(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – People in the United States are split over the health care reform bill passed by the Senate last month, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 36 per cent of respondents support the legislation, while 39 per cent oppose it.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – People in the United States are split over the health care reform bill passed by the Senate last month, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 36 per cent of respondents support the legislation, while 39 per cent oppose it.
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. Obama became the first African American president in U.S. history when he took over from George W. Bush—who served two four-year terms—in January 2009.
One of Obama’s main campaign pledges was to increase access to health care for all Americans.
On Nov. 7, lawmakers in the lower house of Congress approved a bill—known as the Affordable Health Care for America Act—in a 220-215 vote. On Dec. 24, the Senate passed its own version of the bill in a 60-39 vote. The differences between the two bills are expected to be reconciled by both houses this year.
Obama expressed satisfaction with the Senate outcome, declaring, "With passage of reform bills in both the House and the Senate, we are now finally poised to deliver on the promise of real meaningful health insurance reform that will bring additional security and stability to the American people."
Senate minority leader John Boehner criticized the proposed legislation, declaring, "The bill increases premiums for families and small businesses, raises taxes during a recession, cuts seniors’ Medicare benefits, adds to our skyrocketing debt, and puts bureaucrats in charge of decisions that should be made by patients and doctors."
Polling Data
As you may know, the Senate passed a health care bill last month. From what you have seen, read or heard, do you support or oppose this bill?
|
Jan. 2010 |
Nov. 2009 (*) |
|
|
Support |
36% |
41% |
|
Oppose |
39% |
39% |
|
Not sure |
25% |
20% |
(*) As you may know, the House of Representatives passed a health care bill last week. From what you have seen, read or heard, do you support or oppose this bill?
Source: Angus Reid Public Opinion
Methodology: Online interviews with 1,001 American adults, conducted from Jan. 5 to Jan. 6, 2010. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.
