ObamaCare: Americans want control
The president’s signature health-insurance overhaul is as unpopular as ever. And the underlying causes for dissatisfaction continue to worsen.
According to a Rasmussen survey released on Dec. 22, 35 percent of Americans believe the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as ObamaCare, has negatively impacted them personally. The president’s signature health-insurance overhaul is as unpopular as ever. And the underlying causes for dissatisfaction continue to worsen.
One of respondents’ biggest frustrations is the growing number of people that now have different health-insurance coverage as a result of the law. Indeed, promises that “if you like your health insurance, you can keep it,” and that the law “will save the average family $2,500 per year” were not kept, leaving many increasingly opposed to the law. Thirty-nine percent of respondents now report being in a new plan, which is a dramatic increase from 25 percent last year.
At present, the majority of respondents hold an unfavorable view of the law. Forty-two percent hold a favorable view while 53 percent hold an unfavorable one.
Those holding a very unfavorable view outnumber those with a very favorable by two to one.
The survey also found that: “Most voters continue to hold a negative opinion of Obamacare and remain committed to the belief that consumers should have choices when it comes to health insurance.” In other words, Americans want control over their health-care decisions, allowing them to select options that best meet their own needs and preferences, rather than government-knows-best dictates.
As the president’s signature health-insurance law continues to lose its luster, lawmakers in Congress should make individual control over one’s health care decision a central tenant of any reforms or changes to the law.