The Supreme Court will rule on President Obama’s health care reform package sometime next year — but public opinion may offer them little guidance on how to proceed. The latest Economist/YouGov Poll finds the American public divided on whether or not the health care law should be repealed.
Of course, this opinion — and much of the health care debate — is bitterly partisan. Nearly two-thirds of Republicans favor repeal; nearly half of Democrats don’t. Most demographic groups are split down the middle.
During the debate, many of those with health care insurance expressed satisfaction with the status quo when it came to coverage, but not when it came to costs. And most Americans — by a margin of three to one — remain satisfied with what they have.
This poll shows, once again, the commitment of older Americans to the Medicare Security system. Only 10% of those 65 and older are dissatisfied with their health care coverage: of course, most of this group is covered by Medicare. More than twice as many in younger age groups — who are more likely not to have coverage
— express dissatisfactions with their coverage.
Only about a third of Americans overall express approval of the President’s handling of health care and Medicare. Older Americans are no more positive. But when asked what the most important issue is to them, those 65 and older rank Medicare third — behind the economy and Social Security, which are nearly tied at the top.
Economist/YouGov poll archives can found here.
Photo source: Press Association
