(03/26/10) -

Health Care Legislation Divides Views in the U.S.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Americans are split over the health care reform bill recently signed into law by United States president Barack Obama, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 42 per cent of respondents are dissatisfied with this development, while 39 per cent are satisfied.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Americans are split over the health care reform bill recently signed into law by United States president Barack Obama, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 42 per cent of respondents are dissatisfied with this development, while 39 per cent are satisfied.

In addition, 34 per cent of respondents believe the legislation went too far, 26 per cent claim it did not go far enough, and 11 per cent think it is just right.

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 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 Mar. 23, Obama signed the new health care legislation—which was approved by the House of Representatives in a 219-212 vote—into law. Obama declared: "We are not a nation that scales back its aspirations. (…) Everybody should have some basic security when it comes to their health care."

The bill imposes an "individual mandate" which requires all Americans to buy health insurance—with federal subsidies available to those who cannot afford the premiums—and compels companies with more than 50 employees to provide health insurance for their workers or face fines. It also expands Medicaid funding, and allows children to stay on the insurance plans of their parents up to age 26. Another provision of the bill forbids insurance companies from withholding or denying coverage to any person who has a pre-existing medical condition.

Republican Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty questioned the bill, saying, "This does look like an unprecedented overreach by the federal government forcing individual citizens to buy a good or a service for no other reason than they happen to be alive or a person. That seems to be unprecedented."

Polling Data

As you may know, President Obama has signed the new health care legislation into law. Overall, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with this development?

Which of these statements comes closest to your own point of view of the health care legislation?

Complete Poll (PDF)