Health Care Reform Debate "Hot & Testy"

The health care reform debate has become hot and testy over the past 14 days. More specifically, there is intense division over the so called "public option" (a government run public health insurance offering.)

A Kaiser Health Tracking Poll released late last month shos that the majority of the public (56%) still generally support health care reform. In this ame poll twice as many Americans say the country will be better off if Congress and the President pass health care reform (51% for vs. 23% against). In addition, this poll shows "the majority of the American people (56%) continue to believe that health reform is more important than ever despite the country's economic problems."

However, recent criticisms made during the policy debate appear to be having a negative impact on public opinion. For instance, a larger share of the public is now worried that Congress may pass a bill that is bad for their families (54%) and are concerned that health care reform will not happen this year. (39%)

Regarding the "public option," last week the Center for Health Policy and Professionalism Research released a poll showing that only 43% of Americans find the public option health insurance plan appealing (although clearly divided along party lines - 63% of democrats support vs. 29% of republicans support). This is a significant decline from a poll conducted in June by the New York Times/CBS which showed 72% of the public supporting the public option.

Both the AMA and the ASMD (American Society of Medical Doctors) oppose public health insurance options. A recent ASMD poll shows that 66% of doctors believe a government-run health insurance plan would restrict doctors' abilities to give the best advice and offer the best care possible. Six out of 10 doctors say they will not accept any new patients who have government issued insurance.

What should we conclude from these polls? The public's support for health care reform is still very high in spite of the contentious debate that is swelling across America. However, support for the public option is slipping rapidly. Both the AMA and ASMD positions are not surprising and appear to be based on negative physician experiences with both Medicare and Medicaid.

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