Americans Widely Support Health Care Reform, Despite The Implications Of New GOP Poll

"Costs Associated With Health Care Weigh Heavily On The Minds Of Americans In The Resurgent Republican Data"

Conservative Group's Poll Results Show Cost Of Health Care Reform Is A High Concern For Americans.   According to the Washington Post, the Resurgent Republic poll stated: "More than eight in ten Americans say they are either very (45 percent) or somewhat (38 percent) satisfied with the care they and their family receive, according to the survey conducted by GOP pollster Whit Ayres. The data also suggests that a majority (52 percent) would rather their taxes were not increased even if it meant that not everyone would be covered; 39 percent said they would prefer a plan that covered everyone even if it meant a tax increase. And, the costs associated with health care weigh heavily on the minds of Americans in the Resurgent Republican data; health care costs led the way (with 19 percent) when the sample was asked to name their 'greatest financial concern.'" [Washington Post, 6/22/09]

Washington Post: These Data Will Become Republican Talking Points.  In regard to the Resurgent Republic poll, Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post reported: "Expect this data to be cited relentlessly by congressional Republicans over the next two months as they attempt to beat back the Obama plan by raising questions in the mind of the public about the necessity and costs of overhauling the health care system." [Washington Post, 6/22/09]

Resurgent Republic Is "A Group Of GOP Consultants."  The Washington Post reported: "Resurgent Republic, a group of GOP consultants, has new poll data that suggests the American people are not particularly eager for an overhaul of the country's health care system." [Washington Post, 6/22/09]

National, Nonpartisan Polls Show That Americans Crave Drastic Health Care Reform

57% Of Americans Are "Willing" To Pay Higher Taxes To Ensure Health Coverage For All.  According to a CBS News/New York Times poll, when asked, "would you be willing or not willing to pay higher taxes so that all Americans have health insurance they can't lose, no matter what?" 57% of Americans were "willing," 37% were "not willing," and 6% were "unsure." [CBS News/New York Times Poll, via PollingReport.com, 6/12-16/09]

Americans Deem Coverage And Cost The Most Important Issues Regarding Health Care Reform.  According to an NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, when asked which health care issue they thought the President should be focused on: 41% of respondents answered "cost," 43% of respondents answered "coverage," 11% answered "both equally," and 5% said "unsure." [NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll via PollingReport.com, accessed 6/22/09]

55% Of Americans Support President Obama's Plan For Health Care Reform.  According to an NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, respondents were asked to respond to President Obama's plan for health care reform described as requiring "health insurance companies cover people with pre-existing medical conditions. It also requires all but the smallest employers to provide health coverage for their employees, or pay a percentage of their payroll to help fund coverage for the uninsured. Families and individuals with lower- and middle-incomes would receive tax credits to help them afford insurance coverage. Some of the funding for this plan would come from raising taxes on wealthier Americans."  In response: 55% favored the plan, 35% opposed, 3% answered "depends," and 7% were unsure.  [NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll via PollingReport.com, accessed 6/22/09]

More Than 70% Of Americans Polled Want An Increased Governmental Role In Health Care.  According to CNN, "seventy-two percent of those questioned in recent CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey say they favor increasing the federal government's influence over the country's health care system in an attempt to lower costs and provide health care coverage to more Americans, with 27 percent opposing such a move." [CNN.com, 3/5/09]

More Than 60% Of Americans Think The Federal Government "Should Guarantee" Health Care For All Americans.  62% of respondents in a recent CNN/Opinion Research poll said they think "the federal government should guarantee health care for all Americans." Just 38% disagreed, while 1% said they weren't sure. [CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll, 5/14-17/09]

Plurality of Americans Polled Think Health Care Is The Most Pressing Issue For Congress And The President.  According to a New York Times/CBS News Poll conducted February 18-22, 2009 and based on 1,112 respondents, when asked "Beside the economy, which of these domestic policy areas do you want the President and Congress to concentrate on MOST right now - health care, global warming, education, or Social Security?" the respondents' answers were: 40% Health Care, 5% Global Warming, 27% Education, 22% Social Security, 4% Something Else/Combination, and 1% Didn't Know.  [New York Times/CBS Poll, 2/09]

The Majority Of Americans Want An Obama-style Mix Of Public And Private Plans. According to a poll conducted by Lake Research:

• 60% of Americans favor "providing access to affordable, quality health care for all Americans even if it means raising taxes."
• 71% of Americans favor "providing access to affordable, quality health care for all Americans even if it means a major role for the federal government."
• 73% of Americans prefer "having a choice of private health insurance or a public health insurance plan." [Lake Research poll, 01/09]