Confusion over the new health reform law declined but remains widespread, with
44 percent of the public saying they were confused in May, compared to 55
percent in April. Moreover, more than a third of Americans (35%) say they do not
understand what the impact of the law will be on themselves and their families,
while 61 percent report feeling they do understand what that impact will be.
Americans continue to report getting information about health reform
from a wide variety of sources, including the news media, friends and medical
professionals. More than half report having gotten information from friends and
family (68%), or from cable (63%) or broadcast news programs (55%). Further
breaking down those getting health reform information from cable news, 25
percent of Americans indicated their main cable source on this topic was FOX
News, 22 percent named CNN and 6 percent MSNBC. In fact, cable news still tops
the list of the public’s “most important” sources of news about the new law,
with 30 percent saying they rely on that source more than any other.
Americans remain divided on health reform, with 41 percent holding
favorable views of the law, 44 percent holding unfavorable views and 14 percent
undecided or unsure. Most Democrats still approve of it and most Republicans
still oppose it. Political independents are more likely to tilt against, as are
people who describe themselves as likely voters in the midterm elections.
Those with favorable views of health reform tend to cite the law’s
potential for increasing Americans’ access to health insurance and health care
(47%) and making both more affordable (12%) as the main reasons for their
support. Those with unfavorable views had a wider range of reasons for their
opposition, but topping the list were concerns about the cost of reform to the
country and individuals (27%) and opposition to the government’s perceived role
in the changes (17%).
The May poll is the latest in a series designed and
analyzed by the Foundation’s public opinion survey research team.
Findings (.pdf)
Chartpack (.pdf)
Toplines (.pdf)
