Health System Reform

According to polling completed during the week of Jan. 11, 2010, Pennsylvania adults continue to have a relatively high level of interest in universal health care; however, opposition to raising taxes to provide such coverage appears to be increasing.

The Patient Poll, a statewide survey of Pennsylvania adults conducted by the Institute for Good Medicine at the Pennsylvania Medical Society, asked “Do you believe that this country should enact some form of universal health care?”

In the January 2010 poll, 65.7 percent said yes, compared to 63.4 percent who answered yes in July 2008, just before the last presidential election.

The poll also asked “Would you support increased taxes that you pay so that a universal health care program could be created?” This time, 27 percent said yes compared to 26.8 percent in July 2008. However, 49.2 percent said no, while 23.8 percent were not sure. In 2008, 41.8 percent answered no, while 31.4 percent were not sure.

Even though it is highly unlikely that universal health care will be part of health system reform, the poll shows the gap between what the public wants and their willingness to pay taxes for it.

The poll has a margin of error of 5.67 percent and surveys Pennsylvanians age 21 and older.

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Patient Poll Data
Question Do you believe that this country should enact some form of universal health care?
Results

Yes

No

65.7%

34.3%
Conducted January 2010
Margin of Error  5.67%
Eligibility  Pennsylvania adults 21 or older 
Survey Consultants Taylor Brand Group, Lancaster, Pa., and Greenfield Online, Conn.

Patient Poll Data
Question  
Would you support increased taxes that you pay so that auniversal health care program could be created?
Results

Yes

No

Not Sure

27.0%

 49.2%

 23.8%
Conducted  January 2010 
Margin of Error   5.67%
Eligibility  Pennsylvania adults 21 or older 
Survey Consultants  Taylor Brand Group, Lancaster, Pa., and Greenfield Online, Conn.

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Last Updated: 1/22/2010
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