| 摘要 | In the March issue of AEI’s Political Report, we look at how Americans have assessed the US health care system over time, what role they think government should play, and their views on Medicare for All. We then look at opinion about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) since its passage and compare opinions today of the ACA and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Finally, we look at views of Nancy Pelosi and Mitch McConnell.
Health care reform: Views over time
Since the early 1980s Americans have told people that there are some good things about our health care system but that fundamental changes are needed (Harris/CBS News). Roughly a third rate health care coverage in the nation as excellent or good, and only 2 in 10 are satisfied with the total cost of health care in the country (Gallup). These enduring concerns drive policy discussions.
A solid majority, 57 percent, in a November Gallup poll said it is the federal government’s responsibility to make sure all Americans have health care coverage. In another question Gallup asked in December, fewer, 40 percent, said they want a government-run health care system, while 54 percent prefer the private sector (Gallup).
Medicare for All?
In recent polls, there is more support than opposition to the general idea of Medicare for All (Fox News, CBS News, Morning Consult).
Support turns to opposition if people would have to pay more taxes, if private health insurance were eliminated, if it threatened the current Medicare program, or if it led to delays in medical tests or treatment (Kaiser Family Foundation). Democrats want Democrats in the House to focus more on fixing the ACA (47 percent) than on passing a national Medicare for All plan (44 percent) (Kaiser Family Foundation).
The ACA at nine
Approaching the ninth anniversary of its passage, the Affordable Care Act is viewed more favorably than unfavorably. This is a change from most polls conducted between 2011 and 2016 (Kaiser Family Foundation).
People were more optimistic in 2017 than in 2013 about the bill’s impact on them and their family and on the country, driven largely by Democrats’ views (Pew Research Center).
In a February 2019 Fox News survey of registered voters, 47 percent expressed a favorable view of the 2010 health care law; 45 percent expressed an unfavorable view. In comparison, 34 percent had a favorable opinion of the 2017 tax reform law, 36 percent had an unfavorable opinion, and 30 percent said they could not say or had not heard of it.
Congressional leadership
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell are both viewed more negatively than positively, reflecting Americans’ generally dismal view of Congress (Quinnipiac, CBS News, NBC News/Wall Street Journal).
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