PollingReport.com

Home ] Up ]


Health Policy  (p. 9)


 
 

CBS News Poll. Dec. 17-22, 2009. N=1,048 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Using a grading scale of A, B, C, D, and F -- where A is excellent and F is very poor -- and using any of the grades in between, how would you grade the U.S. on [see below]?"

 
    A B C D F
    % % % % %
 
 

"Making efforts to combat obesity in this country"

 

12/17-22/09

2 18 35 27 14
             
 

"Its progress in finding a cure for Alzheimer's"

 

12/17-22/09

4 21 39 20 7
             

"Which comes closer to your view about obesity? Obesity is mostly something that can be controlled with diet and exercise. OR, Obesity is mostly something that cannot be controlled."

 
    Can Be
Controlled
Cannot Be
Controlled
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/17-22/09

89 7 4    
             

"Please tell me how serious a public health problem you think obesity is, that is, people being seriously overweight in this country? It very serious, somewhat serious, not very serious or not at all serious?"

 
    Very
Serious
Somewhat
Serious
Not Very
Serious
Not at All
Serious
 
    % % % %  
 

12/17-22/09

57 38 4 1  
 

Men

47 44 7 1  
 

Women

66 32 1 0  
 
 

10/05

55 38 5 2  
             

"Would you like to lose weight, stay at your present weight, or put on weight?"

 
    Lose
Weight
Stay at
Present
Weight
Put On
Weight
   
    % % %    
 

12/17-22/09

55 40 5    
 

Men

47 45 8    
 

Women

62 36 2    
             

"Do you support or oppose putting a special tax on junk food -- that is, things like soda, chips, and candy?"

 
    Support Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/17-22/09

38 60 2    
 

Men

33 66 1    
 

Women

42 54 4    
             

"Do you think putting a special tax on junk food would encourage more people to lose weight, or wouldn't it do that?"

 
    Would Would Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/17-22/09

26 72 2    
             

"How likely do you think it is that scientists will find a cure for Alzheimer's in your lifetime: very likely, somewhat likely, not very likely or not at all likely?"

 
    Very
Likely
Somewhat
Likely
Not Very
Likely
Not at All
Likely
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

12/17-22/09

9 45 32 12 2
             

"Have you had to care for a parent or relative with Alzhiemer's?"

 
    Yes No      
    % %      
 

12/17-22/09

23 77      
             

"How worried are you about getting Alzheimer's someday: very worried, somewhat worried, or not worried?"

 
    Very
Worried
Somewhat
Worried
Not
Worried
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

12/17-22/09

6 39 54 1  

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Dec. 16-20, 2009. N=1,160 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"As you may know, the U.S. Senate is considering a bill that would make major changes in the country's health care system. Based on what you have read or heard about that bill, do you generally favor it or generally oppose it?"

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/16-20/09

42 56 2    
 

12/2-3/09

36 61 4    
             

"As you may know, the U.S. Senate is considering a bill that would make major changes in the country's health care system. Based on what you have read or heard about that bill, do you generally favor it or generally oppose it?" If oppose: "Do you oppose that bill because you think its approach toward health care is too liberal, or because you think its approach toward health care is not liberal enough?" Combined responses

 
    Favor Oppose:
Too Liberal
Oppose:
Not Liberal
Enough
Other (vol.) Unsure
    % % % % %
 

12/16-20/09

42 39 13 2 4
             

"Thinking about the health care and health insurance that is available to most Americans, do you think the proposals in the Senate bill would change things for the better, change things for the worse, or not make any real changes at all?"

 
    Change for
the Better
Change for
the Worse
Not Make
Real Changes
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

12/16-20/09

34 38 26 3  
             

"Thinking about the health care and health insurance that is available to you and your immediate family, do you think the proposals in the Senate bill would change things for the better, change things for the worse, or not make any real changes at all?"

 
    Change for
the Better
Change for
the Worse
Not Make
Real Changes
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

12/16-20/09

22 37 39 2  

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). Dec. 11-14, 2009. N=1,008 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"As health care legislation is being debated in Congress, some changes to the legislation are being proposed. I am going to read you some of these proposed changes, and for each one, please tell me whether that proposed change is acceptable to you or not acceptable to you. . . ."

 
    Acceptable Not
Acceptable
Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"The proposed legislation would no longer create a public health care plan administered by the federal government to compete directly with private health insurance companies."

 

12/11-14/09

42 45 13    
             
 

"Instead of creating a government-administered public health care plan, the proposed legislation would create a health insurance plan offered by private insurers that would be available in every state for people who lack employer-provided coverage, and would allow people between the ages of fifty-five and sixty-four years old to buy into Medicare, the government health care plan for seniors."

 

12/11-14/09

58 32 10    

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Dec. 10-13, 2009. N=1,003 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"Medicare is the government health insurance program for people 65 and over. Do you think health care reform would strengthen the Medicare program, weaken Medicare or have no effect on it?"

 
    Strengthen Weaken No Effect Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

12/10-13/09

22 45 24 9  
 

10/15-18/09

18 43 31 8  
 

9/10-12/09

22 40 32 6  
             

"Just your best guess, do you think health care reform would increase the federal budget deficit, decrease it, or have no effect?"

 
    Increase Decrease No Effect Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

12/10-13/09

66 11 19 4  
 

10/15-18/09

68 10 18 3  
 

9/10-12/09

65 9 24 2  
             

"Do you think the government should or should not expand Medicare to cover people between the ages of 55 and 64 who do not have health insurance?"

 
    Should Should Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/10-13/09

63 33 4    
 

9/06

75 23 2    
             

"There are a few ideas on health insurance for people who are not insured through work, or Medicare or Medicaid. One is to create a government health insurance plan to compete with private insurance plans for these people. Another is to have the government negotiate with private insurers to offer these people insurance that meets government specifications. A third is to leave the current system as it is. Which of these would you prefer for people who do not have health insurance: a government plan to compete with private plans, private plans coordinated by the government, or the current system as it is now?" Options rotated

 
    Gov't
Plan
Private Plans
Coordinated
By Gov't
Current
System
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

12/10-13/09

36 30 30 4  
             

"Which comes closer to the way you feel? Government reform of the nation's health care system is necessary to control costs and expand coverage. OR, Government action on health care will do more harm than good." Options rotated

 
    Is
Necessary
Will Do More
Harm Than
Good
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/10-13/09

51 46 3    
 

9/10-12/09

53 44 3    
 

8/13-17/09

51 46 3    
 

6/18-21/09

58 39 3    

 

Kaiser Family Foundation Kaiser Health Tracking Poll. Dec. 7-13, 2009. N=1,204 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Do you think seniors -- that is, those 65 years and older -- would be better off or worse off if the President and Congress passed health care reform, or don't you think it would make much difference?"

 
    Better Off Worse Off Not Much
Difference
It Depends
(vol.)
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

12/7-13/09

40 31 21 4 4
 

11/5-12/09

43 29 19 4 6
 

10/8-15/09

44 29 20 2 6
 

9/11-18/09

46 25 20 3 6

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. Dec. 4-8, 2009. N=1,031 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"From what you've heard or read, do you think the health care reforms under consideration in Congress will mostly help you personally, will mostly hurt you personally, or don't you think they will have much of an effect on you personally?"

 
    Help Hurt Not Much
Effect
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

12/4-8/09

16 34 42 8  
 

Republicans

4 54 35 7  
 

Democrats

29 13 50 8  
 

Independents

10 38 39 13  
 
 

11/13-16/09

19 34 41 6  
 

10/5-8/09

18 31 45 6  
 

9/19-23/09

23 26 44 7  
 

8/27-31/09

18 31 46 5  
             

"Would you favor or oppose the government offering some people who are uninsured the choice of a government-administered health insurance plan -- also known as a 'public option' -- that would compete with private health insurance plans?"

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/4-8/09

59 29 12    
 

Republicans

33 55 12    
 

Democrats

80 12 8    
 

Independents

59 28 13    
 
 

11/13-16/09

61 28 11    
 

Republicans

35 56 9    
 

Democrats

82 8 10    
 

Independents

56 30 14    

 

Bloomberg Poll conducted by Selzer & Co. Dec. 3-7, 2009. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"I'm going to mention some aspects of your personal situation. For each, please tell me if you are better off, worse off, or about the same as last year at this time. If the item does not apply to you, just say so. . . ."

 
    Better Off Worse Off About the
Same
Does Not
Apply
Unsure
    % % % % %
 
 

"The quality of health care you receive"

 

12/3-7/09

9 13 71 7 -
 

9/10-14/09

11 13 71 5 -
             
 

"The amount you pay for health care through premiums, co-pays or deductibles"

 

12/3-7/09

4 35 47 13 1
 

9/10-14/09

5 29 53 12 1
             

"For each of the following, please tell me if you are mostly optimistic or mostly pessimistic. That you will personally benefit from a health care bill Congress may pass."

 
    Mostly
Optimistic
Mostly
Pessimistic
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/3-7/09

34 62 4    
             

"[Do you approve or disapprove of the job Barack Obama is doing as president?] ... Do you approve or disapprove of the job he is doing with health care?"

 
    Approve Disapprove Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/3-7/09

40 53 7    
 

9/10-14/09

47 48 5    
             

"Generally, do you favor or oppose the proposals now in Congress to create a government-sponsored insurance program giving people an alternative to private health insurance -- a so-called public option?"

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/3-7/09

46 45 9    
             

"I'm going to mention some proposed options to pay for changes to health care policy currently under discussion in Congress. For each, please tell me if you favor or oppose this approach. . . ."

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"Impose an income surtax on individuals earning $500,000 or more a year and on couples earning $1 million or more a year"

 

12/3-7/09

65 32 3    
             
 

"Impose a tax on the most expensive insurance policies, or so-called Cadillac plans"

 

12/3-7/09

40 50 10    
             
 

"Reduce spending for Medicare, the federal insurance program for the elderly"

 

12/3-7/09

19 78 3    
             
 

"Increase the Medicare payroll tax on couples earning more than $250,000 a year"

 

12/3-7/09

54 42 4    
             
 

"Impose a 5 percent tax on elective cosmetic surgery"

 

12/3-7/09

67 29 4    
             
 

"Impose additional taxes on health care industries, including insurers, drug-makers and medical device manufacturers"

 

12/3-7/09

38 57 5    
             

"A federal panel recommended that some women get mammograms and pap smears less frequently because more frequent tests can lead to unnecessary procedures and drive up health care costs. Others say women should do everything they can to detect cancer early, even if some will receive procedures when they aren't in danger. Where do you stand? Do you think it is safe for tests to be done less frequently or do you think early prevention is worth any price?"

 
    Safe to
Do Less Frequently
Early
Prevention
at Any Price
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

12/3-7/09

15 80 5    

 

Ipsos/McClatchy Poll conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs. Nov. 19-22, 2009. N=1,176 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 2.9.

             

"As of right now, do you favor or oppose the health care reform proposals presently being discussed?"

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

11/19-22/09

34 46 20    
 

Democrats

58 21      
 

Independents

26 38      
 

Republicans

10 80      
             
 

If oppose reform proposals:
"You said you are opposed to the health care reform proposals presently being discussed. Is that because you favor health care reform overall but think the current proposals don't go far enough to reform health care, or you oppose health care reform overall and think the current proposals go too far in reforming health care?"

 
    Favor --
Don't Go Far
Enough
Oppose --
Go Too Far
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

11/19-22/09

25 66 9    
             
 

If favor reform proposals:
"You said you are in favor of the health care reform proposals presently being discussed. Is that because you favor health care reform overall and think the current proposals go far enough to reform health care, or you oppose health care reform overall and think the current proposals being discussed will keep health care reform from happening?"

 
    Favor -- Go
Far Enough
Oppose -- Will
Keep from
Happening
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

11/19-22/09

78 10 12    
             

"Do you favor or oppose the following? . . ."

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"Creation of a single-payer system in which the government controls the entire health care insurance system."

 

11/19-22/09

22 72 6    

 

FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll. Nov. 17-18, 2009. N=900 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Do you think abortion procedures should or should not be covered by private insurance plans?"

 
    Should Should Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

11/17-18/09

37 51 12    
             

"Do you favor or oppose the amendment to the health care reform bill that passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week that prevents any federal funds from being used for abortions?"

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

11/17-18/09

50 38 12    
             

"If an individual receives financial assistance from the federal government to purchase private health insurance, do you think they should or should not be able to buy an insurance plan that covers abortion procedures?"

 
    Should Should Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

11/17-18/09

39 52 9    

 

CBS News Poll. Nov. 13-16, 2009. N=1,167 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"From what you've heard or read, do you mostly approve or mostly disapprove of the proposed changes to the health care system under consideration in Congress?"

 
    Mostly
Approve
Mostly
Disapprove
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

11/13-16/09

40 45 15    
 

Republicans

20 74 6    
 

Democrats

57 25 18    
 

Independents

36 47 17    
             

"From what you've heard or read, do you think the health care reforms under consideration in Congress will mostly help you personally, will mostly hurt you personally, or don't you think they will have much of an effect on you personally?"

 
    Help Hurt Not Much
Effect
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

11/13-16/09

19 34 41 6  
 

10/5-8/09

18 31 45 6  
 

9/19-23/09

23 26 44 7  
 

8/27-31/09

18 31 46 5  
             

"Would you favor or oppose the government offering some people who are uninsured the choice of a government-administered health insurance plan -- also known as a 'public option' -- that would compete with private health insurance plans?"

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

11/13-16/09

61 28 11    
 

Republicans

35 56 9    
 

Democrats

82 8 10    
 

Independents

56 30 14    
             

"How likely do you think it is that Congress will pass and President Obama will sign into law a health care reform bill by the end of the year: very likely, somewhat likely, not very likely, or not at all likely?"

 
    Very
Likely
Somewhat
Likely
Not Very
Likely
Not at All
Likely
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

11/13-16/09

16 34 33 15 2
 

10/5-8/09

14 36 33 14 3
             

"Which of the following comes closest to your view about the proposed changes to the health care system now under consideration in Congress? (1) Congress should pass a health care bill that includes a government-administered health insurance plan also called a public option. (2) Congress should pass a health care bill that does not include a government-administered health insurance plan also called a public option. OR, (3) Congress should not pass any health care bill."

 
    Pass Bill with
Public Option
Pass Bill w/o
Public Option
Not Pass
Any Bill
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

11/13-16/09

51 16 26 7  
 

Republicans

23 20 51 6  
 

Democrats

72 13 7 8  
 

Independents

47 15 30 8  
             

"If the federal government provides subsidies or credits to help people buy health insurance, do you think those insurance plans should or should not cover abortion procedures?"

 
    Should Should Not Doesn't
Matter (vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

11/13-16/09

34 56 2 8  
 

Republicans

29 63 0 8  
 

Democrats

45 45 2 8  
 

Independents

28 62 2 8  

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Nov. 13-15, 2009. N=1,014 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"As you may know, the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a bill that would make major changes in the country's health care system. Based on what you have heard or read about that bill, do you generally favor it or generally oppose it?"

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

11/13-15/09

46 49 5    
             

"As you may know, the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a bill that would make major changes in the country's health care system. Based on what you have heard or read about that bill, do you generally favor it or generally oppose it?" If oppose: "Do you oppose that bill because you think its approach toward health care is too liberal, or because you think its approach toward health care is not liberal enough?" Combined responses

 
    Favor Oppose:
Too Liberal
Oppose: Not
Liberal Enough
Oppose: Other
Reasons
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

11/13-15/09

46 34 10 3 8
             

"As you may know, the bill passed by the U.S. House requires approval by the U.S. Senate before it becomes law. Which of the following do you think the Senate should do? Consider the House bill this fall and make relatively minor changes before passing it into law. Consider the House bill this fall but pass it into law only if major changes are made. Start work on an entirely new bill that would not be ready until sometime next year. Stop working on any bills that would change the country's health care system."

 
    Make Minor
Changes
Make Major
Changes
Entirely
New Bill
Stop Working
On Any Bills
Other (vol.)/
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

11/13-15/09

30 22 28 17 3
             

"Would you favor or oppose that plan if state governments were able to decide that the public health insurance option administered by the federal government would not apply to all people living in those states?"

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

11/13-15/09

28 66 5    
             

"Now here are a few provisions in the health care bill passed by the U.S. House. Please tell me whether you favor or oppose each one. . . ." N=501 (Form A), MoE ± 4.5

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"Reducing federal spending on Medicare managed care programs"

 

11/13-15/09

30 66 3    
             
 

"Providing subsidies to families that make less than $88,000 a year to help them purchase health insurance"

 

11/13-15/09

67 32 1    
             

"Now here are a few provisions in the health care bill passed by the U.S. House. Please tell me whether you favor or oppose each one. . . ." N=513 (Form B), MoE ± 4.5

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"Preventing health insurance companies from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions"

 

11/13-15/09

60 40 1    
             
 

"Expanding the federal program known as Medicaid to provide health care to more low-income Americans"

 

11/13-15/09

75 25 -    
             
 

"Raising taxes on individuals who make more than 500,000 dollars a year or families that make more than one million dollars a year to pay for providing health care to low-income Americans"

 

11/13-15/09

67 32 1    
             
 

"Prevent illegal immigrants from receiving any federal money to purchase health insurance"

 

11/13-15/09

70 30 1    
             

"Just your best guess, how likely do you think it is that a bill similar to the one passed by the U.S. House will become law by the end of the year: very likely, somewhat likely, somewhat unlikely or very unlikely?" N=501 (Form A), MoE ± 4.5

 
    Very
Likely
Somewhat
Likely
Somewhat
Unlikely
Very
Unlikely
 
    % % % %  
 

11/13-15/09

12 37 31 19  
             

"Just your best guess, how likely do you think it is that a bill similar to the one passed by the U.S. House will become law by the end of next year: very likely, somewhat likely, somewhat unlikely or very unlikely?" N=513 (Form B), MoE ± 4.5

 
    Very
Likely
Somewhat
Likely
Somewhat
Unlikely
Very
Unlikely
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

11/13-15/09

19 40 23 16 2
             

"As you may know, nearly every Republican in the U.S. House voted against the health care bill which recently passed. Do you think that is mostly an indication that there is something wrong with the bill or mostly an indication that there is something wrong with the Republican Party's approach to health care legislation?"

 
    Something
Wrong with
the Bill
Somewhat
Wrong with
GOP Approach
Both
Equal (vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

11/13-15/09

46 49 3 1  
             

"Generally speaking, are you in favor of using public funds for abortions when the woman cannot afford it, or are you opposed to that?"

 
    Favor Oppose Indifferent
(vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

11/13-15/09

37 61 2 1  
             

"Now think about women who are covered by private health insurance plans that are paid for by private individuals or employers with no money from the government involved. Do you think private health insurance plans should cover some or all of the costs of an abortion, or do you think that women who want to get an abortion should have to pay the complete costs of that abortion out of their own pockets?"

 
    Insurance
Should Cover
Pay Out
of Pocket
Depends
(vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

11/13-15/09

45 51 3 1  

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Nov. 12-15, 2009. N=1,001 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"Just your best guess, if the health care system is changed, do you think the quality of your health care will get better, get worse, or remain about the same?"

 
    Better Worse About the
Same
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

11/12-15/09

19 37 42 2  
 

9/10-12/09

16 32 50 2  
 

8/13-17/09

19 33 47 2  
 

6/18-21/09

16 31 50 3  
             

"Just your best guess, if the health care system is changed, do you think the quality of health care for most people will get better, get worse, or remain about the same?"

 
    Better Worse About the
Same
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

11/12-15/09

34 38 26 2  
 

9/10-12/09

35 38 24 2  
 

8/13-17/09

37 38 23 2  
             

"And if the health care system is changed do you think [see below] will get better, get worse, or remain about the same?"

 
    Better Worse About the
Same
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

"Your health insurance coverage" Asked of those WITH insurance

 

11/12-15/09

13 39 46 1  
 

9/10-12/09

11 37 49 2  
 

8/13-17/09

14 40 43 3  
             
 

"Your ability to get health insurance" Asked of those WITHOUT insurance

 

11/12-15/09

47 17 35 2  
 

9/10-12/09

51 13 35 2  
 

8/13-17/09

56 10 30 4  
             

"If the health care system is changed do you think your health care costs will increase, decrease, or remain about the same?"

 
    Increase Decrease About the
Same
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

11/12-15/09

52 11 35 2  
             

"If the health care system is changed do you think the overall costs of health care in this country will increase, decrease, or remain about the same?"

 
    Increase Decrease About the
Same
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

11/12-15/09

56 20 23 2  
             

"Would you support or oppose having the government create a new health insurance plan to compete with private health insurance plans?"

 
    Support Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

11/12-15/09

53 43 3    
 

10/15-18/09

57 40 3    
 

9/10-12/09

55 42 3    
 

8/13-17/09

52 46 2    
 

6/18-21/09

62 33 5    
             

"Would you support or oppose having the government create a new health insurance plan to compete with private health insurance plans?" If oppose or unsure: "What if this government-sponsored plan is available only to people who do not receive insurance through an employer, or through the existing Medicare or Medicaid programs? In that case would you support or oppose having the government create a new health insurance plan to compete with private health insurance plans?" Combined responses

 
    Support Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

11/12-15/09

72 28 1    
             

"How likely do you think it is that a new government health insurance plan would force many private health insurers to go out of business because they couldn't compete? Do you think that's very likely, somewhat likely, somewhat unlikely or very unlikely?"

 
    Very
Likely
Somewhat
Likely
Somewhat
Unlikely
Very
Unlikely
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

11/12-15/09

30 31 22 16 1
             

"Would you support or oppose a federal law requiring all companies with a payroll of at least 500 thousand dollars either to offer health insurance to their employees, or to pay money into a government fund that would provide assistance buying insurance for people who can't get it through work?"

 
    Support Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

11/12-15/09

66 30 4    
             

"Say someone buys private health insurance using government assistance to help pay for it. Do you think insurance sold that way should or should not be allowed to include coverage for abortions?"

 
    Should Should Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

11/12-15/09

35 61 4    
             

"Say someone buys private health insurance using government assistance to help pay for it. Do you think insurance sold that way should or should not be allowed to include coverage for abortions?" If should not or unsure: "What if the insurance company used private funds, not public funds, to provide the abortion coverage? In that case do you think this coverage should or should not be available?" Combined responses

 
    Should Should Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

11/12-15/09

56 43 1    
             

"Do you feel you have a good basic understanding of the changes being proposed to the health care system, or do you feel the changes being proposed for the health care system are too complicated for you to have a good basic understanding of them?" Options rotated

 
    Good Basic
Understanding
Too
Complicated
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

11/12-15/09

55 44 2    

 

AP-GfK Poll conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media. Nov. 5-9, 2009. N=1,006 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"Have YOU been vaccinated against the H1N1 virus, otherwise known as the swine flu, which is a separate vaccine from the regular flu vaccine, or have you not been vaccinated against the H1N1 virus or swine flu?"

 
    Have Have Not      
    % %      
 

11/5-9/09

6 94      
             

"Have YOU been vaccinated against the H1N1 virus, otherwise known as the swine flu, which is a separate vaccine from the regular flu vaccine, or have you not been vaccinated against the H1N1 virus or swine flu?" If have not: "As you may know, the government is making the H1N1 flu, or swine flu vaccine. It would be available as a separate shot and is not included in the regular flu vaccine this year. You would have to make a separate trip to the doctor or clinic to get this shot as it won't be available when the regular flu shot is administered. How likely would you be to get this separate shot for yourself . . . ?" Combined responses

 
    Very
Likely
Somewhat
Likely
Not Too
Likely
Not at All
Likely
Have Been
Vaccinated
    % % % % %
 

11/5-9/09

23 18 12 40 6
             

"Have any of your children been vaccinated against the H1N1 virus or swine flu, which is a separate vaccine from the regular flu vaccine, or have they not been vaccinated against the H1N1 virus or swine flu?" N= 296 parents/guardians of children under age 18

 
    Have Have Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

11/5-9/09

17 82 2    
             

"Have any of your children been vaccinated against the H1N1 virus or swine flu, which is a separate vaccine from the regular flu vaccine, or have they not been vaccinated against the H1N1 virus or swine flu?" If have not: "How likely would you be to give permission to have this additional swine flu shot administered to your children at school, on a separate date from the regular flu vaccine, if it is available . . . ?" N= 296 parents/guardians of children under age 18.
Combined responses.

 
    Very
Likely
Somewhat
Likely
Not Too
Likely
Strongly
Unlikely
Children
Have Been
Vaccinated
    % % % % %
 

11/5-9/09

27 18 9 28 17
             

"How concerned are you that you or someone in your immediate family might catch the swine flu . . . ?"

 
    Very
Concerned
Somewhat
Concerned
Not Too
Concerned
Not at All
Concerned
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

11/5-9/09

23 33 22 19 2
 

10/1-5/09

29 30 26 16 -
             

"Without knowing anything else about the swine flu vaccine being developed, how confident would you be that this vaccine would protect you and your family from the swine flu . . . ?"

 
    Very
Confident
Somewhat
Confident
Not Too
Confident
Not at All
Confident
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

11/5-9/09

19 46 20 15 -
 

10/1-5/09

16 53 19 10 2
             

"How concerned are you that there would be side-effects from this new swine flu vaccine . . . ?"

 
    Very
Concerned
Somewhat
Concerned
Not Too
Concerned
Not at All
Concerned
 
    % % % %  
 

11/5-9/09

35 33 18 14  
 

10/1-5/09

35 37 17 11  
             

"Is the federal government doing a good job, a poor job, or neither a good nor poor job of handling the swine flu epidemic?"

 
    Good Poor Neither Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

11/5-9/09

47 29 22 2  

 

Gallup Poll. Nov. 5-8, 2009. N=1,008 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

             

"Which of the following approaches for providing health care in the United States would you prefer: replacing the current health care system with a new government-run health care system, or maintaining the current system based mostly on private health insurance?" Options rotated

 
    Replace with
Government-
Run System
Maintain
Private
System
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

11/5-8/09

32 61 7    
 

3/27-29/09

39 56 5    
 

11/13-16/08

41 49 10    
 

11/11-14/07

41 48 11    
 

11/9-12/06

39 51 10    
 

11/7-10/05

41 49 10    
 

11/7-10/04

32 63 5    
 

11/3-5/03

38 57 5    
 

11/8-11/01

33 61 6    
             

"Thinking about health care legislation now being considered by Congress: Would you advise your member of Congress to vote for or against a health care bill this year, or do you not have an opinion?"

 
    For Against No Opinion    
    % % %    
 

11/5-8/09

29 38 33    
             

"Thinking about health care legislation now being considered by Congress: Would you advise your member of Congress to vote for or against a health care bill this year, or do you not have an opinion?" If no opinion: "As of today, would you say you lean more toward advising your member of Congress to vote for a health care bill, or lean more toward advising your member of Congress to vote against a health care bill?" Combined responses

 
    For Against No Opinion    
    % % %    
 

ALL

43 48 9    
 

Republicans

18 79 3    
 

Independents

37 53 10    
 

Democrats

71 18 11    
             

"Taking everything into account, if a new health care bill becomes law, do you think in the long run it will make the U.S. health care system better, would it not make much difference, or make it worse than it is now?" Options rotated. N=500 (Form A), MoE ± 5.

 
    Better Not Much
Difference
Worse Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

11/5-8/09

41 14 40 5  
             

"Taking everything into account, if a new health care bill becomes law, do you think in the long run it will make your own health care situation better, would it not make much difference, or make it worse than it is now?" Options rotated. N=508 (Form B), MoE ± 5.

 
    Better Not Much
Difference
Worse Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

11/5-8/09

26 31 36 7  

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Oct. 30-Nov. 1, 2009. N=1,018 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"From everything you have heard or read so far, do you favor or oppose Barack Obama's plan to reform health care?"

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

10/30 - 11/1/09

45 53 2    
 

10/16-18/09

49 49 2    
 

9/11-13/09

51 46 3    
 

8/28-31/09

48 51 2    
 

7/31 - 8/3/09

50 45 5    
 

6/26-28/09

51 45 4    
             

"As you may know, several health care bills have been passed by committees in the U.S. House and Senate and they can be brought before Congress for debate and a final vote at any time. Which of the following do you think Congress should do? Continue working on those bills this fall and make relatively minor changes before passing final legislation. Continue working on those bills this fall but pass final legislation only if major changes are made. Start work on entirely new bills that would not be ready until some time next year. Stop working on any bills that would change the country's health care system."

 
    Make Minor
Changes
Make Major
Changes
Entirely
New Bills
Stop Working
On Any Bills
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

10/30 - 11/1/09

26 33 24 15 1
 

8/28-31/09

25 28 25 20 2
             

"How confident are you that the federal government can prevent a nationwide swine flu epidemic: very confident, somewhat confident, not very confident, or not confident at all?"

 
    Very
Confident
Somewhat
Confident
Not Very
Confident
Not at All
Confident
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

10/30 - 11/1/09

11 40 26 23 -
 

8/28-31/09

15 44 22 18 1
             

"Just your best guess: Do you think that the government and private industry can or cannot produce enough swine flu vaccine to inoculate all Americans who want to get a swine flu shot?"

 
    Can Cannot Unsure    
    % % %    
 

10/30 - 11/1/09

53 46 1    
 

8/28-31/09

50 48 1    

 

Ipsos/McClatchy Poll conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs. Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 2009. N=1,077 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"How concerned are you that you, someone in your household, or someone in your close circle of friends will get sick from swine flu? Would you say you are . . . ?"

 
    Very
Concerned
Somewhat
Concerned
Not Very
Concerned
Not at All
Concerned
 
    % % % %  
 

10/29 - 11/1/09

26 37 21 15  
 

4/30 - 5/3/09

20 32 26 23  
             

"How likely is it that you will get vaccinated against the H1N1 swine flu once the vaccine is available in your area? Would you say . . . ?"

 
    Very Likely Somewhat
Likely
Not Very
Likely
Not at All
Likely
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

10/29 - 11/1/09

33 19 17 30 1
             

"And overall, how confident are you that the Obama administration has done everything in its power to ensure the H1N1 swine flu vaccine is available in time for flu season? Would you say . . . ?"

 
    Very
Confident
Somewhat
Confident
Not Very
Confident
Not at All
Confident
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

10/29 - 11/1/09

23 43 17 14 3

 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). Oct. 22-25, 2009. N=1,009 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

             

"And from what you have heard about Barack Obama's health care plan, do you believe it will result in the quality of your health care getting better, worse, or staying about the same as now? If you do not have an opinion, please just say so." Half sample (Form A), MoE ± 4.4

 
    Better Worse Same No Opinion Unsure
    % % % % %
 

10/22-25/09

21 40 27 10 2
 

9/17-20/09

19 36 34 8 3
 

8/15-17/09

24 40 27 7 2
 

7/24-27/09

21 39 29 9 2
 

4/23-26/09

22 24 29 20 5
             

"And from what you have heard about Barack Obama's health care plan, do you believe it will result in the cost of your health care going up, down, or staying about the same as now? If you do not have an opinion, please just say so." Half sample (Form B), MoE ± 4.4

 
    Up Down Same No Opinion Unsure
    % % % % %
 

10/22-25/09

47 13 25 11 4
             

"Which one of the following do you think the president and Congress should be most focused on addressing: the cost of health care, or people who are not covered by insurance?" Half sample (Form A), MoE ± 4.4

 
    Cost Coverage Both
Equally (vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

10/22-25/09

38 41 18 3  
 

4/23-26/09

39 42 16 3  
             

"Which one of the following do you think the president's health care plan is more focused on addressing: the cost of health care, or people who are not covered by insurance?" Half sample (Form B), MoE ± 4.4

 
    Cost Coverage Both
Equally (vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

10/22-25/09

13 68 15 4  
 

4/23-26/09

12 69 12 7  
             

"And thinking about one aspect of the debate on health care legislation -- In any health care proposal, how important do you feel it is to give people a choice of both a public plan administered by the federal government and a private plan for their health insurance: extremely important, quite important, not that important, or not at all important?" Half sample (Form A), MoE ± 4.4

 
    Extremely
Important
Quite
Important
Not That
Important
Not at All
Important
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

10/22-25/09

45 27 8 15 5
 

9/17-20/09

48 25 8 15 4
 

6/12-15/09

41 35 12 8 4
             

"And thinking about one aspect of the debate on health care legislation -- Would you favor or oppose creating a public health care plan administered by the federal government that would compete directly with private health insurance companies?" Half sample (Form B), MoE ± 4.4

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

10/22-25/09

48 42 10    
 

9/17-20/09

46 48 6    
 

8/15-17/09

43 47 10    
 

7/24-27/09

46 44 10    
             

"As you may know, a health care bill has not yet passed through Congress. Do you feel that this is mainly due to an unwillingness of the Republicans to compromise and find a middle ground to work with the Democrats, or that this is due to an unwillingness of the Democrats to compromise and find a middle ground to work with the Republicans, or do you feel that it is equally the fault of both parties?"

 
    Republicans'
Unwillingness
Democrats'
Unwillingness
Both Parties
Equally
Neither at
Fault (vol.)
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

10/22-25/09

23 16 56 2 3
             

"How much blame would you give to each of the following people or groups for making health care reform legislation so difficult to deal with and pass: a great deal of blame, quite a bit of blame, very little blame, or no blame at all? . . ." Half sample (Form A), MoE ± 4.4

 
    A Great Deal Quite a Bit Very Little None at All Unsure
    % % % % %
 
 

"Special interest groups such as big pharmaceutical and health insurance companies because they are more concerned about their bottom line and want to stop real health care reform in this country"

 

10/22-25/09

49 26 15 5 5
             
 

"Democrats in Congress because their health plan is expensive and calls for a lot more government involvement in the health care system"

 

10/22-25/09

31 30 24 9 6
             
 

"Republicans in Congress because they are more concerned about blocking the bill and are not putting forward an alternative"

 

10/22-25/09

30 30 25 10 5
             
 

"President Obama because he failed to provide the kind of leadership needed to pass legislation like this"

 

10/22-25/09

18 20 33 25 4

 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. Oct. 16-19, 2009. N=1,521 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.
Per Gallup: Sample includes "an oversample of 408 blacks, consisting of 102 interviews done as part of the random national sample and 306 interviews with blacks who had previously participated in national Gallup Polls and agreed to be re-interviewed at a later date. The data from the national sample and re-interviews are combined and weighted to be demographically representative of the national adult population in the United States and to reflect the proper proportion of blacks in the overall population."

             

"As you may know, the White House and congressional Democrats are moving toward passing a health care bill, though the details of the final bill are still being worked out. Based on what you know or have read, do you think you will support the final health care bill, does it depend on some of the decisions that have yet to be made about the bill, or do you think you will oppose the final health care bill?" Options rotated

 
    Support Depends Oppose Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

10/16-19/09

25 39 33 3  
             

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

 
    Over Several
Years
This Year Unsure    
    % % %    
 

10/16-19/09

58 38 4    
             

"Suppose a health care bill passes this year. Do you think [see below] would get better, would not change, or would get worse than if no health care bill passes?"

 
    Get Better Not Change Get Worse Unsure  
    % % % %  
 
 

"The quality of health care you and your family receive"

 

10/16-19/09

19 40 39 2  
 

9/11-13/09

18 48 33 1  
             
 

"The costs you and your family pay for health care"

 

10/16-19/09

22 27 49 3  
 

9/11-13/09

22 32 42 4  
             
 

"The health care coverage you and your family receive"

 

10/16-19/09

20 40 37 2  
 

9/11-13/09

22 41 33 4  
             
 

"Insurance company requirements you have to meet to get certain treatments covered"

 

10/16-19/09

25 25 46 4  
 

9/11-13/09

22 35 38 4  
             

"Now thinking about some of the specifics of health care legislation being considered: If Congress passes a health care 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?"

 
    Should Should Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

10/16-19/09

50 46 4    
             

"Next, please tell me whether you favor or oppose each of the following as a way to pay for the health care bill. How about . . . ?"

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"Reducing payments to Medicare providers, such as hospitals and doctors"

 

10/16-19/09

36 61 3    
             
 

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

 

10/16-19/09

59 38 3    
             
 

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

 

10/16-19/09

34 61 4    

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Oct. 16-18, 2009. N=1,038 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"From everything you have heard or read so far, do you favor or oppose Barack Obama's plan to reform health care?" If favor or oppose: "Do you favor/oppose that plan strongly or only moderately?" Combined responses

 
    Favor
Strongly
Favor Only
Moderately
Oppose Only
Moderately
Oppose
Strongly
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

10/16-18/09

24 25 15 34 2
 

9/11-13/09

26 25 14 32 4
 

8/28-31/09

25 23 10 41 2
 

7/31 - 8/3/09

23 27 12 33 5
             

"What do you think would be better for the country -- if Congress passed a bill to change the country's health care system along the lines of what Barack Obama has proposed, or if the current system were left in place with no changes?"

 
    Passed a
Bill
Kept Current
System
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

10/16-18/09

53 44 3    
             

"Now thinking specifically about the health insurance plans available to most Americans, would you favor or oppose creating a public health insurance option administered by the federal government that would compete with plans offered by private health insurance companies?"

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

10/16-18/09

61 38 1    
 

8/28-31/09

55 41 4    
             

"Now thinking specifically about the health insurance plans available to most Americans, would you favor or oppose creating a public health insurance option administered by the federal government that would compete with plans offered by private health insurance companies?" If favor: "Which of the following statements comes closest to your view: [see below]?" Combined responses

 
        %    
 

Favor bill only if includes public option

40    
 

Favor bill even if did not include public option

18    
 

Favor public option, unsure on bill

3    
 

Oppose public option (from preceding question)

38    
 

Unsure

1    
             

"Now thinking about the vaccine for the H1N1 flu, sometimes referred to as 'swine flu,' do you think that it is safe for people to get that vaccine, or do you think that vaccine has side effects that can lead to death or serious health problems in some people who get it?"

 
    Safe Side Effects Unsure    
    % % %    
 

10/16-18/09

49 43 7    
             

"Do you think doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals who may come in contact with people suffering from the H1N1 flu should or should not be required to get the vaccine against this flu?"

 
    Should Should Not Unsure    
    % % %    
 

10/16-18/09

56 42 2    

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Oct. 15-18, 2009. N=1,004 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

             

"In terms of expanding health care coverage to people who don't have it now, do you think the proposed changes to the health care system go too far, do not go far enough, or are about right?"

 
    Too Far Not Far
Enough
About
Right
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

10/15-18/09

28 35 33 5  
             

"In terms of controlling the costs of health care overall, do you think the proposed changes to the health care system go too far, do not go far enough, or are about right?"

 
    Too Far Not Far
Enough
About
Right
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

10/15-18/09

30 36 29 6  
             

"Would you support or oppose having the government create a new health insurance plan to compete with private health insurance plans?" If oppose or unsure: "What if this government-sponsored plan was run by state governments and was available only to people who did not have a choice of affordable private insurance? In that case would you support or oppose this idea?" Combined responses

 
    Support Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

10/15-18/09

76 23 1    
             

"Which of these would you prefer? A plan that includes some form of government-sponsored health insurance for people who can't get affordable private insurance, but is approved without support from Republicans in Congress. OR, A a plan that is approved with support from Republicans in Congress, but does not include any form of government-sponsored health insurance for people who can't get affordable private insurance." Options rotated

 
    With Gov't-
Sponsored
Insurance
Without Gov't
Sponsored
Insurance
Neither/No
Plan (vol.)
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

10/15-18/09

51 37 6 7  
             

"Would you support or oppose a law that requires all Americans to have health insurance, either getting it from work, buying it on their own, or through eligibility for Medicare or Medicaid?"

 
    Support Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

10/15-18/09

56 41 3    
             

"Would you support or oppose a law that requires all Americans to have health insurance, either getting it from work, buying it on their own, or through eligibility for Medicare or Medicaid?" If oppose or unsure: "What if the government gave financial assistance in getting health insurance to people with incomes below about 40 thousand dollars for an individual, and below 88 thousand dollars for a family of four? In that case, would you support or oppose a law that requires all Americans to have health insurance?" Combined responses

 
    Support Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

10/15-18/09

71 28 1    
             

"Do you think the health care plan creates too much government involvement in the nation's health care system, not enough government involvement or about the right amount?"

 
    Too Much Not Enough About Right Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

10/15-18/09

42 21 34 2  
 

9/10-12/09

45 12 41 1  
             

"One idea would put a tax on the most expensive health insurance policies. Supporters say this would help pay for health care reform, and encourage insurers to offer cheaper policies. Opponents say this would make these policies too expensive for people who want them. Would you yourself support or oppose this tax?" Options rotated

 
    Support Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

10/15-18/09

35 61 4    

 

Kaiser Family Foundation Kaiser Health Tracking Poll. Oct. 8-15, 2009. N=1,200 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Which comes closer to your opinion about what Congress and the President should do regarding health care reform this year? They should continue trying to pass a major reform of the health care system. They should stop trying to pass a major reform this year and instead work on passing a more limited version. They should leave health care reform for another time."

 
    Try to Pass
Major Reform
Work on
Limited
Version
Leave for
Another Time
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

10/8-15/09

49 22 26 3  
 

9/11-18/09

50 25 22 3  
             

"Do you think the country's small businesses would be better off or worse off if the President and Congress passed health care reform, or don't you think it would make much difference?"

 
    Better Off Worse Off Not Much
Difference
It Depends
(vol.)
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

10/8-15/09

36 33 20 3 9
             

"If the President and Congress do pass health care reform, do you think that would make [see below] better, worse or would it stay about the same?"

 
    Better Worse About the
Same
It Depends
(vol.)
Unsure
    % % % % %
 
 

"The quality of your own health care" N=623 (Form A)

 

10/8-15/09

29 27 37 2 5
 

9/11-18/09

31 21 42 2 4
             
 

"The cost of health care for you and your family" N=623 (Form A)

 

10/8-15/09

34 30 29 2 5
 

9/11-18/09

37 27 30 2 5
             
 

"Your choice of doctors and hospitals" N=623 (Form A)

 

10/8-15/09

28 26 39 1 5
 

9/11-18/09

22 26 46 2 3
             
 

"Your wait times for non-emergency procedures and treatments" N=623 (Form A)

 

10/8-15/09

20 36 37 2 5
 

9/11-18/09

19 35 38 2 6
             
 

"The quality of health care in America" N=577 (Form B)

 

10/8-15/09

39 31 26 2 2
 

9/11-18/09

40 31 24 2 3
             
 

"The overall cost of health care" N=577 (Form B)

 

10/8-15/09

40 35 18 3 5
 

9/11-18/09

45 31 16 2 6
             
 

"The average patient's choice of doctors and hospitals" N=577 (Form B)

 

10/8-15/09

31 34 30 2 3
 

9/11-18/09

29 31 33 3 5
             
 

"Waiting times for non-emergency procedures and treatments" N=577 (Form B)

 

10/8-15/09

23 41 31 1 4
 

9/11-18/09

20 40 31 2 6
             

"Do you think passing health care reform would do more to HELP the country's SHORT TERM economic situation, do more to HURT the country's short term economic situation, or wouldn't it impact the economy in the short term?"

 
    Help Hurt No Impact Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

10/8-15/09

32 41 22 4  
             

"Do you think passing health care reform would do more to HELP the country's LONG TERM economic situation, do more to HURT the country's long term economic situation, or wouldn't it impact the economy in the long term?"

 
    Help Hurt No Impact Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

10/8-15/09

49 37 10 5  
             

"If Congress and the president do pass health care reform, do you think most Americans who currently can't afford to buy health insurance will get ENOUGH financial help from the government to be able to afford adequate coverage, or do you think the amount of government financial help will NOT be enough, and most of these people will still have trouble paying for adequate coverage?" N=623 (Form A)

 
    Enough Not Enough Unsure    
    % % %    
 

10/8-15/09

40 52 7    
             

"Now I'm going to read you some different ways to increase the number of Americans covered by health insurance. As I read each one, please tell me whether you would favor it or oppose it. Here's the (first/next) one: [See below.] Do you favor or oppose this?"

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"Requiring all Americans to have health insurance, either from their employer or from another source, with financial help for those who can't afford it"

 

10/8-15/09

66 31 3    
 

9/11-18/09

68 29 3    
             
 

"Creating a government-administered public health insurance option to compete with private health insurance plans"

 

10/8-15/09

57 39 5    
 

9/11-18/09

59 36 5    
             

"Please tell me if you would favor or oppose each of the following to help pay for health care reform and provide coverage for more of the uninsured. How about . . . ?"

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 
 

"Increasing income taxes for people from families making more than $350,000 a year and individuals making more than $280,000"

 

10/8-15/09

63 33 4    
 

9/11-18/09

70 28 2    
 

8/4-11/09

63 34 3    
             
 

"Having health insurance companies pay a fee based on how much business they have"

 

10/8-15/09

50 41 8    
 

9/11-18/09

57 35 8    
             
 

"Having health insurance companies pay a tax for offering very expensive policies"

 

10/8-15/09

55 39 7    
 

9/11-18/09

59 32 10    

 

CBS News Poll. Oct. 5-8, 2009. N=829 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

             

"Which of the following three statements comes closest to expressing your overall view of the health care system in the United States? (1) On the whole, the health care system works pretty well and only minor changes are necessary to make it work better. OR, (2) There are some good things in our health care system, but fundamental changes are needed. OR, (3) Our health care system has so much wrong with it that we need to completely rebuild it."

 
    Minor
Changes
Fundamental
Changes
Completely
Rebuild
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

10/5-8/09

15 53 31 1  
 

9/19-23/09

19 51 27 3  
 

8/27-31/09

17 55 27 1  
 

7/24-28/09

16 49 33 2  
 

6/12-16/09

13 51 34 2  
 

4/22-26/09

12 49 38 1  
 

9/12-16/08

14 50 35 1  
 

1/20-25/06

8 56 34 2  
             

"If you had to say, which do you think is a more serious problem right now: keeping health care costs down for average Americans, OR providing health insurance for Americans who do not have any insurance?"

 
    Keeping
Costs Down
Providing
Insurance
Unsure    
    % % %    
 

10/5-8/09

35 59 6    
 

9/19-23/09

35 59 6    
 

7/24-28/09

43 53 5    
 

6/12-16/09

26 65 9    
 

4/1-5/09

40 54 7    
 

2/23-27/07

31 65 5    
             

"Compared to past debates on major issues, do you think the overall tone of the health care debate has been more positive, more negative, or about the same as past debates on major issues?"

 
    More
Positive
More
Negative
About the
Same
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

10/5-8/09

11 45 36 8  
             

"If your own representative in Congress supported the health care reforms that are now being proposed, would that make you more likely to vote for him or her in the next election in 2010, would it make you less likely, or would your representative's stance on the health care reforms not make much difference in your 2010 vote?" Among registered voters

 
    More
Likely
Less
Likely
No
Difference
Unsure  
    % % % %  
 

10/5-8/09

30 30 35 5  
 

Republicans

12 54 29 5  
 

Democrats

52 9 36 3  
 

Independents

23 32 37 8  
 
 

8/27-31/09

29 33 29 9  
             

"If Congress doesn't pass any health care reform by the end of the year, and the current system continues as it is, would you be pleased or disappointed?"

 
    Pleased Disappointed Unsure    
    % % %    
 

10/5-8/09

29 61 10    
             

"Would you favor or oppose the government offering everyone a government-administered health insurance plan -- something like the Medicare coverage that people 65 and older get -- that would compete with private health insurance plans?"

 
    Favor Oppose Unsure    
    % % %    
 

10/5-8/09

62 31 7    
 

9/19-23/09

65 26 9    
 

8/27-31/09

60 34 6    
 

7/24-28/09

66 27 7    
 

7/9-12/09

64 29 7    
 

6/12-16/09

72 20 8    
             

"In their proposals for health care reform, who do you think the Democrats in Congress are trying to help more: the people who DON'T have health insurance, the people who already have health insurance, both, or neither?"

 
    People Who
Don't Have
Insurance
People Who
Already Have
Insurance
Both Neither Unsure
    % % % % %
 

10/5-8/09

34 6 34 20 6
             

"In their proposals for health care reform, who do you think the Republicans in Congress are trying to help more: the people who DON'T have health insurance, the people who already have health insurance, both, or neither?"

 
    People Who
Don't Have
Insurance
People Who
Already Have
Insurance
Both Neither Unsure
    % % % % %
 

10/5-8/09

11 24 27 32 6
             

"On the issue of health care, who do you think cares more about the needs and problems of people 65 and older: the Democratic Party or the Republican Party?"

 
    Democratic
Party
Republican
Party
Both (vol.) Neither
(vol.)
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

10/5-8/09

42 31 6 8 13
             

"On the issue of health care, who do you think cares more about the needs and problems of people under 30: the Democratic Party or the Republican Party?"

 
    Democratic
Party
Republican
Party
Both (vol.) Neither
(vol.)
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

10/5-8/09

52 18 4 9 17
             

"How serious a problem would you say the H1N1 or swine flu is? Would you say it is a very serious problem, a somewhat serious problem, not too serious of a problem, or not a serious problem at all?"

 
    Very
Serious
Somewhat
Serious
Not Too
Serious
Not at All
Serious
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

10/5-8/09

21 53 19 3 4
 

8/27-31/09

28 44 21 6 1
 

5/6-12/09

12 37 35 14 2
             

"How likely is it that you will get vaccinated this year against the H1N1 or swine flu: very likely, somewhat likely, not very likely, or not at all likely?"

 
    Very
Likely
Somewhat
Likely
Not Very
Likely
Not at All
Likely
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

10/5-8/09

28 18 19 32 3
             

"How likely is it that you will have your children vaccinated this year against the H1N1 or swine flu: very likely, somewhat likely, not very likely, or not at all likely?" N=217 parents with children under age 18, MoE ± 6

 
    Very
Likely
Somewhat
Likely
Not Very
Likely
Not at All
Likely
Unsure
    % % % % %
 

10/5-8/09

46 13 18 19 4
 

8/27-31/09

45 22 14 17 2

Earlier polls on health policy


HOME | TABLE OF CONTENTS | SEARCH THE SITE

Copyright © 2020 POLLING REPORT, INC., and polling/sponsoring organizations