Atlanta Progressive News

A new poll from Zogby International/O’Leary Report released Monday reveals a strong majority of Americans agree on eight key issues surrounding healthcare reform.

A quick glance shows those polled believe healthcare should be portable from one-job to the next but are against taxing employer-based plans. They don’t believe in mandated coverage or in raising taxes to create coverage for undocumented immigrants or Americans over 18 who can pay for insurance but choose not to have it.

The survey does not ask if participants support creating a public option for those who want private insurance but who cannot afford it.

Those surveyed also want tort reform and want insurers to stop denying coverage or charging higher premiums for those with pre-existing conditions.

The poll surveyed 4,426 likely voters from Sept. 4 through Sept. 8 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.5 percent. Read the poll questions and the results after jump. Any polling experts feel free to share the merits and/or drawbacks of polling likely voters versus registered voters in the comment section below.

 

1. Currently, Americans may only purchase health insurance from a provider licensed in their state. Some say that Americans should be allowed to purchase health insurance from providers in different states possibly creating more competition and driving down the price of health insurance. Do you agree or disagree? 

Agree 82.8%

Disagree 6.9%

Not sure 10.2%

2. Currently, medical malpractice insurance costs doctors in some areas of the country up to $200,000 per year, a cost that doctors pass on to their patients in the form of higher fees for service. Do you agree or disagree that tort reform is needed?

Agree 78.5%

Disagree 12.4%

Not sure 9.1%

3. Do you support or oppose taxing employer-provided health care benefits?

Support 12.6%

Oppose 77.3%

Not sure 10.1%

4. There are currently 26 million Americans age 18 and older who can afford to purchase health insurance, but choose not to purchase it for a variety of reasons. There are also 12 million illegal immigrants in America who lack health insurance. Do you think taxes should be raised to fund a government-run health insurance program for these people? 

Yes 15.2%

No 75.0%

Not sure 9.8%

5. Do you agree or disagree that the federal government should require all Americans to purchase health insurance, or face a fine?

Agree 18.5%

Disagree 70.2%

Not sure 11.3%

6. Do you agree or disagree that health insurers should be allowed to restrict coverage or charge higher premiums for patients with pre-existing conditions?

Agree 19.9%

Disagree 68.7%

Not sure 11.5%

7. President Obama is promoting a new government agency called the “Independent Medicare Advisory Council,” and some people believe this agency should use its powers to deny payment for procedures it deems unnecessary or futile. Others say that such power would interfere with the doctor-patient relationship. Do you support or oppose the creation of an “Independent Medicare Advisory Council?”

Support 30.6%

Oppose 58.8%

Not sure 10.7%

8. Do you agree or disagree that Americans who lose or leave their jobs should be able to stay on their previous employer’s health insurance plan?

Agree 54.6%

Disagree 25.1%

Not sure 20.3%