In a not-so-surprising poll from USA Today/Gallup, data shows that Americans are amped about reforming the health insurance and health care system, but they’re not so sure about how to pay for it.
Fifty-six percent of those polled favor Congress and the president passing major health reforms this year, while only 33 percent oppose, reported USA Today.
How we should pay for such legislation, however, is relatively spread out. The most popular idea for paying for reform is with employer dollars. About 61 percent of respondents said they favor requiring employers to provide health benefits or pay a fee to help employees pay for coverage.
An increase in taxes for the wealthiest Americans is also on the table — and 58 percent favor that idea. Finally, the USA Today reports, around half of those polled said they favor an increased tax for soft drinks.
When actual health benefits are thrown on the chopping block to pay for reform, support wanes. A majority 53 percent oppose taxing health insurance plans if they cover more than a certain level of care and an even bigger majority oppose cutting Medicare.
The biggest question remains political. How can lawmakers keep voters happy, while actually drafting a bill that will have a positive impact on the system?
It’s mid-July now, we’ll see how things progress (and intensify) as the August deadline looms.