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Chapter 11

Chapter 11. Public Opinion and Health Policy Mollyann Brodie and Robert J. Blendon. Some Issues Are Bigger than Others. Politicians must be aware of the importance accorded issues at any given time Due to a variety of factors:

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Chapter 11

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  1. Chapter 11 Public Opinion and Health Policy Mollyann Brodie and Robert J. Blendon

  2. Some Issues Are Bigger than Others • Politicians must be aware of the importance accorded issues at any given time • Due to a variety of factors: • Some issues will achieve greater prominence, or salience, among those surveyed

  3. Some Issues Are Bigger than Others • Issue salience can change considerably over time • This has particularly been the case when it comes to health care

  4. Public Knowledge • Analysts of public opinion distinguish between the relevant form of “public” in any given political context • On certain issues, politicians might wish to focus on the opinions of American voters who feel strongly about the issue • Or those meeting certain demographic characteristics

  5. Americans on Health Care: A Public Opinion Profile • Americans are broadly dissatisfied with the current state of the national health care system • But an overwhelming majority (87-91 percent in a recent survey) are happy with the care they receive from their own physician

  6. Americans on Health Care: A Public Opinion Profile • As a result: • Many are reluctant to support any policy of reform that could in some way change the nature of care they receive

  7. Americans on Health Care: A Public Opinion Profile • Many view the lack of national health coverage as problematic • But there is considerable disagreement as to the specific methods desired to treat the problem

  8. Americans on Health Care: A Public Opinion Profile • Most Americans are unwilling to bear an increased tax burden in order to achieve broader coverage • This is consistent with a general aversion to taxation • Particularly that of a redistributive nature

  9. Americans on Health Care: A Public Opinion Profile • There is general distrust of government to successfully resolve issues amongst the American citizenry • This holds true when it comes to government intervention in health care

  10. Americans on Health Care: A Public Opinion Profile • Skepticism toward government (and experts): • Has grown over time • Particularly post-Vietnam and in the wake of Watergate

  11. Americans on Health Care: A Public Opinion Profile • Along with a broad distrust of experts and leaders • Comes public disenchantment vis a vis the medical profession • “Commercialization” of medicine is one factor driving dissatisfaction toward physicians in general

  12. Americans on Health Care: A Public Opinion Profile • At the same time, the personal/family physicians of individuals generally receive high marks

  13. Just the Facts • In the case of the Truman and Clinton plans to provide comprehensive national health insurance: • Initial support for the effort waned once the public learned details of the respective schemes • Opposition interest groups weighed in on the matter

  14. Chapter 11 Summary • While broadly uninformed on the details of many policy issues • Many have strong impressions about policies that change over time, affecting their salience • When acting on public opinion data: • Politicians must distinguish between the different types of significant “publics”

  15. Chapter 11 Summary • Many Americans believe the national health care system has serious flaws • BUT generally approve of the care they receive as individuals/families

  16. Chapter 11 Summary • While generally supportive of the goal of expanding health coverage to the uninsured • Americans differ profoundly on the desired means to affect this outcome

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