(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – More Americans believe their federal administration should be more involved in the funding of medical services, according to a poll by CBS News and the New York Times. 59 per cent of respondents want the government in Washington provide national health insurance, up 19 points in 30 years.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – More Americans believe their federal administration should be more involved in the funding of medical services, according to a poll by CBS News and the New York Times. 59 per cent of respondents want the government in Washington provide national health insurance, up 19 points in 30 years.
Health care in the U.S. is based on a system of benefits provided by employers, as well as the Medicare and Medicaid programs which allocate health insurance for the elderly, disabled and poor. Around 47 million Americans are uninsured.
In American presidential elections, candidates require 270 votes in the Electoral College to win the White House. In November 2008, Democratic nominee Barack Obama secured a majority of electoral votes, defeating Republican candidate John McCain. On Jan. 20, Obama became the first African American president in U.S. history.
Earlier this month, former Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle—Obama’s choice to preside the Department of Health and Human Services—withdrew from consideration after a series of late income tax payments were revealed.
Nancy LeaMond, executive vice president of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), expressed concern over the situation, declaring, "Senator Daschle’s withdrawal could make the process harder, but it doesn’t change the urgency of reform."
Polling Data
Should the government in Washington provide national health insurance, or is this something that should be left only to private enterprise?
|
Jan. 2009 |
Jan. 1979 |
|
|
Government |
59% |
40% |
|
Private |
32% |
48% |
|
Not sure |
9% |
12% |
Source: CBS News / New York Times
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,112 American adults, conducted from Jan. 11 to Jan. 15, 2009. Margin of error is 3 per cent.
