The survey was conducted Feb. 10-18, among a nationally representative random digit dial telephone sample of 1,202 adults ages 18 and older, living in the U.S.
Here are six findings from the survey.
1. When asked to choose among four broad approaches for changing the healthcare system currently being discussed, 36 percent of Americans say policymakers should build on the existing law to improve affordability and access to care. Sixteen percent would like to see the Affordable Care Act repealed and not replaced. Thirteen percent believe the ACA should be repealed and replaced with a Republican-sponsored alternative, and 24 percent believe the U.S. should establish guaranteed universal coverage through a single government plan.
2. The survey found 64 percent of Americans have a positive reaction to the term “Medicare-for-all,” and 57 percent say the same about “guaranteed universal health coverage.” Fewer have a positive reaction to “single payer health insurance system” (44 percent) or “socialized medicine” (38 percent). About half (53 percent) of Democrats say they have a very positive reaction to “Medicare-for-all” compared with 21 percent who say the same for “single payer health insurance system.”
3. Half of Americans support the idea of having guaranteed health insurance coverage in which all Americans would get their insurance through a single government plan while 43 percent oppose it.
4. Following the water crisis in Flint, Mich., 47 percent of Americans are concerned about the water supply in their community, and this share jumps to nearly 80 percent when the public is asked about their concern over the water supply in low-income communities, the survey found.
5. Three-fourths of Americans (73 percent) report they are following news about the 2016 primary election campaign closely with 27 percent citing economy/jobs as the most important issue to voters in the upcoming presidential election. Healthcare ranks fourth at 8 percent, behind presidential candidates’ characteristics or positions on the issues (21 percent), and foreign policy (16 percent).
6. Similar shares of Democratic voters (7 percent), independent voters (10 percent) and Republican voters (7 percent) say healthcare is a top voting issue.
More articles on leadership and management:
Campaign trail updates: 5 things healthcare leaders should know
Federation of American Hospitals CEO wins 2016 National Healthcare Award
4 ways exercise is more beneficial than you think
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
