Most Americans Oppose Dems Health Reform Proposals
At the Galen Institute, we are releasing today a poll we commissioned to ask people their opinions about some of the major features of the health reform proposals before Congress.
In one of the questions, we asked specifically about the individual mandate, enforced with a $750 tax, and found that 71% of those surveyed are opposed. We’ve known all along it would be almost impossible for politicians to endorse penalties to enforce a mandate, which is why we have advocated going a different way -- refundable tax credits for all, assignable to buy private insurance. Those who don't use the credit to buy insurance would automatically be enrolled in a participating plan, with their credit subsidizing the premium.
Other findings show strong opposition to reducing seniors’ health benefits and to raising taxes on the middle class to pay for covering the uninsured, and concern about changes to current health coverage. A plurality support a more targeted approach to reform.