What Does the Public Want?

I find it interesting how the media says there is a large percentage of Americas that want public healthcare. When I talked to people, most of them seem confused. They like the idea a better system but, are surprised to learn that the systems that are used as models for reform, the Canadian or Massachusetts system, provide low levels of service and that is not what they want either.

So before you believe that Americas understand and really know what they are want when they answer these media surveys, please look at the results of a Kaiser Family Foundation (April 2009) survey, where they asked the basic question then provide the responders with some additional information and see how the results changed.

• 67% favor creating a public option “similar to Medicare”

• When told that public plans would be the first step toward single-payer, government-run health care, overall support drops to 41%
• When told that the government could have an unfair advantage over private plans, overall support drops to 32%

• 71% support “requiring employers to offer health insurance to their workers or pay money into a government fund”

• When told that mandates are “more fair because today some employers pay for health insurance and some do not,” overall support rises to 78 percent
• When told that the approach may mean some job loss, overall support drops to 27%

I believe, like most people, that the healthcare can be improved and be more cost effective. My concern is when Washington promote systems that provide low quality of service as a standard (see my blog http://yourlegacybenefits.blogspot.com/ for articles about the level of service provided in Canada and Massachusetts) instead real solutions like the Safeway system and a real medical records system. I just have to ask is it about finding a solution or wanting more governmental control?

By Ray Ward of Legacy Benefits & Insurance Services

RayWard@YourLegacyBenefits.com

www.YourLegacyBenefits.com