RespondentID	1646_What concerns you most about health care	1712_Our current way of paying for health car	1714_What trade-offs do you think the America	1648_What is your single most important recom	1743_<b>We have a few final questions just to	2153_ How old are you?	1749_Are you Hispanic or Latino?	1750_Which of these groups best represents yo	1751_What is the highest grade or year of sch	1752_Do you have any kind of health care cove	1711Priv_We want to know what health care benefit	"1713Priv_Because health care is very personal, we"	1647Priv_What have you seen in American health ca	1715Priv_Is there anything else you would like to	1720Priv_We have a few final questions just to he	1806Priv_Are you Hispanic or Latino?	1806CommPriv_Are you Hispanic or Latino?	1719Priv_How old are you?	2176Priv_16.  Which of these groups best represen	2176CommPriv_16.  Which of these groups best represen	1718Arch_We have two final questions just to help	1748ArchPriv_Are you Hispanic or Latino?	state	ResponseDate
1420	The cost!	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	MD	10/3/05 3:37 PM
1420	The cost!	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	MD	10/4/05 9:00 AM
1485	Healthcare is becoming increasingly more difficult to access for anyone other than the very rich.	Yes.  We should expand our current medicare system to include everyone. People would no longer have their jobs tied to their healthcare. Employers would be free to use the money saved toward employee salaries and wages.	I think Americans would be willing to pay higher taxes going toward healthcare rather than pay billions to insurance company executives and pharmaeutical companies'profits and marketing strategies.	"America must begin a single-payor healthcare system like the one proposed in HR 676.  If this does not happen very soon America will reach a state of crisis as fewer and fewer people that need healthcare will be able to access it.  More and more people are being refused healthcare by doctors and hospitals due to unpaid balances as a result of lack of insurance or high ""copays"" and deductibles. Doctors are being pressured by conflicting loyalties-the insurance companies and the patients."	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Preventive healthcare, doctor's visits, major medical, hospitalization, inpatient and outpatient mental health care(psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, counseling), dental healthcare, prescription drug coverage, laboratory, radiology, chiropractic, rehabilitation, Hospice care, long-term assisted living for seniors and disabled,home healthcare, physical therapy, occupational therapy, worker's compensation."	"Healthcare should be delivered by dedicated,appropriately trained professionals in an unhurried fashion. "	Hospitals with research centers.	America has some of the best-trained doctors and nurses in the world and some of the best research centers.  However America is falling behind other industrialized nations in terms of the health of its citizens because too many people cannot access this healthcare. 	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	na	10/4/05 9:00 PM
1486	"As a future health care provider, I am concerned about the rising costs. I also worry about the creation of a system that is run by the government. I see a future decrease in advancements and quality of care if this were to happen."	I don't think that employers should be saddled with more responsibility to make up for the insane rate of health care cost increases. The efficiency of the entire system needs analysis. These are complex issues that are not going to be solved by any single measure.	"I like what Oregon has done by limiting the procedures that are available through their state funded benefits for those that do not have private insurance. Why do we have to trade anything? I would like to trade the income of the CEO of some of the large insurance companies for some lower deductibles and premiums. If you can afford it, you should be able to get it. That is the beauty of the capitalistic society."	"Prevention and education. Education about resources that are already available. It seems that some choose to afford a nice car that comes with a car payment and pricey insurance rather than make sure they get their annual pap smear. I am not sure why some choose not to have health insurance when there are policies available to protect them from catastrophic events and then draw on available community resources. Most of the time it is because they did not know that they could go to the free clinic or nearly free women's center that is run by the local university. The county programs for women and children are available, but they don't go because they don't want to wait that long. That's a choice not a lack of available resource. Solutions for many of the problems already exist and are not utilized by the people eligible."	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"I want medications to not cost so much, but I still want drug companies to work to find new solutions to some of the health problems that many face. Preventative care is important. "	"I want to be able to go to the provider that I like, have a history and a repore with. These people are caring for myself and my family. Continuity of care is key to health maintenance. The county systems that I have witnessed have a revolving door of substandard medical caregivers, so that system is broken as well. I want the freedom to go where I want to go. If I don't like the care I receive, I want to be able to vote with my dollars and my feet and get my care somewhere else."	"I liked it better before the HMO's. People came to the doctor when there was real need, not just because they could as their copay was only $10. HMO's devalued the services. Health care education works pretty well. I get care from qualified physicians and nurses, because I am in the healthcare field and know what to look for in a provider. We have a good quality of care that is delivered in a relatively timely fashion. "	We are a resourceful and creative population. Student nurses and medical students are a brilliant resource that are sorely underutilized. I know first hand that there is room in the education process for obtaining more experience and maintaining good grades. I would also hate to lose the creativity of the talented providers because they were being regulated entirely by the government.  	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SC	10/4/05 11:20 PM
1514	"It is too unavailable, ineffective, driven by profit-motive concerns, corrupted and robbed by providers (see HCA and other frauds)dominated by corporate and provider interest instead of patient care, lacking in preventive care, unable to use technologies that would improve patient care and services, unable to negotiate or cap costs across all systems, too supportive of the piracy by pharmaceutical companies, self-defeating in anything that would improve health care and save money.  There is no check on billions in fraud and no way patients know they are being used fraudulently.    The most costly health care in the world is also the most corrupt and the most robbing of ordinary citizens including the 48 to 70 million who are uninsured or underinsured.    I am not an expert just an ordinary curious and alert citizen who votes.  This non-system and its purposeful mismangements intended to increase profit while care declines, except for the very few able to afford other outcomes, is more transparent than ""officials"" realize.  If we don't fix this soon the whole idea that this democracy is exceptional and fair and the best will wither along with the millions who will be increasingly sick and increasingly poor.  The lie that USA has the best health care is true for very few people and even that is falling behind, withering from the vultures emptying the trough faster than it can refill."	"Yes, and from what I have said you know what they are.  I want a single-payer, universal health care system paid for through government arrangements.  I want GM type corporations to be free of unreasonable costs of employee health care so they don't add thousands to their non-competitive prices and Toyota doesn't go to Canada with jobs.  I want employees to be able to change jobs or start companies without losing health coverage.  I want open and progress establishing research in the single payer system which will be able to use patients who will consent because they are not afraid of losing health insurance.  This list is long but practical.  For-profit systems are killing the USA."	"something like 67% say they'd pay higher taxes.  Me too. I am not one who thinks that I have choices or controls now.  Almost no one has.      I also think that a large num,ber (millions) of us are beginning to see how thoroughly we are being robbed by corporate and wealthy individual interests daily."	GET UNCONSCIONABLE PROFIT AND FRAUD AND ROBBERY OUT OF THE SYSTEM AND GET ACTUALHEALTH CARE FOR EVERYBODY IN	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Universal health careor expand the VA to everyone/or expand Mrdicare-Medicaid to everyone. At the least real preventive care and basic care including all services for everyone.    I want a single payer system that negotiates prices and controls excess.    I want a system with BIG monitors of provider costs and services to avoid these massive dollar frauds    I want a system where a patient really can monitor her own expenses and services and can keep self from being assigned services by unchosen providers     I want a system that will use the kinds of information systems and negotiating systems that the VA uses so successfully.    I am 63, have no health insurance, have enviable health and intend to keep it that way.  I try not to go near our health care non-system.  In my 25 year career during which I had big health insurance, I never once used it.  That means my employers paid many, many thousands of bucks and I never once used it.  I am the actuarial dream."	That it exists and is available and effective without ruining my family or myself.    I would like to be able to chose and monitors services to me or family members in which it actually matters that I am interested in health instead of the current assembly-line health care now provided by employer health insurance and some of the HMO/Managed care groups.      You can't be an honest or thrifty patient in our current system.  There is no center of control to address and you often don't even know who is billing whom for what.          	"VA  Have been pleased with MediCare in West Virginia and have extensive experience with it through parents, not HMO.  VA was great for my father D-Day wounded, disabled.  I would not have been able to care for him without the VA and services.      VA is underfunded and about to be a disaster for Iraq vets.  Too bad the Bush Administration is more interested in privatization and profit for a tiny few."	"yES, HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT HOW ENDANGERED EVERY CITIZEN IS WHEN SO MANY DO NOT HAVE AVAILABLE HEALTH CARE IN TERMS OF PUBLIC HEALTH, IN TERMS OF EPIDEMIC POSSIBILITIES, IN TERMS OF TERRORISM RESULTS POSSIBILITIES, IN TERMS OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATIONS THAT MAKE PEOPLE SICKER, LONGER?  iT TAKES ONLY A FEW UNATTENDED AND SICK INDIVIDUALS TO KILL A LOT OF PEOPLE.  IS ANYONE THINKING OF SELF-DEFENSE HERE?  NOT EVERYONE CAN GO INTO HIS CASTLE DURING THE PLAGUE."	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	na	10/5/05 7:05 PM
1516	Lack of adequate healthcare for less affluent Americans	Complete overhaul.  We should go to a single-payer system.	"If they know it will be affordable and high quality, they'll pay more in taxes.  There should be few trade-offs necessary for the vast majority of people, though."	Single payer system	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Basic healthcare.  The care I'm most likely to need.	"How it's delivered depends on what I need.  I want to be able to get the care I need without having to worry about how I'm going to pay for it.  I want to know what my options are and chose what I feel is the appropriate care, in consultation with my doctor."	We do a good job of providing emergency and life-saving care.	NULL	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/6/05 1:22 AM
1517	Rising costs.	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	10/6/05 9:11 AM
1519	"1)Deteriorating access for all to needed services, particularly mental health,  2)Financial waste, with health care dollars going to corporate executives, profits and overhead instead of directly paying for health care,  3)The perversion of the scientific base of knowledge via corporate paid advertising, lobbying and political corruption, leading to wrong, unhelpful and/or destructive treatments, especially in mental health."	"Abolish the current mess and establish a government-run single payer system with no corporate involvement and set regulatory watchdogs over this, much as FDR did over public works in the 1930's - to guard against corruption.  Medicare is our most cost-effective system and is rapidly being destroyed by corporate lobbying interests, for example, in the drug coverage legislation preventing the US government from negotiating lower prices for the covered drugs.  A boon to the drug companies and a terrible waste of taxpayer money."	"So far voting on these issues has been profoundly influenced by advertising by the insurance, pharmaceutical and other corporate interests, so that voters have been persuaded to vote against their own best interests, in terms of health care.  An at least equal stream of truth and fact would be a good thing, but there is little chance of this, as big money controls advertising and access to media outlets.  Americans have noted themselves into one of the worst advanced nations' healthcare messes in the world, leaving 45 million of themselves uninsured, 15,000 avoidable deaths per year due to no coverage, etc."	"Somehow greatly reduce the influence of paid lobbyists and campaign contributions to state, local and national elections, so that the voice of the voters can actually count."	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"1)All health care money spent in the most efficient manner, on preventive and needed care, more like the 3% overhead costs of medicare, with no money going to things that contribute nothing to health care,  2)Equal access to health care for all Americans  3)Funding for mental health care that is needed, that has proven its treatment and cost-benefit effectiveness endlessly already with respect for the scientific truth and no reference to corporate preferences,  4)National health care as a community responsibility and resource instead as a place more suited to corporate profit making and stripping away citizen rights,  5)Restore full and solid privacy for health care consumers and for their records.  No one will talk to a health care professional or psychotherapist deeply enough to help if their privacy is compromised."	"Health care services need to be private and confidential, guarded against access by anyone without prior consent by the patient or legally responsible parties, such as parents.  Current HIPA regulations are a farce, forcing release of private records without patient consent to thousands of eligible government, law enforcement, and corporate interests.  Also all Americans should have access to health care as needed without any reference to ability to pay and this would be the case if the government funded it adequately as a single payer system.  Preventive care should be fully supported, like pre-natal care, well baby care, immunizations for all, physical examinations, diagnostic testing as ordered by the appropriate health care professional, without having to fight with corporate interests about it. High cost devices and services might have to be evaluated for cost-effectiveness, but with perhaps, extensive debate and public input taken seriously, as value of life and ethics enter into this.  Mental health services have been cut more drastically than any other area of health care since the advent of mangled care and need to be restored to a much more fully supported level.  Drug company lying has distorted public awareness and knowledge about mental health issues over the past 30+ years and needs to stop being all that citizens hear about the nature of mental health problems and their treatment.  Cuts in funding and other problems have made school psychology innacurate in diagnosis and treatment because full evaluations take time and no school psychologist is allowed that time to assess the nature of a child's problems.  This is a specialty of mine, trying to correct school evaluation and treatment errors and get real help for affected kids."	"Quality of care is still good, if you can get it and you luck out on the place and the people you get it from.  There are still a great many excellent and caring professional working in our health care system who do a great job, often in spite of the obstacles the current system throws in their way.  There is still great training available in our health care professional schools, though this is, in many of them, on the decline due to funding cuts and distortion of our knowledge base by corporate pressures at all levels.  Psychiatry has become a profession of drug dealers, legal, but not very knowledgable or helpful.  Look at the science on mental health treatment outcomes and you will see that this is true. Our quality of life, infant mortality rates, efficiency are all falling below that of other industrialized nations."	"To understand it, think of it as a problem with ""the commons"", the wild spaces that villages used to share in old England, with all having access to farm and hunt.  Then the commons were given to the nobility to control and the common people lost their right to feed themselves as they saw fit and were willing to work to bring about and they became dependent of the dictates of the lords.  This is what has been done to our health care system, which has always been paid for and supported by the people, but now has been given over, with ERISA and mangled careless, to private lords to do with as they will.  Hence, we have the spectacle of Mr. XXXXXXXX taking home 40 million dollars of healthcare money in a year in which Oxford was losing money while trying to provide healthcare to millions of people."	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	na	10/6/05 3:10 PM
1524	"The 46 million uninsured Americans and the others with inadequate coverage.  Also, the limited access to good care for many in low income areas."	I think we should gradually abandon the employer's role in health insurance.  It just doesn't work for too many people and is too volatile.  Same for state-based systems.  Include everybody under the same tent.  Look at Hurricane Katrina and the lack of a portable saftey net.	"None.  As Reinhardt says, ""Americans really are that mean.""  It's sad but true.  They will have to be forced to do it (well, we forced Iraq on them, why not health care?  It will be much cheaper.)"	"Give them access to health care.  health insurance should be easy to get and hard to lose, which is reverse of now."	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	financial protection for high cost care is more important than specific services to me.	"Like most people, I want personal care, from a physician I know and trust, someone who cares about me as well as for me.  However, when push comes to shove, what I really want is high technical quality no matter what."	"It seems to work well for the healthy and the rich, which includes me."	It's like the Titanic and sinking with an incompetent captain at the wheel.	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	10/6/05 4:01 PM
1527	High costs and the lack of universal access	Single payer. We should have a national health plan like Great Britain's. The advantages of such a system far outweigh the disadvantages.	Single payer coverage could be sold to the American people if opinion makers would get behind it.	Single payer coverage	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Benefits: visits to physicians, presecription drugs, hospitalization, in-home care, long-term care  Services: preventive screening (mammograms, colonoscopies, etc.), parity for mental health services including therapy, psychiatric care, and hospitalization"	"The sacred doctor-patient relationship is a myth. While continuity of care is important, it is not as important as getting care when you need it. More use of clinics and other freestanding non-acute care facilities would save money and probably enhance the quality of health care."	Our hospitals are very good but they cost way too much. Our nurses are outstanding but underpaid and undervalued; that is why there is a perennial shortage of nurses.	Our spending on medical research should be reevaluated. Perhaps we spend too much on possible therapies whose development is far in the future. We should consider devoting some research money to increasing the effectiveness of treatments we have now or treatments in the late stages of development.	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	10/6/05 4:23 PM
1532	"Unfortunately, many work for small companies that don't offer health insurance, or cannot afford to pay their part of the cost. The new Medicare Rx coverage will help some, but proposed significant cuts to Medicaid must not take place. "	Giving people tax breaks to pay for their health coverage is not enough. Many need Earned Income Tax Credits or actual cash to meet these most important expenses.   There should be a way to centralize and regulate these costs. I believe the costs under the Veteran's Administration are lower because of the large number of people involved. 	"I would be willing to go to a centralized system. I am willing to go with an HMO or PPO if my physicians participate, rather than a fee-for-service arrangement. "	"I think a centralized system, rather than separate ones for the elderly, poor, children, and others would be far better. "	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"I take medication on an ongoing basis due to a pre-existing health condition. Pharmacy coverage and covering Doctor's fees are at the moment more important to me than Hospital services. I had considered a possible inpatient stay, but that will not take place. "	I have Medicare and have it adminstered by a PPO. That way I don't need to submit a second bill to a Medigap policy. The physicians I deal with are on their plan. 	"When the bills get submitted properly, the system can work well. Surgeons bills did not get submitted, so I needed to do some detective work. I found copies of the original bill, and eventually the dunning letters ceased. "	I lobby my Members of Congress and others about this issue often. 	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	10/6/05 7:12 PM
1535	"Profit driven waste.  Hospitals are understaffed but continue to build facilities to either, attract business or pacify greedy and demanding doctors.    "	The beginning of our spiraling increase in health care premiums started when the industry moved away from community pool rating to merit rating.  The healthy groups and individuals got a good deal for awhile but as the rating pool continued to shrink everyone's rates ballooned.  We should return to legislated community rating and let the insurance companies and the government compete on a quality of service basis and not lowest rates.	That is the root of the problem.  Those that have health care aren't willing to give up anything and those that don't aren't in a position to trade-off anything. 	Community rating.  Take the profit out of the motivation of those funding and those buying health insurance.	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Coverage for hospitalization and large dollar lab and professional provider procedures.	"There is a big difference between need and want.  We have an insatiable appetite for health care. Giving expensive cancer treatment to an 80 year old Alzheimer's patient isn't probably in anyone's best interest. Our citizens have an unreasonable sense of entitlement.  We want all the health care we can get, whenever we want it, and we want somebody else to pay for it.    I should have the freedom to pick my providers without impacting the amount of coverage I get.  However, I should It is important to receive the health care needed to maintain or restore the quality of life.  However not every sprained ankel needs an MRI. "	Community rating.	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	10/7/05 6:47 AM
1536	People who are without health insurance.	"shift from employer-based system to individual-based system; employers would pay a tax (partly based on number of employees, partly based on the average salary of employees); individuals could choose between private health plans and government-sponsored plans"	"1.  emphasize living wills and palliative care to reduce end of life health care expenses  2.  people with middle income or high income jobs should have co-pays for high-end diagnostic services e.g. $100 co-pay to get an MRI of a ""tennis elbow""  3.  people and employers should share financing of health care access for all - it would reduce total healthcare expenses (lack of insurance is more costly than providing a basic level of services)"	To encourage people at risk for diabetes to change their diet and exercise so that getting diabetes is less likely - huge cost savings plus increased quality of life and life span benefits	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Regular preventive care - annual physical, periodic screenings (e.g. colonscopies every 5 years); diagnostic test services (e.g. upper G.I.); treatment services (e.g. physical therapy); emergency services; inpatient hospital beds"	convenient setting - close to home and/or work; health professionals that can spend some extra time answering questions; like to see the same physician or at least one of two or three	Medicaid HMOs that look at the whole person e.g. willing to buy a matress for someone to avoid them having back trouble and needing physical therapy	Make information more accessible to people e.g. why bunion surgery might or might not accomplish what you want and then have info. on how many bunion surgeries of what kind a bunion surgeon does; In general provide quality info. on performance so that people will use higher quality services more and lower quality services less.  This will improve outcomes and cost-effectiveness over time.	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	10/7/05 8:38 AM
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1539	"Rising costs, related rising demand and the growing uninsured population."	"I think that the system needs to change, but I fear the government having full control (single-payor) as the Feds have shown that they are challenged to manage the Social Security and Medicare budgets (especially with the graying of America).  From my perspective, a single-payor system would lead to a major rationing initiative for all but the wealthiest of Americans.  Market-driven forces still have a place in the U.S. healthcare system."	"I can't speak for all Americans, but time has shown that people will flex on paying more but won't be denied choice.  I do think that Americans will pay more for higher quality if they can understand that a provider does deliver better quality than their peers."	"That's a toss up between access to urgent care and end-of-life care.  In both areas, Americans are not spending resources wisely.  The U.S. does not have a reliable urgent care system in place (sprains, headaches, breaks, stiches) so the public tends to utilize EDs, the most costly site for general care.  Additionally, Americans throw a ton of money at patients during the final days of life because the existing Medical Schools teach doctors to save the patients at all costs and because Americans don't have other options (hospice and other palliative care options, including home care) are either not available or not promoted well."	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Basic primary care services are very important, though I would be willing to pay out-of-pocket for those services if my family's coverage for outpatient and inpatient treatment services had lower premiums (I am currently an HMO member)."	I am interested in timely and quality care at a reasonable price.  I approach healthcare no differently than I do the purchase of any other good or service. 	Americans have access to the latest and greatest technology.	The U.S. healthcare system faces radical change over the next few years.  The status quo will only guarantee major financial issues at all levels in the nation.	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	na	10/7/05 10:34 AM
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1541	"I have devoted my entire professional career to the delivery of health care services, first as a registered nurse, now as an attorney and certified professional coder.  My biggests concerns about health care today are 1.  Access to care, 2.  affordability and 3.  lack of updated information technology in the billing/reimbursement of health care services.    There are too many models, too many forms and way to many claims for a single patient encounter.  My elderly mother recently suffered a cardiac event.  The care was great, but the bills were a nightmare and even I, a health care attorney with expertise in reimbursement had to struggle through a slew of various claims trying to figure out how much she owed and to whom."	"At present, we have at least 10 (ten) Federal health care programs.  They are:  Medicare, Medicaid, Federal Employee Health Benefit Program, Indian Health Services, Public Health Services, Federal prison program, Rail Road Retirement Board, Black Lung, Tricare/Champus and Veterans Affairs.    While I have no data to support this, I have to believe that consolidation of all of these programs into a single benefit plan would eliminate overlapping costs in terms of Federal employees and significantly reduce operational expenses.      Who would the consolidated plans cover?  There could be options, such as coverage limited to current plan beneficiaries who qualify under existing programs.  Or, the potential savings could result in basic level of coverage for all Americans (which also eliminates nexus to employment-a benefit to corporations).  Citizens could still purchase additional ""supplemental"" private insurance for additional health needs or services.  This ensures that we Americans would still have a choice-something we love.    I don't favor socialized health plans per se, but I think that we are already there and I don't see how US corporations can continue to compete with foreign businesses with the rising cost of health plans tied around their necks.    Therefore a hybrid model as proposed above should be considered."	"I for one would be willing to trade our current system for a national (broad but cost effective) program to ensure that more Americans are covered for some basic level of care.  Instead, we are currently providing costly care to acutely ill individuals through our Hospital Emergency Departments."	"Consolidate the existing health care programs discussed above and operate them like Medicare.  The Medicare program actually operates with minimal overhead expenses.     It's time to separate health care enrollment and expenses from employment.  Businesses should not have to maintain this expense and employees are increasingly transient, which makes current health care plans like revolving doors.    Devote significant resources to IT infrastructure both in reimbursement and in health care business operations.  We need to get serious about updating this."	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"I think that most Americans would prefer coverage for basic services that focus on wellness nd preventative health practices such as annual physical exams as well as effective programs for chronic disease management.    I think that most benefits could focus on the delivery of prompt ""urgent care"" type services that are not life-threatening and require minimal evaluation.  For example, when my child (who has asthma) has a upper respiratory infection, I need a simple exam, not a pediatric visit in two weeks or an emergency room visit for anti-biotics.  Both of these options take too long and take time from my work and my son's school.      Along the same note, I think that any health care service delivery model should include school-based clinics."	"Health care should be readily accessible and start at the local level in the form of primary care services.      Health services should be premised on preventative and/or chronic disease management for the most expensive health care risks, ie., heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, etc.    Health care infrastructure should be aggressively updated to include adequate IT. We in the health care world are still paper-based dinosaurs operating with paper based claims, auditing and accounting practices.     "	"The Kaiser health care model is the most innovative at present.  Kaiser has devoted extensive work towards development of quality management programs tha increases the probability of positive patient outcomes and decreases the likelihood of adverse events by continually assessing and improving governance, managerial, clinical, and support mechanisms that directly and indirectly impact outcomes. (See, Kaiser Permanente, 2002).     Kaiser focuses on wellness and health maintenance, which reduces the need for acute care services.  That's where our focus should be."	"I have other ideas as well, but too many to go into here.  Again, I have been in the health care industry since the 70's. I know it pretty well.    If there are other opportunities to participate and contribute to this endeavor, please give me a call.    "	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	10/7/05 3:41 PM
1544	I am concerned that money plays such a large role in determining who receives care and who does not.	"I personally lean toward single-payer system, although a small deductible on a sliding scale could be helpful in discouraging abuse of the system."	"Higher taxes, to replace the cost of health insurance.    "	"I think that if every American, including every member of Congress, and every top-level government official, were placed in a single group, the solutions would appear quickly."	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Wellness care and education  Decisions in care made by primary care physicians, with monetary pressures being minimized."	"It is very important that we be able to take part in the decisions regarding what doctors we are able to see.    Also for doctors to have time to tend to their patients,     In this day in which everyone is computerized and linked, why do doctors have to fill out so many papers?"	I personally benefit greatly in research in medications and treatment. I am fortunate to be covered by a healthcare plan through my employer.    I am concerned that that is disappearing.    	"For those who have access to health care, it is pretty good. The expense is not spread around fairly, and poverty is too much of a determining factor."	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	10/7/05 9:05 PM
1548	No emphasis on wellness and using all the tools available including complementary therapies and dietary supplements. We have a system that treats disease and has no incentive to keep and get people well or at least forstall or prevent complications of disease. Neither the pharmaceutical nor the food industry wants us to get well. They are in the business of keeping us sick.	Government should insure a basic level of care at a reasonable cost. Government should not permit insurance companies to gouge consumers. Consumers should be free to choose and make informed decision based on science and not on what the pharmaceutical companies and FDA say.  FDA and pharma are in bed together and this hurts consumers. Government should not support Pharma to the detriment of consumers.	"THere are no reasons for tradeoffs unless you choose to perpetuate the present system, where quality is buyer be ware and access is limited to those who can pay.  We have more healthcare and less health than any country in the world.  More people die from malpractice and iatrogenic causes, and adverse reactions to drugs than should be acceptable. Yet, access to integrative medicine and informed choice through communication of the science are denied by FDA, FTC and the entire medical structure meant to keep people in the dark and dependent on pills."	Access to integrated therapies. Information to make informed choices.Lower costs.	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Access to any doctor of my choosing and access to coverage for nontraditional and allopathic medicine, at an affordable cost.  And, basic health care for every American."	"Access to competent providers, including allied professions, in a community setting. THe most important thing is access to information to make informed choices."	Integrative medicine.	"Those agencies that are supposed to protect us violate our first amendment right to know and to speak about and practice therapies that are not standardized. This is killing people with more drugs, more side effects and higher costs."	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	10/7/05 11:05 PM
1558	www.military.com	"This peson is right; I am 70 YS ""O"" & a 100% disabled vet for PANIC DISORDER, LIKE P.T.S.D..  The va system does not need to be closed, But it needs to be reduced. We need to have a card like medicare so we can go to our own Dr.s whare we live & not be forced to move to a politically located V.A. hospital. This will accomplish two things. It will get the VET. home where they belong & it will provide money, ""PATIENTS"" for RURAL DR.s as we spend a lot of money subsidizing rural Dr.s. In fact this government wants to PAY foreign DR.s to come her for free if they will practice in a rural setting a set length of time. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX    The VA healthcare system has never really given the veteran the thing he wanted most....and that is to go to the doctor of his choice in his own home town.....every time you go you see a different doctor who is usually a foreigner who can barely communicate with you....you have to drive for hours and go through big city traffic which is a real hardship for the older vets.....you are treated like scum by the minority workers there who spend most of their time talking to their boyfriends on the phone....the VA systems TOP PRIORITY is about MINORITY EMPLOYMENT...and the only reason that vets go there in the first place is for free medicine....certianly not the treatment they get there.....    THE ANSWER....shut down all the VA hospitals....Give every eligable vet health insurance equivalent to medicare with free medicine....the cost would be so much less than the present cost....the reason for less cost...    1.most of the veterans allready have Medicare so you are only adding a medicine benefit..  2. no more ""Bricks and mortor"" and employment costs which are three of the four dollars that are spent from the VA budget....    The effect for the veteran: He can go to the doctor of his choice in his own community and recieve the quality of care that he chooses and deserves..    The effect for the VA employees: They will redially be re-employed by the Medical community if they are worth ""their salt""...    This is not the first time I sound off about VA medical care...I have sent a letter to Washington which was hand carried by the head of Veterans Affairs of this state and also the head of Veterans Minority affairs for this country....I have worked with veterans especially the homeless and am a minority myself....I am not just sounding off like some writer who probably has never had to fight this system like I have....I am a Vietnam Crewchief with over 225 missions under fire who has been through hell since I have come home...but I will always fight for the truth....I am XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX.... "	none	"send the welfare reciepents back to the country they came from. I know 2 women, BLACK MUSLIMS OF SOMALIA, one has 6 children & the other has & & they are on welfare here in POORTLAND OREGON.  What are they doing here & why does our OUR STUPID government keep allowing these people to come here much less stay here. Also on the drug enforcement. The powers that be need to forget about drug enforcement & give the money save to the health care system. If the health care system was doing their job there would be no drug problem. These people need LEGAL drugs that these STUPID DOCTORS will not give them. I am a 100% disabled veteran for PANIC DISORDER & ny STUOID DR. will not give me what I need. A dr. at the clinic where I go did & I take it as I need it. When my head cramps & I cannot think I take one & in a half hour I can function again."	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VETERANS DISABILITY	"This peson is right; I am 70 YS ""O"" & a 100% disabled vet for PANIC DISORDER, LIKE P.T.S.D..  The va system does not need to be closed, But it needs to be reduced. We need to have a card like medicare so we can go to our own Dr.s whare we live & not be forced to move to a politically located V.A. hospital. This will accomplish two things. It will get the VET. home where they belong & it will provide money, ""PATIENTS"" for RURAL DR.s as we spend a lot of money subsidizing rural Dr.s. In fact this government wants to PAY foreign DR.s to come her for free if they will practice in a rural setting a set length of time.   The VA healthcare system has never really given the veteran the thing he wanted most....and that is to go to the doctor of his choice in his own home town.....every time you go you see a different doctor who is usually a foreigner who can barely communicate with you....you have to drive for hours and go through big city traffic which is a real hardship for the older vets.....you are treated like scum by the minority workers there who spend most of their time talking to their boyfriends on the phone....the VA systems TOP PRIORITY is about MINORITY EMPLOYMENT...and the only reason that vets go there in the first place is for free medicine....certianly not the treatment they get there.....    THE ANSWER....shut down all the VA hospitals....Give every eligable vet health insurance equivalent to medicare with free medicine....the cost would be so much less than the present cost....the reason for less cost...    1.most of the veterans allready have Medicare so you are only adding a medicine benefit..  2. no more ""Bricks and mortor"" and employment costs which are three of the four dollars that are spent from the VA budget....    The effect for the veteran: He can go to the doctor of his choice in his own community and recieve the quality of care that he chooses and deserves..    The effect for the VA employees: They will redially be re-employed by the Medical community if they are worth ""their salt""...    This is not the first time I sound off about VA medical care...I have sent a letter to Washington which was hand carried by the head of Veterans Affairs of this state and also the head of Veterans Minority affairs for this country....I have worked with veterans especially the homeless and am a minority myself....I am not just sounding off like some writer who probably has never had to fight this system like I have....I am a Vietnam Crewchief with over 225 missions under fire who has been through hell since I have come home...but I will always fight for the truth....I am XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX"	NOTHING; The health care system STINKS;  If they did their job & the government get off our backs we would not have all of these problems. Just last night I was talking to a lady about comiting sucide instread of suffering from a bad illness. She calls 911 & they sedn the police out. The GOVERNMENT has no business meddling in my affairs. If I want to die that is my decision & not theirs. Check out the sucide roster. Admerial NEMINTZ & his & his wifes suicide. I have had 3 of my Dr.s commit suicide & a friend & a nephew. I have died 4 times in the Hosp. & I now have a pace maker that keeps me alive. It would be nice if it had a switch that I could turb off when I am ready to die.  have you ever heard of a DR. suffering? Of course not. They take care of their own.	The government nedds to get off our backs & profide the drugs that are needed for the mentally ill. Go to any donut or coffee shop & witness for your self all the MENTALLY ill that are there or the help knows about. It is the STUPID DR.S & THE GOVERNMENT that is causing the problem. We need to have FEDERAL HOSPITALS - FARMS like we had COUNTY FARMS in the OLD days. These people need help & no one is helping them.   Check the prisons. Most of them are MENTAL holding pins.	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/9/05 3:34 AM
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1559	"The costs keep going up and the quality of care goes down.    When talking to friends and family we do not see that America is a leader in healthcare.  We see that the HMO doctor that was once a good doctor is too busy to identify future chronic issues.  We see insurance providers not covering procedures that require the patient go to another hospital.  We see a well meaning nurse tell someone in the ER that has had a heart attack that if he does as the doctor requests, his family will be in a debt they could not afford.  He left.  We see hospitals not honoring a realistic payment plans--turning over debts to collection agencies which effect credit ratings and reducing patient possibilities of repayment."	"This is a patchwork quilt that just keeps getting more patches placed on it.  We need to throw it out and purchase a blanket!  I can't tell you which to buy...here our my thoughts:    1) As an individual, hospitals and doctors need to work out realistic payment plans, not 20% of your bill or they send you to collections.  Collections ruins your credit rating and then the loan you might get to pay them is unattainable.    2) As a small business employer, the healthcare costs to cover employees is too high for me to hire the people I want from the temp agency we use unless they will go without it.  As an employer we do not want to employee people this way.  Our employees (5) are minimum wage employees.    3) Government...  My husband is a Vietnam Veteran ... give them true health coverage!  We were told by one Veteran Services doctor that his hospital would not get enough money to pay for the services that he would need so we would have to go through my business insurance.  Why can these services not work together as a first and second coverage?  I never could get an answer.        "	"I am willing to pay for my heath care IF I am completely covered.  No 60% for this arm but not the other.  80% at this hospital, but not that one.  Flat overall coverage.  If this cannot be accomplished I think it needs to be National Health Care.      I do not think our health care is as high quiality as is touted.  Right now, as a consumer (what a joke), I am overpaying.      "	Give all Americans health care.    We are missing sooooooooo many.	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Care for all.  Care for everyday visits to chronic illness--no matter where that specialty may send the patient.  Regardless of their income or skin color or pre-existing condition.	"I don't have the answer here, but as an example:    I have a group health insurance through my own business.  My husband is a Vietnam Veteran AND is covered under my health plan.  During the last two years he has been (successfully) been battling primary liver cancer.  Even with these two forms of insurance we have incurred $10,000 - $20,000 in health care debt.  We are told we are part of the underinsured.      While working with the Oregon Insurance Commissioner, I was able to prove that $9,000 was a billing issue between the procedure database the hospital used and the one used by LifeWise Insurance.  These databases are NOT REGULATED BY ANYONE!      I think removing the insurance companies is a must.  How that can ever happen is beyond me..especially on a federal level.  Maybe this needs to be a homegrown movement on State levels first?    The hardest part of the last two years (besides not knowing if my husband was going to live) was the enormous pressure of the medical bills.  Hospitals and collection agencies call contantanly, some threaten you, the humanity has been lost at this end.    You have to work very hard to create a healthy recuperating environment when you have a chronic illness at home.  No one should have to go through that."	Technology.  Doctors do care about their patients and would like to see a different system as well.	"I think Dental, Vision, Massage and Accupuncture should be lumped under an overall plan.  These people are doctors.      In my experience if more people could access regular check ups (not HMO style) there might be less emergency trips that cost the healthcare industry more in the long run.  It is not a new theory...just never seems to get done."	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	na	10/9/05 3:03 PM
1560	Only the affluent can afford good health care plans. The middle class have to watch out for what their health plans cover. And the poorer classes realize that they usaully get very basic care with long waits for appointments and treatments. I know this is over simplifying but it is basically honest.  There is also the problem of restricting expensive care and treatments to those who have unlimited financial resources.	Although years ago I would never have said this but I believe there should be a national health care program. One that would cover people from the cradle to the grave. Good basic health care. People with life threatening illnesses should not be shunned. If people want to suppliment national health insurance with additional policies that is all right. 	"I think a basic fee for basic services. Specialized services may have to subject to payment on a sliding scale according to income. Those at risk should be treated in a timely manner. No one should be denied treatment.  This might mean longer app't waits, longer times to secure an app't except for those in crises or near crises. "	We say that in America people are equal under the law. Should they not also receive treatment under an equal health status? True that income often determines what medical help we receive but all people should have a basic level of health coverage.	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Prenatal, birthing, and infant care. Regular check ups, immunizations, for healthy babies. And referral for those who have problems to those who know how to treat them.  Routine health check ups - tests for the most common of diseases. Prompt referral (not based on what is in the checkbook)."	"I want access to a primary physician who will follow my health care. I want to be able to be referred to a specialist if I need one. Children should have the same rights. The kind of care I would expect would be through, kind, personal, and respectful. I would neve want to have a collection agency call, scream, and threaten me with jail if I do not pay the total owed (when there are small payments being made regularly as money is earned) when a loved one is suffering with a life threatening disease. This has happened in my family."	"Personally, I have been raised in the Kaiser Permenente Program (60 years a member). While not perfect I feel as though they care and do their best to give good care. There are always the horror stories but having worked for them as an RN for over 12 years, I had confidence in the care they give and the way they give it than I had anyplace else I had worked."	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	10/9/05 7:35 PM
1561	"High Cost  Poor Health outcomes  Uninsurance and underinsurance  Inappropriate reliance on ""Market Forces""  Lack of consensus of issues  Lack of political leadership on health care issues"	"eliminate the negative effects of competition between health insurance plans, which results in cost shift, exclusions for pre-existing conditions, high administative costs, and confusion and inefficiency for patients and providers alike"	"Public is more likely to agree to paying tax to cover cost and to accepting responsibility for others' care than to agree ""up front"" to forgo some  specific service.  "	"Pay for what works to improve health outcomes, not for overhead, profits, and insurance plan marketing."	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	preventive care  stable primary care relstionships	"Strong primary care relationship is essential. This requires a stable patient-provider relationship, a lot of time, and a relaxed doctor who is not swamped by administrative tasks and a huge panel of patients"	"1) Stable Primary care relationships  2) evidence based decision making  3) accountability of provider for following guidelinesin selected clinical areas (blood pressure, imunization, pre-natal care.)  4)Compensation of physicians for cognitive skills, time spent, and outcomes. Salaried physicians are less preoccupied with volume of services provided.  5)electronic Medical Records (VA model)"	Your work is not well enough publicized; 	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/9/05 11:54 PM
1562	"The huge dichotomy in spending for ""curative"" care and prevention."	"It should be completely redesigned into a single-payer, portable system modeled on the Federal Employees Health Benefit system and the Veterans Administration system."	"Incentives for maintaining health, penalties for chronic disease-promotion activities such as smoking and overweight."	Focus on health promotion and prevention.	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Preventive services (preventing chronic disease & unintentional injury)    Health promotion services (education and incentivization of health promoting behavior, e.g. physical activity and health eating)"	"One-on-one relationship with a primary care provider (physician, nures practitioner, or physician's assistant).  Efficient, well-run practice settings.  National electronic health record system."	The Veterans Administration's primary care (outpatient) services.	There is no excuse for the dismal rating the U.S. has in comparison to other developed nations' health care.  The influence of the drug industry and private insurers needs to be eliminated from the system.	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	10/10/05 6:39 AM
1569	"The cost: everyone I know is paying more for health care coverage and receiving fewer services.  Also, drug costs are on the rise.  I think both of these factors could be solved if the insurance companies and their administrators were regulated."	We definitely need national health care coverage!	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	10/10/05 11:54 AM
1572	The cost is becoming so outragous that the blue collar worker can not afford descent health care.  What you pay for and what you get are not even close to what it should be.	"Yes, I think that there should be a universal health care system that each of us americans pay into that would be free to use anytime."	NULL	ONE HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANY for the entire USA...	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Doctor visit copays so people could see the doctors without having to cost $100.00 for a 20 min consultation.  Perscription cards or perscriptions at an affordable price.  Lower deductables without increasing the cost of the insurance.  	"I just want to be able to go to a doctor, hospital or clinic and not be turned down because I have inadiquate health coverage, even though I have health insurance.  Would like it available for a cost that can be affordable."	"The only thing that works well is the health insurance companies sucking our wallets dry.  I pay almost 1,00.00 per month insurance costs, and the insurance company gives nothing to me in the order of helping pay my medical expenses.  Go to the doctor it is $100.00 and the insurance company might apply $75.00  toward your deductable and pay nothing toward the doctor bill......  $3,000.00 out of pocket is a little steep for the average joe to pay for deductables before getting ANY help from the insurance companies.  Though I pay 1000.00 a month I seem to get NOTHING..."	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/10/05 1:22 PM
1576	"all about sickness, not about health and prevention. follow the money."	"get young people involved in educating folks about nutrition, exercise and positive thinking."	the largest trade-off is to change lifestyles.	"prevention, starting with nutrition; including vitamin and mineral supplementation"	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	emergency health care is important.  preventive care is vital.   nutritional care is lacking; it's the best opportunity we can give to all our children at the lowest cost.	thorough annual check ups work fine with me.  nutritional counseling should be taught in schools.	emergency medicine	"cap the salaries. bring in doctors who really want to help people. get rid of the fat cats. throw away most of the drugs, or at least save them for last resort."	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	10/10/05 2:59 PM
1587	Cost -- premiums and private plans  Availability of Services throu Medicare and private plans  Drug benefits throu Medicare and private plans	Systems need to relieve burden of increasing costs to individuals and employers -- and governmenet purchase of services from private providers.	Look at Oregon plan of rank ordering services that can be provided or subsidized to low income people. Extend that to all people in national plan.	"Reduce administrative costs of providers, putting more funds into direct services."	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Medicare -- range of services & costs  Dental  Long Term Care	Chose own providers and get more personal care & attention from conventional medical providers. More availability and pay for alternative providers.	Public employee group plans holding down costs for services.	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/10/05 10:28 PM
1588	"excessive cost due to insurance companies paperwork demands    Mental health care being addressed better could save millions of tax payer dollars on patients on state and federal aid systems who need ""someone to talk to,"" and are constantly creating imaginary physical complaints in order to see someone, ""who cares."""	NULL	Hypochondria needs to be addressed. 	Mental health needs to be addressed on a equal footing with physical health needs	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	preventative medicine-tests  free market prescription drugs  Final say by clinician/not insurance company  Recognition of Nurse Practitioner prescribing rights nationwide    counseling/therapy/mental health help	"Able to choose my clinician, not dictated by insurance company"	"pharmacies, for the most part."	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/11/05 11:07 AM
1598	"most people cannot afford insurance, and with costs so high, many people go without health care or live in fear of getting sick and not being able to pay to get better.    Poor priorities on governments side."	"well, I don't have health insurance and can't afford to get any.  I think the system should be able to help me, and my neighbors across the country.  However it is cost effective to do so. (remembering that poor eating habits contribute to high costs in health care, how about we actually worked at healthier foods and diet in the US.  Also, promoting excersise, which could include, planning cities better so that people could actually walk places) We would save lives, live healthier and be more productive, but certain corporations would make less money!"	"lets see, how about getting rid of the department of defense, and lots of other harmful unnecessary expenses the government currently goes into debt for, and instead spend our money on good food and good health care! I think lots of people would be willing to do that!"	"provide universal health care to all, like most other countries that matter do."	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"affordable, accessible insurance for everyone, or affordable accessible health care for everyone who needs it.  Our country squanders billions of dollars with much less benefits back than a healthy public would be worth.    Positive support for alternative health care such as  accupuncture, chiropractic, midwifery, and theraputic massage.  More cooperation between mainstream medical and alternative healthcare groups.  Patient health should be the focus! (concept!)"	"I'd like to get check-ups and diagnostic tests that are really warranted, without having to spend hundreds of dollars of my own money because either I don't have insurance or my insurance doesn't cover procedures.  Procedures that are supposed to save money and lives by being performed!"	health insurance benefits for the wealthy and well-employed.      alternative health care keeps people healthy.  more education about how to live a healthy life.	"We need to separate crop production which is not about growing healthy food, from the sustainable production of healthy produce and grains, grown to sustain life, not make rich corporations wealthier.    People should be educated in their nutritional needs and how to meet those needs, not just advertized to on what tastes best and makes the most profits.  "	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/11/05 5:28 PM
1600	That it isn't universal and available to all.  It takes forever to see a doctor and they seem very reluctant to diagose or to explore further options.  Prescription meds have gone through the roof.  Especially for seniors who are usually on a regular program of pills.	That is a very big tangle of worms.  I almost think we should take on Canada's approach.	I have no idea.	Real people listening to the real people that need medical help.  Everything is not manifested in the same way.	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"All the preventative services, treating the whole person."	"I want it delivered quickly, not months to appointments.  I also want it delivered personally.  More doctors with smaller case loads."	"Highly specialized areas for cancer, etc."	I have a friend whose wife died of a rare cancer.  She received the help that she could get at great cost to them.  She has passed away.  My father has had several rounds of cancer treatments over the years.  His onocologist follows him closely with a personal interest.  My father is still with us after over 20 years of the threat.  It all takes true heartfelt investment on the part of the doctors and staff.  	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	10/11/05 10:03 PM
1638	Too much money is spent on technology (what we demand) and not enough on the people who provide it at the level of he community (what we need)	"Get all the convoluted third parties out of the chain - - - subsidize the technology and the positive externalities, education etc directly.  Create catatrophic sickness insurance only and let the market take care of the arms length transactions at the level of the community.  Get rid of entitlement mentality that the governement perpetuates"	"The american public has been oversold on medical technology and our health care systems ability to provide ""aging with grace"" (aka aging without getting old) and political promises of freedom from pain and suffering from illness or financial hardship - - - you don't get something for nothing, Until we start being honest about demographics, the costs which have been put off from the past, then Americans won't trade off anything!!!!  Politicians promise, then pray that better management will provide things at budget."	"Nationalize it and get rid of all the layers of complexity, third parties and adminstration that don't do anything productive in health care (but then there goes 1/4 of the national economy)    "	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Ordinary care by providers we know and have had time to develop trust, someone to be the patient agent against this monster of a medical-industrial system who looks out for our individual health needs - - - not the ""systems"" needs."	"Care given by people, not machines or computers"	"If people are reasonably educated and can articulate their problem in the same language as the providers and the system - they can get incredible care quickly and accurately.    Xrays, laboratory, surgery and hospitals in general are very patient centric."	"The free-market laizez-faire economists fail to understand that much of health care is not a market good.  The product of health care services is relationships NOT lab test, procedures, and technology - those are means to an end, not ends in and of themselves."	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	10/12/05 1:38 PM
1640	"The lack of a general health care system for   the everyday American who needs care!  How can Canada, etc., have a healthcare system, and we don't?    It costs much, much more for all of us,when folks to finally show up at the ER or ambulance, because they had no health care insurance/provisions until the situation deteriorated to such an extent - "	"Yes, the super rich (owners of the means of production) should stop getting Bush's tax breaks and pay for part of the workers' medical/dental insurance...the workers who make them rich. There is a law of reciprocity, and if we continue to underwrite those who take their production to the cheapest source of labour, we will all end up bankrupt, physically, morally, and economically.  The US of A is eroding, seriously eroding.    ---Have folks do community service in exchange for points/ to help toward health care, Rx's, whatever, people just need something to do to earn their share of the assistance.     ---Ask my doctor: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX he can tell you.  "	"I think we are SPOILED BRATS for the most part, as an American, I am tired of hearing folks gripe about whatever, just get over it!  Be REAL!  This utopia we have fostered, and continue to foster on ridiculous TV shows, is a bunch of malarky.  And you in government, stop capitulating when folks whine, we cannot afford to try to recapture Mr Bush's popularity through throwing millions of dollars at situations he's getting heat on...he deserves heat for being incompetent! let's get out of the swamp of Iraq, use our money to save whatever's left in America...before there is nothing left to save!"	"GET THE HELL OUT OF IRAQ!   GET THE MONEY AND  USE IT TO HELP WITH OUR OWN - CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, OR YOU WILL NOT HAVE ONE!    I AM SICK AND TIRED OF PAYING FOR BUSH'S EGO, IGNORANCE AND GREED - AND THAT OF HIS CRONIES.  GET SOME GUTS, CONGRESS AND SENATE, AND TELL HIM NO.  WE IMPEACHED NIXON ON A HELL OF A LOT LESS!    "	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Routine maintenance checks, annual physicals, pap tests/mammograms/testicular cancer tests for those age-appropriate groups.  We do not need to be buying twenty thousand dollar stomach stapling operations for people who not even putting any money back into the system, ask me I know of at least two such operations here in Clatsop County, what a waste of money, when my son has to beg for his psychotropic medications for bipolar - to avert suicide!  Let's see... too fat in your pants?  Well, maybe we should fund a Weight Watchers for low-income women, not give them a carte blanche for $20-30K surgeries!!!!! What are we teaching their children, grandkids?  ""Just scam the system, it is unfair anyway, so take what you can???""            Dental care for kids especially, otherwise they get serious infections from unfilled cavities."	"The most important piece to me is COMPETENCE -  I do not care if they have a sweet bedside manner.  I do not want the INSURANCE providers to be the folks who set medical policy, i.e., length of stay, medicines accepted, rejected, etc.  The Insurance industry is now the richest entity in America, in bed with the Rx companies, could everyone just quit ""needing"" to gut the system, get theirs and run out of the country? Could we run ads on TV, in the magazines, newspapers, talking about the greedy emulating a giant snake eating its own tail?!  Why not ask experts about delivery? Kaiser Perm? NWest Medical teams? The Red Cross? "	"Kaiser Permanente, when I worked for them, they had top notch folks, paid them decently, treated them well, and gave as much thrifty health care in reasonable increments, to as many folks as possible.   See above for other types.     Ask my doctor: Thomas Duncan, MD 503-325-9131 - he can tell you.  Have folks do community service in exchange for points/ to help toward health care, Rx's, whatever, people just need something to do to earn their share of the assistance."	"MY FATHER WAS A NAVY VETERAN OF WWI AND WWII, DURING WWII HE RE-ENLISTED AS A FORTY YEAR OLD - BECAUSE HE WAS A DOCTOR, AND KNEW HE WOULD BE NEEDED.  HE REQUESTED PEARL HARBOR, IN SEPTEMBER OF 1941, BECAUSE HE ""FIGURED THE JAPS WOULD HIT THERE FIRST."" (NO RACIAL SLUR INTENDED).     AFTER THE WAR, HE WORKED FOR THE VETERANS ADMIN HOSPITAL for 22 years- AT AMERICAN LAKE WASH, AS A PSYCHIATRIST - TRYING TO HELP VETS WITH PTSD, ETC. MY FATHER TAUGHT US TO LOVE THIS COUNTRY, AND I DO.  MOST AMERICANS DO, AND WE DO NOT DESERVE THE TREATMENT WE ARE GETTING. WE ARE ASKED TO SHOULDER THE TAX BURDEN FOR A CAPRICIOUS, FOOLISH WAR, AND REWARDED WITH OU-SOURCING, union busting, LACK OF EDUCATION,and the ultimate slap in the face: BLAME FOR GETTING OURSELVES INTO THESE PRECARIOUS SITUATIONS, I.E., NO HEALTH INSURANCE, BECAUSE THE job got cut. My GOD, and I mean that sincerely, GOD help us if we don't snap out of it and get down to brass tacks."	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/12/05 6:44 PM
1642	Too much waste and not enough emphasis on prevention.  	Single payer system for basic health care is needed.  The best argument is the advantage of economies of scale and govt bargaining power for medicines.  Medicare is a good example of economies of scale in terms of administrative costs (2% to 4%) and the VA is a good example of quality control in medical care.	NULL	The pharmaceutical industry needs to be reigned in and physicians need to better stewards for prescription medicines.	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Transparency is important.  Information on the performance of hospitals and individual providers should be made widely available.  Also costs for individual procedures should be made available.  Make patients responsible consumers by reducing moral hazard via copays that are high enough to motivate patients to look for the most cost efficient hospitals or clinicians.  Some of these techniques are already being experimented with and show promise.	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/12/05 6:51 PM
1644	cost. and the tendancy toward pharmaceutical solutions.	"Socialized medicine is the only way to effectively provide health care to all members of society.  We do it now through the ER systems and the hospitals absorb the cost, which is pased on through higher health care costs..."	"none.  We, the spoiled American people want it all.  I feel we already have privatized social medicine, administered by the insurance companies.  Unfortunately it doesn't cover everyone.  Whether it would cost more or less, were it run by the government, is an age old political debate."	"Stop feeding the pharmaceutical companies and put money into wellness campaigns, preventative information, and fitness.      Streemline patient care at the ER level.  Recognize that poor people use ER's as an urgent care clinic.  Supporting and developing this process, rather than ignoring it and closing ER's, will legitimize this health service which serves some of the poorest in our society."	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"holistic and ""alternative"" medicine.  and trauma insurance."	"very oddly worded question, how do I want it ""delivered""?  I would like to have health care professionals who are open to, and educated about a broad range of alternative practice, and who integrate their understanding."	ER and trauma response.	"nah,, I've gone on enough..."	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	10/12/05 7:06 PM
1646	The lack of it.  People who work do not always have health care and for this reason they do not or cannot go to a doctor.  When there is a health problem they wait until it is so bad that they have to go to emergency.  Since they might not be able to pay it is passed on to the insurance company who in turn raise rates.	"We need to lower the qualifications so more people can be eligible.  I fortunately have health care, but I would like to see all people be able to have it."	i for one am willing to pay higher taxes for the care of people.  If we are able to stop people from unnecessary going to emergency room we will lower the cost of hospital care.	NULL	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Being able to get periodic check ups.  Also if drugs are needed a prescription plan.	"I would prefer a PPO, but if that is not possible an HMO would be another alternative. The most important thing is having a doctor who genuinely cares about your situation."	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/12/05 7:15 PM
1653	"Prescription drugs in general, and surgery seem to  be the only remedies,that many and most doctors re-  commend for recovery from years of wrongful living  habits.  This will never be a permanent solution  for genuine health care for anyone.  "	"A complete overhaul of the current Tax Code, and  pay benefits to people that stay healthy, instead  of paying for the sick and ill that have violated  nature's law, either knowingly or ignorantly."	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"The choice for organic fruits and vegetables, grown on rich fertile soil with all the minerals intact, and at the free disposal of the vegetation; in place of the failed treatment of drugs and surgery.    "	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/12/05 7:59 PM
1655	being able to get the best medical help available and afford it.	"I believe that the individual should pay something; it is an attractive benefit to get health care from an employer; and for the few remaining who can't work or are disabled and can't work, the government should help."	"Again, everyone should pay something.  Let them choose what they are willing to pay and get.  Don't dictate what everybody should have.  America is a democracy, not a monopoly!"	Let them choose...and expect them to pay something.  Let them pick their doctors...but don't make it so they are denied the best medical because they can't afford it.  Maybe there could be a scholarship or charity amount for hard cases.	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Meeting the needs of family members--annual checkups, eyes, teeth, physical.  And then to be able to see specialists as needs arise, and between insurance and co-pay be able to afford to do everything possible to get medical attention."	"I like to pick my own doctors.  I want the best they have to offer.  I don't like being disqualified from better care because my insurance isn't adequate.  A choice should be given to the individual person whether they want to pay the differential or if they want to accept what the insurance company will pay.  The worst thing would be to get poor care, or not be able to get necessary tests or health care because one cannot afford it."	I think individuals understand they have to pay something.  There is no such thing as a free lunch.  Someone pays!    Gov't sponsored health care winds up serving a less than acceptable health care choice for people.    There should be free market.  Doctors should not have to leave an area because the insurance companies sue them outrageous amounts.  Whose pockets are we really padding here?  	We are fortunate and have enjoyed excellent health care as our needs have demanded.  The system works when it is fair and equitable and no one segment makes outrageous amounts of money off others.  	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	10/12/05 9:55 PM
1656	Government involvement makes all pricing non  competitive whether it is a good doctor or hospital or a bad one. As a person should be  able to chose who to go to. A medical expense  account would benefit everyone. As this socialism  gets futher intrenched in our system the lines  are getting longer at the government sponsored  HMO's.	"It should all be paid by individuals,and if the  government excutives think taxpayers should fund  everyong then a medical expense account would   be the way to go."	I don't beleive we should make any more trade-offs	Quit insuring us	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Frankly, the government was never supposed to  provide health care and just because some want it  is no reason to provide it."	Having a choice in the matter.	Private health care.	This socialism is bad for the country.	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/12/05 10:45 PM
1657	We can't afford it. Health insurance is too high. The State health insurance doesn't pay enough to providers so there aren't very many to choose from. Our VA benefits are being denied so we are stuck with huge bills that were supposed to be paid. Monthly payments help but on unemployment the money will run out soon. What can be done to make health care affordable to families?	Affordable to families as a group insurance.	not sure since jobs with benefits are becoming scarce.  	Major medical insurance and savings account that can be used as a tax deduction.	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"We want to be able to choose who we have as a provider and be able to make monthly payments that are affordable like $50 a month. Also, affordable hospital insurance that covers everything without a co-pay. Major medical is desperately needed."	"We want to keep our family physician and dentist. Also, be able to afford emergency care when needed (major medical)."	Make sure people with disabilities are receiving their benefits.	It is very stressful for people with disabilities and are unemployed.	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/12/05 11:56 PM
1658	The cost of co pays becoming mandatory at dr offices and hospitals for low income people that dont have enough money to pay for all of them. For example OHSU will not see a patient now unless they pay the co pay first. 	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	assistance from medicaid for low income seniors that have a lot of medical problems and medical bills including medications. The system does not work for seniors that cant qualify for medicaid because the cant qualify because they can do too many things for them selves.	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/13/05 9:10 AM
1670	Rising costs	"Keep government out of it.  Expand FSA plans to allow a roll-over of unused funds, and make HSA plans easier to participate in"	"I would be willing to trade for fewer medical lawsuits.    I would take higher deductibles    I want catastrophic care.      I believe that many public agencies have benefits at levels the private sector cannot afford.  I hate to pin it on public agencies, but that does seem to be where the strongest union hold is, and they really want to make sure their members have as low of cost health care as possible.  Tax doolars pay for these benefits."	Let people have more control -   	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Covering catostrophic illness without bankruptcy	I shop my dental expenses for the best value for the price.  I work with my doctor as to when I need and don't need.	"Pre-tax benefits such as Section 125, and higher deductiblw style plans including HRA's and HSA's"	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/13/05 11:11 AM
1678	Costs of services	I beleive that government should set the policy for health care coverage.   The benefit package should be standardized across the country .   The amont of benefit in each benefit calss should be standardized.   Benefits amounts greater than the standard package could be purchased as riders.	We want everything and are unwilling to pay for the services.  We want all servies provided even when the care is futile costly and of little value for improving overal life expectancy.	"A system that would have the emplouers, individuals and government paying a proprtionate share to encure all americans have access to a quality basis health care package.  The public and the government would understand this statergy would allow all to have accees to care with the trade off being that some services would only be available by purchasing supplimental insurance.  The good would be that the overall health care status of americans could be improved and access to certain services and experimental procedures would be sponsored by government approved sites or privately arranged studies with government sopnsorship."	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	A basic benefit package should be available fto alll Americans.  High cost technology and technological services could be made avaibale as a supplemental insurance policy which could be purchased.	I want access to my own physician and to be able to seek care from any qualified physician within the US.  I may not have coverage for the services that I want with my basic health service package however I should be able to obtain the specialized services through my suppliment insurance.	speailized high technology services works well however are costly and afford little overall improvement in life expectancy or overall health status.	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	10/13/05 11:58 AM
1681	I find it unfortunate that in a industry so crucial that there are people at the top making millions. To me this type of thing should be regulated so that people aren't paying over the top prices just to allow others to profit hugely. 	I think that the individuals and employers paying is great. I actually don't believe the government should be paying for healthcare.	"Probably get rid of a lot of the ""fringe"" benefits and get more focused on quality/affordable basic healthcare/prescription care."	I don't know enough about the situation to comment.	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	There really isn't anything special that I would want. Just the ability to get checked on regularly and be able to be seen when illness or injury occurs without having to pay more than I should	Being able to get care in a resonable amount of time.	"So far in my short time being employed, everything seems to work fine."	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	10/13/05 12:55 PM
1683	"Lack of a national and state healthcare, regardless of income, age, education, race..."	"Perhaps the organizations who benefit from healthcare should help to pay -- drug and insurance companies, etc."	I believe we've already traded off all possible.	Accessable healthcare -- by choice -- for all!    	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Access to safe and legal abortions; easy access to free or discounted birth control -- not to forget all the insurance policies that will not pay for birth control; healthcare for under-insured and un-insured; healthcare access for rural communities; lack of public preventive healthcare (pre-natal, well-baby checks, to name a few); easily accessed immunization for all ages.  Also of great concern is that although Oregonian's have twice voted to have the right to self administered end-of-life medication -- the federal government wants to remove that right!"	I want to select my own medical professionals and healthcare organizations.  I want the right to choose the best and to make my own decisions!	"Doing everything possible to continue to operate under undescribable restrictions, regulations and reductions -- with little or no change in the delivery of excellant healthcare services to our communities."	"It's unacceptable, that as one of the wealthest counties on Earth, we have neighbors dying from lack of healthcare or the funding to pay for healthcare.  Shame on us."	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/13/05 12:58 PM
1687	"The instability of the system between insurance and health care itself. Even if you have insurance, which is too expensive, you are never certain they are going to pay a claim or not."	"Yes, I think we should eliminate the health insurance middle man and have health insurance covered by non-profit organizations. Not necessarily government entities, but someone like the red cross only for health care.     If we take away the profit the insurance companies are making, we could lower health care costs and help provide health care for everyone."	I'm not sure we need health care trade offs if we eliminate anyone who is making money that isn't directly involved in physician care.	get rid of the for-profit health care insurance companies	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"preventive care, immunizations and physicals for me and my kids.    time with my physician when I have a visit so he isn't just rotating me in and out and not listening to my issues.    confidence that when I undergo a procedure it is what should be happening and that when it happens it is performed with competence. And that my insurance will pay for it."	I go to a GP who sees both me and my kids. I also see a women's care physician for my annuals. I like being able to talk to the doctor I want about the issues I want to address with them.     	"My doctor operated a small, independent doctor group and it worked very well. Unfortunately the sole hospital in our area squeezed him out of business and forced him to join their doctor group.     I would like to see the doctors be able to work as individuals, or join whatever groups they want to form to provide the best kind of care they can instead of it being dictated by a hospital or their HMO."	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/13/05 1:40 PM
1688	obesity	minimum health care should be provided for all at government expense	none...seriously...Americans want it all	Get people out of emergency rooms for colds. Provide ALL citizens with primary care physicians so the emergency room is not a clinic. 	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	basic health care for ALL even at the cost of specialized health care for some 	PREVENTITIVE medicine/healthcare be a priority    that mimimal care is provided for regardless of income and employment.     that I have a choice to increase my coverage and choice of doctors  that non-western medical approaches be covered  that mental health issues be equally covered  Flexible options for care of the very young and especially the elderly. Options that don't financially penalize a family for caring for their aged relative in their home Families should be able to receive medical benefits if their caretaking is enabling a person to stay outside of a care facility	"nurse practitioners  choosing your primary care physician e.g. women can choose their obgyn as primary care physician  programs that cover those who ""fall betweeen the gaps""  ie programs that focus on the working poor and low-income seniors who don't qualify for medicaid"	We MUST as a community provide minimum healthcare for ALL and it needs to be easily accesible. 	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/13/05 2:16 PM
1695	"High cost.  Employers reducing coverage/increasing co-pays and premiums.   Uninsured - especially because we all end up paying for them in the end.  If the uninsured had affordable/accessable preventative and primary health care, they would not have to wait until the condition is out of control and end up in the ER.   "	"One party payer.  Saves on billing, coding, policy, practice...."	choices of who their carrier is	prevention	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	General/preventative/primary care for all.	Comprehensive	prevention	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	10/13/05 2:43 PM
1709	"I'm extremely concerned about the growing number of uninsured Americans.  We live in one of the richest nations in the world, and it is unacceptable to have such a high rate of uninsured persons.  Additionally, the number who are underinsured continues to climb and is only going to get worse."	"Yes!!  The health care system in the U.S. is going to collapse soon if something drastic is not done.  The current system is extremely inefficient with a large portion going to administrative costs (i.e. billing) which could be drastically reduced if we had universal coverage.  Moreover, we would finally be able to lower the cost of pharmaceuticals as the U.S. as a whole would have much greater baragining power and would force pharamaceutical companies to lower their prices.  It's a sad day when the top ten pharmaceutical companies are making more profit that the other 490 Fortune 500 companies and millions of people are unable to afford needed drugs.  Additionally, savings would be realized when un/underinsured individuals were able to get preventive care, and emergency department services were actually used just emergencies, not primary care.    "	"Americans are slowly getting to the point where they are going to be willing to trade our current system for a system of national health care coverage.  We're not quite there yet, but Americans are quickly getting tired of paying more and more (a lot more!) for health care coverage each year and the astronomically high price of pharmaceuticals.  Public opinion is slowly changing as more and more people are becoming uninsured and those who are insured have trouble paying their medical bills.  "	It's long overdue for us to go to a national health care system.  The arguments for having employers pay for our health care no longer holds true.  Unfortunately these changes are not going to take place until we get the lobbyists' money out of the pockets of our politicians.  Insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies (among a few other industries) have a HUGE interest in seeing that ou system does not change.    	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"I want everything covered, of course!  :)  Seriously, though, the system should treat people both when they are sick and when they are well.  Preventive care is important because it not only keeps us well, but most of the time, it saves money.  Dental care coverage is also important.  I am very fortunate to have had healthy teeth thus far, but it really disheartens me how many state governments have yet to understand the connection between the mouth and the rest of the body.  In too many states, Medicaid is no longer paying for oral health care.  They are doing this to save money, but in the long run, it will cost a great deal mosre than what they saved.     "	I want choice in which doctor I see.  I want to know that I can choose a doctor who works well with me.  I also want to be able to see top notch specialists when the need arises and not have some insurance company tell me that because I do not live in the right area or do not have the right insurance coverage that I cannot visit a certain doctor.    	Innovation.  One of the great things about our society is that we are always trying to make technological improvements.   	"It's time for the politicans to face the fact that our health care system is on a downhill spiral.  Unfortunately, I know that our country is going to wait too long to make the needed changes, and it is going to have serious negative consequences on millions of lives.  "	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	na	10/13/05 3:59 PM
1723	"Rising costs - lack of personal attention - if you don't have a job that offers health care as a benefit you are in big trouble. Health care should be a basic right. Why is good health care only available for people who can afford it? Who advocates for people who cannot advocate for themselves with health care providers (disabled people, seniors, undereducated). Why do you have to work so hard to get more than 15 minutes with a doctor?"	"Yes. I want a system like Canada. I would pay more taxes for that. Or, employers could use the money they are paying for healthcare now and pay it into a government health care fund."	"I'm not sure. I mentioned what I would be willing to do in a previous question, but I am not sure if most people would be willing to do the same thing."	"Improve speed at which Social Security disability decisions are made. If a person is applying for disability because they've lost their ability to read, why does Social Security send her a 12-page written letter??? That makes no sense."	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Health care for everyone. Affordability. Choices. Good customer service.	"I want to choose my providers. However, I like an HMO/managed care type system for folks like my mother in law that need guidance and advocacy/case management. She is disabled. We were able to get her onto a medicare suplement plan with Kaiser Permanente. They take very good care of her and help her a great deal. They are a godsend. She had no healthcare for almost 2 years while we waited for Social Security Disability request to be processed. She was basically indigent and homeless. It was a nightmare and a true travisty. She worked very hard all her life and always paid taxes. She worked two or three min. wage jobs at a time. Then she had a stroke and was unable to work. If she hadn't have been able to move in with us, she would have been wandering the streets with no care at all. We couldn't afford all of her medical costs so we had to take her to ""free"" clinics. The quality of care she got there was terrible. The wait times were unbelievable. It was shocking and sad. I had no idea that our health care system was in such a disgraceful state. People deserve decent care."	not a lot	Drug companies should not be allowed to spend so much money advertising perscription drugs. Is the high cost of advertising their products to people who don't need them making the prices go up?    Why is that the quality of care we get now is so low and the cost is so high?	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/13/05 5:27 PM
1731	"THe uninsured, the underinsured and rising costs of healthcare for all citizens."	"Possibly establishing a single-payer system i.e., the medicare h.c. system guided by standards and criteria that are appropriate for children up and including those under 65 yrs. of age."	"When it comes to trade offs for health care for American citizens, the only ethical and moral trade offs that needs to be made are with the pharmacudical companies, the insurance companies and some physicians who charge too much!    These high profit making sources within the h.c. system of the United States (unlike all other countries in the industrialized world)are greed driven.       {Plain and simple, it is WRONG!!!"	"Develop a single-payer H.C.vsystem that takes the best practices that work well from the Medicare program.  Next, apply this formula to a new U.S.H.C.Insurance Program (USHCIP. "	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Access to quality healthcare at standardized costs across the board.  Equity for all citizens, across all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic barriers."	I feel being able to choose the h.c. provider you want is significant to the patient/physician relationship.  I also feel that having an established prime-care physician is the first step for insuring the delivery of quality h.c. on an on-going basis. 	"Preventive health care practices are cruical in reducing health care costs for all citizens.      Health education programs for targeted segments of our population. For example, teenagers, the poor, single-parents, etc. "	I have a question.  Are the Physicians for a National Health Care Plan part of your citizens work group?  Is your Work Group currently involved in or sponsoring local teaching/learning training seminars around the country?	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	10/14/05 2:26 PM
1733	Inneficiencies that lead to uneven levels and quality of care.  Depending on where you live and what plan you have.  Also no incentive to try simpler & cheaper methods.  Too many people smoke for years and then expect me to pay for them to get care.	"Basic benefit plan by feds and add ons by private compnaies.  Insurers can manage the customer service aspect, but the risk and funding is handled by the feds.  Idepndent board likethe Federal Reserve.    EACH individual needs to be accountable and pay accordingly and penalized, as we are in car insurance market, when we make bad choices."	"None and that is the problem.  Everyone wants high quality an daffordable.  High quality may be a simple fix, not necesarily the latest technology.    As for affordable, people don't mind spending 100's on cell phones, cable/satellite or the latest clothes, but cry when they have to pay 100 per month on health care."	Cut the waste and overhead of insurance companies.	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Basic, catastrophic.  Anything more is add on and my expenses.  If I do not pay into it, I will not value the care I receive."	"High quality, not wasted."	"The cutting edge, high tech stuff.  Prmary care follow through and management of diseases seems weak."	none	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	10/14/05 4:49 PM
1734	"That there are over 1.2 million Realtors that have  no group benefits available to them in this country due to their independant contractor status.     With one of the largest trade associations in the country, we have been denied the benefit of our purchasing power and actuarial strength by the insurance lobby due to a status that is not a valid barrier.    When one group can be denied, it does not bode well for the rest."	NULL	Higher taxes	Make something available to everyone at a reasonable cost.	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	The government employees health care plan.	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	10/14/05 7:38 PM
1735	"Lack of coverage and the exorbitant primiums for assembly line care.  Hospitals, physicians, and insurance companies are stealing from the American people and decline care to those Americans who will not allow themselves to be robbed."	"The current situation simply shows that the wealthy always win at the expense of other human beings.  Market mechanisms do not work in healthcare, the American system proves that.  Americans need national healthcare like all other civilized countries have.  Physician training should be based on the Cuban model with government paying for education and physicians receiving incomes comparable to the rest of us not effectively becoming wealthy at the cost of the average person's health which, with the utmost irony, they claim to protect."	I think we who lie in the great standard deviation of American society are ready and willing to have the wealthy pay their fair share of the burdens of the American state.	National healthcare.	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Every American has a right to whatever care is necessary to maintain health whether it is information, surgery, medication, or long term care."	"The first sentence is a non sequitur.  How do you want your mail delivered is a question that makes sense, how do you want your health care delivered is a question that does not make sense. Clearly, the most important consideration is receiving appropriate care in a reasonable time frame, there's nothing personal about that.  Equally clearly, the care needs to be effective and free of mistakes.  Medical care should not involve time consuming market considerations about price or quality because those generate enormous inefficiencies by radically discounting the ""consumers"" time and placing an impossible burden of knowledge on patients who have not been to medical school."	"Works well for whom?  The quality of surgery I have experienced has seemed adequate though I how does a layman evaluate outcomes?  How can I tell whether my surgeries were done well, poorly or average?  The medical people certainly will not admit to harming me or doing a bad job and I cannot check inside myself to see."	"I believe my ""elected"" representatives are too immoral to change the healthcare system."	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/14/05 11:33 PM
1736	Good quality health care should be available to everyone .  The right should be guaranteed.	"Yes.  It should be single payer.  (I find it interesting that your glossary has no mention of the systems used in Canada, Australia, The United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, etc."	"We could give up on the endless paperwork, the hundreds of choices of insurance companies and plans, the prejudices for groups, preexisting conditions, and bankruptcies to name a few.  I think with taxes, good accounting and American ingenuity we could do it.    "	Do something that makes a difference and make it simple	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"preventative care, emergency care, acute, follow up, short and long termcare, physical and speech therapy, everything but elective cosmetic surgery."	"Knowlegable,caring, friendly, timely    Health care I think is very good.  For the most part the hospitals, physicians, nurses and other support personel are great folks, doing their best.  "	The best systems in the U.S. today that I am familiar with are Kaiser Health Care and The Department of Veterans Affairs.	Right now the non system needs help that doesn't come from lobbying and political posturing.  We have a system that is embarrising and criminal.	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/15/05 2:49 AM
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1738	"What concerns me is that so many people I know don't have health care and can't even qualify for the Oregon Health Plan because there is a quota for each county on how many people can have health coverage.    I believe a healthy America would be a more prosperous America.  Preventive care is so much less expensive than waiting until people are really ill.    The first visit to a physician is exhorbitantly expensive and if anyone is traveling outside their living area, their only option is to go to an emergency room to take care of a health care issue.    The ability to get get to a larger town for more advanced medical treatments.  Transportation in rural areas is really substandard."	"I think there should be a single national health insurance coverage company into which underemployed and self-employed people can pay their premiums for group rates instead of having to pay high prices for individual plans.  I had to cancel my health insurance policy, which was a really good one, because the company kept raising the rates so high even though I never used the policy and never missed a payment and I was always having to be on an individual plan.  Also, group insurance coverage for the self-employed in Oregon is a farce; it covers practically nothing."	I don't believe the 'have's' are willing to let the 'have nots' have any type of benefits or financing to access affordable health care because they believe it will be a detriment to their own decadent life styles.  I think they believe the 'have nots' don't deserve health care because they are poor and that they chose to be poor.  Not everyone can be successful and wealthy!  For every rich person there are probably a thousand poor people.	I think there should be a single national health insurance coverage company into which self-employed and under-employed and part-time employed people can pay their premiums for group rates instead of having to pay high prices for individual plans.  The health insurance coverage should also provide real coverage instead of a sham type of coverage.	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"The benefits important to me are to be able to see a doctor within a day or two of when I need one instead of having to wait a couple of weeks for an appointment.  Having costs of basic medication covered by the health plan if I don't have the funds to pay for it myself.  Having dental, chiropractic treatment, and other reasonable alternative health care covered.  I also don't want to be assigned to an HMO, but want to have a choice of who is going to treat my health problems."	I believe everyone should have a choice of their health care providers and the clinics to which they wish to go.  I prefer to know the people who give me  ongoing treatment and I don't want some HMO deciding against my doctors' opinion what my options are. I think medium sized clinics in every small town is a good idea with the option of going to larger centers for more advanced treatments.	"Choice of doctors.  The relative-adult foster home system works well to provide a secure environment for the sick elderly.  I haven't seen it, but I read about prostate treatment for elderly men in Florida that is provided in mobile vans.   "	"I don't like the idea that the elderly don't need the best treatment because they will die of natural causes before their particular disease kills them first.  Also, I don't like the warehousing of the elderly in nursing homes and drugging them into a zombie-like  state."	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/15/05 6:54 AM
1739	"Of course it has to be the high cost of insurance and of health care services.  It is also concerning that there seemingly is no ceiling on amounts one can receive for malpractice, which in turn drives up the malpractice insurance costs, again adding to the overall cost of health care in increased cost of services by providers.    I find it most frustrating, too, that doctors can charge huge fees for an ""initial visit"" -- and that ""specialists"" can charge hundreds of dollars for that initial visit, compared to significantly less of a charge by, say, a family physician.  What makes someone's time worth $450 an hour?  We as consumers have no choice, either, if we need to see a specialist. It's criminal.    I'm also concerned that emergency and intermediate care emergency facilities are being used as primary care facilities by those with no insurance.  They know they will be seen no matter what, the bill is huge, and we who have insurance end up paying for that in the end.  Can there not be a system set up of free clinics where these folks can get the services they need?  A person to evaluate who truly is an emergency could then send those who aren't to the free clinics.  A visit to the emergency room for a couple of stitches should not cost over $1,000, but it easily can cost that or more.    I also have a concern that medicine is formost a business -- doctors start with expensive tests which may not be necessary (1) because they will generate money for their business and (2) to protect themselves from possible malpractice charges down the road.  The sue mentality is strong in America, so if there were ceilings on suits, and if lawyers had a ceiling on the amount they could charge for their services, perhaps the legal battles would subside, and help reduce costs right there!"	"I agree that all should have a part in paying for this coverage, and it is concerning to see the number of people who are developing the mentality that the government should take care of us all.  What happened to the idea that we have a responsibility it it, too?  But that said, with costs being so out of sight, we as individuals cannot cover major medical incidents alone -- it would bankrupt most of us.  This obviously is a multi-pronged problem which will require a multi-pronged solution."	"Americans have to be willing to pay more out-of-pocket for things.  We need to accept our responsibility in our own care.  Weneed to do our part to help keep ourselves healthy, from exercising to eating well.  We need to research on our own our conditions, so we can be informed consumers, and oversee our own well-being as well as knowing our health care options.    We cannot expect a doctor to be up on the latest everything, so if we are willing to do our own research into possibilities, this might be very helpful.  We need to stop expecting doctors to ""know it all.""  That's a rediculous expectation in this age of rapidly-increasing information and knowledge."	Get regular exercise and eat well -- no one cares as much about your health as you do!  Get out of the mentality which expects others to do FOR you -- how about WITH you instead?	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Major health coverage.  We can cover the office visits (though I do find if we need to see a ""specialist"" that their visits are astronomical -- my husband saw a ""sleep specialist,"" for example, and the bill was out of sight).    What we carry insurance for are those unexpected and catastrophic events -- like when I had a reptured appendix, and had to spend a week in the hospital.  Any hospital stay should be covered, I think, and the day-to-day we can cover and do.    Also a bit of regulation with regard to medications would be nice.  I also think folks are overmedicated -- doctors not talking together about their patient to provide the best care with the least medication necessary -- don't mess with one's biochemical system any more than absolutely necessary.  This, again, would mean that doctors would have to look at the big picture rather than the short-term one.  Take, for example, what can happen to folks taking chemotherapy for cancer: that cancer can be cured, only to then have the patient develop some other problem like congestive heart failure or another cancer, like leukemia, precisely due to the chemotherapy treatment.  Often people are not given the whole picture of what might be coming down the road when being treated from something.  Informed decisions and whole pictures should be the norm.    "	"I want to be able to choose my doctor.  I want to be able to say that I do not want a treatment and not be made to feel like a fool.  I want to be in partnership with my health care provider -- I certainly know my own body better than anyone else, and need to be heard about what I know.  I do not want to have to wait days to see someone, but should be able to get into a doctor same-day or next-day at the latest if I am really sick.  I want to have access to research on health concerns and then be able to discuss those with the physician -- I do not want to be treated like a child, but rather as a well-informed adult.    I want information to be relayed between doctor offices -- too many people have been mismedicated or mistreated because one doctor was not in contact with another, when both were treating the same patient, but for different issues -- again this fact that doctors tend to have tunnel vision and tend to focus on their area of concern for the patient rather than remembering to ask about the whole person, and what's going on in the rest of that person's life.  Doctors need to remember the ""big picture"" and not just focus in on their area of expertese when treating a patient -- it all goes together."	"Doctors are learning to listen more to the patient, and to see more than a small part of the picture.  They are learning the benefit of being in partnership with their patients.  "	"I believe the fear of malpractice and the greed factor of patients and lawyers are driving up the costs of health care.  I also believe there needs to be some review of who gets what care -- just because we can do something, does that mean we must do it?  Patients need to be reminded of the ""big picture"" -- take, for example, the idea of keeping someone alive.  Just because one can be kept alive doesn't mean one should be kept alive.  My father-in-law had fallen and broken his leg.  He required surgery.  His history of emphasema meant he ended up on a ventilator for several days.  When he came off, he'd lost his ability to swallow, which meant he had a feeding tube inserted.  He also had to have a catheter, which then led to his becoming dependent on that, too.  He seemed to spiral down and down, and doctors never addressed the issue of our all having to die sometime (he was 87).  Instead, they kept offering to ""cure"" him -- what they really meant was that he would be bedridden but alive.  Once we confronted the doctore with what he really meant, informed decisions could be made by my father-in-law.  People want to be offered hope, but also need some reality in there, too.  It is a tricky balance, and perhaps this is why medicine is as much an art as it is a science.  We all need to remember that.    I would urge you all to go study what happens in most veterinary practices these days -- there is much the medical community could learn from them.  A high percentage of veterinarians are now women, and perhaps this is what is causing the changes seen in this field.  Whatever it is, there is a much more compassionate approach to care than we as humans receive.  I have often said to our vet that I wish I could get that sort of care from my doctor!  It's a caring, inclusive partnership between vet, staff and owner.  We work together for the wellbeing of the animal, and we look at things realistically, offering hope balanced with practicality, and leaving the ultimate decision in the owner's hands.  It is a system I strongly encourage you to review -- you'll be amazed!"	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/15/05 10:46 AM
1740	"What concerns me most about healthcare in America is the cost. Premiums are too high, as a result many people can't afford healthcare. I believe every person in this country deserves adequate healthcare whether they can afford it or not."	"I don't think that employers should bear the cost of healthcare insurance. Since I believe that everyone should have the right to healthcare, I believe that we should have a National Health Plan. Since Medicare can administer its health plan for around 2%, which is a lot less than most health insurance companies, I think that we should have a plan modeled and administered similarly to Medicare. In fact, perhaps if we had a National Health Plan, we should just expand Medicare. By doing so, we could probably fund it through a reduction of medicaid expenses, and I would increase the medicare withholding tax to make up the difference."	"Personally, I wouldn't mind an increase in my medicare withholding if it meant that no one in the country would be uninsured, because if everyone has access to basic healthcare, our overall medical costs should go down."	I want National Health Insurance. IT would be better for our economy as well	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"I believe strongly in preventative health care, because in the long run it can keep healthcare costs down. I also believe a regular physical is important in keeping healthy. I believe that having access to non-traditional as well as traditional medical treatments is also important"	"I think if we had a National Health Plan that covered basics, ie preventative medicine, emergencies,life or function threatening conditions, non-elective surgeries, it could co-exist with supplemental coverage offered by regular insurance companies to cover elective procedures etc."	"There seem to be plenty of medical facilities available, and plenty of specialists."	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/15/05 3:19 PM
1741	"Our inability to get the right care to the right people at the right time.  We invest so much in high tech care that only a few can afford and that only helps a few and we ignore the every day needs of the majority because it will not make doctors, pharmaceutical companies and specialty hospitals rich.    I care a lot about women's health care, especially care for pregnant women, and believe women with money think they are getting the best care if they have surgery and women without money know they are just lucky to get care so they do not dare have an opinion."	"We have proven over and over again, that this system will bankrupt us all because when the doctors are in charge they will put their personal needs first and when the MBAs are in charge they will put money first.  The docs like to scare us into thinking that what Canada or England have is worse, but they are wrong.  Just take a look at maternal and infant mortality and morbidity statistics and tell me which system is better for moms and babies!   "	I hope we are willing to give up all these infertility treatments that result in multiple babies.  It is so lucrative that ethics do not matter.    I hope we are willing to give up transplants and other expensive treatments for patients who have no hope of living a life outside a hospital or high level care facility.  How did Oregon do this?  	"Restructure payment for education.  We do not need more doctors but we do need more nurses, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners who are willing to work with all patient populations, not just those with money.  I know not all doctors are greedy, but it seems that the greedy ones have the most influence over health policy.  Reward doctors who are willing to work collaboratively"	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"I want a thorough annual exam with a careful review of my health history.  I want my annual screening tests (lab, xray, ultrasound)without major hassles/delays. I do not want to be forced by my insurance company to change providers every year or even more often. The fact that it takes me days to find someone to accept a referral under my middle class health plan is disgusting!   doctors used to discriminate against Medicaid and Medicare patients, now they discriminate against all sorts of health plans and we as patients have no choice!    I want access to care by certified nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners to be equal to access to doctors.     If I have a terminal illness I do not want the government to tell me how I will die."	"I want to choose my health care provider based on knowledge, skill and compassion.  I would be happy to be part of a clinic like Mayo Clinic where they have figured out how to treat patients and families in a holistic way.  I do not want to be forced to see a doctor if I would prefer to see a nurse midwife or nurse practitioner.  You will not have to look too far to find that organized medicine is actively involved in blocking licensure laws and access to hospital privileges for non physicians.    Look at the rising c section rate and ask yourself if this is not predictable:  the government is subsidizing the education of ob/gyns who spend much of their training time learning to be surgeons and more women are having their babies via surgery.  There is plenty of data on how collaborative practice increases access to care and does not compromise safety, but unless the government makes this a priority it is too difficult to fight organized medicine. "	"I loved my experience with a doctor/nurse midwife practice.  The doctor was there if I needed medical care.  Since I did not, he gave his attention to those who needed it.  The nurse-midwife gave me the attention I needed to stay healthy and feel confident.  I learned so much about my health that has carried on for years and I want that experience to continue.    A friend went to Mayo Clinic and I was so impressed by the team approach they used to care for her.  The case manager, who was a nurse, kept everything running like clock work and assured that all of her questions were answered.  No screwed up testing schedules, no breakdown in communication, no ego trips that intimidated her!  "	"Focus on the poor.  If they are healthy, the rest of us will be better off too!  "	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DC	10/16/05 4:19 PM
1742	lack of access to services for women and children for basic health care prevention	"I believe this system should remain in place but costs that go toward high tech expensive treatments for persons unlikely to benefit from them should be rationed and that money shifted to preventative health care that is evidence-based like mamography, pap tests, vaccinations"	"the public at large is not interested in trade-offs which is why Congress needs to quit worrying about image and do the real work.,"	tackle rationing	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"primary care, mental health services, "	personal care from a primary care group	"nurse-midwives in practice with obstetricians, and family practice MDs  hospice care"	we need broader access to hospice care and to nurse-midwifery services  	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	10/16/05 5:37 PM
1743	It needs to be universal. Someone accessing the emergency department as their primary care for severe illness impacts us all!	It should have nothing to do with employment. I should have to do only with living here. We all pay when someone is very ill.	To accepting a basic health care package that cuts the frills. 	Adopt a universal health care model of health insurance for our country. 	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Basic services: primary care, prenatal care"	"Primary care, where we access the local primary provider for our care works fine. Getting referals for speicalty can add time, but it is ok if costs are cut."	"Group models of care: CenteringPregnancy model of providing prenatal care and group models for chronic care issues. Also, the Group Health Cooperative health care. "	Prevention is the key.	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	10/16/05 6:36 PM
1744	"I think the federal government is doing as much as it can. Medicare is going to go broke just like social security. More and more keeps being added to it. Where is the money going to come from? I had cataract surgery recently and although the insuramce paid most of it, I was still responsible for almost $1,000 of it. I'm on a fixed income and it is difficult but not impossible. Not all people can afford it. I'm switching to an insurance that will, at least, give me one bill, instead of 4. What can be done? The aging of our population is ongoing but our money supply is finite. Thank you.  'T"	Encourage children to support and care for their parents. Our government is finite. So is the money.	"Those who are subsidized may need to share the wealth, so to speak. Decrease the all encompassing health care of the poor and spread it out to encompass the middle class as well. "	Encourage familites to care for one another. Children should be encouraged to look after their parents and siblings. Government can't do it all. 	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Our health system is going under from what we are using now. Hospitilization and long term care are of most importance to our aging population. I'm 64 and have a mother of 83 that I care for. For those of us able to do so, we will be alright. But my mom never put aside anything and worked leas. Her soical security check is $181.00 per month. How could she live on that if not for her family? Maybe we should encourage children to take care of their parents. Thank you."	"My family has a doctor we've seen for years. Because of her lack of income, the facility treats her kindly and writes off a lot of her billing. Nothing major, but every month. Our economy runs on individuals and their income. The federal government has a finite amount of money that can only go so far. Its up to individuals to plan for their health care. Thank you."	"Small clinics who know their patients well. The big institutions work well for some people but not all. If you're income puts you in the middle, you'd better have a family plan of caring for each other. Thank you."	"It's the best in the world but all systems have their drawbacks. Better than Canada. And from what I've heard, alot of European patients. "	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/16/05 8:31 PM
1756	"Our health care is only available to those who can afford it, or to the very poor. The citizens in the middle income range often go without preventative care or maintenance care. They go for treatment only when they are very ill. Treating the very ill cost alot more than preventative treatment. We can loose a life with this mentality."	Use income to determine a sliding scale for payment. No income-no fee. Everyone should be entitled to the same level of care. Our current system is out of whack. We have many middle income people without insurance. Many folks have jobs but cannot afford to pay for insurance for themselves or families. As a government we need to provide for all.	I don't think the rich are willing to make any.  Those that can will probably pay for themselves.  I think the middle class might be willing to go to systems like the Kaiser model the poor will be happy for any improvement on the status quo.	Health care should be a right not a privilege for all Americans.	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	I think this country should be able to provide socialized medicine as in Canada and Sweden. We spend money on Iraq but do not provide free basic medical care to our citizens. Cradle to grave care is important to me.	"I would like to go to the same dr. and hospital near my home. I would like to choose my dr. I want good quality medical care. And, I want my dr to determine the direction on my care. My dr. should make the decisions regarding my test and procedures."	Kaiser Foundation seems to work well in Ca.	"I am an advanced practice nurse. I have worked at Harlem Hospital, Columbia Pres., Northwestern, VA and Cook County Hospital during my career of 40+yrs. I have observed many of the problems of which I speak."	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	10/17/05 11:54 AM
1769	"The lack of health care available to many citizens and non-citizens of the United States.  The cost of health care, even to those who have insurance, makes it prohibitive to receive preventative care and complete the advised treatments (medications, etc.)."	"I think the whole system needs to be reevauated.  I work in the health care system and insurance companies as well as the government reimbursement needs to be more streamlined.There is a large amount of time and energy spent on excess and repetative paperwork.   Tests and health care is duplicated due to the lack of an accessible medical record (we need computerized charting/records that can be reached by all health systems).  Reimbursement should be based on research that validates what treatment options, health care providers, etc. provide the most efficient care with the best outcomes.  An example is technology versus people. I can get reimbursed for an ultrasound but not for counseling or even some  medications.  Technology is expensive. We must weigh the cost versus the outcome value. "	I would like to see more money put into preventative health care and less money in the military.  We cannot afford to continue to provide health care in the sporadic and unaccountable way that currently exists.  There will be a loss of health care professional and an increasing ill public.  We need to reconsider providing all of our high technology (very costly) for getting the most health care to the most people.  There is a limited resource...how do we want to spend it?  There are many ethical decisions that need to be made.	Basic health care should be available to everyone.  No one should be denied care.	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Annual health screening (medical exams and testing).  Reimbursement for a variety of health care professional (Advanced Practice Nurses, Physicians, Physical Therapists, Counselors, etc.)  Reimbursement for treatments ordered (medications, testing, therapy).  Reimbursement (or payment) for specialists as needed.  Counseling options available on an as needed basis.  Payment for emergency visits and treatments.  Dental and vision screening available.  Payment for surgeries and long term hospitalizations.  Partial payment for nursing homes and/or home care long term treatment options.  Hospice care reimbursement  **Prenatal and well child care  "	"Personalized, consistent care shows to have the best outcomes for people.  Providers are being pushed to see more patients every day and this does not benefit the overall health care system. We also have a transient culture and job market.  Many times our employer changes health care insurance or we change jobs and this results in changing health care providers, which is not cost effective or desirable.    Health care needs to be available in the community and not just in major medical centers in the city.  Patients should have choices on where or whom they want to deliver their health care needs.  "	"Support of community health clinics/offices that offer a variety of services.  For example, if Pediatric care is provided in close proximity (same building) to Prenatal and Well Woman care the compliance rate for keeping their visits is improved for both specialties.    For women's health care, emotion/counseling support for the socially high risk women can change the outcome of pregnancies and compliance with visits. For example, we have instituted a Centering (group) prenatal care program and the outcomes report less small babies (SGA babies- saves large amounts of money on NICU stays) and better compliance with care.   Transportaion is also a big issue that determines consistant care. For example, our office received a grant and we use some of the money for bus tokens and that has improved our compliance with care.   Computerized charting with a computer that can interface with other hospital, clinics, labs, etc. has huge potential to eliminate duplicate testing and increase continuity of care."	"To make health care ""successful"" in America there needs to be a better coordination of efforts with the public and private sectors.  Currently there is no overall common goals that are supported by the government and/or the private sector that is in the best interest of health care workers and the patients."	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	10/17/05 2:33 PM
1775	"A system without many incentives for efficiency.  A system generating escallating costs now unafordible by many, spiraling out of control, on the verge of total collapse."	"Pay or play to employers who do not provide a basic health plan to full time employees, and state plans for those not provided coverage due to ineligibility from employer."	"Un-funded treatments or services for those items deemed to not be effective enough for reasonable treatment, such as the Oregon Health Plan list of proceedures."	Reduce cost	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Health maintanance inverviews/ tests/ plans such as investigation of potential genetic pre-dispositions, then life-style changes to best deal with those pre-dispositions and follow up plan to monitor and adjust the plan."	A relationship with a physician who understands your total health and provides a plan for continued good health maintanance.  	"Free-enterprise competition when it exists.  Monopolies justifing costly purchases of equipment, builgings and staff with better treatment, testing and impact on symptoms is endless ineficient spending."	Do NOT try failed systems such as the Canadian system or other state-controlled systems.	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/17/05 3:45 PM
1776	Access for the poor and reductions in the reimbursment rates for Medicare and Medicaid.	Who else is there? 	Slow down the new technology that is always causing Dr's and hospitals to replace good technology. It is costly and unneccesary.	"Get everyone insured, even minimally."	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Protection for large claims and a maximum amount that I can be responsible for if claims get large.	"I want to see the same provider every time, and I want to coose who that provider is."	"My overall experience has been good. I have always had good insurance, which makes it very easy to access health care and the providers."	"Until all the players arrive at the table at the same time (doctors, lawyers, hospitals, consumers, pharmaceutical companies, state governments, the federal government and insurance companies) for negotiations, no one is going to be willing to give anything up."	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	10/17/05 3:50 PM
1778	That millions of our citizens have no health insurence and therefore no access to medical care.	"There must be universal, single payer coverage in order to provide our citizens the opportunity to be productive citizens and to provide for their families. It will even the playing feild for our employers and especially our internatinal industries who must commpete in a global business environment where all other first world nations provide healthcare for their citizens."	"I well as being a wife, parent and patient, I am a physician who  has some of the best medical coverage available. I order to broaden access to all, I would pay higher taxes, and accept deminished benefits and privately suppliment whatever I felt I WANTED which would not otherwise be provided."	"Leave no man, woman, child, elder behind! Offer universal coverage."	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Coverage for preventive care, emergency care and full hospitalization as well as prescription drug coverage for all."	"It should be accessable. When my family or I need care, it should be there. It should be based on the best scientific evidence available, untainted by political special interests."	"For those of us with the best insurence, most aspects of the system work, especially the most intensive care aspects."	"Healthcare in America requires not only attention to providing medical cares for all our citizens, but also the public health care system infrastructure is in desparate need of improvement."	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	10/17/05 4:19 PM
1783	"Personally, In 2006, I will be paying over $6000 (slightly over 15% of my income) a year for medicare Part B, a medicare supplement, and Long Term Home Care.  I can't even get an appointment for basic lab test such as: Blood Pressure, Blood Cholestral, Blood Sugar, etc.  These are supposed to be preventive measures.   "	"As an individual with a modest income, I understand helping others. But I do think that physican assistants, nurse practioners or someone should be able to provide the preventive testing and screening so that no elderly person or any person for that matter should be told that we aren't accepting any new medicare patients at this time. "	"I think Americans would like as much attention to their needs as we give to other countries' needs.  However, I don't think younger people actually think of health as a priority."	"Stop advertising and be more honest.  The medicare publication doesn't really tell you anything when you get right down to it.  It tells you all the things it covers and somewhere tells you to check to see if the Doctor is accepting new patients.    It should boldly say, we don't cover anything unless you can get a doctor to see you.  "	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Getting simple tests to find out if I need to change my diet, exercise, or need medications.  I am not one to take a lot of medicine or go to doctors unless I need to.  Occassionally, I would like to know if I need to change anything that I am doing.  "	Would like to see that we really mean that prevention is important and all people should be able to get basic screening and lab work. I also think that Medicare and Medicare Supplements should be a lot more honest about the possibility that you aren't going to be able to see a physician unless you have a medical emergency.  	"I had been with an HMO through work and paid for it myself for 22 years.  When my son wanted me to move near him, I read about the wonderful health care in the BEND,OR area. I knew the HMO wasn't in the area.  I signed up for a Choice Plan which was advertised to pay what medicare didn't pay.  It actually doesn't do that.  Besides, if no one takes new medicare patients, it doesn't mean a thing.  "	"Face it, there is nothing for people above the poverty level and it is time we let them know that there expensive supplemental plans and what they pay for Medicare Part B means absolutely nothing in some areas.  Say it loud and clear.  At least, then we will know that we are on our own and going to pay for our own health needs.  Perhaps, we'll cancel out medicare supplements, save our money to pay for those emergencies and have a lot more fun doing it. "	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/17/05 5:20 PM
1784	"The high cost. Last August, my family paid $226. for copays for my husband and myself. This August, we paid $1780. since we now pay out of pocket for myself and our child while I'm a stay at home Mom. My husband works for a small firm which does not offer health care coverage for family."	"Yes. I think there needs to be more governmental participation that gives options to the middle class. As a stay at home Mom in a household that earns $55K per year, our health care costs frequently surpass our mortgage. It's out of control and we're healthy!"	"I think people should pay higher taxes based on income to receive a base level of health care. People could choose to upgrade their plan by paying more per month to lower deductibles for example. Then, healthy people would have coverage in case they need it, and people who need regular care could pay more to receive it."	We need national health coverage so that health care is accessible to all.	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Affordable premiums for middle class families. People with young children and the elderly are falling throught the cracks. 	"I want affordable premiums, choice of providers, and better coverage for alternative health care."	"Catastrophic insurance. It's cheap and if something really awful happens, you're covered."	It is time for a change and this issue needs to be addressed by the Bush administration.	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	10/17/05 6:57 PM
1785	too many uninsured people - too many people in debt from high costs of treatment and/or insurance - too high costs of medicines - pharmaceutical ads on television - cost of malpractice insurance for practitioners - fear of litigation	put insurance companies out of business - one-payor system - public health system available for all	"gambling, luxury taxes for healthcare - tax the rich, cut social security for the wealthy, somehow equalize income between the very rich and everyone else, stop off-shore bank accounts that divert corporate money from taxes"	universal health care	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	i want to see universal healthcare insurance and socialized medicine for all - limits on litigation and awards	"no ten minute visits - compassionate care- ranking system for medically necessary care somewhat like the oregon health plan wrestled with, eg caring for the masses first before extraordinary services such as transplants"	"maternity care for the indigent in special programs such as midwife services and social work services, rural and migrant health services"	"mental health services are the worst - so many suffering from depression, adolescent suicides, drug addiction - and few services"	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	10/17/05 8:00 PM
1786	"It is unaffordable, and because of this becomes the domain of the rich and those too poor to afford anything but goverment subsidy."	"Combine them into large pools, so individuals are lumped together by the thousands/millions. Maybe from there under professional organizations--ie:  Mechanics of America, etc. Maybe subsidies by the government, depending upon income."	"Limited benefits, but served with quality care."	"Preventative, preventative, preventative.  Education and testing to facilitate that.  ='s save $$$$$$!!!!"	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Catastrophic benefits as well as preventative.  However, preventative is ALWAYS more cost effective and better serving for patients."	"More than anything else I would want good quality care.  Americans will not settle for less, nor should they have to.  Rural and urban health clinnics are a good way to go for a universal approach, for simple preventative care."	Quality.	"More PA's, nurse practitioners, dental therapists--expand their functions with the option of more education and degrees so they are able to perform more duties.  Take some of the burden away from those with a doctorate, so they are able to delegate, and people of ""lessor"" but good/strong education are able to pick up these functions at a lower cost to the public.  Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, and England all have therapist programs for degrees we do not allow for in this country, which would serve as a model for the above."	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/17/05 11:54 PM
1788	"Lack of adequate health care services to low-income Americans, lack of centralized planning, abuse of power by physician groups, underuse of midlevel providers."	"Medicaid should be expanded, to be a safety net for all.  This would be a form of nationalized health care.  Those who can afford it would continue to have access to higher quality services.  By eliminating the population of uninsured, we would improve the health of all."	"Clearly, what we have at present is what they are willing to do."	Expand Medicaid to cover more people.	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"I want my fellow citizens to have access to care, because we all live in a closed system, like a petri dish.  If some of the organisms in the system are sick, the whole system is at risk."	"I am willing to pay co-pays and deductibles, but I want access to high quality care when the need arises.  "	"When we are very sick with something unusual, we have been able to find brilliant providers to help us."	We need to make better use of nurse practitioners and nurse midwives!  I am a nurse midwife and I can do for less than half the cost most of what an Ob-Gyn can do.  No Ob-Gyn should be doing low-risk prenatal and delivery care.  That is a ridiculous waste of resources.	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	10/18/05 10:14 AM
1790	"Insurance coverage is not what you think it is.  We have always had very good health insurance yet in my case, the insurance company decided they would not cover recovery from a serious illness and thus we have thousands of dollars in medical bills.  Can't pay them."	"I do not mind current systems.  Again, as middle class individuals, we need protection from extreme situations, from insurance companies."	Abuse and financing go hand in hand.  Americans have to come to a balance.	Insurance is just that.  We pay thousands of dollars for insurance yet insurance companies have limited responsibility to the insured.  	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Protection/Coverge for unforeseen illnesses, extreme cases."	Current ways are not an issue.  I feel people should not be allowed to abuse the systems.  Abusive cases cause higher insurance costs.	Choice of care.	"As an individual we see abuse all the time, both in private coverage and public coverage.  Maybe a system that would make abusers pay a higher deductable"	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	10/18/05 4:36 PM
1791	"Two answers: First, the lack of high quality primary care doctors. Second, economic pressure to see more and more patients each day to make a practice financially viable, and much less time to talk with each patient.    I have a number of health care specialists and I get nothing but excellent care from each of them. But I am tired of having my primary care doctor (who I HAVE to see to get to the specialist) spend some of our precious time together rant about how the insurance companies are squeezing him. I wouldn't be there if I didn't have a problem and questions, but I rarely get my questions asked, let alone answered. And the doctor's always running late, and leaves me in the examining room a long time seeing other patients. The doctor really doesn't know me as a person. Overall, it's a bad experience for me and the doctor and leads to more quality health care. FYI: I have switched primary care doctors several times over the years trying to find one who treated me as a whole person, but they're pretty much all like this. "	NULL	NULL	People need to get involved in their own health care. Don't assume the doctor knows everything because frequently he may not remember anything about you.	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"I want a real relationship with my doctor in which I feel he/she actually knows something about my health other than a few jotted notes he can't read.  I  want him/her to have the time for me to ask all my new questions and have the doctor followup on my previous visit/problem without me having to remind him about everything that was said and done. AND I want to know that if I make an appointment at a specific time, barring a real emergency, I'm going to see the doctor close to that specific time.     "	"My 84-year-old mother had a total knee replacement recently. The hospital had a joint replacement center. A week before the procedure we were invited there to meet the staff and learn about the procedure. After the procedure, with only 7 or 8 patients in the center, the nurses had time to really take care of my mother and she knew everyone's name. I've never seen a hospital team work together better. I wish every hospital team could do that."	"Insurance companies should not be deciding what health care my doctors feel I should get. Even if they don't dictate the specific meds or procedures (which they do), time and money pressures they exert make it hard for me to get what I think is quality health care."	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	10/18/05 5:02 PM
1792	"1)We spend 3 times the amount of money other industrialized countries spend and half of our citizens get care.    2)We exclude competent providers like nurse-midwives who have been shown to be a cost-effective, safe care provider by restrictive legislation, regulation, and reimbursement practices.    3)People have no choice of provider.  We must take what our insurance policy dictates.  4) Our businesses bear the burden making them less competitive with other countries. "	It should be individuals paying into a sinlge payer government system that allows us to choose our provider for basic services.  People could buy more insurance if they want over and above the basic coverage.  A small co-pay may be advised as well.	I would rather pay a health care tax than make a health insurance payments.  If companies wanted to pay the heatlh insurance tax for their employees as a benefit then that would be fine.	"A basic level of health care for all people that includes midwifery.  Starting the health care off right before one is born, empowering women to make good health care choices, and providing a basic level of health care for all will do a lot for saving health care dollars over all.  "	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"1)Midwifery care  2)Basic check-ups, vaccinations, emergency services, long-term and home health care,dental care, technology and medications when needed.  3)Choice of provider"	"I like to be able to choose my providers and health care setting.  I believe health care provided in the home, work setting, community is usually better utilized than if one has to travel a long distance.  I actually prefer most nurse practitioners to most MD for basic physicals and general check-ups."	I have been in a health dept. that had physicians and midwives working side by side to provide care at the level the client needed.  The midwives saw everyone the first visit and consulted and comanaged with the physicians those needing medical attention.  The C-section rate was quite low and the outcomes for moms and babies equal or better than most hospital practices.	"We need a way to take the unhealthy competition out of health care.  It is OK to strive to have competition to deliver the best care, but I see physicians, drug companies, insurance companies all trying to make a buck off of sick people.  People should be paying in when they are well, not when they are sick."	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	10/18/05 7:15 PM
1793	High drug costs	NO	I don't know! I do not want government run health care! Government needs to stay out of people's lives.	Regulate prices for doctors and drug companies.	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Low cost doctors and hospitals and medicene	I want to be able to choose my own doctor and hospitals. 	"I think our system works well, it is just that the price for the care or medicene is obscene! Regulate the drug companies or let us buy medicene from anywhere!"	Too many people take advantage of the system. I'd like to see NO WELFARE!	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/18/05 9:49 PM
1794	Current and future healthcare cost	Tax Credits for Employer and Employees	Control over healthcare spending	Partial self funded medical plans	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Incentives for behavier	Able to pick your own providers of care	Free Market System for research and development	Ration healthcare	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	10/19/05 12:09 AM
1798	"The cost shift is ocurring from employers/government to consumers without the necessary education and access to information that the consumer would need to make the tough decisions between cost and health outcomes.  For example, if my options for dx imaging range from a $200 xray to a $1000 CT scan, my provider (or their staff) need to be able to not only outline for me the pros and cons of the different imaging systems, but also the cost difference so that I am informed enough to consent to paying quite a bit more in copays/coninsurance for the added benefit as it was explained to me.  As we watch low-income, then middle-class, than upper class folks having to weigh cost as one of the factors in choosing treatment plans, they must have access to the costs of different services.  Right now this is not readily available through providers or insurance companies unless the patient has been given a CPT and ICD9 coding combination."	"I believe that continuing to include the employer community keeps the competitive price controls in place.  However, I think that more of the government assistance should be in the form of 1) group purchasing perscriptions by reimport from Canada or direct legislation about what I consider to be unethical price gouging by pharmaceutical companies. 2) help for low income folks to pay the premiums and deductibles of a work insurance for themselves and their dependants.  3) a Governement based HSA for unemployed folks, disabled folks, etc."	"I think that continuum runs from very expense, complete coverage up to the most experimental new therapies all the way down to catastrophic coverage at a much lower up front cost.  I think the public discussion must be about where to put the universal coverage line.  Do we think all Americans should have access to preventive care? to symptomatic care? to diagnostic imaging? Where do most Americans hesitate?  Elective procedures?  Experimental treatments?  A $ cap on ER use?  It seems that there is a growing sentiment that health care is a right not a privilege in the richest nation in the world.  I think the work will be getting a sense of what defenition of health care most Americans can agree on in that context."	Drugs should not cost more in the country they are made than in the countries they are exported to.  MMA built in protections for pharmaceutical companies that it could not offer to America's seniors.  That hints of something very wrong and unpatriotic.	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"I think in developing true accountability and ownership in spending health care dollars wisely, HSAs may be only an incentive to avoid getting necessary care.  If a system could be designed where by urgent care visits are earned by accessing AMA recommended preventive care.  Patients would begin to understand and reap the benefits of the savings that prevention creates by catching things early if not preventing them.  This seems to be the road to a healthier America."	"I think that self-management and personal responsiblity are the biggest missing components of our current health care system.  SharedCarePlan.org is an idea from our local RWJ grant that holds some of the wisdom needing to expand the patients role and accountability in the process.  We spend a lot of money on high-utilization patients who have made consistently bad choices over their life time and are now experiencing the consequences.  I'm not sure I want my tax dollars going towards mediating those consequences completely.  Also, consumers general awareness of the cost of services is just beginning through cost sharing.  I believe we have to back away from set rates and allowables and move towards the same competitive aspects that force providers and hospitals to concern themselves with quality and value as sellable components of a product."	We have made some inroads into health education and preventive health mandates (vaccinations to start school) which once they become part of the public consciousness will develop as personal habits that lead to increase health throughout a life time.	"On the ground, it appears that we are rapidly moving to a 2 tiered system.  The 41% who still have employer based insurance and can foot the $1500 average cost sharing annually.  Those of us in full time jobs that do not offer health insurance and cannot afford plans in the individual market are putting our kids on Medicaid.  I don't think we are the demographic that Title 19 intended to cover.  Where do the ""working poor"" fit in our two main options for coverage?"	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	10/19/05 11:56 AM
1817	"The cost of health care continues to rise as does the costs for necessities ( housing, electricity, gas, telephone). Moreover, many companies are shifting the costs for health care to the employees who cannot afford to pay for the premium. In addition, Health care organizations as well as the Federal government continue to place an unfair burden on the segment of our population that can least afford to pay for increases-- those people enrolled in Medicare. For some reason, our senior citizens &/or retirees are viewed as ""cash cows"". Yet, most cannot afford the costs of their medicines. What a travesty of justice that our retirees and seniors, both frail and hardy, who worked all their lives and contributed to the growth and development of this great country, are  treated with a great lack of respect and made to feel like "" burdens"". This is a disgrace!!!  "	"Yes. I think the system needs to be changed. Changes that need to be made include: (1)no payments for health care should have to be paid by the elderly who are ususally living on a fixed income with little or no growth potential; (2)a universal system is needed to bring equity to health care. Presently, if you have Medical Assistant, you have ready access to a myriad of health care services without worry of a future financial burden; whereas, others who are private payers do not unless they have a way to shoulder the financial burden for non-covered services. This is not fair. Taxpayers get ""burned"" via payments of taxes to be used for those who are eligible for Medial Assistance and for limited access to an array of memdical benefits unless they can afford the additional financial burden.  "	"I don't believe that there has to be trade-offs. Maybe, if we looked at the present way we allocate the monies and put the health needs of the American people first and the revenues of the health insurers and pharmaceuticals last, a clearer picture and solution would emerge."	  A universal health system for all with funding paid for by taxpayers via the federal government.	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Important benefits and services to me include: access to physicians and specialists as well as the appropriate tests and equipment to make an accurate diagnosis and for treatment regardless of ability to pay; affordable care and services including in-hospital rehabilitation services as well as access to and affordable in-home nursing care if needed; access to specialty care without requiring prior authorization by someone in the HMO's office who may or may not be a physician and is ""second guessing"" a primary care physician in order to save the HMO money."	I want my health care delivered in a manner that enusers access to and affordabilty of services delivered by credentialled physicians who are capable of treating patients without regard to their ethnicity and believe that every patient is entitled to the highest quality of care. 	"What works ammazingly well are the ""330"" Community Health Centers. They are receptive to and provide high quality services that address the health needs of the residents of the communities they serve."	 Health care in America will remain unequal due to social and economic factors and will be reflected in health disparities until we recognize the need to address these factors which impact on health care and the health status of all Americans. 	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	10/19/05 2:17 PM
1847	"That it is not universal.  I just read of the waiver granted to Florida to place caps on medical care for the poor.  I am starting to live in a state of permanent rage at this administration, and I want my Senators to stand up on the floor of the Senate and ask the members of this cracker administration to stop posturing and to start providing decent, consistent health care to the poor and the suffering.  Is anyone noticing?  Your honeymoon is over, Senator, so get up on the Senate floor and speak about our obligations to the unfortunate.  And insist that those self-righteous Republicans put their money where their mouth is when it comes to family values, which means caring for the poor.  Who can do this better than an Oregonian?  "	"Medicaid is a house of cards, which benefits accountants, hustlers, and bookies.  It takes character to stand up to the phony pieties that are seeping into everything.  Let's hear it, Senator, for the way these self-righteous Rs mouth pieties while cutting services for the poor. "	"If congresspeople with character would start to take an impassioned stand, the citizenry would respond with a willingness to see that their neighbor receives the same medical treatment as they themselves.  "	"Make it universal, and start calling the bluff of the phonies in Congress."	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"I have great benefits because I have Medicare and Medigap.  I think everyone in the USA should have what I have.  Don't you think so too?  If not, why not?"	My health care is just fine.  Does anyone care about the health care of those who aren't so lucky?	The system for members of the U.S. government works best of all.  Why can't the rest of the population have the same?	Hmm.  Is there anything I haven't said?  I didn't use this form to be anonymous.  I am XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/20/05 8:30 AM
1848	"It seems that there are two groups of persons who can get adequate health care--the very rich, who can afford to go to any doctor or hospital and get any type of procedure, and the very poor, who can get coverage under Medicare or Medicaid. The group in the middle who have to rely on employer health care coverage, cannot get the same health care as the very rich, but somewhat better than the very poor. As Americans get older, they will develop more serious health conditions, many of which could bankrupt them or their families if they needed to go to a hospital or wind up in a nursing home for any extensive time"	"I don't believe in the Medical Savings Plan idea. Too many Americans are working from paycheck to paycheck and only those who are very wealthy can afford to put aside the amount of money to pay for their medical situations in the event of a medical emergency. I believe that many doctors and hospitals charge far above what is necessary for hospital stays, medical procedures and doctor visits. When a patient has to pay $70-$100 or more just for a 10 minute visit to a doctor for a physical exam, this does not make sence. "	"I think those persons or companies who make the most money should help in fnancing health care for the rest of Americans who, many because of no fault of their own, cannot afford it. I think that we should stop covering illegal aliens who come across our boarders and get health care. "	"Give equal access to hospitals, doctors and medical procedures for Americans who really need them.    Stop practicing ""defensive medicine"" where doctors and hospitals schedule unnecessary tests or procedures that add to the health care costs.    Allow individuals to go to the doctor or hospital of their choice and require that all HMO or PPO plans give patients this flexibility rather than the health care provider making the choice."	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"When going for yearly physical exams, coverage for complete physicals, so that problems can be detected earlier, rather than having to treat problems later, or at the point when nothing can be done for the patient."	"Most persons get health care through either HMO or PPO health plans, either because they are currently employed or retired workers. This situation is very perilous because at any time employers can eliminate coverage for either their current workers or retired workers. This sutiation should not be allowed--employers should not be allowed to file for bankrupcy and leave their workers or retirees ""out in the cold"" without the health coverage they have depended on without any penalty to the employer."	"For those who can afford it, the health care system provides the ""greatest health care MONEY CAN BUY"". Any oil sheik can come to a hospital and stay on an entire floor of a hospital and get any coverage or test they need--why? Becuase of the $$$ and that isn't right.    I commend the doctors and hospitals who treat persons without health care coverage, many of whom are elderly, disabled, or children, without regard to when or if they get any payment for their services."	"The President and Congress need to remember that many Americans are just an accident away from a catastropic health care expense which would completely devastate the lives of themselves or their families. Scientific advances are great, but not at the expense of everything that people have worked for which could be lost in an instant."	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	10/20/05 11:37 AM
1849	The lack of a nation-wide healthcare system that ensures the coverage of health costs for all Americans.	There should be more subsidization of healthcare costs by the government.	A more evenly distributed taxation system amongst rich and poor alike.	"A more socialist way of handling the healthcare needs of Americans by means of a nationwide healthcare system. Such as the ones employed in other countries like Denmark, Sweden, Finland."	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Healthcare being medical, naturpathic, chiropractic, massage. Dental care and Eye care."	"People should have the freedom to choose whom their healthcare provider is, and what kinds of healthcare services they would like to receive."	"The many different types of practicioners available that are sometimes covered by insurance: naturpathic, acupuncturists, and other alternative medicines."	Pharmaceutical companies have too much control over the cost of prescription medications. 	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/20/05 1:37 PM
1850	"Health care is big business in America. The ""AMA and Insurance and Drug industry are in charge.  A person can not get a simple blood test with out a doctor's approval, as an example."	"The cost of health care should be shared by all the people. A healthy country is a happy country. Our current way of paying for health care is out dated. Cut out the insurance, drug company, and for profit AMA. National health care for all the people covered by taxes."	Raise taxes to cover health care. Take the profit away from big drug companies and other drug dealers. Take the control of health care away from the AMA and allow the citizens to make the decisions.	Take the profit out of health care. Provide national health care (not coverage) for the people. 	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	It is the cost of health care not the services that is the problem.  No one should be faced with bankruptcy because of illness.	Three levels of health care. 1) Health clinics dispursed through out the country and communities with home visit Doctors and Nurses. 2)Hospital care available in every community and connected to the clinics. All not for profit and the service of the same quality. 3)Private for profit care for those who can afford it and for elective treatment.  All services in 1 and 2 should be free to everyone regardless.	Most Doctors and Nurses are caring and qualified people. The local clinics provide great service.	"Instead of governing health just provide it. If the people have a problem with drugs help them with education and safty. Provide free drugs to any one who needs them and if they are addictive, couple the treatment with education and counseling. Take away the profit from the drug dealers. The money saved in police work alone will pay for the cost."	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/20/05 1:54 PM
1851	It is becoming more expensive and I am afraind that I will be unable to afford it. it is scary becuase each time you switch jobs you are hoping that they will offer affordable health insurance. 	"this is confusing and makes for redundancy. with a national system doctors do not have to hire speciall billing people becuas ehtere is only one form! We could pay premiums to just one source via taxes or a premium, whatever....  My husband works for a small business, he has heart problems so they will not insure him. As a result every job I take has to have health insurance. This is very stressful. This woudl not happen with National Health care."	People shoudl be willing to use generics as long as there is an appeals process. We have to pay a bit more in taxes so that we coudl have a national system. People have to realize that doctors are human and not expect perfect outcomes eac time. This will decrease litigation and decrease defensive medicine.  I would be willing to go through my pimary care doctor before seeing my specialist. 	NATIONAL HEALTH CARE	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"I want national health care, such that all people are covered for all preventive care, immunizations, hospitalizations and the like. Not having a national system is crazy. It hurts us economically. "	"I want to choose my docs, but with a national system you coudl because everyone woudl be under the system. I want high quality care. I want to be able to see the doctor for more than 5-10 minutes at a time becuase they are so rushed. "	They have a lot of new discoveries. We have an HMO that actually works very well for now. 	It needs improving! We need to focus A LOT MORE on PREVENTIVE care. this will SAVE money and make us more efficient. 	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DC	10/20/05 2:15 PM
1852	"Universal Health Care (Masterpiece Medicare)    My husband and I signed up in April 2005 and XXXXXXXXXXXXX Medicare salesman, told us that XXXXXXX Medicare is the only program that will reimburse us our 78.20 payment back to us from the Medicare B portion.  It is now almost November 1 and we still have not received any monies.  I think they are a fraud.  They are in our 2006 Medicare book and they claim besides the reimbursement that there is no prescription drug deductible and last month I payed for my prescriptions in full they stated I reached my quota.  THIS WHOLE THING IS A FRAUD AND I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER SENIOR CITIZENS HAVE BEEN DUPED BY THIS COMPANY?  Can you please me?"	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	As far as Masterpiece Medicare none.	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	10/20/05 2:57 PM
1853	"DISCRIMINATION. Taxpayers pay for Federal, State, and Local employees' health care, but corporations only sporadically provide health coverage, or of late--not at all. Taxpayers should not have to pay for government workers when they do not receive any coverage, or at best receive only partial coverage. The haphazard way of insuring citizens is criminal and should be made offically illegal."	"  Yes, most definitely. ELIMINATE HEALTH CARE MIDDLEMEN (health insurance companies, HMO's Medicare, Medicaid) and provide NATIONAL DIRECT HEALTH CARE for all through taxation, which should cost substantially less by removing layers of administrative waste and duplication.    We need to break up the mindset of health care coverage and just provide direct health care.    Remember, the steam engine became outdated and was replaced by more efficient engines; likewise, the Health Insurance Companies and other middlemen have become burdensome and inefficient and MUST BE replaced by reduced cost DIRECT CARE."	"  TRADE-OFF: Elimate Health Insurance Companies and other middlemen and raise taxes to cover a National Direct Health Care System. The term ""benefits"" is used by the insurance companies, etc. We do not want benefits, a concept that is vague and unclear in meaning;  WE WANT NATIONAL DIRECT HEALTH CARE."	"  ELIMINATE HEALTH CARE MIDDLEMEN: health insurance companies, HMO's, Medicare, Medicaid, etc. and replace them with a NATIONAL DIRECT HEALTH CARE SYSTEM FOR ALL."	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"  We want FULL HEALTH CARE for all:    EDUCATION to promote healthier life styles and to reduce health care costs.    PREVENTATIVE CARE for annual office visits, vaccines, etc.    DIAGNOSTIC CARE for blood tests, X-rays, CAT Scans, Dexa Scans, etc.    CHRONIC ILLNESS CARE for treatment of diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, cancer, etc.    ACUTE/EMERGENCY CARE for surgeries, accidents, etc.    BUT, Elective Care Procedures should be PAID BY THE INDIVIDUALS PERSOANLLY. "	"  DECENTRALIZED neighborhood clinics for preventative care and minor emergency care services, not requiring expensive hospital and diagnostic equipment, such as broken bones, etc.    CENTRALIZED hospitals for acute and major emergency care services requiring expensive diagnostic equipment, surgery, and overnight care.    We want competent health care professionals who treat us with respect."	"  Providing flu and pneumonia shots at our local grocery stores for an affordable price (because there is no overhead, middlemen cost layers, only direct medical care)."	"  Bring back REGULATION. President Reagan deregulated industries back in the early 1980s and things have not worked well since. Our Drug Manufacturers SELL THE SAME DRUGS to Canada, Europe, Mexico, and the USA at remarkably different prices. This is criminal (or would be if Corporations were NOT running our Congress), discriminatory, and bad policy reflecting poor judgment due to the lack of accountabilty by our elected officials. The criminaliztion of politics may well be next if our government continues favoring corporate welfare over public welfare. WE THE PEOPLE want the intent of our Constitution upheld. Thank you.     "	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/20/05 4:36 PM
1858	increasing cost of heralth care  the fact Medicaid and medicare patients recieve far superior in many instances attention for health careneeds  increasing cesarean section rate  lack of extended care for mothers and new families  lack of ability for mid-level practionsers to gain admitting privledges and open independent practices with contracted collaboration with MD's	"health care should have co- pays that are set and not based on sliding scale    If patients do not adhere to the time schedule of their appointment, they can be rescheduled for later in the day or at another time    "	none it is doable now get health care out of lawyer and political hands	expand the number of mid-level practioners 	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"All americans  MUST pay for some aspect of health care .....get rid of Free care,"	I want it delived in a private manner...... patient's should not have to go to a run down clinic and wait and wait and wait to be seen    All patients can be cared for appropriately	midwifery care for women no matter what the socio-economic status .....     Advanced practice partnerships 	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	10/21/05 11:12 AM
1859	That it is not accessible to everyone at a reasonable price.  	"I think there should be a national health insurance that is paid for by the government through tax revenue, etc.  I'm not opposed to requiring individuals to meet reasonable deductibles & co-payments.  "	"Low priority benefits, reasonable deductibles & co-payments."	We should study other nations who have effective national health care systems (such as I believe Finland? has).  	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Coverage for major medical expenses such as necessary surgery & procedures as well as admissions to hospitals.  Coverage for necessary therapy such as physical therapy.  Coverage for necessary medicine & equipment.  	"Routine preventitive/ maintenance health care should be delivered by clinics.  Emergencies should be handled by emergency rooms & hospitals.  Patients should have access to competent providers who meet the recognized standards of care.  Accessibility to care should be according to need, ie emergencies should have quick access.  "	Helath care providers do a relatively good job of prioritizing & intervening for urgent patients' needs.  	We need a national health care system accessible to everyone that is effective.    	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	10/21/05 12:52 PM
1861	"That health care will be afforadable to the majority of people.  That I will be able to afford health care for myself.  That the system is self desructing powered by greed and politics.  One of the reasons that health care costs are rising is that the pool of payers is shrinking, causing rates to rise for even those who are insured.  "	"I believe that there should be a basic health care system available to everyone at no cost.  Care beyond the basic level  (this I know is a term ""basic level"" that requires some debate) can be obtained by paying premiums into the system.  Premiums can be offset by trading vouchers.  Vouchers could be obtained by being a blood provider, enrollment in drug trials or medical investigative research, or by becoming a local volunteer.  But the idea is that if everyone is guarenteed health care and everyone is in a ""premium pool"" it would reduce health care costs to everyone."	"Very little, from those that have health care.  But those who are or have been without health care would be happy to have almost anything.  Education and preventitive programs will go a long way to reducing need as well as costs."	Get the politicians to move off of dead asses	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Basic heath clinical care, emergency room access, and major medical at reasonable rates.  "	Delivery is not as big a problem as is access.	Canada's system	"Very much but I feel powerless in the face of the corporate interests who run the system and even write the legislation for the lazy politicians, who by the way have insured that they get the best ""defined benefits"" for themselves."	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	10/21/05 2:17 PM
1863	People going to emergency rooms only because they don't have access to a doctor (medical home) to get early treatment.	I don't think rich people should be using Medicare (it should have a means test). 	"I think an informed public would be OK with risking privacy (which is no more a risk than we already take with electronic personal information every time we use a credit card, right?) in order to have electronic medical records to expedite and lower the cost of care. Also, RX formularies are OK with me, since they lower costs and maybe force drug companies to keep prices low as possible or be rejected from the formulary. "	"Electronic medical records, so doctors don't repeat tests, etc., and make treatment cost more than it needs to."	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"It would make sense to have some preventive care covered by insurance programs, like exercise and diet programs which can be expensive but would make people healthier."	"It's important that no one has to travel too far (and suffer) to get care, like to have a baby or get cancer treatment. Also, home health care should be an option; wouldn't it cost less than institutional care?"	"Faith-based safety net clinics are amazing. Use of IT (medical records, prescribing) will be great."	"We need to stop using so many health care resources on people who are ready to die, i.e., there needs to be a campaign for people to prepare health care directives that take the doctors off the hook for letting someone go."	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	10/21/05 3:11 PM
1866	The cost rises faster than inflation inother areas of the economy.  It shouldn't.	Univrsal health care paid for by the government.	Elective procedures and treatment should be eliminated.  Only life threatening illnesses should be taken care of by a universal health care program.  If people want more they should have a private policy or pay for it themselves.	"Eat no process foods, eat fruits and vegetables, eat less meat and do aerobic exercise regularly."	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Wellness programs:  educate people about good nutrition and the importance of exercise, alternative medicine.  An affordable, easy-to-understand presciption program; one that gives the user the ability to bargain for the best price."	Individuals should be allowed to choose their health care provider(s).	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	10/21/05 4:11 PM
1868	cost to the self employed. Expence of so many different companies doing things diferently making it more expensive for the provider.	It makes no sence to have all these  diferent programs. It should be one program that we all pay into.  There can be differing levels of care depending how much you pay or how much your employer pays but a base level of care for all.	Wat people dont realize is that it does not have to cost more money and the do not ave to loose the level of care. The inefficency  makes for some of the highest administrative costs in te developed world	National Health Care	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Reasonable levels of care from prevention to home health for the elderly. 	I dont se us doing socalised med as done in England.  We can have private Dr. but national insurance that is portable as to job and location.	"We provide good care at the local level.What does not work is how we pay for it . It would be like having fire protection provided by private ,public or if some one dident pay for you or you pay for your self you would have no fire protection"	I am both a provider and a self employed consumer I see both side of the issue and I done know if I should laugh or cry.	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ME	10/21/05 4:53 PM
1869	nutrition - family  prenatal care  lower cesarean rates  more access to first line midwifery care	"the WIC program nutrition standards are not encouraging health. The foods are low standard, and mothers are rewarded for consumption of infant formula rather than breastfeeding."	"none. although personal responsibility and cost must come into play ( obesity, smoking, alcoholism, drug use)"	taxes on junk foods  more access to health foods  restrictions on infant formula  no promotion of infant formula ( ie the WHO Code)  maternity leave paid for in part by govt so mothers can tend to the health and well being of the child (European standard)	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	community based midwifery care  small birth centers for normal birth in every community  breastfeeding counseling as part of the healthcare system for everyone.	access to midwifery care. access to nutritional help even if outside of the WIC range. More community level classes and programs open to all for ongoing dialog about improving our health.	"community programs, free health classes  obesity, nutrition, pregnancy, child    More prevention measures! Prevention and education is less than repair!"	"school lunches are a terrible influence on children's perception of what is acceptable. The UK has adopted a program that is exceptional to improve school lunches by reducing fats, fried foods, overcooked veggies and offering fresh foods, meat alternatives and ethnic variations."	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	10/21/05 5:45 PM
1870	"When you go to the doctor or hospital, the first question you are asked should be ""Where does it hurt?""  NOT ""Will that be Visa. MasterCard or American Express?"""	End all employer based pland and no co-payments.	There are no trade offs that need to be made.  This is health we are talking about NOT buying a new car.   There should a national dedicated funding source such as a value-added tax so that everyone contributes through their taxes but not humiliated at the point of care such as is the case now.	Give us the exact same plan that members of Congress and the President receive for life.	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	End of all co-payments and deductibles.  End of complex empoyer based plans that no one can understand except an insurance account exec.	"Walk into any doctor's office or hospital and receive treatment and not be asked first how you are going to pay,"	Most of the persons I have encountered are very dedicated in spite of the current system.	We have many dedicated health care personnel.  Given the issues and pressures they feel under the present system it's amazing to me they can come to work everyday.  They are truely heroic.	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	10/21/05 7:32 PM
1871	"The lack of insurance many people, like myself. I am a healthcare practitioner and I'm not covered! I can't afford the monthly payments for health insurance."	"Absolutely. I would love to see something like national healthcare, where everyone is covered. I wouldn't mind paying for healthcare in my income tax, as long as it is affordable."	I think that most Americans would be willing to have to wait for non-essential healthcare.	"Absolute, 100% availability of health care to all Americans. This just isn't so at this time."	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Annual physicals. Choice of practitioner. Choice of birth center or homebirth with a midwife. Fair prescription costs.	"I would like to have a general physician or nurse practitioner for my annual care, etc. I would then like to be able to be referred out for add'l care if needed. If I had another baby, I would want to be able to deliver at home with the services of a midwife. I would want annual mammograms available for all women over the age of 40."	"The PPO system seems to work OK, for the most part. The HMO system is a mess. Practitioners are underpaid and have a tendency to not want to care for these patients."	"As a consumer and as a healthcare practitioner I have seen over the years that lower income (primarily Medicaid recipients) are treated with less respect and less care than others. A national health care program would eliminate the stigma of Medicaid, and all people would, as it should, be treated equally in their care."	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	10/21/05 8:11 PM
1873	The astronomical COSTS and the fact that that money isn't even paying for healthcare so much as it's paying big profits to the insurance companies and drug companies.	"YES.  I think we should have universal coverage that is paid for by tax dollars.  I pay way too much individually, and my employer does too.  I want healthcare but I think everyone should have it too, regardless of income.  I'm not sure what to tax in order to get the money to pay for it, whether it be an 'income' tax or something, but REPEALING THE TAX CUTS FOR THE WEALTHY is one way to pay for it.  And if the system is overhauled completely, why not get rid of Medicare or just implement the universal coverage into Medicare and expand it for all instead of just the elderly.  "	"I think people would be willing to pay for it, just nothing too astronomical.  I don't think cutting any benefits would work or help.  I have good insurance but I still have to pay too much out of pocket, however, I like the benefits I do get so I don't know that I'd be willing to change those.  "	"Make it affordable or free for all, regardless of income (or lack thereof - although I don't approve of 'freebies' - we need to address the welfare system too and make it more in line with training people for jobs and lot letting them milk the welfare system forever).  "	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Alternative, natural medicine (including Marijuana for pain) and PREVENTION.  Stop doctors from just putting people on drugs, and make them change their lifestyle (i.e., diet, exercise).  Make drugs and surgery the last resort.  A lot of medical problems are caused by obesity and smoking.  Make people somewhat personally responsible for their own health (again, i.e. diet, exercise, no smoking).  "	I don't care as long as I get to choose what doctors I go to.  Just let me make an appointment and have the doctor submit to the system and have it paid for.  No pre-calls or pre-qualifying except for scheduling surgery.  	We have great doctors but the actual health care system is horrible.  WAY too expensive.	"I really, truly believe that alternative, natural medicine is very important.  I have been seeing a chiropractor and massage therapist for a few months, and a lot of my physical issues have disappeared, not just back pain.  I am also a firm believer in marijuana for medical purposes, including pain relief and nausea.  I don't do well on narcotic painkillers and marijuana is so much better and more natural.  "	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	10/21/05 9:29 PM
1876	"The fact that so many Americans don't have health insurance and that most people can lose their insurance so easily, for so many reasons."	"I think a single user system could be more cost effective, stable and easier for all Americans who opt to use it."	"The American public doesn't seem to be as interested in the 40+ million people who don't have insurance so I'm not sure, at this point, that people are willing to make trade-offs.  I would be willing to have slightly longer waiting times (in certain circumstances) to see specialists.  I also do not understand why hospitals are spending so much money on interior decorations, cable tv,etc.  If you are ill enough to be in the hospital, you shouldn't be concerned with how much money they spent decorating the hospital.  Private rooms are not necessary either."	"A system, properly funded, such as Canada and the U.K."	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Prescriptions Drug benefits, the right to pick my own doctor, access to specialists when needed, affordability."	I don't want an HMO and I don't think insurance companies should be telling my doctor how he should treating me.	Not much!	When I moved back to this country after 9 years in the U.K. I went for 13 years without health insurance.  I've had multiple medical problems for 47 years and during those 13 years I got the best care I could afford but that also meant I sometimes scrimped on medication and went without treatment and tests for many things.  My severe back problems for example could have been diagnosed several years ago and treatment could have been started then.  Instead the problem contined until the point of causing me horrendous pain and limiting what I can do in life.	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/22/05 8:29 AM
1877	"1. High health care costs that profit insurance companies and the bookkeeping system but fail to actually purchase high quality care.  2. The low quality of care for the majority of Americans -- We have the worst health care statistics for any developed nation. We should be ashamed.   3. Access for all -- Health care for all benefits if the problems are detected early and treated quickly, Americans can return to school or work and be productive. Without good health, how can we expect a productive workforce.  "	"1. Universal ""income-based"" mandatory health insurance -- Everyone that earns income from any source (wages, capital gains, real estate income, etc.) pays in according to a health insurance scale that is set up along the lines of Social Security but looks at the 1040 pre-deduction line to determine assessment. Those underpaying during the year because they are not wage laborers would pay at the end of the year. (Japan's system a model)  2. Universal coverage would eliminate the need for employer based systems  3. Elimination of wasteful insurance company bureaucracy. Private industry is not always more efficient. One size fits all would cut costs for administering and billing and eliminate need for much of what the insurance industry does in its quest for profits over health of American society.  4. Coverage of 80% of health care costs for standard, routine treatment. 100% for kids. "	"I don't think the American public really understands the hidden costs of NOT having universal health care. When Wal-Mart workers without insurance are ill, they either transmit diseases to the rest of the population or flood emergency rooms. Rate payers are then picking up these uncovered workers in higher insurance rates. I pay over $10,000 a year to maintain a private plan. I use about $500 in services but worry about my health future and have tried to fund it. Universal access would still hit me in the pocketbook, but by spreadng the costs to require everyone to have insurance it would actually become cheaper for those who are stuck paying high rates now.    I think Americans aren't going to be willing to make the trade-offs until they know the hidden cost of the bureaucratically-driven insurance company system we have.     When sick in Japan, where I worked for several years, I took my health care card to the hospital and was treated within a short time. My out-of-pocket costs were manageable (20%). When sick in the U.S., I avoid any thought of going to the doctor as the headache following the visit as I attempt to resolve it with any insurance company consumes too much of my time."	"Get rid of the insurance company bureaucracy and institute a ""single"" way for doctors and hospitals to bill for service. Institute a universal access system with mandatory enrollment for all. "	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	1. Full access to a primary care physician for every American.  2. Early intervention programs to treat diseases before they become life threatening.  3. World pricing for pharmaceuticals -- There is no excuse for American made drugs to be cheaper in other countries than they are here.  4. Under-18 coverage of any type fully covered -- Children don't select their parents. Their health should be as important to us as their education -- No child left behind extended to cover the healthy problems that can prevent learning.  5. Full coverage for 70+ for all conditions. 	"1. Access.  2. Preventative care and health monitoring ""check-ups"" as the key. When problems are detected   3. Billing structure that is understandable (If you have ever received a statement from an insurance company you know what I mean)  "	"The doctors and nurses -- the health care service providers at ""public"" (not private) hospitals are universally interested in health over costs. Those at private hospitals are hampered by their system, but even here they are working wonders under tough situations."	It must be fixed.	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/22/05 10:10 AM
1878	Why is our neonatal mortality and morbidity so high and 26 other countries have better outcomes?!Why do you not employ more nurse-midwives to provide health care when they can save thousands of health care dollars while providing quality care to women (sometimes better care)? The other countries with better neonatal and maternal outcomes have midwifery services in place. Quality research after quality research has proven that midwifery model of care working with medicine has the best outcomes. Why is this ignored? 	A national health care system. 	Americans should taxed to provide national health care.	National Health Care	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	I want national medicine. Therefore no person can be excluded from having health care. We will be forced to use models of care such as nurse practitioners and nurse-midwives to provide first line care and referral from there. We could save thousands of dollars while achieving better outcomes. Breastfeeding will be the norm and we will have healthier infants and children. Products we buy will be cheaper since companies will not have to jack the prices up to pay for health insurance premiums and companies will come back to the US and provide more American jobs.	"People should first see a nurse practitioner or nurse midwife first, then be referred to a medical doctor if needed."	It works well for physicians since they make a lot of money providing care that many nurse practiioners and nurse midwives could provide for a fraction of the cost.	"This health care system provides quality care to the rich. While many more Americans are underinsured or uninsured and poor. Clinics that serve this population lack resources, equipment, and reimbursement and therefore can not provide the services they would like."	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	10/22/05 10:45 AM
1879	"I consider basic health care and access to health proffesionals to be a right every citizen should enjoy. It is also a matter of national defense.    A world wide pandemic (naturally like bird flue or bioterrorism) is very probable, some say certain. We need to prepare for this disaster, by setting up a health care system that will screen out those infected.People that are infected should not be forced by economics and lack of health care, to go to work when they are sick, thus infecting many others. They should not be forced to go to emergency rooms, infecting everyone there after it is too late to do anything for them.   To keep a pandemic from spreading, we need to have a system where paramedics or nurses come to people's homes to screen them and give preventative care.  "	"The government should pay for a single national Health Care System paid for by new taxes on those that can best afford them (a progressive corporate, individual, and/or transaction tax).  Expansion of the Medicare and Medicaid systems to include everyone, will be much cheaper than the current system because of lower overhead and administration costs."	"To insure access to high quality health care for everyone, I think Americans are willing to give up on illegal unnecessary wars. A trade off for a decent living would be cutting back on unnecessary military spending. We spend more on the military than the rest of the world combined. That is why they all have good universal health care and we do not. "	"A national, universal health care system for all."	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"We need a single payer national Health Care system like every other civilized country in the world. Having a system of Insurance companies who's main job is avoiding responsibility and increase costs is not rational.  We need to nationalize the drug industry or at the very least have a national independant organization responsible for testing existing drugs and for research into new drugs. Being dependant on a for profit drug industry that does it's own testing will not work. They will falsify reports to make sure their product sells, and they will not do research on cures for diseases that are not widespread and will be unprofitable."	"I think we should have a basic care system that will care for everyone, especially all children. Than if people want more extensive coverage they can have add-on insurance programs or pay for private care."	American Health Care works well if you are rich. We have the best care money can buy. But for the majority of the people in the country the system does not work.	"Health care proffessionals should be in their occupation because they care for their fellow beings, not because they want to get rich. But they should also be able to make a decent living. Pay nurses more, Have a national malpractice insurance so doctors don't have to pay as much, increase the number of doctors and nurses and have decent hours for them."	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/22/05 1:04 PM
1896	"The lack of universal access.  The high cost of insurance for individuals.  The slow erosion of work-based plans forcing many out of the insurance system and into emergency rooms.  The transfer of emergency room costs to insured citizens in the form of higher costs, leading many who have insurance to feel their costs are skyrocketing."	"Yes. This system is broken. Employers have shirked their responsibility, leaving many working Americans no longer covered, and individuals unable to afford the cost of individual coverage. We must accept our moral responsibility to care for all Americans, regardless of their educational background, employer, or age. Children should have universal access. Adults should have reasonable insurance that covers ALL Americans."	"I think that Americans are willing to pay for full, equal access to health care for all children (under 18). They are also willing to pay reasonable insurance rates. They are not willing to pay when they see a system that is broken and not providing quality care.    I believe Americans, given the growing number of working un-insured, are willing to entertain a Health-Care Security System, where everyone pays based on annual income (wages and capital gains income) and everyone has access. Just as we all contribute to Social Security, it is time we all contribute to Health-Care Security to ensure everyone, regardless of personal circumstances, pays in and receives care.     Contrast this to the uninsured use of emergency rooms for care when illnesses become life-threatening. This raises insurance for those who are covered and costs more as they are sicker when they seek treatment."	Access for all. Institute a Health-Care Security System that requires everyone to contribute and allows everyone to receive care with reasonable deductibles.	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Universal access and coverage for children.  Affordable health care for all Americans, regardless of employer.  Coverage for catastrophic illnesses and genetic diseases.  Reasonable deductibles and co-payments.  Pharmaceuticals at world prices, not overpriced."	"We all want the best available. Unfortunately, this is what we are not getting as insurance companies and billing eat up more of the cost of health care than the health care we receive. This is why we have the most expensive and worst performing health care system in the developed world. Care for all is a moral obligation, regardless of the individual's  income."	Not much. The doctors are nurses struggle against an bloated insurance bureaucracy and the legal system. Health care is too important to be turned over to lawyers and bureaucrats.	"We used to have the best system in the world, with the lowest infant mortality rates and some of the longest life expectancies. What happened? We are now at the bottom of the heap. I believe the high cost of insurance, the decision of employers to off-load insurance costs by cancelling coverage for low-wage workers, and the failure to enact reasonable reform has hurt our national productivity. We cannot expect a sick workforce to be a productive workforce.     Fix it."	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	10/23/05 12:42 AM
1967	"We spend twice as much as any other country, but 46 million people don't have insurance, we have bad outcomes like high infant mortality and 18,000 deaths from lack of insurance.  The system is chaotic and inefficient, not friendly to either users or providers.  30% of our spending goes to insurance and drug company profits plus the astronomical cost of administering such a chaotic panoply of insurance programs."	"We need to get rid of the insurance companies who are profiting from our ill health. “Loss ratio,” “preexisting condition” and “HSA"" should never be heard of again.  Since 75% of the health care money is spent on 10% of the patients, the only system that will be fair and efficient is one where there is ONE RISK POOL.  That means that the government should be the insurer.  One buyer will avoid price gouging.  The delivery of health care can remain similar (but better) with total choice and one payer.  We need a SINGLE PAYER SYSTEM like other developed countries have."	"We need to sacrifice the profits of insurance companies and drug companies in order to put that money into medical care.  We need to decide how much as a nation we spend and prioritze what we spend it on.  Non-essential treatments such as in-vitro fertilization and Viagra should be available, but not covered."	Affordability and accessability through a single payer system will allow people to seek appropriate preventive care and early treatment so their outcomes will be better and costs will be controlled.	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"We need preventive care, primary care, specialty care, hospitalization, mental health, dental care, pharmacy access and long term care.  Healthcare is not a commodity, it is the INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE WORKFORCE.  Universal coverage will protect each of us from a health care crisis which could bankrupt us, just like we need FEMA to work for us when we have the bad luck of being hit by a hurricane."	We want choice of providers NOT choice of insurance companies.	Health care for the uniformed services seems to work well.	We need to take a rational approach to the delivery of health care rather than one that is based on the profit motives of insurance and drug companies.  	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	10/24/05 7:13 AM
1974	Not available to all.  Too expensive.  Not of good quality.	"Serious health care (debilitating illnesses, operations, long term convalescent care, etc) to be covered by a national health plan, pediatric care for children to the age of 6 and pre-natal care.  This to be paid for by taxation"	"Provided that decent, affordable care is available, I do not think that people would mind waiting in queues for treatment.  There are far too many practices.  If we set up a system of clinics that could be used to perform initial assessment/treatment, I do not think that people may object to waiting for attention on a first com first served basis."	"A two tier health plan.  There should be a base that covers serious illnesses, and should the 'well-heeled' seek to have private care, there should be an insurance that they could subscribe to.  "	male	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Serious health care - debilitating illnesses - diabetes, hypertension, heart conditions, cancer, asthma, etc."	"Initial screening at clinics, followed up by better care at regional hospitals, if need be."	"Diagnoses, quality and availability of medicines, other forms of treatment (if only for the few who can afford it)."	"For the amount of money that is being spent, it could be better!  The HMOs are ripping the hell out of America. "	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	10/24/05 1:57 PM
1981	defensive medecine  lack of evidence based care  ;ack of accessibility	too many peoplke are left out - I do think universal healthcare is the answer - even if government bureaucracy is a detriment	caps on malpractice awards  group care for pregnancy and various chronic disease management   more OTC meds   	evidence based health care not medical malpractice defense based	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	vaccines  contraception   screening   treatment of chronic disease  control of infectious disease  pediatric and obstetric care	It should be wholistic  I would prefer nurse practitioners for my general care - specialists only as needed  	vaccinations  nurse-practitioner care  use of networks	Nurse practitioners and midwives improve outcomes	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	10/24/05 7:27 PM
1983	cost and asccess	not sure	i'm willing to wait and even not have as much choice	make it more affordable and accessible to all	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	primary care  access to midwifery (certified nurse midwives) care	"personalized, not to feel like you are one of millions ina factory line.    not feeling like your provider has to have a high volume to make a profit, and if so personalize care somehow"	the midwifery model of care is an excellent way of delivering OB and an excellent philosophy.  Nurse-practicioners also do wonders	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	10/25/05 8:00 AM
1986	"The rise in health care cost.  How long can we last?  How long till we burst?  I believe that health care should remain part of the public sector and that a socialized system has been proven to be ineffective.  With all the lawsuits and such, I worry about how the cost of health care can be maintained, and I'm afriad that people who don't know any better will advocate for goverernment control of healthcare.  That would be scary!"	"I'm not sure what exact changes need to be made, but I wonder where in the constitution it states that government is to be responsible for providing health care for it's citizens.  I also question the whole Medi-Cal system, as well as the new drug prescription plan for seniors.  Sounds well and good, but where do we come up with them money?  How long can it last?  Are we paying for something we cannot afford?I beleive governemnt is too involved and that our only hope is in the public sector. "	"I don't think that the American people would stand for the kind of socialized system that so many talk about wanting.  They would not want to wait in long lines, be told they could not make an appointment until 2 days before the desired appointment.  Americans want freedom!  Freedom of choice, freedom to choose a different provider if you do not like the yours, freedom to choose the level of service that you desire.  While most in America value quality health care, few are willing to pay for it.  Our insurance pays for the majority of the cost of our health care, if you have it, and our employers pay the majority of the cost for our insurance.  Also, many who have insurance, don't pay a dime for it - full scope Medi-Cal.  That does not teach someone to apreciate what they have nor does it teach them to use services appropriately, especially those who are not even paying into the system in the first place."	"Heath care is not a right.  The Constitution does not promise to provide healthcare for every individual.  It is not the government's responsibility to personally save the health care system.  Until this is understood, we will contiue to be in trouble, for that's why we are here in the first place.  "	female	NULL	Yes	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	10/25/05 4:55 PM
1988	The lack of affordable health care.  This is a big item to most people.  You just can't afford it.	Why not have each person living in the US pay a small amount and be able to at least go to the doctors once a year for a wellness physical.  Lean toward prevention.  I think we should go to socialized medicine.	"I think at this point most americans, especially the working poor which is a large growing group in the US would be in tune to socialized medicine."	Everyone should be able to visit a doctor if they are sick.  Also each and everyone should be able to have a physical at least annually.  	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	10/25/05 9:52 PM
1989	"How much costs are going up and that so many people are uninsured, yet some are great users of the services without paying."	"I think that if everyone is going to get healthcare regardless of if they pay or not, then the government should pay for everyone...and not just some."	"American people do not thing that they should have to make trade-offs on anything.  We never have had to, why would anyone think it is necessary.  IT IS TIME FOR REALITY, HOWEVER."	"It is time for the government to start paying for the services that it seems to guarantee to everyone living in the country-even if they do not pay for their care.  Private doctors and hospitals should not be compelled to care for everyone, regardless of payment or non payment.  Doctors are going to quit seeing patients and hospital are going to go broke."	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/26/05 7:13 PM
1993	We must join the rest of the civilized world. Single-payer universal healthcare NOW. It's a political battle worth fighting.	Single-payer universal healthcare.	Ron's 2005 Fair Flat Tax is an important step in the right direction. ALL Americans will be more willing to pay taxes if they believe the tax system is fair.	Single-payer system. Find a political strategy to make it happen.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/27/05 9:13 PM
2039	"The racial and economic disparities in the system, i.e. not everyone covered, access limitations, and differences in quality and comprehensiveness of care.  Also, the system is terribly difficult to navigate, which worsens health."	I fully support H.R. 676 as I believe it is the most equitable and ethical proposal I've seen.	I don't think we should compromise on benefits at all.  I think we need to decrease cost to our citizenry by negotiating for lower prices with the pharmaceutical companies and use a single payer system that eliminates the extra cost of the insurance companies' profit margin.  I think the proposed route of financing in H.R. 676 is very fair and I think a majority of Americans would benefit in terms of their health and budget.	Enact H.R. 676.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	10/28/05 4:15 PM
2040	The difficulty we will have getting Congress to act in the best interest of the most number of people in the country.	We need to figure out how the government could play its proper role of referee through administrative mechanisms and by managing competition so that Americans get the best care at the least cost.	"I think systems that allowed greater experimentation in the states would fly; also, mechanisms that broaden health insurance and insure it as a right I think could also fly. The trick will be to squeeze the ""winner take all"" capitalism out of the system just enough so that we can afford to broaden the pool of covered individuals while not hiking costs as much as they WILL ANYWAY if left untouched."	"We need to find a way by which the ""better angels"" of our common nature can be summoned from the collective will of America to declare that health care coverage is a right and that we need a clear committment to that principal with the understanding that working how the ""how"" is the secondary level issue."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	10/29/05 1:10 PM
2041	"The biggest is that we lack universalhealth care coverage. Tht basic lack denies the poorest Americans the right to preventive medical care. As a result, when they seek emergency care , the cost is prohibitive, and falls upon the shoulders of the rest of us. "	"With the current soaring cost of medical coverage, many companies are opting out of providing this necessary ""benefit"" fo rtheir employees. Individuals will not be able to pay for their own. Government MUST take the necessary steps to create a fair, inclusive way to assure that ALL Americans have access to medical treatment in a timely way."	"That is a tough question. Few readily give up benefits, but the time has come to do the unavoidable, and enact a universal payer system, perhaps like that in Australia, where all are entitled to a basic level of care. Those who are afluent may choose to buy additional care."	"Ensure a system that covers all Americans, and those who come to America, either as immigrants, tourists, or workers."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	10/29/05 5:25 PM
2042	The overeaching amount of healthcare paid for by government and the lack of any real free market in the healthcare industry.	"Yes, I think we need to get away from first dollar coverage for medical expenses.  There are no incentives to spend dollars wisely when someone else is paying the bill.  If auto or homeowners insurance worked like health insurance no one would be able to afford it."	"Probably none.  Americans have come to expect that someone else should pay for their needs.  Until the country moves back to expecting people to be responsible for their actions, nothing will change."	"Replace the current first dollar healthcare insurance system, with high deductible (catastrophic) insurance policies along with health care savings accounts.  Insurance should be to pay for major issues, not every trip someone makes to see the doctor."	male	NULL	No Response	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	10/30/05 4:45 PM
2044	"affordable insurance and access to healthcare particularly cancer treatment.  coverage of acupuncture, chiropractic, midwifery and other treatment modalities should be covered by CMS and reviewed as a feasible and cost-effective alternative to traditional medical treatment.  CMS should also coer heart and body scans for early diagnosis and detection of life threatening illnesses.  "	medicaid should be available to all citizens	limit coverage when further treatment is futile.  it seems that medicare and medicaid costs rise substantially when patients linger in long term care and long term ventilator care centers - whene there is no hope for meaningful recovery.  long term use of artificial nutrition and hydration should also be examined.	national healthcare	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	10/31/05 9:06 AM
2047	"Lack of health care for the young poor, including especially preventive care for teeth, vision, and hearing."	"I favor an approach in which the government transfers money directly to citizens' HSAs from general tax revenues from birth to age 21, and thereafter requires payments from wages to HSAs. This is a bipartisan approach which both Republicans and Democrats should like. See details at www.his.com/robertb/hlthplan.htm"	I think that US citizens would feel that they were winning all around with the plan that I outline above. I think that they would not feel that any tradeoffs were being made.    I think the major opponents to the plan above would be heads of major PPOs and HMOs.	Use the approach above to bring prices down through market forces.     I can be contacted at xxxxxxxxx	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	10/31/05 1:32 PM
2048	Private health plans punish the sick:  1. They charge them copays--often steep--each time they need care;  2. They limit benefits;  3. They restrict choice of providers;    And they generally refuse to offer coverage to the sick or charge unaffordable premiums.	The government should automatically give health care coverage to all Americans who want it so that it does not have to be tied to employement.  Federal government should tax individuals on a progressive basis with wealthy paying more for care than less well off Americans.	Poll after poll shows that Americans are willing to pay more in taxes for guaranteed health care coverage.  	"Extend Medicare to all Americans who want it so that no one goes without health care. Medicare provides automatic cost-effective coverage, gives people a wide choice of providers and does not punish the sick.  Moreover, many studies show that Americans (Republicans and Democrats alike) love it."	female	NULL	NULL	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	10/31/05 2:45 PM
2049	There should be more lay midwives and they should be supported by the government and their training should be governed by an organization of other lay midwives.  They should not be tied to a medical doctor but if this arrangement was supported in a way that did not restrict the midwife the patient would be helped in an even better way.	NULL	"I do not think they should have to sacrifice quality of care or be  restricted in their  choices of treatment.  Along with this, health care should be affordable.  "	"If the proper treatment was offered and non-necessary interventions were not, this would lower the cost of health care for everybody.  For example,  low risk pregnancies should be under the care of a homebirth midwife.  Also, cesereans should not be considered except in statistical emergencies."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WV	10/31/05 3:18 PM
2052	Affordability & quality health care.	Government MUST get more involved or regulate more effectively!	For me it would be financing.	Payment should be based on income and not age.	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	10/31/05 7:27 PM
2053	"ALL of the points made in the background section are things that concern me.  But it seems we also need to address the issue of insurance companies dropping coverage for people that become to costly.  It seems to me from stories I read in the news that insurance companies have too much discretion as to whom is covered and when.  We pay high premiums, only to have the rug pulled out from under us when the need comes.    I also firmly believe that we need a clearer system, one that can be more easily understood by the public.  Is there no other existing model in other industrialized nations?    The idea of a ""report card"" for insurance companies seems a good one to me.  Even on ebay buyers are warned against those who have failed to deliver the goods that were promised.  We have vehicle history reports and consumer reports.  Insurance companies need to be held accountable."	"Yes, but it's dificult to say what since the entire health care industry is beyond complicated; it's an absurd and confusing system that has proven near impossible to explain to the general public.  After doing a bit of research, there seems to be a consensus that money spent on health care MUST be spent more efficiently, and that if it were than that alone would help to alleviate the huge cost of health care to all involved.   "	"Are trade-offs necessary?  If so, why?  We are lucky enough to live in the wealthiest country in the world today.  I can only go back to the idea that if the money spent on health care was spent more efficiently and people had access to care early on that would prevent more costly care down the road, many of these problems can start to clear themselves up.  "	"The question is ""to improve health care for all Americans"", and yet there are 46 million of us out here without any health care at all.    Having said this, the biggest recommendation is a reiteration:  spend our tax dollars more wisely!!"	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	10/31/05 8:43 PM
2064	That small business owners/entreprenurs are limited in coverage.	The only change I think should be made is for healthcare to be more affordable for small business owners/entreprenurs. 	"I do not know of any, but there may be some."	"Again, make it more afforable for all classes."	female	NULL	No	Black or African American	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	11/1/05 3:26 PM
2071	Cost and accesibility to health care are my main concerns about health care today.	Make it affordable for individuals and let people pay for services rendered.  Get rid of HMO's and stop making health care into big business.  Allow providers to give the kind of care that they went into practice to provide. 	There shouldn't have to be a trade-off.  I believe that providers choose their field because they want to help make a difference.  I feel that corporations and big business have ruined that personal care that used to exist.  Simplify the system.  I hope that tort reform and caps on malpractice lawsuits will improve care and affordability.  	"Teach doctors the importance of nutrition.  So many of our diseases today can be improved with diet and lifestyle changes.  That would drastically cut the cost of pharmacuticals.  Breastfeeding our children would make a major impact on the health of our society.  I believe tha tthe healthy people 2010 campaign is a great start, but not being publicized nearly enough.  "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	11/1/05 8:09 PM
2072	 Competition. Care is not stratified. Too many duplicative specialty services 	Yes universal health care could be private or government both would need to be overseen. 	Hard to say but I think people would prefer a less complex system for basic care. They would be assured of quality care if physicians all practiced according to accepoted standards in their field. Kaiser system seems to work well where standards can be enforced throughout the system	Home follow for mothers postdischarge after delivery. One year support minimum for being at home with neborn/infant  	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/1/05 11:16 PM
2073	Lack of access to health care...     The fact that we have worse maternal and fetal mortality rates than some developing countries...    The fact that health care providers are forced to practice defensively because of the current medicolegal system...    The fact that people with illnesses have a harder time getting health insurance than healthy people.	I think that more of the burden should be on the government.	"I am willing to have less of my tax dollars going to war and military spending, and more to ensuring access to affordable, high quality health care."	"Nurse-midwives are already catching about 10% of the babies born in the US.  Statistics show that midwives have consistently good outcomes, using less expensive technology.  Some states currently have a shortage of OB providers, because of the medicolegal system.  Because of the relationship that midwives are able to foster with our clients, midwives tend to be sued less often.  I would recommend more midwifery care in the US, for normal, low-risk prenatal care, birth, and postpartum care.  In the same vein, research has shown that out-of-hospital birth is as safe, or safer, than birth in hospitals.  Insurance companies could save thousands of dollars by covering birth center and home birth (attended by certified nurse-midwives)."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	11/2/05 4:25 AM
2074	The lack of health care of any kind for so many people.	"I think all should be guaranteed minimum quality health care, which will save us all money, and people's health.  No one should have to trade off paying for food or meds, paying for rent or prenatal care"	I think anyone who earns even miminum wage would be willing to pay a small percentage of their income as a dedicated tax to cover health care and affordable meds for all.	"Use more advanced practice nurses - midwives, nurse practitioners, nurse anesthesists - top quality care and more affordable.  "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	11/2/05 6:02 AM
2076	"The bureaucracy of insurance and health care systems, and the heavy-handedness of the pharmaceutical companies.  When I go to the Doctor, I do not want to feel like I am seeing a legalized drug pusher."	The system is fine.	"Trade-offs might include lawsuit restrictions, and slightly highter taxes."	"Alternative health options need to be included in health care benefits.  Midwives (including those attending home births), Holistic/Natural Medicine Doctors, Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, Natural Remedies, etc. should be ""billable"" choices for all Americans."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	11/2/05 9:23 AM
2083	"The quality of health care is declining in the US.  Also the lack of coverage for holisitic or alternative health care and natural supplmements and preventative care by most health insurance companies.  If health care in America is going to improve, we must look at all options, including natural supplements and remedies and  non-traditional solutions.  I think there should be surveys and ratings done on physicians and health care providers and hospitals by the people they serve -- also that their level of errors and competency are posted so people know what kind of job they are doing.  If most companies ran the way health care and hospitals do they would be bankrupt in a few years.  The way they are overly influenced by the big pharmaceutical companies is not right."	"Companies should have to pay a bigger share of the bill.  If they can give large yearly bonuses and stocks, etc. to their CEO and top-level executives, they can afford to pay for their workers health care.  Unfortunately most companies treat their employees as if they are a consumable commodity and use them, then discard them after they have served their purpose."	I think they should expect high quality health care at an affordable price and nothing less -- it is sad that we are at the bottom of the list in health care and other countries are way ahead.  We currently pay for way more than we get in the way of care.	"Create a Presidential Appointed Health Care Task Force that is independent from to research and take a close look at other countries and see what is working for them and then copy their success.  Likewise, see what doesn't work and eliminate it.  The U.S. should have the BEST health care in the world and there is no excuse for the poor quality care most people have to put up with because of no other options.  The American Health Care System needs a major overhaul now!"	female	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	11/2/05 12:57 PM
2085	1. The number of uninsured/underinsured people.  2. The high cost.  3. The low quality in certain areas such as preventative care and mental health services.	"Yes. I believe we should adopt a new Single Payer National Health Plan, such as the plan proposed by the Physicians For a National Health Plan."	Affordable high quality health care is possible without paying more money overall or reducing benefits by adopting a single payer system and eliminating the enormous bureaucratic waste that is the result of our current payment system. This would eliminate the private health insurance industry and save millions of dollars in overhead.	Adopt a Single Payer National Health Plan.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	11/2/05 1:21 PM
2098	"I have lost two brothers this year, largely due to their poor access to health care.  One was 47 and the other 39.  Their deaths could have been  postponed if they would have only felt they could have gone to the doctor when they first became symptomatic.  But they couldn't afford to.  I am concerned that I am now soon to be divorced.  with a serious pre-existing condition it will be impossible for me to get insurance unless I am able to find a job that offers it.  In Oregon, where I live, we have the highest percentage of uninsured people.  Even my own doctor, a person of great integrity, told me yesterday that he is about to cancel his employer coverage for his staff because he simply cannot afford the small business premiums.  I have a mother with Alzheimers who is in a Medicaid supported facility.  If we lose that coverage, my father will not be able to cover the costs of her care.  so I'm scared to death."	"I believe that it is becoming increasingly evident that we need some kind of a single payer system, paid for with our tax dollars.  The employer should be taken out of the loop completely.  Personally, I've traveled in Europe and Canada and so I know that all the scary stories about having to wait months on end for any help are bunk.  Even if I did have to wait months for a procedure, that is better than what I face now which is to not be able to have the procedure at all because I can't afford it.  I think its obvious that we cannot afford as a nation to continue to pay welfare to for profit health insurance companies who do nothing but skim 30 to 40 percent off the top of all medical care costs.  The pharmaceutical company profits are obscene and un Christian (I mention this because though conservatives keep talking about wanting us to live by Christ's teachings they are denying access for more and more Americans to what should be a human right).  I have worked in the mental health field and can tell you that the main reason state health care systems are failing is because of the outrageous cost of pharmaceuticals that are pumped into these sick people.  These people are almost universally overmedicated with no evidence whatsoever that taking more than one or two medications is really preferable in their overall outcome.  Mental health agencies are visited constantly by drug company pimps who hand out free food so that the staff prescribes their ""newer"" ""better"" and oh so much more expensive drugs.  We need to put a stop to this, and single payer would create that incentive."	"I think we do need to look at over prescribing expensive drugs.  In Oregon, I understand that they are putting together a drug registry to help patients look at their options when they do need medication treatment.  Less expensive drugs frequently work just as well as the new, glamourous drugs advertised on TV.  Drug advertisement of all kinds should be banned.  they drive costs up.  I also believe we need to have a discussion about quality of life and what kinds of procedures our nation can afford to offer people who are unlikely to benefit.  I do not believe people like Terry Shiavo should be continued on life support when nearly everyone I know tells me that if they ever get into that situation they do not want to be kept alive indefinitely by artificial means.  Yes, I recognize the dangers of euthanasia to people with disabilities (I am one).  But I think our country needs to come to grips with this issue, as tricky as it is.  I don't have all the answers, but I have seen and experienced many wasteful medical treatments - drugs, unnecessary procedures, etc. that are imposed on sick and dying people - usually without their consent.  I believe in the right to die with dignity and in pain relief and hospice.  this is a much cheaper and more humane option.  I also think we need to look at issues like sustaining severely premature infants with heroic measures that end up only condemning many to a life of suffering.  Maybe some in the religious right feel that every human life (at least every American human life) is so sacred that we can't have this kind of debate.  but I believe they are far outside the mainstream of thought in this country.  And its time to talk about all this.  Doctors and other professionals also need to realize that we cannot afford them to be in ""business"" to make obscene profits.  They should be well paid, and their schooling and malpractice costs should be covered by our taxes in exchange for a fair (not exorbitant) salary."	"Single payer health care.  It works well in other countries.  Geez, they even treated me in England - for free.  And the doctor took more time with me than they do in the US.  And seemed more relaxed and genuinely concerned with my welfare.  And I knew he wouldn't give me unnecessary drugs and procedures.  "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/2/05 3:53 PM
2099	"  We are spending far too much of our health care dollars for end of life care.  We need to shift so that more dollars go into preventative health care, quality of life, and basic health care. "	"  We must shift away from employer based health care for two main reasons.  Businesses in the rest of the world don't have to pay employee health care costs so it makes American business uncompetitive. That in turn encourages more companies to drop or reduce health coverage which adds to the number of uninsured, which raises insurance costs to the remaining businesses and the cycle starts again.  We probably need to shift to government funding. The government is becoming the major payer anyway because of Medicare. But we should be aware of the problems created by national health care in other nations, especially long waiting periods for care."	"  Whether the public is willing to make trade-offs is a good question. Gradually we must be educated that no system can supply everything to everyone.  We should focus on making sure that everyone has access to basic and preventative care and be willing to admit that we can't do organ transplants and other high expense medical care for everyone, especially those who are elderly and near the end of life."	"  The most important thing Americans can do to improve their health care is to follow the basic advice we all know:  Eat a variety of mostly healthy foods, get lots of exercise and adequate rest.  We can't ask high-priced medical care to solve problems for us that we could solve inexpensively for ourselves if we only would. Somehow we need an incentive system that rewards good personal behavior."	male	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/2/05 6:58 PM
2107	"Limited availability and high cost, especially for middle class working families.  Rising drug costs and our absymal infant/maternal stats are alarming."	"YES!!  I truly think socialized medicine would be a better model, but have no illusions that our country will embrace that model.  Private insurance costs are prohibitive for many, yet the current Medicaid system is almost so convuluded as to be unusable.  Most disturbing are the numbers of children left without appropriate health care and needed medications.  Vision, dental, maternity and mental health services should be mandatory under all plans."	I think it depends on which segment of the population you question.  For corporate america I don't think any trade-offs are acceptable if they interfer with profits.  Personally I'd trade the war in Iraq to care for our children at home.	"Availability of Midwifery services for all women.  Midwives should be privledged at all hospitals in collaborative, as opposed to supervised, relationship with MDs.  Genuine Breastfeeding support services available to all women with a goal of increasing our breastfeeding rates.  These two measures would save our country several BILLIONS of health care dollars every year."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	11/3/05 1:38 PM
2111	"The tremendous number of uninsured, the waste in health care dollars going to management oversite, insurance companies and pharmaceuticals."	"Yes, I would advocate for a single payor system, I think that health care should not be attached soley to employment."	"I believe that there would be very few trade offs that would be necessary.  I believe that the current system is awash in waste, mismanagement and profiteering by the insurance industry, pharmaceutials and some of health corporations/providers. The American people have been brainwashed into being fearful of any type of system that is not run on a capitolistic/market driven  base.  The public needs to re-educted about the choices that can work in this country and continue to provide choice of provider as well as a sound and comprehensive health care package.  The American people have been brainwashed into believing that there is no place for government in health care and this simply is not true.  Perhaps the Katrina disaster will have opened up people's minds that government can serve a purpose.  Public Health is for the good of our economy as well as for our citizens."	Single Payer system with private insurers only providing supplemental packages.  All citizens should have access to a basic health care package.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	11/3/05 7:16 PM
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2112	"The wasted money.  In 2001, the World Health Organization released a report reviewing all the outcome data in the world.  The US ranked 37th, tied with Cuba.  That year the US spent $4400 per capita.  Cuba spent $900 per capita.  Where did the other $3500 go?"	We need a single-payer health care system run by epidemiologists.	"If we go to medicare for everyone, there will be no trade-offs.  We'll have enough money to give every one health care with prescription drug coverage with some left over!!"	"A single payer health care system, run by epidemiologists, focused on prevention--especially prevention of prenatal and perinatal problems."	female	NULL	NULL	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	11/3/05 8:26 PM
2113	It is out of control	"Yes, I lived in England for six years and think that their system is much better. Universal care wwith individualized providers"	"For non urgent care, we could have to wait longer "	"Make it universal, some how it has to be like K-12 education (obligatory)"	male	NULL	Yes	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/4/05 12:37 AM
2116	"It is so expensive! If you do not work for a really great company that will help you and your family, or have a lot of money there is little yu can do."	It is interesting to me that so many insurance companies have these great big beautiful buildings.  Are they getting rich off of everyone?  Are there ways we can make changes to this?  I am not sure.	My first and most important role is to put food on the table and a roof over my families head.  So because of that we go without insurance.  	I would like to see more affordable insurance for a good plan!	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/4/05 1:19 PM
2117	People who try and get health care are being turned down for no reasons by the insurance companies.  Especially when you get doctor letters saying your in great health.	We pay out our pocket	NULL	people who try and be upstand and get health care should be accepted by insurance companies especially if they provide documentaion of great current health.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/4/05 1:42 PM
2119	"Price, and severe dependency upon the physician by the consumer. The consumer should take steps to educate themselves, and make informed decisions regarding their healthcare for themselves and their families. "	"If the prices for healthcare in general were cheaper.. or regulated, the outstanding bills might get paid a bit faster. "	The American public shouldn't have to make Trade-offs in regards to their own or families health. 	"Make midwifery care available to ALL women of childbearing years, and Educate, educate, educate. "	female	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MT	11/4/05 2:19 PM
2124	"Too many uninsured, undercovered people. When you go in for medical care, you have to waste time filling out forms re: which insurance company (HMO) you're with. HMOs have too much power & often intercede between patients & doctors. "	"Think : ""Single Payer""! Take the Canadian & Scandinavian systems as a starting point; keep that concept as a starting point & improve upon it. Every citizen & legal resident of the USA gets a medical insurance number & is issued a card for all medical & dental needs. Get rid of private, for-profit HMOs.  "	"We are ready to trade off competing HMOs for a universal, all-inclusive medical care system."	"Think ""Single Payer"". Keep it simple."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	11/5/05 10:52 PM
2126	The cost of perscriptions is out rageous. i can see why people go to mexico or canada to buy there medicine. why don*t we adopt a plan lilke they have to reduce rates. ? We shouldn*t have to have high perscription plans	Quit charging so much for medicines some people only make $400.25 a month. what is america going to do when they can only think of this and can*t help starving homeless people.	NULL	don*t make this perscription plan for every one and quit making us feel guilty for not being sick we shouldn*t have to pay we should be able to take it out later on down the road with out a penalty. your making us feel like we are living in a communist world. you know man don*t own the earth but some times i feel like man thinks they do by making us buy and pay for other people.	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/7/05 12:09 AM
2127	"Cost (even for the insure), quality (abysmal - virtually everyone I know, including myself have had serious problems with hospital care), access (a moral scandal that 46 million are without health insurance)  Our love affair with the medical model, fewer resources devoted to public health, preventive care and community-based care."	"Most definitely.    We should do the evidence-based right thing here and move towards a universal, streamlined, single payer model."	Much vaunted choice is a myth.    I am convinced that people would settle for HMOs/provider panels (most insured personshave some form of that now) in exchange for universal access.    Such arrangements are far better for quality and cost (global budgets can be set) as well	"Think boldly, include the public, go where the evidence points!!"	NULL	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	11/7/05 8:45 AM
2149	"  My biggest concern about healthcare in America today is that it is big business.  It is not about science or healing it is about money and covering your butt.  I am a midwife and a nurse, working both in home and hospital settings, and I see so much of our money wasted in testing and procedures to protect from liability and no emphasis on low-tech, cost-effective, preventative measures such as emphasis on diet, nutrition, exercise, and healthy living.  The fact that medicine is big business also makes it unaccesible to a growing number of Americans, including myself, who do not have healthcare.  Healthcare should be evidence-based, cost-effective, and available to all Americans.  There are many simple things people can do on their own to ensure continued health and well-being, but as long as medicine is about making money this information will not be given to the general public.      I also strongly believe that women should have a choice of where, how, and with whom they wish to give birth.  This means that insurance should cover midwives as well as obstetricians, and home or birth center birth as well as hospital birth.  More than 30 years of scientific research has proven home or birth center birth with a licensed midwife to be just as safe and sometimes safer than hospital birth.  Not only is it safe, it has significantly reduced rates of medical intervention, including cesarean section, making it much more cost-effective than hospital birth."	"  More health care costs should be paid for by the government in order to allow all Americans access to healthcare.  It is shameful that in such a wealthy nation, millions of Americans do not have access to healthcare."	  Higher taxes.	  Change the healthcare system from one which is fueled by economics to one which is based on health and healing.	female	NULL	No Response	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	11/7/05 12:25 PM
2179	"We are focused on keeping the insurance companies happy. I think that we should look at the Oregon Health plan again. It was carefully crafted to make the most use of each dollar when it comes to health care speending. If the poor have health care free and everyone in jail has health care free, and everyone who is covered by treaty (native Americans) is covered why not just cover everyone? The only people not covered seem to be the ones paying for it."	"I would go for a sales tax on food. And some food items would get extra taxation. Hydrogenated oil for instance, sugars and alcohol would make good targets, How about fried foods served at fast food outlets? If Eating it makes you need more medical attention tax it more heavily. This would also raise the public awareness as to what problem foods are."	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/7/05 5:00 PM
2180	"The current system doesn't work. The cost is too high, the benefits too low. Health Care as it stand today in the US is helping to bankrupt the country"	"Employer base health care does not work. Large companies closing production plants because of health care cost, and small business can't afford to insure employees  Administrative cost are out of sight,only the insurance companies and HMOs are reaping the benfits of high insurance costs"	Americans have already given up enough.  The trade off should be to trade in the current market based system for a National Health Care plan - it would save the country a lot of money.  We would also be willing to cut defense spending to provide health care for all.	The current system is not working for most Americans. We must have a national health care plan	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	11/7/05 6:43 PM
2205	"If you have had something in the past and are no longer being treated for it, most insurance companies don't want to insure you. How are Americans supposed to protect themselves from major medical expenses? I am currently trying to obtain health insurance as a real estate agent and I am being denied coverage because of 4 year old anxiety and depression period in my life. I was never hospitalized, but they still won't accept me. You know, I am starting to agree with my husband. His idea is to forget it, and if something happens, the hospitals can't do anything to you as long as you are paying them something every month. It really would save us alot of money in monthly premiums. I never wanted to go this route, but am feeling as though I have no choice."	"Many people are receiving government assistance already. I feel as though the government should help everyone, even if they have to raise taxes somewhat."	"If we could get antibiotics like they do in Mexico, most of us could treat ourselves for minor cold and sinus infections without going to the doctor everytime we run a fever. We are smart, allow us to treat ourselves for these things."	Make it more affordable in some way.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	11/7/05 10:47 PM
2209	"I am most concerned about the fact that so many are uninsured.  I am beginning to be more and more concerned about the rising number of baby boomers who will start to need the care that is being delivered today and there will not be enough to go around.  Finally I am concerned abot the sense of entitlment that is prevalaent in our system that gives unbalanced, nonequitable care to all."	"At this point some kind of universal health care is in order.   A system that is equitable for all.   The overwhelming burden on employers is driving costs of business beyond what they can pay, driving small scale busniness to no insurances at all.  Paying out of pocket is far beyond what most American families can  afford at the cost of an average of $600 month or more.  $7200 of an average $30,000-$40,000 salary is beyond what folks can bear when you add the cost of housing, utilities and food.  It is why many go without.  It is a gamble we take."	"I hope they will be willing to forgo unecessary treatments or treatments that are offered only to the entitled.  I am hoping that the folks who are currently able to afford plastic surgery, extensive reproductive assistance, dental correction, breast augmentation or reduction, even keeping people on assisted ventilation to defer death, will begin to see the cost  of the rise in care due to some of this unecessary  care.      I think it will be a ""hard selI"" to the American public.  But we have been sold much worse, so I feel it will be possible."	"Cost effective delivery of good care can come from many different practitioners.  The cost savings of well care delivered to people via nurses, midwives, trained care providers, trainings of people for job specific tasks: dialysis, IV antibiotic delivery, home care for specific treatment, all could be done by trained people who are not doctors or nurses in a costly setting.    Birth which is normal can be moved out of hosptials at a tremendous savings in  hopsital and nursing fees. Death that is inevitable can be handled at home with yet another tremendous cost savings .  All without the high cost  of overqualified practioners."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	11/8/05 9:32 AM
2216	"My greatest concern about American Health Care is that it is considered a commodity, accessible to most, but not a public asset, accessible to all. This generates a whole employment layer of buyers and sellers and regulators of the commodity, and consumes vast amounts of resources that are not at all connected to the acts of providing or receiving the actual health care Americans need.    We have a complex, deeply pervasive industry that watches and manipulates and trades in access to those health care episodes, but produces nothing of value to the provider or the health of the patient. This is an immoral use of health care resources; it suppresses universal access to care to support bureaucratic employment with those dollars. "	"Yes. I believe that health care should be paid for by taxing ALL personal and business income and uncoupled from worker compensation. And I believe that CMS is very capable of setting standards for what will be paid and paying all providers for their services, at a huge cost savings overall. Of course, insurers and analysts and consultants and health care economists and policy experts and lawyers would largely need to find new areas of the economy to feed off of, but at least they would have access to health services while they were retraining and searching for new employment."	"I believe the American people would accept reform of professional liability awards, as long as they were assured that their needs would be met and that there would be just compensation for injuries.     I believe the American people would accept slower innovation in pharmaceuticals and designer surgical techniques in return for more innovation, spurred by government investment, in disease prevention and public health initiatives, and genomic research to these ends. Private industry will not adopt these goals, but the people can and should. It will all depend on how they are educated and persuaded of their interest.    Some trade-offs I am not sure that elected representatives in Washington are willing to accept are:  1) Loss of jobs in such a huge sector of our economy;   2) The pressure of the insurance industry and their public relations campaigns to make the American people afraid of scarcity or ""rationing,"" which is exactly what is happening NOW;  3) Loss of significant political contribution from the various industry lobbies;  4) The outrage of American physicians who fear that they will lose control of their economic opportunities, which they currently view as entitlements."	"I recommend universal access to single-payer care. Phase in over a ten-year window, but commit, and don't back down. Americans aren't willing to pay more than we do now for the health care industry, and we must get more value for our money. It will ruin our economy if we can't uncouple it from wages and spread it across all income produced in the nation. "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	11/8/05 4:02 PM
2218	"The fact that rich people get the best health care, and that middle, lower class, or poor people get the worst care."	"I think that businesses, individuals, and the government should all have a stake in paying for our health care.  "	"I think Americans aren't used to making trade offs, because our government and our ideology encourages us to be selfish and never think of others.  I think it's better for all of us, all americans, to have pretty good health care, instead of some rich people having excellent, top drawer health care, while the rest of us get crap.    You know, for instance, like how stuck up old white men in Congress have great health care--and the elderly or veterans get stuck with Medicare or waiting in long lines at the VA."	"I think government should tell the truth about the way that insurance companies and doctors are out simply to make MONEY.     The fact is that the capitalist-driven nature of our insurance companies means that companies like Blue Cross or Kaiser compete NOT by giving the best quality care at the most efficient price, but by doing everything they can to avoid paying for anything. By cherry picking healthy folks and covering them--and weasling out of paying for those of us who are sick, who have chronic problems, or who are otherwise ""too expensive"".      There are millions of people out there who work every day to deny people's health insurance claims. What if we put those people to work healing others?    Maybe if we had a health care system whose FIRST PRIORITY was keeping people healthy, rather than making money for investors, we could take care of people efficiently and inexpensively."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	11/8/05 4:47 PM
2220	The lack of affordable care for everyone.	"I believe we should have anational healthcare systems, much as they do in so many civilized countries."	How about stopping the war?	Anational healthcare program.	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/8/05 5:33 PM
2222	"The fact that the government is treating the symptoms of the problem, much like doctors treat the symptoms but never get to the real cause much of the time.  Hospitals, doctors, and especially drugs keep soaring but the government talks about companies paying more for health care, companies talk about employees paying more, and no one is honestly dealing with the high profits of pharma companies, and the high cost of specialists etc. Pharmasutacal (sp?) companies do have to spend on research, but I bet you would find high profits still, much like the oil companies are now enjoying.  Too many are getting drugs prescribed, then others prescribed to counter the side effects of the first.  We need to make ALL people equally important when it comes to their health and the care needs to be TO MAKE THEM HEALTHY!!!!!   NOT DRUG DEPENDANT, that isn't Health. "	"We are at the low income end, not proverty but low enough that the 300 plus a month just to cover me and my husband means coverage or food and/or utilities but not both. Oh yes and insurance companies have a real racket going when your employer says its over 300 a month to cover two middleage people (no more kids) or a family with several kids. We wouldn't need the maturnity, pediatric etc. of a young family but we have to pay the same for alot less need because the insurance company wont give the employer a rate for just the two adults. The employee (my husband) is 82 a month, but to add just me, just one person not a whole family, is over 300.  Go to the source of the high and higher medical costs, NOT to how to pay higher and higher payments.  Stop using hmo's etc. as money making machines for ""stockholders"".  Medicine and health of all should not be involved or tied up with ""profit and loss"".  That is one of our biggest mistakes.   "	"Caps on lawsuits.  Yes it can be painful but some are getting very large settlements which are not realistic to lost wages (even for the rest of their life)or other losses. And yes we could have sued over the death of one of our babies but it wouldn't bring him back and just would heap more financial pain on our medical people. It goes back to what I already said. It has to MATTER that we ALL have health care, stay healthy and we do that by the doctors charging what it really costs to see someone, fix them up etc.  I cut my thumb and being deep I couldn't bandage it so went in for stiches, about 4 or 5 little stitches. The bill was $600 for a cut on a thumb.  That is NOT realistic but full of ""profits"" for the hospital, and doctor.  It wasn't  life threatening, they didn't have to work hard at all.  It was small and simple, yet if a doctor was charged that for a simple hair cut, lawn mowing, gardening, tire change, etc. he would be very upset.  Paying for health care might be taken care of like we do for our Police and Firefighters. They protect and save lives at much MORE peril to their own  than doctors, yet are paid sooo much less. We would have budgets for so many doctors, hospitals, etc. all tied to the population of a city and or county. Doctors paid the same whether they worked in a small rural town or a larger city, but the larger city would have more doctors to handle larger volumes of people.  This would mean that their salaries and the costs of the hospitals would be tied to taxes, yes taxes. those owning property would be paying the most,(except landlords can tack some on to the rent they charge). However you would have a larger number of people paying in which should disperse the burden more, we all could pay less, and ALL could use the services.  There are always tax breaks for the poorest who owned property, but you wouldn't need health insurance parts of companies, and you can match the cost of the care to what the taxpayers are willing to pay.  We all pay school taxes whether we have children in school or not.  We all pay property taxes for libraries whether we use them or not. The thing is we all have the choice to use them or not, but we do have them to use, just as all would be able to go to the doctor or not, as they choose. This would give more control to the public over what they would pay, just as it does what they are willing to pay for things like, schools, firefighters, police etc. It puts more control on those who ""pay"" not having it be ""price driven"" by those to do the service (doctors, hospitals, clinics)."	"That we remove it from the ""for profit"" arena and put it where it belongs in the same catagory as part of our rights as tax paying citizens,in there with the right to an education, the persuit of happiness, fair and equal treatment and many other rights we all have and are entitled to. Health affects us all from the employer who pays insurance,or loses work from sick employees, to the employee who pays insurance, to lost wages when he is sick, and may not even have insurance, or sick leave as we do not.  We all pay a price one way or another for bad health to us OR others, including the ""sick"" clerk in the store we go to, who can't go to the doctor with no insurance, so is making all of us who come to her register,sick and then we go to the doctor and pay or stay home sick. ""No man is an island"", especially when it comes to health. "	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	11/9/05 12:51 AM
2287	Rising cost and available care. We are a small business family with NO insurance coverage. My husband has been denied coverage b/c of some health issues he had in 2000. I have 2 children to think about. It would be nice for us to have available coverage that does not have an extreme monthly price tag. 	NULL	NULL	Support Senator Enzi's health care bill for small businesses.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MS	11/10/05 10:39 AM
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2297	"The lack of real public health care specialists in decision-making roles. For example, there is no required reporting/counting and mapping of contagious diseases like TB, AIDS, CWD, and so on. A few death counts from death certificates is all the stats we have to determine policy.    In some states food-handlers are not tested for TB anymore. Most can't afford health care of any sort. "	I would like to see a system more like that in Canada. Let Ralph Nader plan it!	"Trade the IRaq war for health care and citizen services.     If that isn't enough, cut corporate welfare and picking up the WTO sanctions tabs for corporations. Reinstate the idea of taxing the VERY wealthy more than the middle class and poor. "	Control the borders and send illegals back to Mexico. 	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	11/11/05 5:12 PM
2299	The health care system is pricing itself out of the reach of average Americans and of companies that are not high profit industries.    The costs as I have tried to understand them   reflect a gross amount of non productive overheads:    Litigation and litigation protection  Paper work of a segnificate level  required profits for HMO's and insurance companies    The overheads need to go to health care!	"The heath care system needs to be changed to a national system with minimum litigation, paperwork and profit."	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/11/05 5:47 PM
2308	Millions of us do not have insurance coverage and the coverage we do have does not cover enough of the cost of medical care.  Too many are at risk for bankruptcy due to medical expenses.  Too many do not get adequate care.    	"Private insurance companies spend way too much denying people coverage (""You fall outside our underwriting guidelines.."") and denying legitimate claims.  I've had both happen to me, entirely unjustified."	"I don't think we need trade-offs.  I think we can have universal care, paying out the same money we now pay out."	Investigate national health insurance - Medicare for all.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/14/05 5:30 PM
2312	It is not affordable	I don't know	I don't know	There should not be cash discounts for insurance companies to hospital and yet a higher rate for cash patients.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/15/05 10:56 AM
2313	People who hav eno insurance are charged more than people with insurance. Few doctors offer cash discounts yet insurance companies receive them.  All licenced practioners should be included as acupuncturists and chiropractors and naturopaths are cheaper in the long run as they keep you well as well as facilitating the body to heal itself.  Gatekeeper doctors haven't the right to keep you from seeking alternative care.	Drug companies sell drugs with adverse side effects that keep the patient adding more and more drugs causing more and more side effects and a bigger and unending bill for the patient.  Drug companies benefit the most and should pay more.	"Raise taxes according to wealth.  Wellness care is high quality care.  Perhaps the percent that patients pay can be waived or greatly reduced for  yearly check ups, mamograms and alternative wellness care acupuncture, chiropractic and massage."	There should be no exclusions for previous conditions.  	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/15/05 11:11 AM
2319	"For-profit health care is wrong. Competition and free market action do not solve problems of access and affordability. We spend too much money and achieve embarassingly poor outcomes. Specifically my biggest personal concern is maternity care, which is organized perfectly backwards. Too much expensive medical and surgical rescue is the norm, and accessible high-quality prevention services supplied by midwives are available only to 10% of American families. It should be flipped, so that 90% of women are given care by midwives and a much smaller proportion of women should be utilizing obstetrical care. There are many many negative downstream consequences of this inversion."	"Yes, Yes, Yes! I believe in single payer health care financing and I think the single payer should be the Medicare system, as suggested by Paul Krugman and others. We should expand Medicare to include all residents. The system is already in place. The only issue I have with Medicare is that midwives are not reimbursed fairly in the Medicare system. Specifically, midwives should be reimbursed 97% of what physicians receive for the same services. There are bills in Congress to this effect and they should be passed before Medicare is expanded to preganacy and birth care. Without these  provisions, expansion of Medicare to pregnant women would be a step backwards."	"The public is finally ready to consider increased taxes in order to decrease health insurance costs, I believe (depending on how it is framed). Industry must get behind it and it must be done gradually and fairly. Start by merging Medicaid into Medicare (fix the midwife problem first- 97%! 97%!). Then drop down the eligibility age for Medicare. Somehow find a way to let employers offer Medicare as an option, paid for by payroll taxes perhaps. I don't really know what would be the most efficient or the most acceptable to the public. I personally would certainly pay more taxes - a lot more taxes - for a single payer system."	I can't decide if expanding access to midwifery to all women or single payer is more important. I believe they are both vital.  There is a third issue which I think would have a profound and positive effect on our health care and would specifically benefit the most needy - the electronic medical record. 	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	11/15/05 3:24 PM
2320	"As rich as we are as a nation, decent comprehensive health care should be available to everyone without question, as a matter of right. There should be plenty left over to help establish such health care in other countries where health care has been compromised due to our nation's policies and actions."	"Comprehensive, decent health care for everyone should be one of the first priorities in government budgets, along with safe and secure housing nutritious food, clean air and water, and full educational opportunity, starting at the national level. Well-off employers and individuals should be progressively taxed to pay for those basics. After they are taken care of, then let Congress, the President, and others argue over how much of what's left should go to military ventures, tax breaks for the well-off, and similar craziness."	"If well educated about the need, the true costs, and the effects, as well as the possibilities of progressive taxation as outlined above, i think a great majority of the American public is willing for the military to sacrifice some of its illegal and wholly immoral ventures, and also willing to sacrifice much of the wealth of the fraction of 1% of the population who have hoarded obscene amounts of resources that are needed by others."	Prioritize health over war.	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	11/15/05 3:38 PM
2323	Hard-working Americans are not offered healthcare at their jobs so they go without and get extemely ill often.	National healthcare--would help with waste as well as give everyone the care they need	"I think Americans should be willing to not get to a specialist until the primary care physician has tried a few things, and also I have no problem with expensive tests like MRI's needing to be approved by a specialist before they are ordered.  I am a primary care physician and I see the waste."	National healthcare	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	11/16/05 8:42 AM
2324	The fact that many Americans don't have health insurance and that health care is not about preventing disease.	Should be paid for by the government - universal health care!	cut down on military spending  Don't spend billions of dollars on Avian Flu virus vaccines - integrate homeopathic medicine into the mainstream system of health care!	Avoid processed foods and sugar as much as possible	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	11/16/05 9:07 AM
2341	"Too many people, especially children, are uninsured or underinsured."	"We should have a single-payor system, whether it is called ""Medicare"" or something else, for everyone, period.  The savings in administrative costs alone would be worth it. We would no longer have to coordinate coverage and care between various agencies, and it would be the same for everyone. People could still purchase additional coverage for co-pays or elective/non-covered procedures."	"I'm not sure the public, as a whole, has the will to make any big changes. Those who are insured, look the other way, and plans don't seem to get anywhere."	"Health care as a right - maybe we need a constitutional ammendment! - for every US citizen. National health insurance for all, with some Medicare contributions from pay from those who work, and administrative savings and funds from the medicaid and needs-based programs helping to cover those who do not work, who are not dependents of those who do work. Alternative is some part of income tax funding the program entirely, and doing away with Medicare contributions from pay."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	11/16/05 4:41 PM
2342	"the lack of concern for the patient, and the amount of unquestioned authority doctor's are given.  The dehuminization on medicine and the inflation of medicine as a business."	I think the government should take on more responsibilty so that more of the country has access to equal health care.	no more war!	The midwifery model of care... a.k.a. listening to patients and making time for their concerns and their needs. 	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/16/05 8:45 PM
2343	The accelerating costs--The fact that 1/3 of the health care dollar in private insurance goes to administration instead of direct patient care and the fact that there are so many Americans going without any health care coverage.  Pharmaceutical Companies and Private Health Insurance should be limited in the amount of profit they can make.  The government needs to take charge of conducting research and the pharmaceutical companies would contribute a percentage out of their profits to government research.  There should be no tax deduction for advertising in health care.	"We need to have a single payor system.  Individuals, Employers and the government need to be paying into a central trust fund that will then be used to cover health costs.  With a single payor system there would be less cumbersome beaurocracy and we could have some real bargaining power with the pharmaceutical companies."	This is a ridiculous question.  American health care is # 1 in costs in the world and we are ranked #37 by the WHO organization in delivery and quality.  Who wouldn't be willing to trade that low quality rating for less cost?	"We need a single payor system that would cover basic and preventative health care for all Americans.  Individual, private insurance companies need to be phased out or restricted to a 2nd tier or frills type of coverage."	female	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	11/16/05 10:43 PM
2345	"That the people who need health care the most can't afford it. Why should only a fraction of our citizenry be eligible for basic health care. I would be willing to pay more to Social Security for Medicare for all, not just those who are 65 and older. Why can't we have universal health care and for those that can afford it continue with supplemental insurance policies like seniors have now.     No one in the U.S. should be denied health care because of their inability to pay. We live in a democracy and we should all enjoy the benefits of a free and healthy land. "	I think all employers should be required by law to furnish health care options to their employees by sharing the burden of the cost of health care with the government and the individuals that they employ.    Why can't we have a medicare type system for all.	"Those that have more money like corporations, and rich individuals should help pay for basic health care for everyone in America. I'm willing to pay more for my health insurance if it would mean that my less fortunate neighbors could get the same kind of health care protection that I have. "	A national health care system set up like Medicare that would cover all Americans. 	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/17/05 8:44 PM
2346	The time delay for diognostic services caused by insurance companies micro management of individuals health care. I suggest doctors be rated from patient outcomes and those who rate over the 70 percentile in positive outcomes be allowed to order what ever they feel is needed to diognose patients.  Insurance companies are acting as regulators of health services.  This should not be allowed since they have a financial self interest and are assuming they know better than the physician what the patient needs.  By rating doctors this would allow for higher quality of care and save money through prevention of further medical assistance due to lack of treatment or diognosis.	"Yes, tax incentives should be provided to hospitals that improve patient outcomes and maintain or reduce cost of services.  All policies should be based on patient outcomes not cost of services.  In this way the competitive focus would be to improve outcomes while keeping costs down.    Grant competitions of state and national data systems to evaluate patient outcomes of hospitals and physiciancs should be allocated.    Also the services provided to illegal immigrants must be addressed and hospitals reimbersed by funds designated for foriegn assistance and not tied to funds targetted for US low income populations."	The American public would not need to make trade offs if policies and practices were developed to increase the quality of care per dollar spent.  I feel the American public is frustrated with current care and feels they are in the middle of a power struggle between physicians and insurance companies over money and power issues.  Both of these groups are self centered and to some degree often incompetent. The public is getting a raw deal because no one is looking at outcomes only costs.  Americans are also responsible for their own health through their behaviors.  I feel people who do what they can to stay healthy should be rewarded through tax breaks for improvement in lifestyle and health status.  More incentives should be offered for healthy behaviors on an individual basis and in the work place.  Public health should be given money for more prevention programs in the workplace and in low ecconomic areas.	I suggest doctors be rated from patient outcomes and those who rate over the 70 percentile in positive outcomes be allowed to order what ever they feel is needed to diognose patients. By rating doctors this would allow for higher quality of care and save money through prevention of further medical assistance due to lack of treatment or diognosis.tax incentives should be provided to hospitals that improve patient outcomes and maintain or reduce cost of services.  All policies should be based on patient outcomes not cost of services.  In this way the competitive focus would be to improve outcomes while keeping costs down.    Grant competitions of state and national data systems to evaluate patient outcomes of hospitals and physiciancs should be allocated.    Also the services provided to illegal immigrants must be addressed and hospitals reimbersed by funds designated for foriegn assistance and not tied to funds targetted for US low income populations.	female	NULL	No	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/18/05 10:55 AM
2347	My concerns about Health care are many. My greatest concern is the lack of health coverage for students. I am in college right now and out of 34 students under half of us have health insurance. This is very sad to me. Concerned that Pharmacutical companies are overspending resulting in very high cost for much need medications.	"I think that the government involvement needs to be more prominent.  A lot of people in college and even in Minimum wage jobs can't afford health care so they don't get it. I think for these people there should be some sort of assistance. I think it all boils down to what the government is considering 'poverty' In our nation, federal minimum wage only $5.15 an hour, now if my math is correct, if a person works 40 hours per week that is only about $9,800 before taxes. From the statistics on this website the average person spends $6,400 dollars a year on health care... this doesn't leave much for a person making federal minimum wage very much money to spend on other very basic needs, such as housing, food, clothing, and transportation."	It is sad for me to say but I am not too sure that there are too many trade off's that Americans are willing to make. The gap between the richest people and the poorest people in America is too big. I believe that if something isn't an issue for someone they aren't going to be concerned about it. I think the best thing we can do is educate people through the Media about how many people are uninsured and aren't recieving Health Care. I beleive that a lot of people don't even know how much of a problem this is and even if they do I don't think they really know how they can help.	"To focus more on Mean income levels of the majority of Americans. I beleive that if we solely focus on the Average income the numbers become unrealistic. I also beleive that we need to take the cost of living into account also. We did a mock budget in my Sociology class on what it would cost to live on a very conservative income and the average income needed to pay for everything in cash was $21,000 dollars yearly. I that money is the root of everything and how money is distributed through out our government and large corporations needs a closer look by all Americans."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/18/05 2:16 PM
2348	"The high cost and the fact that you get less and less for your money. I had to drop mine after having it for 59 years, because I can no longer afford it."	The system should be scrapped altogether and a new universal health care system set up. Everyone should be able to afford to get regular medical care and it shouldn't break their pocketbook.	"We are already paying for health care. We are not getting it. We need ""socialized"" care, but the American public can't handle calling it that. But that's what we need. It has to have a different name."	Take it out of the hands of private insurance companies. A medicare program that covers everyone is what is needed.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/18/05 11:02 PM
2349	"Like many Americans, I am concerned about the cost of healthcare and the growing divide between those who can afford it and those who cannot. As a nurse-midwife, I provide care to women throughout the life-cycle, focusing on pregnancy and childbirth. I find that the midwifery is a low-intervention, low-cost model that is appropriate for the majority of women. When given an option, most women choose midwifery. Not only is midwifery safe as well-ducumented in the medical literature but it has been shown to decrease the the c-section rate and other complications. To me, midwifery  seems like the perfect antidote to a high-cost, high-intervention obstetrical system that wastes precious medical and surgical resources on healthy, non-medical births. While it is only one piece of the medical system, creating a midwifery-based model of care as THE standard of care would save millions of dollars for our system."	"I believe that we should move towards a strong, centralized health care system paid for with taxpayer dollars. Health care options should not be reliant on one's economic background but instead should be part of a free, prevention-focused, evidenced-based sytem. "	"Today, I think that few Americans wish to increase their tazes to pay for a universal health care system. However, as the cost of medical care increases and more and more middle class Americans find even they cannot afford medical care, I believe that this refusal will change. People will want to know that they will be able to receive and rely on our medical system to given them care when they need it."	"First, create a midwifery model of care as the standard of care in obstetrics. This model would have midwives as independent care providers who utilize obstetricians with medical issues in pregnancy or complications in labor. This model would decrease our health care costs while also improving maternity care in the the U.S.    Second, move towards the creation of universal healthcare-essential to combate the escalating costs of our privatized system"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	11/19/05 6:27 AM
2350	The unavailability of all americans to have the healthcare they deserve and need.	"I think if a worker making 30,000 annually could ppay a 100.00 a month for a single person or 200.00 amonth for a family of 2 or more. The employer could add 150.00 per individual or 250.00 per family.The government should cover the rest.Maybe in tax refunds as in deductions.Co- pays would be 5 0r 10 dollars.Anyone earning less then 30.000 would pay less and if they had a family they would pay even less. The employer would pay make it's share, with the Government taking care of the rest.  "	"Cut back on the wasteful spending . Excess military spending,going to the Moon or Mars projects.Paying Farmers not to farm etc."	Get the MDA behind it.They are the one's that deal with this crisis everyday ! Also Hold the Insurrurs accountable. They got us in to this mess.	female	NULL	No Response	Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander	Some high school	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/20/05 8:27 PM
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2352	"The lack of universal coverage for everyone- working americans, singles, children, families, mod., low and very poor, those with chronic illness(uninsurable). Businesses are opting out of medical coverage for employees and retirees, while layoff and downsizing leaves millions without insurance.  Our current system is un-just, immoral and inhumane. Over 50% of all bankrupties are caused by medical bills. We spend 40% more than other countries, but do not cover everyone and we rank very low in infant mortality and life expectancy when compared to countries with universal health coverage.  Our current system skims from the healthy and leaves the poor, unemployed, and  the sick to suffer and die earlier and the rest risk fininacial disaster with one medical castrophy. The mark of both a civilized society and a Christian is to ""Care for the Least of These.""  "	"Yes - payment for medical care should be a single payer system with no deductible, no co-pay that includes coverage for medical, dental, vision and mental health.  The plan should be funded by the current level of Medicaid taxes plus an additional tax on employers.  Businesses would no longer have to bargin with insurance companies that continue to raise premiums to increase profits.  There should be no profit in human illness and suffering and there should be no citizen that has to suffer because they cannot afford the cost of insurance and medical treatment; citizens should not have to chose between medical care and basic needs to live nor should they have to stay at jobs they hate because they will lose health care insurance."	"I believe the American public would be willing to either levy a minimal national sales tax or  raise the wage ceiling on Medicare and Social Security taxes to eliminate the high cost of insurance premiums, deductibles and co-pays and obtain affordable, high quality healthcare for everyone.  Employers should be required to pay a healthcare tax which would be less than the average 8.5% they now pay to insurance companies. However, there should be no need for tradeoffs as the savings from eliminating the middle man(insurance companies) and purchasing bulk quantities of drugs or negotiating lower drug prices will more than cover the cost of covering everyone. In addition, by providing preventitive health care to all and the necessary care for chronic illness, people will be healthier and require less acute medical treatment for severe conditions that could have been prevented."	"Health care must be easily accessable and available to everyone regardless of income and  patients must be able to select their own doctor and hosipital.  Healthcare decisions should be in the hands of physicians and patients- not insurance companies and HMO's. Medical care should not be a for profit business. Our Constitution provides for equal rights under the law, protection of life and liberty, and forbids discrimination based on race, color, age, religion or sex.  Discrimination in accessing health care for the protection of life and the general welfare of citizens occurs every day based on lack of insurance."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	11/20/05 10:48 PM
2362	Outrageous cost for an often ineffective system.	"Costs are much lower (50% or so) and results are demonstrably better in countries that utilize a single payer system. I think we should work toward this. In addition, I think we should look more seriously at alternative medical approaches. The AMA, pharmaceutical companies, and insurance companies have been very effective in marginalizing other approaches, to our detriment - both in terms of cost and effectiveness. "	"I think that when the picture is presented accurately, the public, with the exception of the AMA and pharmaceutical/insurance interests, would be willing to move toward a single payer system. The cost to business is becoming ever more burdensome, so they may be willing to support it. In fact, it may be the only way to keep many businesses afloat."	Go to a single payer system.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/21/05 1:08 PM
2364	"The cost makes health care unaffordable for too many Americans.  Additionally, unless you are covered by a group plan, insurance companies can keep you from receiving benefits for preexisting conditions.  For example, someone under retirement age with a handicapping preexisting condition would have to pay exhorbitant premiums for individual coverage or exhaust all of their assets and become destitute to qualify for medcaid."	way too many fingers in the pie.  universal health care for all americans would have to be far less costly.	I think Americans want it all for nothing; not too many are willing to give up anything.	universal health care.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	11/21/05 1:48 PM
2365	"My career and personal focus has been on women's health care, particularly maternity care.  I am deeply concerned that reform and revision of maternity care in the US must begin with a challenging analysis of the underlying understanding of pregnancy and childbirth.  Rather than a pathology-based understanding, an alternative understanding must be considered.  Even a cursory examination of those countries whose perinatal outcome indicators are superior to those for the US demonstrates that the US approach to childbirth care is expensive and not efficacious.  I would like to see the Citizens' Health Care Working Group consider true reform of maternity care service delivery systems, rather than a bandaide approach that perpetuates an unsatisfactory system."	"I strongly believe that employer-based healt insurance is not only financially unbearable to a healthy economy, it is also socially unjust when many working Americans are not eligible for any kind of health insurance.  It is time to consider a kind of nationally funded health insurance program."	"Americans already do not have complete access to necessary services.  This is particularly true of community-based primary care services.  In my area of Ohio, only 40% of women have received screening mammograms, and 37% have regular pap smears.  These rates occur in a geographical area that has much higher incidences of cervical and breast cancer.  Reasonable copayments, deductibles, and access to quality care are necessary for all.  I would be willing, as an employed, tax-paying citizen, to see a central financing role for the federal government.   Looking at the history of health care, it is apparent that access to health care procedures and specialized providers is considered a money-making venture in today's health care culture.  This inexorably contributes to mis-utilization.  Taking the profit motive out of the equation would enhance appropriate access to necessary procedures and providers."	"I would reserve my recommendation to the maternity care services in our healthcare environment.  Analyse the underlying assumptions about the pathology of pregnancy and birth, and challenge these.  Alternatives with favorable performance statistics, in cost, in efficacy, and satisfaction do exist, and have the potential to save significant amounts of money, death and disability, and dissatisfaction.  Think about birth centers, midwives, deregionalization of perinatal care, financing as a commitment to health and wellbeing, rather than a fear-based approach to a physiological process."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	11/21/05 2:15 PM
2366	That the prices will keep rising and the doctors will be doing less for what we are paying them.	yes that there should be only one kind of health care and it should be offered to everyone. the price should be reasonable and the source should be reliable.	i'm not sure the government should pay some since we'are paying for all those taxes	lower the price make it more available	female	NULL	No	White	Some high school	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	11/21/05 2:19 PM
2367	Basic health care is too expensive and is increasingly unavailable to poor families even when both parents work full time. Employers with a large workforce are being irresponsible by not providing basic adequate healthcare to their employees.	Employers with a large workforce should be required to provide health insurance for their employees at an affordable rate to the employees.	NULL	"All children, birth-18 years, should be provided with Government-sponsored health care."	female	NULL	No	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	11/21/05 3:40 PM
2368	That the burden of the cost are being more and more burdened by us the working people of the US and not being shared more by corporate america. 	I believe that some sort of National Health care is the direction that we need to go. The Fair Share legislation would go a long ways in making big corporatations like Wal-Mart pay their fair share instead of using the system to their advantage.	Instead of the big tax breaks for the wealthy I would like that to be used for health care in the US.	We need to make sure that no US citizen ever has to go without healthcare or make the choice between food and their prescription drugs!	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SD	11/21/05 5:32 PM
2369	higher cost every year. more out of pocket and  less coverage. not being able to afford it any more. we r the richest country in the world w/o a national health care.	all employers pay their fair share like ex ( Wal-mart who doesn't and tax payer pay for them.) all employer should have to pay there fair share.	there doesn't always need to be a trade off. it should be part of the American way as the richest nation. 	"a fair share act for all employers, including WAL-MART. u must give health care to all Amercians before u can improve it."	male	NULL	Yes	Other	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	11/21/05 11:08 PM
2381	My family cannot afford health insurance yet we earn too much money to qualify for state assistance.  Fewer employers offer comprehensive insurance.  The costs are bankrupting us individually and collectively.  TIME TO CHANGE before the economy slides further downhill.	"Yes - I believe that a single payer, universal health plan should be a priority.  It is inexcusable that the wealthiest nation has very high rates of preventable deaths and illnesses due to NO ACCESS to medical treatment.  There is NO EXCUSE for this."	"I think this question assumes that people will be making sacrifices beyond what they already make.  A false assumption.  We already spend more than double per person that other industrialized countries, yet we get less health care in return.  We need to cut out the middle man which is crippling the whole system! (private insurers)"	SINGLE PAYER UNIVERSAL health care for all Americans!	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	11/22/05 1:19 PM
2382	"The cost and the fact that due to some minor medical conditions, I cannot obtain healthcare from most companies. They consider me a high risk. The ones that will cover me and my family want about $600 per month for minimal coverage."	"I don't mind paying a monthly premium if it is reasonable, but I would rather pay higher taxes and have universal health care for everyone. Maybe with a co-payment for doctors visits and prescriptions based on your income level."	"You have to decide where your priorities are. Health care for everyone is more important to me than financing a war, corporate and wealthy tax cuts, etc. I would pay higher taxes if the amount was completely devoted to health care for everyone."	Single payer system or universal care using existing delivery systems and HMOs	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	11/22/05 1:26 PM
2383	Unaffordable. Right wing interference.	Create universal plan. Take employer out of the equation.	We all pay our share.  Less choice/options.	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ID	11/22/05 2:09 PM
2384	"Spiraling costs for coverage is a big concern. HMOs and insurance companies' control of government officials is another concern. If drugs are cheaper and just as safe to purchase from Canada it should be allowed.  That is capitalism and fair trade.  We, as citizens of the richest nation on earth, should not have to worry about health care access."	NULL	Flat tax everyone for health coverage...get rid of the medical insurance companies.	"Universal health coverage for all regardless of income or status, much like what is already available in Canada and the UK."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	11/22/05 2:10 PM
2385	The cost and coverage	no	There should be done.  We work hard we deserve benefits	Lower costs made mandatory by Goverment	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/22/05 2:13 PM
2386	It's not affordable.	"All of the above, nobody wants to take responseablity. Just go to National Helath Care."	"We have already made enough trade offs. It's the insurance company's fault.  They want all the money,and don't want to pay out."	Go National.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	11/22/05 2:14 PM
2387	no vision is ever included. this is my major bill for any year. medical is usually just checkups.	government should bare the bulk and then the employer and then the employee.	none. we pay with every check something that should be put towards healthcare.	government should find a way to take care of their people.	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	11/22/05 2:18 PM
2388	"The extremely high cost of health insurance, the deductables, co-pays & waiting for approval for treatment."	Health insurance should be taken out of the hands of insurance companies & be provided by the federal government & paid for by taxpayers. Medicare for everyone.	"There should be a standard, low cost premium, lower co-pays, no deductables or a need for approval for treatment. We shouldn't have to trade off anything."	"Remove insurance companies from the system, have the government handle it all."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	11/22/05 2:20 PM
2389	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	No	Other	Some high school	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	11/22/05 2:25 PM
2390	A lack of affordable health care. Employers eliminating or increasing employee contribution for health care.	Convert to a single payer plan.	Higher tax rates.	Elect people who are committed to health care reform	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	11/22/05 2:28 PM
2391	"The continuing rise in cost, while the drug companies reap huge profits."	Every aspect of any personal payment should be totally tax deductible. Any family or individual making less than the poverty level income should be given 100% free healthcare. We need to look more closely at what other countries are doing to succesfully implement a national health care program that serves all classes of people.	"Toss the 401K out and go to a profit share plan that simply ""Shares"" profit. Encourage people to be more attentive to waste and more frugal to unnecessary spending. I see a ton of waste every day from all types of businesses."	Make any form of payment totally tax deductible	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	11/22/05 2:28 PM
2393	That my government would rather invade other countries and giving aid and support to other country's impovereshed than to take care of it's loyal citizens who have paid into the system for all of their lives!That my  husband has no claim to medical treatment and falls betweween the cracks and can get NO medical attention and I must watch him suffer because we canot afford medical attention that he needs so despertly!	Health care should be available to EVERYONE. The quality of that healthcare should be the same for my husband as it is for Bush!	If you were to ask the generasl public and get rid of the lobbiest for the drug and medical communities we would have health care for all. We CAN afford it!	see the response to the three propr questions!	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	11/22/05 2:31 PM
2394	Artificially restricted supply of health care due to use of guild system.	Problem isn't on the demand side.	We don't need to make trade-offs if the supply of health care is increased.	"Build more medical schools so that people who are truly interested in healing people, instead of merely maximizing their profit, can become physicians. This might help break the strangle-hold physicans have on medical technology, where they insist all medical instrumentation return huge markups, which effectively shuts out price deflation due to better and cheaper technology."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	11/22/05 2:35 PM
2395	"That Walmart is not giving good health care to their employees and that the American public is having to cover them with other ""government"" insurance. I am due to retire soon, I have paid for my own health care since 1966 and I am sure that I will have to pay lots more when retired to cover myself and my wife, and the govenment will not be there to help ""ME"""	NULL	NULL	"Make Walmart cover their employees ""NOW"" so that there will be money for the rest of us, from our government."	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/22/05 2:37 PM
2396	Costs to regular people are too high.  People in the health care field aren't making that much more money.  The insurance companies and administrators are taking too much and its causing 	All employers should pay into a system that extends equal coverage for everyone. That eliminates the lure of cutting health care benefits for workers in order to boost profits.  People should be taken care of first.	"We need to trade all of the overlapping and redundant services in our current health care system for a streamlined, cost-effective system.  "	Expand Medicare into full coverage for all Americans.  Don't recreate a new program.  Medicare already works.  Let's make it work for everyone.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DC	11/22/05 2:38 PM
2397	Lack of health care for a great many people; also inadequate mental health care	We need something: National health care for preventive care of which the person may pay a co-pay based on income. Preventive care saves a lot of money in the long run. jAt least some type of help with all medical care for all(including mental health care)	"some none. However, If we can show a correlation of increase cost of health insurance related to care given to those without health care more may accept it. Maybe we need to look at extreme measures used in last 6 month of someones life. Medicare costs are greatest in the last 6 mos of someone's life as in congestive heart failure, cancer, emphysema. We need to look more at comfort measures only."	Provide at least some care for all.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	11/22/05 2:38 PM
2398	"It is not available to all residents of the United States on an equal basis. Generally, lower income people do not have access to good health care."	Health care should be a right of all. There should be a single payer (the government) health care system where everyone has access to good health care for free.	I don't know. I would be glad to have the money that is now being spent on war and global conquest spent instead on free health care for everyone in the United States.	"Have a single payer system, eliminating corporate profit making from the system."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	11/22/05 2:40 PM
2399	"that basic health care is NOT provided for ALL Americans.  We seem to have money to waste on an illegal war, but can't even provide the basic necessities for families and children. "	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	11/22/05 2:43 PM
2400	inadequate coverage for uninsured and unresponsively insured with withholding healthcare administrators	the system should be universal modeled after the medicare system	hard to say	single payer government-administered healthcare and prescription coverage	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/22/05 2:44 PM
2401	NULL	Single payer plan is my choice.	I amnot sure what people will put up with.	Universal coverage.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/22/05 2:44 PM
2402	"Poor health care.  Most doctors seem to be trained to write prescriptions only.  They know nothing about nutrition, nutritional deficiencies.  They only seem to know prescriptions.  "	"Preventive health care, nutritional testing and counseling should be covered.  This could reduce costs in the long run.  The system seems to be driven by the pharmaceutical companies and that is the wrong influence.  Not every condition is a disease.  "	"People are spoiled by the system.  They expect prescriptions and instant fixes.  This has to be challenged.  Hitting them in the pocketbook is probably the only way to get their attention.  Education about good nutrition, weight control, exercise, keeping the body alkaline instead of acidic might go a long way to keep down high costs of treating diseases in the future.  But, people need incentives built into the system.  Like what?  Perhaps lower costs for losing weight, attending nutrition classes, etc.  "	"Look closely at alternative medicine and put those doctors in a position to influence the system.  People in this country are uneducated about their own bodies, nutrition.  "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	11/22/05 2:45 PM
2403	Those who need health care most can't afford to get or keep it.	"Streamline the process: have universal forms and payments, rather than having the sick among us being forced to research the minute details of each and every medical plan. Time and money are being wasted on things having nothing to do with the improvement of one's health."	Medical coverage is way over-priced; the public is doing its part; it's far past time for medical providers and government itself to step up to the plate and provide practical and universal health care for all.	Provide universal health care for all. 	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	11/22/05 2:46 PM
2404	the cost	I think we should have a National Health care system	I think the govt should provide health care so businesses don't have to	Nationalize health care.  Get health care and insurance lobbyists out of Washington.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	11/22/05 2:47 PM
2405	Average indices of quality far below much of the modern world. Costs 50% higher than other modern  health care systems. Forty-five to 50 million  not covered. Huge overhead to finance cherry-picking  administrative costs	"We need to question the very basis of our insurance system i.e. ""moral hazard""."	As employers cut jobs and benefits due to costs  of health care and employee out of pocket costs  escalate for those who do have a job the solution will be obvious. Smething like the Federal employee health plan with the government picking up the premiums for those unable to ay.	Single payer.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	11/22/05 2:55 PM
2406	Most concerning is that money is more a priority than actual health.  The affordability has been more focused on corporate affordability than personal affordability.	"yes, i feel that everyone must be accountable for their part in paying for healthcare.  Too many abuse the currant system, and think they deserve free care."	I know that the working public would not have a problem with increases if the percentage of the public on unemployment and public aid had to be accountable for a percentage of their bills also. this would cut back on the abuse of the system conciderably.	accountability	male	NULL	NULL	White	NULL	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	11/22/05 2:56 PM
2407	Too expensive for the vast majority  Not enough emphasis on prevention	"Yes - can be made less expensive, and there should be a national health plan."	"Do not believe that any trade-offs are necessary.  If we switch from a for-very-large-profit health plan (as today) to a system bent more on health care, we could maintain (probably improve) current levels of health care. "	A national health plan funded by taxation.	male	NULL	No	Asian	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	11/22/05 2:58 PM
2408	"The number of uninsured people, and the fact that any gap in employment means loss of coverage for most working people who are lucky enough to have it as a benefit."	"There ought to be a single-payer system, with the government providing comprehensive insurance for every American."	"I am willing to pay some more in taxes to have the system simplified, and to have the pressure taken off of employers to provide insurance when it costs more every year for them to do so, thus squeezing other benefits, investments in productivity and new jobs."	Single-payer system!	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	11/22/05 2:58 PM
2409	"Outrages cost after insurance has already been billed! Many items not covered. Corruption/greed within the health care filled. Outrages deductibles/co-pays, etc.."	"More needs to come from the government, even if that means raising taxes a little to cover it, I would rather pay a little more taxes and have free/very low cost health care for every person, and knowing there will not be a surprise bill because the government will cover it, than to pay sometimes hundreds for a balance which insurance will not pay, etc.."	Hopefully a little higher taxes. 	"Free or very low-cost health care for all, such as Medi-cal for all....especially those making poverty wages but still do not qualify for medi-cal because their job has insurane, however when a person makes low wages they cannot afford the co-payments, etc. the working poor need free health care."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/22/05 3:00 PM
2410	"I think the way we pay for health care is confusing and misleading. Decent, basic care should not be a commodity, influenced by the price the market decides."	"I think we need a Universal Medicare for All system, where the insurance companies no longer fight for profits, but for people's health."	"Raise my taxes to pay for a healthier America. If everyone has access to decent health care, we all are healthier."	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	11/22/05 3:03 PM
2411	"The cost of care, especially the increasingly high cost of prescription drugs.  The availability to services based on my doctor's diagnosis and assessment and not on the dictates of the insurance company.  I would like to feel the assurance that my health care decisions are really and completely based on my doctor's recommendations and my choice.  I greatly fear that is not currently the case in all situations. "	We need universal healthcare. Multiple payor sources means many do without.  It also means that payor sources dictate medical treatment.	"I don't know whether the American people are willing to make any trade offs so that all can have health care.  I do not think that the government or the corporate world are willing to make the necessary changes to allow for good, safe, adequate healthcare. "	"Health care needs to be readily available to everyone in a timely, accessible environment where people are treated with dignity and respect, whether or not they have a job that makes it possible for them to have insurance that they can afford and actually pays for needed healthcare services. "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	11/22/05 3:03 PM
2412	"the premiums are  not affordable, the costs are out of control."	"other countries have ways of paying for health care , reduce the costs and find a way for government to help out more."	"raise the gas tax, alcohol tax, cigarette tax etc. to pay for half of health care costs. Corporations today are too greedy, their profits are huge and their unwilling to provide health care for their staff. Corporations run the country!"	"government regulation of costs , costs of health care visits and proceedures are rediculous! we need national health care for everyone! the richest nation on earth with a mult-trillon dollar economy and unaffordable health care for its people. Don't wait for Bush to do anything!"	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	11/22/05 3:04 PM
2413	"The prohibitive cost of health care for middle class Americans is what concerns me most.  As a person with a chronic illness, I am also concerned about losing my coverage and then being unable to obtain affordable coverage again due to my pre-existing condition."	I think the government needs to take a larger role to make sure that health care is affordable and available to all.	I think most Americans would be willing to pay higher taxes to cover a universal health care plan that gave affordable access to everyone.	I would take a look at what some of the European nations have done with universal health care.  Their systems are not perfect but I think that we can learn from what they have done and develop a system that will work for us.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	11/22/05 3:05 PM
2414	High cost.  Lack of availability for many.  Inefficiency.	Single payor system similar to the Canadian system.	"I don't know if they are willing, but they need to give up the,""any study, any treatment on demand"" idea and accept medicine baased on need."	Single payer system	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	11/22/05 3:05 PM
2415	cost and doesn't cover much	the government should do more	none	force the government to help people by making sure that health ins. is reasonable and the coverage will cover all medical bills and drugs.	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	11/22/05 3:19 PM
2416	"I believe that the insurance companys and hospitals should be monitored and regulated, it's a shame that you pay $5.00 dollars for a tylenol, every thing is so inflated and then passed on to the consumer. I was going to pt and they put a cold compress on my neck. (the compress was a dixie cup full of tap water) I was told how to do it. Well any way the bill was sent to me in error and the insurance company had been charged $25.00 for some water in a dixie cup, but would not pay the $32.00 or whatever it was for the medicine to make me feel better, anyway I went all over my place of employement, benefits, medical telling anyone that was there, and the people that should have been concerned just looked at me and said , oh wow. Know what? You should have been reporting that, because in the end the working people pay the price."	"No, because again if there were some one to monitor insurance companys and hospitals and doctors then the American people would not be over charged. I understand about the doctors cost to cover different types of policys (here we go again insurances) Yes for people that are un insured they should not have to pay the full shot. For instance, I have insurance and what my insurance does not pay that's the end of the ball game they have to take what the insurance company allows,( which is what it should cost any way)but the un insured person will get hounded to death until they are forced to committ  themselves to a payment plan for the rest of their life and then pray that they dont get sick again.The playing field should be level, the middle class pays the price."	We have made enough trade offs.	Make heatlth care more affordable. Let's stop lining the corporate pockets.	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	11/22/05 3:29 PM
2418	Lack of health care and coverage for all and the lack of uniform quality care; the waste and expense of health care	YES! A national universal single-payer health care system for starters.	"NO TRADE-OFFS!!! A well-managed, cost-controlled health care system can eliminate waste and save money without any decline of acceptable medicine"	"A NATIONAL SINGLE-PAYER HEALTH CARE SYSTEM, like Medicare or a medical version of Social Security."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	11/22/05 3:38 PM
2419	 The high cost of health care concerns most of all the issues in America.	We should have a socialized medicine/health care in America. 	Not sure	 Socialize the health care system in this country.	female	NULL	Yes	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	11/22/05 3:48 PM
2420	Employers not willing to provide coverage as a condition of employment.	Anyone who employs workers must pay for insurance for the employee.	All trade-offs have been forced on the American public!	"A form of cost control on Doctors,Hospitals,Labs and Drugs!  "	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	11/22/05 3:50 PM
2421	Many people not covered	I favor a Single Payer System	"Unreasonable benefits should not be provided. Therwise, there should be no sacrifice."	Initiate a Single Payer System	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	11/22/05 3:50 PM
2422	Many Americans now have no health care coverage because the cost is prohibitive or unavailable. This social safety net ought to cover all Americans.	The only alternative to the current system that is leaving so many Americans uninsured is a single-payer universal health care system.	"I don't think that tradeoffs have to be made. We currently pay enough to have universal health-care coverage if the private middle man was eliminated. CIGNA, for example, has an overhead of about 30% in administrative cost. We can and must do better!"	I have already made it! We need a single-payer universal health care system modeled on the Canadian system but financed at the level of the French system. Put people first!	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	11/22/05 3:55 PM
2423	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/22/05 3:56 PM
2424	not having affordabble health care for everyone.	i think the government should pay for all health care costs.	i would be willing to pay higher taxes.	freeze the cost so they cant keep going up.	female	NULL	No	White	Some high school	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SD	11/22/05 4:01 PM
2427	"That psychiatric medicines and therapy are so expensive.  Even with health insurance, people pay higher co-pays to see a psychiatrist than a family doctor.  Without insurance, people cannot afford their medications or appointments."	I'm not informed enough to answer this.  But I think the government should pay for it all.	I don't think Americans or anyone should have to make any trade-offs for these things.	Education!  Things like this site to inform people like me.  	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	11/22/05 4:11 PM
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2429	"Low costs for perscriptions, low copays, broad range in-network doctors"	"yes, the employer should pay for the whole thing with a government subsity"	less spending on wasteful government projects	Low Cost	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	11/22/05 4:20 PM
2430	The fact that it is health care for some and not for all	I think it should be a right of every citizen and it should be paid for by the government	"There should be no cost for basic care - for expensive options, individuals could have private insurance to help cover the cost or pay out of pocket."	"make it universal, based on citizenship rather than employment"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	11/22/05 4:24 PM
2432	no longer provide family coverage by employers. too expensive. co-pays are too high. pre exsisting conditions are not covered. prescription drugs are over priced.	total socialized medicine.	Higher doctor office payments in return for better drug and hospital coverage.	socialized medicine.	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	11/22/05 4:25 PM
2433	"1) the only industrial country which does not provide its citizens with a national Health care!    2) Lack of the national health care is not only effecting the working class and the wage earners but also forcing the business to cut back on the employment and lay workers off, therefore affecting U.S.A.'s productivity and the competition in the world.    3) Who are the few who get the benefits of the present situation; Pharmaceutical corporations and HMO corporations and Insurance corporations?    4) Who are the losers; majority of the public, including U.S. business.    "	We need a national coverage with a national organization to oversee this activity. I do not hear a big corruption in the Canadian style of managing such enterprise when it is done by an honest government and a watchdog from Labor and non-profit consumer organizations to oversee.	"If it can be shown that the public ends up paying less now, or paying less in the future (by cutting the bureaucracy) and getting an accessible, dependable services, with their own choice of physician (or a large degree of freedom to chose) they would go for it."	"I suppose this question refers to the accessibility since the quality of the health care in U.S. is one of the best one in the world.  For the accessibility, U.S. needs to implement a national program.  Study Canadian or Scandinavian plans for their health cares.  "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	11/22/05 4:34 PM
2434	THE COST.	I THINK THE GOVERNMENT SURE PAY FOR ALL HEALTH CARE.	GOVERNMENT PAYS 80% AND WE PAY 20%.	STOP SPENDING MONEY ON THE WAR.	female	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	11/22/05 4:38 PM
2435	The cost.    Its going to be that no one will be able to get quality healthcare.  	"Healthcare should be available to everyone.    Do not let the insurance companies and drug companies decide on what we should pay.  They should not have lobbiest, or be allowed to give any type of gifts to docotes, politicians etc..."	"There should be no trade off.  Let the insurance and drug companies know there going to be watch, and no special favors.    Also wlhen a politician leaves the office, there insurance should go, just like the working people in this country."	"stop having the drug companies running the system  the drug companies should not be allowed to give anything to doctors (this includes pens, dinners, trips)  if doctors stop taking these incentives  alot of money could be saved  drug companies have to be held responsable about the prices of drugs"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	11/22/05 4:39 PM
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2436	The USA treats health care as if it were a privilege.  It should be a right. 	"National Health as in England, France, Cuba, etc."	End the war	National Health care as a right for all Americans	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	11/22/05 4:44 PM
2437	What it is costing in goods and services due to higher pricing passed onto the employers. Not to mention the outrageous cost of health care to begin with.	"Yes. Universal, affordable health care. Make the Medical Community and the Prescription Drug companies become accountable for what they charge."	Co-pays as we do now.	Universal Health Care	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	11/22/05 4:44 PM
2438	"1) that not everyone has insurance  2) that seniors 55 - 65 are not covered if you  retire early.  3) that major corporations such as Walmart, drive  everyones costs up by not providing afforadable health care to their employees."	I think that company's that are large should be required to provide health care to their employees. I think that medicare should have a provision that 55 and older could buy into the plan for a reasonable payment.	I think the public would pay more taxes to ensure health coverage if it was an equal percentage for everyone.	enact laws to stop non-union company's from not providing proper health care thereby making  the rest of the people foot the bill.	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	11/22/05 4:48 PM
2439	"Retired Seniors that are under the age of 65. I haven't had health insurance in over 5 years. I have to go to Mexico to get my prescriptions filled. I don't even go to a doctor unless I feel as if I am on my death bed, even then, I don't go through with expensive lab. work. I only get $171.00 retirement from the union and not quite $700.00 from S.S. I can't afford health care."	Why not like Canada system?	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	11/22/05 4:52 PM
2440	That there won't be any affordable health care. This is due to Wal Mart. The biggest scum sucking pig cooperation in the world.	Make Wal Mart pay its fair share.	Kill off Wal Mart!	Tell Congress to make Wal Mart pay its fair share. 	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	11/22/05 4:55 PM
2441	the tiered medical system that allows the well to do to have health care at the expense of working class Americans.	Full funded government health care.  It takes the onus off business and the indvidual.	"The American public at this time is not ready to make any trade offs, that is the problem.  It will take a concerted effort to educate the public, especially the uninformed, that perhaps higher taxes both income and luxury goods are necessary to provide for the common welfare."	"Mentioned above, concereted effort to inform and rally the public to push for federal health coverage for all."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	11/22/05 4:58 PM
2442	"That I spend more on my cat's health care than employers or our government are willing to divert from tax breaks for the wealthy to taking care of our working poor, and that many people who are unable to work through no fault of their own are seen as blood suckers by many Americans."	"There should be a government financed system that can avoid the pitfalls of ""managed care""  leaving incentive for good treatment."	cut out the tax breaks for the wealthy and channel the money to health care.	get Bush out of office.  Publicize the true problems we have and the cost to the taxpayer for these unconsionable tax breaks	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	11/22/05 5:08 PM
2443	"price, accountability of doctors, pharmaceuticals, ins. co's, quality of care"	no	I believe that health care is as expensive as it is because of greed	It's unfair to cut off a course of action for consumers (tort legislation) without requiring higher standards of accountability of those providing services and care. 	female	NULL	No	Black or African American	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	11/22/05 5:10 PM
2444	"That I spend more on my cat's health care than employers or our government are willing to divert from tax breaks for the wealthy to taking care of our working poor, and that many people who are unable to work through no fault of their own are seen as blood suckers by many Americans."	"There should be a government financed system that can avoid the pitfalls of ""managed care""  leaving incentive for good treatment."	cut out the tax breaks for the wealthy and channel the money to health care.	get Bush out of office.  Publicize the true problems we have and the cost to the taxpayer for these unconsionable tax breaks	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	11/22/05 5:10 PM
2445	"Well, I am an experienced health care professional, 53 years old, working 2 jobs, am a family nurse practitioner, and have no health insurance, nor do my grown children."	"of course, but I need a book, not a paragraph.  Essentially, we need to lose the insurance paradigm as we know it and start over. As the owner, and sole practitioner of my holistic family practice for the last 8 years, and as an NP since 1983, I know what we need: catastrophic coverage for accidents and surgical/trauma needs, preventive care for all through national health care, and a non-taxed and even tax credited fee for service set-up so all can choose their providers, traditional and non-traditional, as needed."	"The waste and mis-use of our health care dollars, for unnecessary meds and services, and stop-gap, band-aid medical solutions which only increase the costs, if changed, will bring in all the financing we need.  "	Sub-acute and chronic care with prevention services free or sliding scale for all americans. That would prevent most chronic diseases after cycling through the present already affected individuals.  Prevention means teaching in a manner that works.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DE	11/22/05 5:12 PM
2446	"That our government doesn't seem to be able to come up with a health plan for everyone.  It isn't rocket science, other countries have been able to do this."	"Yes, health care should be available to everyone and payment should be determined by a sliding scale according to your earnings."	The sliding scale I mentioned above.	Get the people out of public office that can't make this happen.	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/22/05 5:16 PM
2447	We should have national Health care like any other western  country	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	11/22/05 5:16 PM
2448	The cost of medical care..and the fact that what was promised as lifetime medical at retirement is slowly being taken away from us.	Yes socalized medicine so everyone is covered for medical and medicine	"Boy, you got me on that one..at my age I don't have much and as it and is way to expensve."	Make it affordable for all and reasonably priced for old and young	female	NULL	No	White	Some high school	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	11/22/05 5:21 PM
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2450	That within a few years most people won't be able to afford it.	I think changes should be made that lower the cost of health care.  Maybe changing some of the litigation rules so doctors and hospitals don't have enormous costs to cover liablilty.	I think that stopping the flood of immigration would certainly help.	"Stop covering illegals and use that money to cover Americans.  Stop frivilous lawsuits, and fraud."	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	11/22/05 5:24 PM
2451	High cost	"Government needs to make health and medical treatment available for everyone, with an emphasis on preventive medicine."	Stop wars.	Use a sytem similar the the one used in France.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	11/22/05 5:31 PM
2452	     Health care is unafordable for most working Americans!	     All employers should be pay some abount for health care.  Loopholes should be eliminated.  	  Less S.S. in exchange for better health care.	"   Every American should have health care, not only the rich.  The Federal government should set an example, and provide health care for all their employees."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/22/05 5:38 PM
2453	"Adequate health care should be available to all Americans. Our system is atiquated and inefficient. More than 46 million Americans are uninsured, and for most Americans, their health care plans are not adequate. Also, our health care system seems to be for the benefit of corporate interests, not for individuals."	"We need a single payer system, paid for by our taxes and covering all Americans equally. We need to totally change our national policy. It's time to end privatization of the system in the form of  a Medicare drug plan that only benefits corporate interests, and also the for-profit medical insurance plans."	"I would hope none, but I have no way of knowing, as political spin will continue to try and influence the public thinking on these questions."	"Again, we need a single-payer, tax supported system which will provide adequate health care equally for all Americans. Politics needs to be taken out of the equation. If we do this, costs will go down and delivery of medical care will improve."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	11/22/05 5:51 PM
2454	It is so expensive and there is no help. I have insurance that is very expensive and I have $5000 deductible because that is all I can afford. People who do not have health care are in real trouble. 	We should have a national health care system.	Cut the 800 billion dollars we are spending destroying Iraq and put it to work in this country.	A national healthy care system	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	11/22/05 5:55 PM
2455	"That many people can't afford it, including many of my friends with college degress who don't have full-time jobs with benefits."	"Yes, single-payer health care--extend Medicare to everyone."	I think most people would be perfectly happy with progressive taxes to support a national health care program.	"We need single-payer health care, now."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	RI	11/22/05 5:58 PM
2456	I need health insurance that doesn't discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions or any health condition that currently causes an individual to be denied health insurance.  I have to work for a company that I don't want to just because I can't get insurance on the open market.	"Insurance should be affordable regardless of age.  The older you get, the more you have to pay.  The costs should be even across the board, because eventually, everyone ages or develops health conditions that need to be treated."	"Doctors need to consider the costs involved in prescribing drugs, and use the most effective drug with the least cost.  Drugs companies should quit advertising their expensive drugs.  We need to see that the cost of malpractise insurance is reduced, but at the same time, see that there is effective oversight on doctors, so that ones that are causing problems are not allowed to continue to cause problems.  "	We need to stop discriminating against the small business owners and individuals who can't get insurance.  There should be no discrimination against anyone with pre-existing health conditions 	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	11/22/05 6:02 PM
2457	"That without affordable health care, most Americans will loose everything they have worked their whole lives for over a sickness, that should have been taken care of by having affordable health care.  Without it, people will let things go, that should be taken care of, and because they could not afford to take care of early symptoms, the problem will become a much more serious illness."	"The government should do something to stop the rising healthcare costs, they can put restrictions on other things, why not healthcare industy also?"	NULL	"Have the government put a limit on the cost of healthcare, that is fair to all americans."	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	11/22/05 6:27 PM
2458	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	Yes	Decline to answer	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	11/22/05 6:33 PM
2459	The number of uninsured Americans & the cost of having health insurance.	Socialize it!	"If we had universal coverage, as they do in Europe & other progressive countries, the only 'trade off' is prioitizing expenditure of our tax dollars"	"Socialize it, but OF COURSE:  DON'T use the term ""Socialized Medicine""!  The insurers are the ONLY ones benefitting from our current system; and, of course, they will be THE group to keep 'universal coverage' from becoming a reality."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	11/22/05 6:47 PM
2460	The rising costs of health care!! The inablity of many to pay for it. The cost burden to good employers who pay health care for employees. Also the costs stress union H&W funds.	"This is a difficult question, this system is not broken but does need some checks and balances to lower the costs for all concerned parties. Having some health care for all in America would be a start."	"We have already had wages frozen due to the cost of benefits, but needed our independent companies to survive against a Super Wal-Mart. Health Care or a raise, with the cost of health care you have no choice."	"Get Wal-Mart to pay their fair share, it would help the government and the taxpayers"	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	11/22/05 6:48 PM
2461	We  pay too much for poorer health care than most industrialized  countries.	"We need a non profit, nationalized system of health care which is funded by our tax dollars. We also need one which is overseen adequately to prevent fraudulent billing and substandard care."	"The American public doesn't matter to the congress and administration. If it did, we wouldn't have Medicare part D which is essentially a giveaway to pharmaceuticals."	A centralized one system of disbursement instead of a pile of for profit insurance companies.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	11/22/05 6:52 PM
2462	Many people like myself have no health insurance.	"It should be replaced by single-payer universal health care or medicare for everyone as they have in Canada, and as proposed by Rep. Dennis Kucinich and Rep. John Conyers."	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	11/22/05 7:13 PM
2463	runaway costs and decreasing coverage  the amount of uninsured americans	"a national minimal health care program such as medicare for all americans, not just the elderly, to be paid by all employers"	none	restrict rising cost by government controls on cost increases on care and prescriptions costs.  reward good health practices and punish those who don't live a healthy lifestyle with either lower or higher costs of care	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	11/22/05 7:22 PM
2464	"Not affordable, Quality of care"	One payor system	This is the riches country in the world we can afford health care	one program to cover everyone	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	11/22/05 7:25 PM
2465	Health care only goes as far as your money.	The government should pay if an individual can't.	I'm not sure what you mean by trade offs.	"No person should be denied health care, which includes mental health."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	11/22/05 7:34 PM
2466	The rip off of the so called medicare medical and prescription plan. Also Higher Insurance and copayments rates for less benifits.	Socialized Medical and prescriptions.	None.	Use President Clinton's Socialized Medical Plan!!! Or model off of the plan outlined in SB 840 here in Calif.	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/22/05 7:38 PM
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2468	THAT EVENTUALLY (AND I MEAN VERY SOON) AMERICANS  WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HAVE CHOICES	"EMPLOYERS, HEALTHWORKS, AND/OR UNIONS SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DEMAND AMERICANS ON CERTAIN PRESCRIPTIONS TO USE A MAIL ORDER PROGRAM IF THEY AREN'T COMFORTABLE DOING SO"	"IS THIS A TRICK QUESTION?...I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY  THERE WOULD HAVE TO BE TRADE-OFFS TO BEGIN WITH...  ANYWAY, RETAIL RX PRICES ARE SO INFLATED THAT AMERICANS HEALTH IS BEING TRADED"	LISTEN HONESTLY TO WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	11/22/05 7:39 PM
2469	NO ONE CAN PAY FOR IT	NOT SURE	GOVERNMENT NEED TO LOWER HEALTH CARE AND NOW.	NO MORE DEDUCTIBLE	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	11/22/05 7:49 PM
2470	Access. We need a single-payer health plan JUST LIKE EVERY OTHER DEVELOPED COUNTRY IN THE WORLD.	"Yes, single payer health care would be funded by a different tax mix on people & employers. There are numerous good models to follow on this."	"People are willing to have a higher tax burden to support health care. Single payer requires this, but also has efficiencies that lower per-capita expenditures overall as evidenced by Canada, Europe, etc."	Single-payer health care to reduce administrative costs & provide cradle to grave care with less administrative overhead. 	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	11/22/05 7:57 PM
2471	The fact that basic healthcare is not available to everyone. 	"Yes. I favor the Canadian system - UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE. Everyone pays into it and we all get healthcare, but it should be run by the government - NOT by private insurance!"	"Cutting the ridiculous budget that is spent on defense. Over half the budget goes on that. Also, Congress should be forced to have the same health care system as every other American. "	"As above: make Congress enjoy the same health care all other Americans have and take away their special healthcare needs as they are at present. Until this happens, we will never get Universal Healthcare in America."	male	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/22/05 8:05 PM
2472	Cannot afford good care	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	11/22/05 8:12 PM
2473	"It is corrupt. The conflict of interest with the FDA 's 25% income (paying the salaries of their top dicision makers) coming from Monsanto,  Dupont or other phamacuticles companies trying to get their food and drugs past. Also the focus is on restoritive and not preventative.  The whole foundation of the medical business is fundamentally wrong. Look at europe for a good example. Especially here in Oregon, with so many alternative medicine practices and their success. "	"Yes. It is a scam and everyone except the elders know this. Put the burden on the companies who profit from promoting or selling products and services that cause disease. Plenty of studies prove who is guilty, example, fast foods, cigerettes, pesticydes, pharmacuticles. Put more government money in preventative. Help our precious children give them  a healthy breakfast/lunch school program. Teach a whole food diet and life time fun physical activities at school, example yoga. Teach them they are responsible for their health and not western medicine.  Socrates ""Physicians heal thyself"""	It is not a matter of money. People want to learn about a whole food diet. They want to go organic and learn how to afford it. They want to exersize and they are doing it. The money just needs to shift around.	EDUCATION! Starting with our youth.	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/22/05 8:14 PM
2474	The disparity in access to health care is one of the economic factors dividing our country betweeen the wealthy and everybody else.	Health care should be de-linked from employment.  	"High cost diagnostic and intervention procedures should be rationed according to need, not ability to pay."	Replace all health insurance companies with a single publicly funded and publicly accountable insurer.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/22/05 8:21 PM
2475	"So many people without it, I know of many cases were people have paid a Dr. visit, yet they could afford the precripstions, does that make sense, and a Dr. visit could cut someones pay check in half."	National health care for all.	"Dont know much, but Im sure that you should'n be trading off."	"Stop wasting money (billions) on senseless killing and wars were we don't belong, take care of home first, We are supposed to be the most powerful and richest country in the world, is it true?? not for our citizens, remember Katrina?????, get Bush the hell out."	male	NULL	Yes	Other	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	11/22/05 8:29 PM
2476	High cost.	More of our tax dollars being spent by the government for care of American citizens' health and less tax money squandered on military misadventures like the war in Iraq.	"I am disgusted by the idea that we need to make ""trade-offs"" in providing for the well-being of our own citizenry, while tax money is being funneled back to the ultra wealthy by the Bush administration's policies, billions are being thrown down a black hole in Iraq, and huge corporations are reaping the benefits of enormous government contracts, subsidies and record profits."	"All Americans should be entitled to a single, unified and efficient health care system that covers the entire country. "	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	11/22/05 8:36 PM
2477	"The way the Congress has ignored the problem, not only now, but for the last twenty years! We need to elect people who will work for US!"	"We have paid enough money into Social Security since it began to pay for everyone's medical after we retire, if they had not taken so much out of it!"	"Don't like trade-offs, if you work your whole life you should have it."	1. Change people in Congress.  2. Have more doctors from the U.S.A. 	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	11/22/05 8:40 PM
2478	The high number of uninsured Americans.  Corporate and insurance profits are more important than the health of all Americans?  I DON'T THINK SO!	"Institute a single payer, Canadian-style system immediately.  "	Slightly higher taxes...and I emphasize slightly.  Money could easily be taken from the Pentagon's bloated budget to subsidize universal coverage.	"Institute a single payer, Canadian-style system immediately!"	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	11/22/05 8:43 PM
2479	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	11/22/05 8:49 PM
2480	It's getting more and more expensive and less and less effective.	We should move to a single payer system based on either the Congressional or the medicare model.	We could stop wasting so much money on unnecessary wars.	Single Payer	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	11/22/05 9:05 PM
2481	"Cost,I don't do a lot of thing I should because of the cost."	"Someway to make it affordable,insurance co. need to fix there proplem."	"I don't think a trare off is needed, the profits insurance co. make is stupid at best."	Puplic health care.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	11/22/05 9:08 PM
2482	The extremly high cost of coverage put on our employers shoulders	Government should provide 1/2 the cost of health care. This would make it more affordable for employers & self employed people	"Making recpients responsible for a minor charge for outpatient &Doctor offfice visits. If its all free , it willbe abused & not appreciated."	making health care providers be competative in thier services  just as all other business must be in the real world. This would bring the most dramatic reduction in health care	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	11/22/05 9:23 PM
2483	that working  middle class and low income can not afford health care.	"yes! government should put a cap on what health care and drug companies can charge, because people have just gotten greedy!"	work 3  hours a week.to pay for coverage.but no more because employer's should also bear responsibility for health care .the big ceo's line there pockets at the cost of there employee's in other words they have money to also help kick in more.	put a cap on the health care industry.	male	NULL	Yes	NULL	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/22/05 9:40 PM
2484	The affordability for most Americans.	Develop a system that everyone could obtain insurance through Medicare.  Medicare already has a system for evaluating and paying claims.  A premium system could simply be developed so that every American could obtain affordable health care.	Increased taxes and/or decreased net income	Use Medicare and get rid of George W. Bush as President.	female	NULL	NULL	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	11/22/05 10:13 PM
2485	It is not affordable.	There should be a single payer system as there is in Europe.	"At this point, I don't think there would be any trade-offs (Using Cal. State Sen. Sheila Kuehl's current proposal as a model). The way I understand it, healthcare under her bill would be more affordable for everyone."	Listen to Sheila Kuehl's research and recommendations.	female	NULL	Yes	Other	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/22/05 10:37 PM
2486	"Many thousands of American adults and children are totally without health care.  Public Health professionals know that this endangers all of us, because disease among the uninsured will cause epidemics throughout our country."	I think that the government should be the only provider of health insurance and that every American should be covered by this health insurance.  Huge savings of monies now going to private insurers plus special taxes would pay for health care for all.	"I think Americans would be willing to pay a fair and equitable tax for this benefit.  Wealthy Americans, desiring elitist care, would have the option to acquire it through private payment."	"Do away with our present dysfunctional system of fragmented delivery of health care services.  A single payer (government) system of health care would be cost effective and provide decent, although not luxurious, health care for all."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/22/05 11:00 PM
2487	"My greatest concern is that over 45 million of my fellow Americans have NO healthcare coverage! Along with this millions have very inadequate healthcare coverage!    At any given day I too could be without healthcare,due to the fact that our government protects the rights of corporations to make profit over the people's right to quality healthcare!"	Rescind the tax breaks Bush gave the wealthy! Stop the war in Iraq and the waste of billions of dollars every week!	"I believe that we are ready and willing to pay for adequate healthcare along with government subsidy. We have sacrificed too long with great consequencess, therefore the trade off is simple:  Tax The Rich! Healthcare For All!"	"The entire concept of healthcare must be reformed in order to make it a service driven issue rather than profit driven.    When we accept the fact that healthcare is a right and NOT a privilege or commodity, then the needed changes in our system will occur.    Just like jim crow discrimination was immoral, so whould our people's inaccessibility to healthcare! We must organize, educate and mobilize! "	male	NULL	Yes	NULL	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	11/22/05 11:03 PM
2488	NULL	NULL	I pay $5 or nothing every time I go to a doctor. I think Americans would be willing to pay more for each visit as long as the expensive treatments were covered in return for lower premiums.	NULL	male	NULL	No	White	NULL	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	11/22/05 11:15 PM
2489	cost	get rid of ins. companies	none	total involvement from everyone	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	11/22/05 11:25 PM
2490	Doctors don't have enough time to attend to individual patients.  There are far too many errors in the system.  We must cut the waste the savings would finance universal health care.	We must implement employe mandates.  Health insurance should be condition of employment.  	There's no reason for trade-offs.  If we cut just 40% of the current waste we could pay for coverage for all.	Remove the bean counters from the process.  Non-medical personnel at HMO's should not decide whether a medical procedure is warranted.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DC	11/22/05 11:25 PM
2491	"There are many people, especially children, who don't have adequate health care."	We should explore the government plans in the rest of the developed world and try to arrive at something that provides adequate health care for all.	Major changes have already taken place in health csre delivery and we're living with them.    	Use tax money to provide care for children.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	11/22/05 11:28 PM
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2493	I'm concerned that underprivileged people go without.	Priority should shift from competition and profit to rational cooperation.	I'd be willing to take some money away from our war industry to finance universal health care coverage.	Nationalize it.  Or else require that states provide it for their citizens and then see what system works best.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	11/22/05 11:34 PM
2494	IT'S EXPENSIVE AND OF LOW QUALITY.	I THINK A SOCIAL SYSTEM COMPRISED OF EVERY AMERICAN FROM THE DAY THEY'RE BORN TO THE DAY THEY DIE PAID FOR BY EVERY AMERICAN WILL NOT DENY ANYONE ADEQUATE HEALTH COVERAGE.	AMERICANS ARE LITERALLY DYING FOR A LOW COST UNIVERSAL HEALTH PLAN.	UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE IS THE ANSWER TO AMERICA'S CURRENT HEALTH CARE DILEMMA.	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	11/22/05 11:45 PM
2495	"The high cost of even the most simple kind of care. We are being goudged by these doctors as they buy their mansions, go on luxury trips, have the most expensive of everything. They get these things off the sweat of hard working people who could not even begin to have some of these things.  "	"We need to get health insurance seperated from employment. There was a time when it worked but it no longer does. We need single payer, universal health care. Several states have had health insurance paid thru payroll. It works."	We should not have to make any trade offs. Why should we? The systems is all wrong.	"A single payer, universal system."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	11/23/05 12:23 AM
2496	Too many people have no health care insurance.  We need Universal Health Care that makes health care a right not a privilege.	"Yes, we need the Single Payer Plan like Canada has."	I think we need to have a plan related to Medicare that is open to people of all ages - just as Congress has!	Enact a Single Payer Plan through Federal law.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	11/23/05 12:31 AM
2497	That I belong to a union and don't have health benefits from Giant Eagle.  This isn't fair because I lost my health benefits for the last year and half.	That health care should never been taken off me because my employer couldn't afford it anymore.  I can't afford to pay my own health care benefits.	That people living off government programs should work for benefits and should not get hand outs.	Make it affordable to all americans  and everyone pay for benefits not only the workers also the ones living on government programs so than it is fair everyone pays the same for health care.	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	11/23/05 12:38 AM
2498	All americans should have healthcare. Either provided by the goverment or their employeer	if your employed your job should provide you with healthcare and pay 3/4 of the cost	if all employeers had healthcare for their employees the goverment would not have to pay so much for workers without health insurance. Give the employeer a tax break with the extra money	every employeer should provide and pay for 3/4 of the cost of heathcare for their employees and familys	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/23/05 12:38 AM
2499	"My greatest concern about healthcare in America today is that, because of its cost, it is unavailable to a great many Americans."	I believe that America needs and deserves a single-payer healthcare system administered by the federal government.	"If they knew that a single-payer healthcare syetem would eliminate health insurance premiums, copays, out-of-network charges, and inflated healthcare costs due to insurance company profit margins, I firmly believe that the American public would be more than willing to fund a single-payer healthcare system with tax dollars."	My single most important recommendation to improve healthcare for all Americans is to make healthcare available to all Americans via a single-payer system.  	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	11/23/05 12:41 AM
2500	"Our health care ""system"" is completely dysfunctional!  Its primary purpose seems to be to enrich the corporations that make drugs and provide medical ""care"", with little or no concern for the people whose health it is supposed to protect."	"We need to go to a single payer system, such as exists in Canada.  The government should be the payer and should provide health care for all Americans.  The government should also have the authority to use its buying power to negotiate the best possible prices on all medicines."	I don't really know.  I have pretty much lost faith in the American public since they have very nearly elected George Bush president twice!	Get rid of the private insurance companies providing health insurance and have universal health care with a single payer - government insurance!	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/23/05 1:06 AM
2501	I can't afford it and I have three kids.  The cost goes up every year along with the price of everything else and my wages havn't risen in five years. I'm afraid to go to a doctor when I am sick because I Know that the office charges nearly double for people who are not on a plan than for people who are.	There are other countries that have universal health care plans and from what I have learned these systems are quite successful. The only thing that will turn people off is that these countries take a bit more in taxes. The Idea that is worth looking into is to examine all the other plans find the things that work the best of those and use it here. We don't have to reinvent the wheel when ther's a dozen or more varieties already rolling around.	If the American public is informed about how much money they will be saving from there employer provided plan where the cost is split or on the plan the individual pays for I believe an increase in taxes for a universal plan will look like a drop in the bucket.	The most important thing is affordability if the plan is paid for out of taxes a little bit at a time comes out of a pay check and a lot more people are paying for it which should help to keep the costs lower.	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/23/05 1:28 AM
2502	"My greatest concern is for people who are neither rich nor poor. We make 30 dollars a month too much to qualify for any assistance, and we are going to be in sad shape because our daughter needs another eye surgery and we have dental work that needs to get taken care of.  My husband just finished his PhD and we got our first real job. Inorder to have basic dentistry we are going to have to get a loan. (Who can afford to see the dentist regularly in college - no one I know. Since we could not afford preventative measures, we are now going to have to really pay.) "	?????? I like the health savings plans as a way to work together. The hard thing is guessing how much you will need. I think they should be more flexible.	I would sacrifice money if I knew it would be used wisely. I would have to feel like the system was credible - which I do not think is the case today. I would also sacrifice time and  energy for the health of my children. It is just hard to see people who work the system and do nothing recieving benefits when we are working our tails off trying to move forward with the system pulling us down.	Federal student health care with low cost opions for the first few years after graduation. Students will then contribute by paying taxes on good salaries for the rest of their lives.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OK	11/23/05 1:29 AM
2503	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	11/23/05 1:50 AM
2504	too expensive	"get rid of the middle man, insurance companies"	no need to trade off anything	"if we took the billions that the insurance companies make for doing what our govt. should do, and give it to the medical establishment, we could all be taken care of.  Nationalize health care. "	male	NULL	No Response	Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	HI	11/23/05 2:24 AM
2505	"It is getting too expensive. It focus more on illness care rather than wellness care. There is no effective preventative medicine program. Just waits for people to get to severe chronic or acute illness. Should expand choice in medical care to all possible modality (alopathic, naturopathic, herbal, nutritional and alternative medicine) and should all be covered by health insurance."	I think the proposal for a single payer and universal health coverage should be explored seriouly. Pooling of financial resource for a collective bargaining for a cost effective medical care.	We maybe willing to pay a higher tax if there are asurance that the extra tax dollars will go to a more cost effective and cheaper cost for healthcare in the long run. 	I think I will favor single payer program. Explore all type of healing and medical care for most cost effective method. Emphasis on wellness care/preventative medicine. It is cheaper economically to keep people healthy in the long run than treating people for diseases and illnesses. 	male	NULL	No	Asian	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/23/05 7:44 AM
2506	"That it is financially out of reach for so many, and when a person has an individual policy there are so many exclusions, with a fear of being dropped at the first serious illness."	" payment by individuals is so expensive, and anyone with a chronic illness or disease often times cannot even get coverage.  I have friends living with HIV, and on disability, blind in one eye, paying over $800 a month.  $800 a month, on disability, blind in one eye...does this not seem incomprehensible!!!!!!  another firend with diabetes who had to move out of state in order to get Medicaid because he simply could not get coverage he could afford in this state."	 I wish I had an answer.  there has got to be an answer though.	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	11/23/05 8:43 AM
2507	No one can afford to get sick.  Health insurance cost more and more and provides less and less.	Are you kidding?  The system stinks!	I'm not entirely sure.  I seem to be trading off a great deal already.	We must have a system similar to medicare.  It is a disgrace that there are uninsured people in this country.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	11/23/05 8:59 AM
2508	My out of pocket exspense	There should be a cap on payments for services. I understand Dr.'s have the same costs but there charges differ so much some times for the same test and sevices	"I like to a health care bank. A team of Doctors, nurses and the such that has a low co-pay or limit once you spent so much."	All age related test and screenings should be paid for to prevent long term or terminal illnesses 	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	11/23/05 9:13 AM
2509	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	11/23/05 9:26 AM
2510	the rising costs	no	n/a	n/a	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	11/23/05 9:53 AM
2511	The fact that so many people are uninsured	"We should get rid of the employment-based health care system and have a system of universal coverage, as most other industrialized countries do."	"I think most people are willing to trade the insecurity that they currently face for a more secure system, however that is comprised. "	Extend Medicare to all Americans.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	11/23/05 9:55 AM
2512	"The disparity between those with insurance and those without.  Also, the cost of insurance if one pays out of pocket.  Due to the lack of insurance, our health care dollars are spent for tertiary care instead of preventative health care."	I think the only fair and equitable way to provide insurance is a nationalized health plan.  I know there are flaws in the plans in other countries; and can we not look at those systems and find a better solution for our population.	"I don't know.  Personally, I would be willing to pay higher taxes to know that I and other Americans would have health care."	"Provide preventative health care, at a minimum."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	11/23/05 10:25 AM
2513	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	11/23/05 10:26 AM
2514	"I want a single payor health care system, so that people don't have to struggle with not being able to affort health care."	"I want a single payor health care system, so that people don't have to struggle with not being able to affort health care."	"I want a single payor health care system, so that people don't have to struggle with not being able to affort health care."	"I want a single payor health care system, so that people don't have to struggle with not being able to affort health care."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	11/23/05 10:54 AM
2515	"My major concern is that physicians are being educated to respond to insurance company concerns and not to be competent physicians.  For example, insurance companies pay 1/2  the fee for mental health diagnoses as other, yet they often take more time, so physicians are encouraged to find a physical problem to code for."	"Yes, insurance should get out of the picture.  People blame HMO's, but it is really insurance companies that are causing the problems and controling the way medicine develops and is practiced.  Most physicians admit that they have to lie regularly to fit their diagnoses into the codes they must use to be paid. I feel that a system of employment by the government, or health subsidies to poor people and cash payments be made.  Now the government is relegated to a policing function as they try to catch fraud etc. Instead the government, in conjunction with practicing physicians ( not the ivory tower types in medical schools) should set rules and satndards.  Personally I think all chronic diseases should be treated by the wonderful public health system we have created and now are dismantling, with the help of consultants.  "	"I think most people want available compassionate care from a single phsycian when possible, not a series of physicians, NP's and PA's.  People would be willing to pay for that care.  I think that medical checking accounts could be established where folks would all get the same amount of money deposited each year from the government taxes and the money would grow but check could only be cashed by a clinic or physician.  Folks with severe or chronic illness could be covered by a special fund which would arrange for payments beyond the standard amount.  thus folks would have control over what they spent their health care dollars on."	We have equated having insurance with having health care in this country.  That is fallacious and needs to be corrected.    Having health care is very different thatn having insurance.	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/23/05 10:55 AM
2516	The millions in this country who have no health care just raise costs for the rest of us.  Hospitals don't receive manna from heaven.	"We need a national health care system; if we are such a superpower, why is this impossible?"	Let's stop occupying Iraq and use that money.	Cancel the tax cuts for the 1% of richest Americans and use that money for national health insurance.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	11/23/05 10:59 AM
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2518	"It's too expensive.  Most people cannot afford the premiums.  Like me!  There's too beuracracy, too many forms to fill out."	"Yes,  there should be a national health care system that even the poorest can receive benefits"	"I don't know.   All I know is what I'm willing to do.   I don't have much faith in the American people  since it is they who elected George Bush for President.   Not once, but TWICE!!!!!!   "	AFFORDABILTY.   The Pharmaceutical companies are in it for profit and profit only.  As a resutl the senior citizens of this country are forced to pay exhorbitant fees for prescription drugs.  I blame President Bush and the Republican party for this.  In my opinion they're criminals and are destroying our country.	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SC	11/23/05 11:02 AM
2519	"I live entirely on my Social Security check.  I don't have enough to pay the Medicare premiums, let alone pay for the deductable even if I could afford Medicare.  I certainly can't afford the supplementary plans that are available.  It seems that everyone with children who lives in Illinois is given some health insurance while the rest of us are forgotten.  I am 68 years old and I know I will be likely to need medical help in the future; I'm lucky I haven't had a medical emergency before; yet there is no way for me to get the help I need.  We are all American citizens.  It seems to me that we should all be cared for, particularly as the government and the Fed closely control the economy with the use of high interest rates to prevent inflation, wrecking the job market and making it virtually impossible to get a decent job."	"I don't think health care should be furnished by employers.  Some of them don't furnish it at all and some do not provide the quality care that is needed.  Every American should have equal access to health care; this is a necessity, not a luxury.  Individual payment works fine if you can afford it, but most people can't, particularly now that people are living longer and some are living with medical conditions that require constant treatment.  The government should provide a uniform system of health care benefits that would guarantee that all of us would have the care we need.  All the other developed countries do it, and we should too.  In addition, our medical costs are too high.  The government should investigate profiteering and put an end to it.  This should have happened long ago."	"I think the American people have been required to make far too many sacrifices so thtat the government could establish their New America.  When I was younger I paid extremely high taxes as I made a good salary.  The government has the money to provide for us now.  It's strictly a matter of priorities.  If they spent as much money on running this country as they do in meddling in foreign affairs, there would be no problem.  I'm at the end of my patience with this.  We shouldn't have to give up any more to obtain what we need and what the other developed countries provide for their people."	"I feel the government should do more, which wouldn't be hard considering how little it does do, to control health care costs and to establish a fair and equitable health care system."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	11/23/05 11:16 AM
2520	"There are many people with chronic health issues for whom Medicare/Medicaid does not work. They have too much income to qualify for help, but way too little to afford the medications they need. The cost of the medication is not taken into consideration when the math is done."	See above. The cost of an individual's care should be taken into consideration when their payment for medication and treatment is calculated. An individual with a monthly income of $1100 cannot afford to pay $800 for medications and still have housing and food to live on.	I have no idea. I would be willing to pay more so that my friends with chronic conditions could live real lives!	Take the true cost of necessary medication and treatments into consideration when charging individuals - not just the income they have.  	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	11/23/05 11:17 AM
2522	lack of it for my kids.	make it like social security. everyone pays into it. let's vote on that. let's see what the majority thinks.	slightly higher taxes.	get the masses to care. which I don't think the voting super majority does.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	11/23/05 12:07 PM
2523	"That It's so expersive, and that over 45 milliion americans do not have it becuase, it's so expensive."	"I think that there should be a national health care system, where you sign up for it, with it comes a .3% tax increse for those who sign up for it. With that you get all benfits including free prescription, dental, surgry, anything you want."	"I think that the public is more well of to trade in the benifts, becuase they want just the basics for the low cost."	The National subsized health care system	male	NULL	No	Other	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	11/23/05 12:09 PM
2524	"My husband has cancer.  We wait and wait for test to be scheduled.  Repeat test because they were not performed correctly the first time and in a timely manner. Sometimes, time is critical in treating certain cancers. "	"Unfortunately, I am laid off and my husband went on disability. Now we have to pay for Cobra.  This takes two of his pays per month. I think Cobra should be prepaided prior to needing it. I am not sure how but, why does a person who is sick have to worry about more than their usual bills let alone knowing you have no choice about keeping Cobra because who would be paying for the Chemo, Radiation, Surgeries, pathology, Pharmacy medications, radiologist, anesthesologist, labs, outpatient and inpatient testing,hospital stays and the bandaide that you may need."	Why should we trade-off when we are the wealthest County in the world.  Put a fire under someone's buttocks!!!!! 	"Good quality care from, not only the physican's, but also the nurses. We have the technology, but we need to remember that we are treating people and there should always be compassion and concern for the patient first "	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	11/23/05 12:25 PM
2525	"The high costs that make it unafordable for some, creates an undo financial burden on businesses that still provide it for their employees,and the fact that for older Americans on a fixed income it unfairly deminishes their ability to enjoy their retirement."	"Yea, simple,a single payer plan, nothing more, nothing less."	the politicians who think we should make trade offs. Americans deserve health care coverage without comprise in quality or availability	Guarantee health care to all Americans	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	11/23/05 12:26 PM
2526	There are to many unisured Americans and the current system is financial screwed up. Extend Medicare to all Americans!	Employer/Individual payment system makes no sense and does not work. Government should extend Medicare to all Americans.	Americans would pay more taxes if there were universal healthcare.	Extend Medicare to all Americans	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	11/23/05 12:28 PM
2527	Lack of.	Absolutely.	"No American should be asked to make ""trade-offs"" for Healthcare related services."	National Healthcare. It works for Canada. It works for the UK. 	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	11/23/05 12:30 PM
2528	"Lack of access for all.  The connection to employment causes great problems for all, especially children and our disabled citizens."	The currnet system doesn't work.  It is very expensive and fails many citizens.  The money spent is excessive for the services recieved.  Use the same money and create a system that serves all.	"I don't think they have to give up much.  Those that have to give up something are the profit making corperations,  the profit in the system is the problem.  "	Make a simple single payer system that is a right for all and is integrated into neighborhoods and everyone has access to basic health.  Focus on prevention and access.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	11/23/05 12:42 PM
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2530	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/23/05 12:50 PM
2531	Too many people are not covered..	"A sensible, affordable system available to all.."	Most would not mind paying a reasonable portion of the bill.. maybe based on income..   	"It needs to be available and affordable to all who apply.. and most especially, to children.."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	11/23/05 1:06 PM
2532	"Good quality healthcare is unavailable to many people; especially, the working poor.  With healthcare tied to employment, loss of employment means the loss of coverage at time when it is most needed.  Tied to employment, healthcare concerns trap people in unsatisfactory jobs and leads to discrimination in hiring of elders and people with medical needs that would not otherwise prevent them from working.  Providing healtcare coverage is a cost that small businesses cannot afford to offer, leaving many people without coverage."	The entire system needs to converted to a single payer (i.e. government) system that cannot be taken away.  Single payer is the most efficient system for delivering healthcare to the maximum number of people.	Many Americans would be happy just to have healthcare even if it limits choice of doctors and requires a waiting period for noncritical services.  Single payer would be more affordable and need not entire any of these concerns.	Single payer (i.e. government) with an emphasis on preventative care including alternative medicine.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	11/23/05 1:37 PM
2533	high cost	government supplied health care	sending billions of dollars over seas 	make it government responsibility	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	11/23/05 1:57 PM
2534	"The cost of healthcare, from insurance to doctors and hospitals, is so prohibitive.  Why should health care professionals be allowed to earn up to 500% of the average wage for all workers?  Why should insurance companies be allowed to deny insurance to those who can't afford it, but need it worst of all?  Why should the pharmaceutical drug companies be allowed to be so profitable that they make even more than the health care professionals do?"	"A national health care system could be funded with tax dollars.  And with cuts in other, unnecessary, programs a tax increase would be very low or unnecessary."	I would be willing to pay additional taxes to provide health care to others.	Provide affordable health care to everyone. 	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	11/23/05 2:51 PM
2535	Too many americans are under or un-insured-- including full-time working members of my family.	"We should have single payer healthcare.  It should be paid by the government, offset by taxes paid by employers."	"None.  They shouldn't need to.  I would say choice, but I currenlty have little choice about who I see under my health insurance."	Provide healthcare for all Americans.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	11/23/05 3:15 PM
2536	Its high cost; also that millions have no health care.	"I do not want to see a system like the one on Canada; however, I think everyone should be guaranteed basic coverage (especially for preventive care)."	I don't know--I think Americans at the moment are confused about the issue.	"Require all companies over a certain size to offer reasonable health care inurance to their employees.  If Wal-Mart and other large companies can get low prices from suppliers of their products, why can't'don't they use their size to get good prices on health insurance?"	male	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	11/23/05 3:25 PM
2537	"afforability,getting the coverage you need,being accepted for coverage"	nation wide coverage for any one that wants the policy	none	"coverage for hearing aidsin medicare,coverage for glasses in medicare"	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	11/23/05 4:04 PM
2538	can't afford it cost keep going up	yes every company should get insurance on there employee. the goverment need a law so not one company is fitting the bill	NULL	well the drug company should only be able to charge so much and docter should have a set fee if every one have to charge the same amount it will stop the ones that is docter charging insurance company more then they do a person with out insurance	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	11/23/05 5:32 PM
2539	The fact that so many people in this country do not have access through either their job or income to have a decent health care system.  Health care should not be a luxury it should be a given.  Health care should be free.  This country should be ashamed of itself.	Make it accessible and affordable to all citizens of this country.	I think that most people would be willing to trade off some element of their financial situation in order that have some form of health care.	Make it free.  Medicine should not be a business.  	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	11/23/05 5:43 PM
2540	protecting u.s. borders first	end war  	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	NULL	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/23/05 6:42 PM
2541	Not available to all.	I'd like to see the health care that congress gets offered to all to be paid for by us all on a scale dictated by means testing.	"How can we even think about ""trade-offs"" involving health care.  We all need it, the rich, the poor, the tall, the short ... all of us.  I'll be it will turn out to be cheaper on us than the way we're doing it now."	Bring back the Public Health Service and use the Congressional health plan as a model.	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	11/23/05 6:47 PM
2542	Costs -- I make a little above minimum wage and cannot afford to go the doctor or have the medications I should be taking.	Something shoild be done to help those of us who fall through the cracks.	I don't know. Most people who have heath insurance I know are always grousing about what they have to pay.	That the Federal government should really ccare about the little people. It's so easy to forget about those who have no health insurance when yours is paid for the rest of your life by tax-payers.	female	NULL	NULL	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	11/23/05 7:22 PM
2543	the high cost of coverage	I think socialised health care like they have in canada is far better than what we have here	NULL	provide healthcare to all americans	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/23/05 8:03 PM
2544	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	11/23/05 8:11 PM
2545	The cost is out of control both for corporations trying to compete globally with most companies in  countries that have universal coverage and to individuals that have seen their premiums grow to unsustainable amounts.	"I think many people would rather have a single payer system if they were given honest, accurate information and not distortions supplied by insurance and healthcare corporations afraid of losing their pot-of gold. "	I think the cost would probably be less in a single payer system if the layers of bureaucracy and paperwork were removed from the current system. The only problem might possibly be longer waits for elective surgery.	A single payer universal system that includes everyone. Please see www.commonsensehealthplan.org for such a plan if you are not familiar with it.	male	NULL	No	White	Some high school	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	11/23/05 8:47 PM
2546	High cost of care and medical insurance.  Unchecked authority of doctors.  Disregard of non-autocratic medical models.  Solutions via drugs and surgical procedures vs. prevention and healthy lifestyles	Take all the tax $ used toward making wars and create national health care.	"If the health care system is truly of ""high quality"" I believe Americans would be agreable to a tax increase, which would replace insurance payments,privately and corporately"	"Health education, beginning with demystifing fear of birth."	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	11/23/05 8:57 PM
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2548	availability and affordability for all people	health care should be universal and provided by a single payer	"decrease other items in the federal budget, such as tax cuts for the rich and/or bloated military monstrosities such as ""missile defense shields"""	recognition that health care is a basic human right	female	NULL	No Response	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	11/23/05 10:17 PM
2549	"Why is it going up up up, when our real take home pay keep going down ? Our jobs go to Asia and the people in goverment (both parties do NOT care) these people own huge blocks of stock in these companies and just care about Huge profits, CEO that cook the books to cash in on huge bottom line numbers and short term high bottom line numbers, big bonus and bankrupted companies, or at least under funded pension funds and health care funds. Which SHOULD BE FULLY FUNDED AS YOU GO!!!!!! Not when they are payable NO company (NOT GM, NOT FORD, NOT the U.s. GOV) can wait until these funds are payable and long term make it work!! Companies and gov. MUST fund these fund on a future needs basis. These companies MUST be made to live up to there agreements with unions and employs and Not be able to bank rupt out and leave employs hanging with NOTHING (and the goverment can not pay all the pensions and health care costs for employees. These companies are dumping there responsibilities on the goverment and we all suffer, except the CEO's and board of directers. IT MUST BE STOPPED sooner not later."	see above.	"The middle and low income have already been traded off( written off, egnored and totally forgotten about) for HIGHER SALARIES FOR THE TOP OFFICERS of big busness and there stock holders!!   That includes the health care companies ( drug companies, Big hospitals who seem to be more interested in getting larger and having the latest and most expenssive before any other hospital in the area, maybe all the hospitals in an area could work togather and share most of this very expensive equippment that is not used constantly!!............No that woudn't do that would be toooooo cost affective and wouldn't give some Chairman or board of directers something to grag about ( curing the sick is not good enough to grag about.....especially if they could do it at a reasonable cost ) And why would they want to SAVE US ALL money and more emportly it might save some companies and even just maybe a life or two along the way.....Oh!! I forgot this is all about BIG , BIGGER and BIGEST"	"I think on one thing is going to do very much to fix that that is sooo broken, but I think some of the answers may be above in the answers to those questions............One thing did not get us here..one thing is NOT going to get us out of it."	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	11/23/05 10:51 PM
2550	I am concerned that only the wealthy will receive expert health care and others will have only minimual care.	"I believe that it is the RIGHT of every individual to receive the best health care possible, and we as a country should be able to find a way to make this happen."	Why would we need to make trade offs?	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	11/23/05 11:12 PM
2551	"The high cost of care, office visits, prescriptions,  etc.  Due the sudden rise in health care costs, my retirement has been cut a third just to pay for the premiums, and the high rate of co pay and drugs cut into what little we receive to live on.  I am over 70 and have to work to keep our head above water."	"I really don't know, just if it could be a fair contribution by each party and affordable to everyone."	Cut the high awards and law suits for stupid reasons  of mal practice.  Make the drug companies lower their prices to a fair level and quit gouging the customers.  So Doctors and hospitals can cut their costs.  Keep wages for all workers at a fair rate of pay to keep up with the economy	Stop lawyers from huge profits & cut drug company huge profits.	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/23/05 11:43 PM
2552	Cost of medical treatment and drugs. 	The government needs to pay for medical services and a cap on cost should be done for allservices.	The billions of dollars to foreign aid and the money used for unnecessary war should be put in the medical fund for American citizens. Illegal immigrants should not be allowed to drain the medical services.	A national health care program should be made to take care of American citizens. The cost should be a very low fee.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	11/23/05 11:51 PM
2555	"Its cost, inaccessibility to low-paid workers, the proliferation of high tech expensive treatment that becomes the ""norm"", absence of proven alternative treatment in health insurance coverages, drug companies' excessive profits."	"One payer, universal health coverage. The government COULD do this right."	"Speaking for myself, I would gladly redirect all my tax money being spent on ""homeland security"" & maintaining overseas military invasion forces into the effort to ensure this access for all.  If a rise in taxes were also necessary to fund it, I would match with my taxes any gov't income from taxing unhealthy consumer behaviors (cigarette tax is an example). "	Start legislating as if all US citizens have a RIGHT to quality health care from the moment they are born until they sign a DNR order (palliative care only).	female	45 to 64	No Response	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/24/05 3:26 AM
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2556	"cost, pharmaceutical gouging, lack of coverage by  medicare for items such as wheelchairs ect...  Just about everything"	Nationalized health care. The World Health Organization rated our healthcare at 35th or 36th among other nations.  We rank below Costa Rica.  Yet we pay almost twice as much as any other industrialized nation.  Instead of privatizing we should be nationalizing like our neighbors to the north who seem to be doing much better in general.	"Almost everyone I know wants single-payer healthcare.  The corporations, the rich and the powerful and the nationally covered government representatives are the largest group against this.     General Motors used health-care and pensions to lay off 30,000 workers.  National healthcare levels the playing field for everyone except private insurers and the pharmaceutical companies.    Any idiot cans see single payer is better than what we have now - unless the idiot is lining their pockets on other people's misfortune and desperation!"	SINGLE PAYER NATIONALIZED HEALTHCARE LIKE EVERY OTHER ADVANCED INDUSTRIALIZED NATION!!!!!!	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	11/24/05 6:31 AM
2557	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	No	White	Some high school	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	11/24/05 8:40 AM
2558	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	No	White	Some high school	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	11/24/05 8:42 AM
2559	"As a professional Realtor for over 20 years, I know firsthand what it is like to not have access to health insurance at all - - and what it is like to have access to insurance with costs as high as $700 per month, with almost Zero coverage.  Many good, caring agents leave the field, and certainly leave other careers, simply because they or their family need insurance.  This actually hurts our economy and hurts other Americans - taking good caring people out of certain businesses."	"Perhaps there could be caps on premium costs for healthy individuals.  Perhaps if you make claims, then your monthly costs could go up, accordingly."	"Interesting question, but at this point in our country's history, I don't think health care can be about trade-offs.  For instance, I would not be willing to give up my excellent doctors in order to get coverage with JUST ANY DOCTOR, just to have some assistance with insurance in case of a terrible illness or emergency."	"I just heard a ""horrific"" story two weeks ago, as a phlebotomist drew a blood sample from me.  We were discussing health care, and the insurance crisis.  I mentioned that I had had no health coverage for at least 15 years of my life, and just worked and worked to make enough money to cover any medical needs.  Instead of commiserating, she said, ""Don't you know the government will give you money for tests and meds, and all you have to do is apply, and tell them you don't make enough money.""  She then told me she had done this for years, while being gainfully employed.  I was appalled.  THIS is what the ""trade-off"" needs to be.  Policing the current and future systems so that deserving people can obtain coverage, and not just giving coverage to anyone who ""beats the system"" and asks for it.  This was the most shocking story I've been told in a long time.  I had no coverage for years, yet thru my taxes was, and still probably am, paying for government assistance for people who are not truly needy.  "	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	11/24/05 9:13 AM
2560	Quality  Availability  Cost	Single-payer gov't  pre-pac meds to bypass expensive pharmacists  use more nurse-practioners for primary care  get rid of ccurrent medicare drug plan  allow states to band together to deal for drug costs	"Improve GM, and Ford and others ability to compete with foreign manufacturers"	Substitute cheap bureaucrats for expensive CEOs	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	11/24/05 10:20 AM
2561	The rising costs and my non rising pay rate.	Let the government take over.	NULL	Health care for all.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	11/24/05 11:06 AM
2562	"Health care is no longer affordable.  Preventative medicene is not available to most people, even those who have insurance."	I believe that there should be a single-payer system like there is in Canada and U. K.	I don't think there should be any trade-offs.  Health care is a right.	Go to a single-payer system.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	11/24/05 11:46 AM
2563	lack of affordable health care	Single Payer insurance	NULL	Single Payer insurance	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/24/05 12:23 PM
2564	"The average family cannot afford ""Family plan"" health care after paying for absolute essentials; shelter, utilities food, etc.  Co-pays are too high.  Federal government should protect its citizens by more aggressively regulating Pharmaceutical companies' profiteering.  There is no excuse for 30 pills of any type costing up to $300.00 or more!    "	"I believe we should have a national health care plan which is federalized and the cost of health care, shared by all tax paying Americans.  We're paying a couple of million dollars a day to prosecute an illegal and immoral war in Iraq.  It's as if that's acceptable, but socialized medicine isn't."	"Cease the current imperialist aggression against sovereign nations and institute a socialized, national health care program."	"Socialization of health care.  All working americans pay federal taxes.  Our money would be better spent in providing health care and preventive medicine , rather than waging war on other nations, under false pretenses."	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OK	11/24/05 1:55 PM
2565	"that millions of Americans, children and adults, don't have health insurance and do not see a doctor because they can't afford to do so and many of those die because of it. "	"yes, payment for health ins. should be paid by the people of this great country by ccentralization and taxation. That way everyone pays according to their Income rich pay more poor pay less."	The elimination of corporate welfare totaly and To double the Income taxes on companies that move offshore and outsource American jobs to other countries. 	Centralized health care paid for through Income taxes is the only fair solution.	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	11/24/05 3:12 PM
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2567	High cost; availability; coverage for retired persons.	Have a basic catastrophic plan avaiable to all people; universal.  But keep the current plans too.	A basic health care tax only used to  cover the     the basic plan.	Try the President Clinton plan of health care used by some European countries and Canada!	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	11/24/05 3:50 PM
2568	The poor are sacrificed for the lack of taxation of the rich	Pay doctors for keeping us well instead of the doctors getting payoffs from the pharmicital industry to keep us sick	I don't think there is a need for trade offs if the doctors are paid for keeping us well and drugs are used @ the minimum and costs are low for these neede drugs	stop the greed of both drug companies and doctors...(stop the greed of American companies period...HOW????	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	11/24/05 4:07 PM
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2571	the doctors should be paid for having well patients instead of getting richer on illness that the greedy drug companies cause. The poor need help from the rich and this could be done by having he rich pay their fair share! 	paying doctors for having well patients.	there does not need to be tradeoffs IF we had well folk and the greed was iliminated.	Tax the rich their fair share	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	11/24/05 5:32 PM
2572	"It's unavailable to those who need it the most and, even if available, the cost puts it out of reach to most families."	"Absolutely. Health care should not be tied to employment. We need one source health care similar to Medicare available to everybody at reasonable prices. We need a massive education effort on the effect of life style on our health. More emphasis on preventative care. Our mouths are part of our total bodies, so why is dental care excluded in most policies?"	I don't think there would be any negative trade-offs. People would be healthier & economic productivity in general would be improved. It's cheaper to to cure a health issue in the beginning than to treat it for free in an emergency room. Our current health statistics makes us look like a 3rd world country - for shame. Most of our early deaths are due to chronic conditions easily treatable at an early stage. The profits earned by insurance companies would disappear lowering total costs - this is not a field they should be in. Most hospitals would be non-profit institutions similar to educational facilities.	"See answer to question #2 - one source health care. If the transition to covering everybody is too financially overwhelming, let's phase it in with maternal care and kids to age 21."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	11/24/05 6:06 PM
2573	The cost. And will health be there only for the rich.	A national health care system much like canada.	More government control. A single payer system.	A single payer system.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ND	11/24/05 6:40 PM
2574	it's that people aren't getting the health care that they need.you could work almost all of your life and still not have enough insurance to pay your medical bills	i could'nt begin to think of a start	war	stop paying so much money to the top guys	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	11/24/05 8:08 PM
2575	That it's unaffordable to many and that the private insurance programs are inefficient and don't cover people enough. I also oppose the GOP's actions to prevent a universal system. 	"Make it universal, and then not only is everyone covered, but it's cheaper than the current system. It would also help to protect american jobs, as many companies cannot keep up with increased premiums. "	"There is a small possibility of slightly higher taxes, but that can be more than offset by reducing corporate welfare and unnecessary military expenditures. "	Creating an environment of understanding that would make a universal coverage desireable to the public and countering the propaganda of the far right Republicans. 	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	11/24/05 10:04 PM
2576	HOW do people GO to CHURCH without KNOWING that they are against serving GOD's commands when these health cut-backs GO against GOD's TEACHINGS that CLEARLY demand that we help the poor & sick among us!!	"SIMPLE & EASY: WITHOUT causing ANY socialism or communism: JUST allow SLIDING SCALE payments that work EXACTLY like our TAXES... since TAXES work according to your income, WHY not make HEALTHCARE services (at least most of them) work the same WAY?"	"Your QUESTION sthoots us in the foot: Why? Because we're the richest Nation in WORLD History & if HOMELAND Security can spend Billions to protect us (yep, read WIRED magazine article this month for the money/stats) then ASK: if security saves lives, DOESN't Healthcare SAVE lives?  It's a NO-Brainer!"	"We now have 30 years of debt due to Iraq war, while not spending on SAVING American LIVES in HOMELAND-Healthcare; it's because our politicians create War-debt thru FEAR whereas HEALTHCARE saves lives HERE and NOW... is America too fearful to be brave yet healthy (the media skews the debate since high paid journalists don't have to suffer without healthcare, so why don't we make them answer THAT question??)"	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	11/24/05 10:04 PM
2577	" As a nation we're spending so much on health care, but only those lucky enough to be employed or work for government have affordable health care.  It is wasteful and inefficient and a shame that we allow a system that is so ineffectual."	Get rid of the whole Insurance industry - too much paperwork and it's main purpose is designed to limit the amount of coverage provided.	"A basic health policy including drug coverage should be available to all with emphasis on prevention, check-ups, etc. Get out of the Emergency Room system of waiting until there is a health crisis. Other expensive and more 'elective' procedures would be available for a higher premium etc."	"As above a ""basic health policy including drug coverage"" available for all people residing in the US."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	11/24/05 10:56 PM
2578	being able to afford 	"the worker shouldn't have to pay for the coverage to the employee.  I can understand the dependent coverage might need to be subsidized by the worker to a small degree.  but health care in general should be a benefit!  Even when full coverage is given by the employer, the employee still has out of pocket on an 80/20 type of plan and the pharmicutal is still a co-pay situtation."	helping to pay the coverage expenses for dependents	I whis I knew	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/24/05 11:14 PM
2579	Its To High.	Penalize Greedy Doctors.	"If We Had 24 Hour Clinics Avalible, We Wouldnt Have To End Up In The hospital Emergency Room In The Middle Of The Night."	"Need More Walk In Clinics, Have Nurses Make Minor Decisions On Diognosis And Treat Patients."	male	NULL	Yes	Other	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	11/24/05 11:59 PM
2580	cost increase	employers with high profit margins should pick up more cost.	none	stop government spending in other countries and fix our health care problems.	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	11/25/05 12:15 AM
2581	"QUALITY, SHORTER STAYS IN HOSPITAL, HIGH COSTS"	GOVERNMENT HEALTH CARE ONLY	HIGHER TAXES	TO REGULATE WHAT PHARMACUTICALS CHARGE	female	NULL	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	11/25/05 2:35 AM
2582	"Access and cost. Healthcare is not a business and should not be a source of ""bottom line"" production and the rules and rich rewards that go with that. The Declaration of Independence indicates that on moral grounds,all men are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights including ""life""........etc.  Healthcare is not like buying a product, it is about life and death. "	"Unplug from the employer conduit,create funding pools that everyone, pays a percentage into based on realistic affordability. A national pool, a state pool and a budget pool based on your own health and age.The larger pools would subsidize the unexpected and/or changes in a person's affordability /if  their health changed."	"Learning to manage a budget,knowing the status of their own health, working on lifestyle  issues to create wellness. No tradeoff needs to be made on quality or access using the above model."	"Unplug Wall street from the practice of medicine and insurance completely. Create value thresholds for research, new equipment and rx. Put doctors on a salary.Then based on those costs, determine the cost of the care that the 20% who are the high utilizers need and set a budget funded by pools as described above. Then incorporate in any existing programs for children, disabled, veterans, and the elderly that exist today.    "	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/25/05 3:07 AM
2583	"health care is a basic human right. in a so called civilized society health care should be provided for all citizens and all visitors. the united states has abundant resources, ingenuity, and compassion to make universal health care a reality.  what lacks is political will. if we truly live in a republic which honors democratic priciples, we must let our representatives in government know that it is time to convert to a single payor streamline system of health care for all."	see above	the medicare model has a track record of providing high quality basic health care. Lets use this model.	convert to single payor system. Stop being held hostage to the insurance and pharmacutical industry.	female	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/25/05 3:08 AM
2584	Affordability	Large corporations should handle more of the cost.	In this country there should not have to be a trade off.	One central system of health care for everyone	male	NULL	No	Black or African American	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WV	11/25/05 3:29 AM
2585	"Its high cost, directly related to profiteering by health care businesses and insurers alike, resulting in both low quality and unavailability of health care for many Americans. "	"Yes. Single payor healthcare, NOW! Combined with aggressive investigation and prosecution of health care fraud. "	"First, corporations should be taxed to provide universal health care. Lack of universal healthcare, and the need for large corporations to pay hefty premiums for employees, is a competitive disadvantage for American business, and American business should pony up some cash in exchange for having this burden lifted. Single payor healthcare would  be much more cost-effective, and it is possible that it could be funded completely in this fashion without undue burden either on American businesses, which are largely undertaxed anyway, or individual taxpayers. "	"Single payor, universal healthcare NOW! You can't improve healthcare for all Americans unless all Americans have access to it. "	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	11/25/05 7:25 AM
2586	"It is the most expensive ""system"" in the deceloped world and yet it is not effective.  There is not enough attention paid to precention and too much paid to expensive rescue."	"I don't know what will work.  I think there need to be more uniform atandards and practices.  Perhaps, it's not about how much money is being spent but how many layers of confusion there are."	"Perhaps if there were tiers of care it could work better.  One tier could be for healthy folks and for basic, preventive care.  Another could be for folks with chronic illnesses and a third could be for people with health crises.  Each tier might be organized around the best care structure first and then financed accordingly.  People with more illness might not pay more, but their care would be better organized and targeted."	Integrated standards across all caregiving systems with a priority on prevention.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	11/25/05 7:33 AM
2587	"I'm reaching the age of retirement ,if i retire at 62,then there is no insurance to protect me until i reach age 65. unless i pay a big payment each month .this is my concern ,i can't afford to pay a huge amount for insurance on what i draw from SS,it's either keep on working or go without insurance,is there anykind of affordable insurance out there that can afford?"	"what is wrong with the goverment paying our health care ,some other countries have it, why can't we?"	i think america should take care of it's own before we send all our money to other countries	over all care for all	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	11/25/05 10:00 AM
2588	The lack for it for an increasing number of Americans.	Have a single-payer plan.	"Probably not much.  They will complain about long waits, for example."	Single-payer gov't supported plan.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/25/05 10:48 AM
2589	"It costs too much, and is not available to everyone.  As a health care provider, it is absolutely crazy-making keeping track of who requires what documentation (and I don't have to deal with billing!)."	single-payer system that covers the entire country and everyone in it	"prioritize basic services, like well child care, first and then add only the things that we can afford to fund in descending priority until the money runs out "	make basic services available to everyone in one system	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	11/25/05 11:04 AM
2590	How the Cost of Health Care is Rising.	Health Care Should be Free of Charge.	"Honestly if The Public gave a Crap, they would have done something already."	"If the Goverment Employees Can get Free Health Care, then why not make it for All United States Citizens. Free Health Care For All U.S.A. Citizens. I bet you more people would become citizens then. "	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	11/25/05 11:19 AM
2591	prescrition and health costs going out of site	everyone should have a basic and anyone thats wants the better ones should pay the difference on the better plans. The government employees and teachers and everyone should be in all one plan	with the costs going up so fast their can't be any trade offs. they should freeze all health costs	afortable health insurance for all americans	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	11/25/05 4:57 PM
2592	"That it is not a universal, single payer system for everyone.. A huge percentage of what we pay must go to HMO's, all have different rates, physicians must employ someone just to deal with the paper work, and fight to get treatment covered."	"Health care should not be tied to employment. The health of our society depends on everyone being covered, no matter where they work or live."	"If people really understood the system is collapsing, & that universal care costs less than the huge profits of HMO's, pharmacies & insurance. We have to work to make this known."	"We get rid of escalating costs where shareholders expect ever rising returns, and all money goes into health care, not profits."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/25/05 6:46 PM
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2594	"The high costs, the inequalities of available healthcare, that people who have preexisting ailments like high blood pressure or depression have a hard time getting coverage, that huge profitable corporations like Walmart don't give affordable coverage to their employees, and Insurance administration is wasting Billions of dollars as is excessive profits made by Pharmacuetical corporations."	"SINGLE PAYER UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE! Just like Canada, Australia and every Western European country has! Or as Dennis Kucinich calls it ""enhanced Medicare"". The Insurance industry wastes 18% in administrative costs while Medicare only costs 3% in administrative costs!  http://www.kucinich.us/issues/universalhealth.php"	We do not need to permanently Occupy Iraq or have over 750 military bases outside U.S. borders-that would save hundreds of Billions of dollars. The excessive tax cuts on investments that primarily benefits the richest 2% of Americans should return to the Clinton-years rates. In addition Billions would be saved by eliminating for profit HMOs and Health Insurance Company administrative costs.	"SINGLE PAYER UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE!  NOT compromise plans that still leave out 40%, 30%,20% or 10% of Americans and keep the Insurance and Pharmacuetical Corporations and their lobbyists happy!"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/25/05 7:26 PM
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2595	The  HMO executives and stockholder profits at the expense of patient care and provider reimbursements.	NULL	"Higher incomes individuals would be willing to pay more as long as the system is perceived as fair and does not soak the rich. Only preventative medicine and primary medical care are essential. Alternative medicine, dental, and vision are secondary for coverage. Elective procedures/surgery would never be covered. "	"Eliminate the for-profit element in the health care decision making. HMO's add nothing to our health care quality, yet take considerable money out of the system that could be used by patients and providers. "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	11/25/05 8:25 PM
2596	That the average working American can not afford health care.	"The ""system"" needs to be disected in every way.  All Americans should be able to receive quality care at an affordable price."	I am not sure that the American public should be willinig to make any trade-offs for health care.	I believe that asking the average American who needs to receive the care what improvements are needed in order to make health care obtainable for all working Americans.	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/25/05 10:10 PM
2597	NULL	I think we should go to a single payer system not unlike Canada's	the only tradeoff might be delayed  proceedures of dubuous worth like a tummy tuck or a cosmetic nose job	reduce administration cost by going to a single payer. the cost of administration are estamated to go down from 20% now in many cases to maybe 4% or so similar to the costs of administering Social Security	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	11/25/05 11:16 PM
2598	"It is expensive, inefficient and not universally available; it is bad for patients and providers."	"We need a single payer, not-for-profit system that is available to all."	"We don't need to make any trade-offs.  We are already making trade-offs (too expensive, too inefficient, frustrating for both health care workers and patients) for a system that does not work.  We are paying for quality care and not getting it.  The money goes to private profit.  Health care is a public right, not a private luxury."	"Set up a universal single-payer not-for-profit system, as good or better than some of the better models on the planet (New Zealand, Canada, Germany, UK, to name a few.)"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	11/26/05 12:12 AM
2599	It is very unaffordable. Health care is going to ruin us all. The majorty of use will end up on welfare or in the poor house!  Does our Government even care one bit about it's American People? 	NULL	NULL	"make it affordable for everyone, and give a break a big break to our elderly citizens."	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/26/05 1:33 AM
2600	"The cost of health care keeps rising and as it seems more and more people are getting sick with serious illness. Medical care is focus on disease care instead of wellness care (preventaive medicine). Medical care should include all health care modality (i.e. herbal, naturopathic, alternative medicine, chiropathic)and payed by insurance."	"The proposal for a single payer program should be explored. A pooling of funds and a collective bargain for the most effecient and cost effective rate for insurance, medical and drug prices. "	We maybe willing to pay a higher taxes set up a single payer health care program. Spend time for preventative (wellness) medical education program.	"A change in focus to wellness care instead of disease care health care programs. Mainstream medicine seems focus on waiting for people to develop some serious, acute and very costly illness. "" An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."" Medical care should include all modality mainstream as well as natural & alternative methods. Finding the most effecient and cost effective health/medical method instead of a monopoly by one."	male	NULL	No	Asian	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/26/05 7:16 AM
2601	"There are probably 50 MILLION Americans without health insurance!  During the campaign to be re-elected, Bush had a better healthcare plan than Kerry!  Nothing has been mentioned about it since the election!  Bush is so intent on eliminating the middle class of Americans by exporting their jobs, which results in the loss of healthcare, pensions and Social Security if he gets his way!! "	EVERY corporation in America pays their CEO's MILLIONS of dollars a year!  It should be a law that healthcare be provided to their workers!  The exporting of jobs has got to STOP!!!	Why should the American public trade off anything when the politicians in DC are writing their own financial position in life which will be paid for by the American public that has absolutely NO voice in the actions taken by these so called politicians?	Reduce and eliminate some of the lifetime benefits that the politicians have endowed upon themselves without the approval of the American public!! 	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	11/26/05 9:47 AM
2602	access & coverage	"Yes.  As Ralph Nader suggested, eliminate fraud in government and insurance companies, then have the government provide healthcare for all with the money saved."	Increased taxation.	HAVE IT BE FOR ALL AMERICANS.	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/26/05 10:24 AM
2603	the fact that we don't have unversal healthcare from our government to un whitch our taxes pay for	yea pool all of our tax dollars together for national healthcare	whatever it takes well do	make gorvernment accountable	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	11/26/05 10:50 AM
2604	"I don't trust our health care system when it comes to precription drugs, non prescription drugs, vaccines, and research for cures. Money has become far more important than people.  We are being exploited by the pharmeceutical companies for outrageous profits.   "	"I am concerned about all of the people who are doing without adequate care, spending their last years in pain.  This is still a relatively rich country if we divided up the assets in a more equitable way.  There should be fee health care and free education for everyone.  If Cuba can do it, then why can't we?"	I have given up on the American people doing anything about the plight of the poor.	"I believe in universal free health care for everyone - without any insurance.  The government should pay for all.  If we use our tax money for health care instead of war, we can easily afford to give everyone in the country top medical care.  "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/26/05 10:54 AM
2605	Costs rising at a rate that I cannot keep up with. The only answer I could think of is to cut benefits or raise co-pay or deductible.	The only way we could change that would be to revamp the entire system into a socialized health care system. I beleive that would undermine what we really want. 	"I think it depends on health care coverage they have been used to. The better the coverage they have had, the less they are willing to compromise."	"I beleive trade organizations should be allowed to band together to negotiate collectively for better health care. Both my wife and I are members of the National Association of Realtors, and I have never understood why we could not band together, as do trade unions, to negotiate better health care for us all."	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	11/26/05 11:19 AM
2606	the fact that most people are no longer able to afford insurance.	insurance should be univerally available and not be part of employment packages which drives the cost of goods and services up. individual payment should not be necessary. payment should be availabe for alternative modalities as well.	I'm not sure what people will be willing to give up.	"focus should be on prevention and our environment including food, water, and air should be cleaned up so we won't be as likely to get sick and need medical care."	female	NULL	No	Black or African American	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	11/26/05 12:10 PM
2607	Doctors writing prescriptions instead of practicing and getting time to know their patients. Seniors above 70 can hardly move around because of the drugs they are taking. There is lack of research as to when the use of a given compound has done its work and needs to be stopped. My liver was damaged so that now I can't take an medicine at all except aspirin and Nitroquick. And these medicines adds so much to the cost that we pay through the nose from our cash and our taxes.	I am on the Federal Health Benefit Plan (FEBH) with Blue Cross but Medicare as Primary. I think this is probably the best system available.	"All health providers (Hospitals) and Insurance be non-profit and be subsidized by taxes subject to the office of management and Budget. (OMB)This may mean cutting out unnecessary use of instrumentation and tests. Eliminate bureaucracy  making doctors fill out forms so that they can spend more time with patients and less emphasis with the placebo effect of medicines. Might cut down on number of visits if the visit is ""prime time"""	"Letting doctors take time in coorporation and consultation with the patients, advice on exercise  and physical therapy. "	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VT	11/26/05 12:39 PM
2608	"Health care is out of reach of so many people; the consequences have a disastrous effect on individual lives, and there is no reason for it. The health care crisis is a national disgrace."	"We should be paying our money into a health care providing system, not an insurance system. Our money should be going to services and costs for health care only; nurses, doctors, hospitals, clinics, medical products. When I was paying for my health insurance of my pocket for all those years, nearly all of  my money was going to the health insurance industry. My money could have been supporting health care in my own county or state, or better yet supporting a national health care program. Other working people in my income level could have afforded to pay something into a health care program, and would have been glad to do so if such a system existed. Health insurance is so high, hardly anyone can afford it out of their own pocket, it would consume too much of their income.   Meanwhile, employer provided health insurance coverage is shrinking, and more and more people are left behind. We are bankrupting ourselves to cover fewer and fewer people. "	I can only say that those millions of Americans who have no affordable health care and those who are about to lose their health care would gladly pay whatever they could into a system that benefits their family and community. 	"Outreach. Get the American public on the train. Reach the part of the public that is suffering alone in silence. Educate them as to how they really could get what they need if they speak up  and give them the structure they need to keep a movement on the front burner so that the politicians and the industry will have to face the facts. Do not depend only on the internet. The internet requires a computer and free time. Even if we have access to a computer, our free time is very limited. Demand but do not depend on more local and national televesion coverage. You won't get that until huge numbers of people are pressuring their government and corporate interests as well as the media itself. Public advocates no longer have the access to the airwaves that we once had, even though they belong to the public. We can't even buy access through commercials and ads because the big industries who would oppose national health care will threaten any network that takes our ad money, or just buy them out.     We need newsletters, phone surveys and outreach, we need direct mail. When you come home and find glossy brochures from the insurance company and local hosptials, you should also find an flyer or newsletter from the local community health care movement, giving you information and ways to participate, and most important, giving voice to people who are facing these challenges. Many people believe there is no help for the situation; they need to hear from other people facing the same issues who have decided it is just as easy to do something as do nothing in this current crisis, and doing nothing is guarranteed to make things worse.    We need to give people simple ways to participate, since they are already swamped with work, family, and school. A postcard they can fill out and send, contact information for local, state and national government, letter-writing guidelines, petitions, etc.    We also need to be in the community and visible to the community, with outreach at the street level and partnerships with state and local labor and community activists and institutions.   A partnership with labor and non labor community groups is the way to go. The labor movement has always led the way to better lives for Americans, and more Americans should know how much they could help themselves and their families by joining such a community, even though they themselves are not part of a particular labor union."	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/26/05 1:35 PM
2611	"No source of payment exists for preventative and routine care for 45.8 million people every day and probably twice that number for part of each year. It is ludicrous that health coverage is tied to employment, rather than residentcy.  We need a system that is more conservative about our health care dollars - a single-payer system."	We need a single-payer system that retains private providers and hospitals. Here in Ohio that would save 11.3 million dollars each year.  We need negotiated drug prices for Medicare.  	I think that the majority of people do not want the current profit system involved with our health and medicine.	Support Health Care for All Ohioans Act for universal health care in OHIO - see www.spanohio.org.  	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	na	11/26/05 2:19 PM
2613	Cost only the well off being able afford to stay heathly	national health care or a sliding scale	higher retail prices	fix it for all americans now	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/26/05 2:28 PM
2617	"  1.The astronomical increase in cost. 2.The fact that so many working adults are not covered, either by their work or between jobs.  My adult daughter has a COBRA, but it is extremely expensive.  She is 30 and  healthy, but feels she must have her COBRA until she finds another job with health care options."	"Yes, a single payer system, preferably run by the federal government.  Administrative costs must be extremely high with private health insurance.  Every time we have a claim, we have to argue our case.  The insurance companies try everything they can think of to avoid paying claims.  A $35 claim can take months to process, and must cost a bundle in clerical help who try to get us to pay the claim."	"The longer we delay having a national single payer system, the fewer trade-offs we'll consider. I am willing to have small co-pays to prevent malingering, but not much else."	A single payer health care system administered by the federal government.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	11/26/05 3:07 PM
2618	Those lucky enough to have good health care are really subsidizing the huge number of unlucky individual and families who live without health care.  Our premiums are inflated to pay for this deplorable situation.      Also I do not think anyone's plan is really truly safe if paid for by a corporation.  We are all more vulnerable than we realize.	"I think any plan must take the burden of payment off the back of businesses.  It is adding a huge dollar amount to the cost of doing business.  As health costs continue to increase for businesses they will be at a further disadvantage vis-a-vis other companies in other parts of the world.  The auto industry is a case in point.    Individuals as well as corporations should pay a share in taxes.  It should be a graduated tax (as we have on income already).  Maybe a combination of the above and a value added tax dedicated to health care.    In any event, getting the tax off of the busines community would add hundreds of millions of dollars of savings for corporations making them more competitive and possibly add jobs to the economy."	ASSUMING THAT WHAT COMES OUT OF REFORM IS FAIR FOR MIDDLE AND LOW INCOME AMERICANS:      The trade-off could be:      We pay more up-front costs in exchange for catastrophic coverage. (Catastrophic illness is what bankrupts families).     	Make any system a guaranteed plan.  Too many of todays plans are based on employment.  Being an employee is a truly tenuous proposition.  We have to get away from this concept for everybodys peace of mind.  This is no way to run a health care system.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	11/26/05 3:08 PM
2619	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Please-    As a ""U.S."" born Canadian- I have spent the last forty years studying the similiarities and differences between U.S. and Canadian systems.     To be very blunt- you are wasting your time. You have two major political parties that are very similiar in many ways and that are controlled, lock, stock and barrel by corporate interests- including powerful health ""providers"" and drug companies.     Until you develop a significant ""opposition"" in the U.S. as a political party based on democratic socialist ( if this scares you, then you are very much lacking in basic knowledge)principles, you are simply treading water.     In Canada, we have a democratic socialist opposition called the New Democratic Party that is allied with labour. Even though the NDP has never come close to winning a majority in Parliament, it has played a powerful role in bringing forth Canada's system of health care.Formerly, the corporate political parties, the so-called""Liberals"" and the Conservatives used to cry bloody muder that this ""Socialized"" health care would ruin the country and lead us down to Communism. This nonsense did not happen. Today, across Canada, even fiscally conservative and anti-union politicians would not dare to suggest that we get rid of our health care system.     So, the bottom line in the U.s. is simple- so long as you spend your energies catering to the corporate elite in the Democratic and Republican parties, you are spinning your wheels. One hundred years from now you will still not see a national system of health care as we have in Canada- unless you put your energies into forming a grassroots political party that truly represents the workingpeople, the poor and the disenfranchised of the nation.  "	male	NULL	No Response	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	na	11/26/05 3:21 PM
2621	"As a retiree, I fear that the level of beneits I now enjoy may become more costly -- reaching a point that I will no longer be able to afford them."	"I get retiree benefits through the contract negotiated by my union, and also Medicare. Eventually, we need to have something like the Canadian system in the U.S. "	"Possibly slightly higher co-pays for doctors, hospitalization and drugs, provided the level of care can remain the same."	Convert to a Canadian-style system.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/26/05 4:05 PM
2622	"That not only are costs rising.. that so many americans are without any insurance. This is not only bad for them, but puts their care on all of us that do have insurance, and keeps our employers coming to us for more co-pays, etc. "	"All employers should be included in providing health care to their employees, if they can't they should get incentives to do so. "	"I don't know, but politicians have people just running scared and refuse to come up, along with business a viable plan. I think most americans are reasonable and would at least take a look at a plan.  "	Have to cust costs of administering health care. 	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	11/26/05 4:57 PM
2623	"So few have adequate health care. We need universal health care that covers prescription, dental and eye care"	"We need complete universal health care with prescription, dental and eye care."	none	stop corporate welfare and finance health care	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	11/26/05 7:57 PM
2624	"That so many people cannot afford it. I have health insurance only through my husband's work, and when his company downsized, we were forced to pay expensive Cobra premiums for 6 months.  This happened when I was right in the middle of treatment for cancer. We could not afford coverage for the whole family, so we only covered me."	Take all that money and create a national health care system. Socialized medicine is the ONLY way to go. Insurance and pharmaceutical companies are strangling medical practice in the USA.	"I think the only trade-off will be that there may be a waiting list for non-emergency care.  But our insurance companies are the ones who now decide if we can have a procedure or not, so what's the difference?"	"socialized medicine, socialized medicine"	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	11/26/05 10:39 PM
2625	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	11/26/05 11:20 PM
2626	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	Yes	Black or African American	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	11/27/05 12:19 AM
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2629	The cost and the fact that teachers do notmake enough money to afford it for their families.   I have a problem with thise who purposly do not work so that they get beneifts and people form other countries that come here JUST for the benefits that I CAN'T AFFORD	"To add my 2 children to my plan at my school ( my job) it costs over $380.00...just for them. I ama single mom, I do not have that kind of money so my kids go without  That is totally insane  meanwhile someone that comes over from another country gets FREE medical"	Companies need to offer better plans and pay more toward family insurance. My school board should be paying more towards my plan. When I reitre? i get $50.00 a month towards a plan....what is that going to get me? I worked all my life and cant afford it while someone who just comes over here gets medicaid..that is not fair to Americans. 	make it fair to ALL.....the poor get everything and the middle class go broke and loose thier homes. When I am old i hope i am poor cause i won't be able to get into a nursing home becuase the non Americans and the lazy never worked a day in thier lives poor will be taking up my spot.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	11/27/05 11:58 AM
2632	My concerns are that not all americans have access to health care and the costs are way too high to patients	"We need a national health care system like all other major industrial countries, and quite a few deveolping countries"	Not sure	"National healthcare system such as in Canada or UnitedKingdom, Germany, France etc."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	11/27/05 2:14 PM
2633	"That health care will become too expensive for anyone but the wealthiest to afford, which will cause a serious public health crisis in this country and force people to take jobs or do other things that give corporations more power."	"I think we need more government-funded health care. I am for single-payer health care system. Employers should also shoulder more of the burden, and this should be mandated by the government. Individuals should only pay for their own medical insurance by choice, not because they have no other option."	I think most Americans are willing to pay more taxes IF those taxes are going towards real needs like health care and not towards unnecessary expenses like war and corporate profits.	"Universal, single payer health care system for everyone."	female	NULL	No	Asian	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/27/05 2:47 PM
2634	"Every American should have health care.  If undeveloped countries and other developed countries, why are we letting big business determine public health?"	Government should be covering everyone who doesn't have insurance and make insurance companys so that more individuals can afford their coverage.	There should be no trade off!  Everyone is entitled to high quality health care at affordable cost.	Just do what is right for all americans not just a particular party.  We are ALL AMERICANS!!!	male	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	11/27/05 3:54 PM
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2636	"Escalating costs and quality. Attorney's with their TV ads have fueled rampant wasteful spending. By the way, tort reform will do nothing to fix this problem."	One payer. I do not believe we can continue fee for service health care. The incentives are all in the wrong places.	"Higher taxes. Double Medicare tax rate on individuals and quadruple on employers since they would no longer be purchasing health care for current, past or future employees if government single payer were inacted. Employee would also benefit as no health insurance premiums to be paid. I fully understand I haven't ""crunched"" the numbers to see how close this would come to raising the necessary revenues."	See #3 above. 	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	11/27/05 3:58 PM
2637	"The rising cost of medical and prescription drugs,  the million of Americans without any type of  insurance"	"I like to see some type of social program  like Canada ,we all deserve health care."	"Spend less money abroad making war and more  on the home front ,this goverment doesn't take care of his people."	"The system we have now is out of control,we  need to regulate Ins. & Drug co. I'm not an  expert but I know what we have now is a disgrace."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	11/27/05 4:12 PM
2638	"Several items:  I don't want doctors from India, Pakistan, China, etc., etc. I want AMERICAN doctors.    I want functional MRI scans available to the general public, not just in research settings. This is especially important in mental health issues.    Here in TX, programs meant help the poor have been made less accessible and more expensive to the poor, while at the same time decreasing the quality of care.    Pharmaceutical companies must have limits imposed on the salaries and bonuses of executives and on the prices of medications. Most Rxs would be really cheap if prices were fairly determined."	"Health care should be divorced from employment. When I was diagnosed with cancer in 1996, my employer canceled my insurance right after surgery, then canceled it again during radiation, then cut my hours from 40 to 20 per week so I could not qualify for insurance. I ended up living in my car for one full year while still going thru radiation."	"We don't want ANY trade-offs in benefits; this is the wealthiest country in the world and we're fed up with health care being sacrificed to the fortunes of wealthy corporations and pharmaceutical companies.    I'm sure I'm naive, but I would like to see a national health care co-op similar to what some church networks have today. You contribute on a sliding scale according to your earning power during your prime working years. Then, when you need care, the co-op pays for ALL your care without limiting the kinds of treatments your doctors want to give. Treatment decisions would be exclusively in the hands of doctors, not insurance company bean counters. Part of this could perhaps be funded by a very small national sales tax.  "	"Take it out of the hands of the employers and the government; provide health care for ALL funded by a small national sales tax and by big taxes on the big corporations, especially those that pollute the environment. Put the money in a co-op administered by doctors and a civilian board of overseers. The civilians would be chosen at random and do compulsory service, just like jury duty, provided they are mentally competent. REMOVE THE PROFIT MOTIVE FROM HEALTHCARE."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	11/27/05 4:48 PM
2639	"No real system exists, so there is no health care truly accessible to all. We need comprehensive, high quality care which everyone can afford and obtain."	Yes - eliminating unnecessary corporate profit is a must in any really workable system development.  Adequate federal budgeting to expand the federally-run Medicare system makes sense. 	"No trade-offs are acceptable, when waste from susidizing obscene corporate profits can be eliminated. No trade-offs are acceptable, when health care can be financed adequately and established in the federal budget as a genuine priority to get quality care available for everyone. No trade-offs are acceptable, when prevention, and early assessment and adequate health care interventions can be made, so that the devastating toll on human lives, and on our economy and on family and community life, can be stopped."	"Eliminate profit-making, subsidized by the federal treasury, by our hard-earned tax dollars."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	11/27/05 5:23 PM
2640	Escalating cost and masses of paperwork	One payer of service providers;  one financing system	I think some peop-loe who get 100% employer paid would be willing to pay some payroll tax in order to insure stable costs and compelte coverage	See above	NULL	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	11/27/05 7:25 PM
2641	It's becoming unafforable.	    A simple plan collected thru equal taxation.        	None.	A care plan that would provide high end care that is equal for all Americans.	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	11/27/05 9:34 PM
2642	What concerns me the most about health care in America today is the lack of affordable health care for so many people.	"I don't mind paying some share of my health care, I don't know what percentage of my paycheck it should be.  But no person should lose their home or be unable to eat because of their healthcare costs, and this is happening in America."	We've already traded off our raises for a worse healthcare plan than we used to have.  No more trade offs!	We shouldn't have insurance companies making a ton of money off of insuring people for health care and yet the people with those health care plans are not very well insured and so many are not insured at all.  I guess I am suggesting eliminating health care insurance companies.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	11/27/05 11:16 PM
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2643	The extremely high cost concerns me most.  This is going to be another saving and loan mess that a few collect the big bucks and the tax payers are stuck with the bills while the corporations take out bankruptcy and personally walk away with billions in their pocket.	  The system was working before the pharmaceutical companies got greedy and the government administration invested in the industry.	No trade off.  The American people are being fleeced.	"The problem is so obvious to anyone using medical care in the US.  Make the pharaceutical corporations compete.  End the ""no bid"" contracts with Medicare.  This is not a free market that President Bush tounts .  The medical insurance corporations and hospitals, and doctors have jumped on the bank wagon.    Now we have almost the highest medical cost of any nation while covering the smallest percentage of the population.    The last time I visited my family doctor for a simple bladder infection.  He took 5 minutes and charged $155.  The high cost of medical care represents a lot of greed.  Starting with Presiden Bush who won't let states get drugs from other countries.  Just the fact that the same drugs are cheaper in other countries, shows that the US is being over charged.     "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/28/05 3:45 AM
2644	I feel that the 'system' is on the verge of imploding.	I think the govt needs to take over all basic health care services and those who can afford to privately would be welcome to do so. Or just legalize euthanasia instead of killing people slowly	 dont think most working class people can afford to trade-off anything.	"Educate the public that ultimately they pay for lack of access to health care in one manner or another, so why not pay for preventitive services"	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	11/28/05 5:35 AM
2645	"There is no end in sight for what they charge for hospital services, prescriptions and doctors services.  The average person cannot afford to go to a doctor and cannot afford medical care."	"There should be socialized medicine for all the people, everyone should be able to have good health care no matter what their pay scale!"	Increase in medicare payments that everyone pays for socialized medicine.  As long as the basic health care is paid for the people would not mind paying a surcharge for elective surgery or for a specialist.	"Govenment control on pharmacy prices, socialized medicine would bring into contol the exorbitant fees charged by the doctors and the hospitals. "	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	11/28/05 7:26 AM
2646	That it is unaffordable and unaccessable to many working and vulnerable Americans.  That Congress is taking hasty steps to cut benefits instead of extending them.  	We need a system of universal healthcare in this country.	I think that the country is ready for universal healthcare.  I think more Americans are displeased with the current system than those who are pleased with it.  	Provide affordable healthcare for all Americans!	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	11/28/05 7:50 AM
	TEST																						na	
2648	"Exorbitant costs for care, hospitalization, and medications"	"We should move to a single payer system to simplify the process.  All individual, employer, and government contributions for a given individual should be put into a single pool, and payments to providers should be made from there."	"Managed care is a dirty word to many - we need generalist medical practitioners to effectively manage individual care, especially "	"Rein in the drug companies, insurance profiteers, and lawyers.  Effective tort reform needs to be part of the package to avoid inflation of providers' malpractice costs."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	11/28/05 9:11 AM
	TEST																						na	
2650	We need to move to a single payer system	Single Payer	Trade off paying outrageous prices for incompetent HMOs for a single payer system	Single Payer	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	11/28/05 10:38 AM
2651	"High Cost and relative poor quality, fragmentation"	single payor system	A single payor system would allow citizens improved access to the doctors they want to see at affordable prices. 	Single payor system	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	11/28/05 10:40 AM
2654	"It's so expensive, even with health insurance, co-pays and perscription costs are so high, it's a struggle to afford medical care. "	"YES! health care is a right, and quality care should be afforded to everyone equally, regardless of ability to pay. I think we should look at making healthcare part of the school system so all children can be healthy enough to learn - including vision and dental care. "	"The American public is already holding down jobs just for the health benifits, they would pay for higher priced items so employers can all cover insurance costs and they would be willing to let go of tax cuts for the rich to ensure that poor kids can have health care. "	"We must loosen the grip that corporations have on the control of our healthcare system - from employer-run insurance plans to private hospitals, profits play far to big a role in determining the costs and the quality of health care. "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DC	11/28/05 11:12 AM
2658	Exorbitant costs overwhelm Americans' ability to receive quality health care.	"A taxpayer-funded national system guaranteeing health care to all Americans would lower costs and increase the efficiency of our economy -- not to mention provide better health outcomes, as other industrialized countries (Canada, EU) clearly show."	"A majority of Americans would agree to higher taxes for some sort of national, single-payer health insurance program. There's quite a bit of evidence for this: e.g., Stanford Center for Deliberative Democracy's 2005 poll on health care and education."	"Similear to every other industrialized country, the US should adopt a taxpayer-funded, single-payer health care system covering all Americans."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DC	11/28/05 11:34 AM
	TEST																						na	
2688	It fails too many people.	Remove private profit making services from health care.	Get out of war immediately. Make war unprofitable by drafting all profits of armament suppliers.	Government sponsored single payer health insurance with no private participation.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	11/28/05 2:13 PM
2691	"The millions of people - mostly working poor- who do not have health care coverage.  The lack of understanding of how to provide cost effective care using advanced practice clinicians who do not need surgery or advanced medical care. (nurse-midwives, nurse- practitioners etc.  The use of expensive technology for those who can afford it and yet the denial of services by HMOs to the insured.  "	Single payor with every person covered	I think that most people would favor fully funding low cost primary care and rationing of expensive technology in the elderly. Also home care services for those with disabilities vs expensive nursing home care.	"Have a national conversation guided by experts without financial interests about the above questions. Provide neutral education about the issues- balanced, with the benefits and risks/costs followed by town meetings. Have a moritorium on health care related advertising during this time. Have facilitators summarize the town meetings discusssions, and then have the experts craft a range of solutions based on the opinions expressed in the town meetings. During the period of moratorium on advertising or ""public service announcements"" have a national referendum on the solutions- ranking them from most desirable to least desirable. Then, make legislative changes (without health care industry/union lobbying) based on the refferendum."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/28/05 3:26 PM
2697	Companies like Wal-Mart pushing employees into government programs designed for workers who do not have access to affordable health care.	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	11/28/05 3:38 PM
2705	"The fact that so many people are uninsured or underinsured!  I just recently got signed on to great healthcare because I work with the labor movement, and for the first time in my life, I understand why it's so important to have solid, dependable coverage!!!  This should be available for everyone, not just the privileged few (myself included).  "	I think employers and the government should take on a larger percentage of the cost.	"I don't think we should settle for anything less than affordable, high quality healthcare.  We shouldn't have to give up any of our other hard-fought victories.  "	"Insure our children and elderly first; if we must prioritize, they should come first.  "	female	NULL	Yes	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	11/28/05 6:15 PM
2706	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Citizens need to organize - withdraw health insurance to Congress for 1 year. Withing the year, there will be a plan that works."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	11/28/05 7:34 PM
2708	The lack of it for most people.  I am a 22-year old working man and neither I nor most people I know have any health care coverage whatsoever!	"I feel that quality health care is a basic human right, and that the government and employers should pay for the bulk of it."	Most people I know would not mind having a little more money witheld from their paycheck by the government each week if it meant guaranteed high quality health care. 	Universal high quality health care is a basic human right and the responsibility of the state.  If the government were to provide any less it would be both barbaric and a tragedy.	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	11/28/05 10:53 PM
2715	I am most concerned about the fact that so many Americans don't even have health care and thus are receiving inadequate or no health care.	"Yes, we need a national health care system, e.g. Ted Kennedy's ""Medicare for All."""	I think Americans are willing to pay increased taxes for assured medical coverage.	"Medicare for All, so every single American has medical coverage."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	11/29/05 9:56 AM
2716	How expensive it is.	Our government should provide health care in America. Maybe that would make it more affordable instead of letting these giant pharmaceutical companies charge whatever it is they want for their products.	I'm not sure.    	"Regulate the outrageous prices that these pharmaceutical companies are charging for their products. If we have to, purchase our medicine from Canada."	male	NULL	Yes	NULL	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	11/29/05 11:02 AM
2717	"Insurance does not cover the kind of physcians that I can safely use.  In Europe the people can use their insurance $ as they see fit...to environmental physcians/N.D.'s, network chiropractic care,etc.  I have chemical sensitivity/high risk of medical complications from medicine.....so I cannot be safely treated by a traditional Dr....of which less than 2% of our Dr's know how to treat/diagnos.  Ask the Gulf War vets, Vietnam Vets and Iraq vets about their health problems....with only a lucky few getting wind of Dr's that are trained in this/detox the body,etc. We have to pay this out of our pocket. I have earned my insurance but it does not cover anything that I can use!!!!!!!There are thousands of research documents on pesticide poisoning, health deterioration from our water, plastic/styrene exposure and petroleum,etc.  (ie: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX) Rapp...all environmental Drs...Check out the newest data on brain changes following exposure to our environment/oxides and peroxynitrates).  This is a glogal problem and growing!  How else can we help environmental laws to be changed for our health/environment if we can't match this demand with also consciuos healthcare vs the usual debate about 'I need to get coverage and get my meds....stop this 'medicine' mentality now!  Go to Drs who's purpose is to find the cause and heal the body period (NOT traditional med) PLEASE speak up on my behalf, children's and 1000's of others with modern day diseases.  Please help make sweeping changes in healthcare and food and drug and environment.  Also, in Europe their is a law?  'Safe practice'? whereby drug/chemical industries must PROVE the product safe vs in US...the PEOPLE must prove the product unsafe.      I am using a friend's computer although he did contribute but if you need me to help educate about alternative meds, "	Single payer health care plan/streamline paperwork...get everyone in the pool like social security.  Keep Medicaid/Medicare as needed...socialized medicine	"Everyone is covered. If you have ins through your company go ahead and keep...but if not, pay into system..as companies continue to discontinue their health insurance plans, the people will pick up the gov't plan."	Insurance $ to be spent as idividually needed according to belief/meds that work for each pt (I know more people would switch to natural and get way more responsible for their health/cheaper in long run)  and single payer	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	11/29/05 11:47 AM
2718	"Lack of health care for every american. Lack of control over insurance companies. Poor management of government run health care        (Medicare, Medicaid). Cost to employers and employees."	"I beleive more scrutiny of medical providers. Keeping tabs on overcharging, double charging, etc.. Also we must stop drug company advertising. It is not only leading to an over medicated america, but the billions spent is passed on to us. Also the issue of pharmacutical over charge. Most pharmacies mark up medication as much as 500% or more over there cost for the drugs. I also beleive requiring employers of say 25 or more employees to pay for health care that is at least equal to what Medicare provides would put pressure on insurance companies and government to bring health care costs down."	"If we had a reliable government, I would love to see an either state run or federal run health care program. As it is I'm hesitant to suggest allowing the government to have any more tax money to misuse. Perhaps a 100% tax credit for medical expenditures. I know that I have continued to vote to keep putting money into our insurance to keep it at the level it's at, but I think the amount we're paying is ridiculas."	"Finding a way to audit medical providers, drug companies, pharmacies, and insurance companies. To insure we are getting the most for our money. And to make them accountable, so that health care cost can start coming down."	male	NULL	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	11/29/05 1:33 PM
2719	"Price and professionalism of care. Also, more funding for reserach i.e. HIV, cancer, long-term illnesses.  Stem cell research should be prioritized.  We certainly need a stronger education campaign, i.e. anti-obesity, nutrition   exercise.  I feel that health educaitonwas a good core course in grade schools, and we should reinstitute it as a requirement."	"The federals and state governments should cover the uninsured in a partnership. Hhealth care should be free for all citizens ages 0-10 and ages 80 and above. We need to tax businesses more that do not provide a health care plan for their employees.  Small busiensses could be given a tax break.  Farmers need health care,   too. We need to see that health is a major issue in all trade negotiations.  I am in favor of a percent of our income tax being allowed to go to certain areas, to check off i.e. a fund for health care like we have for the public financing of Pres. campaigns."	Stop paying for wars and corporate give aways/tax breaks. That alone would do it.	"We could start by electing more leaders with vision, who prirotize this issue, escpailyy for rural areas, too."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	11/29/05 1:34 PM
2732	Adequate health care is out of reach for too many Americans.	"Institute ""Medicare for All"" or a similar program."	"I think the American public wants a streamlined, easy-to-understand health care system that is available to all, and will accept whatever trade-offs are necessary to achieve that."	"Instituting ""Medicare for All"" or a similar program."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	11/29/05 4:41 PM
2734	"I have two concerns:    One as a consumer and another as a provider of health care to alzheimer's and elderly patients in an assisted living facility. As a consumer of health care, I find it prohibitive to be able  to pay for dental treatment which now cost me 8,111.45 out of pocket.  I am reduced to finding cell phones and mailing them in order to come up with the necessary funds.  This could have all been prevented five years ago, had I been able to afford preventative services. I am just now able to have insurance which will help me.  I think tooth decay contributes to existing disease processes (I also have a heart murmur) and lowers the efficiency of the immune system, so I think there could be some real benefits in providing for adult preventative and treatment in terms of dental care.    Second, as a nursing assistant I see first hand the poor quality care that elders receive in assisted living facilities.  Often we are not train to deal with acute medical events as they crop up, and quite frankly, we are not trained in good critical skills in terms of when to apply bill of rights for people with dementia, and implementing implied consent protocals, in getting needed medical and assessment care to individuals.  Also because of the labor constraints of nursing and assisted facilities i.e.., high turnover, and burnout; care givers do not have an good appreciation of not making certain diagnostic assessments on their own, and often provide care, that is deleterious to the patient.  Or, they don't provide care...and I've seen the other side of that; unchanged depends, improper positioning in the beds, not getting needed medical attention or reporting medical developments. Often times reporting medical developments is looked down upon by the nursing staff that is suppose to be supervising your work.  Also, I feel that caregivers in facilities need much more support in training, in critical skill training, and there needs to be a standardized health value that applies to all residents; IN the places I work, each caregiver gives care according to standards based on individualized standards and alot of times these fall way below baseline.   "	"I don't understand the economics of our payment system. I think payment by individuals should be augmented by government programs that target those people who have the most difficulty getting good preventative and acute health care. Also this target group should be encouraged to find ways to contribute...whether that means access to better education, jobs, mental health services; this problem does not exist in a vacuum."	"Personally, I don't know. American culture is highly individualistic, and most help efforts are to help people operate in society in an individualstic manner. I believe that only a community approach can help to break down the barriers of individualism, while maintaining personality...that is relationship to others and the obligations we have to each other as social beings; that is, both relational-wise and both as being responsible and accountable for our own actions in a social context. I think it is a deeper problem than just looking at how we can pay for it...I think america needs a vision of community...then the way to pay for it will emerge..probably through a forum like this.  "	My single most important recommendation to make to improve health care for all Americans is making comprehensive dental care from childhood to adulthood to end of life a key component in health care.  There should be studies to check the relationship of immunity issues with decayed tooth issues.    And quality of care in assisted living facilities border on gulag conditions.  These need to be addressed.     Also preventative treatment for back/neck disease processes.     	female	NULL	No	Black or African American	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	11/30/05 2:57 AM
2735	"That fewer people are able to afford health care and with more and more corporations doing away or cutting this benefit, society will have to pay more in many ways."	"If this country can spend billions a day in Iraq, we certainly can spend that much to see that all people have health insurance. All this money from many different sources needs to be funneled into a single source system for everyone. How I don't know, but I'm sure Senator Rockefeller has some good ideas as he has studied the situation for many years."	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	11/30/05 8:10 AM
2737	"Two things. The first is the rising cost of health care is forcing many employers to scale back their coverage and put more of the burden on the employee. The second is that if one loses their job, they lose their health coverage, and if they get in a car accident or some other similar situation, they will be paying off the bills for years."	"Because our healthcare system is a burden to employers, and is one of the major costs of doing business in the US, I believe we should relieve this burden. We should do this by having government assume the responsiblitiy of negotiating health care with insurers and getting a set payment from both employers and employees to pay for this based on the employees wage. This system would look similar to social security in payment structure."	Not sure.	"In order for regular people to be able to afford a medical emergency the cost of health care must be reduced, both in the hospitals, and on the corporate end."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	11/30/05 8:38 AM
2768	The spiraling costs	A National health care system needs to be created and paid for by all taxpayers with the biggest share being paid by rich corporations and the wealthy.	The American public would probably support a tax increase if it would bring affordable health care to all it's citizens. 	"Make it accessable to all, not just those who can afford it."	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	11/30/05 3:48 PM
2769	"When I get sick or in need of the doctor, I can not afford to see a doctor."	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WV	11/30/05 3:57 PM
2771	"the number of uninsured Americans  - the amount of the health care dollar that goes for administration, marketing and profit  -the number of underinsured Americans"	we need a national health program funded by a progressive tax structure	 increased`taxes to get a comprhensive benefit package and easily accessed health care	"Enact a national health program that covers everyone, is accessible, has comprehensive benefits (includiding prevention and mental health services,is of high quality and is accountable to the taxpayers"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	11/30/05 8:08 PM
2777	The fact it is so expensive and if something did happen I would have no means to pay for it. Also the fact so many people get free health care or low cost health care from the taxes my family pays while as a middle class working individual my family can't afford it.	"Yes, I think there should be all inclusive member health centers that provide all kinds of health service for a low monthly premium and if there are people who abuse that privelige who are hypochondriacs or something they should have a higher premium."	I think government services to people who are able to work should be geared towards education of those people and government spending should be monitered closer for waste so those funds could be implemented.	Western views toward medicine is so segmental and should be geared toward a more holistic approach. Also the Fda should do a better job of working for the people and not big corporations so we can get safer products on the market.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	12/1/05 2:10 AM
2779	Every human being is entitled to health care because they all contribute to it one way or another.  	"Universal coverage by government, with strict control over costs.  "	"Open, citizen controlled operations and practices will require not tradeoff.  All we would do is eliminate the lawyers and insurance companies from the pool of money that goes into health care nationwide.  "	Eliminate lawyers and insurance companies with a universal health care program run by govenment that controls costs. 	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/1/05 4:21 AM
2780	high cost	no	smaller raises to insure paid health benefitsmake	hold all large companies responsible for providing health benefits for employees	female	NULL	No Response	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/1/05 6:44 AM
2790	it is becoming too expensive to have  an average family can not afford it	not sure	not sure because everyones life style is different  the cost of living is getting to high and the wages do not compensate for that and health care is climbing beyond control so i can't see any give to make it affordable 	get the doctor and hosptials to reavaluate their costs  these doctors are trying to pay off their high class living with outrageous office calls $80 to $100 just to walk in the door	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/1/05 9:42 PM
2807	"The high cost of ordinary visits. The insurance for Malpractice is too high due to overinflated lawyer fees. Having basic health care for all U.S. citizens should be a fundamental right. Health Care, Social Security and Medicare would be easily paid for through our taxes as long as Congress and the White House do not over spend on pet projects that have little or no value to the majority of America. It's a classic example of mismanagement, irregardless of political party. "	"If the Government provided health care like employers do, they could provide greater coverage through a few insurance companies based on geografic origin. The more who belong, the cheaper the coverage becomes. It could be a very simple fix or they can continue to pile on the difficulties and create a quagmire."	"Govermental pet projects. These only benifit the compnies and official, not the public. We need common and decent health care for all, especially children and seniors. The seniors have paid a lifetime of taxees and deserve the respect and care they've earned. The children are what our country will be made of, they must be strong and healthy."	"Having a few providers such as Retail Clerks, Regence Blue Sheild, etc. With a once a year registration it would bring a large amount of revenue for the providers and cover the whole country at the same time. With Federal, employer and personal contributions to the fund, the cost of coverage would be spread out between the three creating a smaller burden of funding on all of the three."	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/2/05 2:43 PM
2850	"That not everyone has it, that doctors still think they deserve a lot of money, that nurses don't get much at all and less respect, that children aren't immunized properly, the the elderly aren't given the respect they deserve, and that end of life options are limited."	Everyone should have the same health care options.	"None.  But personally, I'd be willing to give up a lot of the defense budget to make healthcare work for all.  And yes, I'm a child of the sixties."	"Education, education, and education.  There is way too much ignorance of basic health premises, anatomy, and science in the general public."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	12/3/05 2:17 PM
2857	Expense and inequity	"Basic health care should be available to everyone automatically, perhaps with some kind of nominal co-payment. It should not be tied to employment. The outrageous administrative costs of the present system (not to speak of marketing, profits, executive bonuses and more) will easily pay for what we need."	"Coverage for everyone can be provided by cutting out the high administrative costs of our fragmented, highly bureaucratic system"	NULL	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/3/05 9:42 PM
2858	"It costs to much. It's not even as good as it used to be ( coverage wise.)Other countries have free health care, we should to. "	"It should be free, like other countries. "	Something to help us out.	"It should be free like other countries, or at least less expinsive. We now pay for just my husband and I $766.00 a month. That is a house payment."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/4/05 4:38 PM
2859	How much it is in need of a better ordered and integrated institutional system for care	"Please accept a copy of a letter previosly written.    1/23/05    Senator William Frist M.D.  509 Hart Senate Office Bldg.  Washington, DC  20510    Dear Senator Frist,       Thank you for your very wisely expressed New England Journal of Medicine Shattuck Lecture of 1/20/05. It was hopeful and self-responsible. Please allow me to clarify a question and possibly offer a helpful addition to your healthcare vision.     Dr. Frist, I am professionally a family physician practicing primary care and preventative medicine in an expanded biopsychosocial and increasingly spiritual service model. I am board certified and was recently inducted as a fellow in family medicine. I practice with my father and my son is studying in a physiology masters program with the hopes of being admitted to medical school. This last weekend my 17-year-old daughter enlisted my assistance in preparing a speech form her AP English class. Her topic was “Market Driven Health Care as an Alternative to Socialized Medicine.” We had the good fortune to have available a copy of your Shattuck Lecture to use as a resource. I share this to try and offer some detail regarding the quality and quantity of my self-interest in writing you this letter. Needless to say the vision and concerns you expressed are common dinner table conversation at our house.       To clarify, I have assumed you differentiate preventative medicine from preemptive medicine by the degree of individual autonomy surrendered in pursuit of a positive clinical outcome. This would define preventative medicine as a consciously chosen habit or lifestyle change that with sustaining persistence could decrease the risk of illness and disease. Examples might include eating wisely, not smoking, regular exercise, and/or appropriate sexual abstinence. Hopefully correctly, I have understood your definition of preemptive medicine to describe a practice that through consensual decision making results in a more intrusive, ingestive, injective, and/or invasive effort toward intervening, detecting, and treating a potential medical condition that is currently without significant symptoms or findings except to the microcosmically examined eye. This intervention, detection, and/or treatment would at least initially find the patient more dependent on the physician and health care team. Further many of the treatments at the current state of the art in medical science would result in varying degrees of sustained dependence on the health care system. Use of statin therapy to preempt degenerative aortic valve disease might be one example of this kind of care?        Forgive me for belaboring and detailing these distinctions however, I think by doing so it makes it easier to see where your vision for health care might benefit from being expanded. Clinically the provision of preventative medicine can be done using an educational to psycho-educational approach in a public health and often private health care setting with at most mild asymmetry in the doctor–patient relationship. The provision of preemptive medicine however, probably most often requires a psycho-educational to psycho-therapeutic approach in almost always a private health care setting with usually significant asymmetry in the doctor–patient relationship. Further, although both involve caring for people without any initial overt pain and suffering, the emotionally and sometimes physically painful habit or lifestyle changes are at the hands of the preventative patient. With preemptive medicine any physical and emotional pain and suffering that should occur is at the hands of the health care team. A medical care avoidant responsiveness would probably more easily follow this kind of care.       Your health care benefit vision needs a provision for first dollar coverage of wellness and/or prospective/preventative medical care. To really create early detection and treatment opportunities before the emergency room crisis one must acknowledge that the level of de"	Depends on which socio-economic group you are talking to - this is one of the issuse that makes communicating toward the solution as difficult as finding it. 	"How we as a nation provide and finance health care for the indigent, the disabled, the uninsured, and the underinsured may be our single most important act of collective social responibilty for the next century. Wisely constructing member benefit allowances and provider reimbursement contracts that recognize health insurance as a long term individual and community investment obligation will be critical for all Americans. ""Health insurance"" really does need to be viewed as a ""life insurance"" product - and then maybe a private sector approach could succeed in maximizng quality care with cost efficiency. To follow please find a letter I wrote to my political representatives last month. Although written with Medicaid in mind, many of the points made are important for the care of all Americans.    19 November 2005    Dear       Thanks again for being available to hear our concerns regarding the state of our country. I appreciate that you and others in your profession have listened and responded to my concerns in the past. I can’t say that I have always agreed with the responses, but as we have agreed to disagree you hopefully continue to remain committed to any efforts at positive communication and problem solving.        I write you regarding Indiana’s plans for it’s upcoming Medicaid system reform. I’m sure I don’t have the level of data you do regarding the state of the current system or any significant level of detail on the planned upcoming efforts. I was able to glean a copy of a presentation that Mitch Roob gave to our local hospital administrators. I offer my reflected experience as a primary care provider for the last 20+ years. I have several observations and concerns.        First, isn’t Indiana’s status as the state with the most medically triggered bankruptcies certainly related more to our loss of insurance linked jobs and/or reasonable early detection and intervention insurance benefits for individuals than to profit taking by the medical business community? I might agree that the high cost and sometimes inefficiencies in the system are related to our current system’s asymmetric increased valuation of some high tech instruments, products, and services like those used in hospitals or provided by pharmaceutical and insurance companies. And I might further agree that we might have found our situation less dire if we had increased the material valuation for self-care collaboration with expert primary care physician teams who have been trained and facilitated to provide service with state of the art behavioral change technologies to resolve poor lifestyle behaviors. But even here we must be cautious of the enormous complexities in our health care system.       With this in mind it does need to be restated that Hoosiers have some of the most unwise self care behaviors in the nation. (Just for the record, my waist circumference solidly establishes my Hoosier citizenship!) We eat too much, exercise too little, smoke too much, find ourselves spiritually over connected to substance based gratification (include spectator sports, gambling and sex in this set of dependences), and we lose many of our college grads to other states!       For the independent living Medicaid members our state culture may be experienced as toxic and dysfunctional in a number of ways. For example, food stamps materially reward people to potentially over value comfort food and drink as an entitlement. Tobacco products remain too affordable to facilitate people to choose not to smoke. Lack of sustained encouraged engagement in safe productive work or work substitutes like volunteer or educationally organized activities allows the already high level of anxiety and depression among lower income people to not be afforded natural and lasting solutions to poor self security, esteem, and worth. Further, ridiculously restrained reimbursement for primary care and other less overtly procedural health care services has led to the penny wise and pou"	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	12/4/05 5:35 PM
2860	The fact that the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are in the middle of trying to make budget cuts to the most vulnerable inour society.  What is wrong with these Repulbicans?  Have they no concern for anyone other than themselves?  Have they no consinece?  the people will remeber them in November '06.	NULL	"No pork spending.  Stop immoral wasteful spending.  Make rich a nd corpaorations pay their allotted taxes.  Many get way without paying all or some of their taxes.  Than stop the tax cuts.  Step by step, one by one."	Ask Republican Senators and Congrewssmen why they continue to increase their health care while denying it to low income Americans?	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DC	12/4/05 8:04 PM
2861	"That for a long time, a number of evil, cold-blooded killer psychiatrists have been holding targets hostage for Indoctrination, ""Suicidal Ideology"", ""Ultimate Identity Theft"", defrauding records, and draining insurance companies of every cent they can muster for their own mental illness and homicidal people.  That it will be used to destroy and kill targets forcing them to endure abuse, torture, and insanity.  It is not about health, life, or anything good, but money, power, greed,and control. A lot of money has gone into hellholes and nothing good has come out of it for the targets.  Many psychiatrists and others think they can play God and they think they have a right to decide who can live and who has to die. The weaspons of mass destruction have been found.  They have been with the mental hell industry for years. "	"I feel that if the American people cannot have any insurance, than neither should those in congress or other offices get insurance at taxpayer's expense.  "	"Getting rid of psychiatry which is no real use to the field of medicine and would save insurance companies a hell of a lot of money and targets a hell of a lot of grief.  It is a lawless enclave that refuses to uphold the law and abide by the law.  Many think they are untouchable and into ""Racketeering"", have no morals, integrity, ethics,or peace plan.  They knowingly lie about the evil killer psychotropic drugs and have for years.  They demand  to be able to force feed the evil killer drugs down target's throats in order to cover up their ""Unspeakable Crimes against Humanity"".        "	"Get rid of the damn evil killer Nazi psychiatrists.  One does not know if they live in Nazi Germany, Red Russia, or Communist China.  ""Sleeping with the Enemy"", Many are hateful, vicious, violent, and promote violence and homicidal activity.  Targets have a right to to life and to be able to breath without having to fight for their breath.  The law states that a target cannot be kidnapped or abuducted and they have every right to ""Due Process"", rght to provide for their Defense, and right to have witnesses in their behalf, and the right to an honest lawyer.  It cannot be that everything has to be done their way.  ""Do It or Die"" is the same as ""Do It and Die"". No one has any right to file fraudulent petitions, defraud records, and make the ends justify the means or play ""Wag the Dog"".  These cold-blooded killers are criminals and targets should have every right to prosecute them and a right to be compensated for the atrocities they have been forced to endure.  Insurance companies do not have any right to cater to these cold-blooded killers and allow things to be covered up.  Get rid of the ""Sleaze Bag"", ""Dirt Bag"", and homicidal doctors and psychiatrists.   "	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	12/5/05 2:24 AM
2862	The uninsured folks.	Universal health insurance free to low income folks	Cancelling of tax cuts to the wealthy.	National Health Insurance.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	12/5/05 8:34 AM
2868	"Everyone has a right to basic health care, at the least. That should be a self-evident truth in a society with as much wealth as ours. But many lack that care."	"Government should pay 100% of needed basic health care for those whose income is below the poverty level. The focus should be on prevention. Those individuals should be charged a portion of non-basic health care, depending on just how important that care is. There needs to be a mechanism to make that determination. A floor can be established depending on how basic (necessary) the care is: 0% for the most basic care, 10% for health care services for which there is slight doubt, 20% for services for which there is a little more doubt, and on up to 100% for services (such as most facelifts, breast enlargement, etc.) that have little relationship to health maintenance.  Those above the poverty line should pay a portion of basic health care costs, and a larger portion or all of non-basic health care costs. Increments of 10% additional over the baseline can be added for most health care based on income.  Insurance for catastrophic care can be covered by taxes where needed, but with tax incentives for people to use private insurance.  Employers should not be required to provide health care coverage, though they may be provided tax incentives if they wish to do so. Because health care is a natural right, it should not be dependent upon employment or employer contributions.  Note that employers should, like others, be paying for health care via taxes. Also note that paying for those not ""employed"" does not necessarily translate into rewarding laziness. Far from it. Some paid jobs are known to be sinecures, for one thing. More important, much paid employment is not useful (for example: most advertising, most car design) or is outright destructive (for example: lobbying to protect corporate polluters, participating in or playing a supportive role in foreign wars), and some forms of income have little or nothing to do with work (for example: most stock market trading, receiving inheritance money), while much hard and valuable work goes unpaid (for example: much child care, citizen action, volunteer work for charities, actively opposing foreign wars, writing this response)."	"Poor question. What use is it for people to say what trade-offs they think OTHERS, the great majority of whom they do not even know, will make?  Here, along with some background necessary to explain, is what i will do:  I am a homeless person with virtually no income (well under $100 per year). But i work hard at various activities including gardening, community organizing, peace and justice advocacy - things for which i do not get paid.  I am willing, if needed, to work directly in exchange for needed health care. However, i have tried to arrange that on a few occasions, and it almost never works out. Those who provide the health care services i need almost never need the services i can provide. But i am also willing to work indirectly for those health care services. As stated, i already work, but most health care providers are not willing to accept that work in exchange for their services. But if vouchers of some sort could be traded in for health services, then the sort of work i do could be traded for those services. The vouchers might require a subsidy, if only some sort of tax break or similar benefit.  I am part of an organization called Hard Times Cafe of Grand Rapids, a self-empowerment group of people like myself who are homeless, disabled, very low income, etc. We get ""points of improvement"" for work that benefits the group or the larger community; those points may then be traded in for the privilege of having a weekly meal or obtaining various items at our weekly ""store"". With some subsidy that would allow this to expand to something like the voucher system i suggested, i know that at least some others of our group would participate. This would also have the beneficial effect of further encouraging positive contributions to the community from people who are marginally employable in the market, if at all."	"A major revision of federal tax policy to provide an income guarantee for everyone sufficient to meet the most basic needs, and to assure that those most well-off pay a reasonable amount of what they receive. That should include a more graduated income tax such as existed a few decades ago, but without all the special-interest loopholes of that time, a Tobin tax and/or other taxes that recover a reasonable portion of income from stocks, international transactions, and other sources of income now taxed inadequately if at all, and a small but significant wealth tax.  This would provide sufficient government income to pay for very good health care coverage for those who need it. It would provide a base income for everyone, which would obviate some of the worst abuses of the system (for example: many people becoming homeless, and thereby becoming a huge drain on public services - especially health services; people being unable to afford other basics that are critical to health, such as food, heat, medicines).  It would also reverse the trend of the last 30 years and make our society more economically equal. According to some studies, this, even more than reduction of poverty itself, is very important for improving health."	male	NULL	No	Other	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	na	12/5/05 12:01 PM
2877	NULL	national healthcare - managed by gov.	less money for war - pass on savings to health care and education.    take medicine out of private sector    	make it available to all Americans.    	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	12/5/05 3:41 PM
2880	"1. Health care cost rapidly becoming our number one problem.  2. We need to have accountability from providers,hospitals,and patients.  3. We need a single entity who recieves all insurance claims and processes them. This would reduce the administrative cost considerable. If all the claims were processed at one center fraud abuse could be easily monitored. The administrative cost is runing at 30%, fraud who knows but it's out there. The whole cpt code system need to be revisited. I had a case the other week and the surgeon was using 6 cpt codes to file for processing. This is out of control.    4. All surgeries should be done in hospitals. The mushrooming supply of off site surgery centers are seriously financially strapping the hospitals.  The off site surgey centers take the cream and leave the poorly or uninsured to the hospitals,while at the same time are often providing marginalized care.  When these same surgeons show up at the hospital they demand the latest equipment,drugs and supplies. This could be easily solved by only reimbursing for surgical procedures if done in the hospitals.    5. Patients need to be accountable. People with morbid obesity need to loose weight and exercise. Patients with asthma must not smoke. Patients need to be complient with there medications.       "	Every adult person should contribute to the cost of health care if able. The idea of universal health care funded by the government will not work.	The American pulbic is unrealistic in response to health care. They want every possible drug or proceudre available and they want it now. The american pulic needs to get real. They need to be commited to change and financilly involved.	"outlaw smoking in workplace,restaurants,bars,malls,hotels,stadiums,performing arts centers."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	12/5/05 9:00 PM
2881	availability of preventive treatment to everyone	"Make medicare coverage available to everyone without respect to age. The addition of the young would provide money to the system. Individuals and businesses would save on work comp, auto insurance & health care insurance premiums."	"Whatever is needed after the above changes take place. I suspect if we had one system the administrative savings would be tremendous, but if everyone was covered under the same system the trade offs would be equal for all."	Eliminate duplication and make access equal for all	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	12/6/05 10:22 AM
2882	Many people have no health insurance coverage even though they are working.  It is just not affordable.  Our company recently had to relinquish renewal of our group policy because of skyrocketing premiums.  This is very dismaying to us as owners of the company and to our employees.  My children do not have coverage even though they are working.  	A one payer system seems like it would be preferable.  We are a health care clinic and payments to us are delayed for months and months.  	People learn of new tests and treatments through the media and believe that all treatments/tests should be available to them even though the tests/treatments may not be indicated for their situation.  This adds much expense.  This should not be allowed.	"Ration healthcare so that the dollars can be used for the good of the many.  If people want more tests/treatment than is called for in their situation, this should be an out of pocket expense.  The situation is totally out of hand."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	12/6/05 11:49 AM
2885	"lack of adequate, basic coverage for those who cannot pay into a private plan.  Our health care paradigm does not reflect a basic recognition of the importance and dignity of health care for all.  Instead, it is a reflection in the unraveling of our social fabric."	"Our? What is this, ""Our""?  ""We"" do not have a way of paying for health care.  People struggle to get coverage and access to care anyway they can.  Your language suggests everything is fine; nothing is broken and we have nothing to work on.    At a fundamental level, I want a *single* system that:  - *Ensures* basic and emergency care for all children under 18, regardless of ability to pay.  - *Ensures* basic and emergency care for all adults 65 and over, regardless of ability to pay.  - *Ensures* basic and emergency care for all individuals and families without an income.    I don't care whether it is public or private. I distrust private corporations because of the profit motive in medical practice today, and government has not yet demonstrated sufficient capacity to run a business effectively (ie Amtrak).  "	Increased taxes : broader coverage  Private management : price caps  	"Reduce bureaucratic inefficiency by creating a Universal, Transferable Health Smart Card."	male	NULL	Yes	NULL	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VT	12/6/05 1:33 PM
2888	Cost	all individuals should be able to join a state/federal government sponsored group health plan that provides the same level of benefits as traditional plans.	more copays but no change in benefits	"The niching of providers (for profit specialty hospitals, physician owned surgery centers, radiology centers etc) has not benefitted the consumer by allowing competition.  It has benefitted the investor.  It has increased costs in the hospitals by leaving them with the sickest, poorest and without economy of scale.  "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	12/6/05 3:59 PM
2890	"The lack ofclear information about physicians hospital cost and quality, which creates significant information assymetries and distortions in the proper functioning of the health care system"	"Not fundamentally. A multi-payer system that encourages the right decisions to be made along the health care decision chain is good.  However, most consumers are insulated from any sensitivity to the actual cost of care they consume, and have no ex ante indication to the potential price of the care they access, thus creating significant distortions in the proper functioning of the market."	I think most Americans would be willing to pay for 10% of the cost of each service they consume (up to a reasonable amount and with full protection against catastrophic loss) in exchange for a better functioning market	"allow information on provider performance to show through publicly and tie consumer expenses to the relative value of the services they consume.  A patient that voluntarily goes to an expensive and mediocre physician/hospital should pay more than a patient that goes to a good quality and less expensive physician/hospital.  Today, most patients pay the same irrespective of where they go."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	12/6/05 7:07 PM
2891	"Although being a physician might disqualify me from providing input as a ""citizen,"" I think I can add some insights which may be of great value to your project. I am a Family Physician practicing in a semi-rural area in upstate N.Y. I see all ages and types of patients and deal with the full gamut of payors. From a system point of view, I believe the biggest problem in health care now is the multiple payer system we have. The volume of waste associated with patients and doctors having to figure out what services/doctors/medications/tests are and are not covered, is massive. As well, patients are changing health plans on a yearly basis, as their employers shop for the lowest price plans."	"As above. I know many groups are against the idea, generally for selfish reasons of control or economics, but we need a single-payer plan, probably run by CMS or an equivalent agency of the government."	"Hard to say. Individuals are generally concerned about their own needs and will generally not be willing to sacrifice a benefit for the greater good. That said, there needs to be redoubled effort to develop and disseminate evidence based medicine - including testing and treatment. It is painful to see tests ordered to enrich the ordering physician or to supposedly reduce risk of malpractice claims. Large sums are also poorly spent at the end of life and on unproven alternative treatments. These issues need to be addressed. A difficlut transition will be necessary, but a basic benefit package for all can be enhanced by those who wish to pay the difference."	Single payer universal health care managed by CMS or an equivalent government agency.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/6/05 7:29 PM
2892	The fact that at least 45.8 million Americans lack access to health insurance each year.  It makes insurance costlier for everyone else.  The rates at my business went up 25% this year after going up 15% last year and 20% the year before.    	"Yes.  Payments should probably still come from government, employers and individuals (more through payroll deductions than through co-pays and cost-sharing) but ONE administrative entity could best ensure that the majority of the health care dollar goes directly to care and not to administrative overhead or insurance company profit.  "	Studies consistently show that the majority of Americans prefer a system that covers everyone even if it means higher taxes.  	Maintain private provision of health care and ensure as broad a choice of provider as possible but achieve administrative simplicity by having either a single national financial administrator (as with Medicare - which has very low administrative overhead) or by having one such entity within each state -- thus using the entire state as a single risk pool.  	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	12/7/05 10:39 AM
2893	"medicare is a mess. nobody has a clear idea of what is covered, how much is covered, what is plan b covers, what plan d covers,k why you need so many confusing plans as a, b, d, etc.  the system has gotten worse since bush took office"	"all americans should be covered for health care. congress should rescind the endless raises they get and congressmen should get their health care under medicare not some fancy federal system that gives them everything and takes away everything from lower income people, who are left to die from poor doctors and poor hospitals and poor care. the importing of endless doctors who are foreigners and who dont even speak english so that they can find out what their patients are saying does not help matters. we can educate more doctors and good ones, if we give them free education in return for health care for the people"	get all congressional and adminsitrative politicians in washington and state capitals to have the same medical care that everybody has. then the system will improve. why let the president go to bethesda free and clear of all debt and everybody else get screwed	we need a universal health care system. we need american doctors. we need less paperwork which is driving people crazy and really costs alot of money in time wasted.	female	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	12/7/05 11:16 AM
2896	"The financing system is totally screwed up, forcing the sick to pay more than they can manage, while letting the well get away with not paying enough."	"All these entities should pay, but through a tax-based system that makes everyone contribute fairly."	"Get rid of the health insurance industry, and rein in pharmaceutical company profits, and there won't be a need for ""trade-offs"" for the rest of the public. (I do recognize that the health insurance and pharmaceutical industries do employ lots of people whose jobs will be disrupted. In a switchover to national health coverage, money needs to be allocated to help these people adjust.)"	"Everybody in, nobody out! NOW!!!!!"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/7/05 12:38 PM
2897	The defensive practice of medicine and the waste of money from the overuse of medical technologies in an impossible attempt by health care providers to avoid litigation.  Something must be done about TORT REFORM before it is too late.  The USA needs a fair and reasonable approach to unavoidable outcomes in health care and in properly compensating and providing care for those that are harmed by true negligence or poor care practices.	"Yes.  I think we need to take the profit motive out of health care.  For me it makes sense that a one payer system would be the only way possible to achieve that goal.  The only payer that will probably be the most fair and the least likely to expect to get rich from such a system would be the government.  However, the government would have to receive oversight from both the public and medical provider sectors in order to remain reasonable about the care available and provided under a governmental system."	"This question contains an error.  If you ask me about trade-offs in benefits, but still say you are going to ensure access to high quality health care you have a dichotomy.  In order to receive high quality health care, you need high quality benefits!  If your benefits are limited then your access is limited!"	"A Public Health Approach.  Put money into real education for prevention and affordable preventative health care services that are community based and composed of teams from many disciplines in health care (doctors, midwives, nurse-practitioner, nurses, dentists, social workers, etc.)."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/7/05 1:28 PM
2899	"complexity of the system, high cost of insurance and of prescription drugs, high out of pocket costs, high costs to employers (leading many small businesses to stop providing health benefits)."	"yes, single payer systems like the Canadian system deliver better outcomes at lower per capita costs while covering the entire population"	"realizing that not all tests or treatments are cost-effective. Limits should be placed on unproven tests and treatments, for example full body CT scans, CT colonoscopy etc. In addition, to limit the cost of prescription drugs bulk buying by the government with price controls may limit availability of some newer drugs but ensures lower prices for all. We must also realize that the current system is broken and that only radical changes will help fix it rather than piece-meal change such as the recent medicare prescription drug plan disaster."	"implement a single payer system. This will lower administrative costs of health care, simplify the system for citizens, cover everyone, and make the US a more attractive place for businesses due to lower costs for employers (for example, cars made in Canada cost on average several thousand dollars less because the manufacturer has lower health care costs for workers)"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	12/7/05 2:16 PM
2900	"That 45 million Americans have no health insurance, that many millions more are in constant jeopardy of losing their employer-sponsored plans and/or have inadequate, very-high-deductible plans---and that we trail many other nations in health indicators despite spending much, much more on our health care."	"Health insurance should be administered by a single entity, increasing efficiency by bringing all Americans into one pool. Private and employer-paid premiums should be converted to health care tax payments to support this administration."	"Studies show we can cover all with high quality health care at no extra cost, through the administrative savings realized if we switch to a single health insurance administrative body. The public will have to help retrain any people now employed in the private insurance sector who are not absorbed by the new administration. I think the public will embrace this idea."	"A unified health insurance administration that covers all, besides letting providers concentrate on their real mission by alleviating their clerical burden, provides the opportunity to increase the accumulating and distributing medical records with much greater efficiency than now obtains, benefitting all Americans, not just those newly brought under the health care umbrella."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/7/05 2:20 PM
2901	"We are spending enormous amounts with no evidence of better health outcomes compared to other countries.  We allow millionaires and billionaires to profit out of the system while 46 million are without health insurance.  The system is skewed at best, immoral in its extreme."	"Health care should not be tied to employment.  Either it should be individually paid for or we need national health insurance.  For many reasons, national health insurance makes the most sense."	I think the American people are willing to give up for profit private health insurers.	National health insurance	male	NULL	No	Asian	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	12/7/05 2:38 PM
2902	Inefficiency and profiteering by the private insurance industry.	"Health care should be financed by a progressive tax, with co-payments only for middle and upper income persons. "	"In the long run, the American public will be willing to trade off some benefits to ensure access to care for everyone. "	"Institute a national single payer program, similar to Canada's but better funded."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	12/7/05 4:45 PM
2903	the rising cost of health care and the fact that a country as rich as the US still has 40 million people withouthealth care. Access to health care is based upon how much money you have. That is the reason our health care system is ranked so low in the world.	"yes socialized medicine as it is provided in euripean countries, New Zealand, and Australia. We should pay 50% of our taxes and get fre education, health care, social programs and the lot. It works in other countries and why not here."	Right now we have unaffordable low quality health care. What could be worse.	"Develop a whole new model of health care based upon a wellness model. Our current system is based upon a disease care model or pain model. There is never any mentioned made of preventative care and when there is, it is simply lip service and no one wants to pay for it."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	12/7/05 5:04 PM
2904	The ever growing numbers of uninsured and under-insured folks.  Many people slip between the cracks and just die.	"Insurance Companies suck up nearly 30% of healthcare costs.  They should be completely out of healthcare.  Let them insure cars and houses, but not people!"	"Less money supporting the military industrial complex and more for affordable, high quality health care.  Less for war and more for healthcare.  Seems to be a no-brainer."	"We need a simple single payer system that is run with low overhead and covers every single man, woman and child in the United States."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	12/7/05 7:27 PM
2905	The fact that 46 million people go without care and that the main cause of bankrupcy in this country is medical bills.	Yes.  We need to go to a system where everyone pays into a pot based on income and all medical expenses are taken out of that pot.	"I don't think the American public is willing to make any trade-offs.  Even though polls show that the majority of Americans have favored some form of nationalised healthcare for decades, when it comes right down to who pays for it, most will be unwilling to pay for it.  The ones with good insurance through their jobs don't feel like they are paying for healthcare (even though they are) won't want to give that up and the ones who are working poorer paying jobs with no insurance will not want to give up some of their salary to pay for healthcare insurance.  Re-education needs to be done.  Everyone pays medical costs in ways that are not appreciated.  Companies incorporate the cost of insuring their workers in their products and this cost is not inconsequential.  People don't understand that they are already paying for medical coverage in subtle ways.     "	expand existing public health systems like the VA and Medicare to gradually include everyone in the country.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	12/7/05 7:35 PM
2906	all the money the country has spent in the last 10 to 15 years and we still don't have a national health care system like europe and canada. Why some people in this country have no access to affordable health insurance is unacceptable..shame on us!!!! I worry about us and our children and grandchildren.	"Everything has to be changed. It's a broken system all together. Get a clue, seek help from a country with a health care program that works."	"We already pay taxes, have a flat tax, everybody pays a share, the richy riches should'nt get a break anymore. All the people I talk like this idea. and a tax on gas like europe. I would pay much more for a gallon of gas if it all went into funding a national health care for everyone."	"Somehow insurance and drug companies have to much power in this country, during the clinton administration when an attempt was made to restructure the healthcare system then, insurance companys stepped in and said it wouldn't work.They need to be excluded during a process to throw out the old system and bring in the new."	female	NULL	NULL	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AK	12/7/05 7:40 PM
2907	Lack of access by increasing numbers of Americans.  Emphasis on pills and surgery.  Environmental contamination.	"We have started a co-op sector http://www.healthdemocracy.org which has proven that, for $100/YEAR, an adult member can be covered for everyday emergencies, while allowing us to build free clinics."	"None are needed.  I'm author of Health Democracy, book forthcoming."	"Universal coverage, regionally controlled on a co-op basis.  http://www.healthdemocracy.org"	male	NULL	No	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/7/05 9:27 PM
2908	"Lack of any or adequate coverage for all citizens, no or ineffective controls over insurance pricing to participants (especially in the face of billion dollar surpluses), the complexities of Medicare Part D, no malpractice reform at a national level, poor and inappropriate formulas for adjusting Medicare reimbursements."	"improving or changing the systems as it is today will be quite difficult as the majority of businesses involved in medicine, including health insurance companies, are ""bottom-line"" oriented. Not-for-profit organizations need to make enough to cover costs, while many for-profit are looking to make profits. Capitalism. It would be interesting to try and create a government subsidized single-payer system, but two problems would occur: such a system would limit profits to be made, and any time the goverment gets involved in running something the process becomes overly complicated and complex, ie IRS, Medicare Part D, etc. No offense."	"I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I would certainly consider a special tax to fund a program that allows coverage for all US citizens."	Make it available for all Americans.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	12/7/05 9:55 PM
2909	A lot of the twenties-somethings will likely never have dependable coverage in 21st century job market	A person would have to be a fool to think that any employer coverage is going to last more than five or ten years into the future.	"I think if allo preventative care is covered and 80% of chronic'care is covered, folks will be willing to buy supplemental for 20%, and watch carfully what treatments they select from their providers."	One risk pool for everyone!	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/7/05 10:41 PM
2910	"Universality.  All persons have a ""right"" to the health care they need. "	Doing it all through employers and private health care systems is not efficient nor does it make provisions for all.  No one should be left out.  A system needs to be devised to solve this problem.  	We needn't make trad-offs.  We simply need to decide to pay what we need to pay to take care of everyone. 	Make it universally available. 	male	NULL	No	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	12/7/05 11:28 PM
2911	that it costs 50% more than in other 1st world countries yet leaves more than 46 million people out of the system. we need universal single payer health care.	"yes, we should have a universal health care tax of 1, 2, 5, 10, 15%, whatever it takes on all income (unlike social security with its cap). the tax i pay now to an insurance company is over 30% of my gross income! and much of that goes to administration and advertising, not to actual health care."	"given the general stupidity of the u.s. voting population and the ease with which they are manipulated into voting against their own self-interest, i doubt anything less than a total collapse of the system will induce them to trade off anything as long as they individually have some coverage. the idea of the common good, or the commonwealth, has been destroyed over the last 20 years. i will take a revolution to turn it around."	"throw out the current non-system and implement a univerasal coverage single payer system which builds on and learns from the systems already implace in civilized countries such as canada, japan, and most of europe."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	12/8/05 1:22 AM
2912	"The waste in the for-profit part of the system.   The complexity of the system,causing a lot of unessesary work for providers. The fact that the system does not provide coverage to all at all times,and coverage that is of equal high quality."	"Renew Medicare to Universal Medicard for all. A unified financing system , where possibly non-major expences could be paid through  Medical Reimbursement Accounts that last a life-time and are subsidized for the poor.Payments to licensed providers could get payed bt a swipe of a card. "	"Very few will forego of benefits,but they may be willing to pay more for some,and to pay more in tax to have security of healthcare at all times."	"Convince congressman,that a New Medicare/Universal Medicard  can give everybody coverage now with no increase in taxes for employeers and employees. "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	12/8/05 2:27 AM
2913	"Unaffordability and lack of access.  I am single and self-employed.  I pay $1,200 quarterly for catastrophic insurance whose cost increases annually.  Itincludes NO preventive care, and it presently carries a $2,500 deductible."	"Healthcare should be funded through tax dollars and should be readily accessible, a right for all Americans, regardless of income.  A system of national health insurance could be developed using the currently existing Medicare system."	Americans will need to accept a larger role for the federal government and perhaps also higher income taxes--progressive taxes rather than regressive.	"Health care cannot be managed privately.  Individuals and employers cannot afford American prices for health care, and providers (I am a psychotherapist in private practice) cannot operate on the reimbursement rates insurers set.  We need the federal government to provide a national program of health care with universal coverage now."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	12/8/05 7:51 AM
2914	the rising costs to consumers while the insurance companies continue to make huge profits; the fact that there is at least a 3 tier system in insurance now: 1) those who can afford the best treatment via high insurance premiums; 2) those who get mediocre treatment via mediocre insurance(most of us); 3) those who cannot afford any insurance and get minimal treatment. all citizens of this country should be entitled to the same quality of treatment - the best!	NULL	those who can afford to pay more should pay for more for same quality treatment that the poor cannot afford	Regulate insurance companies; pay doctors equally; equal access to all	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	12/8/05 8:14 AM
2915	"Limited access to providers of my choice. When health plans select limited providers, competition is eliminated. No longer the BEST doctors, but now the CHEAPEST, or most COMPLIANT, get to see patients."	"WE NEED NATIONAL HEALTHCARE!  We need a system where there is ONE healthcare entity, where EVERYONE is automatically and fully covered, and where QUALITY/PRACTICES are adequately supervised. NO MORE insurance companies draining profits for doing redundant paperwork and huge CEO profits!"	"Trade-offs??? What could be worse than what we have now? We have limited provider access, huge deductibles, reams of paperwork, overpriced drugs, long lines at the doctor's office, waits of MONTHS to get to see a specialist, increasing tens of thousands with no coverage at all - what do we want to keep here? There could hardly be a worse system than the one the insurance companies have created.  "	"NATIONAL HEALTH CARE.  I have been a provider for nearly 20 years.  The CHAMPUS/Tricare system could, with some improvements, serve as a decent model for national health care. "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	12/8/05 8:28 AM
2916	"Inequity in the way some people are excluded from coverage, spiraling out-of-control costs, and a bizarre system of competition engendered by our current business model."	"If government is expected to cover all the sickest individuals in the pool, then we must allow them to cover the healthiest also to spread the risk.  Anything else is corporate welfare."	Every single year of double digit increases underscores the urgency of this problem.  Businesses large and small can no longer tolerate these draconian increases and it is impacting our economy (GM layoffs).	Create the largest risk sharing pool possible (all Americans) administer it centrally and create an environment where providers compete based on the quality of the care they deliver rather than competing for well-insured patients as they do now.  	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	12/8/05 9:09 AM
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2917	It's totally inadequate. The pharmaceutical companies control costs of medication and the HMOs control costs of other health care. The latter just serves as middlemen and raises the price of health care. The pharmaceutical companies charge whatever they want and have complete support from the federal government and Bush Administration.	"Yes. Neither individuals nor employers should be involved in health care.  Medicare can cover everyone and reduce health care costs, providing the Bush Administration is not in the hands of the pharmaceutical companies. If not, then Medicare would get enormous breaks in the cost of meds because of the large pool of people/patients. "	The AMerican public does not have to make trade-offs. The Bush Administration has to stop providing coverage for the HMOs and the pharma companies.	Everyone should be covered by Medicare which should be run as it has been before the Bush Administration tried to ruin it.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/8/05 10:25 AM
2918	"Our so-called health care ""system"" is fragmented, chaotic, and broken. As a physician, much of my time is spent in unnecessary advocacy and paper-work. This leads to excess cost, and leaves too many people without care.  We need to go back to the drawing board and create a system that works for everyone.  "	"Government already finances 60% of the health care in the US. Only a single payer system can come closest to meeting our needs. After the major health care debate of 1993-94, the private health insurance industry prevailed with their assertion that they would ""fix"" the system through ""managed care.""  The had their chance, and botched it horribly.  It's time for the private for-profit insurance industry to go.  Expansion of Medicare (the most smoothly and efficient segment of our HC system) would come closest to meeting our needs."	"There is already ample expenditure in the ""system"" to provide comprehensive health care for everyone in this country, if used wisely and efficiently. If this question implies that we cannot have both universal access and cost saving, I vehemently disagree.  We can have both."	"Expand Medicare to everyone, perhaps incrementally, at first through voluntary ""buy-ins"".  Our present Internal Revenue Service (in spite of problems) is the nearest we have to an equitable payment system, and should include health care."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	12/8/05 10:45 AM
2919	1. Affordable access to quality health care.  2. Skyrocketing drug prices.	I think the 3 parties involved all have a responsibility to foot the bill.	Fewer provider options	Address the high cost somehow.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/8/05 11:01 AM
2920	"The uninsured and even slightly more important is the problem of the badly insured. Current network health plans provide inadequate access due to problems such as phantom networks. I have published research on this phenomenon that creates an artificial rationing of health care. Many specialists are just not available. Woe be to someone who needs particular care that is offered by those who are specially and highly trained, for the medical specialists they need are most likely not in network."	"I favor a system designed by Dr. Ivan J. Miller of Boulder, Co. entitied Balanced Choice.   More immediately, I suggest that the government design a benefit to compete with those currently offered. Since Medicare's overhead is so low, a government plan that is not tax supported, could offer a superior benefit at the cost of ""low cost"" HMO health plans."	"I think the public would accept a government plan that competes with current plans at no additional cost to taxpayers. If the plan is successful, we evolve to a single payer system."	End network benefits.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	12/8/05 11:04 AM
2921	profit motive denies health care to millions.	"Yes, single payer"	No tradeoffs needed. Don't like this question	Pass Conyers' HR676	female	NULL	No	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	12/8/05 11:06 AM
2922	It is too driven by Mc MCO's whose primary responsibility is to enhance profit margins not damaged lives. I am particularly concerned about the limitations and restrictions placed on behavioral healthcare coverages & treatments.	"For those who can afford to pay some, I support a degree of individual investment; while for many who cannot afford this, i support universal healthcare that is largely clinically managed, not fiscally managed as is the current scene."	I support an affordable tax increase specifically designated for universal helthcare coverage.	"Have it clinically managed primarily, and move away from the for-profit motive; and enhance coverage and care for behavioral healthcare particularly."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	12/8/05 11:07 AM
2923	The disparity in health care access between various economic groups in America and the overutilization of health care options by physicians treating patients with health insurance that artificially increases the costs of care for all.	"I favor a single payor, government run, health care system."	"Properly explained, increased income taxes (if actually necessary) in return for cost-free health care for all would be accepted by the majority of voters."	NULL	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	12/8/05 11:10 AM
2924	"Health care providers wasting too much time and money by practicing defensive medicine.  There needs to be nationwide tort reform.  I have no problem with valid lawsuits (wrong site surgery, impaired providers, etc) but being allowed to sue just because you don't like the outcome or a complication you were told could happen happens shouldn't be allowed.  I also think that if an individual files a lawsuit and looses, they should be forced to pay all costs of the health care provider, including loss of wages.  I also think there should be a pre set limit the lawyers are reimbursed, say a flat 10% of the final award.  That way, the lawyers would stop filing worthless suits.  "	"I think the current system is fine.  Health insurance is a benefit offered by employers, not a right.  If an employer wants to offer the benefit, they will get better workers and it will benefit the employer in the long run, but I don't feel they should be force by legislation to offer anything."	"None.  I think basically we Americans are a bunch of spoiled babies who say we want everything good but will make no sacrifices to get them.  Take HMOs for instance.  When they bloomed in the 70s and 80s, everybody love them -- ""I won't have to pay much for my care, maybe nothing if I go to a covered provider"" they thought. Then, whem the HMOs got to be the big player for the health care dollar and some non clinical MD in an office in Toledo decided ""you don't really need the MRI your provider thinks you do, even though he has seen and touched you and I haven't"" the patient doesn't get the MRI.  Then, the patient whines and cries to NBC about how bad the mean HMO is treating them.  Well, the patient only wants to pay $20/month for health care and guess what, he's getting $20/month of benefits."	"Tort reform, as mentioned above."	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/8/05 11:16 AM
2925	"46 million uninsured who are mostly the working poor and their families, 18000 deaths due to lack of insurance alone, the highest costs in the world, and poor value in terms of quality and coverage for the money we spend."	This mix of payers leads to complexity.  The latest studies suggest that we spend 20% of the health care dollars on billing and insurance overhead. Most other industrial democracies spend much less on insruance and billing overhead with tax based universal financing similar to our Medicare system for seniors.	I think that if everyone understands that if we will tax everyone rather than rely on voluntary premiums to cover all Americans that we will be able to cover everyone with choice of provider and comprehensive benefits for no more than we spend now. The public needs this explained.	"We need a single payer universal national health insurance system like most other industrial nations.  If we spend what we spend now and recoup the adminstrative waste, we can have the best system in the world. It will save dollars, save lives and it is the right thing to do."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/8/05 11:28 AM
2926	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DC	12/8/05 11:33 AM
2927	"The fact that we are spending so much money on health care, yet have health statistics that compare poorly with other developed nations.  This, I believe, is largely due to the vast inequality in our present ""system.""  Health care must be for all, not just the privileged"	"Yes!  There are many ways to achieve it, but there must be redistribution of resources.  Probably individuals, employers and government, all three, need to continue to be payers, but the burdens need to be adjusted so that the subsidy to the poor is visible and direct so that it can be delivered to all."	"I think we need to be willing to shoulder a short-term cost increase, financed by the government, in order to overhaul the system.  In the long run, costs will not be higher."	"Make it universal.  If this can't be done politically in one step, then develop a phase-in process."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	12/8/05 11:56 AM
2928	That there's unequal access to it.	"Free it from employers and huge corporate insurance companies.  Make it universally accessible through locally controlled organizations.  If the government is in the best  situation to set it up, do it and soon.  "	They'll be willing to pay higher taxes when they  realize the increase in taxes will be less than their current insurance premiums.	"A universal, single-payer, health care system."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VT	12/8/05 12:05 PM
2929	The cost dedictating the type of care you receive	I think that the government should play a larger role in covering the costs and regulating the level of care people receive- espcially for medication that some people just don't take because they cannot afford them. I also think that we should find ways to cut costs.	Increased taxes (espcailly for the super wealthy) and less war materials. Also the nation would save a lot of money if gun control was stricter.	Accessibility	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DC	12/8/05 12:11 PM
2930	"What concerns me most about health care in America today is that it has turned into a business for profit.  When the practice of medicine becomes preoccupied with making a profit for shareholders, the best interest of the patient is completely lost."	"Set up a system similar to Social Security where everyone who is able to pay pays in and everyone is covered equally regardless of age, social circumstance or geographical location.  Confer with European and other countries who have universal health care to glean their best practices and how we can apply them to our country's needs."	I think most Americans are willing to pay for universial health care through a payroll tax to help with the financing.	"It must cover all aspects of women's health, including birthcontrol and abortion."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	12/8/05 12:30 PM
2931	High rates of uninsured people due to the high cost of insurance - this is a recipe for disaster due to the low usage of preventative care among the uninsured and the likelihood of incurring high medical debt as when care is eventually sought it is high-cost care.  	"It should be streamlined to a single-payer plan with the government as the chief payer.  Businesses and middle-to-upper-class individuals could contribute through taxes.  Right now we spend more on administrative costs than any other western nation, yet fewer people have access to our health care system."	"Right now everyone knows that our health care system is very unstable.  With ever-increasing costs, we are constantly facing losing benefits or even our jobs through our employers.  Thus, middle and upper class Americans would likely be willing to accept a small tax if it offered secure health care for all.  Low-income Americans can't afford to make any trade-offs right now, since they are bearing the brunt of our economic woes."	Cover all Americans.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/8/05 12:36 PM
2932	"As a physician for the past 40 years, I have seen health care in the U.S. evolve from being a ministry in which the patient was the first priority to being a commodities market in which administrators and profit-making insurance companies have replaced the patient's welfare as the first priority.  Physicians should spend much more time with patients.  Like the other ten largest industrialized democracies, we could cut the administrators 20-fold and enhance medical quality while saving money."	I want to see government pay for Medicare for all with no copay or other financial disincentive for sick patients to seek help.  Patients do not visit doctors as a form of recreation.  Our failure to provide rapid care for early sicknesses results in advanced disease the care of which is much more stressful and expensive.  Our manufacturers are given the handicap that they are expected to pay for health care for which their internatinal competitors do not have to pay.	"No trade-offs are necessary for the public, only for drug companies, members of Congress, healthcare administrators, and the healthcare industry.  As documented repeatedly in the literature (see, for example N Engl J Med. 2003 Aug 21;349(8):768-75), we now pay more than twice per capita what other industrialized democracies pay for health care.  Our medical results are worse than theirs on the average for most diseases.  Essential services provided by fire departments and police departments are not for-profit; HEALTHCARE SHOULD NOT BE FOR-PROFIT."	"Provide government-supported medical services (of all kinds except unnecessary plastic surgery,etc.) for all with care providers reimbursed as a function of the TIME SPENT WITH THE PATIENT.  Eliminate most private insurance.  Make arrangements for all medical and nursing students to  graduate with no debt (in return, they could agree to income limited to some amount for the first ten years after completing their education)."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/8/05 12:36 PM
2933	"My wife Pattie and I started a small business 2 years ago, When I left I was under COBRA from my employment. During that time my wife Pattie had a small spot of Cancer removed from her breast. Because of that I am unable to get affordable health insurance through our business and we have to insure her through a state pool program. We are currently paying 450. per month whith a 10K deductable for Patties Insurance. I have a seporate policy for myself at 250. per month with a 5k deductable.  Patties meds are costing us 730. per month  if you add those numbers up it comes to 17660. with out getting any medical treatment."	"I need pool insurance rates that are competative to major corporation rates without policy exclutions. There should be a ""group"" rate for all available."	There is no tradeoff - If you give access to affordable rates to small business and individuals you will see a large increase in participation. 	Make health care affordable and acessable to every American	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AK	12/8/05 12:50 PM
2934	"It is unfair.  It is criminal because so many people, particularly people of color, die untimely deaths while insurance companies rake in the profits."	"We need a single payer, Medicare for All national heatlhcare system, enhanced to cover all medically-necessary treatments and prevention measures and that provides a good income for doctors and nurses. "	"None.  We don't need to make tradeoffs.  We have enough money in the system to provide the best healthcare in the world to everyon in the country.  But we must remove the profits and the bureacracy of 1,500 payers and provide a single payer."	Medicare for All -- Single Payer	female	NULL	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/8/05 1:00 PM
2935	It is important that all Americans have minimum guaranteed health care benefits.	"Yes, changes should be made.  Employers should  not be responsible for providing health insurance for their employees; society should provide some sort of basic health insurance for its citizens.  This plan must be simple and provide a specified amount of ""minumum coverage"" for all Americans."	"The public wants this problem taken care of.  I think the public is open to many different ways to finance health care as long as the coverage is guaranteed to all citizens.  The benefits need not be a ""Cadallic Plan"" or free to all beneficiaries.  As far as benefits are concerned, I would check into Robert Reich's suggestions for a mimum care benefit. "	All Americans should be elgible and covered under a minimal guaranteed health insurance program that is not funded by employers.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	12/8/05 1:27 PM
2936	"the high expense, the profiteers like insurance companies and the lack of coverage for most citizens. "	"Absolutely, we need a single payer system. We have a bill now in congress called  Enhanced Medicare for all. It eliminates the middle men who are taking all the profits. It expands Medicare which only has a 3% overhead and it puts healthcare back in the hands of doctors. "	"If we could educate them and tell them that they are already paying for universal health care but they are not getting it!  As for the  myth that Canadians have to wait for healthcare, they are waiting themselves! you can't get to see your doctor for a regular appointment tomorrow, unless it's an emergency.   That the money is already being spent, but the insurances are sucking it up. "	Expand Medicare and adopt a single payer system. 	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/8/05 1:35 PM
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2939	healthcare expenses are increasing faster than the cost of living.	Address the 25% or more cost of dealing with paperwork.	Incrase taxes to pay for healthcare.	Universal healthcare;nothing less.	male	NULL	No	White	Some high school	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	12/8/05 1:48 PM
2940	costliness	subsidies or caps on amount paid by employees and employers	"Finance or limited access to costly expenditures related to cosmetic surgeries, Erectile dysfunction, etc to save money in the long run.  People that want these non-essential services must travel farther/pay more for them."	"Make it accessible, costwise to all"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	12/8/05 2:17 PM
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2942	The number of uninsured people.  Problems associated with managed care such as so much money going for administration which could better be spent on treatment.  Lack of confidentiality and privacy in managed care plans.	Employers should not be involved in healthcare. Let them pay better wages. I believe Medicare is a fine model - individuals and government should be responsib.e	"If government leaders would be honest, would help the public understand what they could get through a single payer plan and stop scaring the public, I think most people would accept their responsibilityl I doubt that people would pay as much in taxes as they are now paying for private insurance."	Switch to a single payer system	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/8/05 2:58 PM
2943	1) Lack of coverage for so many working US residents.	"The system should be scrapped.  It is unworkable, unfair, bad for the health of too many Americans, too costly, and designed mostly, as far as I can see, to make a very few people very wealthy.  "	"I think most Americans will do what it takes to get reasonable health care, including raising taxes, the the trade-offs will have to presented in a fair way.  This may not be pssible given the clout the pharma-medical industry enjoys."	"Single-payor system, as in Canada.  Incidentally, I am a Canadian citizen, have lived with the Canadian health care, and have thus had a chance to feel both  systems.  "	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	12/8/05 3:30 PM
2944	"The fact that so many people are uninsured or underinsured. The high cost of coverage puts people in a position where they make a choice about coverage. It is not something people should have to  make a choice about. Health care should be treated like public education. It is important to the strength, well-being, and competitiveness of our society and nation. I mean, just think about it for a second. Every investment we make in education in this country is a subsidy to business. Nobody blinks an eye at it, because it was a decision made as the nation industrialized back in the 1800's. "	This should be a government-managed and funded program along the lines of Social Security. There should be no choice involved as to whether to participate or not. 	They would be willing to pay for it if costs were stabilized. The benefits should be better (perhaps more choice) if you are employed. There will need to be an incentive to be employed or people will be less willing to back such a plan.	Equate health care with education as an investment in the nation's fitness and competitiveness in a global economy.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	12/8/05 3:33 PM
2945	"Lack of adequate access, lack of adequate reimbursement for mental health providers, lack of health care infrastructure in rural communities, lack of incentives for mental health care workers to move or work in rural and border communities."	"Cut out the middle man (MCOs and HMOs) or at least cut their reimbursement by 60% and give it back to the providers.  Instead of the government taking over, have states programs more closely the administration of the program.  Put health care providers on policy making committees and take off university deans, govern. political advisors and lawyers."	"Tax with co-payments - but take out MHMRs, school-funded Medicaid programs and non-licensed non-certified providers who can bill for the same services in some programs that lic. providers bill for."	"For non-surgical and orthopedic doctors build in incentive pay to provide results in so many visits or time frame. Stop most of the federal and state funded anti-fraud programs and put the money back to helping providers provide the type of services (edcational, theraputic, clinical) that not only keep people well, but help them get well sooner once they do get well or injuried."	male	NULL	No	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	12/8/05 3:41 PM
2946	Cuts to medicaid	NULL	NULL	Focus more on primary care	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/8/05 4:02 PM
2947	1.  large number of uninsured and under-insured.  2.  high cost of prescription drugs  3.  the ineffeciency of the whole system	"we should have a one payor system.  enormous amounts of money are wasted in insurance company administration, billing and compliance personnel in practices and other inefficiencies."	NULL	single payor health care system	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OK	12/8/05 5:09 PM
2948	"The costs and the unwillingness to look at alternative methods to trditional treatments that only address problems.  Prevention isn't as sexy or as lucrative, but is a better alterenative to trating what is broken.  Also HMO's although a reasonable methopd for trying to manage costs, has simply just shifted the expenses from paying the physician and hospitalks to paying the HMO.  By not managing the quality, costs and satisfaction of health care(what a misnomer) Practiuoners relinquised their responsibility and accountability to another authority (HMO) that really was removed from the actual provision of service/care.  Accountavilty occurs when the action is delivered direcxtly and the results can be measured."	"I believe that we need to step back and really get creative about not just who pays, but what is the whole process and look for some creative options.  I believe that competeition for quality services need to be managed better and that if I am paying for something I want to see results.  The HMO's are too removed to do a good job.  I believe that physicians and hospitals need to be the accountable provider and also back up their own actions.  So maybe hopsitals,  and our business community like pharmaceutical companies and others that profit from services and p[roducts realted to care, should support our care.  The  maybe the costs and the results woulkd look different and alternative treatments to ""ill care"" would be replaced b y ""health care products."	"I don't think this is a question that is realted to the issue.  Really getting healthcare should not be a tradeoff. But, I do believe that we , individuals and companies need to pay to keep ourselves healthy so that we can provide a quality service to our companies and our society."	"I also think that Hopsital really need to be looking at changing how they deliver care and the health professionals need to look at their functions and their collaborative involvement more closely.  Hospital have been delivering care basically the same way now as when Florence was around.  It is time to really look not only at the processes and organizational structures, but also at the way we educate the providers.  How to have all the parts of an organization work congruently and in a balanced way should be the reulst and not just an intent."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	12/8/05 5:28 PM
2949	"The fact that, after paying health insurance for my entire working career, I now have to worry about whether or not I will be able to afford health care in the future."	"Yes, we should not link health care to employment, but should fund health care through our taxes.  It's a disgrace that the richest country in the world can't provide health care to it's citizens that European and Canadians take for granted."	"I'm not sure trade-offs need to be made.  Since such a large percentage of our current health care dollar is going to administrative costs, having one, government-sponsored program patterned on Medicare (which has remarkibly low administrative cost), would provide more service without requiring more funds."	"Make it universal, government sponsored.....similar to the Canadian model."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	12/8/05 5:32 PM
2950	The vast number of uninsured.	Yes.  Employers can no longer afford to provide health insurance in the global economy.  We need to join the rest of the world in creating a single payer system that covers everyone and is not linked to employment.	I think the public can be brought around to see that joining a nationwide risk pool (as single payer would require)is the only way to keep healthcare available and affordable.	Move to a single payer system.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	12/8/05 5:40 PM
2951	Emergency care (including all care for children under 4) is the most pressing need for gov't provision.  	"The United States government has accepted the role of ""backstop"" for society's woes (Medicaid, Medicare, Welfare, SS, etc.), and there is no reason that such emergency healthcare should not also be covered.  This would radically alter the way private insurance works (making it in fact far more profitable due to reduced high-cost emergencies, despite likely ""losing"" the most healthy americans).  It would also create a level of ""basic"" care that could be offered to those in the greatest need.  This coverage should be provided to ALL Americans, regardless of need.  Plus, it Medicare has demonstrated that private insurance is actually quite inefficient in its cost allocation! "	Americans seem to make it clear that we are willing to pay higher taxes if it means that our health care costs may be reduced.  	NULL	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	12/8/05 5:44 PM
2952	"That it is inequitable. Those who can afford it get the best care, and the rest get substandard or no health care."	The government should provide a universal health care system paid for with an employer tax with individuals paying reasonable copays. That equalizes the burden paid by employers.	"The most important thing is to make it equitable for all citizens. Then the American public will feel it is fair and just. Eliminate insurance companies - they are an unnecessary and add to administrative costs. Spend money on health, not paperwork."	Make it univeral and equitable for all citizens. Health care is a moral right for all Americans.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MS	12/8/05 5:46 PM
2953	That it's inaccessible and unaffordable to most and that the government is not doing something to ensure that everyone is covered	"Yes, universal health care through a centralized system (like, uhhh, the government)"	"controls by government over increases in cost of medicines, taxes of individuals as well as from corporations."	Universal health care for all	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/8/05 5:53 PM
2954	"The high cost, foremost, especially for the self-employed, those working for small companies, and for those people with pre-existing conditions who cannot change policies easily. Also, the uninsured."	"This system does not work. We either need a national health care system set up, or the ability for individuals to opt into an affordable governmental health insurance system, based on a sliding scale if necessary."	Higher taxes. Make palliative care available as opposed to prolonging death at the end of life.	"Make affordable/free health care accessible, especially to the poor and near poor. Emergency care is expensive and impractical. Preventative care pays for itself many times over."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	12/8/05 6:26 PM
2955	Its high cost and unavailability to so many people.	"We MUST grow up and join the other Western countries in having universal, single-payer health care."	Longer waits for elective procedures for lower costs and availability to ALL is the most sensible tradeoff.	"We MUST grow up and join the other Western countries in having universal, single-payer health care."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/8/05 6:29 PM
2956	"What concerns me most is that the broader idea of the common good seems to be nearly lost in this country. And,a universal, single-payer health care system is a part of the common good. To my mind, a campaign should be waged to connect the health of individuals to the health of the nation as a whole.  And, good health is not just being able to see a doctor, it is living in a non-toxic environment, working at a job that has a good living wage, and universal education through college.  Education, a  decent standard of living, and access to needed medical care equal a healty populace and, thereby, a healty nation.   "	We need a single payer health care plan like that in Canada. Look at that system and implement that here.	Tax the rich.  I'd be quite willing for that to happen.  Make it the common good tax.	"Use one half of the military budget to invest in education, health care, decent paying jobs, and a green environment--that's the way to improve our health."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/8/05 6:49 PM
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2957	Cherry-picking by insurance companies and physicians leaves 48 million citizens uninsured and untreated.	"Single-payer, taxpayer-financed universal coverage for all."	The American public has already traded their benefits via the cost-shifting occurring within employer-based health insurance groups and the establishment of HSAs.  I think the public has already fulfilled its part of the trade.  What the public needs in return is reasonable health care for the current price tag approaching 2 trillion dollars annually.	"Single-payer, universal health care coverage.  Quit wasting 300 billion dollars annually funding the paper shuffle that occurs when competing private insurers each try to avoid paying claims."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	12/8/05 8:01 PM
2958	"My biggest concerns are the ever increasing costs of care, the lack of competitiveness between healtcare providers for those of us without insurance and needing to shop around, and lack of affordable catastrophic insurance for those who currently lack employer provided insurance."	"Definately! Insurance coverage should NOT depend on the ""noblesse oblige"" of an employer!"	Not sure...	"Divorce health insurance from employer/corporate control and offer a universal, tax-supported basic or catastrophic type of insurance to everyone! "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	12/8/05 10:42 PM
2959	The government getting involved and making the costs and reliability even worse.	"Individuals should be required to pay all the costs, they do in the end anyway. Government payments should be decreased so that individual will have to pay there own way. The only insurance I would like to see is a 'catastrophe' policy organized but not paid for by government."	"We will do what ever is required, we pay all the bills. The less conmtrols on health the better the health system will be."	"Get out of the way of health care, they will do fine with out intervention."	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Not sure	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	12/8/05 11:13 PM
2960	The cost of continued focus on curative medicine rather than prevention.	We should go to a single-payer system based on the expansion of FEHB.	Some decrease in choice.	Fund health promotion and prevention at at least 50% of every health care dollar.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	12/9/05 6:30 AM
2961	"1.)That there is no real action from the government to get more people on a healthcare plan.  2.)That in all the time that we have seen more and more people fall in to the catagory of the uninsured, that there is no tax incentive for small business to provide health benifits to their employees.  3.) The general health of Americans as a whole is declining, not because of the healthcare system, but because of their lifestyles and eating habits.  4.)Too much waste on administrative cost. "	1.)Tax incentives to small businesses to provide insurance to employees.  2.)Government contributions to a Health Savings Account for all Americans. 	I think most Americans would be willng to pay a little more in taxes to see people covered	"Lowering the cost of Healthcare, by focusing on making Americans more healthy and not worrying about making a buck. There are too many companies  and individuals that are getting rich while not providing any direct services."	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	12/9/05 7:04 AM
2962	That cost is making it difficult if not impossible for far too may people to have access to the care they need.	I do not think it is reasonable to tie health coverage to employment.	"At this point the vast majority of the vocal public still believes the myth that our health care system is the best. Until they begin to understand the shortcomings it will be hard to convince them that any change will not affect the benefits available.  However, we have to come to grips with the fact that we cannot provide cadillac services to an entire population.  Rationing is inevitable or a two-tier system (which in reality we already have).  "	Focus resources --people & financial-- on prevention rather than illness care.  Take full advantage of the resources available such as advanced practice nurses to improve access.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/9/05 7:17 AM
2963	"That the costs for adequate health care continue to rise.  That we believe that if we can't be cured someone should be blamed.  That this nation believes the best way to resolve their disappointment with treatment is to sue the providers of care.  That the providers of care won't go up against the insurance companies because it's too time intensive.  That insurance companies, in some instances, dictate care based on what the employer is willing to offer."	"The cost needs to be shared.  The access to care should not be complicated nor convoluted so as to discourage those who are less savvy from trying to get care.  I believe that the gate-keeper system is the best way to manage care.  That said, it requires caring from all parties involved.  Doctors shouldn't recommend procedures just because the insurance allows them.  Patients need to understand that while there are a lot of procedures out there they don't need everyone in order to be properly diagnosed.  The doctor patient relationship needs to be one of trust not just collection of fees and making more appointments."	"Unfortunately, I don't believe that we Americans are willing to make any trade-offs.  We won't limit awards 'cause we're entitled (or so we think).  We don't want to be told who to see or where to go or even that there's a limit to what can by done to 'cure' the ill.  Americans want access to care and to be able to self refer for what they believe is wrong with them.  The doctor patient relationship is very weak here.  All providers of care should be participants in all insurance plans making the choice for recipients easy.  Insurance plans need to be standardized.  That isn't to say that everything should be covered, what isn't should be clearly spelled out with reasons - cosmetic, experimental, etc."	We need socialized medicine that doesn't produce a black market of care.  	female	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	12/9/05 8:04 AM
2964	The insurance cost is so high many people cannot afford to have it.	"Yes, we need a national health care system so that all people can get health care."	don't know	Get a national health care program	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	12/9/05 8:44 AM
2965	It is not accessible to everyone. It is too expensive.  Excessive costs for malpractice insurance are driving doctors out of practice.    Nurses are silent.  Their importance to good outcomes is underreported.  Nurses have more impact on overall wellness than physicians do.	Universal health care for everyone.  Individuals may purchase additional services if able.	I don't know.	Prevention services beginning in infancy.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/9/05 9:26 AM
2966	"What concerns me most about health care today is how unaffordable it is.  The insurance industry might as well be wearing guns and black hoods -- because they are systematically ""holding people up"" with their insurance premiums.  I am a mid to upper middle class woman, 53 years old, married with two children, 11 and 13 years old.  I am a non-smoker, I exercise daily, have a healthy diet, and for the most part, I am extremely healthy.  I have annual check-ups and mammograms.  My husband left the corporate world two years ago and started his own law practice.  During the time we had our Cobra plan, I was diagnosed with non-invasive breast cancer.  Because of my diligence in having mammograms, it was caught, as a radiologist told me, ""when everyone wishes they could catch it.""  I had a double mastectomy, and did not require chemo or radiation.  Completely cured.  This is the only health issue I've had in my whole life, except for being in the hospital to have children.  Now I am uninsurable, except through a very expensive and only catastropic insurance plan. My husband, who is about 35 pounds overweight, but a non-smoker with no health problems, is also uninsurable except for this plan. And, my 11 year old son who has had pneumonia twice, is also only insurable  under this exspensive, catastophic plan.  Fortunately for us right now, we can afford to spend $1000 a month on insurance, but there are many other Americans who can't. And it's highway robbery that we have to spend that much and still pay many of our day-to-day health care costs before meeting a high deductible, and some costs aren't even covered.  Something has to be done -- it is a crime, that hard-working people can not afford to get insurance or go to the doctor because of extreme health care costs.  "	"Yes, I think there should be a National single payer system that doesn't get bogged down in special interests and bureaucracy costs."	"I think Americans are willing to be taxed for health care. However, with the many doctors and hospitals in this country, I do not think the quality of care should suffer under a single payer plan.  Maybe some people will have to live in four bedroom houses with five bathrooms, instead of 6 bedroom house with 7 bathrooms, etc., etc.  "	"I don't completely understand how or why it has happened, but what insurance and pharmacutical companies do to people is just plain WRONG.  I don't understand how they get away with it, other than the fact that robbing so many people allows them to pay millions or billions to lobbyists in Washington.  And morally, I don't know how these people can sleep at night.  Anyone should be able to make a good living, even a great living.  But for the CEOs of insurance and pharmacutical companies to take the salaries and dividends that they take, knowing that 46 million Americans are uninsured is just unimaginable to me.  As I said, this is American and we are Capitalists, but when people are putting their fortunes ahead of the lives of so many other people, something should be done to stop it.  I don't know what, but SOMETHING. It is morally wrong for so many millions of people to suffer for the wealth of a few.  We have so many brilliant and creative people in this country.  I know there is a solution if the special interests get out of the way and let people who care about people figure it out."	female	NULL	No	Decline to answer	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	12/9/05 9:32 AM
2967	"1. Inadequate health insurance or lack of any health isurance at all for growing numbers of Americans.  2. A bureaucracy-ridden payment system that adds an estimated 39 percent to health costs.  3. No cost regulation , especially for drugs."	"We need a single-payer system, much like Medicare, for all health care costs, with the federal government paying the costs from tax revenues."	"Estimates suggest that a single-payer system would save so much money that the savings would pay for all the people not now covered. Necessary,of course,is a fair and progressive tax system to pay the costs."	"A federal universal, single-payer system on the Medicare model except it would be available for all Americans. It would not be ""socialized medicine"" because doctors, hospitals, drug companies and other medical providers would remain private and independent except that their charges would be negotiated on behalf of patients by the government much as they are now in Canada."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	12/9/05 9:55 AM
2968	Health Care is presently linked to employment which is unfair to both the employed and the employer. American industry is at a competitive disadvantage because other industrialized countries offer decent health care to all. citizens. 	Health care should not be linked to employment. It should be a right provided to every citizen. 	I don't think there should be trade offs to health care if everybody was insured. 	"Health care should be viewed as a right of every person, not just the wealthy or those who have employers who choose to insure their employees. "	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/9/05 9:57 AM
2969	"Inadequate coverage.  Inequitable financing. Helath insurance and pharmaceutical profits.  Lack of Universal, Comprehensive Coverage.    "	"Yes, we should begin a Universal Single Payer system that would cover everyone all the time, with a uniform benefit package for all Americans regardless of age, employment, socio-economic status, etc."	"Americans are willing to pay a fair tax that would be 0 for people up to 300% of fpl, and only people making more than $200,000 would pay more than they do now for health care."	"Universal, Single-Payer Health Care for all Americans."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	12/9/05 10:04 AM
2970	I am the nurse mgr at a Free Clinic.  The number of uninsured keeps rising and volunteer clinics are becoming overwhelmed.	Would prefer a single payer system.  Medicare currently gives the most bang for the buck of any system.  It could be expanded to cover those < 65 as well.	"It will be a tough sell to ask Americans to give up any of the benefits they have from their current payment system.  I don't know how to answer this.  I almost think  that if we go to a national health care system, that some rationing is inevitable--for instance, no bypass surgery after a certain age unless the person is willing to pay for it himself."	"Start low; go slow.  Begin by providing basic health services through a national system:  well-baby care & immunizations,  some sort of primary care system for adults, ""wellness"" promotion.  Once that's established, we can move on to provide specialist care"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/9/05 10:06 AM
2971	"Since health care is unaffordable and unaccessable to a large majority of americans, people are getting sick and going untreated untill it gets to bad. This is not only affecting the indivisual but the economy and families esspecially thoses of lower and middle incomes that either lack health insurance all togeather or have inadequate health coverage. The market driven system of health care we currently have leaves too many people with out health care in order to pad the pockets of CEO's.  "	"American needs to switch to a single payer system. The for-profit health industry has shown that when it comes to containing cost and insuring all americans it cannot come close. Insurance is offten times aquired through employment, with more and more employers droping health coverage or passing on more cost to empoyees americans are being priced out of the health care system.75% of all uninsured americans are working full time, there is something wrong about that."	"I belive, if explained correctly, most americans would have no problem with an increase in taxes in order to garentee health care to everyone. A 2-7% insrease in taxes would be far less than what some people are currently paying in premiums, co-pays and deductables. If your already one of the 44 million without health insurance you will pay more per check than you currently are now, however the incase of an unforscene accedent or illness 2-7% is far less than paying medical bills out of pocket."	We need to realize that the nations health is directly related to the economy and our quality of life. Makeing billions of dollers in profits off the backs of the sickest and poorest in our nation. It's sickening. We need to stear away from this market driven system and stop worrying about the bottemline and start focusing on keeping people healthy. America needs a single payer system. 	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	12/9/05 10:35 AM
2972	"Despite all the supposed cost savings to be gained from ""managed care"" healthcare costs have continued to rise higher to the point where millions cannot afford healthcare anymore. It seems like somebody is making big money at the people's expense but it isn't the healcare practitioners generally speaking it's the insurance industry and the big corporations raping the American public. Who will stop them?"	"Take the big profits out of the system. Regulate how much $$ company executives, shareholders and corporations can make above their actual costs. And force everybody in the down chain to accept reduced profits. Let them make a living wage but not a killing! Drive costs down like WalMart does. Force it to happen industrywide. Make it law! Then maybe we can all afford to share the burden of cost through taxes or payroll deduction."	Every American citizen should have basic medical coverage including parity with mental healthcare. Again take the big profits out of the entire system so nobody can get rich off of people's illness. The whole industry including research & development must be regulated by the governement to make sure it adheres to quality standards but do not allow uncontrolled profiteering. The trade off is lot's of people will not want to be in the healthcare business becuase it's not that lucrative anymore but then maybe the industry will become driven by people who do it because they love helping people and don't need to make big bucks! Recruit peolple into healcare jobs for national service like serving in the marines is. The government will run the industry and an elected official will be in charge of it so if they screw up they get voted out!	"Make it available to all. Take the profits out of it and make it a public service industry. Change people's view of the industry so they want to serve in a noble profession, that people do to serve their country and their community or draft peole into healcare service. Get rid of the capitalistic influence and things will really change."	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	12/9/05 10:44 AM
2973	"You can lose insurance when you need it most. I""m now under Cobra, which will expire in a year. If I am diagnosed with a serious illness in the next year, I may not be able to get insurance (or afford it) when Cobra expires. It seems that when you need it most, you are least able to get it. We have an inefficient bloated system."	"Single payer!!!! I""m from Canada and I much prefer that system. It is underfunded, but it works. Here I pay $300-400/month, there I would pay about $70 (if I had to pay premiums myself rather than thru an employerr benefit). So you get what you pay for. But - everyone gets healthcare."	"Take the premiums now paid to HMOs and divert them to governemnt to pay for a single payer system for everyone. Maybe have private insurance for prescription drug coverage, private rooms, hearing aids etc. "	Single payer system!!!!	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	12/9/05 10:52 AM
2974	no insurance	drop the employer pays part	one payer health care	universal health care for all	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	12/9/05 10:56 AM
2975	Everything	Go to a single payer system.  Medicare for all	"NO trade off we don't have to. We need to stop insurance companies and drug companies and hospitals from raping us when we get sick.  We also need to stop the politicians like Bill Frist and his daddy'd comapnmy from committing fraud and ripping us off. They were caught, but I'm sure there is plenty more where that came from."	"We need a single payer sysytem.  It would be cheaper and peovide health care for everyone. We have one of the worth health care systems in the ""industrial"" world."	male	NULL	No Response	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	12/9/05 12:23 PM
2976	"Too many Americans have inadequate or no health care.  How to cover everyone, not just the rich or well-placed."	"Employer based health care is too expensive, does not reach everyone, and is a burden on business.  It is hard for businesses to compete in the modern world against countries that have universal coverage."	"Higher taxes, longer waits for non-emergency tests and surgeries."	It must cover all Americans.  It is time for universal health care.	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	12/9/05 12:23 PM
2977	Too many people who cannot afford any health care at all because the costs.	"We need a completely federally funded health care system that covers every single citizen, and I mean legal citizen in the United States."	Increase taxes on tobacco and all sources of income with all income taxed at the same rate.	Have it completely funded by the Federal govenrment to cover every U.S citizen only.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	12/9/05 12:29 PM
2978	What concerns me most is the large and growing number of people who have no coverage at all.  	"Ultimately, it's the individual who winds up paying in each of the examples you cite:  employers pass the cost on to the worker in the form of lowered wages, and government passes on the cost of health care in higher taxes.  "	"The American puplic does not seem to me to be in the mood to consider ""trade-offs"".  "	Eliminate the system of providing coverage to the 'haves' and leaving the 'have-nots' to fend for themselves.  	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/9/05 12:46 PM
2979	"Health insurance costs too much, covers too little, leaves out too many people and seems to be getting worse all the time."	Too many payers makes for a complicated system that requires huge administrative costs.  This is one reason why the US spends so much more than other countries.  This waste should be stopped by either strict government regulation or a single payer system.	"No ""trade-offs"" in benefits!  Our health care has already been eroded by co-pays and deductibles and such gimmicks as ""pre-existing conditions"" that make patients pay more and more.  We can do without the profits and overhead of the insurance industry, which seems to exist only to deny payments for treating the sick and injured."	"The simplesy, most straightforward way: extend Medicare to everyone, after improving it by including all medically necessary treatments and eliminating co-pays and deductibles for low-income people."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	12/9/05 12:57 PM
2980	the system causes every excessive costs which are now killing jobs.  adequate health care should not depend on the whims or profitability of businesses.  	I think it should be a federal program like Medicare and Social Security.	"similar to those they have to put up with the current system - perhaps tax increase, some co-pays  "	cover everyone with a single payer	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	12/9/05 1:08 PM
2981	"So many people have no health insurance.  For example, many people in the age group 55 to 65 put off needed health care because of cost -- then when they reach 65 and are covered by medicare, it may be too late for efficient, non-catastrophic measures."	"I have always thought a single payer system,based on expanding our very efficient Medicare program, would eliminate huge administrative costs, and be far more efficient overall."	"If a program could be presented in a way to overcome the demogoguery (sp?), I think a majority of the American public would support universal health care, even if it ended up requiring a net increase in cost (which I don't think is automatically true, at all)"	"Start expanding care to all, by gradually including more groups under Medicare -- start with covering all children, then offer basic care at cost to those after retirement and before age 65."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/9/05 1:24 PM
2982	That so many people do not have access to health care.	A Single Payer system would reduce the amount of administrative paper work and its costs for doctors and for the detriment of HMOs which we could get along without! So we could have what we need: universal health care at the same cost as what we now collectively pay. Individuals and govt.	"I fear that American businesses won't be able to see over their political habits and finally may realize they will benefit the most by not having the responsibility for providing health insurance access to their employees - less bother, less money. Business could win handily."	"Provide universal health care access as Medicae does, and also like Medicare, have a single payer system."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/9/05 1:26 PM
2983	"It is not affordable for most people.     48 MILLION US citizens have NO insurance.  Self employed people, over age 30 who have ever      seen a doctor are nailed with staggeringly    high premiums.  Health Care is ABOUT DRUGS, PROCEEDURES &      TREATMENTS - NOT ABOUT BEING HEALTHY!  Train doctor's more efficiently, quickly and cheaply, by ditching stupid classes (like History). Put them ALL on Salary + Bonus.  The bonus is based on: 1) Keeping people HEALTHY!  2) Lack of malpractice suits   3) Quality of care assessments by patient clients.  CAP Malpractice Lawsuits and Insurance premiums     with respect to non-negligence cases.    "	"A SINGLE payer system will end the BILLIONS of dollars spent each year on processing paper; freeing it to be spent on health care.    Based on income and lifestyle (ex: smoke free), there should be a sliding scale of co-pays by individuals.  This encourages people to stay healthy."	"Using PROVEN, CHEAP, generic drugs that have been around for decades, instead of whiz bang ""Vioxx"" inventions, that kill.    A Health Care ""Contribution"" of a flat 5% of GROSS income in all forms. If you make a million bucks/year, you pay $50,000 - at $50,000 per year - you pay $2500.  If you make LESS than $39,999 for a family of 4 or $23,999 for a single person - you pay ZERO.    Mandated PREVENTION/WELLNESS programs.    Greater use of Nurse Practioners, nursing skills, CRNA's - in leui of PhD's.    Non-emergency surgery...you get to wait - maximum of 3 months if necessary.  Elective surgery (like boob jobs) you pay for them out of pocket as you do now."	"Remove ALL soda and ""fake food"" from stores :))    That not withstanding:  Implement a SINGLE PAYER system and eliminate health insurance as it is presently structured."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	12/9/05 1:35 PM
2984	The disparity of available benefits between the rich and poor.  All people should have basic healthcare without needing to go deep into debt.  	NULL	"I think we need to prioritize our healthcare spending.  This may sound cruel and would be very difficult to set parameters for, but at a certain point care should be scaled back and not as aggressive.  For example a 90 year old having  quadruple by pass surgery. The chances of that person having a good quality of life after this surgery are not big.  Also a baby born way too early. "	That all people have basic healthcare available.    	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/9/05 1:47 PM
2985	"The fact that health care is too tied to employment. It is too costly under the current system, we spend more per person for health care than do countries where everyone is covered. "	"It should be paid for through our taxes insuring everyone through a single payer system, taking private insurance out of the equation and taking away the connection between employment and coverage. "	Under a single payer system you would get rid of the overhead that we currently have in our system because of the number of private plans involved. It would actually cost less. 	A single payer system similar in make up to Canada and most of industrialized Europe. 	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/9/05 1:52 PM
2986	Lack of coverage for children and the working poor.	Transfer of a small but sufficient percentage of the Defense budget to pay for health care.	I believe we would accept a tax increase to pay for universal health care.	Pay for health using funds normally allocated to Defence.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	12/9/05 1:59 PM
2987	Affordability and being able to keep health care access across jobs.	Single payer access for all + option for private insurance if you can afford it.	Pay higher taxes.	Get the insurance companies out of the way at least for basic health care coverage.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	12/9/05 2:02 PM
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2989	ITS LACK OF COVERAGE FOR ALL.COST--2006 I WILL PAY 230.5 PER MO OR 2766.00 FOR THE YEAR WITH NO DRUG BRNEFIT.THIS IS MORE THAN 10% OF MY INCOME	NATIONAL HEALTHCARE ON A SINGLE PAYER SYSTEM WITH COVERAGE FOR ALL.	"ROLL BACK TAX CUTS AND BREAKS FOR THE OVER 200,000 PER GROUP.REFORM SHOULD BEGIN BY ELIMINATING THE OUTRAGEOUS BREAKS,FOR EXAMPLE THE PURCHASE OF A HUMMER FOR BUSINESS"	ALL THE ABOVE	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	12/9/05 2:10 PM
2990	"I worry most that me, my family and my friends will not have access to healthcare because we are too poor."	"Access to healthcare should be a right, not a capriciously offered  benefit of having a full time job."	I think we’re about ready to go back to taxing the rich at a reasonable rate and cut military spending.	"Make health care part of a comprehensive, visionary plan for rebuilding American industry, changing energy policy, and moving our economy to a sustainable and peaceful footing. "	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/9/05 2:19 PM
2991	"That all Americans, as a basic right, don't have health care in the richest nation in the world.  All other developed nations provide this and so should we."	We need a single-payer national system like Medicare.  Medicare allows doctor choice and  is efficient: 2-3 percent administrative costs vs for profit HMO's 15-30 percent.	"Very happy to trade off our current for-profit employer provided, expensive (more expensive per capita than single payer systems)system that leaves 40 million w/o health care for single-payer that covers everyone."	Go to a single-payer system.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/9/05 2:27 PM
2992	The lack thereof for all people.	Why not tax the rich and the corporations this time to pay for it.	The public shouldn't have to trade off anything; rather let everyone assume their fair share of taxes.	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	12/9/05 2:33 PM
2993	"I cant find a doctor when I need one because they are booked, and I am told to use the ER even if all I have is a sore throat."	Get rid of the waste and excess insurance companies.	I would be happy to pay more taxes and know that there are enough doctors around to see me.	"We should have 24 hr/day clinics so people dont have to use the ER just for sore throats.  We build libraries and other PUBLIC buildings.  We can build clinics.  School buildings that are not open at nite, can be used for nite time mental health counseling."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/9/05 3:08 PM
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2994	Its failure to cover fully all Americans.	"Money now spent on wasteful for-profit HMOs and for-profit insurers should be shifted to a single payer program into which individuals and employers would pay taxes, something in the way that Medicare is supported for those over 65."	I know that I'd be willing to shift from private insurers to a government single-payer in order to provide universal coverage.	Universal single-payer health care on the model of Physicians for a National Health Program.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/9/05 3:21 PM
2995	The enormous number of Americans who have little or no access to decent health care.	Absolutely.  We should go to a single payer system that covers every American citizen.	"Probably none.  I have little faith in the willingness of the ""haves"" to do anything to benefit the ""have nots.""  We are victims of the ""I got mine, too bad if you didn't get yours"" syndrome."	Go to a single payer system	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OK	12/9/05 3:32 PM
2996	Affordable access for ALL	"Government system, supported by taxes.  "	I believe most are willing to pay more to in taxes to assure that all can get health care without going bankrupt first.	Government provided..payed for by tax dollars.	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	12/9/05 3:40 PM
2997	cost	Insurance companies should be held accountable...they have too many loopholes to avoid providing service.	"If 80% of all healthcare dollars are spent in the last 6 months of life we need to be looking seriously at healthcare alternatives for terminal elderly patients. Children don't get transplants because it costs too much (insurance companies say ""not a benefit."" But 80 and 90 year olds get total joint surgery paid for by Medicare..."	Establish an entity to oversee and police the insurance industry-they're a bunch of crooks	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	12/9/05 3:51 PM
2998	"The lack of even basic affordable health care for all, regardless of economics."	" I think that private insurance has been the reason for the predicament that we are all in.  The Insurance Companies have priced themselves out of reach of the very ones that are dependent on health care the most. All people should be covered by a Medicare-Type insurance, controlled by the federal government, regardless of income. We are paying many times over for coverage that in most cases we cannot access due to the large deductibles that must be paid first.  Cut out the Insurance Companies and go back to allowing  our federal taxes to be used for something besides War and Pork Barrel vote buying boondoggles ..such as the Bridge to Nowhere. It would be more cost effective from day-one. As it is now, too many hands in our pockets and more than a few are being shaken to extract that last cent.  Forget about cutting taxes for the top 1% and start remembering just who it is Congress is supposed to be working for.  Remember, all members of Congress do not have the Priviledge of being Selected.  "	"The trade off that I would willingly give up is the huge Insurance Premiums that I am now currently paying.  The Doctors are under severe restrictions as to what kind of tests, etc. they can prescribe for their patients now.  Why ?  The all-powerful Insurance Companies will not allow the doctors to treat their patients as they see fit. Who is kidding who about the sorry state of the Health Care System in this country !  What System ?"	"Do away with all of the Insurance Companies that Pretend to sell Health Insurance to the people that they can access.  They collect our premiums, but they sure do fight to not pay off on the claims.The doctors have to wait 2-3 months to even be paid.  Since when did any  Insurance Company attend Medical School.  So why are they allowed to make medical decisions as to treatment ?  Do away with Health Insurance from the Private sector.  One Payee...the Federal Government...and have it all under the same umbrella as Social Security and Medicare.  Do away with Medicaid altogether.  "	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	12/9/05 4:06 PM
2999	"The fact that it's tied to your employment.  With layoffs, downsizing, and offshoring creating unemployment and frequent job changes for many, too many people have no health insurance or inadequate health insurance.  Even people who are able to remain at the same job for years are vulnerable to having their health insurance yanked out from under them or changed by their employer, when the employer can no longer afford it.  COBRA does no good at all - it costs MORE than the health insurance through your job, usually at a time when your resources are strained anyway."	"Get private business out of health care.  Business only cares about making money; and if that means people don't get the care they need, too bad.  Nobody should be making health care policy if they stand to benefit financially from the results.    "	"Unfortunately, too many Americans whine about taxes.  It's time for the American people to WAKE THE HELL UP and realize that things cost money!  If we really want better access to health care for all citizens, we'll have to pony up the cash.  Too many people who have money don't care about anybody but themselves."	"I think that a certain minimum level of health care should be guaranteed to all Americans, regardless of ability to pay.  The patient's responsibility for paying could be on a sliding scale.  But certain basics should be absolutely guaranteed for everyone.    Ideally, I'd like to see a national health system like they have in Canada or the UK or some European countries."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	12/9/05 4:29 PM
3000	"That I and my wife can't get comprehensive catastrophic coverage due to ""existing conditions"". We are simply denied even if we were were willing to pay exorbitant premiums to obtain it."	"Single payer universal health care where everyone enrolled receives same comprehensive coverage, eliminating pre-existing condition problems and waste caused by present system spending so much effort to deny insurance to those who are not 100% healthy."	"If plan was all inclusive, public would be willing to finance program through new ""taxes"" if employers, who now provide group policies, were willing to make up for not having to pay for insurance by increasing salaries, etc. Eventually this would disappear as an issue and business would no longer be saddled with insurance expenses. Benefits must be equivalent to  Medicare and no reason to deny choice of doctor."	Develop political pressure necessary to persuade lawmakers to propose single payer universal coverage for all Americans.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	12/9/05 5:15 PM
3001	Cost  Restrictions  Paper Jungle	We need a single payer system	Higher co-pays on higher cost treatments	Make it universal	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	12/9/05 5:36 PM
3002	Waste. We are spending too much and getting too little in return	Definitely. Health insurance should be decoupled from employment. A single payer system which is mandated for everyone with quality standards linked to physician/hospital/nursing home pay. Pharmaceutical prices and DME prices should be negotiated. 	"That depends on whether you are a have or a have not. Most are satisfied with their coverage until they need it. Employer health insurance is the  umbrella that melts in the rain... when you are too sick to work, you don't have any insurance."	The system is so broke one suggestion can't fix it. The only thing worng with it is the way it is financed and the way it is delivered.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	12/9/05 5:59 PM
3003	It's cost prohibitive.	I think the government should just regulate and not be involved in the money	I think some of the specialized care for older adults should be changed.	Limit the amount of profit health insurers can make.	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	12/9/05 6:12 PM
3004	I believe that every citizen and legal alien should be covered by catastrophic insurance at the very minimum. This would take effect at a relatively low rate and could be based upon the individual's current health coverage and ability to pay.	"Basically, I believe the current methods of payment are appropriate. It is just that there are still 16 million people without insurance."	A trade-off might include stricter controls on the type of diagnostic and elective procedures covered. This has to be flexible depending on many factors such as quality of life issues. 	"As a beginning, insist that the insurance companies standardize their forms and requirements. The current system is very complicated and requires the employment of a large number of personnel to intepret and manage the current system. This is money that could be spent in more productive ways within the system."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/9/05 6:27 PM
3005	"I am concerned that 43 m dont have healthcare in the U.S. , the wealthiest country in the world."	We need a universal single-payer healthcare system.	"We would be willing to pay somewhat higher taxes if need be. Howeever, the truth is much iof the cost is due to emergency rooms being used by those who do not have preventative healthcare coverage."	Cover everyone in this country & do it with Universal Single-Payer Healthcare.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	12/9/05 6:31 PM
3006	"We are wasting so much money by not providing health care to all our citizens.  I believe health care is a fundamental, constitutional right essential to a healthy democracy.  Lack of basic health care adds to the wear and tear on workers and their families in lost wages, depression and anxiety, and inability to enjoy the fruits of their labor.  I support a universal, single-payer system as the most cost-efficient and fair delivery system."	"I do not believe employers are responsible for the health care of their employees.  Health care is essential for persons to function in a democracy and, therefore, it is part of our social contract just as education is.  Consequently, I support a system that is based on something like Medicare which has very low administrative costs.  Senator Rockefeller has proposed a plan that would gradually expand Medicare beginning with children.  As a society, with Medicare we have placed a national priority on health care for senior citizens which, I believe, lacks balance when we consider all groups in our society."	"We already have ""rationing"" so it is foolish to talk as if that would be something new in a national system.  I don't think we necessarily need unlimited ""choice"" in providers.  In addition, elective procedures should be lower priority."	1. We should establish a minimum level of health care to which all Americans are entitled.  2. Mental health care should be available to all who need it instead of treating brain illnesses as something different from other physical illnesses.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WV	12/9/05 6:43 PM
3007	"Uneven access: So many have only emergency access when things have gone too far and preventable problems have reached the emergency stage; Lack of effective cost controls, e.g. new federal law actually banning Medicare from bargaining w/ pharmaceutical cos. for best drug prices (a corruption in government issue, Big Time); Chaotic enrollment and insurance patchwork that seems only to guarantee health care to workers employed full-time at relatively decent and vanishing jobs."	"We need to go statewide (CA) and/or national. Perhaps we need an employer-paid employee head tax based on a pro-rated system of full-time equivalent (FTE).  Study European models and bring ideas back here for review and possible adoption.  Governing boards need to be created to craft policy and resolve disputes in a timely and fair hearing process.  Health care providers: doctors, nurses; patients; insurance and management -- should all be represented on the governing boards."	"Maybe some reduction in extensive/extraordinary procedures, that could perhaps be supported by a special sub-fund -- in exchange for quality, affordable, accessible health care for everyone.  I mean everyone, including non-citizens.  After all, allowing an epidemic to fester among immigrants threatens everyone.  Health care has to be viewed as a right, not a privilege for all."	Make universal health care a national obligation and shame on any politician who still carries water for the drug cos. or the AMA instead of caring for the people first.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/9/05 7:55 PM
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3008	"All the money is going to health ins companies, not the doctors and hospitals.  Chronically ill people max out their coverage and owe massive amounts pf monmey.  health care is not reaching everyone,"	"Bring the whole country into medicare and medicaid system.  Force all emplyers to contribute,  and cover everyone including our congress and government officials."	i don't see that we would have to give up anything	"Nationalize it, but require state control"	female	NULL	Yes	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/9/05 7:56 PM
3009	"It concerns me that just an ordinary check up at the doctors office is so expensive that many cannot afford it. It concerns me that the insured price is different than the uninsured price for that visit.  It concerns me that without insurance I could be bankrupted by any of so many possibilities, and that, sooner or later, one of those possibilities is inevitable.  But it concerns me most that our elected representatives can't get up, stand up for their constituency and put forth a real universal health care system for every tax paying American citizen."	"We have got to have some kind of Universal health care insurance.  It is unfair to ask employers to provide this, it's got to come from the government.  "	"They should be able to accept that miracles are not a birthright.  Extreme measures to keep marginally ""living"" patients on life support for months or years should not be at Government or any other insurer's expense.  Families should be making those hard choices.  Americans should be covered for accidents and injuries, but at some point the consequences of poor lifestyle choices must be the burden of the individual alone."	"Give us some universal health care insurance, with limits, so that for some one who lives from paycheck to paycheck will be helped back to work after something like a broken arm, and not have depend on the charity of the health care providers or the hospital to pay the bills."	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	12/9/05 7:58 PM
3010	Lack of universal coverage for all	We need a single payer system; preferably federal.	"Limit types of health services to those that are truly health and/or life threatening; No viagra or similar items, limited plastic surgery, limited hearing, dental and optometric care, etc.  "	"Create a ""National Health Service"" now."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/9/05 8:00 PM
3011	"all should be insured, it should be non-profit"	need single payer system	payments should be tied to income so that they're affordable for all	"get rid of the insurance companies and profit-taking, single payer system is the only solution"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/9/05 8:02 PM
3012	"The fact that some 45,000,000 Americans are uninsured as well as underinsured."	"Yes, America needs a tax supported, single payor health care insurance covering everbody for all medical and longterm costs.  Universal, single payor health care insurance."	"I think Americans would support a tax supported, single payor system if given the choice and properly explained."	"Adopt single payor, universal health care for all Americans."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/9/05 8:07 PM
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3013	Lack of coordination	"maintain the various sources but coordinate using electronic methods, including personal identification numbers"	More government involvement in payment for health care as long as individuals can still choose to pay more for convenient health care for themselves	greater coverate for preventive health care and early symptom treatment	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/9/05 8:11 PM
3015	increasingly high cost; lowering coverages; increasing co-pays; long waits; little REAL choice	we need nationalized health care	"LOL; a trade off might be nice but I doubt its possible.  Our system is one of profit, profit, profit."	get rid of the greed factor in health care;  Let the gov. pay for drs. education and require 5 or more years of public service	female	NULL	NULL	NULL	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/9/05 8:56 PM
3016	-those that can't afford it don't have access to it  -it's too expensive  	our tax money should be used to garantee health coverage to all	no trade offs! the US budget can easily afford to cover all Americans...reduce the defense budget and  tax more the rich!	make it universal for all and assure us that medical students and doctors are in the business to help people and not make profits. 	male	NULL	Yes	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DC	12/9/05 9:43 PM
3017	"Affordable health care plans for small businesses,the self-employed and those whose employment does not pay for health insurance.    The health care industry,particularly the formally educated,degreed individuals and certified allied health professionals, who provide the actual patient care can directly or indirectly impact patient outcome.These usually extensively educated professionals, with mandatory CME( continuing medical education and often re-board certification deserve good compensation for their knowledge , skills & expertise.    In the current medical environment and hospitals, health care cost continue to rise because of numerous factors,but not due to health care workers' salaries in propotion to the workload and knowledge required to perform their specialties. Some factors contributing to the escalating costs recently are the excessive documentation & paperwork( computer data) requirements along with risk management strategies.     For example: risk management strategies are not just for prevention of patient/hospital errors but for firing less than satisfactory workers without excessive documentation for fear of being sued,malpractice premiums, separate documentation sheets on a single patient for all kinds of issues from code status,to privacy issues to non-health care backgrounded individual's compensation pkgs, for administrators, billers and coders due to the increase in complexity of insurance companies'documentation and a whole host of other reasons. Drug & medical manufacturing companies along with their new technologies raise costs tremendously, not to mention contractors and maintainance salaries and their fees.     So yes, the rising cost of providing health costs concerns me . Yet,I do believe the pubic needs to understand it is not just the cost of providing the care to patients, rather just like most industries,the cost to protect patients and hospital workers, maintain equipement used on patients and assure standards of equipement and their health care professionals,require money too.         In America, it seems our priorities are backwards. We need to educate the public regarding their choices when it comes to purchasing health care over other non-essential spending or excessive spending for entertainment items. "	"Yes, maybe a tiered system should be investigated.    Often people choose to forego paying for health insurance, yet own 2 & 3 cars, costing over 20K apiece (which last maybe 5-7 years). Maybe these people do not value their health as much as their cars. Other people receive bonus at their employment versus requesting better health benefits.Some people spend their money on non-essential items, material items or choose other forms of entertainment such as spectator sports,dining out,movies,concerts,shoes etc yet do not place their health as a priority, or at least obtain the bare minimal type of health insurance.     Maybe if we had a tiered system where people who were above a certain income level( not the truly poverished ones,children,those who are honestly disabled people and those who serve in the protection of life in America)were educated and informed of their options...this is what you receive for such & such..an incentive like the varying degrees of deductables with the  required car insurance.If you want additional services, then one needs to pay additional costs or insurance.    Health care is provided to the maximum degree,at least what I have observed via out my career, is spent on prisoners who violated laws.Yet people who are honest and trying to earn an honest living, even if at some type of minimal wage, cannot receive the same extensive health these violating prisoners do in our country.    I think as a country we need to re-evaluate where are tax dollars are spent in many areas and what are priorities are in this country.Do we want advanced and quality health along with an educated or skilled population or do we just want to be a materialistic country and possess things that only last so long. The insurance systems and/or business of billing has become so complexed requiring so many different types of employees( coders,collectors,JAHCCO standard enforcers,HIPPA laws watchdogs,lawyers,those or write this and that,etc) which all contribute to the high cost of health care.        "	"I think this needs to start with educating the public...if you do not persue a livelyhood in life to provide for yourself and your family or at least make a contribution to your affordable health care insurance, and take at least a majority of responsibility for your choices in life(ie live a decent, honest life and receive rewards for your hard & ethical work vs living off of others,taking a free ride, violating the law or  if you are able bodied,minded or not a minor).     "	NULL	female	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	12/9/05 9:50 PM
3018	That so many Americans don't have access to the health care system.	We would like to see a government-run system so that all Americans would be covered and would not risk losing health care if they lose their jobs.	"For thirty years now the GOP has been educating Americans that taxes are evil, so whether Americans---right now---would accept a tax increase to pay for health care is questionable. But in the long run they probably would prefer to pay rather than sacrifice benefits."	Get the Republicans out of power. With Democratic leadership we might be able to put through universal health care funded by taxes.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	12/9/05 10:05 PM
3019	Our family is concerned about the inequitable access that working families have to health care and the huge numbers of uninsured Americans.	There should be a basic standard of care available to all Americans and it should not be driven by insurance companies.	I'm not sure that the overall public really grasps how many do not have health insurance.	" I don't think drug companies should be advertising drugs, courting doctors and determining what research is done, in addition to skewing the results.  Exercise and proper diet should be part of the curriculum each year."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/9/05 10:37 PM
3020	Lack of coverage in between jobs and/or after retirement.	"I think that insurance and pharmaceutical company profits are obscenely unfair, and that these industries should be more tightly regulated."	Regular Americans should not have to sacrifice much; insurance and pharmaceutical executives should.	CONTROL THE COSTS !!!!	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	12/9/05 10:54 PM
3021	Not available to all.  Poor quality.  Costs too much	"There should be a universal, single payer health care plan similar to the ones in the rest of the developed world."	Neither is necessary.  We already pay twice as much as FraNCE WHO RATES FIRST IN THE WORLD IN OUTCOMES WHILE WE RATE 37TH.	"UNIVERSAL, SINGLE PAYER LIKE MEDICARE FOR SENIKORS BUT MORE PROPERLY FINANCED.  PEOPLE ARE WILLING TO PAY FOR A WELL MANAGED PLAN."	male	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/9/05 10:58 PM
3022	"Many, many people I know have little or no health coverage, or such limited coverage that any significant injury or illness would force them into poverty.  Our ""system"" is forcing people into poverty.  That's not right."	"You left out ""payments by insurance companies.""  It's not clear, even from your list, why these companies need to be included in the payments at all.  They're just a middle-man.  I've heard the phrase, ""single-payer,"" that sounds more efficiant to me."	I think we could trade-off paying more in favor of paying less pretty darn easily.  I'm in the process of moving to Canada and my savings just on medications is significant indeed.  I think the benefits of universal health-care for all would outweigh problems and most people's lives would be improved as a a result.	"Limit profit-margins of pharmaceutical companies.  (If they need the money for research, let them spend it on that.)  Offer a basic health-plan for all Americans, give us the choice, see what we choose."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/9/05 11:15 PM
3023	I am one of the working poor and have no health care. i want to see universal health care for all Americans	Universal health care with a single payee	Cuts in the military budget. Undo all tax cuts of the last five years	Access for all!	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	12/9/05 11:32 PM
3024	Simply that so many citizens do not have health care.	One should not lose health care when changing jobs.	NULL	Single-payer plan.	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	12/9/05 11:51 PM
3025	The vast inequity between those of us who have health insurance and those who don't.	I am in favor of a single payer health care system.	I hope we are ready to give up the illusion that we have any control over the system.	Single payer health insurance.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	12/9/05 11:58 PM
3026	Lack of affordable universal access.  I've lived in Japan and Germany- one single payer and the other a multitude of competitive insurance - that cannot deny on preexisting conditions - they both make the US look like a third-world country.	There should be a single-payer - the government.  The current system wastes too much money on overheat (e.g. Wellpoint and Kaiser CEO salaries) and fails to provide access to the most needy.  Health care in the leading industrialized country should be universal and a right.	A single payer system would eliminate the 20-30% non-value-added overhead of the current insurance/hmo system.  The single payer could negotiate major discounts from the pharmaceutical industry.  A proper level of preventative care would elilminate much of the wasteful emergeny room visits of those with no insurance.  If a transition period of higher taxes were necessary then so be it.	Make it illegal for insurance companies to deny coverage based upon an existing condition.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/10/05 12:05 AM
3027	Criminal enactment of grievance and appeals procedures used to deny COVERED elderly Managed Care Beneficiaries of posthospital SNF services for criminal conversions into other Government Programs	"Office of Personnel Management Federal Health Insurance Contracting Divisions need to be investigated for kickback fraud between OPM, DHHS & HCFA allowed and concealed by Office of Inspector General's of OPM, DHHS, & DOJ."	"The Public needs accountability & Law Enforcement which Office of Inspector general's have denied since creation of grievance / appeals procedures in 1978 used for conducting, allowing and concealing felony federal health care offences against the public."	Immediate repeal of Managed Care Government Grievance & Appeals Procedures to allow Law Enforcement of felony federal health care offences conducted against COVERED Beneficiaries.	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	12/10/05 12:09 AM
3028	cost and quality.	single payer or universal healthcare.	higher taxes.	make high-quality healthcare available to everybody. 	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/10/05 2:40 AM
3029	The high cost of both medical service and prescription drugs.	"Bring all the above resources into a national program which insures that all citizen have access to quality health care, at drastically lower prices."	"Higher taxes, but these tax dollars be allocated only to a progam which can not be touched or used for other this purpose."	Nationalized health care.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	12/10/05 2:58 AM
3030	"1. 45 million people have no health coverage.  2. The whole health care system is run as a complex capitalistic enterprise with PROFIT the driving force and decisions in PRIVATE hands, when I believe that health care is a HUMAN RIGHT and PEOPLE'S HEALTH should be the driving force instead of PRIVATE PROFIT."	"All of the cost for basic health and dental coverage should be paid by government.  None should be paid by individuals except for things that are not essential (e.g., plastic surgery based on vanity such as removing wrinkles and reshaping noses and breasts)."	"No trade-offs are necessary.  Americans already have the world's MOST EXPENSIVE health care system.  The trouble is that our system is GROSSLY INEFFICIENT because we have too many insurance companies, too much paperwork, too many entities trying to limit their exposure to having to pay for services, too much profit, too many gigantic salaries, too much advertising, etc.  If we were to convert that WASTED MONEY into paying for health care through a SINGLE PAYER system, we could provide health care for EVERYONE for the same total cost.  We'd just be using the total amount of money more efficiently."	Abolish health insurance companies.  Run everything through the government (as Medicare does).  A single-payer system would be fair and efficient.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/10/05 4:16 AM
3031	"Availability (too many citizens without basic health care), high cost, money that should be used for health care going for bureaucracy (much of which is meant to limit or deny health care), late diagnosis and treatment of diseases because of cost, lack of emphasis on disease prevention and early detection."	"The beaurocracy should be minimized by having a single payer system financed through taxes and available to all citizens.  The availability of health care should be uncoupled from employment and should be universal for all citizens. Such a system could be run as a quasi  governmental entity, like Medicare and Tricare"	"Limiting of benefits to the most essential medical services, medical care by well trained physician extenders such as physician assistants and nurses, a well chosen but limited drug formulary.  People who demand more must pay out of their own pockets."	Universal single payer system not tied to employment.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	12/10/05 9:21 AM
3032	"everyone should be covered, not just people who work for certain employers.  more & more employers are dropping health care.  health care costs too much without insurance. it is bad for our economy for people to be without health care or the ability to pay for it."	this is an inefficient way to pay for health care.  there should be a single payer system with supplemental private insurance for those who can afford it and want it.	"everyone will have to make trade-offs, not just the taxpayer.  pharmaceutical & insurance companies, doctors, for-profit hospitals, medical workers and people seeking health care will all have to give something up and everyone will try to hoard their ""given""."	single payer system for everyone!	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	12/10/05 11:09 AM
3033	"It's complexity, cost, and lack of coverage for too many"	"We must get free of the employment based system and develop one with everyone in all the time, and recognize that social insurance, not idemnity insurance, is the appropriate mechanism."	"I believe they will accept the basic notion of social insurance, but accepting limited benefits will be a problem"	Everyone in the system	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/10/05 11:44 AM
3034	It's getting more and more expensive for ordinary people and you have to be stick with job to have it.	"Yes, at first govenment should work with health care profecianals to find out why they are raising prices so high. Second, govenment should use our taxes to pay for it (we are paying a lot in taxes and government should not to send these money to war but to provide healthcare for all.  "	"American public is paying now for healthcare, this can be added to taxes then for public will not be matter they are paying to insurance companies or to government that governs insurance companies."	Remove healthcare dependencies from employment but prevent cases when person got kicked off insurance in case.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/10/05 12:15 PM
3035	Inequalities of access - people who work full time jobs and pay taxes aren't getting health insurance.	One payor system - allowing for-profit insurance companies to control health care is a conflict of interest between patient care and shareholder profit.	"They are too spoiled to make any trade-offs, but they will have to."	Refocus attention on preventive care which is the most cost-effective long term solution.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	12/10/05 12:19 PM
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3036	Lack of  universal coverage for financing health care for all US residents.	I propose universal health care financing for all US residents through expansion of the wll-established Medicare Program to all.	"The public would be happy to elinimnate premiums paid to investor-owned private health insurance companies in return for paying higher federal income taxes, turn back many of the recently legislated tax reductions for the very wealthy."	Inact a single-payer system for joining the rest of industralized countries in establishing universal health care financing.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	12/10/05 1:51 PM
3037	"Lack of access to basic healthcare for all. Advertising of drugs, surgery etc. Focus on hugely expensive intervention as opposed to healthy lifestyles and prevention. Ignoring the huge effect that decades of toxic chemical releases have had on cancer and autoimmune diseases."	"Single-payer, access to all. If necessary limit procedures such as heart transplants etc."	The American public's current attitude is largely shaped by ignorance and free-market propaganda put out by doctors and corporations. 	"Shoot your TV, get out of your car, stay active and eat healthfully."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/10/05 2:16 PM
3038	"My biggest concern is that America does not have a universal health care system. Health care is every citizen's right; it is not a privilege. Our country has put profit over care, as evidenced by hospital privatization, the huge profits made by drug companies, and the monopolization and denial of care by HMOs and insurance companies."	"For better or worse, employers are no longer taking responsibility for America's health care. The government should look at democratic socialist systems in Europe, and see what can be applied here. Let's abolish insurance companies' participation in health care altogether, and try to better regulate the profits made by drug companies. "	"I believe that Americans have had enough of the waste, incompetence, and lack of caring perpetuated by a for-profit health care system. Most would gladly pay more taxes if it meant more efficient, universal and compassionate care."	The profit motive has no place in health care. Make health care the right of every US Citizen. 	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/10/05 2:19 PM
3039	"Whenever I call a doctor, I am told by the receptionist that he does NOT have any openings for another 3 weeks, and I am referred to the ER even though all I have is a sore throat and fever.  This is a waste of ER time and money."	Get rid of waste that is connected to the multitude of insurance companies.	I would be happy to pay more taxes if I thought I could have better access to health care.	"I think we should have 24 hour clinics.  Also, we have a lot of public buildings that are not used during weekends or evenings, such as grade schools, and some libraries.  These buildings could be used on weekends and evenings as mental health centers!  They are ideal places for social workers to work.  We would NOT have to build more buildings since the buildings already exist. "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/10/05 2:26 PM
3040	"The imbalance--the lack of access for the poor, elderly, immigrants--including the working poor and those without insurance"	Yes--drastic changes--tax increases in order for the government to support health care for all citizens.	Most Americans would accept appropriate tax increases if cost effective health care were available for all. Whether or not the wealthy would be willing to accept tax increases is debatable but they should pay at the same relative level as all other Americans.	Stop giving tax cuts to corporations--  Start educating the public--good health for all equals better life for all.  I will be better off if my neighbors have good health care.	female	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	12/10/05 2:32 PM
3041	"All people living in the U.S. should have access to excellent basic health care throughout their lives, without risking poverty."	"Our patchwork approach leaves too many people without access to health care. Most of the time health care is tied to one's job and if you lose your job you lose your insurance. We need universal coverage which is paid for by taxes, not by the employer."	"I think people would be willing to have part of their pay be deducted for universal health care, the way FICA and medicare deductions work now. But it would be extremely hard politically to get this to work, it goes against too many powerful interests.  We might be able to couple universal health care with some sort of malpractice insurance reform, since the biggest cost associated with botched medical procedures is future medical care, which would already be provided under a blanket system."	Universal health care independent of one's employment.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/10/05 3:08 PM
3042	"High cost and limited access, especially for the uninsured."	"While I have had some problems with Medicare, I feel it should be the model for extending care to all our citizens."	I think we need to accept the fact that higher taxes are necessary to make adequate health care a right.	"Since corporations now seem to control our current government, they need to be encouraged to support universal health care to sustain their profitability."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	12/10/05 3:51 PM
3043	The high cost of health care.  Tax payer dollars paying for pharmaceutical research and the public seeing no benefit to that investment in lower drug costs.  Health care as a commodity only the wealthy can afford vs. a basic right. 	"A national health care plan with no middle men, like insurance companies, HMO's or other private industries benefiting from. "	"I don't see why there should be any trade-offs.  If the government needs a clue they should look at the healthcare system of The Netherlands, Canada, etc. "	"A national healthcare model must be adopted in America, one not controlled by corporate influence, where profits are the guiding principle. "	male	NULL	Yes	Other	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	12/10/05 4:25 PM
3044	"Availablity to unemployed individuals and  cost.  Also lack of coverage for dental, eye  exams and ""alternative"" therapies (physical  therapy, accupuncture, chiropractic care).  I also would like to know that herbal remedies  have been tested (for safety and efficacy) by  third party organizations."	I'm in favor of the Health Care for All - Washington effort in which everyone receives health care benefits.  I'd like corporations and  citizens to fund this thru taxes (on their profits for corporations and perhaps sales taxes  for citizens [some items such as food and utilities excluded]).	I'm willing to pay higher taxes on non-food items to help pay for a health care system.  I keep reading that many corporations are currently making record or near-record profits:  i'd like them to be the primary funder of a health care system that services EVERYONE.  Not just wealthy  people or the employed.	Provide health care coverage for everyone living  in the United States.  The coverage should be comprehensive and for those living in poverty (or near it) the cost to them should take into account their limited financial ability to pay.	male	NULL	Yes	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/10/05 5:15 PM
3045	"Health care is rationed according to your ability to pay. It should be rationed according to need. Health care for Americans is being rationed, and those with the least money, get no care, and those who have insurances, get rationed care according to their medical plan and the money they have."	"YES. I believe that a form of universal coverage should be implemented. Private markets are not the most efficient, as many would believe. It has been determined that private insurance spends 25% of its costs on administrative costs------usually trying to keep the sickest people out of their clientage. Whereas, Medicare spends only 2% on its administrative costs-------it's considered the most efficient health care system in the world. Why can't all people have a choice of being a part of a system run like medicare where costs would be much lower than the premiums people have to pay for private insurance. Those with enough money can do what they like (pay out of pocket, choose private coverage, etc. Most people will choose the most cost effective coverage."	"The taxes will have to go up for Medicare like coverage, but in the long run people would be paying less for health coverage and there would be access to health care for all people. Yes, there would be rationing of care, but we already have rationing according to what we can pay, and not need. And costs are going up and up. Even people with insurance find it very hard to speak to their doctor or have adequate time spent with them. Doctors are way overloaded with patients, so they can make up for their high insurance rates and low payments by all those private insurance companies. As long as the health care costs escalate as it has been doing-----everybody suffers."	UNIVERSAL COVERAGE	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	12/10/05 5:42 PM
3046	"Extremely high premiums, unreasonable deductibles, and ridiculous co-payments.  This is just for myself, whom I consider low income, but able to survive.  I can only imagine for someone truly struggling on the rungs of being low income or even impoverished."	Of course there needs to be changes to equalize the treatment of those receiving health care all along the spectrum of socioeconmic status.	"Little, if any, the government and private sector are already making people try to get blood from a stone."	Equality in coverage.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	12/10/05 6:47 PM
3047	That many people do not have access to care..  Not caring for our fellow citizens in a wealthy county is a national disgrace!!	Yes...  I think it should not be dependent on employment..  If you lose your job or are a student for example health insurance is difficult to afford.  also many jobs do not provide health benefits	Cut back defense programs and the overseas troop presence to fund... restore taxes cut by the Bush adminsitration... Raise taxes if necessary... Emphisizing preventative health efforts and reducing poverty will also help reduce costs...  Improving health should be a national priority... encourage walking and nonmotorized transport and healthy foods..  Costs are rising anyway as poor/uninsured are treated in emergency rooms... Look at examples from other countries to keep costs down...  Feds should competitively bid drug prices to reduce costs.  Emphisas on basic heath care for all not extreme high cost care for few...	All should have access!!	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/10/05 6:52 PM
3048	Access and affordability	"Self-employed, paying through the nose"	I will pay higher taxes.	National Health Insurance	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/10/05 8:03 PM
3049	the lack of everyone being covered with high quality such as medicare provides for the elderly and disabled.  	"YES! health care should be paid for just as fire protection, libraries and public schools are paid for- through our taxes. A huge risk pool (260 million + would assure adequate care for everyone when they need it."	I don't think there would be any trade-offs. It would be cheaper for all if we cut out the middle-man with their huge salary and gigantic administrative costs.	Physicians for National Health Care and Health Care for All California as well as many other state organization back a single payer system which would guarantee the same high quality comprehensive health care for all people in America- (like all other indusrialized countries provide).	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/10/05 9:34 PM
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3050	The price of health care has always been a problem and it is matter of accessibility for many people. The fact that there are several million people in the U.S. that do not have health care coverage and they have to practice crisis care instead of preventable care which is most cost effective.  The fact that prices for health care and prescriptions keep going up and people are priced out of both of them regardless of age.  As Congress is cutting back on Medicaid and other areas it is going to make even harder to receive proper treatment for several millions of people.  	"We should have a National Health Care Care System like many other countries do. You can save all of your working life only to find out there isn't enough money saved up to pay for any serious illness, that may befall you or a family member.  Then you tap into that savings before you wanted to and before long, it is all gone, then you are at the mercy of providers who won't see you because you don't have sufficient funds or back up. "	Quit cutting taxes for the very rich and have everyone chip in a reasonable amount based on their income level. A single payer system perhaps. 	"Accessibility for everyone regardless of income, education level.  It isn't fair the way it is now. Too many people left out with dire consequences. Even insure the uninsurable. It isn't fair, especially if you are born with a problem that either appears early in life or later. "	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	12/10/05 9:52 PM
3051	"Our health care system is fragmented, disjointed, and inequitable. The  profit motives are depleting valuable resources. Pharmaceutical companies have a blackmailer's hold on the people who  are dependent on their products and will charge what the market will bear. 40,000,000 people are uninsured. Those with insurance can still be driven to bankruptcy by high costs. There is no safety net for a service that is a necessity"	We need a national health care system that provides for everyone.	I think people want to be able to have access to their own doctors. Doctors need to be able to establish and keep  relationships with their own patients. I think people would be willing to have a national health care program and would be willing to endure some of the difficulties that other people encounter in countries that have such a system.	A NATIONAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM THAT IS OPEN AND AVAILABLE TO ALL. I would like to nationalize the entire health care industry.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/10/05 10:15 PM
3052	"I am concerned about the inapropriate use of emergency services for non emergent issues and the inabilty to refer patients with minor issues not appropriate for emergency services to an agency or facility that is. In our emergency care system we must see and perform ""the medical screening exam"" that is to the full extent and capabilities of the institution which really translates into providing full care to all regardless of the perceived problem. This federal mandate has many issues that cause the overcrowding of our already overburdened system.     Trauma care is a society problem that has been placed on the backs of private business and it has taken its toll on the healthcare system causing the cost of all healthcare to rise. I speak specifically of the malpractice insurance premiums that skyrocket due to the heavy litigation that stems from this population of people. We must find a way to have less exposure to law suits that will allow our trauma sub-specialty physician's to conttinue to practice. "	Start with congress and not allowing them to have fully paid healthcare so that they may feel the pain of most americans who have out of pocket expenses for healthcare. 	" First of all most employers that provide health care benefits pass that cost in part or totally on to the employee. We are already paying for the privelage of health care to also pay even more out of pocket expenses later. We must also remember that working americans bear the cost for the uninsured. We do so through our taxes as well as through higher costs passed on to those who are employed or insured. The government should look to find ways to have less oversight that would allow for less non patient care services needed for healthcare agensied to stay in business. (ie, compliance officers, coders, lobbyists, accountants, legal departments etc.)   We need more people who are able to serve patients that will allow that very access you desire. Healthcare is a labor intensive industry and the labor that is needed are those with the skills at the bedside. Please llok for ways to keep physicians, nurses, technologists at the bedside and available to care for those in need. Assist hospitals that serve all patients to accqire the capital dollors needed for the technology that is expected by the public we serve.  "	Health care starts first with leading a healthier lifestyle. The smoking / alcohol / substance abuse / and dietary habits must change to allow for less drastic health problems. We must stop thinking that there is a cure or pill to make ALL illness better. 	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/10/05 10:46 PM
3053	What concerns me most about health care in American today is its overinflated costs which have led to an increasing inaccessibility of more and more Americans to vital health care services.	"I think essentially the whole system needs to be changed.  One idea would be to offer services on a sliding scale based on a person's/family's income.  As an example as how this has benefited me personally, I recently got an IUD.  Now, when I called the Women's Health Services center in Oxford, MS where I live I was quoted a price of approximately $400 for the IUD itself and then another $300 to have it inserted.  I make $12,000 gross a year as a graduate student and definitely could not afford to get an IUD at the quoted prices.  So, I went to Planned Parenthood in Memphis.  My IUD plus insertion cost me $65.  So, my question is why is there such a price difference?  This is something that needs to be addressed.  Another thing that needs to be addressed is the way that doctor's, and particularly outpatient surgery centers, are allowed to bill for their services.  To give a particular example, in February I broke two fingers and had to go into surgery to have my bones reset.  The surgery was conducted at an outpatient facility, which because of something known as CPT codes, was allowed to bill just like the doctor, which was for each finger.  Now, I had only one procedure done--I went under anesthesia once and was billed separately for supplies--yet by them being allowed to bill me per finger, I feel that is essentially like saying I had two separate procedures done at two separate times at their facility.  And mind you the cost was $1200 per finger!  This is highway robbery.  Another loophole in the system that I found came in the wording of my insurance policy which says it only pays for the first major procedure of a surgery performed on the same day.  Well, because the doctor was allowed to bill me per finger instead of per surgery, I was unable to receive the full $1500 that was stated in my policy since the insurance company saw the procedure for the second finger as being in addition to the major procedure for the first finger.  Thus, because of these loopholes and outrageous prices I cannot afford insurance today and it makes me feel very, very vulnerable.  Thus, I personally would like to see a national healthcare system put in place and I would not mind paying higher taxes for it.   "	"I think most Americans would not mind paying more taxes if it would insure that they did have access to affordable, high quality health care.  I know that I would not mind it. It could even take the form a slight increase in a state's sales tax."	"Finding a way to decrease the actual cost of healthcare.  I think the current system of privatized health care through insurance companies has done nothing but inflate the overall price of health care, while the issue of malpractice insurance for doctors needs to be addressed as well.  Addressing malpractice insurance will also mean addressing the maximum award a person can receive when they win a malpractice lawsuit.  Health care can be affordable.  As a graduate student, I come into contact with many people from different countries, particularly China and India, and they have told me what equivalent medical procedures cost in their countries, and I can tell you that it is more than 50% less than the prices in the US.  So, I know that it is possible and we need to figure out how we're going to achieve it. "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MS	12/10/05 11:23 PM
3054	"The fact that there really are no incentives to reduce the costs. How can a private insurer be expected to put pressure on the suppliers of medical services and drugs when they are invested in the companies which provide those commodities?  The profit margins on medical supplies is obscene, but there seems to be no supplier willing to accept lower margins to gain a larger market. There are no market forces at work."	"Adopt a single payer, single price system, and provide non-emergency clinics. Our system of using the emergency room for any and every situation is grossly inefficient and expensive.  Once again, I fail to see any market forces intervening to change this situation."	"I would certainly rather pay higher taxes for medical coverage than to shovel more money into the pockets of wealthy insurance barons.  I'm already being taxed for Medicare, which I probably won't live to use anyway."	"Remove the profit motive, and you solve the problem."	male	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	12/11/05 4:03 AM
3055	"Many people stay away from medical care because it is so expensive, to cover the costs of the uninsured, and to process the insurance process.  If we could streamline some of the essential items, like childhood vaccination, that part of it can at least be more affordable, or even subsidized."	"The government should pay for what we consider essential.  I would include in this care for pregnancy, well child care, vaccinations, and maybe some highly treatable conditions like childhood infections.  We should leave care of chronic diseases to individuals.  Employers should not be coorced into providing healthcare.  It should be strictly optional for them to chose what benefits they want to offer to attract employees.  Pleople should be free to chose how they pay for their regular health care and chronic health care, either out of pocket or through their employer."	"By honing in the government programs to the essential tasks that carry public benefit, like immunizations, and giving that automatically to all people regardless of ability to pay, age, or marital status, the disadvantage of not having health insurance will become less objectionable."	"Give medicaid type insurance to all people, but only cover a few ""essential"" items like vaccinations."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/11/05 6:33 AM
3056	"What concerns me about health care in America today is the increase cost of health care and the increase in the number of people who are not able to afford health care coverage.  People in increased numbers are being bankrupted by health care costs.  Seventy-five percent of these people going bankrupt currently have health care coverage, which makes this trend even more disturbing."	I think the USA should have a publicly administered health care system and a privately delivered health care system.  This type of system would greatly reduce the current huge administrative costs that have nothing to do with health care delivery.	I think the American public are willing to pay taxes that would enable everyone to have basic health care coverage.  The cost of these taxes would be considerably less than we currently pay for health care coverage.	My single most important recommendation to make to improve health care for all Americans is to incorporate a national single payer health care system that would be publicly administered and privately delivered.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/11/05 11:25 AM
3057	The high cost of insurance caused by the profit motive of insurers. Placing for-profit insurers between providers and patients increases the cost of care without improving quality or delivery. 	Employers should be removed from the model. Individuals should pay for insurance to a single entity - a government agency - which reimburses the health care providers.	The public will accept de facto rationing. Insurance premiums are already too high.	Establish a government-run insurance program and eliminate for-profit insurance companies.	male	NULL	No	Asian	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	12/11/05 1:08 PM
3058	"The connection between employment and health insurance. If you're laid-off or a medical condition makes it such that you can't work, you're screwed."	"Single-payer. Look around the world and see what works well (e.g. France, Italy)"	"higher taxes for guaranteed health care, regardless of what life throws at you."	make something like medi-care primary insurance for all Americans.	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/11/05 2:15 PM
3059	Too many people are not covered. The connection between a job and health care is causing more problems than benefits. The United States has no health care system. What we have is disfunctional.	Health care should not be connected to employment. I think we should have a national health care system that covers everyone and is paid for by taxes.	I would pay more in taxes for a national health care system. I can't speak for all Americans.	To fund a government sponsored health care system that covers everyone.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/11/05 2:32 PM
3060	Too many people have NO health insurance at all.	"Let's expand Medicare to everyone.  Use this system which is already in place, but expand it to all who wish to use it."	NULL	Check out the Medicare system & see if it would work to expand it to the entire USA citizenry.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/11/05 2:35 PM
3061	That child are not taken care of and that everyone cannot access a provider for queations without first worrying about what iti will cost	that care should be the same for everyone not depend on your salary level.	willing to see more equality. this means that doctors do not make all the money without putting in the work and parntering with Clients 	one system of payment. so that everyone has access and choice.  	female	NULL	No Response	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	12/11/05 2:52 PM
3062	"It is not a national priority and value  Lack of access  Nonaligned incentives among provider, payor, employers and public.  For Profit HMO trading on the stock market with a focus on draining dollars from direct care and from employers paying premiums.  I do not think an individual investor should be able to ""make money"" from another's illness through the purchase of stock.  Lack of accountability by the American people to practice ""good health"" decisions.  End of Life Care that focuses on prolonging life and often prolonging suffering instead of linking care to quality of life or relieving suffering. eg, the Florida fiasco  Sad state of affairs for many children who have inadequate health care. "	I believe a well constructed single payor system via the government is preferable to the disaster we currently have.  There should be incentives for practicing good health habits and penalities for practicing distructive health habits.  Community good should be as important and individual rights.	"Taking healthcare out of the capitalistic model to a utility model where profits are controlled and reasonable.  Margins should be used to provide new technology and stabilize employer costs and not got to private investors or become a ""top performer"" or ""buy"" on Wall Street.  "	Align incentives that focuses on quality health for all as a national priority and value. 	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	12/11/05 3:49 PM
3063	Both the higher and higher costs and the fact that so many families do not have a health care plan.	"Medicare works and has low overhead.  Expand the program to all.  In addition to reasonable premiums for all, require businesses and corporations to pay something in lieu of having to provide for their employees."	"If covered for high costs of emergencies and serious conditions, most will pay something for regular doctor, dentist and hospital visits.  Keep costs to families reasonable."	We must find a way to see that everyone gets the health care -  including preventive care - when they need it.  	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	12/11/05 3:55 PM
3064	Health care as a social good has been hijacked by corporate interests. Health care costs cannot be controlled as long as health care is commodified and subject to a market system which profits at the expense of the public good.	"The only solution is a single-payer national health insurance system that socializes the financing of health care but leaves the delivery system in the private sector. Our current fragmented non-system eliminates all the economies of scale necessary to make health care affordable for all; fragmented risk-pools, huge administrative waste, costly high-tech care that does not result in improved outcomes all contribute to our current system which is not sustainable. Current privatization trends are only exacerbating the negative trends, including the unfortunate Part D erosion of the original spirit of Medicare."	"Regional medical review boards will be responsible for determining matters of medical necessity, determinations of equitably available services and certificates of need. This may result in longer wait times for elective procedures. Wall Street profits in the pharmaceutical sector will be reduced because price controls will limit the excessive profiteering that occurs today - which may result in reduced shareholder value over time."	"Single-payer National Health Insurance or what some might call ""Improved Medicare for All""."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/11/05 4:30 PM
3065	"1. For millions, including my 2 grown sons, there is no coverage.  2. For millions, like myself (age 70 and on medicare) I have no vision care, no dental and no prescription coverage. I cannot afford these 3 things dispite the fact that I am still working.  But, compared to millions others, I am well off."	"Single payor, government oversight and/or government sponsored, no profit and universal coverage for all citizens & any current resident of US regardless of status.  Including dental, medical, mental health, vision, prescription drugs."	"That's hard to say. For myself, I am willing to pay higher taxes for the aforementioned.  The American Public has been 'psyched' into 'no taxes' by republicans over and over again."	"Universal health coverage, single payor, no profit."	female	NULL	No	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	12/11/05 4:54 PM
3066	That the existence of private insurance continues to undermine the very purpose of insurance--spreading risk--by cherry-picking the healthy and the affluent.	"Get rid of the people who exist only to tell patients ""That's not covered.""  Move from micromanagement to global budgeting to control costs.  Make health care a public good, not a privilege."	"We don't need to make any trade-offs. Devote the money we are now spending on superflous middlemen and we could have a platinum-plated system. ""We are already paying for universal health care; we just aren't getting it.""  --Dennis Kucinich."	"Single payer universal health care, publicly funded and privately delivered."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/11/05 5:55 PM
3067	"The price of prescription drugs concerns me most.  Also, the huge profits made by insurance companies, hospitals, and other corporations in the health care industry."	I think the government should be able to regulate pharmaceutical companies or allow drug companies from other countries to compete for America's business.	I think regulating corporate greed in the health care area would solve many problems.  I guess only the greedy ones would have to make some trade-offs.	I think government regulation of costs of health care procedures and regulations which make insurance companies more uniform in the way they make decisions about payments.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	12/11/05 6:07 PM
3068	"It is costly and very unfair, since most people cannot afford it."	"Healthcare should be available to all people.  Taxes should pay for it, just like they pay for police and fire protection."	Don't think trade-offs are necessary.  We spend more money on health care than other industrialized countries because of the way we have chosen to fund it.	Cut out the middle man.  It should be in the hands of the government.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	12/11/05 6:15 PM
3069	1. Its incredible cost and wastefulness.  2. The switch from personal to corporate healthcare.  3. The power of the insurance companies to dictate care.  4. The power of the pharmaceutical companies.  5. The lack of emphasis on prevention.   5. The lack of access to all Americans.	"Scrap the whole thing and replace it with Medicare for everyone.It will be more efficient, allow employers to create more jobs and/or lower prices,and improve health for the country overall. "	"IF it's fair and across the board, higher taxes at the federal level. "	Go with a single payor system like Medicare.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/11/05 9:42 PM
3070	"Lack of universal, comprehensive health insurance  for all Americans."	We should have a government financed single-payer health care system paid for by taxes that would cover everyone and would include prescription drug coverage.	Higher taxes.	Establish a single payer health care system.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	12/11/05 10:13 PM
3071	The rising costs.  The fact that profit is the only motivation in the system. 	"Yes.  Single payer systems would be more efficent, less coslty and more healthy.  We should have the same system that our Congress has for everyone in our nation."	We could have a sliding scale of cost sharing or deductibles based on income.  Premiums would be a way of giving money to insurance companies and they are simply cost additions.	Make it available to everyone. The cost will go down if everyone can get care before they become very ill and if the motive of profit is removed.	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	12/11/05 10:36 PM
3072	"That our current system is horrible - expensive, inefficient, wasteful, and needlessly complicated. Also unfair and inadequate for the un and under insured."	Yes. Government or semi-government single payer system is the only thing that makes any sense.	"I think everyone with the exception of those who are profiting under the present system (inusrance companies, their employess, big pharma, and all those middlemen who feed off the money that should be going directly to pay for health care would be willing to sacrifice the profits and jobs of those people."	Single payer health care. Elimination of all private health insurance and employer mandates.	male	NULL	NULL	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	12/11/05 11:00 PM
3073	The lack of universal health care for all Americans.	Government should take care of the low-income uninsured!	I would hope all Americans would pay their fair share in taxes to cover mandatory health insurance (similar to auto insurance).	Mandate health insurance and access for all Americans	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	12/12/05 1:17 AM
3074	Lack of coverage for so many families;  complicated systems to navigate.	"Better collaboration between all to simplify the application process, coverage, reimbursement, and access to providers.  More consistent drug formularies and cooperaton from the pharmaceutical industry could also help."	"Again, anything that would simplify everything.  A nominal premium and co-pays are not unreasonable.  "	Legislators are not qualified to make the decision:  get a blue ribbon panel with across the spectrum representation to make recommendations that are not subject to bi-partisan bickering and posturing.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/12/05 9:36 AM
3075	Accessablility and afordability.	"Health care should be a universal program available to all paid through a system of corporate, individual and government funding on an equitable basis."	The American public would be willing to pay an increase in taxes on a graduated basis in order to access health care.	Set up a system to provide basic health care for all no matter what economic level people come from.  	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/12/05 9:45 AM
3076	What concerns me most is the lack of coverage for 45 million Americans. Another major problem is the bankruptcy of middle class Americans following a major illness or accident.	More informed medical care workers are trying to hammer out a better delivery system. I am waiting and watching for developments that make quality health care available for all Americans at a reasonable price.	"I don't not know how we can proide a more equitable system. Health care is a basic need of all, not a commodity that has to make a huge profit by excluding those who are not healthy. In the long run, we then all pay out of our taxes. A healthier population can reduce medical costs. "	The single most impportant recommenadtion is to provide preventive medical care to all citizens.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	12/12/05 9:52 AM
3077	"The lack of a safety net for basic health care.  Also, the lack of regulation/restraint of pharmaceutical and medical device companies, which push unnecessary products at exorbitant prices that are not controlled; also, the illegal reviews of the single-use medical devices by hospitals, owing to the fact that medical device companies prefer to apply for single-use FDA approval of their products in order to keep a constant stream of demand for it and not pass such stringent tests.  Many countries banned the use or re-use of wasteful an expensive single-use products.  Hospital overcharging for simple items such as aspirin."	taxes	"I think many people are willing to pay a few more taxes per year in order to secure peace of mind and safety regarding their health-care, especially as the job market becomes less and less reliable and fixed, people age and live with illness, and people are often stuck in their job simpler for the health-care benefits.  This is ridiculous."	"What I said above. Control the profit margin off healthcare organizations and companies; one can still do well in the market, just not make a killing at the expense of sick people."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DC	12/12/05 10:18 AM
3078	"It is uneven, unfair and extremely costly. Many providers, like the pharmaceutical industry make huge profits by advertising to the public, donating money to the Congress to get favors. It is too complex foir the average person to understand."	"No, but we have to streamline it"	Not sure they can make an informed decision	Get the politicians out of the process and put it into the hands of technically competent people	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	12/12/05 10:41 AM
3079	Access to quality health care. More and more citizens are being denied access to health care due to rising cost.  The increased cost is outpacing their ability to pay for health insurance premiums. 	"Consideration might be given to a tiered national system of health care.  Basic services could be provided for minimum cost which would meet or exceed the quality of health care provided to American citizens of twenty years ago.  Those who can afford more, would get more inclusive health coverage.  Adequate health coverage should be provided to children and the elderly and disabled."	"I believe that the public will be willing to suppliment the cost if there are obvious efforts to contain costs.  A system of tiers could be structured to provide basic services and some form of catastrophic coverage at minimal cost, and more inclusive service provided to those who can pay more. I do not believe national health coverage is the key."	Accessibility	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	12/12/05 11:21 AM
3080	"1. too many people can't afford it or choose not to have it, maily because it is so expensive"	"I think Medicare should be extended to all Americans--men, women and children."	"The public is will ing to negotiate but the insurance companies are not, so the public will never get any trade-offs."	"Make Medicare available to all Americans, including visitors."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	12/12/05 11:39 AM
3082	"1. The costs of health care services, high cost of insurance, inability of many to afford either.    2. Access to choice in health care practitioners, including both conventional and complementary/alternative medicine    3. Access to quality information with which people can make informed health/wellness choices"	"I believe that a national single-payer system is the most direct method for addressing the health care access crisis.    Fostering local health care community/cooperative solutions can also help: see for example Ithaca, NY http://www.ithacahealth.org/ or Philadelphia, PA http://www.philahealthia.org/"	"This entirely depends on the solutions offered, and the way in which they are offered. Most arguments against socialized health care services play upon peoples' mistrust of government ('do you want govt to make your health choices for you?') or fear of tax burden. However, comparison of tax increase vs. current insurance premiums is rarely offered. "	"Privatization into for-profit models is not the solution. For-profit systems always limit who receives the benefits to those positioned to make the profit, or who can afford service in spite of cost. If we wish to improve health care for all, we MUST focus upon shared benefit above all."	male	NULL	NULL	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/12/05 12:07 PM
3083	The cost and lacl of coverage for everyone.  People should have portable health insurance coverage separate from the work place.  The health coverage should include everyone including the unemployed.	"Yes, go to single payer plan."	NULL	"Eliminate insurance companies and roll the VA, Medicare and Medicaid into a single payer plan."	male	NULL	NULL	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VT	12/12/05 12:50 PM
3085	"It concerns me that we pay way more per capita than any other industrialized nation for health care, and yet have worse outcomes (e.g. infant mortality, longevity) than most of the nations whose citizens pay less. We are the richest country in the world, and we have tens of millions of uninsured people. Employers bear a significant portion of the cost of health care, including dependents, which is a drag on the job market and economy. The lack of centralization or coordination makes public health monitoring difficult, and the pay-per-visit model encourages doctors to overbook their offices and makes it difficult to treat chronic ilness. Mental  health care is difficult nigh impossible to obtain, at a time when many diseases are easily treatable."	"Yes. I think the single-payer model used in Canada would be a dramatic improvement over our present hodge-podge. I wouldn't trust Congress to run it, but if a monopoly was created with strict regulatory oversight (like Amtrak, only with money), I think that would work."	"I think Americans would be willing to trade the illusion of choice (after all, our insurance companies more-or-less pick our doctors for us) for guaranteed access to care regardless of whether they are children, unemployed, disabled, or retired. Considering that our tax dollars and insurance premiums already internalize the cost of the uninsured and the cost of overhead fees, universal coverage could actually be provided for less than what we presently pay in net terms for healthcare. We could fold Medicare, Medicaid, the VA, and state-run health programs into one complete system with massive efficiencies of scale. "	Single-payer.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	12/12/05 1:32 PM
3087	"We pay far more per capita for health care than any other developed nation, yet have worse outcomes (e.g. infant mortality, longevity) than most of them. We have millions of uninsured, many of them children. By relying on employers to provide health care insurance, we reduce the competitiveness of our workers and add a significant distortion to our economy. The lack of  centralization and coordination in our system makes public health monitoring more difficult, and our system does not handle chronic or mental illness very well."	"I think we should move to a single-payer system. We could fold Medicare, Medicaid, the veteran's hospital system, and state-run health programs into the system, and realize massive returns to scale with minimal overhead."	"Americans would be willing to trade the illusion of choice (after all, our insurance companies generally dictate which doctors we can see) for guaranteed access to health care, regardless of employment, age, disability, and so on. I do not think that this requires any great sacrifice of money, per the above response. Cutting employers out of the process would likely lead to more jobs, and would make American products cheaper and increase our exports."	Single-payer. 	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	12/12/05 1:41 PM
3090	The lack of universal healthcare coverage. The disparity in coverage between socio-economic classes and disparities in coverage based on  employment status. Lack of focus on prevention as a cost saving strategy. The use of emergency rooms as a primary care provider for many uninsured persons. 	"Universal healthcare that enables every American to have health coverage that is connected to the person, not to the job. A person who is unemployed, self employed, retired or disabled should have access to the same level of care. "	Willing to pay higher taxes specified for insurance coverage and not used for other political purposes.   Willing to make co-payments for care based on income. 	Provide government sponsored universal healthcare 	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/12/05 2:12 PM
3091	Lack of healthcare for the uninsured and underinsured.  	"We need a single-payer universal healthcare system, essentially Medicare for everyone. This should include coverage of mental health, dental, vision, long term care, and drugs.  Drug prices should be negotiated as is done in the VA system."	"Most of those I have spoken to would be willing to finance such a system out of tax revenues, even if that means somewhat higher taxes.  Both individuals and businesses could contribute to the tax base for healthcare."	"Congress should pass H.R. 676, the “United States National Health Insurance Act (or the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act).  "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	12/12/05 2:16 PM
3093	The fact that thousands of persons are without health care.  This is morally wrong.  We are the only industrialized nation without universal health care.	"We need a single-payer system.  It will be much more efficient, and save money.  It should function much as Medicare does now."	"I would hope that Americans would be willing to pay higher taxes in exchange for saving large amounts for medical care.  Some kinds of treatment might not be able to be cared for with a universal system--those of us who are elderly might be asked to not to receive organ transplants, for example; and plastic surgery for cosmetic purposes only should not be paid for."	"We need to have a single-payer system administered by the government.  This might be paid for by taxes, as in many European countries, or perhaps a system of insurance, as in Canada."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	12/12/05 2:27 PM
3094	The growing number of uninsured and underinsured who are working but do not qualify for company benefits or cannot afford them	"I truly believe we should go to a government payor system and bypass the private insuror middlemen, who are reaping large profits at our expense and that of employers"	"I think the public would be willing to decrease their access to ""frills"" such as plastic surgery for cosmetic purposes, chiropractic, voluntary surgery, for everyone to have access to preventative care, immunizations; and then pay extra if one wants a supplemental policy. I believe they do this in Canada. Other countries which have a government payor system have much better health outcomes than the US."	Fund preventative care for all.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	12/12/05 2:32 PM
3097	"That health care is tied to jobs. With an unstable job market, the quality of health care will continue to decline if nothing is done."	Take the burden off employers and have a government health care plan. It works in Canada and the UK.	They would pay higher taxes if they knew they did not have to worry about health care.	Get a handle on the skyrocketing insurance and prescription costs.	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OK	12/12/05 2:53 PM
3098	"It's gotten too expensive,  ..  it doesn't cover the things that a lot of people really need, and more and more people are being left out who can't afford it or are refused  for ""pre-existing conditions"",  ..  that's disgraceful in this country!"	"Definitely!  ..  a one payer system,  ""Government""!  ..  stop spending money on useless wars!"	"There should be NO tradeoffs in a country whose insurance companies make billions of dollars and whose operations are inefficient,  and STILL refuse millions of people who need care."	A NATIONAL health care system based on Medicare that includes EVERYONE and is free to people who can't afford even minimal co-pays or deductibles. Put the billions spent on wars into an investment into American Health!	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	12/12/05 3:00 PM
3100	Every resident of the  USA should have publicly financed affordable  health care as needed with no cost at the point of service.	"Payment should be arranged in the same way Social Security is  paid.It Should be a fair percentage,  based on income. No charge to families until 3X the current poverty level ($19,000/family of 4)."	"No trade-offs needed. Universal, comprehensive, portable, accessible,affordable, single-payer are all possible at less cost than now. Ration according to need, not cost."	A SINGLE PAYER SYSTEM.	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	12/12/05 3:10 PM
3101	"Lack of accessability by the most fragile elements of society, high administrative cost and ineffcient service due to insurance companies/managed care organizations etc"	National health care ( administered by the government) should be a right (not a privilege) for everyone	No reason for trade-offs. We could get BETTER more cost efficient care with nationalized health care	"for profit health care is penny-wise, pound foolish...we need a non-profit single payor system that  emphasizes preventative care not ""crisis management"""	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	12/12/05 3:15 PM
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3104	"Quality, affordable health care for all is a moral, medical, and economic necessity for our nation.  We rank way behind other countries in offering health care to those without income and children.  "	"We can afford health care for all by making health care more efficient, more effective, and less wasteful.  We have built an empire for our health care insurance companies despite the hardships our people suffer.    "	Trade-offs are not the issue.  Creative thinkers who care about the welfare of all our people should be at work developing a plan to give access to all.	The American public wants prompt action by our political leaders to achieve this goal.  We affirm the 2004 recommendations of the Institute of Medicine that our federal government must lead in developing a strategy to achieve universal coverage by 2010	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	12/12/05 3:26 PM
3105	"I am most concerned that so many working people, as well as the poorest among us, do not have any health insurance. Many families with both adults working still are unable to afford the rising cost of health care. "	"I believe we need to have universal health coverage. Most industrialized nations have some kind of government sponsored health insurance. I have read that we spend about twice as much per person on health care as other comparable countries, and that our taxes cover half of what it costs us now in the form of subsidies to health care and insurance providers. Even if these reports are exaggerated, I am convinced that cutting out the middle-men (insurance and health care providers), we could cover all Americans much more efficiently. All Americans should have access to eye care and dental care (both of which are not included in most insurance policies)."	"I believe most Americans, with the exception of perhaps the wealthiest who get the most benefit out of the current system and the poorest who cannot afford higher taxes, would be more than willing to have higher taxes in return for lower co-payments and insurance premiums. How could it be worse? I don't believe taxes could possibly cost the average person more than medical coverage does now if we add up the cost of co-payments, services not covered by our insurance, and insurance premiums."	"Universal coverage for all Americans regardless of income, just as public education is available to all."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WV	12/12/05 3:32 PM
3111	My parents are paying more and getting less coverage. They're middle class but are in danger of falling behind because of an accident my mother had. Despite paying more for health care she got terrible health care in the hospital. 	"Health care is a public good, it should be paid for by everyone through taxes and then offered to everyone."	I think people are willing to pay for a universal system through the government at the expense of all of the private sector jobs that work to limit people's health care coverage. 	"Universal access to free care, even if it is not for catestrophic care. "	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	12/12/05 4:47 PM
3112	Lack of access to health care for all people.	I beleive that there should be one national system to pay for health care.	I believe that if the systems were more streamlined there would be enough funding to serve all.	Provide health insurance coverage for all people.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/12/05 5:02 PM
3113	Lack of a national system.  It makes no sense to have different health insurance programs in every state.  	Low-income working people need a greater subsidy than is currently available.  I would like to see a refundable tax credit.  Individuals and businesses could fund the program through income taxes or as a value added tax.	"Everyone should have access to an affordable basic plan that includes quality care for a defined yet comprehensive set of benefits. Those who want more amenities, more choice, or cosmetic services would be willing to buy extra coverage or pay cash for those items. "	We need to begin with the purpose and priorities for healthcare and then consider a plan and programs to meet those objectives.  The primary purpose of the healthcare system ought to be to improve the health of Americans-- not to improve the compensation package of workers or to provide profit to investors or employment to government workers.  	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/12/05 5:04 PM
3114	Our system is increasingly socialized.	"Our health care system is evolving, because of the payers, into a socialized system.  Choice has left the control of patients and physicians and been co-opted by insurance companies.  The only way to fix our health care system is to support genuine capitalism within the arena of health care."	Individuals expect everything for nothing.  They will accept some limitations in choice of physician or hospital to save a buck.	"Support genuine capitalism in health care.  Allow market forces to work, without government interference."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	12/12/05 5:31 PM
3115	The U.S. has the worst health care system of all the major industrialized nations in the world.  There are countries with half the infant mortality rate and dozens of nations where one can expect to live longer.  What makes it worse is we spend twice as much as any other country on health care.	A universal health care system that includes preventative care for all Americans	High cost insurance  Rich lobbyists  Hundreds of millions in campaign contributions   The confusion of privatizing Medicare health care    	Universal health care that includes preventative medicine  	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	12/12/05 5:48 PM
3118	the lack of coverage for 45 million people. 	"yes, we need to look at how the system was set up and then work from the bottom up.  right now all we do is put program on top of program.  "	I think they would trade off specialty care for more basic coverage and prevention	healthcare coverage needs to be like your 401k.  you can take it with you.  portability.  	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/12/05 6:23 PM
3119	"That it is not universal, affordable, accessible or comprehensive. That the insurance companies are involved and making money, and there is no oversight of drug compnaies.    "	"The government should be collecting and paying out the money, like Medicare for all."	There should be no trade-offs for the people if we went to a single payer health care system.	Single payer health care; the government collects and dispenses the money.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	12/12/05 6:54 PM
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3121	That small busnesses must have family members work outside of the family business to obtain health benefits.	The impact of the cost of health care must lay on the shoulders of those who are using it. In this way the providers will be held most accountable.	None.	"My wife is a survivor of breast cancer and I weigh 265 lbs at 5' 10"". This places us both outside of conventional health provider limits. We use the state of Wisconsin's HIRSP system for my wife, but I cannot afford to include myself. I do not want someone else to pay for my health care (government), I want affordable health care through the National Realtors Association, over 1,000,000 people strong! "	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	12/12/05 7:01 PM
3122	"cost, the number of uninsured, the need to have a job to have health insurance, the lack of portability, intrusions into the doctor-patient relationship by insurance companies"	"I support a single payer, Canadian-style system"	don't know	single payer	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	12/12/05 8:08 PM
3123	"It is expensive. It is often difficult to access. For example, it can take weeks or months to see a doctor. One often cannot see one's own physician when sick. We have to go to whoever in a group practice is available."	I think that health care needs to be financed in a more streamlined way. We need to eliminate the role of insurance companies and employers and create a more direct access.	"I think that Americans want access to high quality care. I think that with appropriate education, people would be willing to pay a health tax that would take the place of the employer/insurance company system that now exists."	"Make it portable, universal, single payer."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	12/12/05 8:14 PM
3124	Availability of excellent care without waiting for everyone.	We should have a single payer as in Canada.	I am willing to pay higher taxes to make this a reality.	Universal care with a single payer.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/12/05 8:19 PM
3125	Lack of access for the working class as well as for people in transition - be it school or work.	Absolutely.  I'd like health care to be considered a basic right and be covered by our govenrnment.	"People will complain about increased taxes - it's a different philosophy. I think as business owners are getting hit harder and harder, there will be an increased willingness to make sacrifices."	Single payor system similar to the Canadian model.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	12/12/05 9:14 PM
3126	Being so managed that citizens loose their choice in primary care physicians and clinics. Like Being sheephearded to a potential slaughter house backed by goverment officials. Let's keep freedom of choice alive when it comes to our healthcare selections!	Unless you are above and beyond what Congress would consider able to pay based on IRS and other unmentionable criterias goverment and corporate America should be solely responsible for health care payments for all without retaliation by increased product/services rendered costs.	above a livable wage earnings go into a pool inwhich you still have access to for your own welfare. Otherwise it is accessible for the benefit of all.	To realize that without healthcare we have little to nothing else to live for. we now have the medical technology. Let's make America a healthy nation!	male	NULL	No	Black or African American	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/12/05 9:45 PM
3127	availability	I think a single payer system would be most efficient and equitable	I think people would be willing to pay higher taxes in exchange for a health care system that they knew would be there for them when they needed it. It is important that people see that the tax load is fairly distributed as a function of income.	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	12/12/05 11:32 PM
3128	"My biggest concern is the fact that about 600,000 residents in our state do not have any health insurance or health ""safety net.""   I know there are about 44 million in the nation who have no health insurance."	I believe it will be MUCH more efficient and more economical to have central funding so that we can have universal coverage.   I think health insurance should not be dependent on employers OR insurance companies.	I believe a majority of the American public is ready for universal coverage with central funding IF THE NEGATIVE PUBLICITY BY INSURANCE COMPANIES can be prevented or effectively countered.	Universal coverage with central funding (single payer)	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/13/05 12:42 AM
3129	Not affordable for too many.	"yes. scrap fee-for-service, and make reimbursement to providers illegal--it's the root cause of greed that is bankrupting the system"	for the wealthy--none.  they like it as it is.	"ban piecemeal reimbursement to providers--it's the open ticket overuse, especially of procedures, and excessive costs nationally."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/13/05 1:02 AM
3130	"The number of Americans who have no health insurance, or who must choose between paying for health care or buying groceries or other basic needs, is simply unacceptable in a nation as wealthy as ours.  We must provide health care for all our citizens, rich or poor."	The current payment system is hugely inefficient and complex. Universal health care for all citizens paid for by the government (with Medicare as a model) would eliminate most of the complexity and much of the administrative cost associated with all the insurance agencies.	"I think the public would be willing to participate in a single-pay, government-run program (similar to Medicare) that was efficient and cost-effective. The public would trade off multi-payment options for a more efficient program that included all citizens."	"Provide universal coverage through an efficient single-payer system (e.g., modeled on Medicare)."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	12/13/05 8:10 AM
3131	lack of access and affordability	"I think each of those groups would be better off with universal health care.  More indivuduals would be covered at a lower cost and with greater security, employers would welcome the change that would eliminate a major liability and improve their competitiveness internationally, and the government would benefit from a healthier populace, which would ulitmately raise economic output."	"I think the public would be willing to accept trade-offs, but I do not think they are necessary.  All other universal health care programs provided by other industrialized nations are more efficient and, in whole, less expensive than the U.S. program.  "	"Access to all, regardless of ability to pay and  its elimination as a liability for American industry.  "	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	12/13/05 9:23 AM
3132	"As a paralegal with legal aid, what concerns me most about health care in this that it isn't affordable for most people.  "	All health care in this country should be taken over by the government. Ultimately the government should have the responsibility of ensuring that all of its citizens are healthy.	"I'm not sure what the American public would be willing to sacrifice in turn for adequate health coverage. Here, we work with the poor. They have nothing to trade, which makes the siuation even more unfair. "	"Again, all health care in this country should be taken over by the government. Ultimately the government should have the responsibility of ensuring that all of its citizens are healthy."	male	NULL	No Response	Black or African American	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	12/13/05 12:32 PM
3133	"Too expensive, and doesn't cover all americans"	NULL	Pay a % of income as a health contributiuon to a national health service.	"Put in place a National Health System, like Canada, Europe. The insurance companies are a disgrace to this nation."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	12/13/05 12:40 PM
3134	"That the most powerful nation on the planet cannot or will not provide health care for all its CITIZENS.  However, it appears that certain ""elites"", e.g. members of congress, for one, obtain free medical care at TAX PAYERS expense.  That corporate ""profit"" is extolled at the expense of human suffering.  And particularly that Oregon's Death w/ Dignity Act should be challenged by anyone NOT a citizen of Oregon.  "	MORE tax payer dollars ear-marked for health services.	LESS tax payer dollars ear-marked for Dept. of Defense.	Free education (through bachelor's degree) for all CITIZENS. 	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	12/13/05 12:49 PM
3135	just a test completion	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	12/13/05 1:36 PM
3136	"The high cost of our inefficient health care delivery system--pricing it out of reach of more than 41 million Americans. I'm one of them. I'm also concerned about the lack of incentives to stay healthy, rather then to become ill. "	"Somehow, incentives promoting prevention and more efficient, cost-effective health care delivery must be the foundation of a new system."	"I think the American public needs to be better educated about staying healthy, and given incentives to do so. For example, people would be more willing to use alternative (preventative) health care services if insurance programs reimbursed them for such programs."	Emphasize wellness and prevention rather treatment for illness.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	12/13/05 1:56 PM
3137	"If you don't work for a company that provides health insurance, it is very difficult to get affordable coverage.  "	"Individuals (both self-employed and company-employed) need to take more responsibility for their own health.    More plans need to be available that provide catastrophic coverage..  and individuals need to carry more of the load for ""every day"" expenses."	More options for catastrophic coverage with a low monthly premium.	"Untie health insurance from employment.  We don't expect our employer to provide car insurance, why do we expect them to provide health insurance?    If there was no ""group coverage"" through employers, then..  EVERYONE WOULD BE PART OF A HUGE GROUP.    Why will an insurance company insure me with no problems if I work for a big company, but reject me if I leave that job?  My health has nothing to do with where I work.    "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	12/13/05 2:00 PM
3139	1. The many people without healthcare  2.The cost to me of insuring myself. 3. The disadvantage that our businesses have in an international marketplace where other nations support universal healthcare for their citizens.	I think we should have a government sponsored universal healthcare system.	I think people are willing to pay  more taxes for the security of a universal system.	implement a universal healthcare system.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	12/13/05 2:07 PM
3141	The cost. It is very expensive even if the procedure is covered.	National coverage for citizens like in Europe. It would a lot more affordable for low income workers. 	NULL	National coverage. Alot of famalies have to chose between food and rent or going to the doctor. Health care should be affordable for everyone not just the rich.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	12/13/05 2:46 PM
3142	That it is unaffordable to so many of us.  I pay more for health care than my mortgage!!	"Lets combine our $$ to make one system for all not one for the rich, one for the poor and one for the middle class!  "	I'm sure that those without affordable healthcare would be willing to make more changes than those with it.  I would be willing to pay more taxes! 	"Make it affordable, not free affordable!"	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	12/13/05 2:50 PM
3143	"The fact that it's still for-profit/out-of-pocket costs, thus limiting access."	Single payer with price caps. Also- anything developed with public funds is automatically non-profit.	"Not sure; there's still a lot of ""I've got mine, screw the poor"" out there..."	"Single Payer, no out-of-pocket costs."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/13/05 2:59 PM
3147	"The fact that so many, many people have no health insurance, and cannot aford proper health care."	"Yes, I think there should be a single payer system, and that single payer should be the government, using tax money."	"I think that as much as we would dislike paying additional taxes the public would be willing to do so to ensure access to affordable, high quality health care for all citizens."	"That the government ensure access to affordable, high quality health care for all citizens."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	12/13/05 3:34 PM
3152	"Inassesibility for many.  Jobs thaat don't have Health Care benefits.  We need a universal Health Care system for all, equally.  No private insurance - everyone gets the same quality.  Our priorities are all wrong - not enough emphasis on prevention - too much on transplants and prolonging life.  "	"yes, as I stated above UNIVERSAL - taxpayer and corporation supported."	Tax write-offs and reduc tions.	Prevention.  Well-baby clinics.  Smoking cessation clinics and drug/alcohol treatment programs and diet related programs.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	12/13/05 5:07 PM
3153	AFFORDABILITY. The current insurance based system needs to be eliminated since it adds about 30% to the cost of health care.  QUALITY. The emphasis needs to shift from costly surgeries and drugs to prevention and alternative therapies.  Incompetent and unethical doctors need to lose their licenses.  LIABILITY. Establish a board to hear complaints and resolve these without involving trial lawyers. 	"The country needs to move forward in creating a universal, single payer health care system with a date certain.  Private insurance should be phased out along with payments by individuals and employers until we arrive at a single payer system.  Partisan politics has no place in a viable health care system and political appointees to head departments should be immediately and permanently stopped."	"The people want and expect a high quality health care system that is accessible and affordable and I believe they are willing to bear the cost.  The major issue for most people is affordability, which is related to my previous comments."	"Establish a single payer, government run, health care system that treats everyone as equals. "	male	NULL	No	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/13/05 5:35 PM
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3155	the lack of affordable health care for poor people and children as well as a heavy reliance on pharmaceuticals rather than prevention	"i think the government should be funding a health care system that levels the playing field between the poor and the wealthy, making it health care available to everyone equally regardless of income.  then people who want something different and can afford it, can make that choice. but the idea would be to fund a comprehensive system that is sufficient to meet health care needs across the board. this money should be diverted from our grossly inflated defense budget"	there shouldn't be a need for american public to make trade offs if the government used money from defense budget and funneled it into health care. there's plenty of money. all they have to do is prioritize the lives and well-being of the citizens of this country	"focus on prevention, mental health, alternative modalities and get away from the western model of treating symptoms in a crisis situation."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/13/05 6:03 PM
3156	That it is not afforbale or asseccable to all people who need it.	The government could give more. The put money into things that are not helpful to all of the people.	NULL	make it affordable to everyone.	female	NULL	No	Black or African American	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/13/05 6:23 PM
3157	45 million uninsured	We should have a universal one payer healthcare system	remove responsibility from employers and give responsibility to government	Universal single payer health care system	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/13/05 6:39 PM
3158	"If you can afford healthcare you get it. The richer you are the better the opportunity for better/more expensive health services. The poor have none as do those who's jobs are ""eliminated""."	Use tax revenue to pay for healthcare. 	"Reprioritize the way the governmant spends (i.e., wastes)our tax money. There don't have to be any tradeoffs. Plenty of money is taken from the taxpayers and thrown away (by the government) on defense and pork."	"Eliminate the middleman (i.e., the ""health care providers"" who provide bloated buracracies and no value add) and tax excessive pharmaceutical company profits. They are the main reasons for the excessive healthcare costs."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	12/13/05 7:14 PM
3159	"Employers and the government have cut back on healthcare benefits for people. Also, Insurance companies are cutting back on what they will cover. pharmaceuticals seem to be sitting pretty making record profits."	"Government should get more involved. I would like a combo of a socialized and private system. If not that, the government should act as police to stop corporate greed and excessive profit making on the backs of the sick."	Why should the american people have to sacrifice anything. Maybe the government should stop giving corporations and the rich handouts and tax cuts.	Make pharmaceuticals cut their excessive prices. Government should step in and stop the industries corporate greed.	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/13/05 7:14 PM
3160	It's too expensive	It should be affordable for individuals to be able to pay for it themselves.	cuts in military spending would pay for national health care.	make it available to all americans at a price that they can afford.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	12/13/05 7:46 PM
3162	"The inherent inequity and wastefulness of our current ""system"" concerns me greatly.  47 million have no insurance, and countless others are stuggling to pay their premiums and medication costs.  The NIH estimates that 18,000 Americans die annually due to lack of access to timely health care.  Why don't we see that number in the news media, alongside the lists of troop fatalities, and victims of natural disasters?  Studies done by Princton and Harvard calculate that we could spend a smaller percentage of our GDP on health care and cover all Americans if we switched to a single-payer system."	"I have a unique perspective on this, as I work in healthcare, AND am the daughter of a Scottish immigrant.  I believe that the only way to achieve the economies of scale that would allow the coverage of everyone in a cost-effective way is a single-payer system. It would do away with the redundancy, inefficiency, injustice and wastefulness of our current multi-faceted ""system."""	"I'm not sure. I have read polls that indicate that 60% of Americans feel something needs to be done. Health care costs have been the key point of contention in most recent labor disputes. The business community even seems to be coming around to the idea of change, due to the competitive disadvantage of having to pay for part of their employees coverage, while competitors in many other countries do not.   I live in Seattle.  This November the citizens of Seattle passed an advisory resolution calling for health care change. It passed by almost 70%."	Single-payer.	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/13/05 7:48 PM
3164	"Financial barriers prevent Americans from accessing care,from getting treatments and needed medications"	Develop and state/federal partnership to provide health care coverage for all. Implement incremental change to cover all Americans.	The USA spends 15.3% of its GDP on health care. Americans want a health care model that offers basic benefits for all.	Provide substantial incentives for good health habits and educating Americans about prevention.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/13/05 8:35 PM
3165	"I am a retired military member, a veteran, and there are department of defense officials who feel that ""we have it too good"", because our medical care, under the TRICARE program, is actually affordable.  They want to triple premiums over the next three years, to make the program so expensive that it forces retirees to drop it, in order to help them manage ""increased medical costs"".  "	"Yes.  It needs to be made clear to our elected officials that any vote to pass increased costs or lowered access to coverage is a vote against the American people, and will not be tolerated.  It is one of government's responsibilities to protect its citizens from the large businesses which prey on weakness or disease, yet our congressman and senators have been shirking their duties in this regard for decades.  It is not the place of our elected representatives to pass legislation which protects and preserves the profit projections of large, powerful industries like healthcare insurance, and so, punish Americans for getting sick.  Our government needs to regulate the healthcare industry for the public good, like it does for the financial services industry and public health (OSHA and FDA).  "	"The American public does not to make any trade-offs, provided Congress finds the courage and resolve to pass tough legislation which:  (a) Mandates universal access to care  (b) Forces insurers and hospitals to better manage their own costs, and not pass their internal inefficiences on to the insured in higher costs  (c) Makes credit reporting of unpaid medical bills a felony offense.  No one chooses to run up their medical bills, and with so many uninsured and underinsured Americans, it is criminal that the medical industry is allowed to cast aspersions on their financial integrity and reliability, based on a system that equates the sick with conniving malingerers, and assasinates their character for not being able to afford that which they can not choose to decline. "	"Abolish HMOs and PPOs.  Make some insurers fail, whose focus is on finding excuses not to pay.  Force hospitals to learn to cooperate with other regional medical providers to contain costs. Limit admissable malpractice claims only to where a preponderance of intial findings can reasonably support gross negligence, and place a nationally-legislated cap on ALL malpractice awards.  Pass tough and enforceable laws to restrict denial of medical and dental claims to only those provable cases of insurance fraud.  Require primary care managers to be medical doctors with osteopathic focus or practices.  Limit financial incentives so that only those who truly desire to heal the sick enter the medical profession.  American medicine should not focus on supporting the insurers, but on universal access to care: to the right person, for the right reason, at the right time - whatever it takes."	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	12/13/05 9:51 PM
3166	Doctors and staff are too pressed for time to develop good relationships with their patients. 	The United States should have a taxpayer financed system of universal health coverage.  	I am happy to pay the amount I currently pay in premiums and co-pays as as a tax to finance a national health care system.	Health care should be available to all.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/13/05 10:34 PM
3167	Lack of affordability and availability	Government and employers should have a much greater responsibility than they already have for providing health care to individuals.	I don't think most people are really willing to make any trade-offs...there is no sense of community responsibility.	To make it less expensive  	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	12/13/05 11:28 PM
3168	That it is so expensive that increasing numbers cannot afford it. Health care is a human right and should be available to all at prices all can afford.	There should be a single-payer system backed by government funds.	"A graduated income tax in which those with greater means pay a greater share of the cost, and all are covered."	"Legislate controls on what pharmaceutical, medical, and insurance companies charge and earn."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	12/14/05 12:19 AM
3169	Not being able to afford real care! And being threatened with losing coverage completely because surprise surprise I am 53 years old and have some health issues that need attention.  I have Kaiser HMO coverage right now and can't afford to utilize it as I need to because I have to co-pay $25 every time I see any practitioner and for every Rx I get filled- on top of paying $340 per month.  And I will lose it completely once COBRA runs out since I am out of work (on State Disability for wrist tendonitis problem I am trying to treat though can't afford the care they recommend.) I am very frightened.  I have paid into this system my whole life.  I am furious. Everyone gets old (if they are lucky) and should not be penalized and abandoned for growing old and needing care. 	"I want a single payor system- a socialized medicine system that is NOT FOR ANYONE's PROFIT.  As long as it is for profit we are doomed. PThe Prescrition Drug Benefit is a privatiztion scam designed to make corporations rich at the expense of the consumer in the guise of ""giving choice"".  See Paul Krugman's article analyzing Medicare Drug Benefit in The East Bay Daily News 11/18/05 and in his NYTimes column. It says it all.  Too much choice and having to compare apples to oranges and  being locked into what one chooses at one point in time is outrageous. This is  a huge take away- not a ""good deal for seniors"".  My costs for individual Kaiser coverage when I am age 70 would be greater than the total amount of my monthly social security check! I will not be able to afford it. I guess I will just die on the street. Govermnent should take on providing health care to all in a simplified system.  "	We should tax corporations (i.e. close loop holes so they actually PAY their fair tax share-at present they do not.) No more CEOs making a bazillion times more than the lowest paid worker in their companies. That is obscene and over the long haul unsustainable.  We are seeing the beginning of the unravelling now. Even salaries out more. Spread wealth more fairly across the spectrum of employees rather than concentrating wealth in hands of few top people and the rest go to hell in a handbasket.  And we should raise taxes on folks who make more than $150K a year.  And we should cut the military budget. 	"Get rid of PPOs and middlemen- unify, simplify, universalize the system, commit to paying for it as the main expense of our country.  IT IS WORTH IT! Everything starts with health. "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/14/05 3:58 AM
3171	"that it isnt considered a basic human right, that should be affordable and available to all ,whether they are employed or not."	"I think the US should move toward a single payer system, based on taxes.The insurance companies should be kicked out of the system."	"I think the public would be willing to pay higher taxes if they were shown that it would eliminate premiums,pre-existing conditions(really disgusting concept),and that health care insurance would not be linked to a job."	"education.the public is brainwashed,and doesnt realize that the situation in this country isnt a normal state of affairs."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VT	12/14/05 8:43 AM
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3177	"Decreasing coverage, increasing prices, and increasing gap between rich and poor."	Single payer -- Medicare for every American from birth to death.	"They are willing to pay higher taxes for universal coverage, if that means eliminating insurance premiums."	Medicare for all.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/14/05 12:24 PM
3178	That we do not have universal health coverage.	We should move to a single-payer system!	"Americans should not have to make any trade-offs to get affordable, high quality health care!"	Move to a single payer system!	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	12/14/05 12:24 PM
3181	"American health care costs too much, covers too little and excludes too many. People who live in the shadows of some of the world's finest hospitals cannot get treatment there because they don't have insurance. That's immoral! We are the richest nation in the world and have the power and resources to make health care available for everyone.  We just don't have the will to do it."	"It's not just about paying - we all have to be in this together, with everyone who is able paying a fair share. It's also about higher costs than anywhere else in the world due to excessive insurance and pharmaceutical profits, advertising, inefficiency,waste and ineffectiveness. Lower costs would make paying easier for everyone!     "	"I believe that there is already enough money in the system to make affordable, high quality health care accessible to everyone with NO trade-offs in benefits.  The trade-off has to be in the excessively high profits and CEO salaries that are earned at the expense of those who have to choose between medical care and food, shelter or utilities. While I recognize that our country was built on capitalism, the free market in health care is killing Americans.  "	"We HAVE to make a NATIONAL commitment to health care as a RIGHT for everyone who lives in this country. Further, we must provide federal financial incentives to make this right a reality. We don't necessarily need one huge federal health care program - although Medicare shows us that can work - but we do need the federal government's help to make it happen, either nationally, or at the state level."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/14/05 12:45 PM
3182	"Health care is not affordable to many people.  Health insurance is also not affordable.  This is a public health issue, not an economic issue."	Basic health care should be offered to all.  I would be willing to be taxed for universal care.	If the US has money for war and defense then it has money for health care.  Taxing for care could work.	"Universal health care.  Use a model to promote healthy lifestyles including regular checkups, not an insurance model that pays when things go wrong."	male	NULL	No Response	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/14/05 1:23 PM
3183	"Affordable, quality and easily accessible health care is unavailable to far too many american citizens."	"Yes,  the U.S. should follow the lead of other indutrized nations and develop a system of universal health care for all citizens."	Americans should be willing to reduce the need for expensive specialty and inpatient services in exchange for more community base preventive and primary health saervices and be willing to finance the system with increased taxes if nescessary.	Primary care community clinics should be more readily available at least 18 hours a day 7 days a week to reduce the use of more expensive medical services.	male	NULL	No	Black or African American	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MS	12/14/05 1:27 PM
3188	My main concern is access to affordable health care.  	I believe we need to go to a single payer system that allows everyone to have their basic health care needs taken care of.  	"I think at this point,  the american public is willing to pay higher taxes if it means everyone can access care.   The lack of affordable care is driving the costs up for everyone.   I also think we need to curtail the advertizing of prescription drugs so we don't pay for that rather than research and development.   "	Change our current system to a single payer system.   	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	12/14/05 2:03 PM
3189	I can not afford health care.	employers and the individuals should pay for the care.	NULL	the price of care should be afford for all Americans.	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	12/14/05 2:18 PM
3192	The fact that many people can't get health care they need because they have no or bad insurance and don't qualify for Medicaid	"I think we should have a minimum level of care that everyone gets, I don't care how its paid for."	I'd certainly pay more taxes to be assured everyone recieved quality minmum health care.	"Above, minimum guarenteed health care for all. "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	12/14/05 3:52 PM
3193	The high cost of medicine	Make the big corporations pay for the health care   costs	NULL	National health care	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	12/14/05 5:04 PM
3194	i'm concerned for those people who don't have health care and live in states that don't have programs for them. More people are worried about embrionic rights  then those of their fellow beings who are already here.	i think we need a little less paranoia; that everyone is out to cheat the system making the rules  so complex nobody understands how the hell it works! We need to subsidize elements of the healthcare industry to make equipment and drugs cheaper and therefore more affordable to all.	i'd be more than willing to let the Senate and House pay their own insurance till such time as everyone gets access. 	If we had subsidizing of healthcare machinery and medicine more people would get checkups and many health issues could be dealt with earlier and cheaper. People wouldn't mind paying some of their own way if it meant notlosing their house or handing over their first born! Let our taxes pay for R'nD! i belive some of the test we take at a doctor's office will soon be available for people to do in their own home. Modernizing med equip should make analysis's a little cheaper.Test results cost so much most people without HC can't afford to nip problems in the bud. Attending health care issues when they are fully blown is so much more expensive. 	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	12/14/05 5:38 PM
3195	the fact that not everyone can afford it.. and if you make too much money than the government won't pay for it either... 	i think the government should pay for all healthcare... like cuntries such as canada... 	NULL	again... refine healthcare and make it payable by the government.. 	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/14/05 8:38 PM
3196	"Cost and access in remote areas.   Also the in our state of Nevada the licensing is controlled by others in the same field, who keep counts low, which seems to allow them to keep their pricing up. "	"Uniform costs why is there such disparity? How do other counties handle this?  Why have we allowed health to be such a money business? If we required each provider/facility to contribute a portion of their time to those who would not otherwise have acess or to improve the reimbursement process of current programs, it is now so cumbersome and some times confusing for the provider/facility when billing or offer reimbursement to facilities when they offer sliding fee to low income or working poor."	"Time, maybe making it available so people don't have to take time off work and if not able to qualify for govt programs or pay for insurance, and low income ratio to living expenses, then allow tax breaks.  Being a single non-home owner, no children, I live paycheck to paycheck with no tax breaks, I could use the money from my taxes to pay for insurance costs. "	Take the money making businesses out of the improvement plan and make it based purely out of needs of people. 	female	NULL	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	12/14/05 8:39 PM
3197	High costs and doctors who don't take the time to listen to you about your medical problems. I have health insurance but I rarely use it because of (1) the difficulty in seeing a competent and caring doctor and receiving what I feel is good care and (2) the stream of bills which I receive for just one 3 minute consultation with a doctor I don't even know.	"Health care, and expecially health maintenance care, should be available to all.  Everyone in this country should be entitled to one eye exam, one dental exam, and one physical exam every year free of charge.  Costs for other things should be charged according to your income.  If you can afford five dollars for a visit to the doctor, then your charge should be five dollars, period.  Frankly, I think we could do better without health insurance.  I think all doctors should receive a flat rate for each type of service, $25 for setting a broken bone, for example.  And cut out all the charges from every person who can manage to stick their finger in the pie."	"I question the availability of high quality health care.  I think there are a lot of people in the health field purely for the money they can make.  I find the bedside manner of most doctors deplorable.  The real key is access to affordable, genuine high quality health care. For many Americans, I think they already pay enough for health care.  They should be getting this health care without paying out so much money for costs which are ancillary to medical care.  For many other Americans, I don't feel they should have to pay much for good health care.  Speaking from personal experience, within the bounds of a limited income, medical expenses come at the bottom of the list.  There were times when I made too much money to be on Medicaid but not enough money to pay for health insurance or to go to the doctor on my own.  This is not right and this should not be the case.  Neither should it be the case that others should pay for those who can't afford to.  (But it would be nice if they offered to do so out of the goodness of their heart.)"	"I don't know what the answer is, but I do know that I have not been happy with my personal health care situation for most of my adult years.  There has got to be some way for every single person in this country to be able to go to a doctor if he feels unwell or is in pain, expect and receive good treatment, and not have to go into debt to pay for it.  I have half-jokingly believed for quite some time now that the only solution to the problem of healthcare is for every family to have a doctor among its members or for every person who gets sick to simply ""go to the hills"" until they get better or die. "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/14/05 8:41 PM
3198	It iss not available to everyone. 	"Single payor, universally available health care. "	"reduce military spending. no more pre-emptive, unnecessary wars. "	Universal Health Care	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/14/05 8:47 PM
3199	"That our health insurance system is tied to profits of private health insurance companies.  If health insurance for everyone under 65 was handled like mediacare it would be affordable, fair,cover everyone and not be tied to one's employment"	"Yes, a single payer health care system; like medicare, administered by the state,or the nation funded by alrady existing money put into health care through the government and combined with a tax like medicare."	"A tax if it could be explained as costing most everyone except people earning over $200,000 per year as a reduction in their premiums and not be job dependent, people would choice of doctors and cover everyone."	A single payer health care system modeled after medicare!	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	12/14/05 8:47 PM
3200	Increasing costs and the fact that many amercians go uninsured. 	It's hard to say. I have yet to see an efficient american goverment program. At the same time the insurers are looking to awlays turn a profit. I think we should let a well run organization like Walmart or Toyota run the program.	There not which is what makes this so diffcult. The ones that can afford coverage are not willing to give up immediate access 	Make medical insurers non stock companies that can operate not for profit.	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Not sure	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	12/14/05 8:48 PM
3201	"The 40 million people without health insurance and the need for a government sponsored universal tax-based single payer system for all our citizens. It would be fairly financed, offer equality of coverage and preserve private enterprise with doctors that are self employed and hospitals that are privately owned. We can build on the sucessful Medicare system that offers more health care per dollar spent than HMO's that are for profit and ration the care."	"With a universal medicare system there would be no need for private, employer based or other systems as we see in other industrialized countries. The savings in administration and elimination of tax deductions for employer based systems would help pay for the implementation of the universal system. Our system can be the best."	"Providing universal health care with a single payer tax beased system is no different than having taxes pay for services that citizens cannot provide for themselves, such as defence, homeland security and other government systems for environmental protection, education, etc. in a uniform way across our country."	"Call for the implementation of a government sponsored universal single payer health care system for all our citizens built on the Medicare base and enhanced to include prescription drugs and other needs as the system is phased in. There is no need to reinvent wheel, Government insurance works well in many countries, fairly financed and with equality of coverage. Our system can be the best. Health care reform should be a very high priority. It enables productivity and well being. We need to do it now."	male	NULL	NULL	White	NULL	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	12/14/05 9:03 PM
3202	"The fact that I have paid thousands of dollars to various insurance companies over the past 45 years and never filed a claim of any significance.      Now, I can no longer afford to pay to pay the ever-increasing premiums.      I am 50 years old and have no insurance!    I have paid thousands of dollars in premiums and have nothing to show for it.  I would have been better off putting that money into a savings account all those years.      "	"Healthcare coverage shouldn’t be tied to employment status.  People shouldn’t be denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions.    It’s a foolish waste of money to pay thousands of dollars to one insurer, then switch to another insurer and pay them thousands more, only to eventually end up with no insurance coverage at all.      There should be just one system, that should cover everyone.  Everyone would pay into, and every one would benefit from it.   "	"I would rather pay a tax to have guaranteed healthcare coverage, than an insurance premium."	Get rid of the insurance industry lobbyists in Washington and create a national healthcare program.     	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	12/14/05 9:47 PM
3203	"FIRST OF ALL, I AGREE WITH YOU. IT HAS GOTTEN OUT OF HAND. i'm 45 yrs. old. i remember growing up going to one doctor all those years. how everything started getting separated into specialists is apolling. and a pain do deal with. why don't m.d. handle all areas in your care anymore? that would eliminate expensive specialists costs. "	cap off how much each procedure would cost. my hourly pay has a cap so why shouldn't doctors services be capped off too.	"none, i think we've sacrificed enough. mortgages, heat bills, electric bills , phone bills, water bills, and food all cost us enough. since we already pay for some of our healthcare already, i think you ought to fight as hard as possible for us to not have to give up anymore than we already have done."	keep it simple. put a cap on the  charges of doctors and perscriptions. 	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	12/14/05 10:10 PM
3204	"high administrative costs, declining physician reimbursement, much wasted on those with terminal disease"	"Health care should not be about big profits to health insurance companies which come from higher premiums and deductibles and declining physician reimbursement.  I think that a single payer system run by local or state governments would be better.  The for-profit companies should be abolished, but won't because they have a strong lobby."	"People don't want higher taxes, but how else can it be paid for?  Especially since we have squandered so much on Iraq!"	Make physical activity mandatory.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/14/05 10:21 PM
3205	Being able to afford it when all 4 members of your family have epilepsy and your combined medicine bill each month is over 1100 dollars.	"The government should pay more because it represents the people of the country it governs.Also we can""t say that it will go broke because when we were in a depression the government printed out all the money we needed even though the taxpayers were broke and could pay no TAX MONEY."	It is true that we can start taking better care of ourselves however if you have a disease like epilepsy you should not be forced to be poor in order to get help this includes having a 24 hour national transportation system so that we can get to a doctor or hospital if we need to.	"Provide transportation for people unable to drive,and provide help for people with certain health care problems."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	12/14/05 10:46 PM
3206	"I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE HIGH COST OF HEALTH CARE,AND THAT THE MORE YOU PAY THE LESS YOU GET.AND THAT IF YOU DON,T HAVE INSURANCE,AND CAN,T AFORD TO PAY,THEN YOU CAN,T GET ANY ONE TO HELP YOU.  "	" I WOULD LIKE TO SEE,A TAX PUT ON ALKAHOL TO HEAP PAY FOR INSURANCE FOR ALL."	" I CAN,T THINK OF ANYTHING RIGHT NOW."	"GIVE EVERY ONE THE SAME KIND OF HEALTH INSUREANCE THE BIG SHOTS IN WASHINGTON,DC GET FROM US TAX PAYERS.YOU WOULD NOT NEED MEDICARE ANYMORE OR MADICADE,SO THAT MONEY COULD GO FOR HEALTH CARE."	male	NULL	No	White	Some high school	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/14/05 10:54 PM
3207	America needs some form of universal health insurance. Health should not be a privilege for only those who can afford it.	"These payments should be shifted so that it is paid for entirely by the government, or taxpayers. If you charge a corporation, they will raise prices, which means that the community is paying for the health care anyway."	"The majority of people want universal health care, and I believe they would be willing to pay higher taxes in order to have the sense of security that having health insurance provides."	We need universal health insurance.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	12/15/05 1:49 AM
3208	"My biggest fear is that I will become catastrophically ill, and not be able to work, and thus lose what healthcare I have.  Also, fear my employer will soon not be able to pay for most of my health insurance.  He is a small business owner and he told me our health insurance premiums keep going up every year and soon he won't be able to afford premiums.  Last year he had to raise the deductible for hospital stays to $2500 and raise copays in order to be able to afford premiums.  I pay 116.00 per month towards it , but he pays the remainder.  Hopefully, I never have to be hospitalized because I couldn't afford to pay $2500.  I only go to the doctor when I'm in severe pain, because the more we use the insurance the more they raise premiums. "	Healthcare should not be linked to employment.  Employers can no longer afford to pay these high premiums.  Universal healthcare is the only way to go.  	I would be willing to pay more taxes if I was guaranteed that I would have access to affordable health care.  	"Simplify health care insurance.  Relieve doctors of the tremendous amount of paperwork they have from insurance companies and let them do their job.  Health care should not be a profit making business.  Everything is so complicated about the current system.  The doctor should have the final say about how we should be treated, not some clerk at the insurance office.  "	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	12/15/05 5:23 AM
3209	"We are underserving children in a major way.  The system needs to provide basic preventive and curative care for every child whose parents reside in America.  There must be no exceptions.  When it comes to health care, the word 'child' must never have an adjective put in front of it!"	The system is basically large employer driven.  This must change.  It must be a government led program that treats everyone the same.  We must all be in the same risk pool.	The high cost of private medical care needs to be controlled.  This will add significantly to the dollar pool for health care.  Medicare/Medicaid are far mor efficient that private insurers.  This needs to be publicized and the populace will accept the dollar savings that will accrue.	"We must have a goal to care for everyone.  This shold be phased in.  Children come first, then pregnant women.  People over 65 or 70 are going to have to feel some pinch because they are the biggest users of health care dollars.  But, end of life care should not rob the money from children."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	12/15/05 8:53 AM
3210	Decreasing access and increasing costs	Very few individuals can afford quality care directly and fewer businesses are able to provide it. There must be greater governmental effort to guarantee access to health care including both increased financing and cost controls.	Certainly a huge majority of people that I know would be willing to see an increase in taxes to insure quality care and broad access.	Take control to access away from the insurance industry and guarantee equal access to all citizens.	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Not sure	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	12/15/05 9:40 AM
3211	"Too simplistic a question. One main concern I have is  the demand of  Americans to  ""have"" this or that.   The proliferation of MRI's is a good example.  And with our litigious society, it's difficult for a doc to deny access to them, ""just to  know"", as patients often say."	NULL	NULL	"Reduce costs by living healthier! As a family physician I see America eating, drinking and driving itself to potential destruction. "	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	12/15/05 10:07 AM
3212	"Although there are a multitude of problems, what concerns me the most is that the cost of a doctor's visit and a prescription are completely out of line with what American's can reasonably afford, making health care a luxury item.  My second concern is that the average time providers spend with patients is only 5-7 minutes.  That leads to mistakes.  Every mistake costs lives. "	"How about making it affordable?  How about a single tier payment.  What you charge an individual without insurance is what the provider charges the insurance company of a person with insurance.  I can't find out from my provider in advance, what i'll be charged for his services.  What other commodity do we pay for where they won't tell us what we'll be charged?"	All social programs should be fully financed.  I would have been thrilled to do without a space shuttle launch if it meant that the levees in New Orleans would have been repaired.  How about fewer pharmaceutical profits for universal health care?	Make the government responsible for lacks in U.S. health care.  Make then more accountable to the public rather than corporate America.  	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	12/15/05 11:48 AM
3213	Rising cost of having health care.   	"More government paid.  I have health insurance through my employer, however it is still nearly cost prohibitive for me to have routine care due to rising co-pay costs.  "	"The ""working poor"" are going to be much more willing to make concessions regarding benefits and financing than most others.  I would be willing to accept restrictions in exchange for greater financing through the government (I work for a non-profit so I can not expect them to be able to contribute more than they already do)."	Socialize health care.  The un- and under-insured are filling emergency and urgent care rooms at an alarming rate because in many cases it is less expensive than the alternatives.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	12/15/05 11:59 AM
3214	"The terrible waste allowed to medicine and technology manufacturers, doctors, and providers which adds to the immoral profits they make on American health care."	NULL	NULL	Encourage patients to participate in their own health care decisions.  I am on CPAP for obstructive sleep apnea.  I am not allowed to set my own machine. The machine has to be adjusted every month at great cost to me and medicare.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	12/15/05 12:02 PM
3215	Fragmentation of care and inequality in who has access.	"Single payer system, health care for all."	Higher taxes if it meant everyone would be covered.	Make the sale of cigarettes illegal.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	12/15/05 3:14 PM
3216	the increasing amount of people who can not afford health care.  The free clinics and emergency room care are only stop gap measures - and ineffective and expensive.	I think that healthcare should be government supported to a greater extent.  It's shameful that an individual's health isn't given greater importance.  It accentuates the lack of true respect and dignity that we have for each other.	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/15/05 3:32 PM
3217	"There is a shotage of doctors.  I have insurance, yet whenever I call a doctor, I am told that he is booked, and if I cannot wait until 3 or 4 weeks for an appointment, I should go to the emergency room!  Thus, each time I have a fever, or flu, I am forced to use the ER as my primary care provider.  It does not matter which doctor I call, they are ALL too busy to see someone in need of urgent care."	NULL	NULL	More doctors!!!!	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/15/05 5:48 PM
3218	"It is not available for all Americans, and that an illness or accident can cause bankruptcy on top of everything else when the worker loses his or her job because of that illness or accident.  From several personal experiences over the last year, I am also deeply concerned about the quality of the health care currently available.  In each and every instance, there was a major medical mistake or blunder made with no recourse available to the patient."	"There should be a single-payer plan, one in which all Americans must enroll."	"If a good health care system is actually provided, there should be little objection to raising taxes.  What difference does it make if you have to shell out money through a business or privately, as opposed to sending it to a single-payer plan?  Hopefully the amount sent to a single-payer plan will be a lesser amount overall."	"No separate systems of insurance.  One single-payer plan open to all American citizens, one that the legislature, the military and all other government empolyees must also join."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/15/05 5:57 PM
3219	"We need to have our health care, so that the doctors & hospitals will take us, when we need to be seen.  Most people cannot afford to pay for their insurance."	"No, I think it should stay the same as it is now.  "	I don't think that the American public is willing to make any trade-offs.	I don't really have a recommedation at this time.	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	12/15/05 6:19 PM
3220	"High cost, lack of access. Misery for the forty to forty-six million without coverage. The huge drag on the economy, on jobs and wages, when employers try to offer some kind of plan for their workers."	single-payer system. Medicare for all. 	"We shouldn't have to make trade-offs. American taxpayers already spend more on health care than Canadians, when all costs are counted. "	"Extend Medicare to all; without the tricks that cost the poorest of the poor more, as the so-called Medicare prescription plan does.   "	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/15/05 8:35 PM
3221	"Healthcare must be always available to every American citizen, period.  Whether a child, working citizen, disabled citizen, or retired citizen.  Note the word citizen.  "	"If you lose you job, you should be able to participate in a government program that ensures you will not lose your health insurance and this must be affordable to someone who is living on unemployment or if unemployment runs out before you secure another job.  "	The American public wants high quality health care and it should be affordable to all American citizens.  It is time for the government to step in and figure out how best to finance a quality system before it collapses.  	Healthcare cannot be controlled by whether or not you have a job.  If you lose your job your should never lose your health care.  It should be an American citizen's basic right.  By that I mean no American citizen should ever be uninsurable and lose the right to healthcare when they need to receive it.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	12/16/05 6:18 AM
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3223	"cost, availability"	we need a single provider system that is an entitlement paid for by the government but managed and delivered by the private sector	higher taxes	make it a public entitlement. Remove the insurance industry from the process.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	12/16/05 9:24 AM
3224	"Yes, we need a completely entire health care system that works for all that includes:   Hearing aids, prothesis, cognitive behavior therapy, Vision therapy, and most of all dental reform with the complete package.  Why I say that because I have been put up against a brick wall trying to get a chin graft and implants to retore my mouth and this is not cosmetic surgery either.  Twenty years ago I went under major surgery for the jaw etc.   Today I have no teeth and both medical and dental issue play games.  Dental says this is a medical issue and medical just put limits or put it under not covered benefits.  Contacted the Dental society and they have been saying this for years.  The medical insurance companies are saying the mouth is not part of the body.  When a person has 1000.00 to 1500.00 cap and what does a person do with that; when he/she needs major work done, when the cost is way above the cost of person means.      Basically, only the rich or so called wealth can afford those prices and the rest of us walk around with no teeth and medical care.  People want to know why people do not go to the dentist or take care of themselves because number one they have no insurance to cover them.       This can be very fatal for many citizens because as a person gets old more complication could rise and cost more money in the long run.  Basically, nobody every see the whole picture but what is in the bucket for them.  Greed!!!"	"Many, lets look at the German system and it works and many are very satisfy with that type of system.  Everyone would have to pay for something based on something like a flat tax system.  Most of all if one comes up with a plan then riders should be attach to all plans and that can be options and the cost should be reasonable and affordable. "	Need to think about this one for a while	"Most emphasize on Exercise, taking responsiblities for ones health, and understanding heath as well and the importants of seeing the whole picture and that will also include dental.   "	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	12/16/05 9:39 AM
3225	The growing number of middle class & below that are losing health coverage; and health treatment availability entirely.	"Take a good look at the Japanese system. It involves all of these, but has cost containment built in, individual responsibility to be reasonable about care built in, and ability to seek care wherever you wish within the country. I will try to submit a highlights of it elsewhere."	Going to the above system (or similar) would involve trade offs for patients that would be neglible 	above	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	12/16/05 10:02 AM
3226	"I am most concerned that we have no 'health care' system.  What we have is an illness treatment system.  To have a health care system we would have to care about, promote, teach, and place a major portion of our national interest and dollars on HEALTH care not illness treatment.       Let us not be decieved, all these things have been said addressed and decided about long before this working group was formed.  I myself was a witness before the Meese commission that took testimony before the present system was installed.  They were told their emphasis on high tech, high cost care, as well as their lack of emphasis on education and wellness was not only counter productive it was wasteful.  Sorry, the government that was and is supported by large donations from 3rd party, HMO, and medicine as a business organizations did just as their backers wished, and so we have the present system that does not recognize, let alone promote the primary components of health.       Health care system?  I repeat, my primary concern is that there is none.               "	NULL	NULL	"Recognition that a human being is composed of a mind, a body, and a spirit.  All three contribute to the being in both health and disease.  All three should be addressed in maintaining and improving the state of health of citizens of this nation."	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/16/05 10:36 AM
3227	Lack of access to high quality basic health care service for all residents of the US.	Employer based coverage has been failing at a rapid rate. National health insurance with an appropriate system of care for delivery of primary health care services needs to be available for everyone	They are willing to pay higher taxes after profit is removed from the insurance industry and subsidy extracted from the Pharmaceutical industry.	"Let's talk about National Health Insurance rather than ""universal coverage"" which could mean anything. Let's push forward the idea of a ""single payor"" financing mechanism with all the glitz and power of an effective ""Madison Avenue"" public relations campaign"	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/16/05 10:57 AM
3228	will I still have it when I retire?	we need a national system	higher taxes	NULL	male	NULL	No	White	Some high school	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	12/16/05 12:43 PM
3229	"The cost of care causes many elders to forgo getting needed health care.  Therefore, many elders do not get needed immunizations, check-ups, physicals and medical specialist care."	"If we want all citizens of the USA to have good health care, we as a society need to change to a system that provides needed care for all.  Suggest that we tax all americans a percentage of their income (earned, dividends, pensions and other).  I do not have a calculated percentage amount, but I believe that Steve Forbes had a good idea with a Flat Tax system."	"Most would be willing to pay for ""Excellent,"" health care, but are unwilling to pay medical fee for services which are too high.  The question is, ""How much is too high?""  This amount varies with the amount one earns."	"Hold the insurers responsible for the care of their customers.  If an insurance company is/was unwilling to pay a medical fee, it would be forced by LAW to pay a reasonable portion of that fee. Thus providers would have to cover their costs, plus a reasonable profit."	male	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	12/16/05 12:51 PM
3231	"The rising cost is an issue.  So many, even those with insurance, are having difficulties paying for health care. Many do without and suffer. I also feel that the medical community is for the most part only interested in keeping the status quo which is tied to profits more than patients. Cheaper more natural cures need to be investigated. "	I think we need to come up with a national health care plan.  Along with this plan we also have to make it easier for people to enter the health care field so there are no shortages of trained workers. Educational help would be one avenue we could take.  We have to look at the examples of other countries that have national health insurance and learn from their sucesses and mistakes. 	"We most likely would have to increase taxes, but I would love to see pork barrel politics done away with.  We could use the money spent on highways or bridges to nowhere on health care.  You have no idea how sick I am of how our taxes are currently wasted! If Congress and the rest of the government was made to use the same plan as the ordinary individual, then maybe we would find a faster solution."	Make good health care availiable to all under one national plan.  Make sure there are no shortages of trained health care workers.  Study the mistakes of other countries so we do not make the same mistakes. Make sure people are placed above profit.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	12/16/05 1:50 PM
3232	the cost of hospitals and meds and the lack of treatment.	We seem to help everyone else outside the USA but why cant we set up a seperate program to aid everyone in our country like other countries do.	"higher taxes, get rid of wellfare ,get companies to give up % of yearly bonus"	insurance fraud	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	12/16/05 1:59 PM
3233	The rising costs and how employers are trying to   get away with out paying their share.	"Yes, I think that the U. S. should stop sending  all our tax dollars over seas to help other countries and instead use that money on health   care for americans."	 I dont think we should have to have any trade-offs. America is a very wealthy country and it   should take care of its people.	Make it affortable to every one.	male	NULL	Yes	Other	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	12/16/05 4:30 PM
3234	"That many people have no insurance or very poor coverage, that there is so much wasteful bureacracy in all the insurance companies and bill processing departments, and that health insurance is tied to your job."	"Everyone should be covered by a single plan, like Medicare, with decent benefits and cost controls.  Payments can be through payroll deductions or taxes, but everyone should be covered whether in a good job or not."	"Most are willing to end the system of having insurance tied to their job and would be happy to get rid of the health insurance companies.  Without the bureaucracy waste, there would be no need to cut  benefits."	No longer have health insurance tied to your job.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	12/16/05 4:50 PM
3235	"I can never find a doctor when I need one.   When I am sick, I can call all the doctors in my preferred provider list, and non of them will take new patients.  Even when I reach doctors that I have seen before, I am told they are too busy for urgent care like fever or flu.   I am always told to use emergency rooms.   It seems we have a doctor shortage.  I should not have to use emergency rooms for primary care.  "	I dont like the insurance system.  I would rather have funding from a government source.  I dont mind paying taxes.	NULL	MORE doctors!!!  We obviously have a shortage.   I cant get a doctor when I am sick.   I am told to use the ER.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	12/16/05 4:56 PM
3236	"It is an outrage that 18,000 Americans die each year because they lack insurance or are uninsured, and that the U.S. ranks 31st in the world in life expenctancy and the general health of the population."	"Health care is a right, not a privilege. We owe to ourselves and EACH OTHER to fund universal health insurance with public dollars. Every other industrialized country has figured out some version of this; it ain't rocket science."	"Americans would not have to trade off ANYTHING in the way of benefits OR cost. We already spend almost twice as much per capita as most other countries, and what do we get? An inequitable system that's great for the rich, but lousy for many and a crap shoot for most. The crime is, this country wouldn't have to spend any more money at all to extend excellent coverage to everyone. "	"Comprehensive, tax-supported, single-payer health insurance for everyone, so that all Americans can consult the doctors and visit the hospitals of their choice "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/16/05 5:13 PM
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3238	"We lack doctors!  Try to find a doctor when you are sick!  I have great insurance, but all the doctors are busy, so I use the emergency room!   I can wait 3 months for an appointment if its for a general physical, but when I have an infection, I cant wait 3 months for an appointment.  so for me, even with insurance and a list of doctors, I end up in the emergency room."	NULL	NULL	Train more doctors!	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	12/16/05 6:21 PM
3239	"For me personally, the biggest concern is transportability.  Our current system locks people into jobs which they do not like, and where they may not be using their full talents, because of fear of not having health insurance if they were more adventurous.  People should not be choosing jobs based solely on health insurance. Our whole nation suffers from the loss of many people's creativity this way.        I used to be a private consultant who bought my own health insurance.  Paying for health insurance was the one reason why I could not afford to continue doing that, even though I am exceedingly healthy.  I finally returned to graduate school for a PhD, lured in good part by the promise of excellent health benefits under my graduate assistantship.  Next year when I finish my program I will probably have to relocate to find a job that uses my expertise, but my partner, who is 15 years older than myself and starting to have some health concerns, is reluctant to leave the security of his current job with good health benefits.  Alternatively I could go back to private consulting, but am not sure I will be able to afford paying for health insurance by myself.   "	"It makes no sense for health insurance to be tied to employment.  There are many people who make important contributions to society who are not formally employed.  It is also a disincentive for employers to hire people when they are burdened by having to pay health insurance.  Look at most of the labor disputes these days:  most of them are at least partly about health insurance.  Paying for health insurance like we do for Social Security, through a payroll tax, would greatly simplify our system, eliminate a lot of paperwork and duplicated effort, and ultimately would save our nation a lot of money."	"I can't speak for other people, but I would be willing to pay more taxes if I knew that my money was being spent on healthcare for all.  I am confident that the cost savings of a single-payer system would be enough that we would not need to sacrific much, if anything, in quality of care.  Covering everybody under one system would also make preventive medicine the responsibility of all providers, which would also save money."	"Single-payer health care.  We need one system that everyone who works pays into, like Social Security, and that everyone who breathes benefits from regardless of whether or not they work outside a home."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	12/16/05 9:07 PM
3240	"With gas, utility, mortgage bill all rising and now are healthcare is being threatened and we have made payments out of my husband's checks, his employer says they no nothing and benefits office is saying he doesn't have coverage"	President Bush really needs to look at costs and change them.  Require employers to at least help contribute a little to the premium and offer health benefits	I would then have to say I would pay cobra but we have to have the same if not better coverage by the insurance company involved.	"Bring back employment back to the states, bring his concern back home not elsewhere, I think that is why we got in trouble with 911.  We need to focus on us instead of other countries.  There is some truth about ""MINDING OUR OWN BUSINESS!"""	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	12/16/05 11:00 PM
3241	"If you do not work for a company that has adequate, affordable, health benefits, you really do receive inferior care, and, most times cannot even afford prescription drugs which may be life saving."	"One word!,   CANADA"	"People are willing to help a company offset some costs of affordable, high quality health care.  However, when the health care comes at a price so high that you are forced to choose between paying for health care or paying bills, putting food on the table, clothes on the children's backs, etc.; then it no longer affordable.  Is your families health, and, well being not equally important?"	"Again, one word!,  CANADA!"	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	12/17/05 12:16 AM
3242	The cost of Prescription drugs and the way that Pharmacy Reps coax and woo doctors into prescribing their expensive meds.	"Yes.  Government regulated health care.  Only the federal government has the potential to form a group large enough,comprehensive medical plan with enough buying power to keep prices at a resonable level, and not let big buisness Pharmacuticals price gouge."	I think Americans would be amiable to a health care tax if it would result in the creation of a national health care plan that everyone could have access to.	Find a way to limit the Phamacutical Industries snowballing price points for the drugs the reasearch and produce.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/17/05 7:57 AM
3243	"We baby boomers are all approaching senior status with more and more health issues. A majority have had health insurance through their employment most of their lives. With the rising cost of insurance, employees are now paying a big part of the cost. Also, retirees are now having to pay larger deductables with their already small fixed income or being dropped. They also need to take more medication. Some have to sacrifice food for prescriptions. There are a couple of plans that help seniors with out prescription coverage, but they offer very little. "	"I believe it starts with hospital and doctors in the medical profession. Although they spend years and hard earned money for their education, their return is a thousand fold. Hospitals say they loose money in the emergency room because they have to treat patients with no insurance and some do not have money to pay their bill. They claim this is the reason that the charges keep going up. The insurance companies claim they raise premiums because the doctor and hospital fees keep increasing. The last three raises I received just covered my health insurance monthly increases. This is one big circle that I believe starts and ends with the doctors and hospitals setting their own fees.(unregulated by the government.)    I recently had a spinal fusion with a hospital bill of over $42,000. This was for two days. This does not include the $25,000 for the surgeon and a few thousand for x-rays and misc. countless fees for consulting doctors. Somebody's sure making a profit! I believe in capitalism, but there needs to be line drawn somewhere."	"I believe that Americans will only do what they can afford to do. I believe in equality. If one person pays $100 a month for their premium, everyone should have to pay $100. Isn't that only fair? I should not have to pay for someone else to have insurance, just because I make more money than they do. "	"I worked in Canada for a few months and I used to ask people what they thought of their healthcare plan.  I do not recall hearing any negative feedback.  I do believe that healthcare should be paid for and controlled by the government. They will regulate the fees and every American will have healthcare. Doctors and hospitals will always be paid a fair fee and on time. We send ""BILLIONS"" to other countries without ever asking for a penny back in return. If I get sick and I can't pay the hospital bill, they will come in and take everything I have! (even if it puts me on the street). Duh!! What,s wrong with this picture America??"	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/17/05 12:12 PM
3244	Improving healthcare for all American citizens by adopting a National Healthcare Plan.	"There should be a comprehensive National Healthcare Plan, similar to those that have been in place throughout the Western European Nations for many years now."	"With careful drafting of a truly nationwide plan,I believe most Americans would back such a plan.It would necessitate re-prioritizing our federal spending to put more emphasis on human needs.  "	Adoption of a National Healthcare Plan.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	12/17/05 12:57 PM
3245	"1. Non profit hospitals etc. pass the costs of caring for those who can't pay to those who can.  The result being that more of the burden is being carried by the sick and less by the healthy simply because the sick use health care services more than the healthy.    2.  Many of our corporations supply health care insurance to their employees thereby increasing their costs and making them less competitive with companies that don't.     3. Drug companies are spend on drug advertising and on drug promotion by sales representatives. This may not always be in the best interests of patients.  It does, however, increase the costs of those drugs.     "	Yes.  The US Government should administer a health  plan which is tax funded.  That would spread costs more fairly among all citizens.      Since there would no longer be a need for health insurance. The administrative costs and the profit of the insurance companies would no longer add to the costs of healthcare thereby allowing lower overall healthcare costs.      Drug companies would save the cost of advertising and of maintaining such a large sales staff.  With centralized government purchasing drugs could better be evaluated on their merits.    Corporations would eliminate a cost making them more competitive.  	"I think the american public will be willing to give up some control for the security that national healthcare would give.  I also think that, by eliminating the costs described above, national healthcare would be less costly."	Do It Now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	12/17/05 1:19 PM
3246	It is not accessible for poor people.	"In order to have a healthcare system that is accessible for all citizens, the only solution is to have a universal, single-payer healthcare system.  We are the only industrialized nation not to do so."	"I think people will make the move from employer-based healthcare to a univeral healthcare system when they realize that it will cost us less than what we actually are paying right now, and everyone will receive the same standard of care."	"We absolutely MUST move to a universal, single-payer system."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Not sure	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	12/17/05 1:30 PM
3247	"uneveness. $$ Should not be spent on illegal aliens who should be sent home, not hospitalized, sent to college or given hand-outs"	More govt money -- raised by increasing SS collections on ALL earned income -- not stopping at $90.000	proably none unless they are affected	Peer review to ensure competence of doctors and institutions	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	12/17/05 1:37 PM
3248	That there are so many Americans without adequate access to it.  	We need to consolidate this into a nationwide system.  A national healthcare plan (like every other developed nation provides it citizens) needs to be implemented to assure health care for all Americans.	"I think the American public is too uninformed to make a reasonable decision.  As soon as someone wails ""socialized medicine"", the public at large stop listening.  Which is really unfortunate.  I am a military dependent.  So are my children.  That means my family has the most accessible high quality medical care.  The wealthy can afford their care, and the poor and elderly have programs that care for them.  The only people who have to fend for themselves are the working poor and middle class.  If we can provide healthcare coverage for these large segments of our population (poor, elderly, military, wealthy), why is it socialism for the wage earners who pay for all this coverage to expect to be covered themselves?      But the public hears ""socialism"" and put their fingers in in their ears and sing ""lalalalalala""."	Support a national health care plan.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/17/05 1:39 PM
3249	The manner in which Medicare Part D was introduced and the little information one can find out about it and have it be correct information.	As much as possible especially for those taking a number of drugs government assistance is needed.	After the fiasco of Medicare Part D which will take at least a year till it all gets worked out none.	 When having trouble paying for medication there needs to be a place to go for help. Also publicity of services available needs to be done.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	12/17/05 1:55 PM
3250	That health care cost keep going up and more and more people are still uninsured.	"A single payer health plan would be the best plan, then everyone would pay and everyone would be covered no matter where they work.There would be no discrimination regardless of their health condition."	Single payer would benefit everyone and be the least expensive.	Single payer health plan.	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	12/17/05 1:56 PM
3251	Cost and immorality: grotesque profits for the few leaves nothing for the millions	"I vote single payer, with everyone in one big risk group, with everyone covered if they get sick, and skimmed-off profits for unnecessary middle-men ""administration"" limited by law (saving $300 BILLION per year according to PNHP)."	Single payer would provide better coverage at lower cost so would not require any trade-offs....would be instead a trade UP.	HR676	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	12/17/05 2:25 PM
3252	"Inaccessibility due to rising costs, lack of adequate insurance coverage, and increasing out-of-pocket expenses for individuals, especially those who can least afford it."	"The current system creates inequities and inaccessibility for many individuals.  I believe that the only way this can be addressed is through a one-payer system where ALL citizens are covered equally and equitably, and no one suffers hardship due to financial constraints."	"I think that the situation right now is so grave that the public may finally we willing to look at radical alternatives, such as a one-payer system or government-sponsored healthcare for all.  The public has already been forced into accepting reductions in benefits, therefore resulting in increasing percentages of income earmarked for healthcare expenses."	Be sure that ALL Americans are fully and adequately covered for healthcare needs.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	12/17/05 2:54 PM
3253	Citizens with no health care because they can't afford it.	"I would prefer a system like Scandanavia.  Since that will never happen in the US, a 2 tier system like Canada would mean everyone has care and the wealthy can buy superb care."	?    But if you eliminate stupid pork projects it could be paid for entirely.	Universal health care.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/17/05 3:07 PM
3254	"Benefit Plans--  -under the current situation--plans--Union and non Union plans, force payment from both  spouses(if both work and are covered by medical plans)--but do not provide double coverage.The plans call it co-ordination of benefits(BALONEY)  It is downright (theft). Where two spouses work and are forced to carry health care plans---the individuals should be able to select the best plan  for coverage and not have to pay the other premium  required by the other Plan. The UNIONS need to straighten there own house first!  Think about all of the families that have been forced to take insurance coverage that they don't need--it makes you sick--Unions are one of the biggest violators.By the way I am a Union member  and my spouse is a member of the UFCW.We need  real co-ordination of benefits. Only one plan or the other--chosen by the participant and the other amount refunded to the participant. "	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/17/05 4:27 PM
3255	"For the average American, it is inadequate and cost prohibitive."	"We need single payer, like Canada and other nations of the world. "	There is no need for trade-offs if we change our system to single payer.	"We need single payer, like Canada and other nations of the world. "	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	12/17/05 4:36 PM
3256	"It's almost totally unavailable without insurance excepting those who use emergency rooms.  Insurance is very expensive and generally unaffordable for independent contractors such as therapists who have no ""group"" to participate in.  People need good medical care when they age and now there are the ""haves and have nots.""  People want different things from their insurance plans."	"Disconnect health insurance from employers.  People would pay in according to age and income level, but not health status.  Everyone contributes.  Maybe this could all work with current insurance providers, given their was more flexibility and specialization for those with high needs in one area such as psychiatric or cancer care."	NOT choice of access.  Higher income brackets contribute more.  Immigrants must be legal to participate.	"Make it available through age and income based contributions to everyone, however employed (or not)."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/17/05 7:12 PM
3257	What concerns me most about health care is that one serious illness can drive a person into bankruptcy.  This should not be true.  Every person needs access to health care.	The poor should not be the ones who pay the most for health care.  This is the most unfair thing about the current system that I can think of offhand.	NULL	"Making sure that insurance is affordable, keeping malpractice insurance for doctors down by limiting damages in court. "	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	12/17/05 7:28 PM
3258	Lack of Universal Health Care	One Payer System should be introduced	Health care should be tax-supported	One-payer tax-supported Health Care System to be provided to all citizens and to all l e g a l residents.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	12/17/05 7:54 PM
3259	Lack of equity in access and quality.	I support single payer universal health care.	A recent Pew  survey showed that the majority of Americans favor a government sponsored health care program for all.  Most people would pay less in taxes than they do in out of pocket health care expenses.	"Pass HR 676, a bill for national health insurance for all using a single payer model."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	12/17/05 9:04 PM
3260	"More and more citizens are not able to afford the premiumns,on care and that is as many other things leading us to the 3rd would class."	"large employers with huge profits need to offer better care for employees, so when they have health problems they don't need to turn to gov.(OUR TAXES) for extra help.  That would leave more for the true poor and seniors"	"I don't know of anymore trade offs we have, give up our vacation pay!!! I have 34 years in union. California, am a grandfathered meat-wrapper, before our strike at golden 85, our medical was paid for, I am there now and screwed. Older age is when you really need care.  "	"Make employers more responsible, I have worked sooo hard for 34 years(meat dept.) many aches and pains from the job, where is their responsibilty for me and thousand others."	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/17/05 10:51 PM
3261	The ability to get health care. My wife can not get any health care at all because she has arthritis and every company I have tried turned her down.	Try to find a way to make it cheaper.	I feel that the American public has reached the end of its rope in regard to benefits and financing. We have given up or lost so many benefits already. The financial aspect is pushing most of the American public out of adequate health care. 	Try to streamline the system.	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/17/05 11:35 PM
3262	The things that concerns me most in health care of America is that a hardworking family can afford to provide a reasonable health care to their families.	"I feel that although Employers and the Government are providing funds for healthcare, costs are rising.  If the same policies are kept, the health care as we know it will cease to exist. Personally I think that as the costs rise, the workers should not have to pay for it, but rather the government and local Employers should subsidise the cost.  "	"I think that the American public is willing to meet the Employers and companies half way with their costs, but it is going to take both sides to fully lower the cost.  Working people will not give up their working healthcare provided for their families merely to save the business money.  "	My single most important recommendation to make an improvement in the healthcare is to lower and stabilize a payment plan.  This should be accomplished by all sides working together.  	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	12/17/05 11:39 PM
3263	i'm most concerned with the unaffordability for too many citizens. I'm concerned about the rising cost to my family. I'm concerned that as a nation we don't feel the need to do better for our people.	Everyone should have comprehensive healthcare coverage paid by the government.	"American citizens should not enter into the affordability debate, we should have comprehensive healthcare coverage paid by the government."	We should have comprehensive healthcare coverage paid by the government.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	12/18/05 10:26 AM
3264	How expensive it is becoming. Eventually at my job we will have to sacrifice alot of pay to maintain healthcare and with the cost of everything rising how will that be possible.	I think it is a pretty good system but there has to be a way to get cost down.	I don't think there should be a sacrifice I think the government should be spending our tax money in the right places on there own citizens.	Get costs down.	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	12/18/05 10:50 AM
3265	"The huge disparities in access to healthcare, especially the 46 million people without any health insurance."	I think that a single payer system would be most efficient and cost effective. The government should combine all these streams of funding into one.	An efficient single payer system would result in very few taxes. Americans would trade out of pocket expenses and premiums for higher taxes with the net result for most a reduction in costs.	"Make it available to everyone as a right and a social good. This would result in a healthier workforce, healthier children, less bancruptcy and personal debt and less waste."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/18/05 5:38 PM
3266	"Fragmentation, inefficiency, poor correlation between the cost we pay as a country and the outcomes we get, inequities "	"Nationalized health care system--single payor, but many competing provider groups that are somehow regulated so that they can not skim the healthiest people"	"As long as people see that their relationships with their physicians won't be disrupted, most people would accept a national system of health care--if it's promoted correctly.  Avoid socialized medicine."	Single payor system.      Outlaw for-profit health care    Regulate level of profit pharmaceutical companies are allowed.  Isn't 20% ROI enough?    	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	12/18/05 5:45 PM
3267	"The cost of health care for everyone,especially the poor and senior citizens who can not afford the soaring prices of prescription medication and hospital costs. The young marrieds with children who are just starting out are having a difficult time making ends meet. People living near urban areas have easier access to medical care than some in farming and outlying areas.    "	"I think some kind of socialized medicine (we already have medicare/medicaid) could be instituted to take care of those on the fringe who fall through the cracks without ""breaking the bank."" Health care in the USA is unfair to those who can not afford it."	One of the problems with the whole system is I do not think the act of putting hospital/doctor charges for non-paying clients on the charges of a client with medical insurance is a proper way to collect for their services. Representatives for the whole health care system should get together and come up with a reasonable solution to benefit all concerned. This could include willingness on all parties to accept less profit and give more money towards developing fairer distribution of medical care. Perhaps a sliding scale on the ability to pay should be enacted; where poorer people would pay minimal funds for optimal care and the better able to pay would be assessed on a higher scale. This would be different than the hospitals putting the charges on another clients bill without their knowledge.  	"Preventative medicine should be paid by insurance companies. Now, it is not paid by many companies. They wait until you are really ill before they will pay. Also, contraceptives for women should be paid for by insurance companies"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	12/18/05 7:46 PM
3268	"the adverse effects on the economy and quality of life for middle and lower income americans.the fact that some companies are passing the cost off to others,by not offering insurance to their employees."	i am in favor of a national health care system where it is funded by wage earners.all should have health care. we are headed for a class system where only those who can afford it will get the best care.	most are open to paying for their health care. the days of free health care are over.	"limit lawsuits ,in a fair manner, against doctors and hospitals."	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	12/18/05 8:39 PM
3270	"hmo's controlling acess to providors. i want to use more alternative therapies and they are not available to me. i would like a nutrition based physician rather than a pharmaceutical or surgical therapy. at the hmo that provides my medical care, i've been offered surgery 5 times in about 4 years. my dr just seems to want to medicate me and send me on my way so that she can meet her client quota for the day. they do have quotas and are under a lot of pressure to meet them.i know this for a fact because i know physicians who work for the hmo's. i have another concern and that is that poeple on welfare who pay nothing seem to have better acess to medical services than i do who work and pay huge insurance premiums. for instance, i had to waid a month for an mri but someone i know on welfare got one in 3 days and had her results in another 3 days where i had to wait another month for an appt to review my results! also people on welfare can go to the er any old time they want but i have to find other options because of high co-pay and often don't go when i should have because i can't afford it."	i'm not sure how good the care would be if it were all goverment controlled. i think we need less goverment not more. the canadian model has a lot to be desired as i know many canadians but there may be other models such as in swened or denmark that could be looked at. i do beleive we should have equal acess. my family has more of a problem with dental than medical acess. the most available to me is $1500 a year and we all know that $1500 doesn't go very far to cover dental work. every year for as long as i can remember we have not been able to complete the needed work. i have had to let things wait till the next insurance year ti finish and we never never get ahead of it. i had to go 3 years without a front tooth because i always had more urgent dental concerns i had to prioratize. this year i have had to live in pain for months with an abcessed tooth because my benefits were gone. the tooth finally died but the abcess is still there and i have to keep it draining continually. this can't be good for my health but i can't afford an endodontist without insurance paying part of the cost.	"if welfare recipients had better acess to health care, they wouldn't have to use the er for clinic care which they are forced to do because there arn't enough clinics or providors who will take them."	i think health care should cover the whole body and not exclude body parts like eyes or teeth. we should be able to choose the style of health care we think is best for us and not be forced to accept the traditional medical school model currently in control in this country. 	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/18/05 11:16 PM
3271	"What concerns me the most is that the millions of people who have health insurance (especially our Congressional representatives, who know the facts) don't seem to care that millions of others don't have access to health care.  It concerns me that 18,000 among the uninsured are dying every year. It concerns me that I live in such a country."	"Everyone should pay a health care tax, and the taxes collected should be used to pay for health care for those who need it.  Only a certain percentage of the population would need care at any given time. Anything but a single-payer system is inefficient and wasteful."	"If people understood that approximately 18,000 people die every year because they don't have access to health care, they might be willing to settle for basic benefits and forego the expensive, unnecessary tests. I also believe that most people would rather pay more in taxes to cover health care than pay insurance companies that often refuse to pay for treatments, etc.  We need a system that quarantees care for those who need it, not a system that functions to make profits.  We need a healthier population, not more rich people."	"What is there to recommend?  Consult with the Canadians, who are apparently more clever and decent than we are in the U.S.  Our health care system is not only a moral outrage, it is criminal - and an international embarrassment. Canada has more healthy people than we have, and a much lower mortality rate. (You might have guessed that I am one of the lucky 45 million human beings who has no health insurance.  I have been been paying taxes for years and years and find myself not only unemployed but relegated to the trash pile.)  "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	12/19/05 12:07 AM
3272	sky rocketing cost!  There needs to be an investigation into why costs have gone up so much! Do we know? Is it justafiable?	"Big corporations,such as Wal-Mart, Kroger, etc., should pay more for health care costs. Greed seems to get worst as the profits of these companies go up. The corporate leaders live in wealth, with more than they need, while taking advantage of the hired labor force. They have taken advantage of those who have reaped their fields for them(James 5)."	Compromise of both! We may have to cut back on benefits a little to get the cost down. We could have a tax set up to help pay for the costs of a health care program. I don't like that idea but something has to be done. We can't expect everyone to be able to afford this so my suggestion would be to do like a property tax with those who own more paying more. Don't like that idea either! Something has to be done!	"Stop people who never intend on becoming citzens from coming in from Mexico and other foreign countries. We are paying for the majority of the health care for these people. They come here, send their money home doing the jobs that Americans won't do, and get on the state health care system for free health care paid for by taxpayers. Think of the money saved that could be used for citzens who need it. It would also control the cost of health care. "	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	12/19/05 4:06 AM
3273	numbers of uninsured; excessive spending on end of life care	one payer with universal coverage	probably will not tolerate long waits for surgeries	"single payer system, universal coverage"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/19/05 8:02 AM
3274	there is a growing dissasscoation between the dollars spent to acquire health care and the dollars actually used to provide health care.	"The current system has systematically developed a transfer of dollars from the purchasers of health care to investors and corporations, not to the providers"	Global freedom of choice for an afforable system that guarnatees access. 	A single payer system that is responsive to the needs of the patients and professionals alike	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	12/19/05 10:13 AM
3275	Quality health care should be affordable and available to all.  	I think a single payer system is the best way to go.  It would be efficient and cost-saving.	I think the American public is tired of public officials not working for quality universal health care.	Medical costs are out of control.  We are making payments on $3000 worth of medical bills that our insurance company didn't cover.  This is ridiculous.	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	12/19/05 10:19 AM
3276	Neither myself nor my wife can obtain health insurance at usual rates. We cannot afford our present premiums. We need Universal Health insurance for all americans NOW!	"Absolutely, All americans shoould pay through taxes if able. All rates should be equal and all  costs should be shared."	"co-payments, increased taxes, government oversight"	Immediate catastrophic health insurance for all americans.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	12/19/05 10:57 AM
3277	"The lack of affordable, accessible, quality healthcare for all people living in the US"	"Yes, massive changes.  The system as it exists is incredibly expensive, does not provide quality care, and is inaccesible.  We need to come up with a single payer system to decrease the wasted cost of overhead inherent in any multipayer system"	"The American public has stated repeatedly that they support universal healthcare.  When they are led astray by questions of giving up control, having the government control their healthcare, or losing the poor care that they have now, then they are afraid.  I believe the American people, if they were shown that for what they are paying right now could have a far better system for all people, they would be willing to do it.  What they don't want is to pay more and get poorer care, which is EXACTLY what has happened in the past decade."	"See answer one.  There is no solution other than a single payer universal healthcare system.  As a physician with over 25 years in the field, if you, or any of you people can show me a system that would work to acheive the 3 simple requirements I have suggested, please let me know.  "	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	12/19/05 12:34 PM
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3279	1. number of uninsured  2. mental health parity  3. coverage for people with disabilities  4. prescription coverage  	national health care coverage--for basic benefits--is needed.  people who have the means should continue to contribute to their health care.	"i have no idea what the public is willing to ""trade-off"" but it seems we will need to increase taxes to provide universal coverage. we will also have to ""ration"" care."	basic health care for all citizens	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	12/19/05 12:45 PM
3280	"so many people go without it altogether (which ends up costing us all $$ when they go to the emergency room instead of getting preventive care), and for so many of those who actually have health insurance, it is far too expensive to maintain and burdensome to use (absurdly complicated bureaucracies)."	"Take employers out of the equation.  Having to pay for health insurance is a disincentive to hire more people, as each worker becomes unduly expensive.  Guarantee every citizen equal access to health care, and cover it with simple taxes."	"Most people wouldn't have to sacrifice anything in benefits b/c they get so few, but perhaps a few well-cared for CEO's might get fewer perks at the Dr's office.  The biggest financial tradeoff wouuld be higher taxes, but that is something that is certainly worth it for the health and well-being of the entire public."	"Make sure all Americans actually have access to health care, and make sure it is simple to access and understand."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	12/19/05 1:13 PM
3281	"the cost is outragious.  I have healthcare with my union.  I still had to pay out of pocket expenses for walking boot(cast), test, visits and xrays. "	"Employees should pay a portion, the employers should pay a portion and the goverment should pay."	Pay a little more if you are getting a good policy.  All doctors should be apid a flat fee and all hospitals should charge flat fees for tests and services.	flat fees for all tests and doctors pay.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	12/19/05 1:16 PM
3282	"everybody in the US should have access to good healthcare regardles of income, employment, ""pre-existing conditions"" etc."	"We need a single payer system financed by a tax (special income tax), disconneccting the system from employment."	"I beleive the public is willing to pay a special tax for healthcare if they get rid off co-payments, deductibles etc and can get medications, while still being able to afford food and heat."	"Doing away with the different ways to cover medical expenses, the need for healthcare administration with the various ways of billings is eliminated.  Those resources should be redirected to actual healthcare, covering everybody.    There is a need to retrain the laid off billingclerks."	female	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	12/19/05 1:31 PM
3283	"obscene costs brought on by a dysfunctional legal system, and the (mis)managed (don't)care system.  When the entire ""middle man"" structure costs more than the amount of money actually going to direct care of people, we have a major problem. "	"Do not allow the CEOs of the insurance/(mis)managed (don't)care industry to have an income over that of the average pediatrician.  When the CEO of United HealthCare has a total compensation package of OVER $539 MILLION a year(source: Familiesusa.com), there is a SERIOUS problem.  That's more than $1 MILLION PER DAY...for doing virtually nothing except finding ways to shortchange the coverage of everyday people.  How many immunizations, mammograms, pregnancies could be covered??  How many messages of prevention (smoking, diet, etc) could be brought to the public??  If this CEO made ONLY 10% of his compensation package, it would still be OBSCENE.  There is plenty of money in the private system AND government funded programs...it's just going to the pockets of corruption and not to truly caring for us."	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/19/05 2:25 PM
3284	Rising costs for medical care and also for employer medical coverage.	"Cost for medical care should be 'capped' so that payments would be less for all parties,"	Eliminate ridiculous legal settlements.	Make it affordable so that everyone can afford to pay some amount even those currently uninsured.	male	NULL	No	White	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	12/19/05 3:40 PM
3286	"My biggest concern is that I am forced to use the Emergency Room as a primary care provider.  My doctor is always booked, and there is always a 3 week waiting time for an appointment.  Therefore, when I am ill, I use the ER.  I use my doctor only for general physicals.  "	I  think a single payer system would be more effiecient.  But the biggest problem is LACK of doctors.  I should not be forced to use the ER everytime I get the flu.	NULL	More doctors!!!!!	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	12/19/05 4:26 PM
3287	"We have a shortage of doctors.  It is impossible to see one when you need one the most.  And when you DO manage to see one, their prices are absurd!  They know they can charge whatever they want, because there are so few of them."	NULL	NULL	Get more doctors so we dont have to use emergency rooms everytime we get a sore throat.	female	NULL	Yes	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	12/19/05 4:33 PM
3288	The fact that it is unaffordable for many working Americans and the high numbers of uninsured people.	Individuals find the premium costs of individual health care policies to be astronomical.  Small employers are cutting back on health care benefits for their workers.  And government is making it more difficult for people to apply for health care coverage.  Let's scrap the system.	"If universal health care is instituted, I believe costs will be cut to all concerned."	Look at the states that are adopting some form of universal health care for their citizens and model federal policy on what works in an across-the-board basis to all 50 states.	female	NULL	NULL	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	12/19/05 6:34 PM
3289	"That alot of people don't have any. I work for Giant Eagle and I am privileged to have very good insurance on myself through the union, however I can not obtain it for my family because I only work  part time. I would love to work full time where full benefits are available but am told there are't any full time positions. This is the same story many working people like me have and therefore their family members go without being insured. "	I think that every place of employment should offer an affordable health care program for their workers.  If this is not possilbe then a goverment run program such as Canada has should be put in place. Not having health insurance because you are a working poor person who can not afford the high costs for your family is a sad situation. It's just not fair.  	If it is to be a goverment run program for all I would be willing to pay more in stores for the items I purchase with a percentage going for health care programs. All items except for food.	Let the goverment come up with something for every one.  The private secter is not doing such a hot job.  Something has to be done.	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/19/05 8:52 PM
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3291	"access, affordability & need for simplicity & friendliness.  I can't afford to get decent insurance for my 3 employees.  My patients can't understand the paper work & the system is cold to all."	"access to care is a right.  it doesn't work as a benefit from an employer.  it should be funded publicly with access for all, minimal out of pocket expenses & no waiting lists.  elected officials should have the same care as the public"	public financing if there are no waiting lists	"declare that access to quality affordable care is a right & Medicare will be reformed & extended to all.  for those who want extra frills, like a fancier hospital accomodation, they will be able to apy for Medicare +"	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	12/19/05 9:03 PM
3292	What concerns me most about health care in America today is that more and more individuals are NOT able to get afordable health care. Period!	Is it possible to have just a plan for those with employers and those who can be with the government? How can we streamline health care so that all are covered at least for the basics?	"I really don't know the aswer to this question. But for myself, I would be willing to pay slightly higer taxes if I knew that my health care is covered."	I don't have one at the moment..but I will do much more research on it. I know now how important it is to know one's rights.	female	NULL	No	Black or African American	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/19/05 10:36 PM
3293	"Health care for all U.S. citizens is a right, not a privilege.  It is now a social and economic disaster. The cost of U.S. health care is double that of any other developed country and is a major factor promoting outsourcing of U.S. jobs."	"The fragmented, profit oriented system is not viable (25% administrative cost vs about 3% for Medicare). "	"If the public can be informed and the insurance lobby propaganda can be overcome, the  public will support a single-payer universal syystem as in the rest of the developed world."	"A Single payer, universal system like the Conyers/Kusinich plan is workable, and affordable. It may even get the support of our hard pressed industries."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	12/19/05 11:30 PM
3294	not having health care	single payer universal health care system modeled on Canada.	NULL	make health care a right not a privilege of the wealthy or a burden on our business community.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	12/19/05 11:36 PM
3295	The major concern I have is that so many have no healthcare insurance coverage and therefore tend to use the most expensive method to get care--emergency rooms.	"I understand the Medicare program has something like a 2% cost of operation (but unable to quote where I heard this).  If so, why not follow this model for universal health care coverage?  "	Basic healthcare treatment and wellcare programs should be available to all.  Experimental treatments might be available only to those who could pay.  A sliding scale based on ability to pay for basic treatment should be implemented for everyone.	The government needs to stop making the healthcare insurance industry and pharmaceutical industry richer at our expense!  Implement universal coverage and use the Medicare model (except for the new drug coverage plan)!	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	12/20/05 7:46 AM
3297	The high cost of health care. Many citizens do not  have access to quality health care.	We need a national health care system similar to  what Great Britain or Canada has.	Fewer number of doctors in each medical speciality  for better access for all to health care.	The Federal government must be more involved in the health care system.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/20/05 9:44 AM
3298	Cost	NULL	NULL	"Stop illegal alien indigent health care from being paid for by taxpayers except in extreme emergencies.  Get rid of laws that prevent officials from finding out if patients are not in the U.S. legally. If we as a nation do this the health care costs of all our citizens and legal immigrants would drop sharply and employers would not be constantly trying to cut wages and benefits to pay for the health care of illegal indigents. Most other industrialized countries do this, why can't we?"	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	12/20/05 10:42 AM
3299	"Providing healthcare for those who don't have insurance is a huge burden to not only the taxpayer but that factor is used as an unfair leverage by Employers who are ""watering down"" our negotiated healthcare benfits under the guise of reducing their costs in order to compete with Wal-Mart. It's a very complex issue. Just look at the burden placed on the state of California by illegal aliens and how they impact the whole final cost to the consumer equation."	"I think that the companies that are ""shirking "" their corporate and moral responsibilities, such as Wal-Mart, need to be compelled by legislation, since they lack the moral conviction, to provide a basic benefit to their employees.      I also think that a nation as great as ours, with all of our finacial ""where-with-all"" , should be obligated to assist in this area of basic human need!!!"	"Okay, you asked me!!!    Stop funding the United Nations for a start!! Send aid only to countries that are Pro- human rights , and pro-America.    Close the border with Mexico, that easing the burden on California and the other border states by reducing their welfare programs that the illegals are currently sucking up!!!! That would return California to a stable population growth and would stem the current projected stranglehold that is envisioned for them in the areas of education, healthcare, public assistance, transportation infrastructure, air quality, etc.  need I go on? "	"Spend the billions that we waste by funding the United Nations and that pack of thieves, reduce foreign aid slightly and spend the money domestically for healthcare! That would make a significant impact, oh yeah, and DUMP BUSH!!"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	12/20/05 11:16 AM
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3300	"The repeated overuse of medical technology such as MRI's, CAT Scans, X-Rays, etc., when absolutely unnecessary.  In addition drug costs here are much too high.  In  other countries with a high standard of living such as ours, drugs are available at a much lower cost. "	Perhaps a 1% additional payroll tax share equally by employees and employers to provide insurance for those who have none.	"Higher deductibles for routine things  in return for better catastrophic coverage such Alzheimer's, cancer,etc.."	"Congress should not be so easily influenced by medical lobbyists, hospitals, etc., and should show a genuine willingness to provide better health care."	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	12/20/05 12:49 PM
3302	"It's falling apart, profit-ridden and attempts at piecemeal reform have only led to higher costs, more complexity and a growing number of under-insured and uninsured. Those with employer-based and government-based programs are being forced to pay higher premiums and co-pays while the HMOs & pharma walk away with huge profits."	"A single-payer system is the only way to go. Everybody in, nobody out. "	"Americans now accept paying taxes for Medicare, which has much lower administration costs. If they could see that a similar method of financing, coupled with real reforms, prevention as the goal, fairness and relief from the worries of catastrophic illness, impoverishment from end-of-life care, etc., would bring dramatic results, I believe it would be supported. "	"A single-payer system with prevention, simplicity of administration and universality."	female	NULL	No Response	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	12/20/05 2:18 PM
3303	My concern is that there are not enough doctors!!!  It is impossible to get an appointment with one.  No wonder they charge so much!!!  The few that are there control the market.	"It doesn't matter how we pay for it, if we cant see a doctor when we need one.  "	NULL	TRAIN MORE DOCTORS!  WE HAVE A SHORTAGE.  	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	12/20/05 2:21 PM
3304	"Affordable healthcare access for all is a must. No one should go without needed healthcare because of cost or lack of availability, but this should not overburden taxpayers at the same time.  More preventative care will reduce need for more expensive care later."	"Examining health insurance costs and how lower premiums could be offered to more or even all Americans are important first steps.  If health insurance is too expensive for even medium-sized businesses to offer to their employees, something is wrong."	Providing minor and routine health care via phone for certain situations would save money and meet need for care for public.  Providing tax breaks for those who pay premiums for insurance would be an incentive for more to opt for insurance coverage.  Removing the time limit on health care reimbursement account usage would increase participation.	"Community Health Centers are cost-saving entities for the American taxpayer compared to other health care programs and should be supported and expanded.  Community Health Centers offer care to anyone, regardless of ability to pay."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AK	12/20/05 3:13 PM
3305	"We are not making a great enough effort at prevention of serious medical problems.  One example is the amount of money being spent on gastric stapling surgery and the treatment of morbid obesity.  This is obscene.  For one tenth the expenditure, we can teach proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle and avoid this problem.  There are many other examples.  "	Health care funding should not come from employers. This is a burden and restrains their ability to expand their businesses.	"There is more than enough money in the system right now to take care of everyone.  I believe there should be a national coordination of health care delivery to insure proper services to all.  This would lower administrative costs, currently 40% of healthcare costs, and allow funding of preventive health care and expanding acute care services to all citizens. "	"The health care system cannot continue as it currently exists.  We should have a quasi-govermental agency controlling health care delivery and expenditures.  This could be administered by the current healthcare insurers with oversight by a board of directors composed of physicians, hospital administrators, citizens, and attorneys who will set policy.  Emphasis should be placed on preventive measures, and acute care that makes sense.  High-tech and high cost therapy would have to be managed using common sense.  Perhaps, rationing would be needed."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	RI	12/20/05 3:49 PM
3306	"The lack of a universal, single-payer, publicly financed healthcare plan in the U.S. is a tragic shame.  That lack is killing far more Americans than terrorism.  The lack of such a plan is also one of the most difficult things to understand.  Such a plan would save thousands of lives each year, and make life easier and healthier for thousands more while saving huge amounts of money for a country that now suffers under the most expensive health care system in the world.  Thus it would be an asset to both the nation's health and its economy and to the health and pocketbooks of individuals and families.  "	"The U.S. is the only developed nation that hasn't moved to a single-payer type health insurance plan.  It's high time we did:  It's administrative costs are low making it more affordable, and by nature of its universality it's far more equitable.      Two years ago 10,000 physicians announced their support for single payer national health insurance; their proposal for reform appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association and received widespread media attention (www.pnhp.org).   Today the physicians' group was 'pleased but not surprised' that public support for a ''universal health insurance program, in which everyone is covered under a program like Medicare that's run by the government and financed by taxpayers"" is high and rising rapidly. By a 2:1 margin (62 percent to 32 percent), an ABC News - Washington Post Poll released today found that the public favors national health insurance to the current health insurance system, in which most people get their health insurance from private employers, but some people have no insurance.    "	"One of the more encouraging signs in the healthcare debate is the ever growing support for a single-payer (Canadian style) National Health Insurance program for the U.S.   More and more of the support is coming from the nation's doctors, representing the front-line in the struggle for a fair, universal, and affordable healthcare system in the U.S..  At present the U.S. has the most expensive healthcare system   in the world, and is virtually the only industrialized country that does not have a National Healthcare Insurance program.  As one doctor put it, ""We pay for national health care but we don't get it."", and as a result some 43 million of us are without health insurance.  The really tragic thing is that a National Healthcare program would cost no more than we are currently paying, but would insure everyone.  There's just no excuse.  Fortunately more and more Americans are coming to this realization. "	"Scrap the present system and install a National, single-payer, universal health insurance program.  It would cover everyone and cost far less than the present system.  It's the ONLY way to go!"	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	12/20/05 4:06 PM
3307	Uninsured Americans	We should moved more towards universal care. 	"Demostrate the feasibility of supporting universal health care by taxes, surely paying a few hunred dollars a year in taxes offset paying insurance payments, co-pays, and deductibles. "	Universal health care. 	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AK	12/20/05 5:09 PM
3308	its getting ridiculously expensive to afford insurance.	"i think we need to address the rising costs of insurance and find a way to optimize systems to drive those costs down.  Pay for performance - doctors with good outcomes get better reimbursement for example.  Or patients who follow preventive medicine guidelines get discounted insurance premiums.  Reward healthy behavior.  in terms of hospital care reimburse for quality of care, don't pay for unneeded tests."	"i think the american public needs to stop paying for high risk individuals care.  Smokers - dont' insure.  Grossly overweight, dont' insure."	Reward healthy behavior and good medical practice.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AK	12/20/05 5:53 PM
3309	Increasing demand for perfection and cost of this which has in some cases marginal benifit related to cost of this perfection. The patient demand for elimination of uncertainty in their diagnosis and treatment and the liablitly issues associated with this causes us to consume a lot of time and resources that may not have benifit.  On the other hand the third party environment puts little presure on the patient to make decisions to concerve on cost and the liability remains with the provider if there is adverse outcome and maxiumum resoures were not used in their care. 	"Some way we need to accept the fact that the philosopy of the profession in general is to rob from the rich and take care of everyone.   As we move more and more to take care of everyone under some insurance option, we need to some how be creative so that the patient themselves participate in their efforts to take care of themselves, reduce risk in their own life in terms of illness and be more accountable for the decisions of using large amounts of resources in some less than advantageous challenges.  To put it in one sentence,  there is a positive aspect to some way involve all in the responsibility to fund health care but the people that would ration this should be the patient themselves.  For example if the patient were to choose not to have an expensive option, the patient would have some responsibilty for the failure of this decision if it was not wise and for the benifit of not consuming without consequence.   Rationing of resources needs to come from the bottom up and not from the top down.   With the computer it may be possible to always give a person who is covered by certain insurance options some appropriate financial consequence to their use.   Chronic patients could be rewarded on their efforts to comply with cost saving and preventative care even if they suffer despite real compliance in all the known principles of prevention. "	I believe that the vast majority would approve with doing things that would limit liability of those involved with health care.  Health care insurance should not pay for the result of nature and illness through our court systems in establishing blame for the improfection of systems and peole and our knowledge in general.     Some efforts to make individuals more responsibile for their care of self and their own family members may not be poplular but would strengthen the society as well as preserve more voluntary and indipendent actions and freedoms that we can have along with responsibility for the economics of our decisions.      Calling a spade a spade in terms of quality would be helpful for people to more accuragely evaluate benefits and financing.  For example if a person with complex disease is cared for by some system with minimal numbers of well trained and seasoned practitioners get a product but it may not be the best.   I remember in my minimal exposure to communist Germany was that they had universal health coverage but the system did not give any of their members a signficant amount of high quality medicine.    The quality was prevented because of a phylosophy that everyone would have to have the same services and there would be no room for other services to be offered to individuals wanting to purchase higher quality of technology and care.   	Individuals need to feel more a responsibiilty for their own health and in having consequenses for investing in life style and money for managment of their health and illnesses. These consequenses need to include positive and negative outcomes but provide for the unfortunate person who despite their efforts require long term resources in having a life preserved and improved on. 	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	12/20/05 8:38 PM
3310	Health care should be made available to all US citizens.	Health care should be free to all US citizens.	Increase income taxes and do away with tax deductions. 	Make it free	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/20/05 8:49 PM
3311	"The fact that 50 to 80 million Americans either have no health coverage or are woefully undercovered. The fact that the Institute of Medicine estimated a few years ago that 18,000 Americans died in one year for lack of timely preventive health care."	Our health care system should be paid for in the same way that our Armed Services is paid for  --  out of our Income Taxes i.e. services should be paid by the government	 I dont think we have to make any trade offs. Everyone should be entitled to the same first class health care that other industrialised countries enjoy. When this country ranks 37th in the world for health care delivery giving tradeoffs surely would make our ranking even worse.	Enact HR676 or HR1200 or some combination of them both. In order to get the best health care efficiently at the lowest cost it is manditory that the health care system be divorced from the workplace and from the insurance companies.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/20/05 11:46 PM
3312	NULL	"It is not fair that I, a self employed person, without insurance, pays 3 to 4 times as much for a service at a hospital or doctor.    I want to pay, I want to pay at the rate insurance companies pay, rather than some inflated amount to gouge people not covered by health plans.    The problem is billing equality for same service. An insurance company pays a fraction for the exact same service as a non-insured. This forces us non-insured to either give up and go bankrupt or pay extortion-like fees for services.    For those of us willing to pay at an honest rate for services, we are penalized. Let uninsured pay the same rate as insurance companies, so those of us who would rather pay as we go, can afford it. "	NULL	"Let uninsured pay the same rate as insurance companies, so those of us who would rather pay as we go, can afford it. "	male	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	12/20/05 11:57 PM
3313	"That if you don't get it through your job, you cannot possibly afford it. Also if the health care you get through your job is not adaquate, you're screwed so-to-speak."	"Yes we should have national health care like every other civilized country does. If you live in Canada, Sweden, Britain, Germany, Australia, Japan, even Taiwan you do not have to worry that you'll need to sell your home to pay for an illness. Health care should be taken out of the hands of the drug companies and insurance companies and given back to the doctors!!!"	"Once the public realizes that by not caring whether people (other than themselves) have health insurance they are ultimately driving the cost up for themselves they will be just a little angry.   Example: By not caring that the employees at Wal-Mart cannot afford health insurance they are making it easy for Wal-Mart to shift the cost right back to them. That is because the Wal-Mart employees will then have to rely on welfare for their healthcare needs. This of course will drive up EVERYONES taxes! If we all hve to pay more in taxes because of healthcare, then we should all GET healthcare!!!  A national public healthcare system is the only solution. People wait until they're seriously ill before seeing a doctor because they cannot afford regular checkups. This costs everyone more because chances are if people went to the doctor before they got seriously ill they wouldn't get seriously ill to begin with."	"Make healthcare a right, not a privilege. Healthcare should be mandatory-and available- just like public school!  Dentistry should be the same as well!"	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/21/05 12:10 AM
3314	my health care decisions and where I get treatment is determined by insurance copmpanies	" Establish a Single payer system . The insurance system must not exclude anyone based on health status. The premium should be ""non indemnity"" which means the premium is the same for each participant regardless of health status. The consumer of services MUST be responsible for some cost.  Let the deductable be indexed to income.  The higher your income the higher your deductable.  Rebate the deductable to the poor as a tax credit  "	"If you make the benefits and financing similar to the Medicare system, the public will accept it.Americans love Medicare"	Universality	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/21/05 12:20 AM
3315	Insurance companies have pitted patients against doctors. Doctors are not paid a living wage by insurance companies forcing tyhem to make up the 70% overhead costs in volume.	Have patients take more responsibility in managing costs and payment after thorough education.	"Unfortunately, the public believes medicine should be free and will accept ANY trade-off to that end, regardless of whether quality of care suffers."	Refuse the tyrany of the insurance companies.  Demand to go to any practitioner without rationing of health care or retriction.	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/21/05 10:11 AM
3316	"That it is not available to all, that the insurance maze is too difficult to negotiate, making access to care even more difficult."	"Definately. The unemployed and the underemployed often need the most help in paying for their health care and often get the least. I suspect they have more health care needs as well. If taken care of early on, their needs would be less expensive in financial as well as human life terms."	"I think the problem lies in the question. The American Public is not willing to make the necessary trade offs. There is definately a need for higher co-pays for those who can afford them. For some, it might mean giving up one round of golf a week (or a month) to pay the higher co-pay rate. For others it is givng up a quality meall, or heat in the home."	"I truly don't know what the singlel most imporant recommendation is but I do know that those who are able to ppay for medical care need to help those who are not. A thought that is just coming to my mind-a sur-tax on unnecessary, cosmetic surgery? I know many physicians, dentists, etc. already do some or a lot of pro-bonoe work. Is there a way to encourage those who can and are not to do some?"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	12/21/05 10:39 AM
3317	"1.  The Rising Cost of HealthCare in General.  2.  Growing Number of people without insurance coverage.  3.  The shrinking healthcare dollar causing prevention services, programs, and family physicians to be cut out of the system.  4.  The exclusion of Athletic Trainers as quality healthcare providers for physically active individuals.  Especially at the Secondary School Level.  Instead of squeezing out alternative healthcare providers, the system should allow freedom of choice and a team approach. Depending strickly on PT's will only increase the workload of less qualified non-licensed personel to provide vital services."	"I hate to say it, but Governmental Subsidies should be look at.  Some how the private sector must be able to provide a standardized national health care system for all without going to a socialistic approach like Canada."	1.  One trauma center rather than 3 or 4 emergency rooms per metro area.  Get rid of the emergency room as a place for any and everyone to go when healtcare is needed.  Changing the label from ER to Trauma Center would do that.  2.  More local outpatient facilities on a smaller scale than large hospitals trying to be one stop shopping and competing with each other.  3.  More homecare and clinic based services rather than longer hospital stays.  4.  More help in understanding OTC medicine versus prescription medicine.  Nexium vs Prilosic for example.      	"Make billing code changes that allow all healthcare providers able to recieve payment from insurance companies instead of the insurance companies determining who, how, or what, a physician is allowed to treat.  The control should be back in the hands of the doctors and not in the hands of CEO's and Board of Directors."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	12/21/05 10:51 AM
3318	constatnly getting more expensive and to many people can't afford health insurance	"Expand Medicare to all non- seniors. Eliminate employer resposibility for employees, and finance the system with progressive individual and corporate taxes"	"since the ""Medicare for All"" system would savbe us over $250 billion a year, there is no tradeoff, only savings for all."	"As stated above:  ""Medicare for All"". The  $250 billion savings would have money for prescrition drugs for all. And we'd then have bargaining power with the drug companies for lower costs."	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/21/05 12:42 PM
3319	What concerns me most is that insurance companies keep roughly one third of every health care dollar for their administrative costs. This translates into huge profits for them. United Health recently reported record profits!	Only the government has succeeded in paying for health care costs while maintaining a small overhead. The government already pays for roughly 55% of health care costs in the U.S. All health care payments should come from the govt.	"By removing the profiteering from health care, there would be enough money in the system to pay for health care for all. The American public is prepared to give up the insurance companies. We are prepared to give up patents that create obscene profit for the pharmaceutical industry. We are prepared to give up mega-mergers that benefit corporate shareholders, but lead to closure of comminity hospitals, leaving folks with less access to health care."	"Single payer, universal health care for all. Stop destroying our economy by allowing roughly 15% of the GDP to be spent on health care costs. Stop enriching the insurance, pharmaceutical and hospital industries to the tune of a trillion dollars per year. Listen to the medical and policy analysts, who have abundantly demonstrated that there is more than enough dollars being spent to create fair, quality health care for all. You should be following the dollars. Where is all the money going? (Check The Wall Street Journal to see how United and other health insurers are doing.)"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/21/05 1:24 PM
3320	That I will be without it because the workplace will not offer medical benefits in 3 years.	"Yes, I only wish I knew what the solution to this problem of the rising cost of healthcare is.  "	None	 I haven't a clue.  Need to think further about it.  	female	NULL	NULL	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	12/21/05 1:49 PM
3321	"Too much money is going to the insurance companies and their executives as well as adminstrative costs, and not enough money is being spent on actual health care"	"Payments are made to insurance companies.  I would like to see the insurance companies out of the middle, but, i don't want to see health care run by the government."	I think if wee can eliminate 50% of the adminstrative costs we would not need to make trade offs	I don't think there is a single thing.  We malpractice reform which is driving up the cost of healthcare.  We need to revamp the system so that the adminstrative costs can be lower and so that the insurance companies and their executives (BC/BS executive in Maryland makes a salary over a million dollars a year with yearly bonuses into the multi-millions)  aren't profittin from the healthcare system and put the money back into healthcare and the control back in the hands of the physicians and their patients.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	12/21/05 1:51 PM
3322	"The uninsured poor, millions of them, have no access to medical care and prescription assistance."	The US needs to insure a basic level of health care for all of its citizens.  Most likely this would be through a single payor system.	"Given a choice, I believe the American public would forego tax cuts and cut the defense budget in favor of health coverage for the poor."	"All Americans need a basic level of health coverage, including prescription assistance."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	12/21/05 2:11 PM
3323	The expense is too much for most working or nonworking people to afford.	I dont think private paying individuals should have to pay more than the insurance companies contracted have for.  It is outrageous that Medicare cant contract for lower cost drugs with drug manufacturers.	We will have to be willing to give up insistance on Brand drugs.	A Basic Health Coverage that is affordable must be provided for those that are not insured through employers and larger employers who do not provide insurance should be taxed to help pay for this coverage.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/21/05 2:34 PM
3324	NULL	NULL	NULL	Please see mywebpage.netscape.com/XXXXXXXX/response.html	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	12/21/05 3:07 PM
3325	Cost/quality/availability	Have one--just one--non-profit insurance company cover everyone with the same policy--that will save billions in paperwork!	"I, for one, am willing to give up having the world's most profitable insurance and pharmaceutical industries.    Remove profits form health care decision-making... "	Eliminate private health insurance...	male	NULL	No	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/21/05 3:50 PM
3326	Lack of access for millions. High costs especially for marginal/futile care. Lack of reliable cost-benefit analysis of new drugs or technical innovations.	"Single payer, more efficient system with elimination of insurance company hassels."	"For those with good coverage, probably none."	"Universal access to basic, humane care."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	12/21/05 4:07 PM
3328	Lack of basic coverage for all citizens	"single payer insurance system with major medical.  Most will pay out of pocket, (but at negotiated rates, not full rates), but will be covered for major problems.  Medicare and medicaid populations could have their deductables met on various scales."	You need to reassure those with healtth insurance that they will not have a reduction in benifits and that empolyers can buy extra coverage for them.	Single system	male	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	12/21/05 7:30 PM
3329	"What concerns me most about health care in America today is:   1. That it is not accessible to all  2. It is not affordable to all  3. There is too much private, for-profit waste and abuse. Insurance company executives make millions; their administrative costs are too high.  4. Pharmaceutical companies should be forbidden to advertise on television to consumers.  5. Malpractice insurance needs to be in the public arena and out of private insurance hands.  6. The healthcare special interest groups such as the AMA, the private, for profit hospitals, HMO's and the Pharmaceutical companies need to STOP holding America hostage...and STOP telling Congress and the American people that national health insurance is socialism and is going to ruin our country. ON THE CONTRARY, national health insurance - - Medicare For All - - should be put in place AND QUICKLY!     7. Health care in America is a RIGHT, and should not be considered a privilege for the very rich or the very poor.  8. Our fragmented system is wiping out the middle class and lower middle class working Americans with either no access or too expensive access.  "	"We need MediCare for All - - a single payer national health insurance for all Americans. We should abolish individual and employer health insurance plans. We need to cut out the insurance middleman, they add no value to our healthcare system except with perhaps ""cosmetic"" medical treatments.   Medicare for All would bulk purchase prescription drugs to lower the costs; set payment rates for doctors and hospitals; use technology for better record-keeping. Medicare for All will be efficient and less expensive and cover everyone."	"I don't think the American public would care if the private, for profit insurance companies were prohibited from selling health insurance anymore. They've been feeding at the trough long enough. As far as financing, if we took the ""for profits"" out of the picture and had MediCare for All, there would be enough money to cover everyone with quality health care.  Many studies already show this."	"Pass H.R.676, the United States National Health Insurance Act (or the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act) which would establish the United States National Health Insurance Program  to provide all individuals residing in the United States and in U.S. territories with free health care that includes all medically necessary care, such as primary care and prevention, prescription drugs, emergency care, and mental health services. "	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/22/05 4:02 AM
3330	that it is an unregulated for profit system with fewer people covered and those covered are paying more for less.	a single payor national health system following the Medicare model would help enormously!    the new Medicare Part D is a joke!  	I think that the  am. public would be more than happy to pay into a system that they can count on.	universal coverage & access for ALL.  	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/22/05 9:40 AM
3331	"Costs are rising faster than incomes. Insurance is linked to employment; the link should be severed. The cost of care is largely disconnected from those receiving the care, so that there is not the cost incentive for healthy living that there could be."	"Larger employers and governments can negotiate lower rates for the larger groups they represent. Individuals, the self employed, and small businesses have no such power and thus pay higher rates. Citizens should have equal access to health care no matter who signs their paychecks. "	"I am not optimistic. First and formost I am for fiscal responsibility. I believe that tax receipts should equal government expenditures. Many Americans do not want to pay the taxes necessary to provide more equal health care to all citizens. Many Americans such as myself have good insurance as part of our employment benefits. Most, while thinking it a good thing to provide better care to the now disadvantaged, would not want to do so if it meant compromising their level of care."	Sever the link between employment and healthcare; provide affordable insurance for basic care to all citizens through either distribution of vouchers payable to private insurers or direct government insurance.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	12/22/05 12:11 PM
3332	"The lack of universal coverage-in a system that requires insurance, it is a national disgrace that over 44 million are uninsured (and many of those are working hard but receive no health benefits). "	"There should be more support (by all parties) for a safety net, so that ALL individuals receive basic primary health care services and access to appropriate specialty services as needed. "	"I think most Americans are generous and humane, and would support a basic level of health care for all individuals, particularly for those most vulnerable among us. I think most would accept (indeed demand)a trade off between less tax cuts for the already wealthy and more expansion of coverage to all citizens. Expansion of basic services to non-citizens in also in the public heatlh interest of all citizens to help control the spread of infectious disease, and assure that even the most impoverished pregnant woman can deliver her child with adequate supports. "	"Look to the experience of other developed nations who have long ago committed to universal coverage and maintenance of a meaningful safety net for all our citizens (and residents).   We should be judged not only by how we treat the most wealthy among us, but also by how we treat the least wealthy. "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AK	12/22/05 5:13 PM
3333	"**I tried filling in these questions last night and my browser crashed when I hit the 'submit' button**  SO HERE ARE MY ANSWERS AGAIN......    What concerns me most about health care in America today is:   1. That healthcare is not accessible to all    2. It is not affordable to all. Private health insurance (individual and group) is too expensive.     3. There is too much private, for-profit waste and abuse. Insurance company executives make millions; their administrative costs are too high.    4. Pharmaceutical companies should be forbidden to advertise on television to consumers. It drives the cost of Rx drugs up.    5. Malpractice insurance/law suits  needs reform and should be covered by the public and have caps to awards.      6. The healthcare special interest groups such as the AMA, the private, for profit hospitals, HMO's and the Pharmaceutical companies need to STOP holding America hostage...and STOP telling Congress and the American people that national health insurance is socialism and is going to ruin our country. ON THE CONTRARY, national health insurance - - Medicare For All - - should be put in place AND QUICKLY!       7. Health care in America is a RIGHT, and should not be considered a privilege for the very rich or the very poor.    8. Our fragmented system is wiping out the middle class and lower middle class working Americans with either no access or too expensive access."	"We need MediCare for All - - a single payer national health insurance for all Americans. We should abolish individual and employer health insurance plans. We need to cut out the insurance middleman, they add no value to our healthcare system except with perhaps ""cosmetic"" medical treatments.   Medicare for All would bulk purchase prescription drugs to lower the costs; set payment rates for doctors and hospitals; use technology for better record-keeping. Medicare for All will be efficient and less expensive and cover everyone."	"I think the American public would gladly trade off private and employer bassed health insurance premiums for a single payer (public) tax-based healthcare system.  Private, for profit insurance companies should be prohibited from selling health insurance except for boutique and cosmetic medical services. We need to take the profit out of the picture and have MediCare for All. If we did, there would be enough money to cover everyone with quality health care.  Many studies already show this."	"Pass H.R.676, the United States National Health Insurance Act (or the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act) which would establish the United States National Health Insurance Program  to provide all individuals residing in the United States and in U.S. territories with free health care that includes all medically necessary care, such as primary care and prevention, prescription drugs, emergency care, and mental health services. "	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/22/05 5:13 PM
3334	It cost too much	"go social, like Norway        "	NULL	"All Americans, rich or poor, should be able to get the same care at the same low price or no price"	female	NULL	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AK	12/22/05 5:31 PM
3335	It cost too much to buy health insurance.  The cost of medical services.	Universal health for all should be provided for every citizen of the United States.	NULL	Make it affordable. Drugs prices need to be controlled.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/22/05 8:14 PM
3336	"Three things:  First, Maintaining our standards of quality.  Secondly, having the system available to every citizen, and finally, creating a system that is economically fair both to the medical practitioner and the patient."	"  I believe that the economics of our health care have been forfeited to the for-profit insurance industry.  In my view, the insurance companies are the ones who have created the current mess.  If we would return to a plain fee-for-service medical payment system, i.e., an open market place there is a better chance for acheiving a good system.   As it is, the insurance companies bear the responsibility for creating our ""factory"" approach to every aspect of medicine by establishing the ""value"" of every diagnosis, and what it's worth to treat it.  "	"I believe the American public is willing to pay for what it gets.  Excellent care costs lots of money.  We might wait a day or two longer to see the doctor, or have a few less frills in the hospital, if the essential medical care we receive is of the best quality."	"Reduce or eliminate insurance for routine treatments, and implement a national plan for catastrophic event coverage."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	12/22/05 10:47 PM
3338	  Lack of affordable health care for a significant portion of Americans. 	"Yes, a nationalized health care plan with options for choices with health care providers"	The American public does not have control or adequate choice in the delivery of health care in the US. Industry may become the leaders in initiating change because of the high cost of health care plans. Some industries may become less competitive on the wolrd market because of insurance costs. 	nationalized health care plan	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AK	12/23/05 2:41 PM
3339	"People are not paying for their own care.   This is increasing cost.  The FDA is increasing the cost of medications with excessive controls and ""governement knows best"" regulations."	"Employers should not pay for health care at all.  Employment based health plans have forced people to change jobs to change doctors, which they should not have to do.  People should have strong tax incentives to pay for their own health care.   Both government and private charities should help subsidize the poor with a basic safety net that protects the public health but is far from egalitarian."	"The public would like to be able to freely obtain and use medications widely used in other countries that are not approved by the U.S. FDA.  Costs would be much lower if third parties like government, employers, and insurance companies were not paying for treatments and patients were responsible for payment."	Have patients pay their own bills.	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/23/05 2:58 PM
3340	"The fact that the more we work,The shabbier our health care seems to be getting.The fact that wallyworld can afford the likes of Garth Brooks.Beonce,etc...(will never listen to again)But still treats employees(and fellow Americans for that matter)like animals. My mom at 82 has to count pennies for her to numerious to mention prescriptions.Something needs to be done."	"I wish I was wise enough to come up with a magic solution,,All I can do is pray...and keep informed.."	NULL	Fire Bush	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	12/23/05 3:18 PM
3341	"MANY PEOPLE CANNOT AFFORD IT . AND THEREFORE,UNCOVERED WHICH IN THIS GREAT COUNTRY IS INEXCUSEABLE ALMOST 50 MILLION PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY HAVE NO HEALTH CARE AND ITS GROWING WE NEED UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE "	YES AS MENTIONED UNIVERSALE HEALTHCARE FOR ALL AMERICAN CITIZENS AND DRUGS PRESCRIPTIONS AS WELL AS DENTAL ALL ARE RELATED TO NEEDS FOR HEALTH	STOP GIVING TAX CUTS TO THE WEALTHY AND HAVE THE CORPORATIONS PAY THEIR FAIR SHARE ON TAXES.AND REDUCE THE DEFENSE BUDGET WHICH IS OUTRAGIOUS.	ELMINATE CORPORATE GIVEAWAYS AND TAX BREAKS TO THE WEALTHY. 	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	12/24/05 10:26 AM
3342	"that many of the elderly who are trying to survive on social security have to make choices as to whether they will buyk prescriptions, eye glasses, and or hearing aids. Also they won't go to a doctor because they can't afford it."	the system of payments should be uniform and made in a way that insures everyone is treated the same.	"the american public would be willing to send less money overseas, and use it to set up a national health care system."	Many foreign countries have health systems that include everyone and are far less costly. see what they do.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/24/05 12:58 PM
3343	That it is rationed based on ability to pay rather than fairly on the basis of need and what is best for all of society. 	"Yes, I think it should all be converted to a single-payer system administered by the government based on the model of the VA or Medicare."	I don't see a need for trade-offs. The savings achieved through adopting single-payer could be used to provide high quality universal health care.	"Adopt a single-payer system that will correct the current embarrassment that we pay more for health care per capita than any other country in the world and do not have the best health care system, as measured by many quantitative standards."	male	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	12/24/05 2:15 PM
3344	"Health care is not working for anybody. The risks associated with health care are greater than the benefits. Providing health care for everyone will increase the death rate. On average, every 1100 health care visits results in one iatrogenic death and every 2800 health care visits results in one life saved. Almost a third of all deaths are caused by health care. Whenever health care is reduced, such as when doctors strike, within a few days deaths from all causes at all ages drops from 17% to as much as 60%. When the strike ends, within a few days deaths from all causes at all ages increases from 20% to 120%, back to where the death rate was before the strike. Israel has had frequent strikes by doctors. Morticians quickly mediate and end to the strike or go out of business. We need to use epidemiology to find out what will improve population health status and increase the average age at death.     We have had no great leaps forward but have had two great leaps backward in the last 100 years. Both coincided with increased health care visits.     The first leap backward was in 1921 in response to Abraham Flexner's 1911 report on medical education calling for the latest science to be taught to prevent disease and death. Many medical schools closed in disgrace in US and Canada. Those that remained open decided not to teach science for prevention but to teach more scientific pathologic diagnoses and establish scientific prescriptions of choice for each pathologic diagnosis. This approach was attractive to the public, flocking to see doctors in much greater numbers, resulting in the loss of over 4 years in average length of life instead of the expected gain of 2 years, a total loss of 6 years. And when Americans again began to live longer, it took 60% longer to gain one year of life.    The second great leap backward was om 1961 when there was a national drive for socialized medicine. Private physicians saw many more poor and elderly regardless of ability to pay, but Medicare and Medicaid were enacted in 1965 anyway.  From 1961 to 1971 there was no gain instead of the expected 3 years increase in average length of life. And when we started to live longer again, it  again took 60% longer to gain one more year of life.    "	We should enact FAIRTAX -- see www.fairtax.org -- to put $trillions more in the pockets of consumers and let them use pre-tax dollars to purchase health insurance from private companies. Government involvement in health care has driven the cost of care through the ceiling. The worst scenario would be a single payer for health insurance. We need active competition in the private sector and payment by the consumer to drive down the costs. Also consumers need to know the risks and benefits of health care. About 85% who get health care get better. About 90% who do not get health care get better. About 95% who take good care of themselves get better. The public needs to know this.	"The public has the idea that when the government pays for something it is free. Nothing could be further from the truth. Until health services and/or health insurance is purchased by the consumer, we shall not be able to control costs without publically unacceptable rationing or delays in treatment. FAIRTAX would go a long way in making it more feasibel to move toward private health care and private health insurance purchased by consumers."	"Use epidemiology to determine what the actual risks and benefits are from every specific health service so consumers can make a rational choice. And use this sound scientific epidemiological assessment to reduce government, health care provider, and pharmaceutical collaboration to prevent the public from finding out about natural alternatives to allopathic care."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	12/26/05 1:23 AM
3345	The cost is out of sight.  Employers are shifting more of the cost to employees who cannot afford it.	We need some type of national health care.  Employees and employers have to start working together to find a solution to this problem.  I think its time the average citizen is heard loud and clear by the boys who run this country.	"I think Americans are willing to pay a little more for health coverage, co-pays if there insurance is good.  There again, we are one of the richest countries in the world and are heath care costs are near the highest in the world.  Its time for our leaders to stop caving in to the big insurance companies and start thinking about the average American."	Try to keep the cost affordable for all Americans.	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	12/26/05 10:18 AM
3346	BEFORE we consider what to propose in improving the health system it seems we ought to have a thorough  evaluation of all major health delivery systems (including malpractice procedures/remedies)so we know what works or doesn't work. Otherwise we will  just be spinning the wheels. Has this been investigated/published?? The meetings I have attended have demonstrated a profound lack of knowledge of non-usa health systems!	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	12/26/05 1:42 PM
3347	1.  Plaintiff attorneys bleeding the system  2.  Unecessary defensive medicine	the system is very complex and leaves many uninsured and underinsured - lets set up a basic   level of care for everyone - but obviously that  cannot include everything for everybody.	"they have to give up their right to sue doctors  for every minor ""less-than-perfect"" outcome in order for a basic package to work"	redirect the millions of dollars used to defend/settle malpractice claims into health insurance and the entire population will have coverage!	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	12/26/05 3:04 PM
3348	"Health care in America today is heartless, cruel and a money making machine."	"None of these ways is really working for everyone.Except for those lucky or wealthy to be covered, most others make do with a patchwork or not at all.  Disgusting in the richest country in the world!"	"If the insurance companies, drug companies, etc. would stop bad mouthing universal health care, the average person might be willing to at least look at it and see how they might benefit.  It works in the United Kingdom.  They might gripe about certain aspects of this kind of care but when asked if they would change for what we have in America, they almost always say NO.  "	UNIVERSAL AND SINGLE PAYER HEALTH CARE FOR ALL!!!!!	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	12/26/05 3:56 PM
3349	"46 million people without health insurance (my husband among them), and many, many more with expensive but inadequate insurance.  We simply cannot afford health insurance for my husband and so recently incurred an emergency-room bill.  One friend pays $800 per month for her family of 4, with a $10,000 deductible!  In a real democracy, all citizens would have access to health care.  It also troubles me that the pharmaceutical companies have a stranglehold on the health care system in this country.  Emphasis is on cure rather than prevention and personal responsibility.  I use natural hormones, but only ""fake"" -- synthetic -- hormones are covered by insurance.  I have special concern for poor people.  "	"I think the whole system needs to be razed and rebuilt, with the federal government providing money to each state for health care.  Federal funds, local management.  All citizens should have basic and especially preventive care, while those who wish to have more lavish care could purchase additional insurance."	"I think most of us would be willing to trade the money that has been spent to destroy more than 2000 American soldiers and 30,000-plus Iraqi civilians for health care."	"Personal responsibility and access to affordable health care, and also affordable education so that we will have enough health care professionals -- both natural and ""Western"" practitioners.  And rein in the gluttonous drug companies."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	12/26/05 8:51 PM
3350	Cost!  We continue to pay more for less care and poorer quality.  More of the insurance premiums go to fund paper pushers and inusrnce profits.  These dollars shuld go to heaalth care.	"Eliminate the association to employment.  why should the expense be a business expense to a business and paid for after tax by an individual?  Also, working people can opt out and enroll their kids in medicaid?  And stil have 45 million uninsured.  The present system is broken.  "	"People who can ill afford insurance will sacrifice choice for coverage.  If people have more assets and want to buy ""choice"", then give them that option.  Mental health benefits can not be treated different than medical.  This is insurance's way to deny aappropriate paymeent.  "	"All Americans should be given a basic level of care, and upgrades can come from their pocket.  Again, get it out of the workplace, and eliminate Medicaid/medicare.  "	NULL	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	12/27/05 8:38 AM
3352	"I don't think anybody can pay for the health care we Americans want--to be totally healthy and pain free until the day we die--neither individuals, or the government, nor even insurance companies.  "	I do not think payments should be closely connected with our employment.  This is just not fair.  In our area employers are only offering part time employment to avoid having to pay for insurance	"It would take a sea change of teaching to get  us to be willing to make trade-offs.  Advertising would have to stop selling beauty and perfection in all the media.  We would need to preach quality of life rather than materialism on TV and in all media.  We need to go back to God's instruction book and start teaching, Thou shalt not steal, not covet, not commit adultery, thou shall always tell the truth.  Maybe then, people would be willing to not be so greedy and selfish."	"One important thing would be to limit law suits to reparations, taking care of the the results of the error etc.--and put severe ceiling on the pain and suffering thing. "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	12/27/05 1:33 PM
3353	"Lack of access to health education, prevention, and health services for ALL.  It is appalling that so many are not insured and that children get preventable diseases, that women are forced to continue unwanted pregnancies, that mental health services are not adequately covered, that people with disabilities or seniors in need of health services are institutionalized when they could be cared for in their own homes, that dental coverage is rare .... of course I could continue ....."	"Universal and comprehensive health care coverage - available to ALL - including prevention, health education, physical & mental health services, including dental.  Bidding on prescription drug prices!  Our taxes should go to services for all, not our military economy and not to corporations."	"Taxing the rich, and corporations, not just the working poor and middle class!  Diverting allocation of the majority of our taxes from war to peace -- for health, for education, etc."	Universal and comprehensive health care coverage.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/27/05 1:33 PM
3368	"everything is so expensive, even insurance coverage.  if you do have insurance, they still require high deductables and copayments.  What is the purpose of having insurance anyway?  A bad system, i feel."	"More governmental coverage, with caps and rules on how much certain procedures and prescriptions can cost.  Companies are getting rich on the poor and those in need of healthcare."	"If necessary, longer wait times to see a doctor for non-emergent issues.  This might make people more aware of what their body is telling them, which might help them see a problem long before it becomes severe.    Also, if we had a type of national coverage, without insurance premiums, people would be more willing to pay for any deductible or copayment, rather than paying for premiums and copayments."	Get rid of the insurance game!!	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	12/27/05 3:32 PM
3369	Too many people without access.	Single-payer system	"Not willing unless most people can hear and understand the realities - what it costs now, for what we get and don't get, and what it will cost in a universal health care system.  The insurers and government don't want us to know these things."	"Go to a single-payer system (the federal government), with possibly in insurance system for the rich who want MORE and SOONER."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	12/27/05 4:06 PM
3370	"The millions of people without access to health care.  Health care should be RIGHT, not a privilege or a result of employment.  We pay 27 cents of every health care dollar for insurance versus 7 cents for Medicare.  Let's get rid of the overhead!"	We need a Single Payer system!  The only reason for insurance companies should be to offer ADDITIONAL services for those who elect to pay for them.  	"In listening to a forum for small businesses, they said they would be willing to pay more taxes to have their workers covered.  I believe that, when we no longer need to pay billions to insurance companies, we would gladly pay that money in taxes for a system that WORKS, like Medicare."	Let's expand Medicare to cover everyone in America.  A Single Payer system would reduce the health care overhead by about 20%	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	12/27/05 4:21 PM
3371	That so many people do not have any health insurance.	Soemthing to make it accessible to all.	NULL	Stop the out of control rise in prices for everything - especially drug prices set by greedy drug companies.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	12/27/05 5:38 PM
3372	"The growing costs, the growing number of uninsured can precipitate a public health epidemic."	"There is an incredible amount of duplication, administrative costs and CEO salaries.  Eliminating these would cover people with healthcare insurance. A single payer system is the solution."	"We should practice more prevention and less, later interventions i.e. monitor diabetics before the foot ulcer becomes gangrene and an amputation."	"Take the ""for profit"" out of healthcare. A national healthcare plan is a necessity."	female	NULL	NULL	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	12/27/05 7:40 PM
3373	"The growing number of uninsured and the out-of-pocket costs to the insured population. We are making healthcare a privalege, not a right. My family had $10,000 out of pocket expenses last year and my family is well insured. We are fortunate that we had the money on hand but most people would have ended up in bankruptcy."	"I believe the only way to curb the rising cost of healthcare that allows common people to still have enough money to live on is to have government sponsored healthcare for all Americans, such as 'Medicare' for all ages. "	"I think the American public is willing to forego the 'frills'. We have all been forced into managed care and I know that managed care can work. However, the insurance companies are out to make money, so government oversight is needed to make sure patients continue to get the care they need (not necessarily the latest, greatest thing they want) and that the care meets current standards of practice."	We must have universal healthcare in America including prescription drug benefits. I do not see any other way to control health care costs.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	12/28/05 8:24 AM
3374	"Lack of access and soaring costs driven by greedy physicians and drug companies selling the ""latest snake venom,"" at 10 times the cost to produce it...all in the name of future research."	We may as well be socialsts.  Our current system will put us into bankruptcy.  We should all have the same access to the same standard of care at the same cost.	We don't care...we just want a fair shot at healthcare that is affordable.	Socialize medicine.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	12/28/05 8:51 AM
3375	lack of care for children and young adults. The services are being cut rather than showing concern for lack of care.	When parents are unemployed those who have the means such as insurance and drug compaies could assist. There is so much profit that could be shared.	Acceptance of Canada and other countries drugs has helped some of my friends. 	Allow deductions for health expenses and give assistance when income is not sufficient. 	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NE	12/28/05 12:22 PM
3376	"I use oxygen 24/7 and also have sleep apnea.  I recently took a trip to visit my best friend and had to obtain Oxygen in Massachusetts.  I live in Arizona.  I ordered 6 lg. canisters and 6 small ones.  I used only 2 of each size, returning 4 full large and 4 full small.  No credit for these and I had to pay $170.00.  Why does Medicare not pay for oxygen so persons can visit friends and family?  You are making depressed persons out of persons who could live active lives with their oxygen.  Please change this policy.  "	Pay for Oxygen away from the users home town.  It is too costly for retired social security livers to have to pay.  Thank you.	"Ability to get medications at a reasonable cost.  If we can buy medicine in Canada and Mexico at a lesser cost, then we should give incentives to Pharmaceutical companies to offer the persons in the USA the same price."	"Stress importance of good diet, and being complient with their medications.    "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	12/28/05 12:55 PM
3379	it is too easy to charge healthcare workers with malpractice	"we need to find a way to offer less expensive insurance to people who take good care of their health-incentives for people to not smoke, exercise more,etc"	few if any	education regarding preventive health measures	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	12/28/05 2:30 PM
3380	Availability of health services at affordable cost    How to measure quality and compare between providers	"Patients should be more involved in the payment system, deciding on appropriateness of payment for servies rendered"	"The public wants affordable, high quality health care available to them. Informed choice is necessary. I don't know about tradeoffs."	Quality and affordability must be more uniform in this country.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	12/28/05 3:08 PM
3381	NULL	I think that we need a single nationalpayer system that provides basic medical care for all. 	"For the many millions who currently have no insurance, receiving any benefits at all would be an improvement. I think that if Americans saw the actual numbers (e.g. that the U.S. spends more money on health care than any other nation,yet in infant mortality, of the 29 most developed nations, we rank 26th) then they would become open to questions about why our system performs so poorly, which is because so much of our money has to go to shareholders in insurance companies, overhead to pay all the insurance analysts to ""cherrypick"", etc. A single ppayer service that does not exclude the ill eliminates all this."	Form a singlepayersystem. 	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	12/28/05 3:19 PM
3382	Public dependence on drugs to treat symptoms fed by TV advertising rather than encouraging of healthy lifestyles.	"I'd like to see more encouragement of those who maintain healthy lifestyles to prevent health crises, and less entitlement for those who choose destructive habits."	"Willing trade-offs, I don't know.  I think banning drug company advertising would be a big boost to financing health education."	"Keep up the good work of educating schoolchildren as to healthy lifestyles, and monitor food, diet and drug advertisements that encourage gluttony and irresponsibility."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	12/28/05 10:26 PM
3385	"My own coverage as a disabled person has been compromised by my own union. UFCW#480 cut Psychiatric benefits by 50% when it switched to a Trust Fund recently. I have paid my dues on time for Twenty years and do not deserve this kind of treatment from an organization that's supposed to help me, not hurt me.  If the Union wants to cut benefits, cut smokers and drinkers out of the picture. Smoking and drinking cause millions of unnecessary deaths and illnesses each year which should not be shouldered by those of us who abstain."	Eliminate all coverage for tobacco and alcohol related illnesses. Start helping those who are ill by no fault of their own.	Put severe restrictions on Welfare and W.I.C. for those who refuse to work and/or have no sustained work history. The current system is insulting to those of us who work with severe disabilities. The savings would help to fund Universal Health Care(for workers only).	"Bring back the Prohibition of Alcohol and Tobacco.  Millions of lives would be saved including children who are forced to witness this idiocy by their ""elders"" every day(monkey see, monkey do).  Vioxx = ""no"" , Alcohol and Tobacco = ""yes"" ???"	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	HI	12/29/05 3:35 AM
3386	"That almost 50 million people, including me, don't have any!!!"	Single payer Canadian style health care for all.	"Raise taxes on the wealthy.  Make corporations start paying taxes instead of hiding their profits offshore.  Start taxing industry for the full cost of their pollution (air, water, and soil)."	Single payer Canadian style health care for all!!	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	12/29/05 10:04 AM
3387	The millions of Americans without access to affordable appropriate health care.	I think employers should get out of the loop.  It causes too many gaps and makes employees and retirees too vulnerable to the financial situation of their own particular employer.	"Not much.  Some may be willing to pay a targeted tax to provide more coverage, but not all will and many won't want a general tax increase that can be used to other things."	Change to a universal health care coverage system based on a private/public partnership.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	12/29/05 10:27 AM
3388	"It's completely unfair-the quality and availability, as well as doctors' medical decisions, are based upon ability to pay. The quality of our medical care is deteriorating for the vast majority of US citizens. Our health stats, measured by longevity and child mortality, are among the lowest of the industrialized nations, while our admninistrative costs are among the highest. Do you think this tells you something about the quality of our health care system?"	"Single payer, not for profit is the only way to go."	"I think that if we had a fair, equitable and simplified system, people would gladly pay more taxes."	"Single payer, not for profit."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	12/29/05 11:24 AM
3389	"Administrative inefficiency, obscene Health Care CEO salaries, and 41 million uninsured Americans"	I strongly believe that health care should be financed by graduated taxation with a single payer system and that employer-based health insurance should be eliminated.  Employers have a conflict of interest paying for health insurance and watching their bottom line.  I am self-employed but this is nonetheless my conviction.  	NULL	Health care must be paid for by consumers.  People need to realize that paying for health care by paying for it with taxes is a very legitimate way of paying for it and is not a tax and spend (higher taxation) scam but rather is a means to actually reduce the cost of health care for everyone.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	12/29/05 11:43 AM
3390	"The current system benefits insurance companies more than consumers of health care. The myriad of companies and plans makes it very difficult for individuals to find affordable coverage they need, and because of the proprietary nature of each system, it is nearly impossible for people to get all the information they need in order to make the best choice for them. This is not how a truly free market works! Also, the unintended consequences of ERISA make many insurance companies unaccountable for their decisions even when great harm or death results."	"The system needs to be simplified, even if this means something like a single-payor system. Ending the nearly unchecked power of insurance companies, and the employer-based coverage now in place for a majority of Americans could straighten things out. Somehow, the incredible clout of the insurance industry must be curtailed in order to develop a system that works for all. We must also not leave millions of children and adults without adequate health care coverage."	"This is the toughest nut to crack, since so many people seem to be unwilling to make trade-offs. We must step up to the plate and find a way to provide health care for ALL citizens. Perhaps changing the funding of election campaigns so that all campaigns are funded only through public funds would balance things out."	Find a way to provide universal coverage for all Americans.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	12/29/05 12:12 PM
3391	"After working a lifetime, I find that if I get a serious long term illness, I will be paying out all that I worked for. In retirement, I did'nt foresee the high cost of health today."	"There are to many forms systems and varieties of payments being made. Standardize the system. This has to make every thing more simple, cheaper and easier for the person to understand"	Switch to national health coverage. The rest of the world does it. Why not us.	Switch to national health coverage. Private hmo's are basically profit motivated and could care less about their customers. The only game in town. National health coverage would'nt be any worse.	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	12/29/05 12:41 PM
3392	I think that it i rotten because we can't get access to Health Care.  I am an Independent Home Care Provider.  And I can not get health insurance on what I make. And I am at High Risk for Breast Cancer. 	They aught to set it up that you pay on a Scale of what you yourself earn. That is after your living expenses are paid.	I don't think that we should have to trade anything. 	Bring the troops home from Iraq and use the funds being spent for them to be over there.  For the less fortunate people such as myself and I am sure there are many others too.  That need to get Medical Insurance and can not afford it.	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	12/29/05 3:47 PM
3393	It's a tie beween affordability and access.	Simplify to 3 or 4 types of policies and use a universal payor such as Medicare.	None.	Reduce the administrative burden; the savings would pay for expanded coverage for those with little or none at this point.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/29/05 3:49 PM
3395	"Not all of us can afford medications, specialist visits and tests without having an additional income.  Pharmaceutical costs are difficult for a family with income, retirees, and those with medicade, are hard pressed to choose between necessities and medications.  As a diabetic, I cannot afford test strips and must depend on my Doctor's lab results to monitor my glucose levels. In the long term, my kidneys will fail and I will be more susceptible to coronary attacks, thus increasing my healthcare burden."	"Streamlining the process so ""UP Front"" costs are determinable and payment adjustments can be made in advance of a test or proceedure.  Often contentiuousness evolves when the provider fails to indicate exact services rendered, within HIPPA restrictions, and simply invoices immediately prior to insurance reimbursement."	Take the money we are now ppaying and use it.  Executives and stockholders of HMO's are receiving the benefits while the worker is paying and receiving very little.	"Combine medical visit costs AND pharmaceutical costs, so the Doctor can see the impact and adjust as needed.  Too often Doctor's can't understand the economics of medicine costs and how Doctor's are part of the problem AND part of the solution."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	12/29/05 4:40 PM
3396	The rapidly rising costs and number of people who are uninsured. 	Health care should be affordable for EVERYONE. 	"I think we would have to make some choices about very costly end of life care and invetrofertilization. However, we currently spend more than any other country already on health care with very bad results. If we eliminated profit out of the system (ie. for-profit insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and hospitals) we'd be able to make care more efficient and affordable. "	Everyone should have full coverage no matter what. 	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	RI	12/29/05 5:35 PM
3397	"Being able to afford reasonable preventive care and, should I become seriously sick, having to choose between bankruptcy an dlife."	"Yes, reduce the dependence on petro-engergy, thus allowing a reduction in military spending and diverting those tax dollars to universal helath care."	Less military.	Affordable access to preventive care. Lessening of the work week.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	12/29/05 6:13 PM
	TEST																						na	
3399	"The many uninsureds, the under-insured and the runaway costs (including administrative, especially) of the current system."	"Yes, I think we should convert the payment system to a single payer system such as is extant in Canada."	I have seen reference to polls which state that the majority of Americans favor the implementation of a single payer universal health care plan.	Convert to a single payer system and use the administrative cost savings to cover all citizens.	male	NULL	No	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	12/29/05 7:55 PM
	Duplicate																						na	
3401	The number of uninsured and under-insured people and the escalating costs (especially administrative) of the current system.	I think we should convert to a single payer system. The administrative savings from such a system should be used to fully insure all American citizens.	I have seen reference to polls that suggest that the American people favor the implementation of a single payer universal national health care plan.	Convert to a single payer universal health care plan.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	12/29/05 8:14 PM
	Duplicate																						na	
3403	The fact that not U.S. every resident is covered with affordable quality health care and the fact that our drug prices are orbitant. .	"I think that the payments should not be paid to insurance companies, that they should be paid to a government agency such as an expanded Medicare for every U.S. resident."	"I know the American people would be willing to trade off the huge profits of insurance companies, hmos and pharmaceutical companies in order to get affordadable quality health care and drugs at reasonable, negotiated prices"	"I suggest that Congress enact the Conyers bill. S788, for univsal single payer health care."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	12/29/05 8:16 PM
3404	The prices are too high.  Prescription medicine is too high priced.  Some but not all doctors are inaccessible to their patients.  Doctors should have the final judgment about what is needed for their patients and not some clerk in an insurance office.  Health care is denied to individuals needing it by greedy insurance companies wanting to make more profits.	Employers should pay more of the cost of health care insurance for their employees.  Deductibles should be lower.	My personal opinion is that I do not want to make any trade offs that result in poorer health care in America.  Socialized or government health care will result in worse quality health care for Americans. The government and the taxpayer should not have to foot the bill for people who do not work as a life style choice or for foreigners who come to the US to have babies so that they will qualify for benefits without being citizens of or legally in the country.	"Allow doctors to make decisions on health care needs prescriptions for their paitents, not greedy, insurance companies.  Realize that insurance companies, not health care providers are the ones making money off of patients nowadays. Have more stringent immigrations requirements.  Do not grant automatic citizenship to babies born in this country whose mother is not a citizen.  Put the emphasis for government medical aid on children and the elderly who are unable to work. Quit financing medical aid for those who chose to drink, smoke and do drugs. Let citizens keep more of their paychecks instead of paying so much income tax so that they can better cover their own medical cost. As a teacher, I would like to see the state of Texas have to pay more into the teacher retirement fund so that retired teaches would not have to live at the poverty level. Also the state should pay for medical insurance for retired teachers."	female	NULL	No	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	12/29/05 10:59 PM
3408	Inadequate health education provided  to patients.    	Simplification of the payment process.  The current method is so complex it creates an environment conducive for costly mistakes (intentional as well as unintentional).	"If the process is simplified, neither would have to be modified."	Provide quality health education.  This promotes not only awareness for prevention but is VERY cost effective treatment.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AK	12/30/05 2:27 PM
3409	"Expensive, incompetent, corrupt."	Multi-payer healthcare is inherently inefficient and applying information technology to it will only slightly reduce those inefficiencies.  A signle payer system is the only utilitarian path.  We also need physicians and hospital administrators who place their Hippocratic Oath above their financial interests.  This requires setting different requirements for medical school as well as increasing the number of medical school graduates.  Learn from the Cuban approach.	Reducing the profitability of docs and hospitals would help.	Nationalize it.  Spread the risk as broadly as possible.	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	12/30/05 4:22 PM
3410	It's too expensive and in the hands of for profit insurance companies.  WE should all have health insurance. It shouldn't be attached to a job.	I think we should pay for it through our taxes.	"I think there should be parity for physical and mental health benefits.  A special sales tax or taxes on clothing,food,alcohol ,rent etc. to finance it.(Not on property) "	A national healthcare program that gives rewards and credits for taking action(s) to maintain ones health.  Our healthcare program should be about health!	female	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/30/05 4:30 PM
3411	Increasing commercialization by hospitals and speciality clinics--heavy expenditures especially by pseudononprofit institutions to compete for patients with other pseudononprofit institutions and with nonowned physicians.   If we didn't have too many doctors they wouldn't be so competitive for patients.  Also a major problem with socialization of our excellent capitalistic systme of health care and the resulting extremely poor price setting by the government.   Also a refusal to recognize the huge difference our bad demographics makes in our health statistics compared to other countries.  It is not proper to blame our health care system for society's misbehavior.	"Seems to work.   No system is perfect, certainly not the socialist systems elsewhere where doctors and nurses  become slaves. In case you fail to get the point--this is not meant to be a socialist country.   Read our constitution ref ""free exercise of trade"" etc.  ""to provide for the public welfare"" means just that--not free health care for everyone. The poor will always be with us,m but we are not meant to be a welfare state.  It may come to a great shock to many in Congress, but there is no such thing as ""free"" anything.   Our horrid judicial system is also at fault for adversely affecting the cost and availability of health care."	"None.  They are continually being brainwashed that there is a developing problem and the govt must do something.  In truth this is a fabulous system doing wonderful things, and it is continually getting better, not worse.   Many of the uninsured are simply recognizing a reality of life; ie that good insurance costs money, and they would rather self insure and gamble on good health.  Most people want more and better of everything in our society, whether they need it or not."	Get the govt out of it.  Get the lawyers out of it.	male	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	12/30/05 5:54 PM
3412	"Affordability - As a diabetic, in the past 2 years my insurance premiums for myself and 2 normal children have increased from half of my total household expenses (mort + utils) to double my household exp. Therefore I am now uninsured and making fewer doctor appointments."	Eliminate profitable insurance companies from the costs. I am tired of paying for insurance buildings.	I will investigate 'catistrophic' insurance plans or merely build a savings plan to remain 'self' insured.	"Take lessons from Canada and UK. As the leading source for improved medical treatments, we should be paying less for our meds than those elsewhere. IE why can I buy Rx cheaper in Mexico or Canada??"	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	12/30/05 6:36 PM
3413	"The continued disparity of health care provided to different races, ethnic groups, and apparent socio-economic groups and age groups.  Especially care provided and advice given to African American elderly by their primary caregivers, whether a clinic or private physician.  I would love to see some grassroots dialogue on this at your community meetings."	NULL	NULL	"All health care providers treat all patients equally and with integrity without the input of personal and learned prejudices.  That all health care providers attend community meetings where disparity of health care is discussed and actual plans made to address issues.  Also have these disparities reported to and investigated by the state credentialling board with possible adverse affect to the individual physician's record , Not just a one hour diversity session as an intern. and nothing else."	female	NULL	No	Black or African American	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	12/30/05 8:25 PM
3414	"The insurance plan that pays for nothing you need done. I have an insurance plan through my job, but because my condition preexisted before I was hired, I receive no insurance benefits."	Junk all insurance companies and give us all medicare.	"No medical practioner knows all the answers as to why we are ill, they are all educated guesses. So stop all the law suits, stop all the insurance, stop the stupid drugs, and go back to basics. We need no heroics, just tender loving care."	"Tell everyone that Doctors and Nurses are not Gods and not every illness has a cure, but some symptoms of the illness can be alleviated with some medication, that Americans should stop looking for miracles, only God does miracles."	female	NULL	NULL	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	12/30/05 8:32 PM
3415	availability and soaring costs.	I think that there should be HMO choices outside of California	"Well, after the strikes I think there were already trade offs.There is more out of pocket expenses for both medical and prescriptions."	creat more nationwide HMO's with wellness checks	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	12/31/05 9:09 AM
3416	"The disparity between physical health care and psychological health care insurance.  More and more research is pointing out the real quantifiable connections between our feelings and physical well-being.  If there was greater access to mental health professionals, there would be less need for medical procedures, MD office visits, and prescription drugs."	What about a federally sponsored health care savings account?	NULL	Reducing the disparity between physical and psychological health care insurance coverage.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	12/31/05 2:09 PM
3417	"What concerns me most is that managed care organizations and HMO's collect premiums and out of that money comes their CEO salaries, profits, ads on TV, etc...a large portion of the premiums does not go to providing health care!  This is a national disgrace."	I believe we should have universal health care for all Americans. It should not be financed by employers. Health care costs are hurting American businesses who cannot compete internationally because companies in most other nations do not pay for their workers' health insurance.     It should be financed through federal income taxes.  I would like to see traditional Medicare (no HMO's or MCO's) expanded to cover everyone.  Traditonal Medicare has very low and reasonable administrative costs.	"I think Americans would be willing to finance health care through taxes if the system was seen as fair and reasonable.  It has to cover everyone with the same plan including members of Congress.  I think people would accept that not everyone can have every procedure...there would need to be guidelines that specifies who qualifies.  We spend a great deal of money on health care at the end of life...here, too, there would need to be guidelines."	"Universal coverage, fair and equitable,  financed through income tax."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	12/31/05 5:58 PM
3418	"lack of even rudimentary care for so many, choice of care driven only by ability to pay"	"basic  quality health care should be available to everyone equally reguardless of ablility to ""pay"""	"american public??? sadly not too many concessions from those who ""have""...needs to be built up avail-bility from bottom up, not chipping away from top down... "	socialized medicine. all are equal .	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	12/31/05 7:40 PM
3419	It is not affordable and therefore not accessible to too many people.	"YES,  eliminate the ""individuals and employers"" and make payment an all government singly payor system just like Congress has."	People would gladly pay a healthcare tax like Medicare tax that is earmarked for their healthcare in lieu of premiums paid to for-profit insurance companies.  SINGLE PAYOR HEALTH INS FOR ALL.	"SIINGLE-PAYOR, NATIONAL, UNIVERSAL HEALTH INSURANCE just like everyother civilized nation on Earth."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/1/06 12:05 PM
	Duplicate																						na	
3420	What concerns me most is the power of HMO's. They exist for the healthy people and deny services to those who need them. For-profit healthcare just doesn't work for those who need healthcare the most. Health Insurance companies have too much power and too little oversight. HMO's can't even be sued. This has to change.	"Yes, since employers are steadily reducing the amount they are contributing to healthcare costs, the individual has to pay more and more for health insurance coverage. I believe we need a single payor government-run system that covers everyone. "	"Only the wealthy currently can afford the high premiums and deductibles to have PPO plans. I don't think most of the American public are willing to limit their choices more to save money. They may be driven into HMO's for economic reasons, but will resent the limitited choices and limited services."	I believe the single most important recommendation is to work toward adopting a single-payor health plan for all Americans. 	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/1/06 7:44 PM
3421	The high cost. It should be a right and not a privilege.	 The government should pay for health care. The individual should not have to pay at all. It should be a right to have it. Everyone that's a citizen should be included in free health care.	There shouldn't be any trade-offs. We should have a National Health Care Plan. In Europe if you're a citizen you're taken care of.	"Allowing more preventive medicine, such as accupuncture, accupressure, biofeedback, aromatherapy, massage therapy, etc. Alternative medicines should be allowed also in addition to regular medicine. The choice should be up to the patient of using either type or both combined. More routine screening tests as a preventive medicine also."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/1/06 9:46 PM
3422	"The high cost of health care, leaving many - especially children - unserved or underserved.  That mental health is not treated equally as all health services hampers many from getting the help they need."	"I believe we need a national healthcare plan that is paid for by a combination of private insurers and the government.  Managed care DOES NOT WORK, and they figures prove this."	"If those who could afford it understood, health care savings accounts would be utilized more and would help keep insurance expenses down.  More focus on catastrophic care for the basically healthy and financially well-off would also be helpful."	"Get rid of managed care - it has failed to cut costs - it only makes more money for its shareholders and executives, and has complicated healthcare incredibly."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SC	1/2/06 11:35 AM
3423	It is getting to the point where individuals have to pay out way too much.  I remember when my employer was able to pay 100% of my medical insurance cost...it was part of my overall compensation package.  Each year hourly wages/salary stay put while healthcare costs rise.......this is receiving a cut in pay and does not factor in cost of living increases and inflation.	"Obviously.  I am not sure what kind of changes need to be made, I just know it is bad and getting worse and it is our government's responsibility to do something to fix it.  "	"What's to trade off?  We are already doing that.  I want to know why healthcare was affordable, and paid by my employer 20 years ago and today it isn't, this just should not be.  There is something wrong and it is only getting worse. I just don't understand with all the advancements in technology why healthcare costs would be rising so much?  Shouldn't they do the opposite?  Look at home computers for example, they are much more affordable to the people nowadays, why isn't healthcare?  It just doesn't make sense to me. "	"Quit spending money on frivilous things!  Budget our money better...cut government costs, get rid of ALL the fluff and see to it that employer's can afford to pay for their employee's medical care insurance.  Put the needs of the people above those of big money and corporate corruption.  I am conservative-minded....I don't believe in welfare as a consistent way of living...I believe in a helping hand not a hand out.  This too must be better monitored because money is going out to people who don't really need it, they are just milking the system.  "	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AK	1/2/06 12:37 PM
3424	i think everyone individual should be able to purchase the same insurance that our goverment officials purchase if they are able to purchase it.   	I am willing to pay for my insurance but I can not pay a 100% mark-up on my premium.	"I think all Americans are willing to pay for insurance, but the price should be reasonable. "	make insurance available for diabetes .	female	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/2/06 1:47 PM
3425	Prescription drug costs	NULL	NULL	Controlling drug costs	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/2/06 8:17 PM
3426	The millions of Americans without health insurance at the same time that corporate insurance and pharmaceutical executives are paid millions annually.	"We need to agree on what we want to deliver in health care (the ""basic"" benefit package).  We need to decide who is entitled to health care and what is the mission of the health care system.  Then we need to find the most cost efficient way of financing it, be it private insurance, HSAs, or single payer.  Personally, I think every study will show that single payer is the best bang for our bucks.  (see National Coalition on Health Care study by Ken Thorpe or Lewin Group assessment of the California Health Care Options project)."	"I think the American people are willing to give up on first:  the pharmaceutical industry excessive profits, second:  the restrictions placed by the private insurance industry.  As we increase cost shifting to Americans, more will be willing to accept government financing as a protection over employer based insurance.  Like it or not, we need to get over our belief that employers can continue to bear the crush of health care costs.  When GM faces possible bankruptcy, a lot of it due to health care costs, it is time to change our model (and I don't mean cars)."	"Allow states to do single payer health care and full federal financing using Medicare, Medicaid, VA, and other federal health dollars to support it.  Once proven effective, others will quickly follow suit."	male	NULL	No	Asian	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/3/06 9:49 AM
3427	People dying because of the lack of health care.	United States needs birth to death free health care for all citizens. 	"At this time I don't think many in the health care and drug industry are willing to make any trade-offs. The drug companys offer free or reduced drugs to a few in need, but that is a publicity stunt."	"Health care needs to be run by a Christian non-profit organization. Doctors and drug company CEOs need to be shamed by their excessive incomes to realize how many lives this money could have saved. At the end of Schindler's List, the main character said he wondered how many more he could have saved had he acted earlier and how many his wedding ring would have saved. This is where the megacompanies and doctors need to be hit, in their moral consciousness. "	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/3/06 10:08 AM
3428	That it is not affordable.	"We need to create a system that offers quality, affordable health care for all."	"I think the public is willing to make large changes.  Health care affects everyone, it is not a black or white, rich or poor issue."	"We need to find a way to improve cost, access, and quality.  "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/3/06 10:55 AM
3433	Needed programs for our most economically challenged are being cutback or not funded at all leaving a larger uninsured populace to fall upon all the taxpayers of a particular state.	"Yes, we need to provide incentives to small employers for cost sharings or cost savings based upon their usage of health care."	We are willing to share in the costs via larger copays or larger deductibles to be accompanied with flexible spending accounts or savings accounts.	We need to make some form of health care available to every person.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/3/06 2:25 PM
3434	1. High cost  2. Insurance pays for many test and treatments that don't work  3. Too little goes to prevention  4. In some cases evidence-based treatments are not funded by insurance for political reasons. 	"Replace private insurance (i.e., primarily employer-based insurance) with a health insurance fee on nonrenewable energy. "	Cover all necessary health care services as determined by each patient's primary care physician. Have people pay out of pocket for tests and treatments that are not authorized by their PCPs. 	Doctor Managed Care http://mysite.verizon.net/res7nwdr/moneydrivenmedicine222/	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/3/06 2:30 PM
3435	"1) The cost and the quality.  A great deal of money is spent, however our outcomes do not reflect this.  2) The lack of a basic level of coverage for all.  3)  Our willingness to spend lots of money on high tech equipment and procedures and not on ""the basics"".  We try to address/fix ill health rather than promote (or at the expense of) good health.  4)  The lack of future/strategic planning - we are in a crisis and yet don't admit/address.  5)  The amount of money that is spent on care that is ineffective and/or that patients don't want.  6)  Our unwillingness to address ""hard choices"" that may include limiting care or prioritizing care   "	"The government should provide a basic level of appropriate and effective care for all.  Shift some of the expense for comprehensive and basic coverage away from employeers.  If this does not happen it will occur ""de facto"" when health care plans are cut by companies who can't afford them and/or employees are laid off - and subsequently end up needing public assistance.  Individuals may continue to pay for a second or third ""tier"" of coverage (private rooms, electives like cosmetic surgeries etc.).  "	"Those who currently have what they need want because they are economically fortunate will be less willing.  I think overall the public may be ready to spend more (i.e. increase taxes and/or allocations) however those who have will not be willing to either give up what they can currently demand, and/or to alter personal life styles in order to consume less resources. "	"1) Re-visit, modify, update the Clinton health care plan.  2)  Focus on improveing the delivery of care to include quality, effeciency and effectivness - and don't let providers off the hook for poor quality.  3)  Someone have the courage to open up a public dialogue (although painful it may be) about the need for tough choices.  Involve the public in making them - but make them!!  Sorry, this is more than a ""single""."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NE	1/3/06 4:51 PM
3436	"Too little emphasis on preventive care  Overutilization of health care services  Overutilization of prescription drugs  Redundant technology (e.g., too many CT scanners)  No regulation of provider charges  Health insurance system is too fragmented and inefficient  State regulation of health insurance  "	"Employers should not be involved.  Individual health insurance should be mandatory, with government vouchers provided to the needy."	"The general public has been insulated from the true cost of health care for so long, it cannot possibly make this kind of judgment."	"Make individual health insurance mandatory, with federal regulation, standardized plan designs, one program for all citizens, regulation of provider charges, require providers to charge the same amount to all payors."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	na	1/3/06 5:29 PM
3437	Difficult to determine the quality providers	no	Willing to pay more for benefits and to accept highter deductibles and copays	Teach Americans how to live healthier lifestyles to prevent a lot of diseases from occurring in the first place.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	na	1/3/06 5:43 PM
3438	"Its fragmented nature and the resulting coverage gaps, variations/reductions in quality of care and administrative inefficiencies & unnecessary costs."	Employers should not be the main provider of health care benefits (see fragmentation issues above).  A single or at least national level approach to payment would allow for portability & reduce inefficiencies.  Individuals should have a material cost for discretionary care while having minimal cost barriers to preventive care & catastrophic coverage protection.	"If properly educated, I would hope the public would be willing to pay more for some mid-level, discretionary coverage in order to provide for preventive & catastrophic protection for everyone."	"Basic preventive health care should be provided to everyone, not just the very poor & those with employer-provided coverage.  This might even be done for minimal cost, given the offsetting cost reduction due to lower utilization of ""emergency"" services resulting from a lack of preventive care."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	na	1/3/06 6:02 PM
3439	"Affordability - especially for those unable to get coverage through employers or government programs.    Treatment of ""lifestyle"" care the same as medically necessary care.    Difficulty of getting accurate medical information."	"Basic health care services should be available to all American citizens, as a fundamental right.  The ""cost"" of this would be impacted by a reduction in uncompensated care for health care providers, and by the savings associated with providing basic care in more appropriate settings.     "	"The question as worded is silly.  The American public would prefer access to affordable, high quality health care with no trade-offs. A more pertinent question would be, if limits need be implemented to ensure affordability, what would the nature of those limits be (i.e., limit basic services that are covered or limit access to high cost procedures that effect only a few, or have little impact on remaining quality of life, or little impact on remaining life expectancy). h?   "	Immunize children.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	1/3/06 6:08 PM
3440	What concerns me the most is that there is such a huge variation in the quality and efficiency of care delivered.  Did you know that the probability of having some surgeries is directly proportional to the number of specialists in an area?  And.. there's no way to find out whether you have a doctor who's good or bad.	"Having employers as part of the payment arrangement makes sense. After all, if i'm healthy i work harder for my employer"	"I don't know what OTHER Americans think, but I think that we should be clear about what is really high quality and what is just additional care.  For instance, is an MRI really necessary for the slightest thing.  And why can't all the doctors use the same MRI?"	Open access to credible information about teh cost and quality of health care.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/3/06 6:09 PM
3441	"The number of people without insurance. They may delay seeking health care for financial reasons, thereby becoming sicker. When they finally do get treatment it may be at a higher cost, through hospitals and emergency departments, rather than outpatient facilities. Their lack of insurance ends up costing us all more."	Money from government and individuals (in the form of a tax) should go into a system that provides everyone with the same basic level of coverage. Then individuals and employers should have the option to pay for additional coverage. We need to make some tough decisions about what can be provided in the basic coverage - we can't provide it all to everyone. But we currently have far too many people who have no coverage whatsoever. It would be interesting to see incentives (reduced premiums) for those who maintain healthy lifestyles.	"1. Everyone pays an income-based tax to go toward basic coverage. People with low income (current Medicaid recipients) would not have to pay anything. Current Medicare recipients would pay based on their income.   2. The same basic coverage is provided to everyone.  3. Medicaid and Medicare go away.  4. Individuals and employers may purchase supplemental coverage, as they are able."	Provide basic health insurance coverage to everyone.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	1/3/06 6:52 PM
3442	"I'm most concerned that people who make a decent wage and have to pay for health insurance, after paying for the insurance is left with barely enough to make ends meet. How are people supposed to get ahead? Save for the future, house, college, kids, old age..."	"I'm a big believer in national health care. There has to be a way to make it work. There has to be guidelines to make sure it's not abused! If you work, it should be a benefit of the government. People pay taxes for what? Taxation without representation, remember? Again for people who work. "	"Trade-offs? How much tax payer money is wasted in this country? Whether it be in the military or sticking are noses in other countries business. I feel social security and medicare should be kept seperate. Every other part of the government should be cut in order to make national health care possible. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of functions of government that are important. This is a big country, with a lot of tax revenue comming in. Also going out on questionable spending. Look at European countries as a guidline and modify it to make it work in the U.S. You have to police it from the waste and fraud. That's how you can make it work. Most people don't run there households like polititions run the government,do they? "	"Contact the people who can make a difference. Some polititions do try to make a difference, but some have other agendas. A lot are out of touch with problems facing the country today. "	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	RI	1/3/06 8:32 PM
3443	poor coverage  cost  paperwork  	national health insurance    	profits versus health	nATIONAL HEALTH PLAN	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/3/06 9:22 PM
3444	NULL	NULL	NULL	"SIMPLIFY MEDICARE PART-B USING MODERN TECHNOLOGY    Seniors pay a premium of $88.50 for Medicare Part-B which represents 25% of the cost. The present system is difficult to understand and is not user friendly.    Making the following changes and using modern technology, Medicare Part-B would be easy to understand and very cost effective.    1- Issue Medicare Part-B card imbedded with all necessary information and picture similar to major credit cards.    2- All charger for medical service and Medicare payment would be in whole dollars.    3- Present codes for medical services would be changed to bar codes. The Medicare Part-B card and procedure bar code would be scan for service provided.    4- The information would be electronically transmitted to a financial institution and payment made to providers.    5- Monthly statements would be sent to patient showing date, provider, procedure and payment. Similar to statements received from major credit card companies.    6- Premium for Medicare Part-B would increase to $100.00 per month to cover the elimination of the $124.00 deductible.    7- Increase payment to providers from 80% to 100%. This would be covered by the savings on administration cost of present system which is estimated to be 30%. Financial institution charge merchants 2% to 4% for processing credit card purchases. Medicare Part-B charges could be processed in the same manner.    THIS WOULD PROVIDE A SIMPLE, COST EFFECTIVE, HEALTHCARE PLAN FOR ALL SENIORS ON MEDICARE PART-B.    "	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/3/06 9:24 PM
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3446	High public expectations for free health care and the rising cost of delivering it.	"Move more to a free market health care delivery system where people using health care shop for the best and lowest cost care possible, just like other consumer goods purchasing. Existing funding does not encourage rational consumer buying decisions."	Health care will need to be rationed in some manner to be affordable. The rationing in the US has historically been on the access end of the spectrum of delivery and in preventive care. In the future rationing will need to shift to the end of health care where hgh cost care such as transplants and significant cancer treatments will be measured against the age and prognosis of the patient. There is little cost justification for heart transplants in octogenarians for example.  	Make it more subject to traditional market forces. This will push the cost down and access up. More government programs is not a viable answer to either access or cost containment. 	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/4/06 7:29 AM
3447	"The lack of accountability of healthcare providers for cost effectiveness and quality.  The increasing unhealthiness of the American people, and our unwillingness to take responsibility for the impact of those choices on our health and healthcare costs."	"Have individuals have more responsibility for payments, so that they have an interest in making informed decisions about their healthcare purchasing.  A system where the individual making the purchasing decision has no financial responsibility for that purchase leads to ever escalating demand and costs."	"Unfortunately, I believe most Americans are unwilling to make any significant tradeoffs.  We seem to live in a society that believes in instant gratification and full access to every possible treatment; it's ok for the ""other guy"" to have his access reduced or benefits cut, but not for me."	Make consistent national data available to the American public that compares the cost and quality of the various healthcare providers.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	na	1/4/06 8:45 AM
3448	The vast number of people who cannot get health care coverage.	Pull employers and individuals out of the payment system.  That leads to uneven (or no) coverage for all too many citizens.  A single payor universal system just makes far more sense than the inequitable quilt that we now have.	A graduated funding arrangement whereby the wealthy make a greater proportionate contribution to provide for our fellow citizens' health care needs.  We cannot and should not expecting the funding to come from the declining number of employers offering health care coverage.	I believe that a single payor universal health care system overseen by and negotiated by the federal government makes the most sense.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	1/4/06 9:48 AM
3449	"We hould have a cradle to grave health care system like the developed world has in order to avoid price gauging by insurance and pharmaceutical comppanies. Health care, like education is a right not a luxury."	We need a national health care system that protects all of us whether we work or don't. It's chaeaper and safer for the country. 	"Trade off the mansions and huge salaries for CEOs, get rid of lobbyists, create a fair minium wage and have term limits for Congress so that are out before they are rich."	"Single Payer, All in in No one Out"	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/4/06 10:07 AM
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3451	"The cost issue is obvious.  The problem is that healthcare is a personal issue and most people take a passive and/or selfish approach.  Attempts at citizen engagement in the overall financing issue have not been successful.  My concern is that normal supply and demand does laws do not apply because of the lack of free market forces and without those, we will continue to see sky-rocketing costs."	"There needs to be changes.  I am not sure whether employer-based healthcare is sustainable in the long-term.  I am positive that the current government-funded solutions (Medicare, Medicaid) are not sustainable, but politicians refuse to address the issue head on knowing that it could damage their re-election chances.  This could lead to disaster."	"I think there is a subset of the population that are willing and able to afford the cost of high-quality care.      I also believe there is a subset that cannot afford it or chooses not to afford it.  For these people, maybe there needs to be limits on coverage.      Movement away from employer-based coverage to more individual selection would allow people to align with the plan they wanted to pay for.  Then the people would be forced to live with the consequences of the benefits/coverages that they afforded for themselves - rather than expecting the best for less."	Reform medical education and improve the oversight and reporting of provider cost and quality to increase the free-market forces.  This will eradicate poor performers from the market and improve the overall quality of care.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	na	1/4/06 11:13 AM
3452	high rate of cost increases	no	none	allow market forces to operate	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	na	1/4/06 11:30 AM
3453	"Too many people lack access to needed health care.  Costs are excessivly high - U.S. citizens pay more per capita than any other country, yet still have many people without health care."	"Rather than paying through a complex system of insurance companies, we should pay for a single provider - an expansion of Medicare to everyone."	The public should be given the facts about what health care costs they share as taxpayers now.  A system that covers everyone more efficiently should not cost more than the current failed mix.	Cover everyone with a single-payer system.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/4/06 11:56 AM
3456	"The cost continues to rise each year, and now with even higher deductibles that are almost impossible to meet.  Most people who can't afford premiums or deductibles are at risk for spreading disease, letting illness go unchecked instead of catching something early and treating to prevent further complications, and suffering."	"Overall paying a premuim, deductible or co-pay is fine.  One change could be that if a person or family pays their premiums, there should be some sort of pro-rating at the end of the year and reimbursement depending on how often you needed to go to the doctor.  Prescriptions should have a cap on them, and should maybe go on a sliding fee scale.  I can see problems with every aspect though."	"I think that if we had a set number of visits per year for a fee, and an additional fee for going over depending on each individual situation, this may deter some of the misuse, and by having tobacco producers (or other companies) subsidize health care as their products are known agents for disease, even if that means raising the prices of those products. I think the sliding fee scale is a good idea, but maybe with limits."	"Even though it is accessible, it is very expensive.  Possible lowering the cost of living could allow people to afford health insurance plans.  There could be flexible premiums, depending on how ofen you use the doctor, especially if you don't have many problems or pre-existing conditions, discounts for non-smokers, receipts turned in for exercise gyms, or some sort of system that could verify a person's commitment to trying to stay healthy.  Offer nationwide classes for all individuals on healthy lifestyles, and with proof of attendance, offer a discount."	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	1/4/06 1:39 PM
3457	"Preventative lifestyle and healthcare are not adequatly and widely taught or carried-out or promoted by our families, institutions, employers, health care industry or providers.    Many of our citizens do not know that many people are thriving because so many Americans do not know how to, or choose not to, live in a disease prevention and wellness promoting lifestyle.  Too many citizens have not been given or been giving attention to how much lifestyle contributes to wellness and in preventing diseases and the complications of some of the most commonly developed diseases.    There are many Americans stuck in a cycle of helplessly fearing disease and then expensive diagnostic or surgical interventions, and some level of expensive care, or high tech or ongoing pharmaceutical rescue and management.  Too many do not have insurance or adequate coverage for preventing diseaases that can be managed with preventative atttention and altered lifestyle.   Many Americans have not been given adequate education to know and guide their families about family history, what health changes can be prevented or managed through altering or developing better lifestyle management.  Generation to generation we tell children they might get some of our families  diseases.  Most of us weren't taught how to guide our children to more wellness-oriented thinking and life patterns. "	" First of all we have to reduce employer or institutional responsability for self care. I don't know why we have continued to saddle employers, especially in small businesses, with with any burden for health care insurance.If employers are to continue to pay, we would all  be better served to give employers more responsibility for health care maintenance or  employee wellness.  Though productivity is always the bottom line, incentives such as bonus days, (on the model of the reward and health promotional sabbatical for excellent work), worksite health promotion and disease prevention education, exercise breaks, with onsite and off site exercise facilities and lots of educational support. Maybe there would have to be more of a shift to a partnership in maintaing the employee health  (as human resources) as part of productivity promotion. I think government rewards, incentives to employers who promote such a model as would reduce some disease related to stress, overuse injuries, long work hours. Also I think that the health care sectors companies could get involved...stockholders, boards, management, of many of the companies would benefit from an alliance with the business owners and corporate employers in promoting a change in model toward wellness care. If some of the companies of the health care sector that have products that contribute to wellness they could reap the benefits and dividends from shifting to a corporate employee's preventative and diagnostic needs, and their use of the technology and pharmaceuticals required to stay well.  For developing alliances with employers, they caould recieve tax benefot or other incnetives."	"The American people will not be willing pay any more because they would consider these things paying someone else's bill, penalties...for insuring everyone or paying more of their own costs. Most Americans don't know that they already pay through the healthcare costs of uninsured Americans.  American people seem to like rewards for a proactive stance...(eg tax relief/cuts.government funded benefits as rewards.)  Perhaps the current emphasis on lifestyle: individual change such as good nutritional choices, exercise, could be taken a step or two further.  People who make the most measurable effort toward staying healthy and active, might be given an incentive after a period of time, such as a tax advantage, or a refund after several years of documnted efforts in preventative care actions, through exercise, dietary choices., etc."	"I recommend that more emphasis be given to  rewarding individual and emplyer and healthcare industries involvement in the efforts toward preventing diseases that can be prevented or progression slowed for every American through preventative and early detection healthcare,and education about how from childhood onward,lifestyle choices and actions can empower individuals toward wellness."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/4/06 2:27 PM
3458	The large annual increases in medical insurance costs.	"In the presidential compaign, there was a proposal to have the goverment coinsure claims over $75,000.  I think that this could be of big help in the small group market."	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/4/06 2:40 PM
3459	"Equally, accessability and quality and cost"	"I have been a health care provider or in basic science research for most of my life. Early on, I was impressed with the inequalities I saw in both access and quality, the latter having little to do with cost or reputation of the caregiver facility. I have long felt that the optimum solution would be a modification of a public health division of national service. My thoughts have evolved into a comprehensive plan, but simply put the keystone to the plan is mandatory health care service for all health care professionals, including nurses, the different therapists such as OT, PT and physicians as well as administrators. The required service would be for 2 years and these individuals would staff a variety of environments including community clinics, hospitals (both private and public) and ""private"" practice environments. All aspects of my 3 areas of concern would be dealt with in this system as I would also include the use of quality assurance measures for the practioners. My calculations suggest that the cost of this system would be equal to, or less than our present system and would lead to better access, higher quality."	Follow my plan and I don't think there are significant trade-offs.	See above	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/4/06 2:58 PM
3460	The cost of healthcare (including drugs) in relation to other items.  In particular the amount of one's income a person spends on healthcare and health insurance.	"I think the government should no longer be involved in Medicare since they obviously cannot manage the system very well.  They also have no place in being involved in any type of healthcare plan.    We should also add premiums to members who are smokers and/or overweight.  These people should be heavily penalized even if they are in a group.  They are ruining the whole system for the rest of us.    People who commit insurance fraud should also be heavily puncished.  This includes those who claim disability insurance, P&C insurance, etc."	"American's are greedy and would be unwilling to sacrifice any of their benefits.  I personally do not think items such as physicals or routine visits to the doctor's office should be covered (for colds, etc.).  Items that are budgetable and expected should not be covered by insurance."	Higher deductibles so that routine doctor visits are not covered.  Although I am against government involvement I think that someone needs to work on controlling (even decreasing) the cost of doctor and hospital services so that when deductibles are raised lower income individuals could afford the insurance.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/4/06 4:19 PM
3462	paying for it	"Yes, over time employers should be eliminated as the primary payors.  Employers may still be helpful in distributing health plans.    Government has to play a role for those who cannot afford health coverage."	"First of all, we have to agree what high quality health care means.  The emphasis in the general public is treatments I want, when I want them, with little personal cost (in money or changes in lifestyle).  The public policy definition should be good, cost-effective health outcomes.    Current financing is chaotic, but it is more in line with the general public's meaning.  For most, the access is nearly unlimited with third party payors to foot the bill.  For the economic losers and gamblers, there's the government payor and the option to not pay the emergency room bill."	Convince the public that good health outcomes are more important than nearly unlimited access to treatments for acute conditions.	male	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	na	1/4/06 6:27 PM
3464	"That so many people don't have it.  At the present time I do not have this problem, but many do and the new government program doesn't seem to be helping."	"Universal coverage with incentatives for staying healthy.  Co-pay by all based on income.  No co-pay for preventative medical care such as vaccination, smoking cessation, routine physical et.  Universal coverage funded by income tax increase.  Everyone included including govn. officials, veterans, teachers, etc.  Optin out allowed for private pay but pay tax regardless."	Increase taxes to pay for universal care if there is assurance of quality care and equal care for all.	Get the pharmacy company lobbyists out of the picture.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/4/06 9:31 PM
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3465	quatitly.afordabitily and over 80 percent of america cant afford it	if the employers would let us have insurance just maybe it would stop lawsuits and and have an more healthier work place and the empolyer will have more business and less turnovers 	less space exploreing	"for the gov.to stop just taking care of the other countrys that is in need,to take care of us too"	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	1/4/06 9:43 PM
3466	"The Cost of Prescription Drugs and their availability to those on fixed incomes. It has been improved for the Low Income, but those in the Medium income bracket are being left out."	I think a good place to start would be with policeing the young able bodied medicaide receptients that are frauduently receiving it. We would have millions more dollars for those that are having to do without that have earned it.	"I cannot Tell you any trade offs, This is something that our State & Federal Representatives are going to have to work out. The bottom line is something has to be done. But again I think the fraud in medi-care & medicaide has to be addressed."	"Because of disability, I was forced to go on Medi-care at age 59, when I was still being covered by union insurance. To the best of my knowledge, my Union insurance would have covered me until age 65, but because of my disability I had no choice. Those 6 years would have saved medi-care a lot of money. We have to wonder why?"	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	1/4/06 10:44 PM
3467	Lack of availability to so many people and the rising costs.	"Employers and individuals should not be responsible for health care costs. Each person in this country should have health care. This would be paid for by taxes and specific revenue streams which would be budgeted for everyone, just like the military gets."	"Too many life style drugs are covered by insurance; life saving drugs are sacrificed. Prevention should be the priority, not damage control. Nutrition education from prenatal to elder care must be included in our national educational priorities. Much of the cost of medical care is wasted on preventable illnesses, and quality of life is severely diminished by our poor habits."	Stop paying so much to so few. Stop the insurance companies from lobbying and abolish the AMA.  Follow health care systems around the civilized world and adopt best practices.	female	NULL	Yes	Other	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	1/4/06 11:37 PM
3468	Health care is treated as a profit making business rather than a human right.	We need to have a single payer system administered by the government that will insure everyone.	"I would be willing to trade the high profits of the drug companies, HMOs and insurance in order to save money for affordable, high quality health care."	"Expand Medicare to cover 100% of all necessary medical services and drugs, including dental, hearing, eyes, mental health, home care and nursing homes.  Make this available to everyone like all the other industrial nations do for their citizens. "	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	1/5/06 12:39 AM
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3470	That it won't be available to those who really need it.	"Maybe a mandatory law that all employers in accordance to their size, provide a health care program even if a reasonable ammount has to be contiributed by the employees."	If a small ammount (like union dues) is taken from their weekly pay to cover it and if there are reasonable restrictions.	That people try to care for themselves better and live healthier so that those who really need health care are the ones who obtain it.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	1/5/06 5:32 AM
3471	"1. Continuing rise in costs, far outpacing normal inflation.  2. An increasingly 'gray' population that will require larger amounts of ongoing treatment and medicine  3. Rationing of health care determined by ability to pay."	"Yes. We should adopt the Canadian single payer system, which is more efficient and works in a more just and equitable manner. "	"I think the American public would be willing to at least experiment with this system, but there are too many entrenched special interests, like the insurance and pharamceutical industries, that oppose it"	"People should vote Green. The Democrats and Republicans are both too dependent upon the aforementioned entrenched special interests to ever allow a truly just and workable health care system, such as exists in other countries, to be established. "	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/5/06 11:35 AM
3472	"Healthcare is extremely expensive compared to other countries and the quality bedside manner and caring attitude is often lacking. The approach is about quick fixes and putting fires out, not holistic at all. Pharmaceutical companies have too much influence over policies."	DRG's make it difficult for people with unique health probems to get the care they need. I'd like to see this approach done away with. Its a shame also that many working Americans go without insurance. We can do better than this!!!! Everyone deserves medical care.	I think that most people wouldnt mind paying a monthly amount that was based on income to ensure that they would recieve necessary medical treatment. 	The goal has to be patient centered getting healthcare to everyone. Stop treating patients like consumers. Have pharmaceutical companies donate a percentage of their profits to healthcare. All working Americans should recieve basic life saving care. Health education and prevention programs should be a huge focus in schools and the work place. Too much money is being spent on problems that could have been prevented	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/5/06 12:53 PM
3473	"End of Life Care is expensive, futile, and painful experience for the patient."	NULL	NULL	"As a society, the American people need to have an advance directive signed prior to receiving Medicare benefits.  Their end of life care needs to be documented and followed through legally and in the spirit of the patient's wishes.  "	male	NULL	No	Asian	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/5/06 1:19 PM
3474	Costs.  Uneaul coverage for all citizens.	Go to Single-payer system.	"None are needed, according to research I have read.  Single-payer would be equitable and even cheaper."	Go to Single-payer system.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/5/06 3:44 PM
3475	"that so many Americans, young and old, do not have health care coverage. Its criminal. EU countries do a much better job covering their citizens."	 Follow Netherlands methods...	cut down absurd defense budget and use that money as other countries do.	see above	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ME	1/5/06 3:47 PM
3476	ridiculously high cost	it should all be provided by government -- universal health care	stop spending so much on war and weapons	universal health care	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/5/06 3:55 PM
3477	"The cost of good insurance.  I am retired and receive $667 monthly social security.  I have to pay $509 monthly for health insurance.  Not eligible for medicare yet, so my hands are tied."	I think it's time for the government to play a greater role in healthcare costs and making sure each and every citizen can get affordable insurance.	"I don't think the American public should have to trade-off anything.  We can take care of the whole world, but we can't take care of our citizens who pay the bills??????"	A nationwide affordable group insurance plan.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/5/06 3:56 PM
3478	The cost and lack of availability to ALL citizens.	"I think employers should be taken out of the picture and that government should cover health care for everyone.  If the money employers are spending on healthcare was shifted to the government, it would go a long way to covering everyone."	"Overall I think Americans would be willing to accept some cutbacks in ""extreme"" procedures that are covered, but everyone should also have the ability to purchase additional coverage that might handle such procedures/medications, if they can afford it."	universal coverage	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/5/06 3:57 PM
3479	access to insurance and health care	it should turn into a national health insurance paid for not through work but through income taxes	they would pay higher taxes.	we could start by covering only preventative health care.  that would push people to get regular check-ups.	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	1/5/06 3:57 PM
3480	the gov. is trying to cut all are benfits!!!!!!	NULL	NULL	stop charging people on medicare amd medicade!!!!!! we get very little money as it is with soc. sec. and ssi	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	1/5/06 3:58 PM
3481	Cleaning up the Medicare Part D mess.	Many!	None.  We have the resources to offer universal health care for ALL Americans.	"Fight for Universal Health Care, and vote out the Republicans."	male	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	1/5/06 3:59 PM
3482	cost of insurance	"lower the cost based on income....The poor should not have to pay the same, let the rich bear some of the burden.."	none	find a way to reduce the cost -- use income as the factor	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/5/06 3:59 PM
3483	"My husband and I are unemployed and have preexisting conditions.  Last year we paid over $17,000 in premiums for coverage under Wisconsin's HIgh Risk Insurance Plan.  WE could not be without coverage. Under the current system, you go bankrupt from paying for excessive health ins premiums or you go bankrupt from being uninsured and paying out of pocket for health care.  Last year, we both had major surgeries and I had a serious health crisis in December.  We have exhausted all our savings to pay for the premiums.  My husband turns 65 in Feb, 2006, and we are so glad because he will be on Medicare. This country doesn't have universal health care.  It should beacause health care is a right, not a privilege depending on one's income or employment status. Our health is just as important as those who have employer sponsored health care."	"WE should offer a Medicare system for All Americans.  It works for those who are old enough for it, why not the rest of us.  Sever the link between access to affordable health care and employment status.  It is not equitable.  Employers can no longer offer to pay health benefits for their employees and hire temps, part timers or contract workers so they don't have to cover this benefit.  "	"Not sure -- the public needs to be educated that re: health care, some procedures are not medically appropriate.  Public also needs to be educated that just because medicine can do something doesn't mean that it should.  A lot of $ is spent on the last illness of persons, especially when there is no hope.  People need to be educated on the aspects of death and dying, that medicine can not or should not do everything to prolong life when the qualilty of life is uncertain.  Death is not a failure, but an inevitable part of the human condition."	"See my letters published in the New York Times on May 1, 2003, and the June, 2005, edition of Oprah's magazine (page 26) on the health care crisis and the need for universal health care. My Name is Sandy Schmidt and I live in Millwaukee, WI."	female	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/5/06 4:01 PM
3484	Affordability	"National healthcare, available to everyone, paid for through income tax.  Those not interested could still buy private coverage through an HMO or PPO, if any were still in business."	None	"Once again, a national healthcare plan, funded through income tax, eliminating for profit insurance companies and hospitals."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/5/06 4:02 PM
3485	"It is unavailable to many people, even for many who have health insurance offered at work."	"We should work toward a single payer system, where our taxes pay for it."	People would pay a reasonable increase in taxes.	"Politicians, unions and other activists have the courage to fight for a single payer system."	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	1/5/06 4:03 PM
3486	"1)  The number of uninsured, and   2)  The disparity of the fee for service a health care provider charges depending on what insurance carrier the patient has or whether the patient has no insurance.  In some instances there can be thousands of dollars difference for the same procedure or service provided."	NULL	"Changing benefits will ultimately affect affordability, since a lesser benefit may have a reduced premium, but result in higher out-of-pocket claims cost, so I don't think we can have both.  The most fair way would be for premiums and benefits to be indexed based on income and family status.  But it would also be beneficial to include some financial incentive to live a healthier lifestyle."	"Regulate the amounts that health care providers charge for services, similar to Medicare."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NE	1/5/06 4:04 PM
3487	"The cost whether being suplimented through work or through individual policies is too expensive. They cover too little for the amount you are required to pay. Therefore, people are not protected & do not seek medical help when needed.  Doctors are scalping us with their exhorbitant prices and they seem to be more incompetant then ever."	Yes-I woud like to see single payer (the States) universal coverage.	"We have already made those trade offs. It's time for the the other side to make some sacrifies. When I see the material wealth that doctors have taken off the sweat of the American labors, it angers me."	Universal single payer healthcare. States have done it on a limited bases. It can work.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/5/06 4:07 PM
3488	"My doctor recently enrolled in ""Advantage"" program which means that I pay 100.00 per month retain my status as a current patient.  I see my doctor as needed but they no longer accept health insurance or bill for it. If I need lab work or X-rays I will need to pay for them or have health insurance that is separate from the Advantage program.  I can only afford one choice so I enrolled along with one of my children.  That means that I basically have no health insurance only a guarantee to have office visits.    The biggest concern is: ""We can't afford health insurance premiums when the health insurance coverage is cutting back on covering medicine and pre-existing conditions"""	Insurance companies should be monitored and caps should be in place for premiums.  The government should have a plan that pays the provider for the services but all people are eligiable to apply.  	The trade off could include higher premiums for people who smoke or have other addictions and have not sought treatment.  	All families with children should automatically be covered by some health plan.  The government should help employers that have five or more employees have a health plan that includes dental and vision.  When a young person turns 21 they automatically loose health care coverage from their parent's plan.  What are they suppose to do?  	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/5/06 4:09 PM
3489	COST and availability for the elderly. 	"Yes, Folks who have worked hard and paid taxes all their life should be compensated in a better way by government and employers."	Why should the elderly or less fortunate have to make any trade-off? In America we should have affordable health care for everyone.	Government and employers (the big corporations) should see that everyone has decent health care.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	1/5/06 4:10 PM
3490	"That those who, arguably, are working the hardest have the least in terms of health-care, which is a necessary condition for happiness.    That the rich don't care about the working poor.    The congress has lost sight of its responsibilities to all Americans and not only to those who scream the loudest and who have to most money."	"We, as do all other Western countries, should have universal health care."	No more war.  No more roads to nowhere.  No more pork spending.  No more congressional raises until all Americans have health care.  	Stop the deceit and start universal health care.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/5/06 4:11 PM
3491	The cost. The wealthy in this country get excellent care that should be available to all. Medications are very expensive especially for the elderly (part D medicare is worthless) and HMO's are also too interested in the cost of your illness not the prevention and care.	"Yes, it should be all one payment care by the government."	"If not a emergency, then wait for care. "	"Everyone in this country should be covered by the same system, rich and poor. "	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/5/06 4:12 PM
3492	"My biggest concern is that there is not adequate health care for the working class.  We have to choose between health care and food/utilities, we can't afford both.  "	We must go to socialized health care; there is no other viable option in this country at this time.  	"We could do without the fat administrators salaries, the flashy offices, the excessive and false advertising, and all the ""extras"" that the public has been led to believe are part of the package.  "	Oust the Republican corporate puppets from public office.  	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	1/5/06 4:13 PM
3493	  The ridiculously high cost.	  Socialized medicine. 	  Reduce spending on weapons of war.	  The Gov. to pay for all hospitalizations.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	1/5/06 4:15 PM
3494	Lack of coverage	Single payer	High costs and long waits	Single payer for all.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/5/06 4:15 PM
3495	"The unafforadability! I fell seriously ill & before I could get disability, I lost everyhting I owned. I am 54 and ruined."	"Of course, we must go to single payer universal health care, as the remainder of the industrial world already has. "	"Frills are expendable. Expensive, unneccesary tests, can be waived."	"Access for all, healthcare is a right!"	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/5/06 4:16 PM
3496	NULL	NULL	NULL	go to  a single payer system	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/5/06 4:17 PM
3497	Quality health care in America for most poor and middle class Americans is unaffordable.    	Maybe a health care program similar to Australia's.	"Why should there be trade offs either ""quality"" health is available to all Americans or it is not.  If quality health care is only available to the affluent what's the point."	Make the same care availabe for every American from the poorest to the richest	male	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/5/06 4:17 PM
3498	The number of uninsured.	"Yes, a universal system funded by the government similar to Canada and most European countries."	"get the money to the health care workers and not the administrators of the hmos etc. Let the doctors prescribe, not hmos. Pay extra for optional procedures.  Invest in prenatal and early childhood nutrition and health education.  Take what we already pay on emergency room for uninsured, personal insurance and employer insurance for those who are insured and moneys which go to care for the unisured for sickness and disease which could have been treated more cost effectively if diagnosed early, then put all those moneys toward a national insurance program covering everyone.  The wealthy could supplement for luxuries ie. private hospital rooms, etc.  Cut the military budget by 10% and combine these savings with what we already pay privately and through the government. "	Need a comprehensive govt. program	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	1/5/06 4:18 PM
3499	It's available only to the rich and well off. People without resources get inferior care when they get any. It has become a cash cow for doctors and insurance companies. Take the obscene profits out of the system.	"Single payer, everybody covered, with oversight of some of the abuses of expensive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. "	None needed: just shift the totally unnecessary and destructive military budget to domestic needs.	"Cover everyone equally. Next, get rid of the doctors who are gaming the system."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/5/06 4:18 PM
3500	"My husband has health care for both of us through his employer, but it has increased by $100 per month each of the last four years. This year the company graciously paid for the increase for us; but what will happen when it gets so high we cannot pay?  Right now  it is $453 a month, and we earn very modestly.  I do not get benefits at work.  What will happen when we retire?  We have virtually no retirement, and our health care will not be covered during retirement.  Additionally, one of our adult children is too poor to buy insurance and has too many health problems to work full time.  In Oregon there is no longer a safety net for the poor."	"I'm quite sure that if the federal government did not waste the taxpayers' money with worthless wars and tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy, that there would be enough money for everyone to have health care.  Big corporations should be required to pay a fair share of taxes toward a single payer program, or they should be required to insure employees.  Wal-Mart should be spanked."	"I will trade my share of tax dollars that goes for the Iraq war and tax kickbacks to the rich.  Middle class and lower earners should not be taxed more; rich individuals and big corporations (not small businesses) should be required to pay more taxes.  Right  now, 60% of big corporations pay no federal taxes.  In Oregon, Video Game Poker puts more money in the state tax pot than all the big corporations in Oregon."	Big corporations and the federal and state governments must collaborate to provide health care for all Americans.  Families/individuals could pay on a sliding fee scale--a fair one.  The rich should pay more.  Truly poor people could pay nothing.  Small businesses should be subsidized.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/5/06 4:20 PM
3501	"Too many Americans are uninsured and those who do have insurance are often uninsured...the copays, the premiums, everything is too high.  We need universal health care; establishing it is way overdue."	We need universal health care; establishing it is way overdue.  A portion of a fair equitable progressive income tax should be devoted to health care.	"No trade-offs.  Why should there be trade-offs?  We're talking about the health and well-being of the citizens of the United States, for Goodness' sake!"	"To understand that if we're not healthy people, we're not a healthy nation, capable of accomplishing what's required to lead the world, either in example or deed."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/5/06 4:21 PM
3502	"Higher premiums with less coverage.  I'm healthier than most people half my age...yet due to age, my premiums are ridiculous.  Due to chronic back pain from an injury sustained as a child (I will be 58), it's hard to even get coverage yet, in all these years, I have seldom been stopped by anything, including back pain.  The insurance companies get richer and the people they are supposedly covering get poorer!  Stinks!  "	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NE	1/5/06 4:21 PM
3503	We're headed toward third world status with America's healthcare.  The best healthcare is reserved for the wealthy and even they have to go out of the country for the best treatments.	"In America, supposedly the world's superpower, excellent healthcare at individual affordability could be and should be available to all.  However that can be accomplished would be up to the government and healthcare experts to figure out."	"In America, supposedly the world's richest nation, excellent healthcare for all shouldn't even be a consideration of trade-offs.  The reason for our lack of excellent healthcare is the greed of insurance and drug companies, politician pay-backs and lobbyists."	"Change the entire system.  Take control away from the greedy fat cat insurance and drug companies.  Use our tax dollars for more research, like stem cell, which could save lives.  Cut the power from special interest groups, religious and otherwise."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/5/06 4:23 PM
3504	Individuals are shut out of the insurance system that is slanted towards protecting only large groups of healty employees.	Everyone should pay into a single system.	I would gladly pay more taxes if it meant getting access to healthcare.	Get the FOR PROFIT CORPORATIONS out of the health care business.  No one should be making a profit off sickness.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/5/06 4:26 PM
3505	It is not available to all people	It should be available to everyone	None	Make it available to everyone	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/5/06 4:26 PM
3506	50 million without insurance	Cover all with a single payer	"Not necessary, single payer countries spend less  than we do."	Cover all with a single payer	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/5/06 4:26 PM
3507	"Because it's owned and run by Big Business, it's all about making money for insurers and HMOs.  They give big companies get a break on employee coverage, but woe betide those of us who must buy our own coverage. It's ridiculous.  I'm never even sick, but being charged more than $400 a month for garbage insurance that covers nothing routine and would benefit me only in case of catastrophe."	It's ALL bloody wrong.  We need a national health system such as all other allegedly civilized countries have.	"Those who get taken care of for nothing or very little, due to good employer coverage, don't recognize the problem and won't be willing to give up a thing unless educated on the issue.  How they scream if their co-pay goes up by $5, never mind that other people are paying $100 or more just to see a doctor (or don't go, because they don't have it)."	"The inequity has to stop, obviously, and it will not stop with the present structure. The government must take the initiative, to see that everyone is treated fairly. "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	1/5/06 4:27 PM
3508	"The money wasted on the insurance beauracracy could be better spent directly on health care.    Also, business complains about health care costs for its employees.  If we had a single payer system, for example, expanding Medicare,  businesses could be more competitive. "	Single payer is the way to go.  	They have to be convinced that it will cost less than they are currently paying for the same or better quality.	Expand Medicare to cover everyone.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/5/06 4:27 PM
3509	people being able to maintain health insurance	I think we should have universal coverage so that all Americans are able to obtain the health care they need.  Health care should not be just for the wealthy or the lucky few who get it through employment.  	I would be willing to wait a little longer for non-essential testing.  I know one of the complaints in Canada is the long wait for certain procedures but I think it is worth it because all of them have access to health care.	"That we switch to universal coverage so that all Americans have health care access.  I also believe that this will eliminate the burden on employers and they could save costs, jobs and increase and/or maintain profits."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/5/06 4:28 PM
3510	"The current system is not an insurance plan, when we have to worry about how much our health care is going to effect our living expenses, this isn't health care it is a joke.  We should have something closer to what other industrialized nations have, no matter how it is delivered, we need guarantees."	"Take the burden off our employers, let them do what they are there to do, make and sell products that are high quality so we don't have to worry about our pensions as well as health care."	I don't know why it has to be a trade-off. Instead of paying monthly fees to companies that are forever rising these fees we should pay into a single payer plan that is managed by the government.	Give everyone all the needed coverage that they need.   If someone thinks they need cosmetic surgery let them milk those people not people who have been effected by living in this highly advanced society.    So much of what we need health care for is because of this society that we are all a participant of.  	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	1/5/06 4:28 PM
3511	Unaffordable prescription drugs. Obesity.	We need some sort of single-payer system.	There should be no trade-offs when it come to health care.	Institute a single-payer system.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/5/06 4:30 PM
3512	The high cost with and without insurance.	The government should be helping Americans more with funds to aid lower income patients.	I don't think Americans should sacrifice anything to attain quality health care. Our government should be doing everything it can to make sure all Americans have health care.	Reform health insurance. I have Blue Cross PPO and I can't see my Fibromyalgia specialist because Blue Cross cut her off from participating in the PPO program.	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	1/5/06 4:30 PM
3513	"Increasing numbers of Americans without health insurance, or underinsured. Inability to pay medical bills is a leading cause of personal bankruptcy, even in people who had insurance at the start of their illnesses."	"We need national health insurance, run by the government and paid for through taxes."	"There is no need for real ""trade-offs"". The American public is willing to take the health care system away from the insurance industry, and reduce the profits of the pharmaceutical industry. The savings in administrative costs and profits are enough to fund affordable, high quality health care for all Americans."	"Begin immediately to shift to a single-payer, government-run, tax supported health care system. Everybody in, nobody out. THEN, we will be able to improve the health care system in ways that count: better care for people with chronic illnesses, electronic medical records, reduction of medical errors, etc. All of these programs are in effect NOW in the Veterans Administration medical system, which is one example of a single-payer, government-run, tax supported health care system right here already in the USA."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/5/06 4:30 PM
3514	"It is unaffordable, and does not cover people with pre-existing illness."	NULL	"We already are making huge trade-offs, we cannot even keep the same doctor for many years because of insurance changes. Doctors do not take the necessary time with each patient, and waiting times are ridiculous. Most prescriptions are not covered. Don't know what else to trade off..... that pretty much covers it."	"Stop allowing insurers to get rich, call all the shots, and make decisions that doctors and patients should be making. Force insurers to cover those of us who are already ill, affordably."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/5/06 4:31 PM
3515	"   What concerns me most is that, the poor will be unable to recieve health care and will as a result, suffer more than they do now. The rich or insured are not as concerned about this issue, because they have the attitude, well that is that persons problem.  We go to other countries, and give them health care,(not to say that Iam upset about helping them) but while at the same time, do not take care of all of its citizen, who can not afford to go to a doctor. It is really sad, when you are sick, and have to say to yourself, I am so sick, but cant afford to see a doctor and just hope and pray that you will get better on your own.      Have we sunk, so low in this country that we have reached a point, where we say if you poor,you just lay down and die, because you are poor. Or that because someone is poor, that the value of their life is less than someone who has money. "	I think that the taxes we pay should pay for the health care for this countries citizens like some of the other countries do.	" I think that the American public, would like to see some of the politicians get less money than they currently get.  While I dont see this happening, if find it uacceptable, for a congressman or legislator to recieve over a $100,000.00 a year and then say that they cant live off of less. Well, I say if they cant live off of that amount,then they or must not know how to manage their money to well. Let them try living off of about $15,000.00 dollars a year and see how they like that.   "	"To use what the taxes we pay, be used for the taxpayers...."	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	1/5/06 4:34 PM
3516	Increasing insurance costs (so that more people can't afford coverage).  Increase of the uninsured.  Government cluelessness about doing anything about this problem.	"As someone who works in healthcare, I'd like to see a single payer system.  A lot of health care dollars are used to administrate hundreds of health plans, maintain contracts, systems, etc."	"There is a 2-strata system here.  The top tier has access to a lot of choice in doctors and care.  The bottom tier has to take what it can get, if anything.  I don't see the top tier being willing to make any sacrifices so more people get an adequate level of care."	A single-payer system.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/5/06 4:34 PM
3517	Universal availability; profit motives (lawyers and large health care organizations)	Absolutely -- we should use the France and Canada models. Health care is a human right.	"If we could make it clear to every American that they will TRADE new taxes for free premiums (and also benefit from a more fair and reasonable system), it would take away some of the fear of greater costs. But lawyers and big health companies have crazy amounts of power and we have to stomach a fight with them to overhaul the flawed system. "	Make unfair profits illegal. Adopt Universal Medicare or Western European model.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/5/06 4:34 PM
3518	"Cost and availability, in Louisiana thanks to Bobby Jindal the uinsured and the poor have less access to health care than  they did in the past, even with medicare  they are having to put  at 3500 dollars to be admitted to the LSU Medical Center System, this used to be a free service, without proof of in come and no insurance these individuals are forced to pay full cost. When this is related to trauma or a life threatening illness the charges can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars which is un affordable."	"The cost of premiums should be kept at an affordable rate, pharmacy cards need to be consistent in what they will pay for, An example of this is my private provider would not pay for ADHD medications, and would not pay for certain cancer drugs."	None	"make it affordable to all Americans, and easier to keep or obtain when there is a preexisting or chronic condition such as cancer, diabetes, epilepsy."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	1/5/06 4:35 PM
3519	The lack of regulation and push for privatization of health care. We need a national program to meet all un- and under-insured needs.	"Health care should NOT be tied to employment. Obviously, the poor, the unemployed, the disabled, etc. should have GUARANTEED access to quality health care through a national health plan for all."	I believe most Americans would be willing to pay additional taxes to ensure a national health plan available to all.	"Take health care out of the hands of the profiteers (big pharma, big hospital, big corporatons) and into the hands of care givers and responsible adminstrators with major government support."	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/5/06 4:36 PM
3520	My major concern is personal - I have no Health care coverage.	Yes - I think it sould be universal and paid for with tax money like social security is.   though not necessarally a payrole tax.	"I don't believe Americans should be asked to compromise there health.  Drug companies, insurance co.s and the medical establishment should be revamped as ""not for proffet"" and designed to serve Americas not exploit Americans."	Just do it!	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	HI	1/5/06 4:36 PM
3521	The cost	"Yes, the governemt should pay for all of it!"	The upper classes need to give back by paying higher taxes to support a health care system.	Bring the cost of drugs down.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/5/06 4:37 PM
3522	"The richest country in the world does not provide health insurance to people.  Corporations are taking benefits away, insurance premiums are on the rise and ""outta site"" for most people.  The Republican Administration is cutting Medicaid budgets (shame on them) so States are having a hard time insuring poor children.  This is truly another disgrace of this country's policies."	"Universal health care for all ...as most progressive foreign countries have.  At a time when many of our systems are falling apart, the current Administration just weakens the systems.  If Corporations paid their fair share of taxes, a system like Medicare could be set up for all.  "	I think most people would glaldly pay a health care tax of some kind ...as long as corporations would pay their fair share ...which it is evident they don't.  CEO's making millions in salaries a year.  	Control the Insurance Companies ...and get rid of this culture of corruption the Republican Party has brought in!	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/5/06 4:38 PM
3523	"Right now the confusing way the new medicare ""Part D"" drig payment structure laid out is almost impossible to follow up on. I have a feelig that only the large drug comanies will benefit from this new  arrangement."	Complete medical coverage for all as operated in other civilized democacies should be the goal for our country as well.	Whatever is useful and customary elsewhere in the world would work for us too.	Make it available to all as is done elsewhere.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/5/06 4:39 PM
3524	I can't afford insurance!	Yes.  Medicare for all.	I think everybody realizes npow that we have a problem that can't be fixed by the private sector.	Single Payer Medicare-type health insurance for all.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/5/06 4:40 PM
3525	"That people who need coverage the most, cancer victims, or anyone with a life threatening condition or anyone who has survived a life threatening disease are unable to obtain health care due to incredibly high premiums.  This is done intentionally by providers to weed out those who are the most vulnerable."	That all corporate entities have a health care tax so that those individuals who can not afford coverage be taken care of.  This could be done on a sliding scale according to the size of the company and profit.  	"Higher taxes on certain luxuries i.e. car purchase, if you own more than one home higher property tax on the second domicile, the same would apply on car purchases, SUV, Vans etc.     "	"That all Americans be covered... regardless of illness, past or present, or financial status."	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/5/06 4:42 PM
3526	"I will be 65 in 19 years and I don't really think Medicare will be there when I retire.  Also, I have chronic mental and physical illnesses which are getting more and more expensive to treat because the insurance premiums continue to increase, along with the copays, while my insurance company continues to pay less and less for my care.  Furthermore, mental, optical, and dental coverage should be combined with ""physical"" health insurance.  Because I have chronic mental and physical illnesses, I have to meet three deductibles every year instead of one (physical, mental, and prescription medications).  This is wrong.  Your head, eyes, and teeth are connected to your body; therefore, they should be covered in every health insurance policy."	"Health care should be available for everyone.  I'm unemployed and my mother is paying for my insurance, which is very expensive because it's a single policy.  People who are unemployed or self-employed should be able to pool their resources with other people so that the insurance costs go down for these people."	"I'm not sure about trade-offs.  We have too many trade-offs now.  I believe by pooling our resources in a community insurance policy (but not run by the government), a lot of people who currently cannot afford insurance will be able to afford high quality health care."	Make it mandatory for insurance companies to cover whoever applies for insurance; and just as important: get rid of the mental health disparity so that the millions of mentally ill people in this country can have productive lives they would otherwise not be able to afford because of the triple deductibles.	female	NULL	No	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	1/5/06 4:43 PM
3527	"Nearly 20% of us do not have access to health care other than emergency rooms, which is too expensive."	Yes.	No trade offs are necessary if we create a single payer system as outlined by Congressman Dennis Kucinich.	Everyone should take their current health insurance premiums and put that money into medicare or the health care program for our federal government representatives.  If we eliminate private health insurance companies we can afford health care for all of us.	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/5/06 4:43 PM
3528	"Cost.  And the interference allowed by insurers and drug companies in order that they make huge profits over the well-being of humans. Cost and coverage must be within every person's range without having to declare poverty to obtain reasonable health care.  Health care, rather lack of sustainable coverage for all Americans, is the shame of this country.  We are so backward in this matter, the leaders in position to change it are to be shamed.  Something must be done now and not like introducing another Medicare Part D, which is an embarassing sham."	"Individuals and government should share costs where practicable.  There should not, however, be lesser care of those who are too poor to contribute,  There are many who cannot afford it due to the high-paying jobs shipped overseas and the wages of jobs available only afford the varest living expenses and contain no health coverage.  That is the boil left by the events of the past 6 years, where poor people are becoming more a part of the country with little regard from the administration."	I don't believe there is a good trade-off that makes sense in these times. Americans have worked hard to get better lives and why should they have to sacrifice for corporate greed.	Limits on costs of drugs and hospitals.  Hospitals need not be country clubs but clean and affordable.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	1/5/06 4:45 PM
3529	"Fragmented, crazy, high cost, low service, non-system!"	"I am a long time member of ""HCA"" - Heath Care for All Californians!  We support SB 840 which, after passing the Senate,  is now in the Assembly. "	"Our ""HCA"" position is to fold in all Federal and State programs into the plan. The Lewin Group study indicates California will save @ 8 billion dollars the first year! "	Pass a National Health Care Plan as Representative Kuscinich proposed during the 2004 Presidential Primaries.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/5/06 4:47 PM
3530	high cost that makes healthcare unavailable to people that need it the most. 	"it is time to go to single payer, socialized medicine."	don't know	"single payer, "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/5/06 4:48 PM
3531	"My biggest concern is the accessibility of health care.  With sweeping Medicaid cuts to pay for an illegal war, the working poor and indigent are suffering.  My other concern is the lack of regard for mental health care."	I think we need a National Health Care system.	I think we could spend less on illegal wars and more on health care	Equal access to health care for all Americans.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	1/5/06 4:48 PM
3532	That only Americans that get health insurance through their employer is covered. Employers are having to give up health coverage for employees because of the cost.	I think we should have a single payer system to streamline all the costs of administration of heatlh coverages.	I think a PPO/HMO blend where you must see a gatekeeper but still have some freedom to choose your provider. 	"Allow governments (Meciare), etc to negotiate the high costs of medecines for their enrollees."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	1/5/06 4:49 PM
3533	"A big concern is that a great number of people fall through the crack between people elegible for Medicade and those who can afford health insurance.  They have just enough income not to qualify for Medicade, but cannot afford expensive health insurance."	no Comment.	"This is a question that will be very hard to meet with a solution, there are so many variables."	I do not have one.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OK	1/5/06 4:49 PM
3534	"That it focusses on profit instead of prevention  and as a result is 10-100 times the cost it should be, and - on a related issue - that non-AMA-sanctioned treatment modalities - many of which are far less costly, and far more effective - are actually illegal for practicioners to implement."	Make it paid for by government only.	"If we focus on prevention and other natural healing principles as opposed to onlytreating symptoms and disease after it has manifesting, these would be moot points."	Switch from profit-driven treatment after-the-fact to far les costly prevention (see above for more info).	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/5/06 4:51 PM
3535	To many citizens not covered.	"Yes. All citizens covered by a plan very similar if not identical to Medicare A, B and D, operated by Medicare only. All employers should be required to pay a significant portion of health plan premiums. Private insurance companies can then compete for supplemental coverage.  Low income who can't afford a supplement, get a supplement paid for by the state. The U.S. should charge the country of origin for non-citizens who need medical services. This might result in world-wide health insurance coverage except in the poorest of nations as currently exist in Africa.  Perhaps a UN plan for these countries?"	"As a retired Federal Employee with FEHBP, we would still have excellent coverage. Congress needs to put controls on health costs, particularly drugs. Current government costs for Medicare as well as Medicaid may not be that much more if we had control on costs."	"Read above.    I am a volunteer benefits counselor for NM Aging and LTS Dept.(aka: HIBAC). I have given several classes on the new Drug Program. I talk to many seniors, as well as younger disabled who are in dire need of assistance, health wise as well as economically. This country needs much more than Medicaid to get people out of poverty."	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	1/5/06 4:51 PM
3536	"Well, first, it would be nice to join 46 million friends lacking insurance in a Single Payer Healthcare system.    In conjunction, we need price controls on drugs, diagnostics and devices.    Then we need to increase public funding for discovery of new agents. Kucinich has a bill in Congress to add monies for later phases of clinical trials.    As part of that, patent law must change to reward the discoverer(s) and NOT stockholders. That has distorted the intention of patent law and actually resulted in a decline of discovery of novel agents.  "	We need a single payer system.	Ah--trade offs? Screw that. We could lower our outrageous 16% of GDP spent on healthcare by instituting the issues addressed in the first question.  	Single payer healthcare.  	male	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/5/06 4:55 PM
3537	That the costs will keep going up and the restrictions for certain meds will be unavailable to people living with a chronic illness like myself.	Medicare should be available to all US residents	paying low cost premiums	Medicare for all	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/5/06 4:57 PM
3538	"I would like to invite you to participate in our national discussion about Health Care - www.HCTalk.com If you have any questions, please let me know. "	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/5/06 4:57 PM
3539	"That so many people don't have it, and if I'll be able to afford it much longer ?"	"Not sure, but something must be done, it's more than likely to late !"	None I think we are already traded out and shouldn't have to.	"Stop letting them make laws that pay for everything for government officals, even when they stop working, let's get real they are all ripping it off, yes they say it's legal, but they make the laws. I'm thinking of moving out of U.S because it's so unfair, so good luck with the crook's."	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	1/5/06 5:00 PM
3540	Meidcare and the new Medicare Part D	"Yes, our nation should have a National Health Organization where seniors pay NOTHING for medical care as in Great Britain."	Why should the public trade off anything?  We should have the same health care as the Politicians do.  	National Health Organization.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NE	1/5/06 5:01 PM
3541	"Single payer is the only way. The incestuous health insurance, malpractice, and care delivery racket that we have now is a global disgrace. New Gilded Age plutocrats, for shame!"	"Single payer. It would vastly cut down the waste fraud and abuse of the corporate kleptocracy.    As Rep. Kucinich puts it, we're already paying for the health care of every American. We're just not getting it. "	"It should not need to be stated, that prevention is vastly superior to end-of-life techno-heroism. It just leaves our techno-fetish cult dissatisfied.   "	"Cut the cost — administrative paper shuffling, gonzo executive compensation packages and institutional ""just say no"" to health care — and deliver the service where it's needed. "	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	1/5/06 5:01 PM
3542	"COST!  As a baby boomer at age 58, who is a small business owner, the cost to our family has forced us to increase the deductible to $3,000 each in order to reduce premium level below $1,000 per month for 2 adults, without coverage for pre-existing conditions,ie, high blood pressure, begnin prostate problem---the stuff that comes with age!"	"As Medical Practice Management Consultant, I can validate the drug companies are the only entity making significant dollars in this business. Start with their cost."	Review the Canadian model as a starting point.	Affordable access.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/5/06 5:02 PM
3543	"Prices keep going up on insurance and service is getting worse (from the insurance companies).  It seems as though we spend more time filling out paperwork than we do getting seen by doctors.  And on top of that, insurance has become so expensive, many people can't afford to have any.  This means that those people who do sacrifice to pay for insurance end up paying for those who cannot afford it."	"No, I think all parties should contribute.  We do have to find a way to provide coverage to everyone, however."	"I don't know.  One thing is that the American public has to become more responsible for their health, i.e. they have to learn to take better care of themselves.  "	That there is no equality in the system.  I believe that every American should be able to have the same level of care that the President and Congress receive.  We have to come up with a way to ensure that everyone gets taken care of and that all procedures are available to anyone...not just those in government.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/5/06 5:04 PM
3544	"I decry the lack of health care for all, even those who cant afford it. There is something wrong with system like this. Especially in a country as rich as this one is. "	I think that health care should be mandated for all. Regardless of ability to pay. 	Id be willing to pay higher taxes	Level the playing field by making it the same in all states and the payments the same. Make the insurance companies accountable. 	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/5/06 5:04 PM
3545	"The incredible costs, the fact that what an insurance company says they will pay and what they do pay is not always the same, that people like my husband cannot get reasonable health care without going totally out of pocket or paying crippling amounts of health insurance.  If we were very wealthy, we would not be worried, if we were very poor we would have options available to us.  But middle income people bear the brunt of the ""gaposis"" (gaps in cost and coverage) in the health care system.  "	I can only think that government should take on more of the health care costs.	"I am not sure, but I would be willing to bear the cost of office visits if there were some way to be covered for hospitalization."	Actually make it available to ALL Americans.  It is NOT!  And many people who have the greatest access to health care are not even citizens of the United States.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/5/06 5:06 PM
3546	"The lack of access to the right health care and the waste of money that occurs when using an HMO system of delivery.  As a person living with a chronic illness, the idea that I need to work through a primary caregiver to get to the specialist I need is a waste of time and money. I am also concerned by the lack of well-care programs available to people to help them before a serious illness occurs. "	"This system does not allow those who need healthcare the most to access it if they are not part of a larger group.  Perhaps if insurance groups were based on geographical location rather than employer there would be better access and choices made by the consumer. Employers or goverment programs (Medicare, Medicaid) could issue vouchers that could then be used by people to help defray the costs of their premiums or individuals could buy into a plan without any restrictions.  This way the best plans would thrive through the support of a larger consumer base and those that don't offer the support would eventually go out of business much like education vouchers."	It depends on the health of the individual and how frustrated they are by the system. People who have never had to navigate the healthcare system don't understand the difficulty and cost that comes with finding the right healthcare.  I think that everyone should have access to preventive healthcare and prescription drugs.  I also think alternative healthcare should be covered to some extent as it can often prevent or postpone serious illness later in life.	"Stop restricting our choice.  If people could freely choose their health care plan, only those that truly offered optimum healthcare would survive.  "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/5/06 5:08 PM
3547	"Some how losing my employer coverage based health care and having preexisting conditions no longer covered. Plus I have a 19 year old son with epilepsy who is a student but is having trouble in college. He risks losing coverage on my health care if he isn't full time. There should be some way to help the ""in betweens"" that work and go to school but still need health care or he faces over $400 a month in medication bills alone. "	We need a drastic overhaul of our health care system. With health care costs going up over 90% employers can't be expected to keep paying the costs and employees can't afford to be without it. The middle class is once again getting screwed. We can't afford to pay our medical bills if we get sick. We can't afford to not have medical insurance but we can't afford to get it on our own either. If you are self-employed and a small business owner you are totally screwed with our current health care system. 	I think if we worked out a system similiar to the plan that Canada has in place now we could do a lot better. We have a lot of waste in our health care system and it just seems to be getting worse each day. 	Impeach George Bush.    Ok since that isn't likely any time soon we need to get the lobbyist working for the all the various drug and insurance companies to be banned from having anything to do with our elected officials in congress. Maybe then we can have some policies made that would benefit people versus just the bottom line or their stock options.	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/5/06 5:09 PM
3548	It is unavailable to those who have no insurance and unafforadable to those who do.	"I think we MUST have a universal healthcare system for all CITIZENS, paid for by a national sales tax or value added tax. Deductibles and coinsurance will be included to reduce overutilization. Persons will be permitted to add additional coverage for elective care and pay for it themselves. Higher income individuals and families will have some reasonable out-of-pocket costs.  "	I think they will accept a national sales tax which would be the fairest way topay for such a program along with a single payer regulated by the U.S. Government thus cutting out the multiple insurance companies. I also think they will accept price controlls on drugs and services.	"Universal healthcare for all citizens financed by a value added tax, cost subsidies and less governmental spending on defense, corporate welfare and bailouts and international entanglements."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/5/06 5:12 PM
3549	It should be available to all legal citizens as a guaranteed right.	We need to follow another model. Take the best of what works in Canada and European countries that have free health care.	I think a whole new system would be accepted if it could be shown not to cost most of those who already have care any more than they are paying today.	More education on living a healthy lifestyle.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/5/06 5:15 PM
3550	The patients are like a herd of cattle. Just get em through the office and out the door as quickly as possible.	Not sure	not sure	"Community Clinics. Bring health care to the people. If a graduting Doctor borrowed from the goverment, then in order to pay the loans for schooling(at a reduced interest rate) Community service would be required."	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/5/06 5:16 PM
3551	first of all I don't have health insurence i can't afford it. i don't go to the doctors becasue i have to feel like i'm dying  to make sure i'n really needing to go. than I don't eat for a few days to pay the doctor. expcise what you pay for the service you get.	The doctors and hospitals charge way to much .	if the employer  paid the employee more we could pick up the slack.Also it wouldn't hurt for the government to regulate some of the cost	regualte the cost.why should doctors live in big houses and the people the are serving be starving and can't pay there serivices	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/5/06 5:16 PM
3552	It is unavailable to those who have no insurance and unafforadable to those who do.	"I think we MUST have a universal healthcare system for all CITIZENS, paid for by a national sales tax or value added tax. Deductibles and coinsurance will be included to reduce overutilization. Persons will be permitted to add additional coverage for elective care and pay for it themselves. Higher income individuals and families will have some reasonable out-of-pocket costs.  "	I think they will accept a national sales tax which would be the fairest way to pay for such a program along with a single payer regulated by the U.S. Government thus cutting out the multiple insurance companies. I also think they will accept price controlls on drugs and services.	"Universal healthcare for all citizens financed by a value added tax, cost subsidies and less governmental spending on defense, corporate welfare and bailouts and international entanglements."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/5/06 5:18 PM
3553	The lack of national health insurance.    The high cost and the lack of coverage for many people.	"There should be a single, unified national health insurance system."	I will pay more taxes to in exchange for eliminating the costs of private health insurance for my employer and for me.	Enact national health insurance covering all.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	1/5/06 5:19 PM
3554	"poor access, high cost, poor continuity of care (all related to insurance plans and cost)"	"single payor, get the insurance companies out of it!"	"As a professional/mental health provider, I would be more than willing to accept lowered fees if I could collect on every patient and if I didn't have to spend time and resources on the insurance/billing paperwork.    As a 'consumer', I want more of my tax dollars to go toward a universal system and less to go toward the Dept. of Defense.  There should be more emphasis on prevention and coverage of preventative services, rather than tertiary care."	"universal, single payor"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	HI	1/5/06 5:19 PM
3555	"1.  those millions not covered.  2.  those of us who are covered but benefits are being cut, and premiums raised.  3.  Prescription drug plan is no good. Need one that covers all, and is easy to interpret."	"I think a national health care system needs to be in place, where the government pays - If individuals are to pay a monthly cost, it must be one all can afford.  and, a drug plan for all must be included in this national health care system."	No trade offs.  WE are already getting ripped off by the insurance companies.  We have already been compromised.	"National Heath Care/Universal Health Care for all, including drug plan."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	1/5/06 5:20 PM
3556	There are too many people who are uninsured today.	"I favor a single-payer system, with corporations and individuals contributing."	"I believe that taxpayers, if they saw the efficiencies in programs like Medicare, would favor a tax-based single payer system."	"Understand that health care is a right of all,not just the benefit of a fortunate majority."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/5/06 5:20 PM
3557	"Its dependence on private insurance, which is often unavailable or unaffordable."	"Yes! We need to go to a single-payer system. All it would take is a one-sentence law: effective immediately, all citizens and legal residents of the United States are members of MEdicare."	I believe that we would pay whatever it takes to provde high-quality care for all. Limits and means-testing would not be acceptable.	Single payer now!	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/5/06 5:23 PM
3558	"That the most expensive countrywide system in the world provides for 45 million plus uninsured, that 18,000 people die a year for lack of preventive health care, that congressmen of both parties do not seem to be greatly upset, that half of the bankruptcies are caused by medical bills. All this happens in a country which has the best medical care but just not available to everone. I think healthcare is the right of every citizen. "	"Yes I am an advocate of the ""Single Payer"" system. I came from England and have lots of family still there so I am not afraid of the British ""socialized medicine"" However I realise the problems of selling that system here. I would like to see HR 676 ""Medicare for All"" become the preferred health care program. I am 84, have had a Quadruple Byepass, AAA and a Caratid Artery during the last 10 years. Have just got out of hospital after a bout with pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis. I think the Medicare system works very well. If only the system was allowed to provide prescription drugs as other countries do it would be perfect."	"I find it difficult to consider changing to Medicare for All as a trade off. Under Medicare I have complete choice of doctors, choice of hospitals, no one has told me I cannot have this treatment or that treatment as happens with HMO's. I dont see it as a trade off to pay for my healthcare through my income tax as I do for the Armed Services or our Roads etc. I dont consider it a trade off to eliminate HMO's and Insurance Companies -- they have no place in the Medical Field and are a huge waste of our hard earnt income."	"Implement HR 676 or HR 1200 or a similar ""Single Payer"" system."	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/5/06 5:24 PM
3559	The number of uninsured and under-insured American residents.	"All three entities should continue to play a role, but all health care dollars should be consolidated into a single payer system, a la Medicare, to save money on administrative costs and bulk purchases.  The savings can then be used to ensure all American residents."	"Americans do not need to lose benefits in order to ensure access to affordable, high quality health care for all - we must only shift our spending from administration to actual provision of health care."	"A universal, single-payer system."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/5/06 5:25 PM
3560	"I'm very concerned with our limited choices in the care we receive.  I would very much like (and need) to see more choices for alternative health care.  Despite doctors' oaths to do no harm, unfortunately, most of them do more harm then good, unintentionally.  They treat only symptoms of health problems, prescribing one bad pill after the next, pills that cause even worse side effects than the problem you originally went to have treated.  It's as if they don't know or don't care about treating the problem, not the symptoms.  We definitely need more wholistic alternatives, and we need for insurance companies to cover them so that we can afford them, instead of getting left with this second rate treatment we get because that's all our insurance will cover.  Many more lives could be saved with more treatment options and coverage.  "	"Yes, but I can't say just how or what at this time."	"Trade-offs?  We already make too many.  Our health is of utmost importance.  Access is not only unaffordable, it's also too far to travel in many cases, and again, no good choices in our treatments.  What MORE trade-offs could there possibly be?"	"Give us more choices!  Our right to choose how we treat our bodies and our ailments should NEVER be left for insurance companies to decide!  They are ignorant and only care about the money, not anybody's health or life."	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/5/06 5:25 PM
3561	Cost shifting from the working poor to the few remaining bona fide health plans.	"Large state or federal health care purchasing plans to gain real marketplace leverage on insurers, hospitals and drug manufacturers."	Switch to proven medical practices and proven formularies with responsive appeal processes open to patients and physicians.	Adopt proven symptom/treatment pairs as specified in the original Oregon Health Plan. Maintain an effective review board to oversee a process of continual change in medical practices.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/5/06 5:28 PM
3562	That it is linked to employment. We need to figure out an organizing agenda based on delinking health care.	That it is linked to employment. We need to figure out an organizing agenda based on delinking health care.	Most Americans need prescription & office coverage and catastrophic medical coverage. I would say that a $2000 individual and a $6000 family deductable would be palitable to most Americans as far as a trade off goes.	"Invest in prevention which means don't wait for the disease to begin & then try to take care of the probled. The US Government has spent billions to find a cure for heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other diseases. Their conclusion: Disease is easier to prevent than it is to cure. Doctors are not taught about prevention and are taught by the pharmaceutical companies to promote drugs. The best scientifically studied products to prevent disease fruits and vegetables. The problems almost no one eats enough and the farming methods have decrease the nutritional value up to 88% in the past three decades. "	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	1/5/06 5:30 PM
3563	too many people are not covered by insurance	We should have universal coverage under a single payer system.	Somewhat higher taxes.	"make it government administrated single payer. Fold in workers comp, medicare. medicade. drug coverage,general hospital etc into one overall plan."	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/5/06 5:30 PM
3564	"Cost, availability, medicare, drug costs, preventative health care not just care for sick and injured, affordable perscriptions, vetrans administration hospitals, as well as all publick hospitals"	"Health care should be available to all wether or not they work or not.  Employers, and goverment should bear most of the cost, individual persons cost should be minimal, All government employes, as well as house of representatives, senate, judges, and the president should be on the same health care plan as all the other citizens and resident non citizes.  That is the only way to assure quality affordable health care for all.. ie health care is not a priivelage it is the right of all in persuit of happiness, and fredom."	"tax increases especially for those most ABLE TO PAY, a fair and equitable tax system for all individuals, buisnesses, and corporations.  If welfare for the wealthy and for all buisness and corporations ius stopped I belive 90% of the people in this country would be willing to pay a little more tax.  Right now our unfair regressive tax system is the biggest block to affordable health care."	"a fair and eqitable non regressive tax system for all people, buisness and corporation based upon need and ability to pay in our economy would make affordable health care for all possible.  ie no breaks for greedy wealth and irresponsible business and corporate interests should be allowed by federal, state, or local laws.  Its time for true democracy and fairness to all not just the selrct elite greedy good ol boys, business and corporations.  our government is by and for the people.  no where in our constitution is there provision for priveledge for the wealthy or business or corporations."	male	NULL	No	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Not sure	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/5/06 5:31 PM
3565	The cost and the work load of health care personel 	I think health care should be paid for by the government so everyone has equal benefits	Most would willingly pay a small co-payment if the government insured us all	quit over working and understaffing the medical field	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/5/06 5:32 PM
3566	that so  many people don't get any - and the ones who are poor get very inferior health care	yes - universal health care - for everyone	the whole economy is skewed. you can't take one little piece out and fix it. health care should be an affordable part of a fair economy.	improve income levels for the poorest americans and fair taxes for everyone - and then provide good health care for everyone.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/5/06 5:33 PM
3567	That anyone should have access to quality healthcare.	I think that Medicare should follow the Military Healthcare model rather than be run by organizations like Blue Cross & Blue Shield.  The military Healthcare system is so good that all our federal politicians use it.	"I don't think that the American Public should have to make any tradeoffs.  Health care cost are out of control.  The healthcare providers (Doctors and Hospitals), the insurance companies, and the pharmaceutical companies al play a role in this."	Take our Federal legislators and senators off of the Military healthcare system and make them subject to the same type of access to healthcare that everyone else gets.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	1/5/06 5:34 PM
3568	Excessive use of drugs pushed by big Pharma to doctors who benefit from pushing pills.  The cost of health care at all levels is beyond normal inflation.  Encourage more preventative health care and alternatives to drugs.	Increased group buying power and competitive pricing	Reasonable deductibles based upon ability to pay	Educate the public to question treatments and procedures and take more personal responsibility	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/5/06 5:35 PM
3569	Lack of affordable health care for all Americans.	I support a single-payer government health care system.	"I think the American Public would accept a single-payer system administered by the government, and that such a system would result in enough efficiencies to counterbalance its cost.  The increased tax burden on individuals could be compensated for by increased wages (a result of lifting the health-care burden from corporate America.)   "	Follow the rest of the civilized world.  	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	1/5/06 5:37 PM
3570	The cost and the fact that the insurance companies are not paying for procedures they should pay for.	Efforts should be made to bring down the cost's of health care in this country. 	We could scrap the nuclear weapons program and put that money towards creating a health care program for the citizens of this country.	I have heard that senators and congressmen have a great health plan. Model that plan and make it available to all citizens. 	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/5/06 5:40 PM
3571	the cost 	I don't know	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	1/5/06 5:40 PM
3572	"I have two daughters=both college grads, and right now neither has a job where they have Health Care Benefits.  And, they and their friends, who have similar jobs, do not earn enough to buy current cost Health Plans.  Since my younger daughter has Type One Diabetes I have to pay for her to the cost of $466 a month.  Thankfully I can help her, but I did have other plans for that money.  We need in this country some kind of Health Insurance plan for the average person at maybe $100 or $200 a month.  It is rediculous that there are so many people like my daughters out there with no Health Insurance."	Universal low cost $100 to $200 a month	"The public better wake up, cause there are too many people in this country with no health care.  If we can have car insurance then we should be able to have health insurance!"	Low cost universal health insurance	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	1/5/06 5:40 PM
3573	"That all Americans don't have access to health care. The cost. That insurance companies, drug companies are driving the debate and crafting legislation to benefit them rather than citizens."	There should be National Health Care paid for through taxes and employers.	Unless the public is educated in the benefits to all they won't be willing to change the system we have now. As long as vested interests continue to frighten them into thinking that  health care will suffer this system will remain in place.	One payer National Health Care.	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	1/5/06 5:44 PM
3574	"We are two disabled parents that receive only Soc. Sec. benefits. Our children receive also SSI due to the fact that they have and live with 2 disabled parents that cannot work.  The Government has to pay for the people that can't pay for themselves, especially in the cases where there have been 12 Judges that have established that those people cannot work and are unemployable. Under the rules of the State at this time, they would consider your income towards living expenses to find out what amount of that is not used to calculate what its called ""Your Spend Down"", meaning that if our Spend Down is calculated by the State to be $1800.00 over the 5 people in the household, we then need to spend all this money first on medications, dental, doctors, etc (money we don't have), and only then we qualify to receive medical coverage.  The reason we can't ever qualify for the State coverage is because The State will only consider calculating your expenses as follows:  * Even if you pay $850.00 in rent= The State only calculates $540.00 maximum (where do I get to pay the rest of the money from, to pay my rent?   * Since we need one car for transportation for medical or for our children= the State does not calculates the car payments towards any monthly expenses, as if we were supposed to be able to fly...   * No car insurance is calculated in the qualification for the spend down, while this is mandatory in the States we live in and it is illegal to drive uninsured= who is paying for that and if we have to =why is this expense not used to calculate our expenses for the medical coverag