Rising Costs Fuel Discontent With Health Care System
Americans are increasingly worried about the impact of health care costs on their financial well-being, and they believe steps should be taken to slow the rising cost of medical care, according to an annual survey conducted by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI).
EBRI's 2006 survey of 1,000 adults showed that 52% of respondents are not satisfied with the costs of health insurance, and 48% are dissatisfied with the health care costs not covered by insurance.
When asked to identify which health care issues they would like Congress to address over the next five years, 55% chose slowing the rising costs of medical care, 48% said ensuring Medicare continues to pay future benefits, and 38% selected improved access to health insurance.
Of those respondents with medical coverage, 60% said they have experienced an increase in the amounts they are being asked to pay for health care over the past year. When asked if rising health care costs have led them to cut back in other areas, 36% of respondents in this group reported contributing less to retirement plans, and 53% have decreased contributions to other savings accounts. Moreover, 28% of respondents who indicated they are paying more for health care reported having difficulties paying for basic necessities, and 37% are having problems paying other bills.
When asked for their opinions on policy changes designed to increase health insurance coverage rates, 85% of respondents said they favor tax breaks to help people pay for individual coverage, and 83% approve of tax breaks for employer-sponsored coverage. In addition, 78% of respondents indicated they favor requiring employers to contribute to subsidized coverage for employees, 78% support allowing uninsured people to buy into government programs, 73% are in favor of expanding public programs to cover more people, and 67% support requiring everyone to buy health insurance.
The survey also showed, however, that most Americans who are currently insured are content with their own health care coverage. Of those respondents with medical insurance, 18% said they are extremely satisfied with their current health plan, 36% are very satisfied, and 35% are somewhat satisfied.
