More people are unhappy about their health care
Survey finds dissatisfaction with the system
American are more critical about their health care future, are more concerned about increasing medical costs, and are less confident about the future of health care than ever before, according to a new survey by the nonpartisan Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI).
The 2000 Health Confidence Survey, released in November, examines Americans’ attitudes toward health care, their confidence in managed care, Medicare, and the health system’s future.
Results of the survey show:
Only 27% of respondents felt health care in general has gotten better in the last five years, and 39% feel it has gotten worse.
In 1998, 31% said health care had gotten better and 35% felt it had gotten worse.
Among respondents who have received care in the past two years, 39% are extremely or very satisfied with their care, down from 46% in 1998.
More important than gun control, taxes
Health care was believed to be the most critical issue facing Americans today for 22% of respondents, compared with 14% in 1998. They placed health care just behind education and ahead of crime, social security, gun control, and taxes.
The study found that people in managed care, those in poorer health, and women tend to be less satisfied about and less confident in the health care system.
"The Health Confidence Survey clearly shows a need for more complete education of the public about the current health care system," says EBRI President Dallas Salisbury.
EBRI is a private non profit, nonpartisan public policy research organization based in Washington, DC, with the mission of encouraging and enhancing development of sound employee benefit programs, and public policy.
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