Many Californians Say Changes Needed in State’s Health System
Nearly 60% of Californians said they believe major changes are needed in the state's health care system, according to a new survey by the Public Policy Institute of California, the Los Angeles Times' "L.A. Now" reports.
The institute conducted the annual telephone poll of about 2,500 residents from Jan. 18 to Feb. 1. The survey included health care-related questions for the first time since the poll began in 1998.
Changes to Health System
The poll found that 62% of Democrats and 61% of independents thought major changes were needed in California's health care system, compared with 53% of Republicans (Hennessy-Fiske, "L.A. Now," Los Angeles Times, 2/9).
Researchers also found that:
- 91% of respondents said that universal children's health coverage is important for preventing illness (Gregory, Ventura County Star, 2/9);
- 60% of respondents said they wanted more emphasis on preventive health care rather than treatment;
- 40% of respondents said they were very satisfied with the quality of their health care; and
- 22% said they were dissatisfied with the quality of their health care.
In addition, 53% of respondents said they were very concerned that California's budget deficit would lead to major cuts in health and human services, while 31% of respondents said they were somewhat concerned (Central Valley Business Times, 2/9).
Federal Health Reform Law
When asked about the federal health reform law, 51% of respondents said they support the overhaul and 36% said they oppose it.
The findings show that support for the reform law is stronger in California than it is nationwide. Last month, a nationwide poll by the Associated Press and GfK found that 40% of Americans support the reform law, compared with 41% who oppose it ("L.A. Now," Los Angeles Times, 2/9).
Personal Wellness
About 80% of the poll respondents said their health was excellent or very good, with responses varying by ethnicity and socioeconomic conditions.
Fifty-one percent of respondents with health insurance coverage said their health is excellent or very good, compared with 31% of those without coverage (Weintraub, HealthyCal, 2/9).
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