This is not going in the right direction.
As Americans learn more about the issues surrounding proposed healthcare reforms, they are less certain about their own healthcare futures.
Simply put, consumers are losing confidence that the “solution” is just that.
Instead, they appear to wonder if things will be worse.
As a poll released today indicates:
“A monthly survey of consumer sentiment on health care issues shows that Americans’ confidence in insurance coverage, affordability and access dropped more than 5 points in July, after having risen slightly in June,” The Associated Press/CBS News reports. “Among seniors eligible for Medicare the drop was even more striking – 10.4 points – suggesting the health care debate is raising alarm bells for older people.” The survey, part of the health care consumer confidence index compiled by the nonpartisan Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, was “conducted even before coverage of raucous town hall meetings that highlighted public opposition to Mr. Obama’s Democrats’ health overhaul plans.” The overall confidence level for July “was 97.2, down from 102.3 in June. The highest possible score is 200, the lowest zero.”
Who can blame them?
There are many criticisms of proposed reform. Some valid; some not; even more contrived. But the bottom line is that most Americans don’t know their peronal bottom line. “How does this affect me?,” is still an unanswered question for many. And it is the question that matters most.
Healthcare reform will continue to be debated with arguments all around the edges. That will not change public opinion in its favor. Until someone explains in clear terms the impact to consumers on a personal level, many Americans will be skeptical and fearful. Who can blame them?
If you want to pass legislation, give us something to believe in.
