IOWA 4TH DISTRICT SURVEY REVEALS MAJORITY UNSATISFIED WITH AMERICAN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
MORE THAN 12,400 RESPONDENTS VOICE HEALTH CARE OPINIONS TO WASHINGTON
Washington,
Oct 9 -
A majority of respondents to a survey of Iowa’s 4th Congressional District said they are dissatisfied with the current state of American health care, but more than 85 percent of respondents characterized their own health coverage as either excellent or good.
Throughout the summer and early fall, more than 12,400 residents of Iowa’s 4th Congressional District responded to the health care survey, which was conducted by Iowa Congressman Tom Latham. The survey was mailed to all households in the 4th District with at least one registered voter and also was available to 4th District residents on Congressman Latham's Web site.
Asked if they are satisfied with the U.S. health care system as it stands today, 54.7 percent of respondents said they were not satisfied while 36.1 percent said they were. Another 9.2 percent said they were unsure.
More than 70 percent of respondents ranked cost as the most pressing concern regarding health care in the United States, followed by access at 14.6 percent and quality at 8.4 percent. Nearly 7 percent of respondents listed “other” as their most pressing health care concern.
An overwhelming majority of respondents described the quality of their personal health care as either “excellent” or “good.” Asked to rate their own coverage, 45 percent of respondents said excellent, 40.9 percent said good, 10.1 percent responded fair, 3.3 percent responded poor and 0.8 percent responded with “other.”
“The results of the survey go hand-in-hand with the attitudes expressed during the 28 town hall meetings I've held this year in each county I represent,” Congressman Latham said. “Iowans are demanding reforms that will stop the trend of skyrocketing health care costs, but, by and large, they’re happy with the quality of the coverage they currently have. That’s why I’m pushing for health care solutions that make coverage more affordable but won’t force Iowans to give up what they’re currently satisfied with.”
The results also demonstrated resistance to an increased government role in health care. A majority of respondents, 59.5 percent, said they oppose a publicly run health insurance option that would compete with private insurers. 33.9 percent said they support a public option, and 6.6 percent were unsure.
“While the survey results shouldn’t be taken as strictly scientific, I think they offer a wealth of broad insight into the attitudes of Iowans regarding health care,” Congressman Latham said. “The sheer number of responses went far beyond any survey I’ve done in my congressional career. Iowans are engaged on the issue of health care reform, and they’re passionate. Many policymakers in Washington want to tell Americans how their health care should be run. I put together the survey so Iowans could voice with abundant clarity what their feelings are about their own health care.”
As the health care reform process moves forward in Washington, Latham cautioned his colleagues in Congress to listen to the voices of the people.
“There is no doubt that millions of Americans face a health care crisis and that common-sense reforms are needed," Congressman Latham said. "But because health care reform will touch the lives of every single American, when the dust settles and the debate ends, we must be sure we’ve done the right thing for future generations.”
Following are selected results from the survey:
Are you satisfied with the current state of American health care?
Yes (36.1%)
No (54.7%)
Unsure (9.2%)
What do you feel is the most pressing concern regarding health care in the United States?Access (14.6%)
Quality (8.4%)
Cost (70.4%)
Other (6.6%)
Do you have health insurance/coverage?
Yes (97.1%)
No (2.9%)
If you have coverage, what type is it?
Employer-provided (38.1%)
Self-purchased (26.7%)
Medicaid/Medicare (30.8%)
Other (4.4%)
How do you rate the quality of your personal health care coverage?
Excellent (45.0%)
Good (40.9%)
Fair (10.1%)
Poor (3.3%)
Other (.8%)
Over the last five years, how have your health care costs changed?
Increased (84.9%)
Decreased (2.4%)
No change (12.7%)
In your opinion, has the current health care system failed you or a member of your family?Yes (31.9%)
No (63.2%)
Unsure (5%)
Do you believe America's current health care system is broken?
Yes (43.7%)
No (41.9%)
Unsure (14.4%)
What priority should Congress and the president give to health care reform?
Highest priority (40.2%)
Medium priority (30.2%)
Low priority (27.6%)
Unsure (2%)
What role should the government play in determining health insurance options for Americans?
Major role (28.5%)
Minor role (29.9%)
No role (35.2%)
Unsure (6.3%)
Do you favor a health care system that is run by the private sector or the government?Private sector (54.5%)
Government (8.8%)
Combination of private sector and government (32.7%)
Unsure (4.1%)
Would you be willing to pay higher taxes to guarantee health insurance for all Americans?Yes (25.5%)
No (62.9%)
Unsure (11.6%)
Do you think a private-sector health care system can be improved to provide coverage to more Americans at a lower cost than a nationalized plan?
Yes (62.4%)
No (27.5%)
Unsure (10.1%)
Should the government require that every American have health insurance?
Yes (26.5%)
No (58.8%)
Unsure (14.7%)
What is your main concern with your current health insurance coverage or plan?
That it is tied to your employer - lack of "portability" (23.9%)
Lack of billing transparency - explanation of benefits is too confusing (15.7%)
Too many restrictions on treatments or doctors that you can visit - rationing care (12.9%)
Out-of-pocket expenses are too high (25.1%)
Other (22.5%)
Should the government require that all health insurance companies provide a "basic plan" option (covering at least one primary care visit per year, emergencies, hospitalization, etc.) so families could shop around for the best price?
No (27.1%)
Unsure (20.4%)
Yes (52.6%)
Should the government create and manage a public health insurance option (government-controlled option) for those who currently do not have private coverage?
Yes (33.7%)
No (51.8%)
Unsure (14.5%)
Should the government create and manage a public health insurance plan that would compete for business alongside private insurance plans?
Yes (33.9%)
No (59.5%)
Unsure (6.6%)
Should people on Medicaid have the option of purchasing private health insurance with a voucher to shop around for the best coverage, rather than have only the option of government insurance?
Yes (64.7%)
No (18.3%)
Unsure (17%)
Should the government offer tax credits to individuals to help offset the cost of health insurance?
Yes (57.6%)
No (21.9%)
Unsure (20.4%)
Should the government allow individuals to purchase health insurance from any state and shop nationally for the best price? (Currently, you can only purchase health insurance in the state in which you live.)
Yes (75.7%)
No (10.8%)
Unsure (13.5%)
Should the government mandate that private insurance companies cannot turn away patients with pre-existing conditions?
Yes (64.0%)
No (18.6%)
Unsure (17.5%)
Do you believe that small businesses should be given special consideration so they can provide health care coverage to their employees?
Yes (69.1%)
No (13.3%)
Unsure (17.5%)
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