New Gallup Poll: Americans Now Think Healthcare IS NOT Government’s Role
A new Gallup poll out today shows the continuing trend of Americans speaking out against healthcare being the government’s job. I know this administration and congress are ignoring us, but at least we can keep telling our family, friends and neighbors. It will make a difference at some point.
More in U.S. Say Health Coverage Is Not Gov’t. Responsibility
PRINCETON, NJ — More Americans now say it is not the federal government’s responsibility to make sure all Americans have healthcare coverage (50%) than say it is (47%). This is a first since Gallup began tracking this question, and a significant shift from as recently as three years ago, when two-thirds said ensuring healthcare coverage was the government’s responsibility.
Gallup has asked this question each November since 2001 as part of the Gallup Poll Social Series, and most recently in its Nov. 5-8 Health and Healthcare survey. There have been some fluctuations from year to year, but this year marks the first time in the history of this trend that less than half of Americans say ensuring healthcare coverage for all is the federal government’s responsibility.
The reason behind this shift is unknown. Certainly the federal government’s role in the nation’s healthcare system has been widely and vigorously debated over the last several months, including much focus on the “public option.” These data suggest that one result of the debate has been a net decrease in Americans’ agreement that ensuring all Americans have healthcare coverage is an appropriate role for the federal government.
The reason is unknown; how about 10.2% unemployment, a universal healthcare plan that costs over $1 Trillion, and a congress set to raise the debt ceiling to over $12 Trillion?
Could the reason behind Americans being against the government providing universal healthcare be because of this or this?
