An interesting poll was released yesterday, that looks like public support for national health insurance (or more generally, some sort of universal, government-sponsored insurance), is becoming more acceptable to the US public (and the related WaPo article ). There appears to be growing dissatisfaction with the state of US health care, and 54% of Americans are generally dis satisfied with the health care system, while only 44% are satisfied with it (78% are also dissatisfied with the costs–a pretty large majority). While the responses vary depending on how you answer the question, I was surprised that the levels of support for some sort of universal coverage. We’re generally taught to think that the American public is clearly pro-individual and distrustful of the government, but check out these responses:

bq(quote). 38. Which would you prefer – (the current health insurance system in the United States, in which most people get their health insurance from private employers, but some people have no insurance); or (a universal health insurance program, in which everyone is covered under a program like Medicare that’s run by the government and financed by taxpayers?) 62% Universal, 32% Current system, 5% No opinion.

And on the subject of raising taxes versus providing universal coverage:

bq(quote). 37. Which of these do you think is more important: (providing health care coverage for all Americans, even if it means raising taxes) or (holding down taxes, even if it means some Americans do not have health care coverage)? 80% Providing health care for all, 17% Holding down taxes, 4% No opinion.

What’s even more fascinating to me: That 70% of people think that the quality of Canadian health care is the same or equal to health care here; that 41% believe that health care in Canada is more expensive (Canada costs ~$2,500 per person, the US, ~$4,600 per person, in 2000, and we don’t even insure everyone), and that 34% think health care is less available in Canada.

Interesting numbers. I’m starting to become a little more positive; it seems like national health insurance may occur, whether we like it or not.

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