation, what are some of the concerns you would have if a new healthcare measure is passed into law? [OPEN-ENDED]

2009 Nov 5-8

%

Net: Costs

24

(Costs to individuals, businesses; affordability/higher premiums)

(13)

(Costs -- nonspecific)

(6)

(Overall costs to government, taxpayers)

(5)

Government-run healthcare/Bureaucracy/
Government takeover/Socialized medicine

18

Making sure everyone is covered/Has access

12

Effect on quality of care

7

Government plan/Public option

6

Ability to get needed treatments/Rationing care/Wait times for care

5

Unclear how plan would work

5

Effect on senior citizens/Medicare

4

Increased taxes

3

Would provide coverage to illegal immigrants

3

Being able to see current doctors

2

Forcing people to have insurance/Fines for not having

2

How it will be paid for

2

Being able to keep current plan, benefits

2

Would pay for abortions

2

Coverage for prescriptions

1

Other

2

None/Nothing (vol.)

9

No opinion

8

(vol.) = Volunteered response

Percentages total more than 100% due to multiple responses

If Congress is going to reform the healthcare system, should Congress deal with healthcare reform on a gradual basis over several years, or should Congress try to pass a comprehensive healthcare reform plan this year?

Reform on
gradual basis

Pass
comprehensive
reform this year

No
opinion

%

%

%

2009 Oct 16-19

58

38

4

1994 Aug 8-9

68

28

5

1994 Jul 15-17

63

32

5

1994 Jun 25-28

62

33

5

1994 Jun 11-12 ^

55

39

7

1994 Apr 16-18 ^

59

37

4

^ WORDING: Do you think Congress should deal with healthcare reform on a gradual basis over several years, or should Congress try to pass a comprehensive healthcare reform plan this year?

If Congress passes a healthcare bill, do you think it should or should not include a public, government-run insurance plan to compete with plans offered by private insurance companies?

Yes, should
include

No,
should not

No
opinion

2009 Oct 16-19

50%

46

4

Next, please tell me whether you favor or oppose each of the following as a way to pay for the healthcare bill. How about -- [RANDOM ORDER]?

A. Reducing payments to Medicare providers, such as hospitals and doctors

Favor

Oppose

No opinion

2009 Oct 16-19

36%

61

3

B. Imposing a surcharge on federal income taxes for individuals with annual incomes over $280,000 and families with incomes over $350,000

Favor

Oppose

No opinion

2009 Oct 16-19

59%

38

3

C. Imposing a tax on insurance plans that have the most expensive benefit packages

Favor

Oppose

No opinion

2009 Oct 16-19

34%

61

4

When it comes to making changes to the healthcare system, how much trust do you have in each of the following -- a great deal, a fair amount, not much, or none at all? How about -- [RANDOM ORDER]?

A. President Obama

Great
deal

Fair
amount

Not
much

None
at all

No
opinion

2009 Oct 16-19

23%

32

21

24

*

* Less than 0.5%

B. The Democrats in Congress

Great
deal

Fair
amount

Not
much

None
at all

No
opinion

2009 Oct 16-19

10%

38

27

25

1

C. The Republicans in Congress

Great
deal

Fair
amount

Not
much

None
at all

No
opinion

2009 Oct 16-19

4%

33

38

24

1

What do you, personally, see as the biggest problem with healthcare in the United States today? [OPEN-ENDED]

2009 Sep 11-13

%

Cost/Unaffordable

38

Too many uninsured

15

Insurance companies/Insurance company greed

13

Lack of availability/accessibility

8

Too many frivolous lawsuits/Medical malpractice

5

Too much bureaucracy/Government involvement

5

Overcharging/Excessive charges for medical procedures

3

Drug companies/Drug company greed

3

Problems with Medicaid/Medicare

3

Doctor/Hospital greed

3

Lack of portability of insurance

3

Illegal immigrants getting healthcare

2

Waste and fraud in the system

2

Cannot get insurance if have pre-existing condition

1

Other

2

Nothing (vol.)

3

No opinion

5

(vol.) = Volunteered response

Percentages total more than 100% due to multiple responses

If you had to choose, which goal would you say is more important in terms of healthcare -- [ROTATED: expanding healthcare coverage to include nearly all Americans (or) controlling rising healthcare costs in the U.S. today]?

Expanding
coverage

Controlling
costs

Neither
(vol.)

No
opinion

2009 Sep 11-13

39%

59

1

1

(vol.) = Volunteered response

How satisfied are you with -- [RANDOM ORDER] -- [ROTATED: very satisfied, satisfied, dissatisfied (or) very dissatisfied]?

A. The quality of medical care available to you and your family

Very
satisfied

Satisfied

Dissatisfied

Very
dissatisfied

No
opinion

2009 Sep 11-13

39%

41

14

5

1

B. The cost of medical care for you and your family

Very
satisfied

Satisfied

Dissatisfied

Very
dissatisfied

No
opinion

2009 Sep 11-13

20%

41

26

12

1

Please say whether each of the following is a major problem, a minor problem, or not a problem for you, personally? How about -- [RANDOM ORDER]?

Rising healthcare costs, including costs such as insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses

Major
problem

Minor
problem

Not a
problem

No
opinion

2009 Sep 11-13

46%

31

22

--

(Asked of those with health insurance) Reductions in what your insurance plan covers, including coverage such as which doctors you can see

COMBINED RESULTS: BASED ON NATIONAL ADULTS

Major
problem

Minor
problem

Not a
problem

Do not have
insurance

No
opinion

2009 Sep 11-13

21%

21

43

15

*

* Less than 0.5%

(Asked of those with health insurance) Insurance company paperwork or other requirements for getting certain medical treatments covered

COMBINED RESULTS: BASED ON NATIONAL ADULTS

Major
problem

Minor
problem

Not a
problem

Do not have
insurance

No
opinion

2009 Sep 11-13

15

26

44

15

*

* Less than 0.5%

As you may know, President Obama is proposing a healthcare plan that is designed to expand coverage to nearly all Americans without raising taxes on the middle class or lowering the quality of healthcare. If Obama's plan is passed, do you think it would or would not be able to accomplish all of these goals?

Yes, would
be able to

No, would
not be

No
opinion

2009 Sep 11-13

38%

60

2

How confident are you that most of the cost of President Obama's healthcare plan can be paid for through cost savings in Medicare and other parts of the existing healthcare system -- very confident, somewhat confident, not too confident, or not confident at all?

Very
confident

Somewhat
confident

Not too
confident

Not confident
at all

No
opinion

2009 Sep 11-13

11%

32

19

37

1

As you may know, Congress is considering a bill that would increase the number of children eligible for government subsidized health insurance, but the Democrats in Congress and President Bush disagree on how much to increase the program. How closely have you been following the news about this -- very closely, somewhat closely, not too closely, or not at all?

Very
closely

Somewhat
closely

Not too
closely

Not
at all

No
opinion

2007 Oct 12-14

17%

34

30

19

*

* Less than 0.5%

(Asked of a half sample) Based on what you have heard or read about this bill, who do you have more confidence in to handle this issue -- [ROTATED: George W. Bush (or) the Democrats in Congress]?

Bush

Democrats

Neither (vol.)

No opinion

2007 Oct 12-14

32%

52

10

5

(vol.) = Volunteered response

(Asked of a half sample) As you may know, the Democrats want to allow a family of four earning about $62,000 to qualify for the program. President Bush wants most of the increases to go to families earning less than $41,000. Whose side do you favor?

Bush

Democrats

Neither (vol.)

No opinion

2007 Oct 12-14

52%

40

3

4

(vol.) = Volunteered response

(Asked of a half sample) How concerned are you that expanding this program would create an incentive for middle class Americans to drop private health insurance for a public program, which some consider to be a step toward socialized medicine? Are you -- very concerned, somewhat concerned, not too concerned, or not concerned at all?

Very
concerned

Somewhat
concerned

Not too
concerned

Not
concerned
at all

No
opinion

2007 Oct 12-14

22%

33

25

17

2

For each of the following health conditions, please say whether you think it is a very serious problem around the world, a somewhat serious problem, or not a serious problem? How about -- [RANDOM ORDER]?

ASKED OF A HALF SAMPLE

A. HIV or AIDS

Very
serious

Somewhat
serious

Not
serious

No
opinion

2007 Jun 11-14

82%

16

2

*

2006 Dec 8-10

89%

10

1

*

* Less than 0.5%

B. Cancer

Very
serious

Somewhat
serious

Not
serious

No
opinion

2007 Jun 11-14

79%

20

1

1

2006 Dec 8-10

87%

11

1

--

C. Tuberculosis

Very
serious

Somewhat
serious

Not
serious

No
opinion

2007 Jun 11-14

24%

51

23

2

2006 Dec 8-10

31%

48

17

3

D. Malaria

Very
serious

Somewhat
serious

Not
serious

No
opinion

2007 Jun 11-14

24%

50

22

3

2006 Dec 8-10

28%

47

20

4

E. Poor nutrition

Very
serious

Somewhat
serious

Not
serious

No
opinion

2007 Jun 11-14

75%

22

3

1

2006 Dec 8-10

80%

18

1

1
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