WASHINGTON – Most Americans think there is something wrong about the state of U.S. health insurance, but they disagree on what to do about it.
A study released Tuesday by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago found that 80 percent believe the current system of employer-based coverage and government programs for the poor and elderly is problematic.
Most Americans support employers expanding health coverage (88 percent) or the government providing coverage to all (61 percent) – even though the two solutions are contradictory.
A majority also disagree that individuals should pay more for routine costs and leave insurance for more catastrophic expenses. Only 42 percent favor that approach, the study said.
“Americans have high standards on what they want in terms of access and quality, but they’re generally not willing to pay more,” said Marc Berk, a senior vice president at the National Opinion Research Center.
The researchers’ findings, which were detailed in the journal Health Affairs, confirm past opinion polls that show no clear consensus on how to finance health care improvements.
For example, 87 percent say everyone should pay the same for health insurance coverage regardless of health status or age.
Sixty percent believe that people who smoke should pay more for health insurance. Another 29 percent said the obese should pay more. Only 12 percent believe it’s appropriate for people with family histories of heart disease or cancer to pay more.
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