(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - A vast majority of people in the United States voice support for a universal health care system, according to a poll by Opinion Research Corporation released by CNN. 64 per cent of respondents think the government should provide a national health insurance program for all citizens, even if it leads to higher taxes.

In addition, 73 per cent of respondents believe the federal administration should at least provide national health insurance to all American children under the age of 18, regardless of economic implications.

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 45 million Americans are uninsured.

On May 7, a coalition of 36 major U.S. companies led by Safeway chief executive officer Steve Burd, announced a campaign calling for universal health care in the U.S. The coalition will suggest a plan based on a similar proposal put forward by California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. It would include guiding principles such as mandatory universal health care, subsidies for lower-income residents, medical coverage for pre-existing conditions, preventive care and healthy lifestyle incentive programs, tax deductions for individuals who purchase insurance, and transparency in medical pricing.

Burd commented on the effort, saying, "We believe there's a real sense of urgency in solving this problem and we intend to be active participants in this debate. (...) Most people believe (health care reform) does not get done without good business support, and we've assembled a coalition of people who believe business has a responsibility to make sure people get the health care coverage that they need."

Polling Data

Do you think the government should provide a national health insurance program for all Americans, even if this would require higher taxes?

Do you think the government should provide a national health insurance program for all children under the age of 18, even if this would require higher taxes?

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