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 coverage or food stamps?  * Utilities also have a cap that it's a fraction of the real bill and its not calculated in its entirety.   * Property taxes, home insurance, gas and maintenance for the transportation (along with the fact that we cannot have a car that it's valued more then $2000.00 which disqualify us all together), are also not taking in consideration as an expense... Why? Who is supposed to pay for those if not us, and if we do pay them why are they eliminated from the qualification standards, so we can be forced to decide between our food and the bills?  Where do we find a car worth less then $2000.00 to safely drive our kids and us while we need to go to the Doctors= Are they having in mind that we kill ourselves driving in those unsafe cars or bring such dangerous vehicles on the roads where they should be eliminated from our public roads so they are not the cause of fatalities on the main highways?   If these bills are paid for and have to be paid to survive, why are the Legislators make such restrictive Laws for the poor, is that because they know that none of them could survive by those roles made by them, or is that because they are incompetent to think that people need health care and the Government should foot the bill since They are creating our minimum standard of living that can't be lived on by anyone in the rapid price gouging of today's markets.  Even the milk is no longer $0.89 cents, if you buy it for your own kids you then know that it's 5 times that amount, AND SO IT'S EVERY THING ELSE. I REALLI DON'T KNOW WHERE YOU PEOPLE ARE THINKING THAT WE WERE SOPOSE TO SHOP FROM?   WHY DO YOU IMPOSE ON US SUCH UNREASONABLE PRICE WHEN WE STILL NEED TO PAY THE REST OF THE MONEY THAT YOU DON'T TAKE IN CONSIDERATION WHEN CALCULATING OUR SPEND DOWN?  WHY SHOULD BE A SPENDDOWN AT ALL?  WE CAN'T WORK AND WE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO BE UNALE TO WORK, AND YOU ARE NOT GIVING US A 50% HIKE IN OUR BENEFITS THE WAY YOU ARE GIVING TO YOURSELVS. IS THAT BECAUSE YOU THINK THAT YOU NEED SO MUCH MONEY AND WE DON'T? OR ARE TO STUPID TO KNOW HOW TO SPEND THEM?  THIS IS DESABLED PEOPLE WE ARE TALKING ABOUT, PEOPLE THAT USED TO WORK HARD FOR A LIVING AND CAN'T ANYMORE, NOT PEOPLE THAT NEVER HELD A JOB FOR 5 GENERATIONS...  "	"People on disability should have State and Government health care covered with no co-payments (since the benefits are already to small and cant afford to pay for anything in today's living standards), and with no other dragging down of a person that is already sick and unable to fight to survive."	"Stop going to WARS and spend the Tax Payers money on the American people. We pay enough in taxes even at the disability level to cover for those needed expenses.   Make a law where just with the medicare card, no person has to pay sales or any other taxes and with that we can pay a small co-pay into our healthcare cost (but it should be a small percentile compare to the amount received and not one- fits- all type of deal since the incomes cannot be compared).   "	"Force the State and the Government law makers to change benefits with the rest of us for a period of one year, and this would give them all the necessary tools they need to come up with a comprehensive health core coverage for ALL AMERICANS.  I'LL BE LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS PERIODE OF TIME SINCE ALL MY TEATH ARE RATED AND CAN'T PAY TO HAVE THEM FIXED SO I CAN TO EAT A PIECE OF MEAT. "	female	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/5/06 5:47 PM
3575	"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 coverage or food stamps?    * Utilities also have a cap that it's a fraction of the real bill and its not calculated in its entirety.     * Property taxes, home insurance, gas and maintenance for the transportation (along with the fact that we cannot have a car that it's valued more then $2000.00 which disqualify us all together), are also not taking in consideration as an expense... Why? Who is supposed to pay for those if not us, and if we do pay them why are they eliminated from the qualification standards, so we can be forced to decide between our food and the bills?    Where do we find a car worth less then $2000.00 to safely drive our kids and us while we need to go to the Doctors= Are they having in mind that we kill ourselves driving in those unsafe cars or bring such dangerous vehicles on the roads where they should be eliminated from our public roads so they are not the cause of fatalities on the main highways?     If these bills are paid for and have to be paid to survive, why are the Legislators make such restrictive Laws for the poor, is that because they know that none of them could survive by those roles made by them, or is that because they are incompetent to think that people need health care and the Government should foot the bill since They are creating our minimum standard of living that can't be lived on by anyone in the rapid price gouging of today's markets.    Even the milk is no longer $0.89 cents, if you buy it for your own kids you then know that it's 5 times that amount, AND SO IT'S EVERY THING ELSE. I REALLI DON'T KNOW WHERE YOU PEOPLE ARE THINKING THAT WE WERE SOPOSE TO SHOP FROM?     WHY DO YOU IMPOSE ON US SUCH UNREASONABLE PRICE WHEN WE STILL NEED TO PAY THE REST OF THE MONEY THAT YOU DON'T TAKE IN CONSIDERATION WHEN CALCULATING OUR SPEND DOWN?    WHY SHOULD BE A SPENDDOWN AT ALL?    WE CAN'T WORK AND WE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO BE UNALE TO WORK, AND YOU ARE NOT GIVING US A 50% HIKE IN OUR BENEFITS THE WAY YOU ARE GIVING TO YOURSELVS. IS THAT BECAUSE YOU THINK THAT YOU NEED SO MUCH MONEY AND WE DON'T? OR ARE TO STUPID TO KNOW HOW TO SPEND THEM?    THIS ARE DESABLED PEOPLE WE ARE TALKING ABOUT, PEOPLE THAT USED TO WORK HARD FOR A LIVING AND CAN'T ANYMORE, NOT PEOPLE THAT NEVER HELD A JOB FOR 5 GENERATIONS..."	"People on disability should have State and Government health care covered with no co-payments (since the benefits are already to small and cant afford to pay for anything in today's living standards), and with no other dragging down of a person that is already sick and unable to fight to survive."	"Stop going to WARS and spend the Tax Payers money on the American people. We pay enough in taxes even at the disability level to cover for those needed expenses.   Make a law where just with the medicare card, no person has to pay sales or any other taxes and with that we can pay a small co-pay into our healthcare cost (but it should be a small percentile compare to the amount received and not one- fits- all type of deal since the incomes cannot be compared)."	"Force the State and the Government law makers to change benefits with the rest of us for a period of one year, and this would give them all the necessary tools they need to come up with a comprehensive health core coverage for ALL AMERICANS.  I'LL BE LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS PERIODE OF TIME SINCE ALL MY TEATH ARE RATED AND CAN'T PAY TO HAVE THEM FIXED SO I CAN TO EAT A PIECE OF MEAT."	male	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/5/06 5:49 PM
3576	"It is controlled by a drug-industry perspective that thrives on a government that protects it.  Moreover, it should be more holistic and use drugs only as a last resort."	"There should be a health care system that is available to all Americans.  There should also be a reward system for those who keep themselves healthy, such as monetary gains for not using the system."	"Stop tax breaks for large corporations and the wealthy, end pork-barrel giveaways, and don't start wars."	"Exercise, eat right (no junk foods), and sleep well.  Create wellness centers that are free to the public."	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	AZ	1/5/06 5:51 PM
3577	The increasing cost of both health care and the cost of insurance premiums	I like the health care savings account.  I can't sign up for one because I'm insured through my husband. I'd like to be able to sign up for one now so when I'm retired I'd be able to tap into it.	I'm not sure the public is willing to make any sacrifice when it comes to their benefits.  I know I'm willing to pay more for good quality care if need be.	To reform Medicare - So many people abuse the system.    	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/5/06 5:53 PM
3578	"The large number of people who do not have support for their health care. We are the only civilized country with this situation. Also, the increasing cost of health care cn not be justified."	"I think the best way to fairly pay for health care is by public (i.e. government funding, with the partial financial responsibility of patients."	"I suggest that patients be required to share a small fraction of the expense, possibly scaled according to income and wealth."	To make health care available and affordable for all.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/5/06 5:54 PM
3579	Lack of a national system for delivering health care to all our citizens.	Basic health care should be available to all Americans paid for through federal taxes.	Note that a significant portion of the present cost of health care is eaten up by insurance companies and this cost would be significantly reduced in a national plan if run efficiently.  	"National Health Care will only make us a stronger and healthier nation and encourage businesses to employ more Americans without the cost for providing basic health care coverage. However, I don't believe that the cost of this new added benefit should be passed down to the wage earners.  The tax structure should be altered to require more payments from high income individuals and corporations in order to fund National Health Care. "	male	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 5:54 PM
3580	High costs and lack of coverage.	National health insurance for all.	Higher taxes.	National health insurance 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	MI	1/5/06 5:54 PM
3581	46 million uninsured is morally indefensible in a country with our resources. We can not include ourselves among civilized societies until we fix this massive injustice.	We can cover everyone by expanding employment based coverage and the two existing government programs: Medicare and Medicaid.A single payor makes the most sense economically but has too many political negatives currently.	"The American public doesn't want to make trade-offs. They want it all. The true cost of health insurance, now received by many as a work benfit, must be made transparent. Then they will demand value for their healthcare dollar."	Find a way to cover everyone.	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 5:54 PM
3582	"If the country continues on its present course then Bush, Frist and the fortune 500 get their Christmas wish ..A RETURN TO A PEASENT CLASS IN AMERICA.  By importing workers business does not lower working conditions and benefits it wliminates them.  Min. wage in New Orleans or Seattle is good money if you were starving in China.  Plus our loss of liberty with the Patriot Act is much better than Burma and the ER works for health care."	Forget dereg of industry and healthcare and it could be turned around to a system that used to work and would work again.	"1. Leave Irag  2. scrap sweet heart deals to Bush cronies and bid govt. jobbs, thus freeing up Billions of dollars.  3. cut useless admin overhead in hospitals, clinics and insurance companies.  4.Reregulating health care   5,TARIFF"	 Tariff on imported products to pay for health care and education	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 5:56 PM
3583	"That so many have inadequate or no coverage, & that such a large percentage goes for profit. We need universal, single payer coverage."	"There should be ONE payer - not individuals or employers or states, but administered for the country as a whole, by a carefully chosen group who are committed to health care for everyone, & not profit."	"Once it's understood that so much money will no longer go to HMO's, insurance &  pharmaceutical companies & that early care & prevention keeps us all healthy and costs less. Everyone thrives in a healthy society."	" We must realize that everyone has a right to be healthy. Profits must no longer be seen as the goal. This will take a lot of consciousness raising, but we must do it. "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/5/06 5:57 PM
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3585	affordability	"yes, universal health care for all Americans"	tax increases	"make it available to all, supported by  the government"	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/5/06 6:00 PM
3586	It is dependent on where you work which is an inherently unfair system.	everything! Get rid of insurance companies. Provide a single payer system like Medicare for everyone.	"Not benefits, but they would be willing to pay higher taxes if it were explained properly."	"Before you can do anything, you have to change people's perceptions about a single-payer system. You can do this by using an advertising campaign that would debunk the insurance industry myths about 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	FL	1/5/06 6:02 PM
3587	"Unequal availability of proper health care for ALL!  Exorbitant prices charged people without health insurance.  No plan for basic health necessities like screenings, preventative care for all people.  Drug prices! Low reimbursement rates to doctors who treat Medicare patients"	Getting health insurance from employers puts patients at the mercy of what plans are chosen for them.  We should have National Health Insurance that won't disappear if a job is lost!COBRA coverage is too expensive for most people.	"I really feel that only those who have and can afford excellent health insurance will feel as if they are giving something up if all of us can be insured and get equal access!  Since there are so many people without insurance, or with insurance that is not good, trade-offs might not be much of a problem.  If people can choose their primary doctor, get services close to home, preventative care, and have a workable plan for handling any denials of service in cases of emergency, I don't think we'd have to give up benefits or have a high cost  since so many of us can't get proper care under this current system!"	"Make basic screenings and preventative care the basis for the plan.  In the long run, it will cost less, and we will be healthier.  And since every year about 30,000 needless deaths are caused by the plain old flu, maybe flu shots should be mandatory, except in cases where it would cause adverse effects.  Also, flu shots should be offered in both Spring and Fall.  In addition to cutting down the death toll, countless people would not have to miss school or work."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/5/06 6:03 PM
3588	The number of people without private or public health insurance coverage.	Cost to employers has driven business out of the country - its one of the factors. Employees need to share more of the cost or accept basic plans.  Public should provide basic community health care for emergencies and prevention.	Cost of premiums is too high for many employees - public should decide a base level of services with unusual costs to be shared by employees as individuals or referred to a employee pool fund. 	"Fund county health centers to provide well-baby care, family planning, disease prevention, and clinics for those without 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	OR	1/5/06 6:04 PM
3589	That so many are not covered.	I think there should be universal coverage and that it should be administered by the feds NOT PRIVATE insurance entities	Not sure	That the profit motive and the crises approach be removed from the arena of health care and be replaced by preventative medicine and universal health coverage.	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 6:04 PM
3590	"Cost of delivery health care services - (a) one doesn't always know what services he/she would need for a given condition, (b) the cost of these services are not known until after services are rendered, and (c) there is no ""limit"" on how much a provider/facility can charge for a service.  Almost everything else that an individual consumes, whether it's housing, clothing, food, or transportation, one can pre-determine it's quality and cost before one consumes it but not health care."	"I see nothing wrong with how we ""pay"" for the health care but have great concern on how the health care services are charged by service providers.  If we continue to allow ""free"" market to decide what the charge should be and/or what resources to use, the best we could do is to slow down the growth rate of the health care cost but would not be able to make it affordable long term.  Health care is perceived by Americans as an essential entitlement, like food and utility, which is socially, economically and humanely necessary for all to have.  I think for such an important service, free market approach to determining ""pricing"" would eventually bankrupt the society."	"I can easily say now that I'm willing to trade for high-cost, hight-tech and experiemental treatments for an affordable heanth care since I'm relatively healthy.  You said in your report, 50% of the cost is consumed by 5% of the population. For thre majority of the public, it's easy to ""make"" a trad-off while they are healthy.  But if you ask those 5% of the population to see if they are willing to make any trad-off, you will get a very different answer. Which one's is more important, the healthy majority or those who are in need?"	"Regulate service provider prctices - standardize treatment, totally revamp health service billing practices so as to avoid ""fragmentation"", mandate public information regarding cost, charge and quality, mandate sharing of medical information on individual patient, create and encourage local competition among provider, provide Federal funding of uncompensated cares at ""cost"", and create standard accounting rules to account and report on cost and make it public information."	male	NULL	No	Asian	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	1/5/06 6:06 PM
3591	It's so expensive!	"I think there need to be more options availible to people who are not wealthy, and have no insurance.  I also think we need greater accountability for HMOs.  The things they are allowed to get away with are appalling."	"I can't speak for the public, as a whole.  I, personally, don't see myself as having much to lose."	"Be open minded, and willing to consider alternatives."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/5/06 6:06 PM
3592	"I am very concerned about the lack of access to comprehensive and affordable health care for 45 million Americans who are uninsured plus another 40 million or more who are underinsured.  Many who are covered by Medicare or by Medicaid can not find providers willing to see them due to inadequate reimbursement by the government.  I am also very concerned about the high cost of health care in the U.S.; we spend twice as much per capita as countries that have single payer universal health care and have better outcomes.  We are wasting our health care dollars on excessive administrative costs due to the multiplicity of payers and policies and exclusions and also on corporate profits.  I am also very concerned about the lack of patient centered care, the lack of communication and the high number of medical errors.  Health care in the U.S. is fraught with maldistribution of resources.  It is wasteful, inaccessible for many working people and increasingly unsafe."	"It is unfair to link one's health care to one's employment.  We are the only country that does this.  We should design a national comprehensive health care insurance plan that covers everyone from birth to death as other developed nations do.  Coverage needs to include prevention and health education as well as acute care, chronic care and long term care, prenatal care and immunizations.  Mental health and dental care need to be included as well.  We need comprehensive health care reform with secure standard electronic medical records, everyone covered by a single payer (one risk pool) national health insurance with choice of a personal physician, standard and prompt payment of providers for services provided, and modest cost, including coverage of medications and medical equipment needed.  "	"A standard comprehensive health care insurance plan for all persons residing in the U.S. funded by income taxes and a modest employer tax for all employees plus all present public funding for health care if placed into one healthcare fund would be sufficient to cover everyone's healthcare needs.  We would save billions of dollars per year, reduce individual out of pocket costs, ""even the playing field"" for employers and lighten their burden, assure healthcare providers and hospitals of standard reimbursement for all services delivered to all persons, improve quality of care by ongoing monitoring of outcomes and continuing medical education.  Successful single payer universal health plans in other developed countries demonstrate that it CAN be done and done well and cost much less than what we do in the U.S. "	"Replace the chaotic, wasteful, unfair and costly health care delivery in the U.S. with a single payer (one risk pool) national health insurance plan that covers everyone from birth to death and provides comprehensive benefits (preventive, acute, chronic and long term care) with personal choice and affordable cost. "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/5/06 6:09 PM
3593	Shrinking coverage and increasing healthcare costs  lack of affordable health insurance outside employer-provided plans	Make it a one-payer system - the government	"They don't understand tradeoffs are needed if they have employer coverage now, even though their share of the cost continues to increase."	Make it a one-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	TX	1/5/06 6:09 PM
3594	"High cost, poor results, too many uninsured."	Create a single payer health care system.	I for one am willing to pay higher taxes if that means I do not have to pay for medical insurance.	"Universal care, paid through income tax (not salary tax)."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/5/06 6:10 PM
3595	what health care?	"there should be universal health care, all pay the same, including our congress and senators"	non. we already pay enough for very little service.	you figure it out.	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/5/06 6:14 PM
3596	"Lack of it!  Part-Time workers with no coverage, inadequate maternity leave time, alternative medicine coverage largely ignored, and we need more birth controll coverage and options largely available, especially to underage, single and low-income mothers."	The employers and government should work together in providing healthcare for part time and low income workers.	"I think middle America and poor America have paid enough, I think it's time to be less business profit orientated and give more tax breaks to employers who provide excellent healthcare coverage.  Also, redirecting government funds away from military endeavors, and working on domestic issues would help.  I think the American Public is willing to pay for improved health care and a better environment, (the connection between the two is evident to the American Public if not by the American government or American businesses) by spending more for quality, self-sustaining programs.  I think the American public will forgo products and services to influence industry."	Better health care for women and children means less overall poverty levels.  Education is the most important tool we have.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	1/5/06 6:14 PM
3597	"Lack of access for people under 65 who are not in a group over 50 employees.    Cost and waste of present ""non-systems"""	Single payer system avaiable to all Americans	We paying for the cost of a unviversal single payer system now and just don't have the system.	"A universal health care system modeled after the effective not for profitHMO models in the midwest and elsewhere, but with government susidy and sliding fee systems based on income"	male	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 6:16 PM
3598	The spiraling costs are fast turning our nation into a caste system based on who can and cannot afford to have health care.  Those who cannot are simply left to rot in disease...right here in this country!  Shamefull.	"We ALL should pay...but equitably.  A National Health system like that in Canada, Great Briton or Europe...like almost every other advanced nation on the globe...is the way to go."	What trade-offs?  Why should their be trade-offs?  A National Health System should NOT compromise high quality care nor benefits.	A National Health Care System	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MT	1/5/06 6:18 PM
3599	"Politicians have an all paid health care plan.  The best health care the rest of us have is nothing compared to the politicians.  When the politicians are forced, as they should be, to have the same insurance (and pay and social security) as retired people with  medicare and a company health plan, the unfairness will continue. It should be illegal. "	Such as?	Why should they trade-off?	"Find the tax money and spend it on helping Americans, not pork barrels."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/5/06 6:19 PM
3600	The cost.	NULL	We should have national health care.	Control what hospitals can charge.	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 6:22 PM
3601	" Cost, confusion, lack of access, stuff not covered, lack of medications being covered, waste of money and doctors pressured to make diagnoses based on cost"	" One price should cover each individual with a one payer system for services. Premiums could then be paid bu employers as a perk if need be, plus Gov't could cover poor."	" Not sure. Would need some options to look at. I'd think most people would love to have full care for all for a flat fee, not based on risk assessment."	 Single payer system with all Americans being covered.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	1/5/06 6:26 PM
3602	It is far too expensive.  It is undermined by the pharmaceutical companies.  It is not oriented toward prevention....rather it's oriented towards drugs and replacements.	"We should have a uniform one-payer system in which all MUST participate, even the wealthy.  We should model our health care on the Canadian system."	I think the public would be more than willing to vote for health care funding as opposed to war.  I think the public wants equal access and care for all citizens from cradle to grave.	Get the drug and insurance companies out of the driver's seat.	female	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VT	1/5/06 6:26 PM
3603	everyone should have some basic level of health care coverage regardless.	"i believe in and support some version of socialized medicine, and we have plenty of models around the world that we could use as starting points."	some military dollars could very easily be funneled into health care and education...	impeach bush.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/5/06 6:27 PM
3604	THE LACK OF GOVERNMENT CARING ABOUT THEIR PEOPLE'S HEALTH AND CUTTING FUNDING AND REGULATING NEW LAWS TO PROTECT SPECIAL INTERESTS.	"ADOPT A SIMILAR PLAN LIKE ENGLAND HAS, IT SHOULD BE A GOVERNMENT FUNDED PLAN."	THERE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO BE ANY.	GET RID OF BUSH AND PUT SOMEONE IN OFFICE WHO HAS THE POEPLES INTERESTS AT HEART.	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/5/06 6:29 PM
3605	The lack of affordable health care for those who are unemployed or employed by firms that are too small for affordable coverage.  Lack of affordable health care for those who suffer from chronic illnesses or pre-existing conditions.	"I believe that the insurance industry should be required to provide affordable insurance for all.  I don't believe that a plan should be national insurance, but rather a system that is fair and requires insurance campanies not to have exhorbitat profits on the backs of those who need their coverage the most."	"The American public will be less likely to make emergwency room visits that cost the taxpayers more money than preventitive care.  Perhaps we should cut back on our military budget and retain a portion of those funds for adequate, affordable and quality health care."	"Revision of the statutues that govern the insurance industry.  Frivilous lawsuits should require the filer to pay a fee to the healthcare system.  An education program to inform all of their rights and responsibilities regarding healthcare and that doctors and healthcare workers are not ""gods,"" but human beings who sometimes make mistakes.  I don't think litigation should exclude malicious or intentionally injurious conduct for a patient, but should exclude all frivilous suits"	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/5/06 6:31 PM
3606	The unavailability of health care access for the poor and elderly.	We should have a universal single payer plan.	None.  Most people want everything without paying for it.	Legislators need to grow some courage and begin arranging for a universal single payer plan.  Research has repeatedly shown that it would be cheaper to eliminate all health insurance companies and have the government pay for health care.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	1/5/06 6:36 PM
3607	"That so many people do without the health care they need to remain healthy and productive, that so many children go to school to try and learn when they have illnesses that go unrecognized because the have not health care."	The government should pay most of the cost of health care for all Americans. This works in other places it will work here.	"On the job benefits, which are shrinking anyway, if we had a National Medical plan, same for everyone like the Congress and Senate get, I think everyone would be happy."	Make it available to everyone.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	1/5/06 6:36 PM
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3608	The cost.  I think that either health care needs to be affordable for all types/situations.  I also think that big businesses MUST provide decent and afforadable health care for all of their employees.  	"I think our Government needs to have less requirements for people to get health covereage.  There are people, like me, who as of a few months ago, didn't have any covereage at all, make very little per month, and somehow I didn't qualify for any sort of Government sponsered health benefits.  I also believe that a big business should be a majority of the monthly fees for coverage for employees and that sure, the employee can put in the rest, before taxes.  "	Unknown.	See above.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/5/06 6:39 PM
3609	"The expense of it, the unreliability of it (benefits cut every year while wages are stagnant and the loss of it if one's job is lost.)"	"Make it a single payer system.  more efficient, more cost savings, take the profit away from health insurers, continuous coveredge no matter what happens in one's life."	"I think if properly educated, the public would be more than willing to support a single payer system.  The money now used for premiums would go from for-profit companies to health insurers.  Also, the economy would boom.  Big companies are off shoring b/c they can't afford to pay for their workers' health care, and entrepenuership is restrained b/c people must work for a large company to get healthcare."	SINGLE PAYER SYSTEM	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/5/06 6:40 PM
3610	"The number of uninsured is particularly troublesome.  However the new Part D Prescription coverage is going to cost the public an arm and a leg!  How could they not negotiate with pharmaceuticals, what were they thinking? We have to stop setting healthcare policy based on what big healthcare companies want.  We the people need the care."	"There should be a way that every employer pays a certain amount to the government for healthcare.  Then the government could use that money and a healthcare tax to cover everyone for what we decide is a good benefit package.  I believe that we should consider prioritization like Oregon did.  We don't want to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to give an 80 year old another week of life, or any money to keep a brain dead person on a ventilator."	"I would draw the line on life sustaining treatments when the quality of that life is below a certain level.  For example, if I'm never going to be able to walk or talk or see or eat PLEASE don't keep me on a ventilator.  We need to define the ""over the top"" treatments and not provide them.  No breast implants, no penial implants, no cosmetic surgery unless it's functionally necessary, i.e. a new nose for a CA patient."	Stop setting policy accoding to corporate interests instead of citizens interests.  	female	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 6:44 PM
3611	" Health care in America today is too expensive for most Americans.  People who were given health care benefits in leu of pay years ago, now have to pay huge premiums and greater deductibles. Drugs are too expensive because drug manufacturers are out to make money not to treat patients.  "	  	NULL	  Train more doctors and nurses.  	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	1/5/06 6:47 PM
3612	That average working families are going without health care because they can't afford it. 	We need a single payer health insurance program similar to the one in Canada. 	"If we had a single payer system, companies would save thousands of dollars which could divided so the employee could have a rise in salary to pay their premiums and the company could have a savings. It is a win - win situation."	Enact a Universal Health Care System.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/5/06 6:48 PM
3613	"Increasing costs, especially for us senior citizens. They exceed the COL increases. As seniors, we tend to have greater need for health care."	"In theory the system is O.K.  In practice, it is out of balance.  "	NULL	NULL	male	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 6:52 PM
3614	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	1/5/06 6:58 PM
3615	Everyone is not covered.	Government only. We would pay for our taxes. This would cut so many expenses with the current system. Saleries would be larger without health care that individuals would use for their health care.	Hopefully to take better care of themselves.	one payer	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 6:59 PM
3616	Lack of coverage for everyone.	No.  Let's do whatever ot takes so that everyone is covered.	I think people are willing to pay just to get coverage.	Give the citizens access to the same coverage that federal and/or state workers have.  	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/5/06 6:59 PM
3617	The lack of RN's in hospital care.  Too many poorly trained LPN's and others on wards who are also lacking in English language skills.	All employed workers who do not receive medical insurance through their employers should be covered by federal health care insurance (not state sponsered insurance).   	Cancel tax cuts for the rich and increase their taxes instead and close corporate tax loopholes.	Have the federal government pay for those who are unable to pay themselves.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/5/06 7:00 PM
3618	cost	no real good ideas that I can think of.  People need to be more knowledgeable of medical procedures and ask lots of questions.  We also need to ask about costs and alternatives.  We need to become better consumers.	network hospitals and doctors  	Make it affordable	female	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 7:03 PM
3619	"The fact that not everyone has health insurance and that many are ""underinsured""."	"I do not think health insurance should be linked to employment.  I think we should have a government-run system, supported by taxes (somewhat like Canada's system)."	"I think people would be willing to pay taxes to finance health care, as long as the system is well-run. I also think there is much money to be saved by eliminating private insurance and the crazy billing systems we now have, and by more centralized planning. As a hospital-based Registered Nurse, I know there are lots of health care dollars wasted on futile and expensive care, especially at the end of life. I don't believe that health care should be left up to ""the market""."	"Single payer, government sponsored universal 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	1/5/06 7:06 PM
3620	"The impact on those who have a health incident -- you get hurt or sick, and recover, and are penalized terribly by insurance companies.  I had a completely curable form of cancer, and it would have cost $3,400 a MONTH to maintain our insurance.  Who can afford this??  Fully half of all Americans declaring bankruptcy did so because they had a medical incident -- many of these were employed, insured, college educated, and returned to productivity, but were economically destroyed.  This is not right!"	"Yes.  The government should provide -- and pay for -- bare bones coverage for essentials, so that at least everyone has a chance to get some coverage without the prospect of having to choose between death and economic ruin.  Then employers and individuals who can afford more could pay for better coverage.  Medicaid or should pay for preventive services such as prenatal care, well baby care, periodic check-ups, etc., for those who are demonstrably unable to pay.    Renew the Hill-Burton hospital building program, which required fee and reduced price care for the indigent.  Hospital buildings need to be refurbished, and this obligation was one way to get hospitals to be willing to provide basic care to the poor."	"The tax cuts to the wealthy are an outrage.  If those were reduced to create an equitable tax burden on ALL citizens -- including the wealthy! -- there would be enough money to take care of the basics.  The public needs to wake up to the practical realities that flow from acquiescence in this short-sided pocket-lining arrangement we currently suffer under.  It is wrong.      I would pay higher taxes.  I don't know if everyone would, but we will all have to pay in the long run ... and many people will die or be permanently harmed -- needlessly -- if the current inequitable structure continues.  This is wrong."	Put a tighter rein on insurance companies to stop bleeding Americans dry when they've had a health incident.  Get rid of the outrageous tax cuts and perks for the wealthy to make health care affordable and accessible.	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 7:06 PM
3621	"What concerns me most is that there are too many people without decent health care in such a ""prosperous"" country such as ours.  They do not have the insurance coverage to help them get the full medical, chiropractic, dental and visual care that they need, so they go without."	"Yes, I think that individuals are being eaten up by the cost of health care coverage, employers are suffering from the rising cost as well, and that the government should take over and set up a system like the one in Canada."	"I personally would prefer that our government provide total health care to every US citizen before they send billins of dollars to foreign aid.  Our tax dollars are supposed to benefit the people of this country first.  Also, I think that government officials should be monitored on their extravagant expenditures and made to live and work within a limited funding system (ie, the cost of the Pentagon's office supplies and the personal items that the officials purchase for themselves at such a price and the high salaries and retirement funds that they give themselves.)"	"Research the country of Canada's health care system and adopt it as a model for one that the US government sets up for our country, utilizing funds that are being wasted by their greediness, as stated above."	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	1/5/06 7:09 PM
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3623	The lack of coverage for millions.	"We need single payer government run health care to eliminate the costly bureaucracy of the current HMO, PPO systems which operate for profit.  Their goal is profit not health."	"I think the probability of corporate brain-washing makes that a difficult question to answer.  Given logical and rational explanations, I believe people would support a Canadian style system."	Move healthcare away from corporate control to government control.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/5/06 7:11 PM
3624	It's too expensive for the average person with a  medical condition.	"It should be scraped for a single payer system.  Individuals, employers and gov. will still contribute, but through a health tax, not payments to insurance companies.  Individuals would pay based solely on income.  Gov't would pay whatever the tax doesn't cover.  All medically necessary care should be covered with no copayments or deductibles.  A new formula is needed for corporate contributions is needed.  The corporate income tax has too many loopholes.  Based on gross proceeds in the US minus non-management payroll in the US plus other limited reasonable deductions.  Any company that sells goods or services in the US whether or not they are based here should have to contribute or lose access to the US market. "	Don't know	Single Payer.  	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DC	1/5/06 7:11 PM
3625	"The need for universal, national health insurance.    The high cost of private health insurance and the lack of coverage for many Americans."	"Yes, we need universal, national health insurance."	I will willingly pay higher taxes in return for coverage for all and in return for eliminating costs of private insurance for my employer and for me.	"Institute universal, national health insurance."	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 7:11 PM
3626	"The high cost of doctor care & pharmaceuticals, which has caused both to become beyond reach for too many people. Overly expensive malpractice insurance is adding to these high costs."	"I believe pharmaceutical companies need to take on more of the cost by reducing prices. If they're not willing to do that, then the Federal government should step in & enforce ceilings on the price of medications."	Caps on some (but not all) malpractice settlements will help lower the costs. I'll probably think of other ideas later....	"More legislation regarding pharmaceutical companies - put a cap on profits & prohibit commercial advertising (""Ask your doctor if this drug is right for you!)."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/5/06 7:12 PM
3627	Increasing costs and high profits of insurance companies.	There should be a single payer system like Medicare for all.	I think Americans should have primary care for all under a single payer system. Anything other than primary or emergency care should be partially self pay and covered by private insurance.	Reduce overall costs by reducing administrative red tape and duplication	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 7:15 PM
3628	Affordability.  The price of health care is astronomical with no end in sight.	"I wouldn't mind the current system so much if it was affordable.  Right now, it is not even close to affordable for the average wage earner.  I have decent insurance and I still can't afford the amount of deductables etc that I have to pay on a yearly basis.  It basically consumes any extra money I might otherwise have left over at the end of the month. "	I'm not sure its right that we should be required to make any trade-offs.  	Make it affordable.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/5/06 7:15 PM
3629	"The spiraling costs of drugs and insurance---with o many uninsured spending hours in emergency waiting rooms. As a mental health practitioner, I stopped dealing with insurance companies where clerks ruled on diagnosis and length of treatment.  And,yes, I believe mental heealth should be part of any single payer plan."	"Like every other ""developed nation"" we should have a one payer system: Truman's ""National Health Care Program"" was defeated by the AMA in 1949...but it makes as much sense as our having a Fire Dept or a Police Dept which are subsidized by our taxes, and neither of which asks about our insurance before responding to our needs."	"Even the employers, today, would agree they would gladly trade off having to pay for insurance for their employees, and practitioners would surely love to cut their overhead dramatically (most of which goes to paying staff to sort out insurance claims), and the nation's birth-survival rate might then get out of third world status."	A single national health care system meeting the needs of everyone and paid for in the same way we pay for politicians...out of taxes.  AS good model would be the very free health plan every Senator enjoys at taxpayer expense.	male	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 7:19 PM
3630	That it is not accessible to everyone who needs it.	Big-time.  We need socialized medicine with an option for provate pay.	"I have no idea.  Americans need to get out of their ""entitlement"" mind set and all do without insurance for a while so they will be mobilized to demand a more fair system.  "	"Less phamaceuticals, more nutrition and wther preventive measures"	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OK	1/5/06 7:21 PM
3631	"At the age where income has been reduced, is fixed, or is under continued attack by the government, that same government is seeking ways to reduce health benefits even further!    The government backed itself into a corner years ago when it used a future budget-destructive plan requiring ""Baby boomers"" to spend a portion of their government sponsored retirement income plans.    The federal government is faced with a huge deficit when the ""Boomers"" begin to withdraw their monthly mandatory sums from the retirement plans.    Health care costs have increased at formerly unbelievable rates, lower cost medication purchases are blocked as they become known, and the latest sham by the Bush Administration, Medicare medications, with a penalty for not joining, is another reduction in benefits.    As the numbers of aged people increase, and they see that their benefits are eroding rapidly, they will outnumber the other voters and may cause a huge vote swing away from any administration which displeases them.      "	Costs to individuals is too high.	"There shouold be no trade-offs. A fair and equitable health care system should be TRULY graded towards considering the individuals actual income and worth.    We already pay ridiculous tax amounts, and watch tax money squanderd on war and other undeserving wasts of money.    This government must stop pandering to forteign pressures and bribes to our officials, and consider the US citizen."	"Make quality health care actually available to ALL, without loop-holes, costly ""deductables,"" and shringkin governhment funds for health care as it syphons off money for posturing to and influencing foreign interests."	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/5/06 7:22 PM
3632	"Cost. Immoral that insurance, hospital, drugs cost what they do. Congress allows it to continue, enabling this disgraceful practice to continue.   98,000 unnecessary deaths per year due to hospital related errors and accidents!"	"1) No more employer-based insurance.  2) Tax health care benefits beyond $3500. Think this is being proposed already.  3) Universal health care. Only way insurers can vary premiums is into three broad categories: 18-35 years, 36-50, and 51-65.   4) Hospitals must post all prices, just as car dealers must do. "	Not making any tradeoffs now. Tradeoff now is high cost. 	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	IL	1/5/06 7:22 PM
3633	Escalating Costs.  Government Indifferece.	One insurance for all Americans with equal coverage for all with a stable pricing system that allows only for cost of living increases.	"We are America, supposedly the richest country in the world, there doesn't have to be any trade-offs.  Any economist can find a way to make affordable, total coverage insurance available for all."	Take the private sector out of health care.  Their bottom line is profit not health care.  We need a government agency that has the pubic interest in mind not stock holders' interest.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	1/5/06 7:26 PM
3634	"That everyone isn't covered by a national policy, that cost for care and medication have skyrocketed.  The uninsured have no chance at getting any medical attention, even routine tests."	Make it fair for all.	No trade offs	"That all Americans be treated equal no matter what their income, race or religion is."	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/5/06 7:28 PM
3635	 That a lot of people do not have health care.	I would like to see a national Health Care Plan.	????	Make Health Care availalbe to everyone.  	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/5/06 7:29 PM
3636	To many patients and the medical professionals abuse the coverage there by making it more costly for those who may need some serious medical care.  	Socialize and remove most of the superfurlous expenses making the basic care much much less costly.	Probably none most american people want everything. Maybe they would give up some basic coverage to be insured to have more important medical procedures covered	Stop Expensive unnecessary tests and procedures	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	1/5/06 7:35 PM
3637	...that Americans want a quick fix without taking personal responsibility for their lifestyles	...should be structured so that people become more responsible for their own health	"..at this particular point in time,I think the tide is turning(hopefully) against Big Pharma and the surgery alternative to more natural,responsible self-care,but Americans as a whole don't think they should have to sacrifice anything for anything"	STOP EATING EVERY FORM OF SUGAR	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/5/06 7:39 PM
3638	"I am concerned about people having health coverage and that the coverage they have is adequate. My spouse works for Walmart, which provides poor health coverage for its employees. There is almost no preventative care included in the Walmart health plan (a small inadequate amount for women, and none for men and children.)Plus Walmart employees are subject to large deductibles and co-insurance bills which they cannot afford to pay. People need coverage that is comprehensive, affordable, and that covers preventative care."	"Yes, I believe that we need to go to a single payer system which covers all Americans. I believe that people should contribute to the health coverage through payroll tax, along with employers. If we all were covered, the health costs per person would go down because no one would be using the emergency room for their regular medical care. They would have the chance to see a family doctor or general practitioner who can provide preventative care and treatment for much less money. "	"I think that most Americans would be willing to pay a reasonable amount (such as $100 per month for a couple or $200 a month for a family of 4 or more) for health coverage, especially if they knew that the coverage would not end when they leave their job or change employers. I think people would like the peace of mind of having continuous coverage."	"We need to make sure that every citizen has good, adequate health coverage and that the coverage continues regardless of life circumstances or employment. People should not fear the loss of coverage. Currently people are subject to going on and off of coverage, which is stressful and devastating to many budgets when illness hits someone who has no coverage."	female	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 7:39 PM
3639	"The most obvious concern is the high cost of personal health care but that can't be a surprise. I would like digress and point out that I am concerned that the process of getting affordable healthcare loses something in translation. I'm afraid that it will be the case that the everyone someday will have healthcare but many maybe even most people will only get basic care and depending on how much money you have you get better care. Poor people buy junker cars,rich individuals buy Lexus. I don't believe healthcare should work that way. We all should have the same healthcare the our civil servants in Congress receive. We start there. That is our standard, when we talk healthcare for everyone."	Why should individuals and employers pay anything?  Let let the government pay everything. How? You RAISE TAXES. The polls are clear about this.When the question is aked; If you could have your total healthcare cost coveredup by the goverment would you be willing to have your Federal taxes increase? The vast majority said yes and by as much as 50% increase. 	American need to be willing to change their priorities and make healthcare for themselves and generations to come the number one priority. There is plenty of money to pay for healthcare. You just need to change the tax code. Corporate America needs to pay ther fair share. And  corporate giveaways need to stop.	"Citizens need to DEMAND universal healthcare, and the idea that it is not politically feasible needs to be debunked. Politically feasible means it does not have the backing of HMOs, pharmceutical companies, the AMA and other profit making special interests. Real people, as opposed to corporate ""persons"", all want good health care.  It is the sovergn people who our congressman work for. We need to ban together and make sure they do their job."	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 7:39 PM
3640	Lack of health coverage for all citizens.	We have developed a confusing patchwork quilt type of health care for Americans- this has caused massive amounts of money to be wasted on various administrative costs for all the different plans with ever escalating insurance premiums for less care.  It's time to shift to a single payer health plan covering all Americans equally.	Added Federal taxes to pay for the insurance(as was done with Medicare) similar to plans had by all other developed countries.	Everyone must be insured- otherwise the price of health care just gets shifted causing small hospitals to go out of business and individuals going bankrupt secondary to health care cost burdens.	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 7:47 PM
3641	Incredible waste and inefficiency. Perhaps 20K deaths a year from lack of coverage. Poor quality of care due to pressure on MD's to cut costs. The power of the medical and drug lobies to block reform.	Scrap it. Every layer of complexity means less money for services. Develop a plan to transition to a single-payer system.	I find this question very distrubing. It assumes a conclusion. We don't need any trade-offs. We already spend more on the medical-industrial complex than any country on the planet and get poorer results. 	Demand reform.	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	GA	1/5/06 7:48 PM
3642	that it is becoming increasingly UNaffordable for most people living in this country	"I think that there should be universal healthcare provided by the government is some way, shape or form"	"I believe that the American public will not tolerate a low-budget cheap healthcare system, but soething DOES need to be done about the rising cost! I know people that need care and cannot afford it so they get very sick or go terminally into debt.  that is just NOT RIGHT!"	lower the cost SOMEHOW and make it less confusing to jump through the paperwork hoops that insurance companies make you jump through	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/5/06 7:50 PM
3643	the deficit in quality and quantity of health care in the case of income.	make it so that the rich have to pay extra taxes to help pay for the health care for those who arent' rich.	higher taxes on the rich to pay for the rest to have good quality health care.	make it so that birth control is a madatory to be covered in any plan weather it is public or private.	female	NULL	No Response	Other	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	1/5/06 7:53 PM
3644	The fact that more and more people are having to do without health care due to lack of insurance.	I think universal single-payer health care coverage is the only way to go.	I think Americans would approve higher taxes for such reliable access to health care.	"Make this issue number one in our national priorities and work together, liberals and conservatives, to achieve the goal of coverage 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	AL	1/5/06 7:54 PM
3645	The fact that pharmacutical companies charge rediculous amounts for drugs and doctors and hospitals charges are to high- they are both greedy as hell.  When a single pill costs 10 cents to make and they charge $35 for it- something is wrong here.  There is NO HEALTH CARE HELP FOR OUR YOUNF PEOPLE BETWEEN 20 AND 35 YEARS OF AGE.	Any one who is  not a legal resident of the United States  SHOULD NOT BE  GIVEN FREE MEDICAL  of any kind.  Let them pay for it  like everyone else.  Title 19 and those programs shouldnt be jsut for  people under 18 kncocked up with kids or over 65 that is one of the dumbest things I ever heard of	Hospitals and drug companies cut their costs so people can have affordable insurance premiums	"  If we werent supporting half the world maybe our own people could have a decent health care program, but when OUR government is more worried about every other country in the world and nothing of our own- well it is disgusting that a country this great is going to hell in a hand basket."	female	NULL	No	White	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	1/5/06 7:54 PM
3646	"What concerns me most is that health care is seen as an employer's responsibility. Everyone needs it, and it should be paid for by the government. Period."	see above	none	eliminate the insurance companies	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	1/5/06 8:03 PM
3647	Affordability	Only a truly national health care plan will allow us to compete around the world with countries who already have it.	Making it national will benefit from the law of large numbers.	National health care.	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	OK	1/5/06 8:07 PM
3648	Rising cost.	"should be available to every one,government sponsored,basic care,additional benefits could be paid for by public."	should not need trade offs.	A basic plan for every one.  Prescriptions at reasonable rates.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/5/06 8:11 PM
3649	"Medical and pharmaceutical lobbies have taken the United States hostage. With their vast resources of capital, they have been influencing our politicians to pass legislation that has even made the health care problems for American families more drastic.    Legislation to establish Health Savings Accounts have triggered US employers to switch to so called Consumer Driven Health Plans. Their excuse is that they want to give their employees health plans that allow them the advantages of these HSAs.    Consequently, Americans under CDHPs must meet the family deductible of $2,000 (even if only one person in the family requires medical services, and the other ones never see a doctor). They also must meet the high family max. out-of-pocket amounts before they reach 100% coverage by the insurance.    This scheme is totally contradictory to the principle of insurance, which is based on all participants paying into a ""financial pool"" in order for the ones who need medical treatment to receive it.    CDHPs are a perversion of the insurance principles. They are nothing better than a fee-for-service scheme, that has not much to do with insurance.    As a result, more and more Americans will not seek necessary treatment, because they do not have the funds to pay 100% of medical expenses up to $2,000, and thereafter 10% of medical expenses up to a combined total of $10,250.    So what CDHPs are accomplishing is very employer and insurance friendly. They reduce corporate health expenses and largely decrease insurances' benefit payments. What is even worse, the health condition of our working population will deteriorate due to lack of necessary treatment. Its toll will be a drop of productivity, which is going to be a very negative effect on our country's economy and world wide competitiveness.    The pharmaceutical and medical lobbies have also invested more than sufficiently in advertisings that made people scared of ""socialized health care"". Of course, medical providers and insurances want to continue to spiral their charges and profits upwards towards infinity. Socialized medicine will cause the government or its health care control agencies to question the unreasonable charges for health care. This would cause the earnings of medical providers and insurances to drop to a reasonable level.    Indeed, socialized medcine in most European countries works extremely well, unlike the picture that the medical lobbies are falsely painting for the US population. - And our ""wonderful"" politicians let them get away with that. "	"Implement socialized medicine with access to health care for all Americans. The government needs to begin exercising its duty of caring for all its people, not only the wealthy.    US corporations and employers should not have to carry the responsibility of providing health care for their employees. That is a government responsibility. Consequently, employees would no longer be at the mercy of their employers, but would instead be equally able to access health care services."	"If we could switch to socialized health care, the savings that US corporations would realize through the relief in this expense category, could be partially redirected to the employees in form of wage increases, as well as investments.    The employee should be responsible for 50% of the reasonable health insurance premiums, and the employer for the remaining 50%. This schedule works very well in Europe, as well as other parts of the world."	"Implement social health care with governmental control, establishing a system that will provide health care to all Americans.    Get rid of lobbyism. It's our country's worst enemy."	male	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 8:13 PM
3650	Valuing citizens' health less than the obscene profits of HMOs and health-insurance corporations	"Health care is a basic necessity. Affordable health care needs to be available to all, including the poor and the unemployed. "	All but the meanest Americans are willing to pay higher taxes for universal health coverage. This is the only industrialized country in the world without it. 	Root out government+corporate corruption. Any other solution would only be temporary. 	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 8:14 PM
3651	Overuse of pharmaceuticals.	"universal health care paid by the government with sliding scale so that the poor have full support (pay nothing), and the rich pay more for their care."	copayments	"junk the insurance companies, and the prescription drug benefit"	male	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 8:18 PM
3652	Many american citizens and people working and living with their families in america do not have health care.  Health care is for profit and inaccessable in America.	What works for countries that provide quality universal health care?  Why reinvent the wheel.  What ever the mechanism is that provides high quality health care for every american and person working in america and thier family regardless of income or level of payment into the health care cost.	"No one should be without health care in the richest nation in the world; why should there be trade offs?  Once the middle class, we are struggling working poor.  Stop corporate greed, corporate welfare and corporate and rich people tax evasion!"	"Stop corporate greed, corporate welfare and corporate and rich people tax evasion."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	1/5/06 8:19 PM
3653	40 million Americans without health care coverage.	There should be one national pool for risk and expenses shared from such a pool. Those individuals and employers unable to make payments to the pool must be subsidized by the government.	This is where it gets murky! However continuing with the status quo is no longer acceptible!	Faze in coverage for all by extending Medicare and Medicaid to children first and then learning by experience add those that fall between being children and those over age 65.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	1/5/06 8:19 PM
3654	"Rising costs and cost-shifting is bankrupting the middle class and making our businesses uncompetetitive.  Huge profits by pharmaceutical companies, and huge CEO salaries need to be controlled."	"Simple solution--allow EVERYONE who wants to to join Medicare.  Adminsitrative costs are 2.7% vs 35% in commercial plans.  Employer gives you $$ equal to cost of enrolling in Medicare; employee can choose more deluxe commercial plan, but pay the difference.  Poor are subsidized.  NO EMPLOYER gets away with not paying--either they do it as a benefit, or they pay taxes.  Ask Rep Pete Stark of CA how this might work.       Really really promote the use of Nurse Practioners, Nurse Midwives, PAs.  View health care as a pyramid--65-75% need an NP/CNM/PA; 15-20% need an MD; 10% need a specialist.  This change alone would make the system affordable.    Write a law that drug reps MUST tell providers how much the fancy new drug they're pushing costs, and exactly how much extra benefit it provides for the $$ spent.  "	"I think modest co-pays are a good idea, as they make people think about costs.  I believe patients on Medicaid SHOULD be made to pay $5 per prescription minimum, $50 per ER visit, $10 per office visit etc.  Many want prescriptions for Tylenol and vitamins--they think health care is free, and abuse the system.  Same folks who won't pay for anything spend $35-100 a month on nail jobs and hair braidng.   Cap their co-pays at $100 per month, but make them pay something."	"Use NPs, CNMs, PAs--literature shows over and over again that they have outcomes equal to or better than physicians.  To do this, you'll need to sue a few MDs for anti-competetive behavior/restraint of trade/doing all they can to keep NPs/CNMs from practicing.  Let them know they can't strangle other providers because they don't want competition."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/5/06 8:29 PM
3655	We need affordable health care programs to keep up with the rising hospital costs.	NULL	Change the formula of payment of subsidies to keep the costs down.	Higher salaries and affordable health care programs.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/5/06 8:30 PM
3656	isnt available for everyone	should  be socialized	not sure	make top paid CEOS pay for theyre own health care	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	1/5/06 8:32 PM
3657	"For-profit health insurance companies use armies of clerks to discourage utilization of expensive services, REGARDLESS of cost effectiveness or medical necessity. Money that should be spent on care instead goes to administration of these plans. Providers' administrative costs to deal with different private insurers are also huge. We spend more per capita than any other country, and get LESS quality health care. The system is fragmented, irrational, and ineffective. Market forces DO NOT WORK in this arena- the only people who benefit are high paid health insurance executives, and their shareholders."	"We need single-payer national health insurance- an expanded Medicare system- covering all Americans, financed by income tax and/or payroll tax, with large corporations contributing"	"Most Americans now understand that universal healthcare is a necessity, and would be willing to pay an additional healthcare tax, in lieu of the increasing premiums, deductibles, copays they currently pay for insurance that often places obstacles in the way of access to needed care."	"Single payer NHI, along with development of reimbursement methodologies that base provider payment on quality indicators, and outcome measures"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	1/5/06 8:32 PM
3658	"1) The poor health care outcomes the US has, espcially considering the amount of money we spend on health care.  2) the effort people must make to ensure access to health care, e.g. staying in a job because changing would mean loss of health care benefits or taking more credits than a student can handle in order to stay on their parent's health insurance"	We need a system in which everyone contributes to health care according to their ability to pay and everyone has access	I thin they would accept fewer choices in health care plans 	Having everyone covered for at least preventive services and catastophic coverage	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/5/06 8:33 PM
3659	too expensive	"yes,by government only"	"free health care for the necessities,pay for transplants ,plastic and expensive medicine"	free education for doctors and health professionals and limit their salaries	male	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/5/06 8:34 PM
3660	We need a Health Care system that applies to ALL  Americans -- and the ones that are going to give  us the most trouble are the politicians who have  set up a special system for themselves -- Congress.	"If we had a single system for all,I would save  over what I now pay into Medicare, State Teachers  Retirement Health Insurance, And have prepaid  into Military Health Care by low pay for over  twenty years.  The Insurance industry is one vast  rip off for the rest of the country, and without  it we could pay interns, nurses and lower staff  larger, more fair wages. Doctors are already  getting too large wages for what they do."	"Be more specific.  By the way, race is false --  we all came from the same start in Africa, it just  depends on going back far enough."	Legislate a single health care system for ALL.	male	NULL	NULL	Other	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/5/06 8:37 PM
3661	Affordability of healthcare for all citizens  Quality of healthcare we are receiving  Access to quality healthcare for everyone	"Healthcare is the number one deduction on our paychecks monthly. Our corporations are not paying their ""fair share""! More and more people are going without healthcare because of the out-of-pocket costs.     Yes, hospitals are non-profits yet they use their non-profit status to pay fat paychecks to their administrators while the individual tax payer gets hit with larger and larger healthcare bills. Hospitals are building larger and larger facilities and we get hit with higher bills to pay for it. Regulation of fees, strip the non-profit status, and hold these hospitals accountable!    As for who should pay for the healthcare - it is the only place where government should step in and regulate. I am for Universal Healthcare for everyone so that no one person goes without quality healthcare.    Can you say ""OVERHAUL"" the system?"	"The American people should not have to trade-off anything to have access to quality, affordable healthcare. We are the richest nation in this world yet our people have to ""give-up"" something to ""gain"" what is an American right? This question is absurd. Again, Universal healthcare for all, period. "	Take all of the money that is going into this illegal war and spend it at home. Then everyone will have access to quality healthcare. We could have paid for everyone to have healthcare for what we have spent in Iraq killing innocent kids.	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 8:39 PM
3662	"The costs, they're just TOTALLY out of control!!!"	I think that the government needs to step in and make sure that companies at least provide adequate health care for all of their employees and stop passing on the costs to their employees!	I think that a lot of these companies and wealthy individuals need to pay their fair share of taxes to subsidize coverage especially for low income and needy people!  I also don't think that pharmaceutical companies should be allowed to charge Americans higher prices for drugs than the rest of the world!	I think that the government needs to step in and either charge a tax to subsidize health care or pass laws saying that pharmaceutical companies cannot charge Americans more for drugs!	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SC	1/5/06 8:57 PM
3663	The ability to *get* health care and somehow provide the medications one needs without having to take all one's money.	We need a decent National Health Care System that works.  This new Medicare system for drugs is just another form of Managed Care and I'm damned if I understand it.  Neither do my pharmacists.  I don't think anybody does.  	I don't know.	"The ability to afford decent medical care and the drugs that go with it.  I am on Medicare and was on Medicaid, but am now on a different program that I don't really understand.  A college degree doesn't help.  I'm not stupid, just confused. "	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 9:01 PM
3664	"The poorest people pay the most for the same medications and medical services.  HMO's are a joke - they do not care about our helath, just making a buck."	The government should adopt a system like Canada's.	Most Americans would be willing to apy a little more taxes to get better health care.	"The cost of prescription drugs is so high because of the expensive adevertising and the extras that they give medical establishments for pushing their brand.  This needs to regulated, hopefully stopped, so that we don't pay more than we should for medicines."	female	NULL	No	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	1/5/06 9:01 PM
3665	"I'm concerned for the future, even though I'm employed and  have some health care coverage today (a little less every year).  I'm concerned for younger workers who don't have health care coverage today.   I'm terrified that even what's left of the health care system is on the brink of collapse.  I'm concerned, and very pissed off, at what the Republicans are doing to the Soc.Security system, Medicaid and Medicare.   It's so unjust and short-sighted."	We NEED a single-payer system.	Two trade offs:   I believe that the public would tolerate some form of sliding-scale copay for those who are employed.    I strongly believe that comprehensive preventive health care (available to all) would save long-term costs.	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	WA	1/5/06 9:04 PM
3666	The extremely high costs and negligible care by the healthcare industry if you compare the quality of care to the other industrialized countries............I know from personal experience!	"Yes, it should be government supported for literally each and every American, NOT JUST FOR THE POLITICIANS!"	"Why should Americans have to make trade-offs for health care services they are entitled to? If trade-offs are considered to be necessary, then I say subtract from that gargantuan military budget that exceeds literally all other countries of the globe.  "	Nationalize the healthcare immediately.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/5/06 9:05 PM
3667	"It's hard to know where to begin, but: the lack of universality, the cost, and the complexity."	"I think individuals should pay through the tax system, for a universal and publicly-funded system."	"No one wants to pay more than they now do. However, they wouldn't have to if a single-payer system were initiated, at a huge sa vings in administrative costs."	"Create a single-payer system under govt auspices (eg Medicare for the entire population), with optional additonal coverage (eg medigap programs, which could I suppose be private)"	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	1/5/06 9:06 PM
3668	the riseing costs	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	NC	1/5/06 9:06 PM
3669	"Too many people can not afford health insurance, and many more of us do not have prescription insurance. "	"It should be a single payer system, based on income, not depending on employers to pay. "	"Co-pays based on ability to pay, under a singel payer system, that is under a social security type system, with its low overhead. "	" Pass single payer system, phased in if necessary, so that the poor who make too much for Medicare are covered first, then add higher income families gradually."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	1/5/06 9:09 PM
3670	"The lack of affordability and the fact that much of what we know as traditional healthcare just doesn't help people get better anyway.  The problems are deep and many but it basically boils down to this:  We need to take the profit factor out of the picture which would change the type and form of delivery.  I feel that health care should essentially be non-profit, less stratified, prevention-oriented, and should emphasize natural health options over pharmaceutical drugs and surgery.  "	"Our government needs to provide for its citizens rather than policing the world.  The money is there; it just needs to be redirected.  I think that it might be acceptable to continue some form of self-pay, employer-pay, and government pay (which is essentially self-pay via taxes anyhow) but I think that a larger percentage should be handled through taxes.  A key component is to reduce health care costs to begin with as indicated in the answer to question 1."	"Especially these days, a good trade-off might be reducing funds spent on inappropriate military action in order to fund health care."	Reduce military spending and corporate tax breaks and divert the money to health care.                                                   	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/5/06 9:11 PM
3671	Rapidly increasing costs that do not appear to be stabalizing anytime soon	"Individuals need to be more aware of the cost of health care and be better informed as to cost-effective treatments. Although most costs are paid by one's employer, patients most be more engaged in helping control health care costs at the front line of purchase."	"More public resources need to be directed at standardized data and information about the quality and cost of health care services and then have that data accessible. Rationing of health care to allocate health care finances to those who will benefit the most is going to be necessary. For example, spending money on services that will not advance an individual's quality of life may not be the best use when so many go without adequate care that could long-term reduce costs. More emphassis on preventive care. "	Consumers must be more involved in health care purchase decisions. That's why HSA's are one good solution.	male	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/5/06 9:11 PM
3672	Uninsured people lack access to health care and endanger their health by going without preventive care.	yes- we need to explore a level of basic socialized medical care for all with additional non basic services eg transplants and elective surgery covered under extra cost private supplemental insurance.	if the public is adequately educated( no propaganda) I think most americans and their health care providers understand that not all procedures can be covered by the state.	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	NJ	1/5/06 9:14 PM
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3673	"coverage for low income families, veterans, the disabled/home bound, the elderly and children"	"yes, it should be a risk pool system...you pay into a pot as a gamble (social insurance)"	i think more people would pay a little more in order to get higher coverage for themselves as well as helping others at the same time	social insurance policies all the way!!	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	1/5/06 9:14 PM
3674	The cost - I can't afford it	Create a government sponsored system that treats everyone the same	I would pay higher taxes to have the health care I need	Raise taxes and provide affordable 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	1/5/06 9:15 PM
3675	Constantly rising prices and number of citizens without insurance	"Yes, make sure that all citizens have health care coverage"	"Why should we have to make any?  Other countries have universal health care and they are in a lot better shape ""health-wise"" than we are"	Switch to universal health care	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/5/06 9:18 PM
3676	Rising costs.	I think we should have universal health care for everyone.	I'm not sure they are willing to trade-off anything.  It seems everyone is just concerned with their own needs and not the needs of others who are less fortunate.  	"Have at least a basic coverage with affordable co-pays for doctors, hospitals, etc. for everyone."	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/5/06 9:19 PM
3677	"What concerns me is that health insurance is becoming less affordable, and all the solutions being offered are for the healthy and the wealthy. People with pre-existing conditions are often unable to get health insurance even if they can afford the expensive premiums."	I think we should have a single payer system similar to Medicare for all Americans.	"I don't think Americans are willing to make any sacrifices. However, they need to be convinced that even though taxes may go up if switching to a single payer system, they will ultimately benefit financially. "	Lower the age for Medicare to 50.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/5/06 9:21 PM
3678	It's run by insurance companies.	"The government should fund health care the way it funds police, fire and roads."	"I don't think the ""american public"" is willing to trade anything."	Canada	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 9:22 PM
3679	The cost of health care makes it unaffordable for millions of Americans. No one should be without healthcare in this country.	A single payer plan like those in all the other industrialized countries would be best.	Increase medicare wage taxes. Eliminate tax cuts for the most wealthy.	"See reply above, and educate all voters and small business owners that a single payer goverment program administered through Medicare for ALL Americans will actually help business be more competitive in the world market, as well as improving the health of our workers and their families. It is a win-win situation!"	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 9:29 PM
3680	It is not universal.  It is very inefficient.  It is too expensive.	More employer involvement by large companies.  More government involvement with small companies and noninsured citizens.  A real medicare drug benefit for seniors by the federal government.  Coverage for early retirees whose former employers have pulled out of health care coverage.	"Better preventative care, more efficiency, taking care of health concerns in the early stages, and drug benefits for seniors should more than take care of the additional costs for coverage."	"Cover the uninsured by government financing, simplify access, and emphasize preventative medicine."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/5/06 9:34 PM
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3681	The fact that too many people do not have access to adequate health care.	Let's take a good look at what they're doing in the Scandinavian and in other European countries.	"No many. As long as those who can afford it have access, there will probably be little willingness to make trade-offs."	"We need to take care of ALL Americans, even if that means government subsidies or government provided health care for those who do not have it."	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 9:34 PM
3682	"Health care coverage for working Americans is eroding at a phenomenal pace.  Personally, my husband and I who have been teaching in the public school system for the same district for 30 years each are now having to pay a monthly amount of of $240 to cover one family medical plan through Blue Shield.  Our two fringe benefit packages do not cover one family PPO policy!  When we started in this district, our fringe package, although smaller in dollar amount, was able to cover two policies, plus dental, and optical plans.  Our deductables are much higher, our drug payments are triple what they were even two years ago.  It's pathetic!  And we're the lucky ones.  We atleast have some type of coverage.  Tens of millions of people have no health care at all.  This is deplorable for the wealthiest nation in the world to not have universal health care."	"Yes, definitely.  We need universal health care for all.  Employers could pay into the system, but it should be managed by one agency.  All the choices are not driving down costs, but, instead, driving them up.  Management of health care is costing Americans over $3,400 per person per year.  That's ridiculous.  Canada's system costs each person roughly $1,000 per year in management costs and they have just one system, not thousands of choices."	I don't know but we need to start the dialogues and make this issue of prime importance.	"Affordable, high quality health care for all Americans needs to a be top priority of our government,  Revamping our current system to meet the needs of all is a task that needs to begin now before more and more people are left without health care or with exhorbitant costs."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/5/06 9:34 PM
3683	Huge increases in health care insurance every year.  	"A multiple-payer system is fine, and cost sharing is fine, but the charges individuals pay should be in line with their ability to pay.  Right now, health care insurance is much too expensive for most individuals to pay."	"Some rationing of health care provided that all Americans have access to regular, preventative health care as well as a safety net for catastrophic illness and injury.  "	We need universal access for all.  There should be affordable health insurance for those not covered by employer plans.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/5/06 9:40 PM
3684	Lack of access to affordable quality of health care for all Americans.	"We need to get rid of the employer-based system which isn't working for anyone anymore and go to some kind of universal coverage.  Until then, Fair Share is one way to approach the problem."	"I don't think Americans overall are willing to make trade-offs until they are the ones left without access.  That's part of the problem.  We all have to make sacrifices.  We don't have a health care system in this county, we have a patchwork quilt full of holes."	"Take advantage of advanced practice nurses who can provide accessible, quality, affordable, preventive 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	CO	1/5/06 9:43 PM
3685	My concern is the outrageous cost for treatment.  It makes healthcare out of reach for most Americans.	"I think the government should subsidize more healthcare research and equipment for hospitals.  I also think there should be more subsidies for healthcare education at colleges, and medical and technical schools. "	NULL	NULL	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	IL	1/5/06 9:52 PM
3686	"Lack of coverage for uninsured Americans  Managed health-care managers, not doctors, making medical decisions  "	"Catastrophic health care should be covered by insurance or government options, however routine office visits and preventive healthcare could be paid for by the individual, and deducted from federal income taxes. Medication costs are another area where our system needs to improve for those who are uninsured."	"Somewhere between pay-as-you-go for routine medical care and subsidization or insurance coverage for major/catastrophic. Those unable to cover health care costs should, in a nation as wealthy as ours, be able to receive free or reduced health care"	"Remove politics and big business from the doctor's decision-making process. My personal physician, a well respected practicioner, retired early from his practice because of the managed care issues."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	1/5/06 9:53 PM
3687	The lack of universal health care.  The rising cost of medical care and medicines.  The lack of choice in the HMO system.	I think that there should be universal health care subsidized by the government but with contributions by individuals and businesses.	"I am not sure what the American Public is willing to do but the financial burden should be shared equitably, people who are able to pay should pay more, etc.  We also need to accept that there may need to be some hard choices made about high cost, accute care that my have limited benefit, ie. extending length but not necessarily quality of life."	Access for all.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/5/06 10:05 PM
3688	"The inequality, inefficiency, and plain damned stupidity of the whole system."	Single payer system set up on the model of Social Security.  This would make large economys on the millions of people now shuggling paper and billing.	It is no trade off to rid ourselves of this patchwork system that only works for a few.	Subsidize the education of potential Doctors that maintain high grade averages and require them to work where needed for a certain number of years in return.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ME	1/5/06 10:06 PM
3689	Health care costs are squeezing out the middle class.  It seems as if America is at war with the middle class.	Uniform health care for everyone especially for the young.  Including dental and vision.	"Raise income taxes to fund health care, housings and general warefare.  End the Christian vs. Islamic war in Iraq.  Send George W. Bush and his war criminal pals to prison."	Get rid of Bush and the religious right.	NULL	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/5/06 10:06 PM
3690	That it is not available to everyone.  That insurance companies are so inefficient and waste so much money.	Yes we need a single payer national health care system.	I think most americans would be willing to pay higher taxes for a more efficient and fare health care system.	For congress to stand up to the Big drug companies and insurance companies and provide us with affordable high quality 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	MI	1/5/06 10:14 PM
3691	access for all	"yes, we should have a single-payer: the government"	"I am willing to trade costly end-of-life care for more affordable, highly accessable care."	single-payer.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/5/06 10:16 PM
3692	"Too much red tape from insurers and ""health plans"" means 4-minute office visits and no sense of well-being"	"We need a single-payer system in which every single man, woman, and child is enrolled. Like one Medicare program (including prescriptions and mental health) for everybody."	"If the system were single-payer and covered all equally, I believe we would willingly pay our fair share without complaint. "	"Wash hands frequently, stop smoking, and advocate for a single-payer system."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/5/06 10:17 PM
3693	"The lack of available, quality health care to all US citizens is currently my primary concern."	"I believe that a general, government sponsored payor (i.e., Medicare) is the most prepared system to handle most health needs.  Citizens would bear a tax burden, but reduce their outlay of health-care premiums to an equal or greater extent.  No restriction on citizens carrying additional, private supplemental policies if desired."	"As above, I believe that a basic health system provided to all citizens would cost less than the cumbersome, multi-authorization, profit-driven health systems we currently have, where such a large percentage of the health dollar is spent on limiting or preventing services.  To shift to such a system would mean re-organizing payors, but not providers or hospitals."	"Remove the age limits on Medicare and provide services to all citizens of the country, funded by taxes which would be offset by the lack of other health expense necessary to individuals and families."	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	CA	1/5/06 10:18 PM
3694	"That for-profit industries have major control of our health choices: nutritionally empty processed food and drink, dangerous pharmaceutical drugs not even tested against safe natural alternatives, environmental toxins out of control, dangerous for-profit hospitals, and ""health"" insurance that doesn't cover natural alternatives and preventive care."	"Health insurance should be attached to the individual, not to the job--people will not be remaining at the same jobs. Individuals, employers and government should pay in, but emphasis should be on preventive and emergency care which would be covered for everyone.  "	"I think this is the wrong question. Basic health care, and I mean health care, not drugs and surgery after you get sick, are extremely affordable and prevent the need for most drastic interventions later. It is the food, medical and advertising industries that will have to be forced to stop making their proftis off the diseased bodies of the American people. "	"Break the monopoly of conventional medicine on our health. Reconstitute the corrupt FDA as a body that promotes unpatented, healthful treatments and actually protects the public from dangerous synthetic drugs and medical procedures whose purpose is to make money. Make insurance cover the alternative treatment of the patient's choice."	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 10:31 PM
3695	The cost.	"Yes. Remove all insurance companies from the administrative responsibilities, allow the Federal Government to provide & administer good health care coverage to all Americans."	"A tax, similar to Social Security, based on income."	Health insurance must include dental & eye care.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	1/5/06 10:32 PM
3696	That it is a For-Profit Business and not what it should be: Healing and Prevention.	"Scrap the whole thing. No one really notices how much Medicare and Social Security taxes they pay out of every paycheck. If you added Health Care into the mix as an add-on to Medicare (medicare for all) it would be a negligible increase in your Fica payout, again matched by your employer's contribution. In return for that modest tax increase, you would never have to worry about the pitfalls (possibly losing your job, losing your health Insurance with it, the stress of how you're going to pay the deductibles, the very real possibility that you will be dropped by your insurance provider and even your employment if you max out the spending on catastrophic illness, the stress that your family members must endure, the very real possibility that you could lose your house or more commonly, have to file bankruptcy....to name a few)of getting sick in this country again. I know because I've experienced both systems. I grew up in Europe and was relieved to be able to take care of myself, deliver two healthy children, and never worry about how I was going to pay for it all. No stress. Nor was my job responsible for covering my insurance. "	"It just seems like common sense to look at the dollars and cents. I'm no mathematician but even I know that the amount deducted from your paycheck (or the self employment tax you pay) for the whole year as a Medicare-for-all tax will be a FRACTION of what most people are currently paying as individuals (or the cost per person by their employer), in insurance premiums, deductibles (that are often renewed each year), prescriptions, office visit charges, uncovered services (which seem to increase each year), having to chose your doctor or hospital. I mean come on people: this system is a real mess. FOR-PROFIT has nothing to do with Health Care and everything to do with keeping people ill! The rest of the civilized world is leaps and bounds ahead of us in BETTER OVERALL HEALTH, LOWER INFANT MORTALITY RATES. And most value science and new technologies that benefit all instead of ideological junk science that threatens to move us straight back to the Dark Ages."	"The biggest difference between the American system and the Health-Care-For-All approach (the rest of the civilized world) is simple: PREVENTION. My experience was in England. Everything was about good health and prevention. People go to their Family Practitianer for everything and are encouraged to follow up their visits, particularly if various treatments are prescribed. The doctor is always available and required to follow up on any treatment until resolution. Here, it is completely the opposite. You wait exactly the same amount of time to see the doctor (America's great private health care)and you're lucky to spend five minutes of his/her time, be handed a bunch of prescription drugs to sample, out the door, but not before paying your co-pay and inquiring if your insurance will cover the round of tests the doctor ordered you to take over at the Hospital. There may or may not be a follow up visit. In england your doctor is required by law to have a follow up to determine if the drugs he/she gave you are working or not. There is less reliance on taking a pill to try and fix the problem after its occured and more about preventing your patients from getting ill in the first place through common sense advice like good diet and exercise. DUH."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	1/5/06 10:33 PM
3697	"there isn't any. I was homeless for several years (IN Ca)and in my 50s, my son is 35 and has bone cancer. we couldn't get help but illegal and legal aliens could. I am now working in Korea. Evan Korea has national health insurance and I have spoken to teachers from England, Canada and Australia. They are very happy with their national health insurance. Our gove has propagandized the issue for the wealthy in the pharmacuetical and medical sections of the population."	Nationalize health care.	first they have to be told the truth and shown all the americans (278 million) that don't have health care and need help.	Stop sending money overseas and start helping americans. The US is 4% of the population of the world. It needs to take care of its own first.	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 10:35 PM
3698	That it is a For-Profit Business and not what it should be: Healing and Prevention.	"Scrap the whole thing. No one really notices how much Medicare and Social Security taxes they pay out of every paycheck. If you added Health Care into the mix as an add-on to Medicare (medicare for all) it would be a negligible increase in your Fica payout, again matched by your employer's contribution. In return for that modest tax increase, you would never have to worry about the pitfalls (possibly losing your job, losing your health Insurance with it, the stress of how you're going to pay the deductibles, the very real possibility that you will be dropped by your insurance provider and even your employment if you max out the spending on catastrophic illness, the stress that your family members must endure, the very real possibility that you could lose your house or more commonly, have to file bankruptcy....to name a few) of getting sick in this country again. I know because I've experienced both systems. I grew up in Europe and was relieved to be able to take care of myself, deliver two healthy children, and never worry about how I was going to pay for it all. No stress. Nor was my job responsible for covering my insurance."	"It just seems like common sense to look at the dollars and cents. I'm no mathematician but even I know that the amount deducted from your paycheck (or the self employment tax you pay) for the whole year as a Medicare-for-all tax will be a FRACTION of what most people are currently paying as individuals (or the cost per person by their employer), in insurance premiums, deductibles (that are often renewed each year), prescriptions, office visit charges, uncovered services (which seem to increase each year), having to chose your doctor or hospital. I mean come on people: this system is a real mess. FOR-PROFIT has nothing to do with Health Care and everything to do with keeping people ill! The rest of the civilized world is leaps and bounds ahead of us in BETTER OVERALL HEALTH, LOWER INFANT MORTALITY RATES. And most value science and new technologies that benefit all instead of ideological junk science that threatens to move us straight back to the Dark Ages."	"The biggest difference between the American system and the Health-Care-For-All approach (the rest of the civilized world) is simple: PREVENTION. My experience was in England. Everything was about good health and prevention. People go to their Family Practitioner for everything and are encouraged to follow up their visits, particularly if various treatments are prescribed. The doctor is always available and required to follow up on any treatment until resolution. Here, it is completely the opposite. You wait exactly the same amount of time to see the doctor (America's great private health care) and you're lucky to spend five minutes of his/her time, be handed a bunch of prescription drugs to sample, out the door, but not before paying your co-pay and inquiring if your insurance will cover the round of tests the doctor ordered you to take over at the Hospital. There may or may not be a follow up visit. In England your doctor is required by law to have a follow up to determine if the drugs he/she gave you are working or not. There is less reliance on taking a pill to try and fix the problem after its occurred and more about preventing your patients from getting ill in the first place through common sense advice like good diet and exercise. DUH."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	1/5/06 10:36 PM
3699	"Not only the poor quality of healthcare, especially bt VA doctors and doctors that treat Medicare pts, but also the ridiculous cost. We hear about all the new medicines and diagnostic tools but they all seem to wind up overseas or they are ""reserve"" for special patients."	"Make employers and Congress honor retirees and those that contacts/pledges by the corporations. More and more companies are denying retirees health coverage because of the cost, yet senior employees and CEO's still have health benefits and receive large bonuses to boot. Wheres Congress? Where are the honest judges? Where is the American legal system when the American people need them? I know, in some lobbyist or Congressman office or going to deposit thier $ for finding a way to screw the middleman!"	Trade-off: Stop Congess unfair annual pay raise and take away the CEO's and powers that be bonuses and their health benefits!	See ABOVE. Have congress make it a crime to take away benefits after someone retires.	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 10:41 PM
3700	The fact that it's not available to everyone because of its cost.	"Universal, single payer health insurance."	"Everyone could pay a small amount out of their paycheck to finance a nationwide system of health care, available to all."	More Democrats in congress and fewer Republicans!	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 10:45 PM
3701	It's getting more complicated all the time.	Let's change to a system like Canada's.  Why have so many individual groups in it to make money?  	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	1/5/06 11:00 PM
3702	The injustices in the system: high costs per person with lower outcomes than other countries; the fact 45 millon people are without coverage; the fact that pre-existing conditions will people deny coverage or raise rates for coverage; the fact that many people have no access to insurance coverage and must pay higher rates for medical care than insured people.  The medical crisis: that the doctor-patient relationship has been superceeded by the insurance and pharmaceutical industries driving the system.	Cut out employers and move to single payer system.	I'm not seriously concerned that there will be significant trade-offs.  	Get everybody into the same risk pool of insured.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/5/06 11:03 PM
3703	"Out-of-control costs (unaffordable, even with health insurance in place); it's a poorly allocated resource (should be an automatic entitlement to ALL American citizens); no financial profits should exist in healthcare costs; benefit differentiations cause multiple systemic complexities and barriers to accessing contigent benefits (e.g., housing, special programming, etc.)."	"Yes, I fully believe in the implementation of a single-payer, universal healthcare system within the U.S., much like that of Canada and other advanced countries (paid for by payroll taxes).  The approx. 25% multi-insurance administrative costs, incurred in our current system, could be alleviated by a single-payer system (i.e., Medicare for All).  At the very least, there should never be profitability in healthcare.  Additionally, the government has the ability to negotiate lower pricing through bulk purchasing; incredibly, Bush and Co. did not even attempt bulk drug purchasing for the Medicare RX Part D Program (no doubt that lobbyists played a key role here)."	"If a plan of single-payer universal health care, paid for by payroll taxes, was fully laid out and explained to the American public, I believe we would have a majority vote across the country in favor of it."	"To implement single-payer universal health care within the U.S., which will ensure that all Americans have access to healthcare, will bring down the exorbitant costs, and will improve the quality of health care."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	1/5/06 11:05 PM
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3706	"The high cost of healthcare in the U.S., rapidly decreasing benefits in insurance coverage, the gouging of the U.S. consumers by giant pharmaceutical companies."	"Universal healthcare, multi-payer system."	The American public is already financing more and more of their healthcare.  How much more will be expected to give while the insurers get filthy rich?	"Universal healthcare.  Everyone deserves quality healthcare in the wealthiest nation in the world (wealthiest, that is, until bush took control of the White House)."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/5/06 11:07 PM
3707	Cost and lack of accessibility for people in general; quality of care for older people; excessive cost for pharmaceutical products (and the pushing of them through TV and physicians); the emphasis on treating symptoms instead of preventing disease	"Look at the Swiss system. Every person is required by law to have health insurance. If the person cannot afford to pay the premium, all or part is paid by the state (i.e. cantonal) government. This means every person has at least minimal health insurance. It would be beneficial if employers paid at least a part of the premium. It's too bad small employers don't get together and form a large group, to save money."	????	Restrict profits of health insurance companies and the pharmaceutical companies.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	1/5/06 11:15 PM
3708	That I don't have any and the fact that it cost more than what I would initially be charged  	less payments by me as an individual would be nice  	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Not sure	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/5/06 11:25 PM
3709	There are thousands of Americans wjp dp mpt have health care coverage.  These people have littlke access to the medical community and put off getting treatment because they can't afford it.  as a Nation we are getting sicker and miss more work and put more and become a burden to our friends and families.	Our Federal dollars pay for war and keeping large corporations to makes millions of We need to use that money for National Health Care and edujcation instead of wasting it on killing peoople and greed.	THE EU countries have a VAT tax. If you pay out the money at the counter you'll never miss it.  Further we may not need it to pay for Federal Health Program because the money we don't pay for wars could easily cover the costs.	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	1/5/06 11:30 PM
3710	Class inequality - only truly available to the upper class; and that fact represses all the classes with its injustice.	Single payer health care where there is a 60-40/70-30 split between the employers & employees.	The same ones that the Canadians have made and are continuing to improve.	SINGLE PAYER	male	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 11:31 PM
3711	"Especially with the new bankruptcy laws, low income Americans that get caught with huge bills due to unforseen illness are not able to get the bills dismissed and will become a slave to paying for the past with no hope of ever getting out from under it. Talk about disincentive."	Health care should be a basic human right for all and paid for by the government.  Think of all the money corporations would save if the government paid for all medical care.	A bit higher taxes. 	Make it mandatory that either governemt provide health care or employeers pay for it. If either government had to pay or the corporations had to pay there would be a huge move by big corporations to get health care provided by the government.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	1/5/06 11:43 PM
3712	"Cost, the doctor needs to get further approval for more specialized treatment, patient can not choose the doctor or facility."	Need universal system similar to Canadian.  Need to reduce administrative costs...again look to Canada.	"willing to pay for guarranteed care, provided administrative costs were severely reduced"	"we are the leader of the world, yet our health care system is insensetive and borders on being criminal...need a system (universal care, we have it already but it is managed by HMO's, drug companies and other private interests)"	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/5/06 11:46 PM
3713	"The insurance, pharmaceutical,medical and allied special interest groups are making record profits at the expense of the consumer.    If this were a true democracy the consumer, as apposed to the parasites, would be in charge.  "	We should do what every other industrialized country in the world has done and adopt Single Payer Universal Health Care. It is the most humane and cost effective healrh care plan.	The consumer is being hoodwinked by the special interest groups.	Single Payer Universal Health   Care	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/6/06 12:00 AM
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3715	"The egregious wast caused by the administrative waste of hundreds of different plans, payers, etc."	We need a one-payer system for basic health care like other western nations. This would provide a healthier nation at reduced cost.	"The public will probably will be convinced again by propaganda machine of the big players that we have the worlds best system. Facts like 30 million uninsured, higher infant mortality than any of the industrialized nation, etc. will be buried by the propaganda."	Have publicly financed election campaigns so our elected representatives would not be beholden tothe special interest money.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/6/06 12:01 AM
3716	"The insurance, pharmaceutical,medical and allied special interest groups are making record profits at the expense of the consumer.    If this were a true democracy the consumer, as apposed to the parasites, would be in charge.  "	We should do what every other industrialized country in the world has done and adopt Single Payer Universal Health Care. It is the most humane and cost effective healrh care plan.	The consumer is being hoodwinked by the special interest groups.	Single Payer Universal Health   Care	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/6/06 12:02 AM
3717	"Third parties telling my doctor that she isn't allowed to order proper testing to diagnose me. This should be illegal. It's true though, my doctor is so fustrated she doesn't know what to do anymore either."	programs where our taxes pay for health care. Maybe a lottery that can help as well as some state funding	The people that are going without coverage and people who have unsatisfactory coverage will be willing to negotiate financing with our taxes I beieve. I don't think anyone wants to give up quality of care or settle for a crappy 80-20 or 70-30 plan.	Give everyone full coverage for health care and finance it through our taxes and other funds. Get the insurance companies right out of the picture.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	1/6/06 12:05 AM
3718	I am concerned that many Americans are uninsured.	"I think health care is a right and not a privilege, and that the government ought to insure that everyone's basic health care needs are met."	"The people who would benefit are the least active politically and the least likely to be able to influence politicians.  For this reason, universal health care in our country will probably never exist."	I believe we should aim for universal health care.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/6/06 12:27 AM
3719	$$$$$$$	national health care like Canada's	higher taxes	greater taxes on the rich!	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/6/06 12:35 AM
3720	That one day we won't even have health care offered through employment and those of us who are considered high risk- therefore uninsurable will not be able to get health insurance.	"First, it should be affordable, next it should be good coverage, not limited- like student insurance is limited."	"That's a tough one to answer. I had good coverage when I worked but as a full time college student, I have already exhausted my student insurance base plan (lab work, etc.) and they only paid up to $650. Unfortunately for me this has been a semester of lab tests, x-rays, etc. and now I need an MRI. I have no coverage for this."	"Clearly, my situation is not unique, but as far as I know, I do not qualify for any assistance. I'm already looking at huge debt for student loans (but I had to improve my education in order to get a job that I could support myself on...clinical social work is my area of study and one that I enjoy)so I really don't want to rack up a lot of medical debt. I'm in grad school and will graduate May 2006...just hope there will be a job or two out there for me."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	1/6/06 12:40 AM
3721	"A basic level of care is not available to all Americans; the basis of the current system is making money off, not helping, sick people and it is getting worse; ""health care"" is the new economic engine which is immoral; everybody is looking for their cut -- the doctors, insurers, hospitals, researchers, politicians and all the bureaucrats set up by conservatives to generate a little more revenue"	national health care is the only option to try to rein in the weasels and con artists who see sick people as a money angle -- not human beings; it hard to tell who is sicker-- the patient or the providers and peripherals	"the American public is not willing to make any trade-offs because American people are incredibly selfish and frightened; obviously legislation must be enacted to provide basic care which means less money to prolong life for a few months and for the machine that goes ""ping"" which sounds and looks sexy but adds nothing, and many times detracts from, to health care by allowing doctors to not think"	national health care	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	1/6/06 12:44 AM
3722	"Health insurance is becoming unaffordable for me, I am self employed. My premiums increase and the coverage provided goes down every year. I'm slowly falling from the system. And I'm not the only one in this situation. Also, Self employed persons do not have the buying power of group employers. In this case the pratice of giving discounts for larger quantities purchased (a very common business practice in other areas of commerce) puts an unconsionable burden on those who are self employed. "	"Health insurance does not insure my health. It may insure that the medical providers will not take my home and property if I become seriously ill. Health insurance providers are an industry that adds to the expense of health care without providing peace of mind, i.e. ""insurance"". Remove the Health Insurance Industry from the system. Set up an account that people pay into that is used when illness occurs that is backed up by Federal Tax money. "	We have all been making ever increasing trade-offs. Make it fair and available for everyone so that everyone knows that their health will be cared for and Americans will do whatever is necessary. 	Self employed people should not be financially disadvantaged for being not as profitable to insurance providers as larger companies. Self employed people are an essential segment of the financial health of this country.   We may not be as visible but don't over look us!	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	1/6/06 1:01 AM
3723	"More and more families are forgoing health care for fear of loosing their house due to sky rocketing health costs. This is happening in even middle income families, not just the poor."	A greater share of health care should be paid by employers who are making a certain percentage of earnings. It is absolutely unforgivable that CEOs rake in millions and leave their workers with no health care coverage.	Rope in the out of control CEO pay scales and there is your money to support employee health care benefits.  Why should the boss own five cars and two homes when his workers can't even afford to take their child to a doctor!?	Make the corporations pay!!!!	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SD	1/6/06 1:03 AM
3724	"It is absolutely insane that we have such a patchwork piecemeal system & that the insurance companies are incentivized to deny payment for as long as possible, thus driving prices up for every part of the system. The entire system is designed to fight every other part instead of cooperating with each other."	"Make everyone pay directly instead of through their employer. This way people are aware of the true costs. Make all insurers include everyone in the nation be the same cost/rate - in the same ""pool"", instead of cherry-picking. Make every citizen purchase a minimum coverage package."	Not enough.	Every person in the same coverage pool will force insurance companies to compete on efficiencies rather than denials & obsfucations.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/6/06 1:04 AM
3725	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	IA	1/6/06 1:07 AM
3726	"I'm concerned we're ultimately going to go to a system where employers no longer cover health care at all, and everyone is responsible for their own, paying for their own insurance out of pocket if they're healthy, or paying for their own health care out of pocket if they are unhealthy or can't afford insurance."	I really think we need to go to a single-payer system.  I think that's the only system that will work.  The single payer being government of course.	"The American public, unfortunately, wants affordable, high-quality health care, but is not willing to pay for it in higher taxes.  If forced to choose, the Americans would choose to let our health care system collapse in order to keep taxes low (that's not how I feel but that's how the majority feels, unfortunately)."	"Go to a single-payer system.  Something will have to be taxed to pay for it, but I think it's the only way to go."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/6/06 1:08 AM
3727	Even with insurance health care costs too much.  Insurance companies are telling doctors what to prescribe	NULL	In the past nothing.  Now they may be willing to give something up.	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	1/6/06 1:19 AM
3728	"What most concerns me is that Congress has no genuine interest in making health care affordable for all.  Why should they?  They have theirs.    If you truly want to see fair health care in this country, then DEMAND that ALL members of Congress, INCLUDING THE PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, ALL CABINET MEMBERS...ANYONE ""serving"" in high office enroll in a public health care plan while serving.  Make this MANDATORY as a condition of holding office.  when the millionairs are forced to accept the same level of care, forced to pay out of pocket for everything the system does not provide, you will see action.  Make it mandatory that they do not go around the system, regardless of how rich they now are.  "	Yes.  Stop spending our money on bombs and war and start spending it on medicine and peace!  Demand that Congress pass legislation stipulating that 15% of the federal budget be earmarked for health care for everyone.	"I'll trade good, decent health care (universal health care) for bombs and war any day of the week.    What's with you people anyway?  How long are you going to talk about this before you get fired up enough to actually DO something?  Like vote these current assholes out of office and put in people who know and care about everyone."	"Just read what I've written.  Its in OUR power to demand change.  But if we make no demands, there will be no change."	male	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Associate Degree	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/6/06 1:44 AM
3729	COST OF HEALTH CARE MEANS MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE NOT GOING TO THE DR. AS THEY CAN'T AFFORD THE OFFICE VISIT OR RX THAT MAY BE WRITTEN.	P;UT A PRICE FREEZE ON THE INSURANCE COMPANIES.  THEY KEEP RAISING THE RATES FOR THE DR'S AND MORE AND MORE GOOD DRS ARE LEAVING THE PROFESSION.	BETTER CARE MEANS FEWER LAW SUITS SO COSTS WOULD GO DOWN FOR ALL CONCERNED.	"DO NOT ALLOW ANY MORE DRS TO BE ""BOARD CERTIFIED"".  ONLY AMA WOULD BE ACCEPTED.  THE COSTS HAVE RISEN SO MUCH BECAUSE THE STUDENTS CAN'T PASS THE AMA FINAL EXAM AND TAKE THE BOARD CERTIFIED EXAM AND PASS.  BUT THIS ALLOWS POOR AND UN-TRAINED PROPERLY DRS TO USE THE PUBLIC AS A LEARNING TOOL."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/6/06 1:51 AM
3730	"I do not have health insurance; I simply cannot afford it, even if I could get it. Currently, I rely on county services. There is nothing preventative about them. Sometimes a person must be just about dead to get help there. And if you cannot pay, you are often denied services unless it is truly a matter of life and death. I know because I had a broken leg that required surgery and the first thing I was asked, was how am I going to pay for the operation? I was told that if I could not pay, that they would just patch up my ankle and send me on, thereby leaving me with a chronic problem. This is to say I would have pain in my ankle for the rest of my life, if I did not get the operation. I waited 10 hours to be seen then, while in horrible pain; none of this is unusual for a county hospital. This is why for some people the issue of health insurance controls where they work and this should not be a factor in staying at or being able to leave a job. We need a single payer system like other Western nations have. It is a ncessary expense just like the any other government service is. Why is it we can spend billions and billions on the miltary and a useless war and have nothing left over for health care?"	"Get rid of the profit motive by eliminating private insurance companies altogether. No half measures wil fix this problem; they need to be cut out of the system, as clearly the half measure we have undertaken are not working. A national sales tax should be instituted to pay for it. People will accept it because health care is something that they will see a direct and tangible benefit from."	"They will pay for a specific tax dedicated to it. This should NOT be something that is dictated by the market. I am tired of hearing that governemnt can't do anything, that private industry can do everything better. If this were so we would not have this problem in the first place."	"SINGLE PAYER, SINGLE PAYER!!! Let's stop fooling ourselves, we need this NOW!! As a nation we should study what the Europeans have done as well as the Canadians and come up with a system based on the best parts of what they have. It needs to be done at the federal level and run like a government agency."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/6/06 1:57 AM
3731	"The Cost of Health Care, Policies of Insurers."	"Prepay, No Contacts, No Games, No Fraud,"	Not to Have Private Insurers Become too Private with Its Clients.	"Lower The Cost, and Cut through the Red Tape."	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/6/06 2:10 AM
3732	"The insurance companies are using health care to make them rich, not to care for human lives.  There is no care for people who cannot afford it.  I think it's nothing but a money making scheme."	I think everyone should get health care and the federal government should pay for it.	we will need to pay for it in taxes	getting people taken care of  America should take care of it's own people	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/6/06 2:16 AM
3733	"45 million are uninsured, many more millions are underinsured; yet we spend far more of our GNP (16%)and far more per capita than any other developed nation.  The USA is the onlydeveloped country that does not have a national system of health insurance, where 18,000 people die prematurely each year because they have no health insurance.(INstitute of Medicine report 2004.) 50% of personal bankrupcies occurr because of excessive medical debts.    THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA NEEDS A SINGLE PAYER UNIVERSAL HEALTH INSURANCE SYSTEM    because it is the only way to stop spiraling costs and unnecessary suffering and premature death due to lack of insurance.  Study after study has shown that the savings of administrative costs and profits, plus the economy of scale will greatly improve access to health care, continuity of health  care and stabilization of health care costs.    The market place is not a viable method to distribute health care. "	"tHE SYSTEM SHOULD BE PAID BY A SINGLE AGENCY, THE us GOVERNMENT OR AN AGENCY LIKE THE fEDERAL RESERVE."	"tHE aMERICAN PUBLIC WILL BE MORE THA WILLING TO ABOLISH THE DISORGANIZED, CONFUSING AND  EXPENSIVE SYSTEM OF HUNDREEDS OF PRIVATE INSURANCE PLANS IN EXCHANGE FOR A SINGLE PAYER SYSTEM THAT GUARANTEES INSURANCE EVEN IF YOU CHANGE OR LOOSE YOUR JOB.  oNLY THE SESTED INRTERESTS SUCH AS INSURANCE COMPANIES, PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIE AND OTHERS WHO PROFIT BY OUR CURRENT SYSTEM, AND IDEOLOGUES WHO WANT TO DISBAND ALL ENTITLEMENT PROGRAMS WILL FIGHT A SINGLE PAYER SYSTEM,AND TRY TO MISLEAD THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ABOUT THE BENEFITES OF A SINGLE PAYER  PROGRAM."	AN IMPROVED MEDICARE FOR ALL	female	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/6/06 2:20 AM
3734	The government's authoritative role in health care.	"If the government controls the administration of health care for individuals, the government should pay for it."	"The majority of Americans will most likely continue to blindly forfeit any benefits or amounts the government and health care networks claim are ""necessary."""	"for those qualified individuals without health insurance, the government should assume the same role as a health care insuror for its participants -- ""if the patient can't pay, we will.""   "	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	1/6/06 2:44 AM
3735	LACK OF A UNIFORM AND AFFORABLE UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.  UNRESTRAINED GREED OF PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY.	UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE	TAX FINANCED HEALTH CARE	GET CONTROL OF GREEDY PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/6/06 2:46 AM
3736	"Healthcare is not available to all people of the world, let alone all people of America.  America, the largest and most powerful gov't of the earth, is not caring for the people of the world.  Healthcare needs to be very accessable/available, freely, to all peoples of the world."	Make healthcare available to all people of the world.	NULL	"Create available/accessable, high quality healthcare for all people of the world"	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/6/06 3:43 AM
3737	My greatest concern is that millions of Americans do not have health care coverage.  The other troubling issue is that the Medicare Prescription Drug program does not prevent the pharmaceutical companies from overcharging for  the medications. There is very little advantage to the seniors or tax payers.  Many freqently used drugs are off the list.	"I am in favor of a national program that would cover all Americans.  The Medicare system doesn't pay doctors, clinics, for treatments enough.  Seniors on medicare are not always welcome for that reason."	The general public is afraid of making changes in the health care coverage.  	Educate the public.  Too many uninvolved citizens.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/6/06 4:04 AM
3738	Healthcare expenses are increasing faster than the cost of living increases.	Be progressive;support universal healthcare.	Get the insurance companies out of the healthcare business.Put the reins on the drug companies.And the HMOs could also be elimanted.The government would be more efficent running healthcare than corporate conmen.	Universal healthcare;nothing less.	male	NULL	No	Other	Some high school	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	1/6/06 4:24 AM
3739	non existent for unemployed people.	low cost preventive medical care	lower costs medications	insurance for every American	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Not sure	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/6/06 4:24 AM
3740	The cost has skyrocketed so fast many have been left behind.  	Yes.  We need to study Canada's health care.  Perhaps developing a socialist plan in our country.	"I don't know.  However, many people facing retirement and aging will be rudely awakened.  The working poor already are suffering from no health care."	Follow Canada's lead and adopt a solcialistic health care plan.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	1/6/06 4:26 AM
3741	"Health care should not be something that is available and affordable only to those with great wealth -- and great health.  Right now, only the wealthy are secure, and the people who most need to access health care -- those who are ill, the very young, and those unlucky wrt health -- are least likely to be able to have/maintain access to health care.  That just doesn't make sense."	"I believe that access to health care should not be based on having employment at all.  In fact, since those who most need health care are least able to work, the current system ensures less access to those in the most need.  Now that we are in the 21st century, we should finally enter the 20th and catch up with the rest of the 1st world:  single payer health care for all.  Then perhaps we will also lower our infant mortality and maternal death rates to compare to other 1st world nations, and our life expectancies could rise to match them."	"I think that most Americans would be willing to pay higher taxes for single-payer health care, although the finances would certainly have to be explained.  Between not having the money currently taken out of paychecks for health benefits (for those who have them), plus the savings on the many out of pocket expenses AND access to health care, I think it would be a hit and as successful as it is pretty much everywhere else."	"Single payer health care/national health insurance.  We need to say good-bye to the far too many overwhelming out-of-pocket costs, the sea of repetitive paperwork, and the unequal access to health that is imposed by this insane, insurance based system.  A ""health care system"" should not be -- as it is here in the US, now -- a system where insurance companies post record profits for their shareholders while hospitals close or cut back services because they are supposed to ""make a profit"", and people who need health care services cannot access/afford them.  It isn't working.  And frankly, making money off of other people's suffering is does not seem very right, very American.  "	female	NULL	No	Other	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/6/06 5:28 AM
3742	That the big pharmacy companies are takeing our money and not makeing us any better off. There are much better ways of healing the body besides takeing another pill.	We already pay more than other nations and we still are not as healthy as some. I dont mind paying but a nation wide healthcare plan would be better. The govenment should be able to take care of it's people.	Not sure.	I would like to reccomend that the fact that doctors treat symptoms not the cause and in doing so the treatment causes a multitude of other symptoms therefor getting us nowhere. I recomend treating the disease not the symptoms.  Doing so without man made chemicals and more natural substances that are must less costly.   Pevenative medicine also does wonders and treats the disaese before it has a chance to take hold of a body and should be more infused into the system.	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/6/06 6:20 AM
3743	"A way must be found to make health care afordable for any American that can pay for a policy.  For too many people, including people who retire, insurance is unafordable.  Partial ""socialized medicine"" is required."	"Fight for a partial movement to creat ""socialized medicine"".  Then, create an insurance policy that is afordable to most uninsured or newly becoming uninsured Americans."	Doctors and hospitals that work for and are paid a more reasonable rate.  Increase the numbers of medical schools and split expertise among more specificly trained people.  	Socialized medice	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	FL	1/6/06 6:29 AM
3744	too expensive for some and unaffordable for others. 	Insurance companies shouldn't have so much control over what they will pay for and doctor's shouldn't be able to order whatever the patient wants even if it isn't necessary. 	The wealthy corporations should pay less in bonuses to execs and put that money towards better health care. 	The value of all human beings should be recognized and coverage made available to all. Universal coverage and a 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	1/6/06 6:37 AM
3745	"The lack of a universal health care plan for all citizens that is funded by tax dollars and covers hospital stays, doctors visits, dental, eye care, chiropractic, and various alternative modalities as well as pharmaceuticals."	A single payer plan needs to be instituted.	"Don't know about the American public, 40% of whom still reportedly think that Bush is doing a good job."	A publicly financed system that allows access to all services regardless of a persons ability to pay.	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VT	1/6/06 6:48 AM
3746	"The fact that health care is in a free-fall crisis, with no corrective steps being taken and no end in sight.  The fact that tens of millions of Americans lack health insurance; many who have it find that it is inadequate when faced with a serious illness or accident; and the numbers of both of the above categories are rising.  The fact that tens of thousands of Americans die every year because they lack adequate medical coverage.  The fact that Americans spend stupendously more on health care than any other country but are less healthy. The failure of most Americans to make a connection between poor health practices and spiraling medical costs.  The control of health care in America by corporations concerned about their profits, not our health."	"The current system is so out of date, its survival defies human logic.  It's a dinosaur, struggling to survive long after the meteorite hit and sealed its doom.  We need a single-payer system sponsored by the federal government.  The private sector has a role, but only as a regulated and monitored part of the overall whole.   "	"A single-payer system should be introduced in phases.  The ultimate goal should be a system that provides the same coverage for all Americans, but that's too costly in the near term. Initially, a sliding scale of contributions, beginning with a guaranteed minimum of basic services and premium payments or co-payments tailored to a person's economic status.  Once this floor is established, the more extensive the coverage, the more the premiums.  For example, all pregnant mothers should have basic prenatal care; but if you want coverage for a heart transplant, you pay higher premiums.  Overtime, the single-payer system will produce economic payoffs.  WE MUST ALSO LOWER COSTS BY ADOPTING HEALTHIER LIFESTYLES. The system should encourage that goal by charging higher premiums for abusers, like overweight people and smokers.  The lower costs produced by all these reforms should be plowed back into the system through reduced premiums and extended coverage, until we reach the goal of universal coverage applied equally to all Americans.        "	"A single-payer system sponsored by the federal government, coupled with incentives and penalties to force Americans to adopt healthier life-styles, the only long-term cure for spiraling costs."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/6/06 7:17 AM
3747	So many working families cannot afford health insurance or to pay for their health care out of pocket. With more and more employers not providing health insurance benefits we see more people who do not seek medical care until a health condition becomes severe and more expensive to treat.	Everyone should have access to health care. I don't understand why big business isn't behind socialized medicine. A socialized system would alleviate the financial burden of health care coverage for businesses. 	I think the insurance companies have such strong lobby groups and feed the public misinformation. They frighten the American people into believing that a government sponsored health care system will take away their health care choices. Many people I speak with would be willing to pay more in taxes so that all Americans could receive health care benefits. 	"Go back to Hiliary Clinton's recommendations from the early 1990s. She had a feasible plan, but instead of looking at the issue, the politicians demonized her as an individual."	female	NULL	NULL	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/6/06 7:22 AM
3748	That it is accessible to so few.	Get rid of the insurance companies.  They have swelled the costs unreasonably.	There are GOOD plans that require no trade-offs.  See American Progress's health plan. I would gladly trade off all the tax breaks I never got.	Remove the insurance industry from health care accounting.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/6/06 7:26 AM
3749	It is way too expensive for the average citizen to afford.	"Make healthcare, including dental and vision a federally paid program for all citizens of the USA, styled after Canada, where you have to be a citizen, not like the UK, where anyone is ellegable."	"I think most people won't mind paying more tax if more services such as health care are provided. This would also be a good for businesses, as they wouldn't have to provide health care for their employees, a major reason given by Toyota when they recently located a plant in Canada instead of the USA."	"Simple, look at how some of the other countries are providing healthcare for their citizens and refine to fit our needs, but do not make the mistake of trying to provide for non-citizens like the UK does."	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/6/06 7:35 AM
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3752	The cost.	If health care and pharmacutical companies are getting federal grants for research and development. They should not be able to charge more for products or services to the customer to make up for the money they spent.	I don't think they would make trade-offs. I belive that they are forced into trade-offs.	"Either the government regulate health care completely or creat a national heath care system so everyone has health care, regardless of their social satus."	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	1/6/06 7:38 AM
3753	Lack of healthcare for all citizens. 	"In a word (two actually), universal healthcare. It's been proven it can be done. It works in many other nations. Yet the in the wealthiest somehow we can't afford it. "	"None. The money exists to pay for univeral healthcare. The only thing that needs to change is the system. Adoption of German, English, Canadian and Japanese systems can create a system that will work. "	"Again, universal healthcare. "	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	1/6/06 8:08 AM
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3756	"I am a nurse with over 40 years experience.  It breaks my heart when I see young people who are working hard, but cannot afford health care.  In my own family, both my sons are without health insurance, as are their spouses.  This lack of health care now, could result in serious and expensive, health issues  in the future."	I feel there should be a reasonable way for small businesses to provide health care for themselves and their employees.	I have no idea.  What trade offs are being offered?	"I feel that all Americans should be able to afford health care.  If they can't afford it, possibly a clinic could be set up for uninsured people to receive health care.  They would pay for the care they received, but not the exorbitant fees that physicians need to charge.  I also feel that the high cost of malpractice insurance forces physicians to increase their fees."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/6/06 8:12 AM
3758	"The costs are ridiculous, access takes forever if you can get it, and the attitudes of doctors and insurance companies not really ""into"" serving people besmirch the whole field of medicine."	"Single payer is the way to go.  Universal, nationalized Scandanavian or Canadian style plan modified for U.S."	"Less costly type ""end stage"" and interventions in exchange for more life long preventative care/collaborative medicine to improve quality of life ....not quantity of life.  Maybe?"	"Fully fund and require insurance to pay for ""preventative care/complementary medicine"" at all levels of life so people don't get as sick or sick as much throughout their life."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/6/06 8:26 AM
3759	The ever rising costs and the fact that many people have no healthcare insurance.	"One change would be to make the paperwork simpler.  It is confusing and there are many who just give up and pay out of pocket.  Also the time between treatment and the receiving of medicare, insurance response is too long.  "	"As a retiree, I can't think of any way except for enployees to pay for part of their coverage.  this would need to be grandfathered to protect the retired as they are on a much lower income, and probably are needing the most coverage. "	"Make coverage for all, perhaps through government funding."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/6/06 8:27 AM
3760	It is controlled by corporate interests who fail to see the human suffering which is increased by their drive for more profits.	"This system places too much responsibility on the insurance and HMOs, which give assistance only to the wealthiest and fail to remember the rest of the population who also need health care."	"I want to see a much smaller beauracracy and more efficient staffing of the health care benefits.  So to me, asking for trade-offs means that your organization is looking out for the providers, not for the citizens.  It's a loaded question, a trick question, and so my answer is: I am not willing to make any trade-offs.  Single payer health care under government control is the answer."	Single payer health care under government control.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/6/06 8:46 AM
3761	My concern is that health care and health insurance has become so expensive that it is fast moving beyond the reach of many Americans; there is no oversight of the health care industry and no incentives in our current system for bringing down the cost	YES! Our crazy-quilt system adds too much adminstrative overhead and leaves many people falling through the cracks. We should have one single-payer system that would cover everyone and greatly reduce the amount that goes to adminstration. The employer-based system is a bad idea that is leaving our American companies in an uncompetitive situation. It also is unfair to the millions of people who are self-employed or work for smaller employers.	"The public is ready to give up some benefits for guaranteed health care, at least some basic level of health care. A single-payer system cannot offer every last treatment/service to everyone, but it can give people the peace of mind that would come from knowing basic care would be there when they need it and that they would not be bankrupted because they got sick"	1)Give all Americans access to affordable health insurance -- why not let everyone buy into Medicare?    2)Create central oversight and planning and impose computerized standards for records to reduce the cost of medical services    3)Curb the power of medical industry lobbyists who work against the interests of the American people  	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	1/6/06 8:51 AM
3762	"Availability for all and affordability, especially for the working poor."	I believe strongly that there should be a national system of health care.  No Amercian should be without.	"I think many people would be willing to pay some money, but I fear that many would also balk at the idea of their contributing tax dollars for that purpose.  I think a huge education program would be necessary for that to happen."	Education of the preality of the public with a focus on the damages done to society when so many of its members go without.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	1/6/06 8:54 AM
3763	"Our health insurance runs $1100 a month, and we are always in danger of being cancelled or rates going up if we use it."	I think the government should offer a reasonably priced health plan that you can't get turned down for.	"I understand it won't be free, but it shouldn't cost more than my monthly mortgage."	"Do whatever it takes to lower health care costs across the board - that includes the overpriced prescription drugs, durable medical supplies, bloated administration in hospitals, and ridiculous red tape to go to a specialist."	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/6/06 8:56 AM
3764	"That so many are uninsured, especially children."	"First, I think there should be a single payer system that would eliminate all the bureaucracies and CEO's with large salaries all across our country."	Longer waits for non-emergency situations.	Single payer system please.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/6/06 9:00 AM
3765	"That I have to watch the pharma ads constantly on TV.  It is all a big scam to keep us sick and on their drugs for the rest of our lives.  No cures out of these people, it is not in their best interst to cure anything!"	NULL	NULL	make it cheaper!	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/6/06 9:01 AM
3766	"I seems that even though we are paying more for our health coverage, if we are blessed to have it, we are getting less.  The quality of care is questionable.  There is very little coordination among providers which leads to missed or incorrect diagnosis.  There is not much in the way of followup.  "	I believe that we should look toward a more centralized system of national health care.  People should not be getting rich off of health care.  We should investigate systems like Canada and many Scandanavian countries.	Probably nothing.  Americans don't make trade-offs very well.  	Make health care accessable to everyone.  Set up systems that allow for more comprehensive care.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/6/06 9:03 AM
3767	that not everyone can get it and all need it.why do our elected officials get all the coverage at our expence?is there a way to stop this so they can see and feel what we are going through.	NULL	NULL	lower the price and investgate the health providers why they charge so much while other things are prevented from charging high prices.	male	NULL	Yes	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	1/6/06 9:15 AM
3768	There is no health coverage for people that work but do not get employer coverage and cannot afford individual policies.	"Yes, there should be a basic universal health plan for everyone, and those that want to can buy supplemental coverage."	"Spend money on medicine, not wars."	"Some basic medical coverage for everyone, regardless of income or working status."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/6/06 9:17 AM
3769	Cost of care and medications. Pharmacy Co.'s and  Insurance Co. having WAY too much say in how medicine is practiced.	"Again, attack Phar. and Ins. and get them out of primary care decisions and get them to stop the escalating costs for meds and coverage!"	Increase taxes IF the govt. can organized a effective way to ensure low-cost coverage for all. We don't need to do another  Canada.	Get Pharm/Ins out of controlling primary care and lower costs of medication.  Have Ins. cover alternative/natural care/cures and let the public have a say in thier own care.	female	NULL	No Response	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	1/6/06 9:19 AM
3770	"I have no health care. I am 47 years old and cannot go to a doctor when I am sick. I just have to wait it out and hope that I get better. It is hard, for example, to suffer from frequent debilitating migraines, knowing that the medicine exists to wipe them out and that I just can't afford it. I might as well be living in a Third World country. The health care situation in this nation is a source of tremendous shame."	Health care should be free to everyone. It is simply wrong to tie health care to economics. It puts a financial value on human life. This is immoral.	I think Americans are sickened by our health care system. Health is not financially quantifiable. The insurance industry should be dismantled. Profit should be taken out of health care altogether.  One should never profit from another's suffering.	Health care should be free for every human being in America.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	1/6/06 9:22 AM
3771	The uninsured! It is simply not fair that in this country anyone should go without health care and prescription drug coverage. 	Basic health care should be the responsibility of the government. Employers could provide upgrades (as in Canada). Individuals should pay a deductible based on their income. 	For the uninsured there are no trade offs.     I believe that if everyone (including uninsured) had appropriate health care that the cost of care for those who pay would go down.	Make health care available to all.     If it has to be on a sliding scale based on income I am good with that.    Do away with the Pre-existing limitation for any policy whether insured or self insured program.	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	WA	1/6/06 9:26 AM
3772	Lack of access due to decreasing reimbursements by the Federal sector.	"Yes, a universal payer."	I am not sure that I can speak for the American public.	Redirect the obscene profits accured by the pharmaceutical and insurance industries to a state based pool for 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	AZ	1/6/06 9:28 AM
3773	NULL	There could be a limit to copays.  Employers are adding more to the employee each year.  	Strange that you would ask.  Employers don't see this as a question for the public; they make their own policies and the employees submit.  some unions seem to be strong enough to stand up for stable benefits. 	Health care MUST be accessible to all people not just to those who can afford it.  	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/6/06 9:31 AM
3774	"not everyone is covered, prices are rising, too competitive, doctors are not listening, care isn't as good, it has become a money-making machine.  Mostly, though NOT EVERYONE is covered with insurance"	Everyone should be covered by a government system!	I think everyone would trade some of their salary for affordable care for all!!!!!	Have socialized medicine!!  Make it available to all!!!	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/6/06 9:34 AM
3775	"The rising costs of existing health care plans is my major concern. secondly, the ability of insurance companies to deny coverage. Thirdly, the growing number of uninsured and lack of coverage provided by some companies, while CEO's claim record salaries. Another outgrowth I see is in education, where older professors and teachers are not retiring when they are no longer enthusiastic about teaching because they will then be left without healthcare when they need it most! The current system is ludicrous."	"We need a single -payer national health plan financed by the government and corporations   which is similar to other ""developed"" countries."	"There is no reason to make trade-offs. Secure, affordable, high quality care could be provided  by a tax surcharge. It is a necessity and could also replace the pork projects that our taxes currently support.Corporations cannot be allowed to make record profits but not contribute to or provide health care plans for workers. "	"A national health care system. The ""long waits""  people talk about are already a reality if you have health care in an HMO now."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/6/06 9:36 AM
3776	The number of Americans without any health care protection.	I would like to see a national health care system similar to Canada's.	The same as those in Canada.	I see no reason why Americans should be paying any more for their drugs than what the citizens of other countries are paying for the same drug. It appeares to me that the pharmaceuticos want the American people to pay for the research and development for the rest of the world.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/6/06 9:37 AM
3777	"Such a huge amount, such an enormous part of our nation's wealth, is spent on health care and health coverage, two different issues, and yet so many are not covered, and so many more are poorly covered."	"Our way doesn't work at all for too many, and doesn't work very well for too many more.  ""Industry"" and lobbyists speak poorly of national health policies in places like Canada and so many others.  In fact, MOST other ""developed"" countries national health policies make ours look miserly.  It should not be about the wealth of a few, but about the health of all."	"Why should there be trade-offs!  Tens of millions have nothing to trade.  How many millions more have only minimal coverage...what more should they do without?  ""Trade-offs"" is entirely the wrong approach."	"Medicare, or something like it, for ALL.  Actually, I'm a vet, and VA works very well when it is allowed to do so.  I haven't needed it, but when it isn't overwhelmed it does an excellent job."	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	1/6/06 9:39 AM
3778	It leaves too many citizens with NO health care other than emergency room visits.  Is this the best the richest country in the world can do??!!	"I have excellent health care coverage provided by the employer I retired from some 7 years ago, but I am the exception rather than the rule anymore.  Wee need a new plan to cover todays workers, including those living in poverty."	I think most Americans would find it in their hearts to help pay for a systems that covers everyone.	"A health plan that covers all Americans, overseen by the Federal and/or state governments and contributed to by employers, individuals that can afford to pay some of the expense, but free to those who cannot."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/6/06 9:40 AM
3779	"There's too any people that don't have any insurance at all. Those of us that can afford it are very lucky. But it shouldn't be this way. Why ,in this great country of ours can't we have (all of us) insurance at a price that all people can afford?"	"I don't have an answer, but I'm sure someone out there does."	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	TX	1/6/06 9:40 AM
3780	"As a physician I am concerned with the inequalities in the distribution of healthcare services, the waste of resources consumed by health insurance companies, outlandish profits by pharmaceutical companies, and the interference by managed care in the doctor patient relationship."	I think all Americans should have access to health care through a single payer system (government) supported through individual and employer taxation.	"There are many hidden costs in out health care system today such that the average individual is already paying much more for their own and other's health care than they realize. A single payer system and dedicated tax sources will not greatly change the cost to the individual greatly but would benefit the nation by eliminating many sources of redundancy/waste, providing health care to all Americans as a right and making American businesses more competitive by decreasing their health finances overhead. "	I think it is time to join the rest of the industrialized nations in making health care a universal right for American citizens and working to make a national single paer system.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/6/06 9:43 AM
3781	The lack of affordable gov't supported health care - for me (self-employed) with outrageous deductibles - is killing me.	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	1/6/06 9:43 AM
3782	Cost	Don't know enough to comment.	Higher Co Pays for prescriptions and office calls.	Don't know enough to comment.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	1/6/06 9:52 AM
3783	"Cost--we own a small business and have to insure our family of four.  We can only afford insurance plans with a deductible of $10,000!"	Reasonably priced federal government program for any one who wants it. 	"We're willing to make any and all kinds of trade-offs for affordable health care.  If our premiums go much higher, we will be unable to afford the plan we have now.  We are considered middle-class."	"A federal program available to all, even though we know this is not a perfect answer and would have drawbacks, it would be a much better option for many people in our shoes and those who are uninsured. "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/6/06 10:03 AM
3784	"Policies are developed more with the pharmaceutical industry in mind than the consumer.  The current   ""drug plan"" is absurdist.  In New York State alone there are 47 competing plans.  The fact that people who don't sign up now may be penalized is discriminatory against people who do not require much medication at this time but need drugs as they age.  The current plan does not allow setting prices in competition with Canada. I currently buy the one drug I use from Canada and will continue to do so."	"I would prefer a nationalized system much as in Canada, England and the Scandinavian countries."	Money taken out from their paychecks during their working years.  There should be no trade-offs in terms of benefits.  Poor people should be able to have the same access to quality care as the rich.	At least begin to look at a universal health care plan and keep insurance companies out of the equation when deciding on the best plan for ALL people	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/6/06 10:14 AM
3785	Many families (children and hard-working adults) have no health coverage through work and private coverage is very expensive. 	"All Americans should have affordable health and prescription coverage, with a fixed percetage of income going toward a public program. "	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	RI	1/6/06 10:15 AM
3786	Its very poor.   Where I live the doctors are not good doctors. I feel unsafe going to one. I will not use the DRUGS they offer they are more HARMFUL than good for us. They way we eat is key.	NULL	NONE.   Train our doctors better. teach them nutrition and how to use it first. Then drugs IF nessacary.	Teach them nutrition.   What to eat and how to prepare it. As well as how much is needed.   Remove money making from it. and give it to the people of U.S.A. Straight and Correct.	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/6/06 10:15 AM
3787	Lack of coverage. People viewed as customers rather than patients. The fact that we have not moved to a single-payer system.	"I think we should go with the plan outlined by Rep Dennis Kucinich, Enhanced Medicare For All. "	I don't think any sacrifices will/would be necessary. We already spend enough on health care in the U.S. to give everyone basic coverage and if we taxed employers and followed the Kucinich plan we would not need to ration care as other nations do. It would be nothing but a gain for all but the health insurance industry.	Passage of the Kucinich bill.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	1/6/06 10:19 AM
3788	  cost and availability	"  A single payer system would eliminate the loss of coverage when people are between jobs. It would also eliminate the ""previous condition"" clause that disallows many from receiving adequate insurance.    Bed/population ratios have made emergency treatment frequently unavailable at the nearest hospital because the nearest available bed might be across the county.    Cost of medication is out of control."	  I think people want reasonable and dependable care by an honest physician.	  Simplify the system.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/6/06 10:25 AM
3789	There are several inadequacies in the Health Care System that need to be adressesed but primarily the fact that in the greatest country in the world millions are uninsured.  Those that are insured are either working just to pay for coverage or see a substantial portion of their income eaten away by ever increasing premiums.	As a result of the way healthcare is paid for it has become a luxury for the average worker.  Their should be a Federally subsidized system to make healthcare affordable for everyone.  We can send billions around the world but hesitate when it comes to caring for our own.	The money that is wasted in our Federal System of Government due to the lack of oversight would go far in providing coverage for everyone.	A Federal Healthcare system that could be structured similar to Social Security in regards to the funding mechanism.	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/6/06 10:29 AM
3790	"The extremely high prices are coupled with a distinct lack of any real benefits that might keep one out of financial trouble if a health problem does arise.  In addition, the bureaucracy of the HMO and other institutions is so complex and difficult to understand that many of us end up getting screwed by clauses buried deep in the fine print that deny us basic benefits."	"Single payer health care system.  The private sector health care system in this country has failed.  Every other civilized place in the world has a mix of public and private sector health care that work in tandem.  Even a conservative economic journal like London's _The Economist_ is adamant in pointing out that a fully private sector health care system will ultimately fail most of its citizens.  Capitalism is good in most situations.  Health care is not one of them, unfortunately."	"I'm not sure what this question is asking--but I think that the government should provide a basic safety net of benefits that prevent people from hitting the floor, while the private sector should cover additional benefits that can protect at the level desired for different age groups."	"Emulate the Canadian and Scandanivian systems--they work better and accomplish more.  All this nonsense about lack of choice makes me angry--under my present plan, I don't get a choice of doctor anyways and I'm still waiting forever to get in to get things done.  I might as well spend less of my hard-earned income to do it!  "	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/6/06 10:30 AM
3791	"Rising cost and decreased social safety nets for the elderly and working poor, first and foremost, but also relying on the cutthroat, profit-driven pharmaceutical industry for medical research and drug development."	"I dream of a 100% governmental health care system, but would be happy to take steps to assure fairness in the burdens taken on by megacorporations, small businesses and individuals. The scale should most definitely slide a lot more than it does today."	"To be completely honest, I fear that most Americans today aren't willing to give so that others might receive, even if it might better insure their own security further down the line. People in power have them believing that tax cuts for big business and rampant privitization is somehow about ""freedom"" or ""self-reliance."" "	I feel completely unqualified to make any such recommendation.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	1/6/06 10:39 AM
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3793	Insurance companies dictate the treatment protocol to Doctors and control the amount of time a patient can be hospitalized.  Medicine is now a for profit business instead of patient's needs first non-profit concern.	"Insurance should be for catastrophic health coverage, and some types of surgery.  More emphasis should be placed on preventative medicine, which would lower everyone's costs. medical savings plans are a good way to ""self-insure"".  If patients were paying more of the routine costs, keeping insurance out of that part of the equation.  Get Doctors to stop being pill pushers. "	Offer only catastrophic coverage.  Educate the public more on routine treatment and preventative health care.	"Get the drug companies out of the advertising game.  Patients should find out about treatments from health care professionals, not television ads.  Insurance companies need to go back to insuring and out of dictating treatment protocol to Doctors."	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OK	1/6/06 10:40 AM
3794	The price-and that there is discrimination on elderly and people with illness	"There should be a health savings account upon birth, all people should be required to pay the same!!! and as the get older if they don't use all of they fund it can be combined with Social Security."	The elderly (75and older) should be willing to  have less healthcare since they are using more.	control prices and medication prices	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	1/6/06 10:46 AM
3795	I am most concerned about the fact that so few people have any or adequate healthcare coverage.	Yes!  We need Medicare for All paid for out of taxes.	I see no trade-offs.  We're already paying high prices one way or the other.	National 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	WA	1/6/06 10:50 AM
3796	"Health Care workers are so hurried that even when a citizen has the means to pay for care, it is likely to be poor care.     Most times I go to a doctors office, my brief visit is constantly interrupted, sometimes as many as six times during a half hour visit.    About six years ago, the Philadelphia Inquirer had an article about most frequent medical mistakes. I assumed that misdiagnosis would be at the top. (Afterall, the human body is complicated and medical professionals can't be expected to know everything.) I was wrong. The top mistakes were all things that people do when in too much of a hurry, such as leaving sponges in someone after an operation.    The insane schedules and amount of work that medical professionals (intake people at front desk, nurses, doctors, etc.) seem to be forced to do is dangerous for them and their clients."	"We need a single payer system. No HMOS, Blue Cross. The government should pay for care the way the Canadian government does.     This would greatly reduce paperwork and therefore reduce the work burden of medical professionals as described above.       "	People are willing to forgo some raises if they know their healthcare is provided. 	Health Care paid for by government.	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	PA	1/6/06 11:03 AM
3797	"The shoddy, impersonal care that most Americans receive. Even the high prices are not as bad as the poor care that people get."	"Health care should be offered by the government for free, and people should only purchase insurance by choice when they opt for private health care, as in Britain. This would create universal health care."	"Because we have nothing going to our benefit now (i.e., prices are high and we receive poor-quality care), any chance that would improve care and lower prices would be welcome. People would be willing to let the government pay for and administer health care as in Britain."	Provide free universal health care coverage 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	CA	1/6/06 11:15 AM
3798	"Availablity to low income patients, or uninsured."	I believe we need a system of universal health care.	reasonably higher taxes.	Universal availablity.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/6/06 11:19 AM
3799	It is too inconsistent.  Too many people cannot afford healthcare costs nor pay to have insurance for themselves and their families.  Meanwhile others are able to have complete coverage whereby they can give the bestt to their families.	"Yes, make the employers pay a larger sahre odf the load.  Meanwhile, whenever an individual or family is in a position whereby they cannot afford the cost of insurance should have the option of having the Federal Government step in and pay the difference.  In this manner there would no longer be a disparity coverages and everyone would have adequate healthcare for their families as well as themselves."	I'm certain that most Americans would be willing to foresake these tax credits they have been getting over thepast few years if it were put into healthcare coverage for everyone. 	"coveerage for every American should be a right, not a priviledged."	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	GA	1/6/06 11:20 AM
3800	millions of Americans without health insurance and the high cost of health care in USA that is forcing industries to close	universal halth care paid for by government by closing tax loopholes	slight increase in taxes of the wealthy	universal comprehensive health care  Medicare for All  Conyers HR 676	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	1/6/06 11:36 AM
3801	"What concerns me the most about health care in American today is that people like me, honest, hard-working, starting-a-family-age, are barely covered by any health care.  I work full-time and am lucky enough to have employers who offer us the option of basic coverage or one-step up coverage.  My husband has to pay for his own, and has seen a huge increase in payment coverage over the last few years.  We are trying to save money for our home, for ourselves, for our future family, and health is a huge part of our plan.  How are Americans supposed to live stress-reduced, and therefore healthier, lives if always worrying that they won't be covered if something terrible happens.  Or, we get sick and wouldn't even dream about going to the doctor (or perhaps an alternative) because such a ""small"" amount wouldn't be close to our deductible.  "	"YES!  Health care is a HUMAN RIGHT!  All people deserve equal treatment this way, and I think that of all the programs and funds our taxes go to, this should be number one.  What is more important that staying alive, healthy, and productive?  It would boost our economy, save lives, and promote happier lives too."	"I would pay higher taxes, especially if everyone else did too.  "	"Free, accessible, GOOD, not-completely-western-focus."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/6/06 11:46 AM
3802	lack of insurance for all	there should be universal healthcare insurance coverage by the government and not privately.  	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	1/6/06 11:47 AM
3803	everyone having enough coverage	"big businesses that creat health problems like polution,tabacco,meat,cars.... should pay an extra presentage of health care.I live in TN that has Tenncare and wish it were going better and every state had it"	have a national insurance plan and reasonable rates inforced because the health care industry is a monopoly	socialized medicine like England.....	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/6/06 11:48 AM
3804	Those with little financial resources are the most vulnerable to health needs. 	The amount of medication needed by seriously ill persons should be taken into account when charges (co-pays) are considered.  An individual with a supposedly substantial income can have serious difficulty paying for medications or procedures needed when the amount and price of these is not taken into account.	"No idea! Personally, I would be willing to accept a higher co-pay to help offset the need of a less healthy person to access necessary meds or procedures."	"I know it is difficult to weigh in all the factors, but it seems to me we are all in this together. There should be a system wherein hospitals and critical care facilities are subsidized so that when care or critical procedures are needed they are available for all citizens."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/6/06 11:54 AM
3805	1. Rising cost of Prescription drugs and medical care in general. We need a national Health care system and get the companies out of it.	Total revision.  Univerisal Health Care systom.	Go to a payroll deduction plan for all workers.	Get the profit and out right greed out fo the current system.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WY	1/6/06 11:55 AM
3806	"The health care system in the U.S. is inaccess-able to large numbers of Americans. (I know because I work in a free clinic which operates two half days a week,staffed by volunteers where we serve people left out of the established system).( I am both a medical and  clinical social worker.) In addition, the established health care system is highly inefficient, in that the indicators of the health of the population are significantly lower than many other nations which spend considerably less on health care than we do in the U.S. I am author of a textbook on Social Work in the Health Field and I am in favor of extending Medicaire to cover all Americans, as was originally intended when introduced to Congress back in the mid-1960's. Curiously, the medical profession, which then opposed such a move, now strongly favors it!  As an example of what I see at the clinic where I volunteer, a woman was recently pushed into clinic in a wheelchair with one foot in a partial cast or splint, with a large folder of her x-rays in hand. She reported that she had fallen and fractured her foot a couple of days before and had gone to her local hospital E.R.  (a private one) which x-rayed it and applied the temportary splint, and had given her an information sheet with the name and phone number of an orthopedic physician and advised her to ""call him in the morning"". When she did so, she was told that he would see her if she brought $500. with her. Since she did not have access to such an amount of money, she did not make an appointment. I discussed the situation with our physician who examined the x-rays and commented that if ""if this(compound fracture) is not taken care of within a week, she will be permanently disabled"". He said she ought to return to the same E.R. and to remind them that the law requires them to provide necessary treatment. I told the patient this and gave her my home phone number to call to report what had happened. She called me later the next day to report that she had been refused treatment again.  Their reponse to her saying that they were legally responsible to take care of it was that they were ""only required to stabilize it"". I suggested she go to the county public hospital in the central city in an adjacent county which serves the poor in that county, is a teaching hospital, and has a trauma center. However, she was from out of county and technically not eligible for services there. Fortunately, she reported later that they cared for her completely, without question, and with respect. Another major unmet need I observe frequently is the total lack of access to DENTAL CARE! Most of our patients suffer considerably with terrible dental problems. They report to me that when they call dental offices they are told that they must pay cash for services prior to treatment! Our clinic often has to place such patients on antibiotics, due to dental infections from lack of dental care,but their broken and impacted teeth still go without remedy. I could go on and on, but hope this will give you some idea of how critical the need for reform of the U.S. health care sysem is. If a stranger walked into the free clinic where I work and observed the patients situations there, they would probably think they were in a developing country, rather than the U.S.A.!           "	"Instead of health care being a commmodity available to those who can afford it, it needs to be seen as a public right -like education -not only for ethical reasons, but because health status has ""spillover effects"". That is, a person's health condition effects other people in terms of ability to be contributing, productive, law abiding citizens. Much of our nations health problems are preventable, and result from ignorance and lack of government effort to promote health and prevent disease and injury. Rather than employers funding health care, we need a single payer system/social insurance which covers all citizens,namely Medicare for all Americans.       "	" Elective surgery, for example, should be excluded and privately funded if people want it and can afford it. Limits may need to be set on under what circumstances highly expensive interventions will be provided."	Extend the Medicare system to cover all Americans!	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	1/6/06 12:01 PM
3807	That it be available to everyone regardless of income.	A more unitary system to avoid confusion and conflicting inerpretations	Fewer providers	A simplified comprehensive system 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	KY	1/6/06 12:03 PM
3808	The lack of a universal (tiered) health care system with drug benefits.	"I believe that universal health care system costs can be shared by joint contributions according to each persons income, and with subsidy from state and federal government."	"The wealthy could still have access to private medical care if they wish to personally pay for it. National Peace Of Mind is a great trade-off for ""socialized"" medicine.I believe Americans will be willing to join a national insurance plan (this could be a ""pool"" of  private insurance companies) each individuals cost to be determined by amount of theirincome."	"Implement a national system of urgent care clinics (payment for services to be determined by ability to pay) on a state and local basis so ""all Americans"" have a place to go for medical care when injured or ill. "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/6/06 12:06 PM
3809	High premiums which don't even guarantee that your medical claims will be covered.	Health insurance payments should be at least partially covered by government as in other developed countries.	None. Other countries provide affordable health coverage - why can't we?	Goverment needs to take more control over the health insurance system - major overhaul to provide quality coverage at affordable rates. Perhaps limit litigation and law suits. Lower malpractice insurance. Government should subsidize health insurance program to some extent. 	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/6/06 12:06 PM
3810	my family and I cannot afford to get sick.  My husband has been self-employed and now I am a realtor and insurance is just too expensive.  	We need a break.  With a healthier work force in America everyone can work and be productive.  	NULL	Follow other countries example.  The drug companies are making so much money and taking advantage of people at their neediest times.	female	NULL	Yes	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/6/06 12:08 PM
3811	It is unaffordable and unacceptable that a country that creates war and gives away billions do not care for their own.  Every other highly civilized country has universal healthcare for their own . Apparently other countries want their citizens healthy.We are dropping in rank for best quality of life.	Out of taxes for ALL CITIZENS. (emphasis on citizens as all other countries do not give their own citizens services away free. If you are NOT a citizen...you pay as it is only fair)	tax.	Charge illegals who steal services from charity care meant for our citizens.	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	1/6/06 12:08 PM
3812	Basic healthcare is unavailable for too many Americans.	  Healthcare should be paid entirely by the federal government (through taxpayer support)	?	Definition of and implementation of a basic standard of healthcare at the national level.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	1/6/06 12:12 PM
3813	that too many people are not covered and that those that are covered pay too much for thier care while insurance companies and other providers are making too much profit.	universal health care for all.	NULL	universal health care for all!!! take the profit out of 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	CA	1/6/06 12:39 PM
3814	The ever increasing costs vs. the continous hospital remodeling  High cost of medication vs. lower costs across our borders	not sure	possibly higher deductibles but within practical range	I see a lot of abuse in the Medicaid program where people know they will not have a bill so they utilize the system at will and some times unnecessarily	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/6/06 12:54 PM
3815	Accessibility and cost	"Yes.  We need a single payer plan with universal coverage.  Short of that, we need a universal coverage plan that combines Medicaid, taxes and Medicare to cover proven basic health care needs. People who can afford to, can buy insurance for more coverage than that."	I don't know.  I hope people are getting frustrated enough to compromise on things like Medicare (i.e. a needs assessment cut off).  The real problem is the power of the insurance and drug companies lining up against meaningful reform.	Get politically involved/organized to promote reform.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/6/06 1:08 PM
3816	The fact it is unaffordable for most. We should have a single-payer system the way all other first-world countries do.	"Yes, we should have ""socialized"" health care like our allies Canada, Britain, Denmark, Italy, etc. etc. do -- excellent health care for every single person regardless of age or employment status, sex or race."	"None. The American public is still being brainwashed to think that a single-payer system is ""communist""."	See above.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/6/06 1:21 PM
3817	Health care is too expensive and not always available to all people.  In our area it is necessary to travel two to four hours to receive certain proceedures.  	"Complete health care---- should be available to all people.  Too many people are caught in the middle of not being eligible for government programs, not having insurance from employers, and not having cash to pay expenses.  More and More we who pay taxes to help others are not able to receive care ourselves.  Funds must be made to pay our health expenses."	"Americans are paying more and receiving less.  Investigatiions should be made into hospital & physician charges, any medicaid or other programs, and prescriptions.  All should be watched by an outside source and no announcement of when it will be done should be given.  Savings from this alone would drop expenses.  Clean up the confusion and treat people fairly.  If people knew they would receive good treatment and fair charges they would spend more of their hard earned dollars."	Make ---total health care available to all people--- and keep costs low.  	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/6/06 1:26 PM
3818	"THE INEQUITY OF HEALTHCARE AVAILABILITY. THE CONSTITUTION GUARANTEES 'LIFE, LIBERTY & THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS"" TO ALL AMERICANS, BUT IF YOU LOSE YOUR COVERAGE, BECOME ILL, OR CANNOT AFFORD COVERAGE, YET ARE NOT POOR ENOUGH TO QUALIFY FOR GOVT HELP, YOU CANNOT HAVRE ANY OF THE ABOVE GUARANTEES.  HEALTH CARE IN AMERICA IS BANKRUPTING PATIENTS AND HOSPITALS WHILE MEDICAL EQUIP/SUPPLY COMPANIES AND PHARMACUETICAAL COMPANIES ARE BECOMING RICHER AND RICHER.  NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO BEG FOR HEALTH CARE IN THIS COUNTRY, YET LEGISLATION HAS JUST PASSED GIVING HOSPITALS PERMISSION TO TURN AWAY PEOPLE WHO CANNOT PAY!!! ARE WE TRYING TO BECOME A 3RD WORLD COUNTRY?"	"YES!  THE ORIGINAL MEDICARE PROGRAM IS THE IDEAL MODEL FOR HEALTH CARE IN THIS COUNTRY...NO DISCRIMINATION, LOW ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS, SINGLE BILLING TECHNQUE, EASY COLLECTION OF DATA TO TRACK MEDICAL TRENDS.  PRIVATE INSURANCE COMPANIES CAN OFFER ALL SORTS OF COMPLIMENTARY COVERAGE E  JUST AS THEY HAVE WITH 'MEDIGAP' POLICIES; THE STAES CAN HELP CO-PAYS AND DEDUCTIBLES FOR LOW INCOME PATIENTS."	           YES!	ACCESS AND EQUALITY OF COVERAGE/CARE FOR ALL AMERICANS!	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/6/06 1:31 PM
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3820	The hmo's and insurance companies consume too much of the health care spending in the US.  They seem to spend enormous resources to restrict health care for in dividuals.	Why not give everybody Medicare?  I know hardly anybody who dislikes Medicare.	I personally am willing to pay so that all of my fellow citizens can have adequate health care.  	Give everybody Medicare and tax appropriately to pay for it.  Put it under the control of an independent non-political board such as the Federal Reserve which could regulate premiums and payments	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/6/06 1:42 PM
3821	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	Other	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/6/06 2:00 PM
3822	"The rising cost of caring for ederly and low-income populations.  I am very concerned that Medicare and Medicaid are not sustainable in the current forms and will bankrupt the country.  We must find a way to provide essential care to everyone while reducing cost, possibly by making tough decisions to eliminate non-essential care and by teaching citizens to take more responsibility for their own health."	"Some sharing of costs between individuals and the government is appropriate.  Payment by employers is just another version of payment through these sources - by reducing employees salaries and government tax revenues.  The pooling mechanism providing by employer-based coverage is quite valuable, but may be offset by the fact that it leaves the most high-risk individuals out of the system and potentially increases their cost.  Employers should probably be taken out of the process eventually, and replaced by a system for requiring everyone to hold some minimum level of insurance (whether that's paid for by individuals or the government)."	"I'm not sure the public as a whole grasps the inevitability of trade-offs and is willing to make any at this time.  Personally, I would like to see standards for minimum coverage developed that emphasize preventive and maintenance care, greatly reduce coverage for ""heroic"" end-of-life care (focus in stand on patients' comfort), and a much stricter look at eliminating coverage for ""lifestyle"" treatments.  These changes probably will not be enough, but are a start."	"Implement a universal platform for electronic medical records.  This may not be the biggest problem to be solved, but it is a no-brainer that it has to happen and probably the least politically difficult issue.  Unfortunately, it seems clear that this change won't occur without significant government funding, but the shared benefits across society will be worth the expense."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	na	1/6/06 2:10 PM
3823	"The whole system is out of control. The corporations are kings, the patients don't matter. The only things that come out of congress benefit the drug companies or the HMO's. "	What is wrong with a system like an expanded Medicare program?	I think they's be willing to pay more to get the program started.	Put the emphasis on the patient and all ideas will follow. Drop the emphasis on profits for the Corporations.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/6/06 2:39 PM
3824	the number of uninsured children we have.	"The system needs to be simplified, codified, run by a non-profit or federal group, like the NIH, and AVAILABLE TO ALL."	"We should pay, not according to each illness, but as if taxed, based on our income tax returns."	"Make it accessible to all. Some people are doing  without medical attention because they can't afford it. When they are driven to it, some wind up in emergency rooms, where often it  is too late."	female	NULL	Yes	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	1/6/06 2:41 PM
3825	it sucks	 	NULL	"Yes, I think that every working american should have $1 taken out of every pay check and have it go into a heath care/dental fund. So that every person has access to the same heath care/dental plan, and be able to pick up their perscriptions without paying for them becuase it also comes out of the fund. None of this, only the rich can afford to be healthy crap. I pay $110 every two weeks for medical and dental and I don't even go to the hospital, and only go to the dentist twice a year, but if I don't have it, and something happens, then I'm screwed. Now I think that if someone wants cosmetic surgery, then they should have to pay out of their own pocket, unless its to fix something from an accident, car crash, acid burns, scars, ect. Dentures and braces should not be considerd cosmetic. $1 from every working person all at once is alot of money, think of how much that would be in just one year. Everyone would be healthy and happy, and know that they are covered for life the whole country will be covered, every citizen. "	male	NULL	No	White	Some high school	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/6/06 2:43 PM
3827	the large number of people without guaranteed access to health care  	"there should be a single pay system, with the federal government paying for those without means"	"unfortunately, I suspect many are unconcerned and unwilling to make any tradeoffs"	make health care available to all	male	NULL	No Response	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	1/6/06 2:53 PM
3828	The lack of universal care for everyone.  And the fact that the cost of helping people who have to wait until it is life threatening or worse is in fact higher than if preventive treatment were given early on.  We need universal coverage in this country today!  No more HMO's No more PPO's no more multiple providers...money is wasted just doing paper work alone!	"A universal system covering everyone needs to be initiated.  Payments can come from employers, taxes and reasonable contributions from workers.  A double tiered system similar to The Netherlands would be a good approach.  People who are rich beyond a certain income level could pay for their own coverage."	I think most Americans will be willing to wait for elective surgery such as plastic surgery etc.  There is nothing wrong with that.  	The system has to be changed to eliminate the private insurance companies many tiered bureaucratic system which drains money away from its use. Also hospitals have to be prevented from overcharging patients.  Sufficient nursing staff has to be hired.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/6/06 2:55 PM
3829	"Costs keep going up and the costs are increasingly bore by the insurees.  The system has become extremely inefficient in delivering quality, cost-effective health care."	The bureaucracy has increasingly added a huge cost to health care.  Costs and extra work could be eliminated by our governtment offering health care to all residents.	To turn over the adminstration of health care payments to a government or quasi-government agency to streamline the process.	"Eliminate for-profit insurance companies from being the ""emperors"" of health care.  The system should also encourage preventative care."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/6/06 2:56 PM
3830	That there is so little good health care available to those who aren't wealthy or fully employed.	"We should adopt of single payer system, of course!"	I have no idea.	Go to universal single-payer health care.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/6/06 3:03 PM
3831	"The backwards way in which it is organized - the working poor are often uninsured and/or don't utilize health care in a satisfactory manner, leading to higher overall costs in the ER and in other areas after preventive measures are ""too expensive"" initially."	"I think it's ridiculous that health care benefits are directly tied only to employment - those receiving the best benefit packages are often well-off executives who are least likely to need coverage in the case of medical maladies, whereas those who are prone to illness are left economically out of the loop after being deemed expensive risks - the system currently is not sufficient to make sure all the stakeholders truly ""buy into the pool."" Furthermore, many physicians feel that the ICD-9 based system reimburses them not truly for the quality of their treatment, but how much they write down."	"I think that Americans should be prepared to sacrifice some freedoms in name - such as ""choosing"" a plan from an employer's lineup - in return for ""affordable, high quality health care"" for their incomes. The vast majority of people in this country are not wildly happy about the status quo, but a politically savvy campaign would emphasize the security of any reformed system compared to the ""market failures"" that occur with the oligopoly of HMOs."	"Require health insurance for all individuals, paid in affordable parts by both individuals and employers, in a manner similar to Social Security, or as part of it. For shortfalls in the lowest income jobs and small, vulnerable businesses, the government could issue vouchers to cover costs. Mandatory health savings accounts are something that every American should have to invest in - if they're not used by retirement or some other specified time, withdrawal could be allowed. On the other hand, those workers whose SS contributions are insignificant should be guaranteed a greater contribution from their employers if they can afford it (such as large, profitable corporations as in Maryland's recent bill) and/or government vouchers when they need to use expensive health services. The government needs to maintian Medicaid and Medicare to a certain extent, but in modelling the VA system, there should be emphasis that seeking care as only a financial decision should be a minimzed situation."	female	NULL	No	Asian	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/6/06 3:14 PM
3832	"lack of insurance for tens of millions, inadequate insurance for millions more"	"We should have universal health care, like all other modern societies."	"I don't speak for anyone other than myself.  However, if the American public was sufficiently educated about the advantages of universal health care (including lower costs), they may well support it."	"We should have universal health care, like all other modern societies."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	1/6/06 3:27 PM
3833	The cost.	I feel the government should provide healthcare  for all except the rich.	None!  The working class has made many trade offs  The rich should be doing more.	Health care providers should not be profit drived.	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	IL	1/6/06 3:31 PM
3835	The ability of retired persons going out of a group program to be able to afford quality health plans.	Enable retired persons to stay on group health programs that were provided by their employer.	Slightly higher deductables. Slightly higher taxes that are still below the cost of quality health care.	Get the drug manufacturers under control!! 	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/6/06 3:39 PM
3836	you can be covered by insurance until you have a claim and then they do their best to get rid of you.	"I wonder if payment to the government like medicare might not be better, but then I guess we would be using government health insurance and that might or might not be good.  I would like to try it myself"	"If we could all be grouped together, the sick ones would be covered by the well ones who do not submit claims.    "	Remember that we all have the right to be cared for and the profit motive should not be so dramatic for the insurance companies.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	1/6/06 3:48 PM
3837	"Health care has become a business,a ""big business"" and like all busineses the only thing that matters is the bottom line. The health care industry will do anything it can to maintain the present status quo because this allows them to reap obscene profits while not improving health care for millions of working people. This situation must change and soon."	"The solution is simple, a universal health care system."	If we took the money wasted on tax cuts for the rich add in what we have squandered in Iraq and there would'nt need to be many trade-offs.	Make the medical and health care industries realize that their main objective must be health care for all our citizens. Health care should be seen as a right just like speech or religion. anything less is unacceptable.	male	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/6/06 3:50 PM
3838	45 million without it	"Universal coverage with Doctors and the healthcare community getting modest money, which should be enough to live on and still have research funded by the government, take money away from Defence (with is offense for the United States) and put it toward healthcare.  Get rid of huge corporations that make medicine."	Less money spend on military.  Educate people and wars and other horrific events will not happen.	Universal Healthcare payed for by taxes of the American people.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	1/6/06 3:59 PM
3839	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	1/6/06 4:02 PM
3840	"That so many Americans lack health insurance *even though in the long run we, as a society, pay more for the health care than insurance would cost."	"There is no need for any change in the fundamental concept of who pays. I'm sure all three groups would still be contributing even to a single-payer program. What is needed to to ensure that every individual is in fact enrolled in a meaningful group health plan. This may require government and/or mandatory employer subsidies for some. But a surprising number of people who could pay for a group plan out of their own pockets remain uninsured because they have no access to such a plan. Some may not even have access to high-cost, low-benefit individual plans due to advancing age or pre-existing conditions."	No trade-offs are needed. Health insurance for everyone *saves* money.	Get everybody -- *everybody* -- covered. It doesn't really matter how.	NULL	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/6/06 4:04 PM
3841	The fact that many Americans are unable to meet  their health care needs.	"We should have a single-payer system along the lines  of the Canadian model, paid for from general tax  funds from combined individual and corporate taxes."	I think most Americans would be happy to eliminate  the need to pay for insurance companies'   administrative costs and profits.	single-payer system	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/6/06 4:17 PM
3842	"Health care should be a right of every citizen, not a luxury for the rich.  "	I think it should be nationalized.	"the rich are never willing to give anything up, but it should be done anyway.  Almost everyone feels hates the system as it is.  Somehow they have to see that it is simply the right thing to do, to make it available to all."	nationalize it	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	1/6/06 4:17 PM
3843	"the never ending increases in monthly premiums, co-pays and deductables - not to mention the cost of prescriptions!"	"As a former Medicaid worker, I am all for socailized medicine - even if it would have cost my job.  As bad as the Gov. is at some things, they ahve the lowest overhead and admistration costs of ANY health insurance!"	"As long as ""luxury"" items like cosmetic (non-reconstruction or medically needed) surgery are available to the higgest payors, even the rich should not be afraid of getting their basic care through an open honest system with built in checks and balances."	Cover everyone!  We end up paying more when people cannot get basic care and end up in ERs.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/6/06 4:32 PM
3844	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	RI	1/6/06 4:39 PM
3846	"Health care is an INVESTMENT.  If we don't adequately fund health care for everyone today, we will pay more in the long run as minor problems develop into chronic conditions."	I wish I had the answer to that one!  	"Small tax increases, maybe.  On an individual basis, there need to be more rewards and incentives for healthy habits -- like discounts on health insurance for non-smokers, for example."	Put the politicians on the same federally subsidized health insurance that people receiving federal assistance are on.  That oughta open some eyes!	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	1/6/06 4:49 PM
3847	We have too many Americans without any type of health care.  Health care in this country should be available to everyone.	"Health care should be paid by employers and government.  There is health care for the poor and those lucky enough to have employers who offer some type of health care.  What about the middle class, some must choose between health care and rent or food. "	Possible more taxes.	Large employers must have health care benefits for all employees.  Government must take part in providing health care to all americans. 	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/6/06 4:50 PM
3848	"Everything is overseen by the FDA, which is nothing more than a puppet for the pharmaceutical companies.Research is biased and flawed. The existing system is designed to keep people sick. Natural cures and remedies are hidden. Doctors are also forced to be puppets to retain their licenses.  "	"I've had access to health care all my life, and I don't use it anymore. It doesn't work. The only things I have found that work are alternative, and I have to pay for them out of my pocket. So, unless I break my leg or something, there is no issue. Over 75% of the drugs I have taken in my lifetime have been recalled for being dangerous. The drugs on the street are probably safer than the drugs Dr's are currently prescribing. It's all about $. "	I don't think we can get high quality health care under the current system. Higher quality could be achieved if doctors were allowed to treat patients with both conventional and alternative means. 	"Totally overhaul the FDA, including a watch dog group that will prevent the Agency from being controlled; either directly or indirectly, by the pharmaceutical giants. "	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/6/06 4:56 PM
3850	"The continued slashing of funding for necessary social programs, especially for the poor, the disabled, and the elderly."	No.  	I don't know if Americans are willing to consider trade-offs.  I personally think that the recent tax cuts should be overturned.	NULL	female	NULL	No Response	Other	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/6/06 5:17 PM
3851	prices too high and children not provided for.	employers and gov't can pay more...the doctors need to charge less and the lawyers need to stop unnessary lawsuits.	lessen nation building warfare.	a nationwide system similiar to the VA.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	1/6/06 5:57 PM
3852	Rising costs that deprive many Americans adequate and sometimes life-saving health care.	"I believe a one payer, tax supported health care system is the only way to go. This would make US businesses more competetive in the world market and cut administrative costs to 1/3 to 1/4 of present costs."	Under a properly administered public health system no trade offs would be necessary. If one were needed I think it would be delays in elective surgery. 	Take health care out of the hands of the private sector which has made it nothing but a cash cow for for big business. 	male	NULL	No	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/6/06 6:10 PM
3853	"AFFORDABILITY AND ACCESSABILITY ARE 2 KEY FUNDAMENTALS IN MY OPINION. MANY SMALL BUSINESS  OWNERS OPERATE THEIR BUSINESSES ON BUDGETS. THE  CURRENT SYSTEM IN OUR EXPERIENCE HAS HANDED US  RATE INCREASES OF 37 TO 75% AND THERE IS NO WAY,  TO FORSEE, AS A BUSINESS OWNER, THESE HUGE INCREASES AND THE ABILITY TO PAY FOR THEM WITHOUT  CUTTING PLANS FOR EXPANSION, EQUIPMENT PURCHASES,  LAYOFFS, OR PASSING ON THE COSTS TO THEIR EMPLOYEES. ACCESSABILITY, AS THESE COSTS INCREASE  AND DOCTORS RECIEVED EVER HIGHER MALPRACTICE INSURANCE RATES, DOCTOR SERVICES WERE BEING REDUCED OR ELIMINATED, THUS, FORCING SMALL TOWN  OR AVERAGE SIZE CITY DOCTOR PATIENTS TO DRIVE TO  THE LARGER CITIES TO RECIEVE TREATMENTS THAT WERE  ONCE OFFERED IN THE SMALLER TOWNS. THIS IS LIMITED HEALTH CARE AND A DISSERVICE TO SMALLER  COMMUNITIES."	"I BELIEVE THAT EVERYONE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN ONE  HUGE POOL. THE PROBLEM THAT I SEE IS OUR COUNTRY  IS DIVIDED INTO MANY SMALL POOLS AND THEREFORE, THE POWER IS DIMINISHED FOR THE SMALLER POOLS.  I DON'T MIND AHA'S OR MEDICAL HEALTH ACCOUNTS.  I THINK A BETTER WAY IS TO INCLUDE ALL WORKERS AND GOVERNMENT WORKERS INTO ONE MASSIVE POOL AND  CREATE A MUCH BETTER WAY FOR THE PRIVATE HEALTH  CARE SYSTEM TO FIGHT OVER THE HUGE POOL AND THIS  WILL CREATE A LOWER COST OF HEALTH CARE COVERAGE."	"I DON'T BELIEVE ANY AMERICAN SHOULD HAVE TO MAKE  A SACRIFICE WHEN IT COMES TO HEALTH CARE. WE HAVE  TOO MANY ILLEGAL ALIENS THAT ARE CURRENTLY SIPHONING OFF THE LEGAL SYSTEM AND THAT HAS TO  STOP!!!!! IT HAS PRACTICALLY BANKRUPTED CALIFORNIAS' HEALTH CARE SYSTEM AND TOO MANY INDIGENT PATIENTS FROM FORIEGN LANDS ARE HURTING  THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT TAKING CARE OF LEGAL, PRODCUTIVE, TAX PAYING CITIZENS AND I BELIEVE WE TAKE CARE OF THESE PEOPLE FIRST, THEY ARE OUR FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE AND RICHLY DESERVE FIRST CONSIDERATION."	"BESIDES, WHAT I HAVE ALREADY MENTIONED, THERE SHOULD BE A NATIONAL DATABASE FOR THE INSURANCE  COMPANIES AND A UNIFORM REPORTING SYSTEM. THE 50   STATES HAVE A DIFFERENT FORM FOR REPORTING THE  SAME AFFLICTION AND IT IS APPARENT THE BURDEN IS  TOO MUCH FOR THE PRIVATE CARRIERS. WE NEED TO CLEAN THIS UP, BY CREATING A UNIFORM CODE FOR ALL  50 STATES AND EASING THE PAPER BURDEN ON THE INSURANCE CARRIERS. I BELIEVE, THERE SHOULD BE  A LIMIT ON A RENEWAL QUOTE OF NO MORE THAN 20% IN YEAR. IT IS EXASPARATING TO ME THAT INSURANCE  CARRIERS FEEL THE NEED TO MAKE A 40 % PROFIT MARGIN OFF OF THEIE CLIENTS IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN  THEM AS A CUSTOMER. I DON'T KNOW OF TOO MANY INDUSTRIES THAT CAN CLAIM THEY HAVE TO HAVE A 40%  PROFIT MARGIN TO COMPETE."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	1/6/06 6:16 PM
3854	"The unstopable rising costs & Ins. Co. that pay less & less, but charge more & more to the insured.  What is the point of ins. if they won't pay when you need it."	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	MI	1/6/06 6:48 PM
3855	"we need more attention given to using natural remedies; vitamins, herbs, etc.  too much prescription drugs being used.  too many mistakes by prescription companies.  "	illegal aliens should not get benefits.	no trade offs.	more time spent with the doctor. doctors need to listen and learn from the patient and not be in such a rush to get to the next patient.  	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/6/06 6:59 PM
3856	"the cost, corruption, and lies for profit"	i pay myself for insurance I'm 43 and pay $238.00 a month.	10 cents a gallion higher for gas. 5 dollars more each month more for power or water bill or 5 dollars more for phone bill. except to the very poor that can't pay.. 	"Force congress to clean up the waste, fraud and corruption and up grade the health care system from paper to digital. This will create a more safe, affordable and fair system for all Americans."	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	1/6/06 7:00 PM
3857	The high cost and not accessible for all americans.	Should be paid for government like all industrialized countries.  Save trillions on middle men and competition.	I think Americans would give up costly extreme care for the few to cover basic needed care for all.	Have it provided by a single government program.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/6/06 7:11 PM
3858	"High cost. Lack of access to basic primary care for all Americans. Doctors spend so little time with patients now, because insurance companies make it impossible for the doctors to make a good living unless they treat their patients like cattle to be moved in and out of their office as quickly as possible. The system is designed to maximize profit for insurance companies rather than maximizing the health and security of the peopel in this country. People live in fear of getting sick, and delay basic medical needs because of cost."	"A single payer system is the only one that can realistically work if we really want evreyone in America to have access to basic primary care. The government should pay for basic care, and wealthier people should be able to buy supplemental insurance if they so choose. The health of Americans is too important to treat it as a commodity for exploitation by big business. My own idea is to develop a pay scale for health care providers, which varies by region. That pay should be divided by the number of patients the doctor should reasonably be expected to see in a year. The government then pays that amount per patient, with the requirement that at least 60% of the doctor's patients come from the ""general"" pool that the government pays for. For the remaining 40% the doctor may charge whatever he is able. So if he is very good, he can charge wealthy patients more than the government minimum for his services, but he also must provide his services to the general public. In this way he is not locked in to whatever the government will pay, but he will also be required to treat at least a significant portion of people from the general public, regardless of their ability to pay more. In this way his income is not limited, and the general public is well served by a talented doctor. I stress, again, though, that the ""base"" pay, even if the doctor saw only patients paid for by the government, should be a very comfortable wage."	"I think that's the wrong question. We pay more than any other country for a whole lot less medical care. The question should be ""Why is this the case?"" And I suspect the answer is the high administrative costs associated with a system that is designed to avoid risk (insurance) rather than deliver healthy Americans. Imagine a system where doctors didn't have to spend a third of their income on administrative costs submitting and resubmitting claims to a company whose goal is to avoid paying them if at all possible."	"Focus on providing care, not avoiding risk. Insurance companies and their astronomical profits have no place in the provision of basic, necessary health care to an entire nation. We are such a disjointed, every-man-for-himself society right now, and I can't help but believe that a major contributing factor is the lack of affordable health care for all Americans. Do you have any idea of the psychic stress an individual feels as a result of knowing that any major (or perhaps even minor) illness will result in almost immediate financial ruin? It is so immoral that a hard-working, productive member of society can be destroyed and left destitute simply by virtue of being in an accident, or getting cancer. It says quite clearly that the government doesn't care about the people. It is also short-sighted and counterproductive, as keeping the population healthy should produce more in dividends than the cost of the care."	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	OR	1/6/06 7:26 PM
3859	High cost with diminishing coverage	"The patient should bear more risk and the provider less.  The current system penalizes the provider.  This will eventually lead to lower quality care available.  Also, if preventive measures really matter they should be rewareded in lower premiums,etc."	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/6/06 8:02 PM
3861	"Lack of health insurance for more than 40,000,000"	It should be a government plan as  in Britain and Japan	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	No	White	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/6/06 8:20 PM
3862	The large number of uninsured and underinsured Americans.  The fact that this is the only industrialized country without a guaranteed national healthcare system.	"Yes, I think government should cover the entire cost of health care.  If we drastically reduce our military budget we can easily afford this.  Currently 50% of our Federal budget is spent on current and former wars and military expenses."	"I think most Americans would support necessary, basic and preventive guaranteed healthcare for everyone.  Probably elective procedures should be paid for privately if they are not medically necessary."	"Adopt a health care system similar to Canada's system of guaranteed health care, with some improvements over that system.  This country can afford the best health care system in the world and it's long overdue."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	1/6/06 9:29 PM
3863	That it is an industry driven by the profit motive.  Becoming increasingly inaccessible to middle income Americans	Yes.  A single payer system seems preferable.	Would probably accept increase in income tax if properly structured to cover health care.	Get the insurance industry out.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VT	1/6/06 9:32 PM
3864	"It is beyond the reach of average American.  Even with insurances, the prices are so high I have to choose between supporting medical establishment or the oilmen, ie, doctors' bills or heat."	I feel employeers should pay a share and so should we individuals.  The government should pay the majority part and the insurance companies should be completely cut out.  We already have one bureacracy in the government.  We can not afford the two.	"I thinkg Americans are sacrificing enough.  The small country of Costa Rica has nurse-practitioner clinics in every small town.  These are paid for by the government.  We need the same for initial screenings and treatments.  Cut the military pork and support our people, the taxpayers."	Cut the insurance companies out of the pie.  Have more government supported loans for training of medical specialists.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MT	1/6/06 9:48 PM
3865	"Its cost, more than any other industrialized country.  Specialization, loosing basic services, not enough community health, disfunctional rural health system.  I do not believe in medicine for profit.  It is a public service like education.  Can't have a participatory democracy without them."	"Employers are bowing out of the system and increasing giving over to tax payer sponsored programs.  If that is the case, it should be better funded. It seems to be a race to the bottom in health care.  "	I think Americans are working harder and getting less for those efforts.  A sane health care policy would add quality to our lives and it would help bussiness to be more competitive.  European employers do not have to pay those high costs for health care as the burden is shared.  I think Americans can grasp that concept.  	WE must focus on prevention.  Being healthy as a nation.  Much of prevention is education.  Additionally we are spending hundreds of millions of dollars controlling access to health care that could be spent on health care.	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	1/6/06 10:15 PM
3866	"The cost.  High costs make it impossible for many low-income/uninsured people to access the care they need--affordably.  Hospital costs end up bankrupting people even when they have insurance sometimes.  I also abhor the role that health insurance companies play in rising health care costs--and the fact that they are driving how health care is delivered.  Health care providers should be able to provide health care without thinking ""Can I get a referral for this patient?  Can I find a specialist who will see this uninsured patient affordably?"	I think we need a single payor system.  	"I think most people would be willing to pay higher taxes in return for accessible, affordable, and high quality health care--especially if a single payor, and simply administered system were in place.  We could eliminate a lot of administrative expenses associated with ""eligibility determination"" if everyone were eligible.  "	single payor system	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	1/6/06 10:18 PM
3868	Lack of coverage for those with the most need.  The care that those who live in poverty do receive is truly unconscionable.	National Health Care	Willing?  American public?  I think the verbage is much too broad.  I'm afraid that many folks in the US are just fine with the status quo.	"Does ll Americans include the people of North, Central, and South America?  If we're talking about the US, the National Health Care."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DC	1/6/06 10:31 PM
3869	 The lack of universal health insurance here.	" It should be all government run, not by insurance companies."	 Higher taxes instead of paying the insurance companies.	" Get rid of health insurance companies, and model a new system on that of Canada."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/6/06 10:45 PM
3870	"Big businesses are increasing co-pay medical benifit on retired employees,which is one third of retirement pay; to whom they have promised that employees' health care will be taken care of for life."	"Yes!!!!! Why can't we have Universal medicare system like Canada, Australia, Germany and U.K.  Give a little break to the hard working people.  Get off their backs."	"Probably, financing."	Affordable health insurance for best possible care.	female	NULL	No	Asian	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/6/06 11:21 PM
3871	"that it is not a ""political"" issue, that soooo many people are unable to afford decent, preventive healthcare of any kind; that so many children have to do without basic care to prevent future problems.  But the thing that freaks me out the most about the ""health care system"" is that this should not be a ""government"" fix, but a societal fix, that our society should demand these basic cares be available to everyone."	"Yes, though it may violate monopoly laws, a national healthcare, where the way doctors, hospitals, nurses, EMT's, firefighters, etc., and patients all work together to provide for the public health."	"The public health, to me, would be worth the trade off of absolutely nothing!  Why should we have to give up our ""other rights"" to gain this?"	"Eliminate smoking on this planet, improve the use of renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions"	female	NULL	Yes	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/7/06 12:14 AM
3872	Costs rising every year. My premiums for HMO coverage went up $80/month starting in 2006. Insurance companies raking in billions of $$ and one of the most powerful lobbies in the country. 	Move to single payer system run as a public utility.  This is not a government run program. 	"A single-payer system when ""calculated out"" translates into far less $$ in premiums than any current system. It also has ""regulations"" which I fully support. Benefits are not reduced but you may not be able to continually rip-off the system as you can today. I'm more than willing to have regulations enacted not only for health care but on energy, telecommunications and many other things."	" Go to a single-payer system of some sort. Public utility--public/private, etc. Get the insurance companies ""out of the business of 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	1/7/06 12:37 AM
3874	That the things I need most taken care of are not covered under Medicare.  My back and impinged nerve for the past 4 yrs. and my eyes.  Both of these are keeping me from returning to work and remaining on social security.	"Yes.  I believe that health care for back and neck injuries caused by carrying a backpack and an eye exam and new glasses should be covered under Medicare.  As a result of this happening 4 yrs. ago; I am disabled and eventually will end up not walking.  Cannot see either.  Cannot work.  Also, dentures are not covered under Medicare either.  I need upper and lower.  Was previously a secretary and type 111wpm!  "	Don't know.	"To have more services covered under the plans.  It is like Catch-22.  You cannot return to work without these services, yet you need money you don't have to get them to work."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/7/06 7:32 AM
3875	"What concerns me is that this country is one of the richest in the world, yet very basic privileges such as healthcare for everyone do not seem to be an issue. It seems as though the consensus is that as long as the rich and those who can pay are privy to healthcare that it is fine, but what about those who cannot afford it all, as well as those who are struggling to pay?"	"I feel there should be a health care system paid for totally by the government. Instead of spending unnecessary money on wars, take care of the people by allowing them preventative wellness care."	"Why should there have to be tradeoffs? There is more than enough money, if it is spent wisely."	"Make quality health care available to all at no cost,"	female	NULL	No	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/7/06 10:25 AM
3876	No universal coverage. Health care is a necessity  not a luxury for those who can afford it	Single payer.  Medicare for everyone.	Single payer is cheaper in the long run. The rise in taxes would be offset by not paying insurance premium.	Single payer health care 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	CO	1/7/06 10:40 AM
3877	"Health Insurance is getting too expensive and people cannot afford to buy it, so they go without which hurts all of us. They end up with medical bills they can't pay and they go to the ER for things they don't need to since they can't be turned down, thus increasing costs for the hospitals, and in the end for the rest of us. Health insurance is so expensive, that even people who think they have great benefits at work could end up without as companies transfer the cost to their workers. Companies can't afford it, people can't afford it, someone needs to take over before it is too late."	"I think everyone in this country should have medical care paid for by the government. Right now you have to be poor or rich to have health insurance, the people inbetween suffer. Other countries have healthcare for everyone, it makes it more equal for everyone."	"Some countries pay a higher tax, either sales or luxury taxes. I think the majority of people would make some sort of sacrifice to ensure that everyone is covered. We already pay extra to help cover those who don't have insurance by increased costs at the doctor's offices and hospitals, why not turn it into a tax. Or the government could use some of the billions we give to other countries on it's own people and make healthcare for all work."	"The government should help fund Health care for everyone, like other industrialized countries do."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/7/06 10:54 AM
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3879	NULL	NULL	NULL	For insurance companies not to regulate and control health care. This goes for the pharmacy caompanies who make the Rx drugs.	male	NULL	No	Black or African American	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	1/7/06 11:01 AM
3881	"Having health insurance should not be dependent on one's employer offering insurance.  Self-employed and people between jobs should be able to access health insurance.  What if you have insurance through your job and you become so sick you can't work anymore?  Then you loose your insurance when you need it most while you're sick.  That's completely backwards.  Insurance companies should not be able to deny coverage to people with pre-existing diseases that they got through no fault of their own.  I am young, slim and healthy and it's not my fault I got cancer.  Also doctors and hospitals should not be allowed to overcharge insurance companies.  They fees doctors charge your insurance are unreasonable and seem to be based on achieving a desired lifestyle.  The fees they charge insurance are just passed along to consumers through higher premiums, so we still pay for it in the end.  Doctors should be paid according to the quality of care they provide and not according to whatever status in society they expect."	I see no other choice but for individuals to pay more either through premiums or taxes.  Then people will take better care of their health and weight.  But people still sometimes get sick through no fault of their own.	"I personally am willing to pay higher taxes for health care provided that the money goes to health care and not other things.  Older people should be willing to forfeit expensive treatments when we know they are going to die soon anyway, primarily people over 80 should not be provided expensive treatment."	"Health insurance should not be dependent on your employment situation.  If you lose your job because you're sick you still need insurance, and COBRA is way too expensive.  Insurance companies should not be able to deny coverage to people with pre-existing diseases if it's not their fault they got the disease.  That does not include people who got diabetes because they are fat.  Medical providers should be paid based on the quality of service they provide.  The fees they charge to your insurance should be reasonable and not based on a lifestyle they are trying to achieve.  If you eliminate the tort system, there has to be another way to hold bad providers accountable.  Patients are victimized by bad providers, especially when they are sick and need medical care the most, and right now there is no way to hold bad providers accountable other than the tort system, and this must be acknowledged by the people who want to eliminate the tort system.  "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/7/06 12:44 PM
3882	I have No Health care and I need to live long enough  to raise my Grandson.  I work Part time for Wal-mart LOL need I say more?	"Run our health care system for all citizens like Medicare, forget the HMO,s and employment connection.Frankly my health is far more important than someones limo or golf game. Tax luxury items I can not afford Luxury items! I just want to live with out worry to see my children and their child laugh, play and be always healthy.  Healthcare should be a right.  "	TAX Luxury ...bottom Line.  Goverment should vote themselves pay decreases instead of pay increases.  Goverment Officals should be driving Volkswagens instead of huge gas guzzling cars. Car pull to the white house and meetings.  Get at least 12 POOR women to handle goverment money WE know how to live with little or NO money WE do it every day of our lives!	OMG what a loaded question!  Available to all people without cost.  	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/7/06 12:48 PM
3883	"Coverage for all; affordability; decreased administrative costs, so that all goes to direct health care costs"	"Want a national insurance, with cost controls, but adequate reimbursement to providers."	"I'm not sure.  I think we can good health care with the current monies if the high administrative costs of our present system are markedly reduded, incentives to improve our health (lower premiums for not smoking, wt loss etc.) Some of the ""profit"" - providers hospitals, specialists, drug companies, etc.) must be reduced."	"I don't think the current way of access and delivery can be easily ""fixed"".  major change is required- to reduce costs, provide universal access. I think we need some regional pilot programs with different designs to determine what system will actually be affordable and sustainable."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/7/06 1:52 PM
3884	It costs too much and it's not available to everyone.  People in rural areas often have very limited geographic access.	Payment by government alone.	Reductions in high-cost optional procedures and drugs are fine.  Increased wait times are fine if everyone has accesss.	Socialized medicine!	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	GA	1/7/06 2:01 PM
3885	"The fact that the rich can get whatever procedure they need while the poor cannot. Health has become a money game rather than about a citizen's right. Thanks to managed healthcare, people without medical training are telling doctors what to do, deciding what medications people will have access to, etc."	We need nationalized healthcare to get rid of inequities in the system. One person should not get more healthcare because of who they work for.	"Cut the pork from bills in congress, cut part of the Pentagon's budget and we could fund healthcare and education along with social services. More also needs to be spent on preventive measures."	"Preventive measures and healthcare from birth to stop problems occuring later. But as long as it is a matter of having to pay for a doctor or food on the table, the food on the table will win."	female	NULL	No	NULL	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/7/06 2:43 PM
3886	"Cost. 4 years ago, the total HC costs for myself and my wife were half as much as our monthly mortgage payments. Now it's twice as much."	"Complete overhaul would be great, but it can't pass with this corrupt Republican congress. "	"Probably none - too much propaganda about Socialism, etc."	"Vote for Democrats, and only Democrats that will vow to provide affordable healthcare for *all* Americans."	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/7/06 3:22 PM
3887	THOSE UNINSURED AND UNDERINSURED  THE WASTE FRAUD AND ABUSE IN THE PRESENT SYSYEM	 NEED NATIONAL SINGLE PAYER (USA) PLAN	TRADE-OFFS ARE NOT NEEDED. SINGLE PAYER NATIONAL HEALTH PLAN CAN DO EVERYTHING NEEDED AT LESS COST  	NATIONAL HEALTH PLAN ADMINISTERED LIKE 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	TN	1/7/06 3:26 PM
3888	"The corporate control of the health car industry.  First, the Pharmecutical industry's control of Congress resulting in virtual price fixing as well as the FDA lack of real oversight to insure consumer health safety.  Second, the for profit health care delivery system of HMOs and private insurance which skims of a high percentage of consumer dollars spent on health care."	"We need universal health care for all paid for by taxes fairly levied on corporations, employers and workers."	I do not see the need for trade offs.  Choise of providers is possible under a fair system of universal health care.	A combination of public policy providing health education and programs aimed at prevention and health promotion focused on diet and exercise as well as putting people before profits.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/7/06 4:16 PM
3889	That so many people are uninsured and that lack of health care insurance can tumble people into poverty and prevent them from escaping it.	Federal government needs to be more involved.  Let's raise taxes if that's what is needed to insure all Americans.  Also let's not continue to give well-off seniors free health care.  Anyone who can afford to pay for health insurance should be required to do so.	I think most Americans would agree to tax increases for health care--the benefits are so great in terms of safety and economic security for millions of Americans.	Free preventive and wholistic 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	CO	1/7/06 4:21 PM
3890	"There are several concerns I have about health care, but my primary one is that it is getting so unafordable.  I believe it is getting unafordable because HMO's and Pharmaceutical companies charge way too much.  We need a system that gives everyone the same affordable health care."	We need to take HMO's and employers out of the equation.  	"We are the richest country in the world and we should be able to provide affordable health care to all of our citizens.  Health care is not like buying a car.  You have a choice not to buy a car or you can buy something cheap, whereas, you cannot do without health care!  I think most people are so used to the current system.  I think it has to get so bad that the middle class and corporations/business can no longer afford it to change it."	We need to deprivitize health care.  Take the profit out of it.	female	NULL	No	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	1/7/06 4:31 PM
3891	Cost and safety	universal single-payer system	don't know	single-payer	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	1/7/06 5:12 PM
3892	"cost, quality and honesty (morality)"	All free health care should be tax deductible for those hospitals/clinics offering it.	"willing to pay their fair share, yet feels it's unfair to offer free care to those able to work but not willing to work (2Thessalonians 3:10)"	"preventative medicine such as stop smoking, exercise and diet"	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WV	1/7/06 5:30 PM
3893	"My concern is that so many people have gotten used to someone else paying for their healthcare that it gets abused. It is very important that a person share in the cost so they can appreciate and share the responsibility. Maybe then the Medical Profession can return to respecting individual limits to pay. I am old enough and have been involved as a Med. Professional to remember the way it was before the ""intitlement"" attitude took over healthcare. A uniform billing and Ins. explanation of benefits forms probably would save lots of money as well as duplication of personnel time which is the most costly of the entire operation. Thanks for letting me vent. "	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/7/06 5:37 PM
3894	Health insurance in tied to employment 	"I think we should have government paid health care, as in ""Medicare for all""."	How about no trade off?  America can afford to provide health care to everyone.  Progressive taxation will paid for it.	Expand Medicare so it covers everyone.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	1/7/06 5:38 PM
3895	"That as a self employed small business owner, health insurance for our family is only available at a costly monthly premium, with coverage far more limited than plans issued to corporate groups AND with more stringent renewal guidelines annually."	"I would like to see the Senate approval of Small Business Health Plans for self employed, individual contractors, and small business owners."	NULL	"To make affordable, secure health insurance available to small business owners."	female	NULL	No	White	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	1/7/06 6:18 PM
3896	That no one can afford to be seen regularly by a regular doctor.    That the poor life shorter lives of low quality than those who can afford medical care.	It should be pretty much all by government and companies.	Don't understand the question	"socialized medicine, like nearly all other western civilizations today."	female	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/7/06 7:05 PM
3897	"Price and Quality of general practioner care, many are pill pushers and do not attempt to find other methods of avoiding or curing a health problem. Promoting sales of prescrition drugs has become more important than curing and avoiding health problems in America."	Big companies that have funded a health plan should not be allowed to reduce benefits or require an employee or retiree to pay more than they were paying when they signed the contract for employment with such company. This is especially true for retirees who contributed to the company's sucess and are on now fixed incomes.	"I do not believe trade-offs are necessary. The root of the problem is the high salaries paid to researchers, doctors and workers in the health care industry. I also believe the drug and medical care system has been complicated by strict regulations and insurance company policies. We need to get to the root of the problem and not just apply a bandaid to the problem."	"Setup a board to investigate, reorganize, and suggest effective policies for any system associated with medical care. Members of this board should be of mixed income groups from welfare recepients to billionaires with no affiliation to any medical related industries. This group should report directly to Congress and work with Congress to provide laws and regulations that will change and improve the current system."	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/7/06 7:38 PM
3899	the cost of health insurance. I am retired and pay $424.00/month and this still does not cover everything.  Also the number of people without health care coverage.	"Private insurance should be kept for those who wish to use this, Medical should be expanded to cover those not covered.  If we can finance a war then we can cover our people for health care."	at this point none.  i think we need to educate people better.	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	PA	1/7/06 8:14 PM
3900	People cannot afford healthcare and do not goto the doctor when they need to because it si so expensive.	I think that there should be a universal healthcare plan.	I would be willing to pay more in taxes to make sure that every person would be taken care of.`	Get rid of the greedy insurance companies and put a cap on pharmacutical companies like other countries do.	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/7/06 8:30 PM
3901	"Too many health care dollars are spent on administration and paperwork, rather than on  treatment.  Too many people are without access to affordable health care.  I believe there should be some basic level of health care that is available to everyone."	"Employer paid health care has been wonderful for me and my family, but many people do not work for employers who provide health coverage.  I don't think it is realistic to require all employers to provide coverage; many small businesses just can't do it.  I think we need to move away from an employment based system.  Basic health care should be available to all, just as roads and police and fire protection and public education are available to all."	Americans might be able to look at different means of financing if they knew there would be more benefit for each dollar spent.  We need to know that money is not being wasted or misdirected.	"To begin with, we must provide basic health services to all children regardless of parental income or involvement in the work force.  Next, we need to find a way to get away from the multilayered bureauracracies of insurance companies and varied programs.  The complexity of the new medicare drug program is an example of what we ought to be moving away from.  We should start with a simple basic program 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	MI	1/7/06 9:06 PM
3902	its unaffordability	it should be socialized	no more tax breaks for the rich.  make thme pay their fair share like everybody else and there will be more than enough capital to fund socialized healthcare for everyone.	government sponsored socialized healthcare for all.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	1/7/06 9:07 PM
3903	High percentage of unemployed; high administrative costs of private insurance leading to the most expensive and least inclusive health care system in the industrialized world.  High costs of private insurance are placing an unfair burden on private industries that compete with industries in countries with national health care plans.	"We need a national health insurance program to assure quality medical care for all at reasonable cost -- something like an expanded Medicare, or the Canadian system.  Costs for services, drugs, etc. should be negotiated to stop windfall profits."	"A large majority of US citizens rate medical care above economic issues.  And we can provide universal health care to all with virtually no increase in cost (as Taiwan found when they adopted a national system).  The only ""losers"" would be big pharma, insurance companies, for-profit medical service providers, advertizers, media, and lobbyists."	National health care program along the lines of the Canadian system.  Health care should not be for-profit.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MT	1/7/06 9:12 PM
3904	"lack of it, uninsured, exponential costs compared to rest of developed world, for profit system run buy thousands of unregulated companies. No National (universal system). The 50 most populous cities number approx. 45 million (City proper only)and we have more than this going without any care! Go to census bureau and see and add it up!"	"Yes ,every american should be taxed to pay for a universal system. This would be much cheaper for all Americans.  "	"Fortunately some people are willing to pay more in taxes versus taxes going to other things (overseas countries etc.) Unfortunately many people are ignorant and don't care, and many may be unwilling to trade a thing no matter how bad it gets and it is beyond bad!"	For everyone to HAVE healthcare !	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	1/7/06 9:27 PM
3905	"that it is so incredibly expensive, thus putting it out of reach of nearly 47 million people, myself included. "	"I think it should be a single payer system, administered by the federal government. We, the citizens, are currently supporting this absurd and immoral system through taxes and insanely expensive insurance premiums. We have a system now that (eventually) connects people to health care, but it is falling apart(who do you think pays for all the people who visit emergency rooms?). FIX IT, ALREADY!"	"I don't think too many trade-offs are necessary. I don't know that we should be spending millions of dollars to save premature babies that weigh 1 1/2 lbs. at birth. That sounds cruel, but it is indicative of the way we spend our money - wads of cash thrown at dying people and preemies, but regular working folks can't get a preventative checkup. "	"Get rid of the bloodsucking insurance companies, make the system government run, single payer. Health care does not work as a ""for profit"" enterprise for anyone except the wealthiest. And don't tell me it can't be done. Traveling in Europe and Canada, I was asked repeatedly during conversations about govt. ""what's wrong with you people in the States? Why don't you demand health care?"" Good question. "	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/7/06 10:57 PM
3906	"As a nurse in both the homecare and hospital settings, I meet a lot of uninsured people and people who are insured but still are unable to afford their medications. Most of these people are working full time or are retired. We all pay for this lack of coverage in one way or another. This causes increased use of the ER, increased frequency and acuity of illness. I also am concerned that some of the biggest users of Medicaid are large corperations like Wal Mart who do not provide basic living wages/benefits for many of their employees. This should be mandated for companies that are profitable enough to afford to do so. Also the pharmacutical companies need to be limited in the amount of money they are allowed to spend on advertising and enticing medical professionals to promote their products. In the hospital setting we have a constant parade of pharmacutical reps bringing lunch, etc."	"We should all have basic healthcare coverage with no deductable provided by our tax dollars. Deductables can cause increased use of the ER by people who have been sick and put off being seen by an MD due to lack of funds. This should be a universal plan replacing Medicare, Medicaid. We should also be able to purchase additional health insurance if we choose. All tax dollar funded insurance programs should have PPOs and drug formularies, with the allowance for physicians to provide justification for coverage of meds outside of the formulary when a patient requires a particular med. "	"I think that the public needs to be educated more about the cost of healthcare and what level of care is fair and affordable based on the percent of taxation we are willing to bear for a universal program in exchange for no longer paying healthcare premiums through our employers. This would be a benefit that all could count on having from cradle to grave, which is a very reassuring idea. I also think we need to continue trying to educate people about lifestyle and their personal responsibility in choosing a lifestyle that will keep their insurance costs affordable. "	"Provide a single basic health insurance for all citizens which has no deductable and is tax funded by spending our current level of tax dollars MUCH more responsibly, and then assessing if there is a need for a tax increase. "	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	1/7/06 11:03 PM
3907	"That our constitutional right to ""life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"" is threatened because we must choose between buying food or buying heart medication; it's threatened when we can't afford health insurance or health care; and it's threatened when we can't save for college or retirement because we must pay so much for health care and/or health insurance. The current state of affairs makes it clear that we all may have been created equal, but are not equally entitled to live the American Dream when health issues arise."	"Get rid of the insurance middle system and switch to a single payer system run by the government and overseen by an independent watchdog agency made up of HONEST, civic minded economists and health care activists to keep feedback coming in from those who use the system so its can be refined when deemed necessary."	"I think Americans are ready for a single payer health plan, and would be willing to pay for it with a health care tax. We would have to carefully avoid the pitfalls other single payer systems have encountered, but we can do that, I'm sure.  "	"SIMPLIFY!!! Get a simple, single payer system that will make it easy to file for payment so there isn't so much paperwork for patients and doctors.  Paying for staff to sort out all the insurance paperwork just adds to the cost of healthcare AND requires the patient to expend energy and worry on how to pay or get insurance to pay, which doesn't allow the patient to simply rest and get well.  "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	1/7/06 11:07 PM
3908	Lack of health care for many Americans without insurance.	"YES,  UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE PLAN using a plan such as they have in Canada.  It works well."	Most Americans want a universal health care plan which may cause a delay in some non emergency  procedures.  	Universal health care for all Americans.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	1/8/06 12:11 AM
3909	"All of my life I have worked and paid for the developements of modern medical advancements only to find that I can't afford access to them or the care that I need.  Over 40% of Americans suffer with chronic pain from back injuries, yet only professional atheletes or those in their income bracket can afford access to health care or representation.  "	"I receive Medicare, Medicaid, Veteran's, State aid, but have never had employer paid insurance in my life.  In the past year I have paid for 80% of my care because these services don't cover dental, eye, back treatment, or pain treatment. "	"We have been paying for everything that exsist in this nation forever, while our Congress bargains away our hard earned tax dollars to a greedy corporations owned by the Power elite who have control of all the world assets and are still not willing to share, but insist they still need more.    I don't believe the American people owe anyone a trade off, instead they need to join together, exercise that American spirit, and stand-up for what is their's and demand action from their elected representatives or show them the door.  "	"I believe American's should rise up and throw every Anti-American Congressional Representative out of our government and take back America for the people who have earned the right to govern themselves.     Constitutionally corporations do not exist therefore they have NO Rights at all, yet they control our live's, by maximising their personal profits at the people's expense. Prohibit corporate lobbyist out of Public Policy formation.  "	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	1/8/06 12:52 AM
3910	It's affordability	"Yes, we should join the rest of the industralized (and civilized) world and have universal healthcare for all Americans. The present system is hideous system waiting to implode and based on the principle of corporate greed."	There doesn't have to be trade-offs since the money that we are now wasting in financing the greed of a private system set up around the idea of the least amount of care for the most money could be used to fund a system that covers all of us.	Universal health care. It's a right and do it right now.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	1/8/06 6:57 AM
3911	"1) Cost,  2) Availability of coverage, and  3) Accountablity for poor medical services."	"Re-do the Fed tax to be a flat tax system, say 17% flat on ""all"" income (stocks, salary, etc.), take a part of this, say 2%, put it into a national ""minimum"" health care system for ""all."" Anyone wants/needs more, s/he pays it from private insurance or out of pocket. This provides a ""floor"" for health services for ""all."""	"It is not a matter of ""willing"" it is a matter of ""must."" The Am public ""must"" be educated/guided to make healthy-choices in our outlook towards food, exercise, and usage of medicine as cure all."	"Education on making better choices towards ""eating."""	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	TX	1/8/06 9:16 AM
3912	cost	"We need single payer health care.  Most countries have it, and it works well, for a reasonable price."	"Let's share responsibility for our health with our health care professionals.  Let's make the maintenance and use of public and private health records and financing as simple as possible.  We can continue to refine and balance innovative less invasive surgery and tests, oriental healing arts, preventive and home care, non-toxic medications/chemotherapy."	make it affordabe 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	MA	1/8/06 9:41 AM
3913	"That I can work so hard yet not be awarded the benefits that others receive. That I have a M.A. and cannot get relief for my arthritis because the doctors say, ""Well, we could do that but it is very expensive.""    That not just the ""lazy poor"", but the working poor, have no health care. Many in this country like to think our sociey rewards hard work. (""If you work hard, you'll get what you need."") But they really only reward specific types of hard work, and work done by specific types of people."	"Any person who has more than one part-time job, and those jobs add up to 40 hours a week, should receive a solid health plan from our government.     I believe many companies avoid having to give an employee benefits by hiring many more people and having all of them work less than 40 hours a week. There should be a system that detects such practices and discourages it by a law. That law would state that any company hiring more than X number of part-timers must give all those part-timers health insurance. "	"I believe since most of us are not company bosses or corporate leaders, we would be more open to paying higher taxes if it would lead to health coverage.     The real challenge is educating the public that taxes and new laws enforcing company-sponsored health coverage (see above) would be to all of our benefit. REALLY SELL IT!"	Make prescription drug ads on TV or in newspapers illegal.     Find a way to diminish incentives for doctors to prescribe drugs or treatments that will benefit them financially.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	1/8/06 9:41 AM
3914	Long term care and medicine bills. Do not like the new medicine card..	Let the government take control of health care. To much $$ is given away to political party for farvors	U can not give in to trade offs for health care. 	Have a better life for yourself..	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	NC	1/8/06 10:16 AM
3915	"how expensive it is getting; lack of access and payment for noninsured, low and middle income people; have and have not medicine (if you have insurance you can get this med/treatment, if you don't, you can't have it, or get a less expensive substitute), ER medicine instead of preventive medicine (ER medicine is very expensive, and preventive med is not reimbursed); affordable/free/employer supported programs to help people practice healthy living"	"yes, but I don't have any answers, I would like to see universal coverage so everyone is covered, but not sure who should manage such a large program; legalize drugs, manage them, and use funds to support rehab programs instead of other countries, etc."	"not sure, I think it would be a major problem to the insurance companies and to highly paid medical personnel, and a significant revamp of our current health system"	universal coverage which supports preventive medicine	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/8/06 10:30 AM
3916	"High quality, afordable health care for all is a priority and also feasible.  There are strong public health and economic reasons to support universal health care.  These have been comprehensively detailed by the Institute of Medicine.  There are also strong moral arguments.  If the US is to manifest the vision of our founders we must provide this basic human need.    "	"There is much evidence to support the cost savings and efficiency of a single-payer system supported by tax revenues.  Medicare for all proposals, HR 676 are examples which allow for a system of private providers and freedom of choice under government financing and administration.  A system where HMOs, insurance companies, and large medical institutions absorb 25-35% of health care dollars for profit and administration is unconscionalbe--people die beacuse of this--and financially unsupportable for our society.  "	I think that Americans can obtain more benefits for the same money currently being expended with 90-95% of us paying less for health care.  Many Lewin studies support this.  	Pass HR 676	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/8/06 11:05 AM
3917	The high cost of medical care and prescription drugs.	"I favor a universal, single payer form of medical insurance. It is a well-kept secret that MediCare has been a very efficient and cost-effective health plan for seniors.  It could work for all of us."	I think Americans are willing to pay reasonable premiums (which would be paid by EVERYONE)to have decent insurance.	"A single-payer universal health care plan for the whole country.  Everyone in, nobody out. "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/8/06 11:14 AM
3918	The cost!	"yes, better access to lower cost healthcare & better doctors"	not sure	more affordable & available healthcare for all Americans.	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/8/06 11:56 AM
3919	"The cost, of course, the ability to go to the Doctor of your choice and see the specialists you need to see in a timely fashion. The cost of drugs.I take one drug that costs $2500/month. The availability of medical info getting to those who really need it with consequences of certain life style choices made apparent."	"We see no benefit of the government susidizing drug companies. They receive the benefits but don't pass them on. We do need some kind of socialized medicine without calling it that as that is a trigger phrase. I've worked in hospitals my whole life and no insurance causes more problems, small problems that get out of hand  and an abuse of the Emergency Room. I think all children must be immunized before they attend school the way it used to be. I think local subsidized clinics need to be available for a minimal fee or none for those who work off the books or are family members of those with low paying jobs. It is a crime that so many working folks do not have medical coverage. Back to the socialized medicine thing. The medical community has forced us into this situation so they can't complaine about it. I don't mind paying a monthly fee for my care. Employers need to pay at least half preferrably 3/4."	Minimum wage jobs don't offer health care. This may be OK for teens but not older folks and those with families. These folks can't pay for insurance out of their salaries so they have none.Maybe eliminating lesser Holidays and non essential benefits such as life ins.in favor of health benefits.	Socialize.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/8/06 12:24 PM
3920	"The scariest thing for me is that there is no safety net.  My husband of 32 years last June suddenly announced he no longer wanted to be married, and until I could force the issue via a sparation agreement, my daughter and I were out in the cold on this one, at his whim.  "	It should be just government and individuals.	"If people were encouraged/directed/forced? to adhere to healthful practices, then they should receive their insurance at reduced rates.  I think many would be willing to do this."	"It kills me to say this as a Republican, but the US government should run it.  But it should be KEPT SIMPLE."	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	1/8/06 12:35 PM
3921	Affordability	Need all government payment system.	Don't know about the public. I would pay higher taxes for more health care.  I would give up some physician choise although being able to go to a hospital nearby is important to me.	A universal 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	AZ	1/8/06 12:53 PM
3922	"1. Americans' unrealistic expectation of medical care.    2.  Drug company and provider advertising and the resulting over-utilization of services.    3.  The fact that Healthcare in the US is ""big business"" and not a right for citizens of a wealthy country to enjoy.  My perception is that our government supports commercialism (drug companies and sugar cartels) to the detriment of greater society - and other commercial interests.  Healthcare is an increasing proportion of the GDP, which cannot be sustained without detrimental effects on our other wealth-inducing US industries.      4.  Americans are so incredibly fat (and therefore unhealthy) compared to Americans 50 years ago and to our peers in the other western democracies.     "	"The current system has many faults, but I believe no program or system in this country will work untill external factors, habits and attitudes are revised.  A national movement towards health awareness and self-responsiblity sponsored by employers and governmental entities (not commercial benefactors) is desperately needed.      0.  Regulatory oversight of healthcare providers, insurers, fiscal intermediaries and HMOs be federal not state or municipal.     1.  Require all providers and HMOs be non-profit and create an alternative funding mechanism to   allow access to cash when needed.    2.  Bar health care providers from advertising to the general public    3.  Bar health-related manufacturers (e.g. drug companies) from advertising to the general public    4.  Severely limit claims by patients/families against Healthcare providers    5.  Require that healthcare providers be judged by peers / find ways to induce higher quality through increased peer pressure    6.  Federal requirement of at least 1 year of health education in middle school.  The purpose is to educate future generations in basic healthcare and create a national mentality that personal health is the responsibility of the self and not the system.  Health education classes would teach children how to cook properly, how to eat properly and limit portions, how to prepare well balanced meals, how to read labels on food packages, how to prevent illness (e.g. learn how disease is spread, wear hats, scarves & gloves, dress warmly, frequently wash hands, avoid close contact with others).  Classes would teach the importance of exercise and show future generations how to incorporate exercise reasonably and permanently into their lifestyle.    7.  Require that any non-fresh foods sold in grocery stores or restaurants be labeled with a large emblem indicating the presence of an insulin-inducing ingredient (e.g. high fructose corn syrup, processed flour).      8.  Classify foods into ""sweet"" and ""savory"" categories.  Any food containing any type of sugar would carry the ""sweet"" emblem.  The public would be made aware of sugar and the serious issues it causes.  Perhaps the public would then consume such foods in moderation.    9.  Set strict federal standards on foods that can be sold in public schools.  This includes federal standards on school menus: require fresh, balanced meals containing no sugar or processed flour.  Foods containing any sugar or processed flour could be purchased separately in small quanities at disproportionately higher prices.  Drinks containing sugar would be banned from public schools.      11.  Patient spending for healthcare (e.g. copays/coinsurance/deductibles) would be higher for those who smoke and proportionally higher for those with BMIs higher than ""normal"".    12.  Place SIGNIFICANT tax on foods containing processed flour and sugars - and even higher taxes on cigarettes.  Use the tax to help fund Medicaid.      13.  Medicaid programs should have copays proportional to BMI.  If a poor person can afford to be fat, he can afford higher copays.    14.  Federally require 1 semester of medical education in high school to teach basic first aid and the treatment of minor ailments. Students would learn CPR, how to treat a cold or bug.      15.  Ban lawyers from advertising to the general public.      16.  Our government should have an arm that creates and oversees a country-wide plan that focuses on the greater social and commercial good.  This would attempt to replace our current system of politically favored individual businesses and industries.  Of course, we would have to have significant campaign reform in order to achieve this.  "	"I believe the American public currently is not yet willing to make any trade-offs.  Legal, provider, and drug company advertising ensure that medical care is at the fore-front of American purchasing just as much as any other commodity, such as clothes or cars.      However, with the right ""marketing"", American attitude can change.  Americans might be willing to trade off convenience foods other vices - and be willing to take on healthier modes of living in exchange for affordable, high quality health care.  Our grandparents certainly lived well enough eating properly, dressing properly and watching out for their own well-being without complaining.      Perhaps the current market appeal of ""nostalgia"" could be used to ""market"" old-fashioned and better and healthier ways of living.  "	Immediately ban or tax high fructose corn syrup and other sugars from foods that are supposed to be savory and watch the pounds melt away.  The general health of the US will significantly improve and utilization of services (and therefore cost) will decrease.  	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	na	1/8/06 12:55 PM
3923	"Health Care should be everybody's right.  Too many people are under insured, over 45 million have no insurance, and four of my grandchildren are among them. What does health care have to do with where you work, or even if you work?"	We need a government funded and administered health care system  in our country.  This system could include privately delivered health care as we have today.  	"Higher taxes, according to ability to pay."	We need a government funded and administered health care system  in our country.  This system could include privately delivered health care as we have today.	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/8/06 1:34 PM
3924	TOO MANY PEOPLE IN AMERICA TODAY WITH OUT HEALTH CARE ..HOW DO WE FIX THAT EXCEPT BY UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE/ OR WE HAVE THE  SAME CARE AS THE SENATE AND CONGRESSMAN HAVE...Then let us see how fast we the people would have coverage with medical .. 	yes as staed let us ALL have the same coverage across the board..and pay the same all ....!!	No trade off's 	SAME AS CANADA 	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SC	1/8/06 1:34 PM
3925	not having any!	"why is it possible for other countries (Canada, for example) to have health care for ALL and this country can't?"	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Not sure	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/8/06 1:46 PM
3926	It is unaffordable and in too many cases treatment is not something which adresses the casue of the problem but is designed only to suppress certain symptoms.  Health care should be more preventative.    Insurance will refuse to pay for a personal trainer/motivator but will pay for the bypass surgery that ends up being needed.  Prevention is cheaper and healthier.	Not that I can think of...who else would pay?  Over-billing must be addressed.  Drug company giants   should be allowed to give doctors perks and kick-backs for pushing their drugs on people.	I don't know.	Prevention.	male	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	RI	1/8/06 2:26 PM
3927	THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT FAIR. I BELIEVE ANYBODY THAT WORKS OR ARE SENIOR CITZEN SHE BE INTITLE TO HEALTHCARE FREE OF CHARGE.	NO	NONE	MAKE THE GOVERNMENT PAY FOR IT.	male	NULL	No	Black or African American	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/8/06 2:31 PM
3928	"-The skyrocketing cost of health care, and health insurance.    -Fewer employers are offering health care coverage at a price that working class American's can afford.    -We may need to set different priorities, such as putting more resources into the fi"	"I believe we need to move to a single-payer, government sponsored health care system in this country."	"Unfortunately, I think the American public is still prone to manipulation by media campaigns funded by the insurance, pharmaceutical, and other industries who stand to lose the most financially from a goverment sponsored healthcare system. When President Clinton attempted to move the country in this direction, public fears of higher taxes and the government taking over decisions on choice of physicians seemed to be the primary concerns; along with a general distrust of the federal government as a responsible steward of tax dollars. These may still be difficult barriers to overcome.  "	"We are quickly moving into a more stratified society, where quality health care is available only to the wealthier among us that can afford to pay out of their own pocket. Government needs to take a leading role in leveling playing field of health care availability."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/8/06 3:00 PM
3929	The inability of doctors to implement the health care plans they and their patients choose.	"Insurance companies should not be ""for profit"" entities.  They should be something like co-ops, where people join together to provide services individuals can't afford alone."	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/8/06 3:29 PM
3930	cost/benefit - the bottom line -- Universal is best for that	See above	"Anti-reason propaganda is the issue here.  I think that, presented with the truth, ""the American public"" is willing to do anything reasonable toward that end."	Single payer	male	NULL	No	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/8/06 4:30 PM
3931	"Cost too much to have good care and the rich doctors who take our moneies for ""fair"" care given. "	Universal health care program for all	NULL	Universal health care program for everyone	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	1/8/06 5:01 PM
3932	"Lack of access to health care for everyone.  The high cost of health care, particularly compared with what other countries pay for better health outcomes than ours."	"Absolutely. We should pay for health care the same way we pay for roads, police protection and fire protection."	"Americans are ready to have the same level of access and quality in health care for everyone. We may not want to pay for every possible service or treatment, but it will be adequate health care if it applies to everyone."	"Put everyone ""in the same boat"" for health care. Everybody in, nobody out."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/8/06 5:48 PM
3934	That an individual can lose his/her job after many years (or due to an illness) and be without health insurance. Someone who paid his dues for a lifetime and then is without coverage	Health care benefits should not be linked to a job. That doesn't mean that people shouldn't work! It means that all people should be covered regardless where they work or even if they are out of work. (Cobra benefits are very expensive for someone who had lost a job!) Why can't all companies pay into a fund for the number of employees that they have and/or their company earnings. This fund would also include an amount that all working people would pay toward their coverage and as well government funding. From this fund all citizens would have basic coverage - no exceptions on coverage. If companies wanted to offer enhanced coverage benefits to employees they could (but that would be separate from their other contributions). If individuals wanted to pay for enhanced benefits they could as well. 	I don't think that people want to give up anything - that's part of the problem but there must be better ways to save. Will need to think about this more.	Cover all our children. We need to be sure they are getting all the necessary care so that they enter their adulthood and working life as well as possible and see good health as important part of life.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	1/8/06 5:53 PM
3935	There are so many concers I hardly know where to start but to me one of the biggest problems is the fact that so many people don't have access to health care because they are uninsured or under insured.	I think we need a nationalized one payer health care system where we pay for it through our income taxes-a certain percentage added to our taxes similar to medicare.  But if you are a child or uneployed you would still have coverage--that should be universal. I do feel that a small co-pay for treatment would be appropriate. 	"I am not sure what the public is willing to trade off but personally I would love to give up private care in favor of a national, universal system where all get what they need.  "	having universal coverage.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/8/06 6:04 PM
3936	"The fact that the richer you are the better your care.  I believe that every single American, natural-born or visitors to our country, should receive a base standard minimum of high-quality care without expense."	"We need to do like every other developed nation and come up with a way to move to single-payer healthcare, with no insurance companies trying to make profits off of our suffering."	We don't need to make tradeoffs.  The corporations and wealthiest Americans could fund it by simply paying their fare share of FICA taxes.	"Move to single-payer health insurance, Medicare for All."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/8/06 6:26 PM
3938	"Health care insurance is tied to employment.  Small businesses with few employees have difficulty providing health care coverage.  Some employers hire parttime to avoid providing benefits, leaving many Americans uninsured and often unable to afford even basic health care."	I believe a universal health care policy is the only option to assure health care needs of all citizens are met.	I believe they are willing to pay at least what they pay now to be assured they will never lose their coverage due to lay-off or disability.	"Medicare and Medicaid operate at a much lower management cost than do private for profit insurance conglomerates. However, these are both underfunded causing providers to opt out. This would definitely need to be addressed first."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	1/8/06 7:47 PM
3939	the astronomical cost	"it should be paid by the government, we need socialized medicine"	we should pay a small portion towards health care	have socialized medicine	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/8/06 8:31 PM
3940	"Being on a very limited income we find the drugs that my husband takes are too expencive. With our low income we could recieve his meds. with a pharmacial card from the drug companys ex. Takeda,Sanofi aventis, and 4to5 other companies.He takes so many different drugs and most are tier 3 so our cost is very high. I wish the insurance companies that are medicare appoved would take this in mind when settingm up the plans. We need a program that we can afford."	NULL	NULL	We need a universal health care plan for all Americans something we can all afford. Something that the drug companies can't get very very rich on.	female	NULL	No	NULL	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	1/8/06 8:49 PM
3941	-The great divide between technical and medical capabilities and access to those treatments and options.  -The Great divide between the non- insuredor under-insured and the well-insured  -The great divide between the cost of coverage and the means of the 	"I feel that the whole system should be centralized to maximize efficiency and equity. What is wrong with a National Health Service?  The Helath insurnce industry creams of millions of $$ to themselves, for-profit and not for profit, for unneccssary functions.  All resources should be devoted to the delivery and administration of care and services, and not to third party (ie, insurance companies, billing departments, etc).  Source of monies should be flat rate taxation revenues, centralized and allocated through government agencies."	"Certainly Americans are willing to give up ""choice"" in health care insurance providers. choice in facilities and wasteful choices in ""plans"".  I believe they would rather pay more in taxes and nothing in health care premuiums, knowing that the monies would go to care and not intermediaries."	"A universal commitment on the part of government (non-partisan) to move to universal coverage.  It is a SHAMEFUL situation that the US cannot do this where most other developed nations can!.  ""Centralization"" of this effort is essential.=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	CA	1/8/06 9:51 PM
3942	"I am concerned that our health care system is failing to provide a decent and humane level of health care to our citizens.  I am concerned for the millions of people in our country that suffer needlessly because they lack adquate and affordable health care and I am concerned that the U.S. competitiveness in international business markets is declining partly due to a health care system that costs a lot with outcomes that are not very satisfactory.  I am concerned that without the U.S. adopting a national, single-payer health care system, there will be a continuing deterioration in the health and well-being of Americans on an individual basis and a neglect of the public health of the country on a wider basis.  Some things are not better done by the private market mechanisms - health care is one of them. "	"A single-payer system funded by a progressive income / health care tax on all Americans.  What good does it do to incrementally make the current system more and more complex while ignoring the benefits and cost-advantages of simplicity and a large, single risk pool."	"I believe that the majority of the American public is willing to accept a single-payer, national health care system that continues the use of private providers operating under a uniform government system.  I believe that most Americans would willingly trade the costliness, chaos and unpredictability of the current multi-payer system for one the is better run, more equitable and accessible, and that provides universal cradle to grave coverage.  More and more research indicates the tremendous cost savings of such a system, with health care outcomes far surpassing that of the U.S."	"Stop the perpetuating delusion that incremental changes are the answer to solving the health care mess.  The best way to do this is through a single-payer, universal health care system - the sooner the better. "	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	CO	1/8/06 10:19 PM
3943	"lack of access to mental health care; disparity in insurance coverage between 'standard' health care and mental health care.  It has been conclusively shown that when people get adequate mental health care, visits to the doctor's office for physical health concerns are drastically reduced.  Increased mental health care = reduced medical costs overall."	"Not sure.  Simplifying things would be good - but I don't know that we should change who pays for our medical care.  Certainly we should make government-paid health care more widely available to low-income families, particularly for children."	I don't believe any trade-offs would be necessary if we made it a national priority to provide adequate mental health care to all people.  Better access to mental health care = reduced medical care costs overall.  Really. 	"Mental health care needs to be treated just like any other medical care by insurance companies, etc.  No one would ever dream of limiting the number of times a diabetic could visit his/her doctor for management of his condition; the same should be true for all mental health issues, be it short-term care for stress management issues or ongoing care for a major mental disorder like schizophrenia or depression.  "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/8/06 10:41 PM
3944	It's too expensive for anyone to afford and access is unevenly distributed	"There should be a single payor system, primarily funded by the government.  Employers should pay into the system, but health care should be available to all, regardless of where or weather they are working."	I think we are willing to trade control and accept limits on choices if it meant that we would all have access to affordable health care. 	"Single payor system, financed by income taxes and taxes on business  (to replace their expenses paid to insurance companies).  Nominal co-payments, include medications in the plan.  Sort of like enrolling everyone in Kaiser Permanente, or in a national health plan."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/8/06 10:50 PM
3947	"Health care financing is insecure, unjust, discriminatory, segregationist, wasteful of health care dollars, condusive to fraud and poor quality care, and bankrupts those who need care"	"Take private health insurance companies out of the system.  We need single payer, single risk pool, publicly financed and publicly accountable universal health insurance with privately delivered health care.  Individuas, employers, and government can still finance the system.   "	"There do not need to be any trade offs for the public.   There is enough money to insure everyone with high quality, comprehensive benefits and pay providers well for all care including prevention and education as well as treatment.   The trade off has to come by eliminating the private health insurance companies, negotiating prescription drug prices through bulk purchasing and negotiating fees for providing care. Tax payer dollars subsidize the education of medical professionals, hospitals, and the research for drugs.  The people have a right to have costs controled and profits regulated. The 10s of thousands of health insurance plans are the main cause of the waste in health care   dollars on excessive administrative costs for all providers and health insurance selling, claims processing, executive salies and bonuses, stockholder dividends, profits. etc.  The Lewin Group, the Government Accountability Office, The Congressional Busdget Office and Thorpe Consulting have all shown that a single payer, single risk pool health care financing system can insure all Americans with comprehensive health care with choice of private doctor and hospital, and no co-pays or deductibles for LESS MONEY than is currently being spent.  Under a single unified system our quality of care can improve.  Instead of having one of the lowest longevity rates and one of the highest infant mortality rates of all industrialized nations the USA could reverse these statistics because everyone would have the same right to access the best care."	"Create an improved prepaid Medicare for All where everyone has the exact same comprehensive benefits for all medically needed care including prevention with no extra out of pocket expenses.  All individuals, businesses, and governments pay into the system by ability to pay.  Use the Federal Supply Schedule to negotiate prices for pharmaceuticals and durable medical equipment.   Every person has the right to life.  No person has the right to judge which life is worth health care and which life is not worth health care.  The 14th Amendment guarantees each of us equal protection under the law.  21st Century health care protects.  It must be available equally to all.  This includes undocumented workers.  We are all in this together.  Communicable diseases do not ask if you are here legally or not.  Hospital emergency rooms can not be available for the rich folks or the average law abiding citizen if no one can pay for these services.  The USA will soon lose in the global economic competiton if businesses can't get their extrodinary health insurance expenses  under control.  A publicly financed system can control health care expenditure by gathering information on out comes and best medical practices and disceminating these to practioners and patients.  In medicine it is cooperation that controls costs.  The only competiton needed is for the patient to have free choice of provider so that he can go to the provider that has the best outcomes and provides the highest quality of care in the eyes of the patient.  If the patient is free to walk away, the doctor and hospital will do their best to provide the best care because they know that every patient they see will be a paying patient through the  single payer, national health care financing system.  "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/9/06 2:02 AM
3948	"While the cost is rising to the point of being unaffordable for most people, the benefits and quality of care have decreased. I can't believe Medicare doesn't cover eyeglasses or dental care!!!"	I think we need a single-payer system not tied to employers (and not governed by profit) that saves on administrative costs and provides comprehensive care for everyone.	"Right now, people are accepting less and less for more and more. I and many others go without care, because their budgets can't withstand the copays and leftover costs, even when they're insured!"	"Get rid of the competing systems and cover everyone under one, comprehensive system."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/9/06 2:31 AM
3949	Cost of insurance and the inavailability of insurance to so many people.	"Helath insurance should be disengaged from employment.  Employer provided insurance creates a tremendous burden for employers, makes changing employers difficult for workers and adds to the administrative costs of paying for healthcare."	I and most Americans would gladly see the end of the health insurance industry if that is what it takes to provide health care to everyone.  Good bye to a bad parasite.	Make Medicare available to everyone regardless of age or disability.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/9/06 4:36 AM
3950	Costs driven up by lawsuits	"Limitations or elimination of lawsuits, if a Doctor contintes to make mistakes, they should loose the opportunity to practice, similat to Germany's Law"	"National health care would be full of cheating, must have tighter controls to ensure that does not happen even using the existing systems. Willing to have tighter control and oversite."	Eliminate lawsuits 	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	1/9/06 7:48 AM
3951	I don't have any!	Single payer national health care	none!!	Provide health care for all Americans.	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/9/06 8:35 AM
3952	The expense of health care for the poor and working poor.  Prescription cost are very high  insurance premium are skyrocketing  HMO control of health care	I think we need universal health care so that everyone can take advanatage of it  Our country would be helathier	increase taxes will guarantee coverage and a healthier society which would be cost efficient	find a way to gurantee access to healthcare for every American regardless of ability to pay	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	FL	1/9/06 8:41 AM
3954	Our government is more interested in catering to pharmaceutical companies and insurance companies than about the needs of the people.	"We need Universal Health Care, paid for by individuals, amount based on their income."	Payment should be scaled according to income. I think health care can only improve if not being run by the insurance and pharmaceutical companies.	Universal Health Care	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/9/06 9:59 AM
3955	Many things.  The costs are out of reach for most Americans.  The companies that provide health care are experiencing cutbacks.  Small employers cannot afford to offer coverage.  Even school systems and goverment cant't afford it.	"More information is needed for consumer driven health care.  If you are admitted to the hospital, you will quickly understand that you have no control or knowledge of what is being spent.  There is no discussion of costs when you are sick.  I believe over billing is rampant and the consumer has no way of knowing how much services or drugs costs nor if they are even necessary.  A lot of times the patient does not even know if they received the medication or service."	"Individuals should take initiative to be informed of their medical conditions and medications.  They should refuse what they view to be unnecessary procedures and tests.  Also, controversial as it might be smokers, drug addicts, and other poor lifestyle choices should be paid for by the individual and not the system."	"Some electronic record of conditions, medications and doses, identification, so that the patient is treated properly for their condition."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	1/9/06 10:13 AM
3956	High costs and increasing discrimination against individuals with health problems by insurance companies.	"Health insurance should not be tied to employment. Individuals and families should be able to get affordable, comprehensive health coverage even if they are not employed."	Don't know.	Stop letting insurance companies dictate to the health care system and eliminate insurance fraud.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/9/06 10:14 AM
3957	"Quite simply, that the average American cannot afford to get sick.  They cannot afford the premiums and cannot afford the deductible.  They are walking around sick, sometimes very sick, because they cannot afford to get help."	"Make everyone who is working pay an amount, based on their income, to a universal program."	I think most Americans would gladly have their income taxed for health care if they could be reassured that they would receive the healthcare when they needed it and that the government wouldn't use it for something else.  	Come up with a universal program.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/9/06 10:57 AM
3958	I am concerned that it ceases to be a free market enterprise polluted with bloated bureaocracy and hyper regulation.  	Government should get out of the business entirely.	"As long as we continue to pander to individual self-service, ignorance, and learned-dependency on government as the the pinnical of solution-based health care we will continue to have problems with the financing mechanism.  There is nothing wrong with the quality of care; we are simply witnessing the economic effects of an increasing aging population.  "	"Encourage personal responsibility by teaching health care financing in the schools.  Promote privatization at all levels; much like Medicare.  Allow greater competition amongst providers and insurance companies by alleviating their exhorbitant costs, such as tax relief and the promotion of arbitration.  "	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	1/9/06 11:21 AM
3960	Too expensive insurance for health care	Free health care	NULL	Reduce cost	male	NULL	No	Other	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/9/06 12:06 PM
3962	"A serious injury or disease can financially ruin a responsible, hard working family whether insured or not with the system as it exists today.    Too mnay resources are expended to support the monstrous multi-party adminsitrative structure that we currently have.    Insurance is currently set up to DENY payment rather than pay."	"We need a single payer system where everyone contributes a fixed portion of their income and everyone is covered.  If one needs to go to the doctor he or she goes without worry about ""who pays""."	"For regular folks, there is no difference between a tax and an insurance premium.   Even if the tax is slightly higher, it would be okay as long as there are no more copayments."	H. R. 676 -- The enhanced Medicare for all act.	male	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/9/06 12:41 PM
3963	"People Expect the government to take care of  their health.  People expect miracle cures,  pills and doctors to cure them from probles  that they can solve by not over eating, smoking,  drinking, ect...  "	The government should not be involved in health  care. The prescription drug plan for seniors is  an example of what may result from government  controlled health care.  No tax money should be collected for health care.	"Americans should take care of themselves and  each other, and not look for salvation from  an inept government and profit driven health  care industry."	"Take care of yourself, use common sense."	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/9/06 1:15 PM
3964	"Lack of access to quality, continuing health care for so many people"	"Yes- the current employer-based health care financing system is is archaic and unweildy, and results in too many people falling through the cracks.  Over 50% of health care spending already comes from government (almost 60% if we count tax breaks to employers).  I think we should consolidate that spending, so that the system becomes a cohesive, inclusive government financed system of universal health care.  This would not change the private nature of the health care delivery system.  Health care delivery and health care financing should not be confused in this discussion."	"I think the American public would be willing to pay higher health care taxes (eg a higher Medicare tax) to ensure access to high quality, guaranteed health care."	Adopt a single payer financing system.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/9/06 1:24 PM
3965	That it is too expensive to actually take care of yourself. I fear suffereing from dieases or injuries that insurance companies will find a way to not pay for.	YES! Universal healthcare for everyone!	willing to pay more/be taxed more.	Make prevention a priority. It is cheaper in the long run to be pro-active!	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/9/06 1:38 PM
3969	The expense and knowing that insurance companies have the right to accept or deny payment for specific procedures.  It does not seem like a fair practice for a business to decide what medical treatment I should be receiving.	"Yes.  Why must health insurance be tied to employment and individual wealth?  We should be entitled to health benefits regardless of employment opportunities, which are slim at this point in time anyway."	Less government spending on military action. 	Universal healthcare	female	NULL	Yes	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/9/06 2:38 PM
3970	The high cost.  Some can't afford coverage and other people are not retiring simply because they can't afford the high cost of health insurance.  	A complete reworking of the system is needed.  It is so dysfunctional now it can't be repaired.  To continue to attempt to do so is folly.  	"Congress has the money to pay for at least catastrophic health for everyone if they would quit wasting money on ""pork"" and selling out to the lobbyists and special interest groups.  Until that happens, no plan will work."	"Stop trying to fix a system that can't be fixed; it is money down a rathole.  Start over.  Consolidate all funding sources, figure out how much money that is total, and work from there."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/9/06 2:40 PM
3971	It is inaccessible to 43 million or more	"Universal health care should be publicly financed in a way similar to public water, public power, olther public services--""single payer."""	I feel strongly the American public is willing to give up the burden of private medical insurance and the linkage of jobs to insurance in order to have a more secure and inclusive univeral basic health insurance with central funding-single payer.	"Devise a system of universal coverage with central/single payer including mental and physical health coverage, vision, and dental care."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/9/06 2:51 PM
3975	The cost and accessibility.	"No, I think the system is fine as it is, at least for those who have medical coverage."	"I'm not sure what the trade-offs would be.  For those covered, I think routine access to preventative care is important.  I assume that if something is caught early, then the cost of treatment is reduced.  I for one, expect to see increases in premiums and out of pocket cost as the cost of health care rises and try to plan accordingly."	I don't believe the Federal Government should control health care.  The Private Sector provides this service the best and the Federal Government should continue to partner with the Private Sector.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	1/9/06 3:40 PM
3977	"How easy it is to: 1) lose coverage and 2) receive inadequate coverage.  With increasing costs - often passed onto employees - which also surpass any raise in pay - if any is even received - it gets harder and harder to keep one's standard of living, much less grow it.  Also, what is covered versus what is not covered is chosen only by the insurers, not those needing coverage.  Often even legitimate, medically necessary and cost effective treatment that would realize many financial savings over the years to come are turned down by insurers only looking at one year's bottom line.  Even when insurers pay a portion of providers' fees, they often pay an amount that doesn't resemble fair market charges and often prohibit the provider from recuping the difference.  This makes it financially hard for providers to decide to accept insurance and, therefore, even harder for patients to find providers to accept the insurance they've already paid for. The only one benefiting from this system is the insurer."	"I truly believe we need a single payer health system.  Why should providers need to spend lots of money and staff time to deal with myriad forms, health plan rules, etc. in the name of free market competition?  Nothing about health care is free.  And we've already established who the only winners are in my first answer.  Now guess who are the losers..."	"The point should really be, we ALREADY make tradeoffs.  If covered, we sleep better at night as in ""all's right with (our) world"", either not knowing - or not wanting to know - how those who aren't covered affect our lives, our children's lives, our own healthcare costs, etc.  That is unless or until the rug gets pulled out from under US and there we are, in the shoes of the uncovered.  A tradeoff of living with the current system is living with the fear of being without if something happens.  That's the education that must be communicated, but never is when it comes to this issue."	My first suggestion is that the President and Congress lose all of their benefits until such time as they pass/sign into law a health care plan for the rest of us that puts us all on an equal footing - healthcare-wise - with what they have now.  Guess how long it would take them to get together on that one!  (And what would Cheney end up doing in the event of a tie...)	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/9/06 3:53 PM
3978	"My biggest concern is America, the richest nation in the world, has people who have NO healthcare and many others who are under insured. I know several people personally who have NO insurance at all---they make too much money to get medicaid but not enough to buy insurance. The local ""free"" clinic is overwhelmed with people who can't afford to see a healthcare professional, others who have seen a doctor or are on continual medication and can't afford that medication, as well as those who need mental health care. A friend needed immediate dental care for an abscessed tooth and was told there was a 6 month waiting list to see the dentist at the free clinic. I know MANY people who are struggling to pay their utilities and put food on the table--they have no money for healthcare and some of them have children that they cannot take to the doctor. I also know people who have pre-existing conditions and even if they could afford insurance they can't get any because of those conditions. No one will insure them or it is so expensive that they couldn't afford food, shelter, etc. if they got the insurance. with the current cuts to medicaid many elderly, poor and disabled are losing services that are essential to their health and well-being. A disabled person who needs an electric wheelchair to even get to the bathroom will be just as bad off if they have the chair but medicaid won't pay for new batteries or repairs. Indirectly the issue relates to how much income people have. Are people aware that there are people in America who are working but live on $600 a month or less? Try to pay rent/house payment, utilities, and buy food AND then afford health care. Also, many doctors won't take medicaid these days. One friend of mine needed to see the dentist because of a cracked tooth pressing on a nerve and causing severe pain. I helped her call EVERY dentist in our local phone book and every one of them said ""I'm sorry Dr. ___ doesn't take medicaid."" There was ONE who said ""Dr. ___ only takes medicaid patients from September to November if you would call back then."" This was in June!! My mother worked for the same company for 43 years and didn't retire until she was 70--the last contract they had specified their insurance company, which company required they go to local health care providers even in an emergency. My mother was at my sister's, who lives 50 miles from here, for Thanksgiving the last year before she retired. She suddenly began to have chest pain and they were afraid it was a heart attack. They wanted to rush her to the hospital there but her insurance wouldn't cover her there--she would have had to pay the exorbitant ER fees out of pocket and any others if they had admitted her. They had to rush her back here so she could go to the local hospital or her insurance would have been useless!! (Fortunately it wasn't a heart attack but pneumonia and she recovered fine.) This has become quite long but it conveys that there are a number of concerns about healthcare. This is America, if we are the greatest nation on earth, we should be able to provide healthcare for ALL Americans. Do you know when scientists determine that our species became ""human""? It was when they found evidence of the species showing compassion and helping those less strong or able."	"I'm not sure how to provide healthcare to everyone and I know what Americans call ""socialized medicine"" is a bad word in America. But in countries where they have this type of program everyone is able to get healthcare. Perhaps some FORM of those systems would work. Certainly, even the safety net we have is damaged by cutting taxes to the higher income brackets.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      "	"Since I don't know most of the American public, I'm not sure. I believe that there are people like this group and Sojourners who are willing to find a solution to the problem but I'm unsure if the ""public"" is interested."	I'm unsure beyond what I said on the last question.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	1/9/06 4:20 PM
3979	"That all people living in the United States - citizens & non-citizens - have access to free or affordable, comprehensive health care paid for and administered by our federal government."	"Yes, health care should be paid for and administered by our federal government - equally to all who live/reside in the US."	Many of us are willing to give up US military spending for US military presence in foreign countries.  We have too many US citizens in need right now!	To provide every American and every resident with the same health care as is currently given each member of Congress.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/9/06 5:16 PM
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3985	Affordability. Also that medical coverage often does not also cover dental and vision.  Are they not also an important piece to our well-being???	"Not sure. How about giving better rates to those who take better care of themselves in the first place (similar to auto insurance which will give breaks in price if you have safety devices in your car, etc). Perhaps smaller families could be given better rates as they would likely not be using the system as much as larger families. Having larger families is a choice!!!!!"	Make the system more flexible allowing us to pick and choose coverage that is more tailored to our own individual needs perhaps. Seeing doctors less often and nurse paractitioners and P.A.s more often (some of us already do this). 	We need to have a health-care system more like those in Canada and many of the European countries (minus the problems of course!). 	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/9/06 5:35 PM
3986	"High cost, inaccessibility of care, shortage of doctors and nurses, overmedication, and domination by corporate interests. "	"Reduce corporate profits (insurance, drug manufacturers, medical equipment, HMOs, etc.)"	"Less care for those of us who have excellent health insurance, more care for those who have none. "	Nationalize health care. 	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/9/06 6:13 PM
3987	The numbers of people who have no health insurance. The decrease in funding for people on Medicaid.  The maze that has been created that dissuades people from seeking the care they need.  The cost of pharmaceuticals. 	"Yes It should be a single payer system.  Call it Universal Health Care, call it socialized medicine call it what ever but basic health care needs to be available to all people of this country!!!!!!"	The current health insurance industry in this country is creating billionaires on the backs of people who become ill or injured.  It should never have been a for profit industry.  It needs to be not for profit. whether private or public but not for profit!!!!!!!!!!!!! 	See the above answers!!!!!!!!!!	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/9/06 6:37 PM
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3990	The outrageous increases in cost.	Business needs to be taken out of the loop. As an export industry we see that it is increasingly difficult for us to compete against companies in countries where health care is part of the tax base and not an individual company responsibility.	We should run our entire health care system the way we run Medicare - and not that Part D fiasco.	Get rid of the insurance companies.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/9/06 7:22 PM
3991	"Our current system is not sustainable, fair or rational.  No country would design a system like we have gradually evloved into in this country.  Funding by employer, which is increasingly unaffordable by companies and leaves >45M people uninsured, and forces others to stay in jobs they don't want in order to maintain coverage for themselves or a chronically ill dependant, is not working for the American pe9ople or the American economy."	"Some sort of single large regional payor is probably the best way to go, with a defined benefit plan that covers preventive, health maintenance, and catastrophic HC needs.  Limits to coverage are necessary , and must be based on rational criteria.  Our current system, leaving 45M without any coverage and others with full coverage for almost every possible medical expense is not rational.  Focus on maximizing the health of the overall population of a region with the resources society is willing to allocate to HC is required.  Exemptions to Medicare regulations to innovate and meet this goal are necessary.  The Oregon plan was one creative example of an attempt to do this."	"Those who have health care coverage are largely satisfied.  As co-pays and deductables go up, this may change.  The 45M uninsured are relatively voiceless to date."	"Single (regional?) payor with a quasi-governmental board (appointed?), which can work in the interest of the citizens of that region to maximize the health of the population with the limited dollars and infrastructure and human resources available."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/9/06 7:26 PM
3992	"Personal economic vulnerability of most individuals to health care costs for needed health services - including economic vulnerability over past debts for health care, current out of pocket costs, and potential future unaffordable costs."	"Yes, speaking only for myself as an individual, I would like to see new combination of comprehensive national health care coverage, administered on competitive contracts (but keep the administrative contracts to a handful as with Medicare intermediaries and carriers)which are carefully monitored as with Medicare, with transparent disclosure and public involvement in core coverages which everyone would expect to use in a lifetime, and the cost of procedures which are rare or have more limited use by the American public.  I would like to see financing of this comprehensive system through taxes assessed along with income taxes, a system of user fees (co-pays, deductibles, etc.), with a portion of the revenue transparently set aside for public education to increase personal accountability to stay well through exercise and diet, and personal accountability for avoiding known health hazards such as smoking and not using seat belts. With health care costs so high for consumers, employers and the government, even small, incremental reduction in costs will pay off, but the education goal to increase personal accountability and move toward healthier lifestyles must be disciplined and carefully assessed as in with field research projects/"	"I think the public is willing to pay for change, if they see the bottom line - their current vulnerability to personal finances, the shared payments among all the members of their community to have ongoing access to care - BUT within a new American system that is monitored for waste, promotes individual responsibility, and  overall value on the importance of the individual and his/her health to our society.  That is, the public may support a fresh look at better benefits for themselves with risk spread throughout the system, if there are controls AND there is bipartisan support for this.  It has to be different than other countries universal care and has to have easy to understand cost-benefits."	"Connect the costs on a personal and society level to personal, employer, and societal values we Americans have and show how we can do a lot better - other countries do it better."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/9/06 7:35 PM
3993	high cost and lack of access for uninsured	"all employers, all individuals and government should contribute to the cost."	trade off smaller role for private insurance companies and use savings to purchase more access.	"require everyone, including all employers, to contribute to cost of health care"	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/9/06 7:39 PM
3994	"Control, not in the interest of the public, by drug and insurance corporations and resulting high costs."	"We need a single payor system that covers everyone, with coverage for low or no income people from progressive taxation."	How will the public ever act in its own interest while the media are controlled by the monied interests?	See second answer above.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/9/06 7:46 PM
3995	THe large amount of underinsured and un-insured persons in the country.   I feel that this is causing hospitals and health care providers to charge entirely too much for their services.  	Single payor system is needed.  	"The american public is not willing to make trade offs.  This will have to be mandated changes, as more and more americans go broke paying for health care bills."	Insure more individuals. 	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	1/9/06 8:39 PM
3996	That we have no universal health care for all that ELIMINATES insurance companies!	Universal health care for all - NO ins. co's.	any	universal health care for all - NO insurance companies!!!	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/9/06 8:44 PM
3997	"Being locked into a specific job in order to continue having health insurance.  I am afraid to go to the doctor sometimes because then I'll have another ""condition"" on my record that could prevent me from being able to get private health insurance if I leave my job, even if I can afford to pay for it, which is another issue.  I sometimes think about starting my own small business, but then I worry about not having health insurance.  I wonder how different our economy might be if people didn't have to worry about health insurance?  Maybe more people would strike out on their own, take more chance with starting a business."	"I believe in a single-payer system.  It seems like if all the premiums being paid by individuals, employers and the government were paid into one pot, with a non-profit entity responsible for administering the system, that we could have affordable universal health care for all our citizens.  It would not be the ""dreaded"" socialized medicine run by the government, doctors could still be independent, hospitals still charging for services.  It would be one huge insurance company that could be efficiently run (as I understand it, Medicare administration costs are far lower than those of private insurance carriers) so more dollars could actually go toward providing health care."	"I think Americans are ready to pay for universal health care.  We are already paying more and more of our premiums to get less benefits and retirees are beginning to lose the benefits they were promised by their employers.  The biggest problem is that as soon as intelligent discussion and debate is proposed, the fearmongers start howling about ""socialized medicine"" and how we'll all be waiting for months to get needed care.  I have read a few articles about some fundamental changes Kaiser Foundation has made in the past few years, shifting resources to preventive care and achieving tremendous documented success in critical areas like reducing heart disease.  Perhaps theirs is a model for the nation."	"We need guaranteed health care that does not disappear with job changes, unemployment, retirement, or any other life change.  This should include dental care.  Healthy citizens make for a healthy economy, students who learn better and will achieve more, adults who can be productive for longer and cost less as they age.  How much talent and brain power is lost in this country because children and adults are sicker than they need to be?  I bet on a purely economic level paying more for life-long, quality health care is cheaper than losing potential and caring for sicker people."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	1/9/06 10:07 PM
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3999	"power of pharmaceutical companies, leading to overprescribing and lack of emphasis on prevention and lifestyle, lack of accountability and high prices"	a basic socialized healthcare plan	The majority of the American public is middle or lower economic class and can't afford health insurance. Waste and fraud in corporate and government (including military) need to be eliminated to finance a universal healthcare system.	"Change tax system to discover more fraud by corporations and the wealthiest people, repeal tax cuts for wealthy over last 10 years; more accountability in military budget so we can have the funds to create a socialized health system."	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/9/06 10:47 PM
4000	"Despite it being the most expensive system in the world, its major indicators like longevity and infant mortality lag behind many other countries, and that many people cannot afford health insurance and, in many cases, adequate care."	"Let's consolidate these payments to one health insurance entity, overseen by the government, so that everyone is brought into the insurance pool, and use the savings of scale to make sure all are covered."	I think the public now recognizes that nationalizing the health insurance side doesn't mean we'll give up our individual choices of providers and quality of care.	Enhance the health of our community by making health care available to all Americans.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/9/06 11:30 PM
4001	"45 milliona people are without health care.  Because of the burden of employers, many are outsourcing jobs to other countries, creating a complex web which is helping to destroy our manufacturing  and business base."	"Only federal support can bring about health care for all, which alrteady pays for almost hal;f of all health care now. A combination of federal government single payer sytem providing something for everyone, combined with voluntary additional insurance for those who want some add-ons."	No other country has a system primarily involving profit making insurance companies.  Our insurance companies and for-profit HMOs involve a complex and expensive multilayered bureacracy which is unsustainable.  The people will be willing to see its destruction.	"federal governament single payer system unrelated to employment, along with the availability of supplemental insurance for those who want it and can afford it.  But there mustbe broad basic health care for everyone."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/10/06 12:05 AM
4002	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	CO	1/10/06 12:14 AM
4003	It is going to get worse as we have lost the already weak system we held onto.  No longer will we be an employer based healthcare system.  Fundamental reform must be addressed.  But we are beholden to the special interests rather than the people.	Yes we should go to a universal health care system through a single payer model.  That is the most efficient and will allow everyone to be covered and the simplicity will provide better care by the providers.	Americans are afraid of losing their health care.  Already doctors are dropping Medicare like flies.  With only one system no one can be dumped.	To deduct payments like Medicare and create a Medicare for all type system.  Medicare is tremendous.  But we need to establish a bulk purchasing of prescription drugs.  Stop benefiting the drug industry.  No other industrialized country does this.  Congress has to stop caving to drug industry and the insurance industry are blood suckers.  With a Medicare for all we don't need them. They should be put out to pasture - they raise costs and add a 30% premium to care- but don't deliver and only want people who won't cost them a penny. What a ridiculous system we support.  So it costs us more and is inefficient.  I'm sure no one will read this or care.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/10/06 12:16 AM
4005	The fact that there is none for so many people is obscene.	"It's outrageous that we are the only civilized nation n the world that doesn't have a national health care plan, a single payer plane paid for out of the federal money."	There is no doubt that we all would be willing to pay a little extra in taxes to assure that every citizen is safely covered.	Make the federal government aware that this is the only way to stop the deaths that happen because of lack of 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	NJ	1/10/06 1:38 AM
4006	"Its lack of availabilty to everyone, its high cost per capita, and the deterioration in its quality."	"It needs to be greatly simplified by instituting a single-payer plan which will both reduce the time and money spent on paperwork and remove the health insurance middlemen, who profit from the current system."	NULL	"As a beginning, extend the Medicare system to everyone, then consolidate that system to provide free health care to all, funded by federal taxes."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/10/06 1:45 AM
4007	"Too much of total health expenditure goes to drug manufacturers and insurance companies, not to direct health care."	"Yes- I would like to see a 10-year plan to move to a single (government) payer system, phasing out private  insurance as a major player. "	"Less choice among competing heatlh ""plans"""	See aobve.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/10/06 3:00 AM
4011	"Cost & shifting the cost to the individual policyholder, giving unrealistic breaks to Government and very large groups. "	"Level the costing.  An EKG should cost the same if you have insurance, government ""entitlements"" or pay for it yourself."	"The public wants no trade off.  I pay all my own costs, a deductible of $5,000 and the premium for the insurance.  Just treat everyone the same.  Give me the same prices as Blue Cross."	Start with the kids.  Teach real life choices about healthly life styles.	male	NULL	Yes	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	1/10/06 7:52 AM
4013	Many working Americans do not get insurance through their employers.	NULL	I would be willing to pay slightly higher premiums.	All employers should provide insurance to their full-time employees.  All employers should provide insurance to full-time employees.        	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	IN	1/10/06 9:18 AM
4014	The high cost of Medical Care is putting health care out of reach for working families.  We have more people without health insurance than ever before and we must stop this trend	"Yes, Change the system completely and go to a single payer system.  Medicare for all is a good approach and would cost us less in the long run"	The American Public is ready for a National Health Care System such as Medicare.  It is time to take the system away from the Insurance Industry and the people are willing to take this move.	Support HR 676 and put the pressure on our Congress people to make them understand the American people are fed up with the present system	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/10/06 10:11 AM
4015	Lack of affordable health care for many Americans who are forced to go without it.  The drain on hospitals who must provide emergency care at a higher cost as a result.	A single payer system is most efficient and equitable.	Somewhat restricted benefits and more waiting if shared as a burden by all within the system.	"Eliminate third-party payers such as HMO's which are inefficient, standardize billing procedures and eliminate the duplication of paperwork."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/10/06 10:12 AM
4017	"I am greatly concerned about the fact that a great deal of Americans do not have access to adequate health care at a reasonable cost. While programs such as Medicare and Medicaid are a start, I believe that we should not stop there. Humans deserve equal access to the medicines and treatments they need.  "	"I do not believe that it is the responsibility of government to “spoon feed” its citizens. However, I also don’t believe that a responsible government in a nation as progressive and economically advanced as the United States can continue to fail to provide health care for it citizens. Socialized health care may not be such a bad idea. "	"I believe that most Americans would be willing to receive less of a tax benefit in order to improve the health care system. For example, my husband and I would be wiling to get less credit for our mortgage interest in order to contribute to an improved system that helps the poor obtain the services they need. "	Make it a true priority and not a “political agenda” item at election time. 	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	OH	1/10/06 11:33 AM
4018	The large number of people without medical insurance coupled with the decreases in Medicade funding.	Single payer government financed	Many people worry about going to a strange doctor.  The program should have provisions for picking your provider perhaps by paying a co-payment or similar provision.    I think that most of the citizens realize that extreme procedures might have to be curtailed.    Canada is in trouble becuase they outlawed medical care outside of the Government program.  We should not fall into that trap.	Single payer medical insurance with adequate monitoring of graft and overcharging.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/10/06 12:15 PM
4019	It is so unaffordable for so many people and the corporations of health care and insurance are limiting our rights to choose alternative/complementary forms of care when those forms may be more viable than traditional Western medicine.	I think government should pay for more of it.  I believe there should be a universal health insurance in place	Not sure	Create a universal health care plan including health insurance for all.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/10/06 12:22 PM
4021	Not everyone has health care.	Health care should be universal with a single payer system.	Very high cost procedures could be available only with additional premiums.	It must be universal.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/10/06 12:33 PM
4022	that the elderly have to pay spend downs when they are on a fixed income and that their medical coverage isn't paid for totally.  I am a case worker and it is discouraging to see people have to go with out medicine or medical treatment because they have to choose between health care or paying their rent or utilities.	"Yes I think that if some one has worked most of their life and paid into the systemand are elderly or disabled and on a limited income, they should get a bigger break since they are on a fixed income."	I don't know.	I think the public welfare system should be revised.  it isn't fair for the sick and elderly to have a spend down in order to receive a medical card and able body adults get their card with no co pay just meet the income limit.  it seems to me that someone who is working would be required to have a co pay before someone that is elderly or disabled.	female	NULL	No	Black or African American	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/10/06 12:56 PM
4023	Lower and middle income citizens are uninsured but get medical care on an emergency basis in a very unfair and inefficient system.	We should sever the link between employment and insurance to improve job mobility and business competitiveness in the global economy.	I thing they are willing to share the costs of universal care if it is fair and high quality.	My proposal for universal health insurance based on government vouchers for a basic policy is fully explained at http://home.att.net/~johnanddottieselby/healthcare.html.	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	1/10/06 12:57 PM
4024	The rising costs and the reduced benefit offered by the insurance companies for more money than we have ever paid before.	"Payment by individuals, buffeted by employer contributions as benefits, is the way to go. The system must be adjusted, however, to permit healthier individuals to pay less; the chronically ill pay more; while the indigent are offered basic service. Anything over and above that should be provided by the Medicaid programs already in place."	"Very few... most Americans continue to want something for nothing. Any high-quality service has a premium price and to use it you must be willing to pay. However, in a lot of instances less than premium meets the need and solves the immediate problem."	Eliminate the insurance companies ability to withhold or ransom people's coverage based on genetic disposition and racial or economic status. Coverage costs and programs entry should be based solely on pre-existing conditions and past usage of healthcare services.	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	OH	1/10/06 1:06 PM
4025	"That all Americans don't have it.  Even if you do have it, the cost is high, and you could still find yourself in a huge amount of debt because of medical bills."	We should ensure that the costs are distributed fairly across those 3 entities.	"Americans would take more steps to avoid unnecessary and costly procedures if they had access to more, comprehensive information.  With this data, Americans would undergo fewer procedures, which would result in cost savings."	Allow states to buy generic drugs from other states or countries that are ceritified by the FDA.	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	NY	1/10/06 1:44 PM
4026	The power of the insurance industry and the lack of affordable insurance for americans.	I think our government should step up and care for those not under coverage through employment.	Appropriation of taxes from war efforts to health care.	National Health Cae system.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	1/10/06 1:56 PM
4027	quality and costs	"Personally I support the idea of more socialized medicine...there is NO excuse for any American to go without necessary health care. People must come before profits, so maybe putting limits and restrictions on the drug companies would help. We could also cut our defense spending and use it for health care instead!"	"I do not believe Americans should have to make ANY trade offs in their health care benefits. EVERY American should have access to QUALITY, AFFORDABLE health care which includes eye glasses, dentistry, chiropractics and prescriptions, etc. Healthy Americans ensure a stable economy and productive work force."	"Doctors must provide preventative medical care with education and base their decisions upon the best interests of the whole person, not the condition or the protocol set by the drug makers."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	1/10/06 2:00 PM
4028	Affordability and availability.  It is INEXCUSABLE that every American does not have health care insurance.	"We need universal health care coverage.  It could be paid for by a combination of all three, but it should have one central administration (could be administered regionally IF policies/procedures are uniform, and only if there would be any cost savings in doing so)."	"I think there would be a willingness to accept possible income-based copays.  For example, routine preventitive exams could be done on a sliding-scale basis: No cost for individuals below a certain income, sliding-scale of copays at various income levels.  Beyond that, insurance should be all-inclusive as to what conditions are covered (except for purely cosmetic surgeries), and even those coverages could involve income-based copays.  BUT, if the idea of sliding-scale copays is utilized, the costs to individuals must be (1) fair and (2) progressive."	"Universal coverage for all Americans (single-payer system).  This is the only way to bring costs down and to ensure that we have a healthy population (which in turn promotes increased productivity, which in turn promotes a better economy, etc.)."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/10/06 2:03 PM
4029	Our present system does not provide a consistent positive level of health care for all citizens from conception to death. Therefore it creates levels of discrimination among citizens from conception to death. Poor health has a demonstrated costly effect on job and school performance.	"Multiple systems, i.e.,employers, private insurers, government, health service providers, are inherently more expensive in time and actual dollars than a single payer system.  "	I think a clear majority of citizens would accept a single payer system run by the federal government. I also feel that they would accept a tax to pay for the system. In any kind of insurance scheme the larger the pool of citizens covered by the insurance usually means the cheaper the insurance. 	We move to a single payer system run on behalf of all citizens by the federal government. All citizens would be taxed a uniform amount to support such a system.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/10/06 2:31 PM
4031	The cost of health care and the inequities (poor people are not treated fairly by the present health care system.	There should be universal coverage with the cost determined by income.	The cost of cosmetic treatments should be borne by those wishing such treatment. Health maintenance should be provided to all citizens at little or no cost.	Emphasize prevention and reward good health habits.Get the profit motive out of health care. 	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/10/06 2:57 PM
4032	"The maldistribution of health care.  Too many people are without health insurance.  Also, there are so many different plans that it is confusing even to those who can afford insurance."	We should have a single-payer system: the U.S. government.  Most industrialized nations have such a system and it works very well.  	"I think Americans would be willing to pay more in taxes for a single-payer, comprehensive, universal health care system. Perhaps a health care surtax piggy-backed on the income tax.  Premiums and co-payments would also be acceptable if they were indexed to income."	"Institute a single-payer, comprehensive, universal national health insurance program."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/10/06 3:18 PM
4033	"Health care for individuals that are uninsured or living at 200% of poverty or below. These individuals need health care, especially children. "	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/10/06 3:23 PM
4035	"MY SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE WENT FROM $99.00 TO 108.00 AND THEN STARTING JAN 1/06 TO 160.00/ THE REASON,BECAUSE THEY CAN/"	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	1/10/06 3:42 PM
4036	Fragmentation and cost.	"All those entities should pay, but the payments should be funding a ""single payer"" system."	"Hard to tell since there has been NO dialogue. We need to educate all citizens re: cost and to think like ""grandparents"". This means not assuming that all treatment should ""automatically"" be provided to all age groups..at BOTH ends of the birth/death continuum.   "	Move to a single payer system like Medicare. Universal coverage for all. This does NOT mean providers work for the government! See CA State Senator Sheila Kuehl's bill (SB860). This could be done nationally.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/10/06 3:51 PM
4037	I am most concerned about the millions of Americans who don't have any health care and how that number keeps growing.  	I think that employers should not be able to drop health care from the benefits they offter employees.  The amount which employers or government pays keeps declining. The employee keeps have to pay more and more out of there individual pocket or often not have health care at all. 	"Affordable, high quality health care is available only to those who can afford health insurance.    I am not sure the American public is willng to make trade offs between benefits or financing. I am not sure why we should have too.  The cost of health care in the US is driven mostely by the greed of pharmacutical companies and doctors and the inefficiency of hospitals. If we had an efficient and compentently run health care system we could have great care for far less price. "	To go to a government sponosored health care program.	female	NULL	No Response	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/10/06 3:55 PM
	Duplicate																						na	
4040	"First, the fact that 45 million or more americans have no health care, second, that there seems to be too much spent on health care when compared with other industrialized nations, and third, that the lobbies for pharmacuetical companies and health care providers are out of control. "	I believe that we should be looking at a National health care system. It at least seemed that when there was a serious discussion of having a national health care system that the health care industry at least kept on an even course.	"I believe that if Americans were given a simple straight forward plan to choose from, that every American would be willing to support the system through an even based tax, similar to the sin taxes now paid for through alcohol and tobacco sales."	Have a national health care system that all can understand and afford.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/10/06 4:54 PM
4041	Costs and availability; particularly for the poor and uninsured.	"Absolutely.  Health care should be socialized.  We, as a nation, are wealthy enough to provide it free of charge to anyone in need.  Spend less on killing machines and more on life-sustaining machines and staff. "	Increased progressive taxes.	"Cut the extremely inflated prices of prescriptions by strictly limiting the number of years, if any, that a drug company is permitted to ""recover the costs of research.""  Limit or eliminate drug advertising.  Put those costs into support for ready access to prescription drugs."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/10/06 5:22 PM
4043	"The absurdly high numbers of uninsured & the prohibitively high cost of insurance.  The complexity of the system, it needs to be simplified so that medical practitioners are not strained by administrative costs and people are not so confused.  The increased incidence of deaths in hospitals unrelated to what the patient came in with.  Emphasis on drugs.  We need more advanced & sophisticated diagnostics & illness prevention and less dependence on drug companies."	"It needs to be simplified.  It has become way too complex.  I think all of these methods of paying are valid, but the system needs to be streamlined and coordinated."	I don't think I understand this question well enough to answer.  We are so far away from having universal access to the appropriate remedies.  My overall feeling is that the system is not taking care of the people.  This needs to be addressed before we can even begin to think about potential trade-offs.	"The Federal Government must be involved, and must provide way more substantial funding.  The war in Iraq must end to make this & other critical funding possible.  In my experience, the states are working very hard to take care of the indigent and uninsured, and that's great, but giving them  all the responsibility and leaving them underfunded through block grants is unfair and people are playing Russian roulette with their health because we don't know how long the states can keep taking up the slack."	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	1/10/06 5:38 PM
4044	The lack of availability of quality health care for all.  The cost of inxurance is prohibitive for the middle-class or whats left of the middleclass.	There should be one source of payment like Medicare.  I don't mind paying for my medicare insurance.  Since I am still working I am also still contributing to Medicare as well as having premiums deducted from my Social Security.  I do resent having to carry a Medicare suppliment since it does not cover long term care.  That insurance is well beyond what I can afford to pay.	"Take the cap of Social Security contributions.  Those fortunate enough to earn more then $90,000 a year should continue to pay into Social Security up to $200,000 and the Congress should have the same benefits as the rest of us.  They should be paying into social security and medicare jusat the same as everyone else.  Their pension system also needs to be changed and if they are convicted for some criminal act they should lose their pensions."	Health care is a right not a priviledge.  It should be available to all citizens and all visitors to our country.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/10/06 5:54 PM
4046	costs  quality care	We are the only country that has this type of system.  Why can't we go to a National Healthcare system?  It is completely unfair about the differences in costs and care that people experience inthis country.  It should be accessible and high quality for all!!!  It is a shame!!!	"I think most are willing to have increased taxes- which would just be a cost shift from what we pay in premiums, etc. now.  Have free healthcare and I am sure the majority would be fine.  All kinds of countries have not experienced may problems with this, why is it so difficult for us??  Maybe someones' pockets are being lined?!!!!"	Establish a national healthcare plan!	female	NULL	No	NULL	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	1/10/06 6:12 PM
4047	Cost and accessibility.  Also concerned about the number of uninsured individuals in the U.S. 	We need to get the uninsured population insured so that they can access care in appropriate situations and avoid waiting until illness/injury or other medical need hits critical stages.  	"The American public does NOT want to pay for healthcare but want access to healthcare services for all reasons when they need it.  They want to pay a little and use alot. Employers cannot continue to provide high level of benefits and absorb cost.  Employees cannot continue to absorb increase premiums and reductions in benefits.  However, employees are usually unwilling to conceed to benefit changes until it impacts their household income."	Make them aware of the true costs and educate them on the appropriate use of healthcare services.  (i.e. not using emergency rooms in place of services that can be treated in physicians office; the importance of preventive health services and how this can lower healthcare costs long-term.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/10/06 7:07 PM
4048	"The concerns are obvious to those who witness the quality of care admistered from one ""type"" of community to another.  Often the care is separate and unqual.  By woking in the health care field for over twenty-five years, and across the U.S., these disparities have been witnessed over and over.  Preventitive measures, such as the adminsitraion of Influenza vaccines are limited in the Southern States (i.e. Miss).  The inducstry has turned into one of survivial of the fittest and has been converted to business where decsions are made at the risk of compromising patient care.  Also, health coverage (adequate) is contingent upon being employed.  For those whom are disabled or unable to work, there is dependecny upon the state to fund care.  In Illinois, the Medicaid program provides minimal responsibility and is not received by many health care providers."	Yes.  Universal coverage in a comprehensive plan.	"Individuals must be willing to pay a share as well as hospitals, and federal means, based on sliding financial scale."	"Criminale Malprctice actions in an abrreviated fashion.  What is the difference between an anthesis error resulting in a patients death which is subsequently covered up by hospital personnel, than a man accidently killing someone in a fight?  Wouldn't the average man be charged with homicide?  Why not any individual who covers their tracks in a hospital?"	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	IL	1/10/06 7:21 PM
4049	"The fact that so many people don't have access to care when they need it.  Even some people with insurance have to pay for the first 250 or 500 dollars, which discourages them from seeking help when it does the most good."	I think we should have a single-payer system that covers everyone with a reasonable co-pay for service.	"There shouldn't be any decrease in quality of care and most people should not have to pay more than they are paying now.  The money is being spent, it just isn't being used wisely."	Develope a comprehensive single-payer plan for all needed medical care similar to what seniors have with medicare.	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/10/06 8:59 PM
4050	That we do not have a single payer system like the rest of the enlightened world. 	A single payer system - through taxation -is the way to go. This would save money as it would encourage people to pursue preventive care.	"What ""American public"" are you talking about? The Republicans and their rich constituents(who control the debate) are not willing to make any trade-offs. The remainder are not organized enough to do anything about it."	"What can one say!? We need strong Democrat leaders - not centrist cowards like Hillary, Kerry et al"	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/10/06 9:03 PM
4051	the lack of good and affordable health care for people who are self or unemployed.	no	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	No	Black or African American	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/10/06 9:27 PM
4052	Basic preventive care not available to 50M+ residents	"Single payer, universal healthcare like most of the civilized world. Either that or contract out to the Cubans, by comparison they have a better grip on how to deliver simple preventative health care on a small budget"	Reduced defense spending	"Until things change, have to take care of yerself, live a healthy lifestyle, eat, exercise, elect officials who will actually act in the interest of your well-being"	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	1/10/06 9:28 PM
4053	"Increased cost, decreased benefits."	"Changes are necessary however, I am uncertain as to what changes would be most appropriate."	"The average American is unwilling to make concessions in either benefits or financing.  It is expected that ""corporate America"" should continue providing as it is a perceived entitlement."	Healthcare is not provided to pay for every service requested.  It is provided to protect individuals from catastrophic illness or injuries.  Improving the system starts with changing the expectation of the member toward the delivery model.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/10/06 10:55 PM
4055	The average citizen can't afford it anymore. Most companies are shifting the cost and most workers can't afford it. 	We need single payer national health for all our citizens and have the Senate and Congress enrolled into the same plan to ensure it's success. We could extend Medicare to everyone.	"We shouldn't have to, Europe does it as well as Canada, Australia and Cuba. These countries don't have our wealth so what's wrong with us?"	Extend free medical to every one!	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/11/06 1:38 AM
4056	"How unfair it is, easily accessed by the wealthy and unavailable to the poor.   Parents should not have to choose between food and health care.   Twenty years ago the inequitable American health care system made me do that while I was raising my kids.   I see that in two decades we have made no progress towards getting the greed and selfishness out of health care deciusion making.   Until there are 0% uninsured residents of this country, I will consider the American health care system to be the corrupt playground of the wealthy, deliberately broken by an arogant elite."	100% government funding.   	"I have a low opinion of the American public, whose complicity in the current corrupt and inequitable health care system is part of the problem."	"Eliminate the insurance industry and get physicians out of the health care ""business"" and put them pack into the clinical role they were trained for"	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/11/06 1:39 AM
4057	"The failure of the private insurance industry, in league with private pharmaceutical firms, to provide affordable health care to all."	"We need a single-payer system. There are many excellent models, such as those in Canada and Sweden. Our country is in the dark ages of health care."	"The American public has already been forced to trade off most of its health care benefits because the corporate health insurance and drug companies are in business to make money, not preserve health. Those millions who are now without health insurance have already made the ultimate, bad tradeoff, as giant corporations profit."	Make a Medicare-like plan available for ALL Americans -- after fixing the intolerable and disastrous provisions of Medicare Part D.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/11/06 2:18 AM
4059	That it is NOT available to all; that health insurance for the self-employed is unreasonably expensive.	"Basic healthcare should be provided by the government, as it is in all other Western nations."	No idea.	Government funding of healthcare 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	MI	1/11/06 6:02 AM
4062	inadequate access for the low income and uninsured.  lack of money to pay for access.  congress wishes to reduce national debt by placing this burden upon the poorest of Americans and no one in Washington wants to admit it.	Regulate the insurance and third party companies more closely.  Limit the amount of profits they can legally make.  A national or universal insurance system would be the best and do away with private health insurance all together.	"An increase in taxes on those making more than $200,000.00 and repeal the current tax reduction legislation.  A surplus of monies should always be used to strengthen the social welfare of our citizens."	provide universal health care coverage without premiums and/or copays for the poor.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	1/11/06 8:35 AM
4066	"The widespread ignorance of the facts about healthcare in the US today, what it is costing us, the impact on quality of life, the poor results for what we pay, the tragic stories of those outside the system."	"We need a universal, single-payer system based on access to care according to the need and not according to luck and the ability to pay."	"IF there really were general knowledge of the TRUTH about how sick our present system is, I think the American public would understand that health care is a basic human right, not a privilege.  We would then accept a universal, single-payor system."	"A universal, single-payer system of health care."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	1/11/06 11:36 AM
4068	It is not universal.  Thus millions of people don't have financial health care protection (i.e. health insurance.	Everyone must contribute what they can afford as a citizen's responsibility although their employer can make their contribution	Don't know.	Must be top priority on the Administrations legislative agenda as a bipartisan bill which mandates affordable health care insurance for everyone.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/11/06 11:47 AM
4069	"It's rapidly becoming a luxury rather than an obtainable neccessity. Many people like myself in mid-life are falling apart before our time, due to being forced to live without medical coverage and unable to afford medical maintence and preventative care. "	"I would really like to see medical care be handled by the government for everyone and see the obscene profits in medicine go away. It's unconscienable for the United States to be the only country in the industrialized world to not care about the health and well-being of it's citizens and outrageous for our government to allow companies to refuse healthcare coverage to it's employees and the ones who do provide it, only contribute a minimal amount toward the experience leaving the majority of costs to the employees so that it is priced out of their reach. This I blame on corporate greed and since companies refuse to do right by their employees I don't see any other way to handle it than to have the government handle it for everyone providing good health care coverage dispensed equally. No better coverage to politicians or anyone else. "	"I don't think it would be easy to get mainstream America to agree on how to handle the situation especially if it mean't paying more taxes. Quite frankly though, I would be happy to contribute a large amount in taxes in order to have medical access available to me and my family. A percentage of income and do away with the loopholes and tax shelters the rich are able to hide behind. Gross income should be taxed, the rich paying more than the poor. "	Income based contribution is only fair. A percentage of income to be put into the pool for everyone to receive the same medical coverage. Insurance companies need to be stopped from ripping off the American public by holding us all hostage and robbing us so that their profits soar.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/11/06 12:07 PM
4070	Those that are left out or can not receive all the care they need.  Everyone deserves good health care.	"With insurance companies in control it makes it difficult, but it may work if those paying had a fund the money went to and regardless of what job you had your medical costs were met.  How about just one flat deductible for everyone?"	Our Dr's need to be more accountable for the prescriptions they issue.  Needless prescriptions are costing us all.  The same with surgeries.  There must be a way to control these.	Cut costs to laboratories that perform useless experiements.  Control prescriptions and surgeries.  There isn't just one item that will help solve this problem.  Most of all it is the insurance companies that are really escalating costs and eliminating care.  HMO's and PPO's and Workers Compensations are hurting the health of thousands.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	1/11/06 12:09 PM
4071	"THE WASTE, INEFFICIENCY, AND LACK OF UNIVERSAL COVERAGE."	YES -- SIMPLIFY INTO ONE SYSTEM	NONE WOULD PROBABLY BE NECESSARY IF WE TOOK OUT ALL THE INEFFICIENCIES AND CORRUPTION IN THE CURRENT SYSTEM.	"UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM FOR ALL AMERICANS -- COULD STILL INCLUDE INSURANCE COMPANIES, ETC, BUT RULES, REGULATIONS AND PAYMENTS WOULD BE STANDARDIZED AND MORE EFFICIENT."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/11/06 12:12 PM
4072	The lack of access for many to decent and timely healthcare.	"Despite stating that they are interested in making healthcare affordable to all, many doctors still require payment upon service or, at best, split their bills into two payments. A better system needs to be in place so that doctors can get paid, but that those in need can also get services."	NULL	"I have a master's degree, have been working at least part-time since I was sixteen, am now nearly thirty and haven't been insured in the last decade. I wish I had the answers, but really just feel victimized by a crappy system."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	1/11/06 12:37 PM
4075	The chaotic system that leaves out so many people while making it very hard for doctors and others to work effectively within it.	"We must go to a system with everyone in and the costs shared among all.  I think of that as a 'single payer system', but there may be various ways to set it up."	"Unfortunately in our inidividualistic society many will accept no limitations on benefits, but that will have to come.  I have already addressed financing and I believe the majority are willing to accept a single payer system to provide access for all."	"I have already said it;  a single payer system with everyone in;  absolutely everyone including congress, elected officials, etc."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/11/06 2:32 PM
4076	"What health care?  Every time job situations change, we lose our insurance.  Also, medical ""professionals"" can lie about you or listen to third party stories and refuse service, whether the story is true or just a nervous nurse trying to keep her job, while doing it poorly.  Also, Alternative methods work best for us, yet are not covered by insurance, when we do have it, even tho these services are less costly.  Baby boomers are at that age where a ""stich in time, saves nine"", however, many of us do not get that BECAUSE WE DO NOT HAVE MEDICAL INSURANCE.  In the long run, the emergency room and other emergency care costs us all more in the long run....including those paying for health insurance.    "	We need to stop payments to WAR against others and use that money for national health care - free to all....or with a charge to those who make $$$ in the upper third of the payscales.	I don't understand this question.  Sorry.	"Tax those with the most money and not those without.  Get places like Wal-Mart to pay substantial subsidies to fund a nation health care plan.  Billionaires can afford it, by the sweat equity of their underpaid and uninsured workers."	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/11/06 2:49 PM
4078	limited access-getting the providers and those who need care together (with both parties surviving)	we need to add an option where government could help co-pay insurance costs. government would then emerge as a participant in quality management and cost control	"in general, I think the American public is disinterested until they are in need. they are quite open to suggestion."	quality care with universal access with comunity support and mandated cost management	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AK	1/11/06 2:58 PM
4079	"The American Government paying for non citizens health care and interpretative services for obtaining these services, which add even more costs.  At the same time hard working Americans who have been outsourced -- often times to oversea locations -- who have to go into bankruptcy etc. while the noncitizen get the services and added advocacy via interpretative assistance"	We have to go universal for all citizens.	Some limitations of providers.	"Stop health care for noncitizens and send them home immediately, especially all the damm Asians and Mexicans."	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	WA	1/11/06 3:15 PM
4081	"The cost, the lack of personal service, impersonal relationships with providers, the burden placed on providers by other players in the system"	None I can honestly recommend at this time	None; but we will need to make cuts in benefits I think.	Undercut the profit/greed of insurance companies (malpractice & medical carriers) and laywers. Return us to the days when insurance was for catastrophic loss only.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	1/11/06 5:51 PM
4082	"  The high costs, the uninsured, losing companies  to Canada because of insurance being tied to employment."	"   We should have a single-payer, single risk-pool system (similar to Medicare) that includes   everyone."	"  Those who are well-insured will resist change,  but since all other industrialized countries pro-vide universal coverage, we must do this, and we can do it for half of what our current health care expenditures are."	"  Stop looking at ""band-aid"" improvements; look at the proposal from PNHP (Physicians for National Health Program) in August, 2003.  (New  England Journal of Journal of the American Medical Assn.)"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/11/06 6:52 PM
4084	That comprehesive healthcare coverage is not guaranteed from cradle to grave to every legal resident of this country.	Individuals are the government. Every individual and employer with income should pay their fair share.	"People are willing to pay fair taxation and co-pays for secure,reliable coverage independent from employment and to get free choice of providers."	Establish a Universal Medicard/Medicare for all residents of this nation. It will cost no more than we are already paying into the fragmented system we have today.	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	WA	1/12/06 2:46 AM
4086	NULL	"I think in the future there will be less health plans to select from.  So many large insurers are merging with smaller insurance companies - such as United Health Care w/ Mamsi in the Mid Atlantic region and Wellpoint in CA w/ Anthem in VA.    In order to reduce costs overrall, insurance companies need to reduce costs (I think CEOs are over compensated.) Private physicians can reduce overhead in their offices (reducing their costs overrall) by working w/ fewer insurers w/ fewer plans that require less administrative work w/ regards to checking patient's benefits.  These fewer insurance companies can reduce costs by making more services available on-line that are user friendly, requiring less referral requirements and processing claims correctly reducing staff time involved in follow-up and appeals."	"I think people definitely want to be able to continue to choose their health care providers.  I do think that Medicare patients believe that they should not pay for anything and this causes a problem providing services to them, especially ones such as preventative care that aren't covered by Medicare.  As a result, fewer private practices are participating with Medicare.  People, especially with Medicare, but all insurances somehow need to be better educated with regards to their benefits and what their financial responsibility will be.  Health Insurance is a supplement, not a guarantee of payment."	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	1/12/06 9:11 AM
4090	The uninsured	Single payor (federal) coverage for all	Higher taxes	Single payor coverage for all	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/12/06 11:40 AM
4091	Our system operates on a 'disease model' with no end in sight for containing costs within the disease model paradigm.	"Since money seems the central focus of this initiative, try these:  Triage.  Less incubator babies.  Reduce the provision expensive services to those who don't/won't/haven't taken care of themselves (smokers, drug/alcohol users, morbidly obese)so that limited resources can be applied to those with greater possibilities for recovery and productive contribution to society."	"Money and who pays is not a solution.  Money will never be the solution.  Short term, the system may just have to collapse in order that we wake up to the realization that disease model approaches are destined to be cost burdensome and never-ending in that tangible solutions to health problems are postponed."	"Lifelong learning in what lifestyle choices result in health--including intensive public school curricula in personal hygiene, disease transmissibility, nutrition and the importance of prenatal practices to produce well babies both physically and mentally."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	1/12/06 12:26 PM
4092	"Costs, emphasis on drugs, education, the power of the pharmaceutical coompanies and insurance companies, and the opposition to free, universal, available health care for everyone"	I think we should have publically financed health care for everyone	I don't know	Create a universal health care program largely supported by our taxes and the government (This could easily be done by decreasing our military expenditures) and continuing to allow rich people to pay for extra services 	female	NULL	No	Black or African American	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	1/12/06 1:41 PM
4095	What concerns me the most is the little effect that man made medicine has on the health issue when given to the patient.  There is always a side affect or several which causes more problems. 	I believe that the government should have a very small part regarding the health care industry 	To include alternative health modalities and the right to choose what services they receive without having to pay so much out of pocket or limited choices. 	Make it affordable for small business owner	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/12/06 3:38 PM
4096	"We live in the richest country in the world and if we want to be also the most respected country of the world. We need to take care of our citizens who cannot afford health insurance. Most of all we are already paying for national Health care insurance. So, it is our right to get the best health care possible. Right now we have such bad health care compared to other industrialized nations in the world. "	Nationalized Health care!!!! No ifs and buts about it. And better research before medications and interventions when they are released into the health care system. More people die of mistakes then in any other country in the world. Because the research and doctors are not aware of the problems involved with procedures and medications.	"None, we are already paying for National Health Care coverage. We just are not getting it.  Get the big Pharma out of our lobby system.  "	Preventative health care is one of the most important subjects and teaching the American population about Healthy living styles and foods and vitamins.	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/12/06 3:39 PM
4101	Cost of medical treatment and lack of ability to access what a procedure will cost in full before the event. Also only the cash payor pays 100% all others get discount prices - is this a penalty for being personnaly fiscally responsible?	We should pay the medical system to keep us well - and stop payment when we are sick - this will be the only way the working class.	Most working class people in New Mexico are self medicators - that would be most willing to have the medical community participate with them in their medical decisions - the infallible docotor routine has to stop - we need partners in health.	"You need to listen and understand that the answers you are seeking will come from the general population - not the experts.     ""Will you stop doing for me with my money?"""	male	NULL	Yes	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	1/12/06 4:40 PM
4102	Lack of affordability.   Access is not universal.   The patients and health care providers get hosed while insurance companies get rich.  Insurance Companies require way to much paperwork.  Paperwork and documentation will break the back of healthcare with it's weight.    	Yes - lets go to a flat tax and include healthcare for all in that flat tax.  Some kind of socailized system that will ensure everyone gets basic healthcare.  Possibly a tiered system that allows individuals to bear the cost if they want certain fluff procedures.  	I think the American public should be willing to trade out the abilty to sue a health care provider for high quality cost efective care. We need tort reform in the worst way.   I honestly believe the American public in general is not willing to make much of a trade off in anything.  If the burden of health care costs in on the employer or government the public will want those entities to make the trade. We are spoiled and want to stay that way.    	I don't think I have a single recommendation.  I believe it will take many changes in many areas to creat reform in our current system .  If I have to pick one it woudl be tort reform.  	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	1/12/06 4:51 PM
4103	AFFORDABILITY: Not being able to afford to carry a decent amount of health insurance coverage unless you are employed full time. 	"Today's employers hire as few full time workers as possible in order to reduce benefit costs. Many unfortunate individuals have to take on several part time jobs to meet their financial needs and still cannot qualify for nor afford health coverage.  This is unfair, especially when the unemployed simply file for Medicaid.  Our current system does not encourage seeking employment, and leaves the burden of health care costs on the taxpayer while the many working poor are left uninsured."	"I doubt that most Americans would agree with me, but I believe we are an insatiable society, wanting all the luxeries we can covet for as little as we can spend.  I think it's time we learn to do with less, by American made items at a cost that supports the industry and provides jobs for Americans, in America.  What we cannot afford we can learn to do without.  People had far less years ago and there were far fewer problems.  As to what I thunk the general public is willing to trade off - Nothing!"	"Find some way to collect from all corporations as well as individuals, taxes that would support a universal health coverage plan, thereby removing the ability for corporations to weasel out of the costs by cutting F/T employees or off-shoring their business."	female	NULL	No	White	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/12/06 5:56 PM
4104	lack of access to health care for millions of Americans	single-payer national health insurance	"higher taxes inexchange for universal,comprehensive health insurance"	adopt single-payer national health insurance	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	1/12/06 6:26 PM
4105	That more people are without insurance and therefore do not have access to or seek adequate care. That prescription drugs are so costly that   the senior population can't afford them on their income level.	companies should be rewarded if they provide a good healthcare package to their employees instead of cutting benefits every year. The Vetrans administration spends thousands of dollars every year in wasted prescriptions by sending large amounts of medication to people who are not even on them anymore. There should be a better way of tracking this. mimimal health insurance should be provided to every person in the U.S.but here should be tracking of abuses. People will go to the ER instead of scheduling a office visit and spend thousands of health care dollars that could be distibuted elsewhere. 	why should we trade off. We should be able to  take care of our citizens. We should have tax incentives to do so not only for employers and large corporations but for individuals as well.	"Education, Education, Education and have better standards on the contents of our foods. We have held the tobacco industry responsible for their product. why can't we make the billion dollar fast/junk food industry responsible. "	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/12/06 9:35 PM
4106	It is tied to employment.	"Yes, I believe that the ""social contract"" under which our government was created compels that government to assure that ALL Americans get healthcare. They should pay the lion's share of it."	"Less spending on the so called ""war"" in Iraq, revoke the tax cuts for the rich, make some of these corrupt politicians pay back their salaries..."	Enact National Healthcare NOW!	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	1/12/06 9:40 PM
4107	"(1) The high number of uninsured which means that although we are the richest country in the world, so many of our citizens do not receive needed health care. That several million children in the U.S. do not have health insurance is barbaric.  (2)No other industrialized nation has this problem.  Because we do not have a single-payer system and US business has to foot much of the cost, the US is not as competive in the world market and we lose jobs overseas.  (3) Pharmaceutical companies and insurance companies are allowed to have an extraordinary number of lobbiests who make astronomical payoffs to congressmen.  Legislation needs to be drafted to curb this.  (4)Pharmaceutical companies are allowed to advertise and give free meals & gifts to medical personnel and facilities and then pass this on to the customer.  This is not allowed in most of the other world powers, and this needs to be stopped.  (5)More money should be provided to educate more physicians in the U.S. so that there are more doctors and then the salaries would go down to a reasonable level.  (6) Groups of individuals in associations, and as farmers and small businesses should be allowed and encouraged to group individuals into larger numbers so as to receive more reasonable health insurance rates from insurance companies."	"Yes, have a single-payer system as the other world powers do.  "	I believe Americans will consider less medical benefits to be able to afford any insurance at all which is then likely not high-quality.	A single-payer system paid by 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	IL	1/12/06 9:55 PM
4108	Should health care be a free entitlement to all?	A person's wealth should not affect the quality of health care available.	No trade offs needed.   Give all citizens the same access to health care as our elected government Representatives and Senators.	Let the government pay all the costs and raise taxes to cover same.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	1/12/06 10:02 PM
4109	"Unnecessary human suffering, compromising quality of life,too much focus on just prolonging life, too many costly unnecessry tests, fear of mal practice suit for health care provicders.  lack of resourses like under staffing with nurses which will compromise patient care and well being of patients. Also lack of understanding of programes available like Hospice and also not lack of awareness of having health care directives. "	Elderly should be cared for in their homes/residence instead of Nursing Homes with assistance. Reevaluate our current practices of reimbursement. National health care should be available to all according to ability to pay. No one should be denied health care for not being able to pay. People should be able to choose if they would like PPO.    	"Family members should be more involved in caring for the sick and allowed time off from work to care for sick family member.   Every one should pay according their abilty, certain percetage of income,also employer benefit is a big plus. "	"Make informed decision about end of life care, eldery to be cared for at home with love and compassion; not in the hospitals lonely, isolated, with high tech medical equipments."	female	NULL	No	Asian	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/13/06 12:48 AM
4110	"Prenatal care is good if you can get it.  Preconceptional care is better, and prenatal vitamins should be available and free."	I don't know.	"Continue with health promotion and disease prevention at fairs, at the malls and at work.  I think the time it takes to do these things and to attend them will be accepted."	Quit pretending that everyone has access.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	1/13/06 1:06 AM
4112	I am concerned about our growing elderly population and the substandard care they get.  Whether it is due to limited coverage by medicare of inability to access the healthcare system.  I am also concerned that we have created a society where prevention is  an after thought and we are fighting to put out fires for preventable conditions.  We have removed health education from our schools only to be repaid with an epidemic of childhood obesity and a new spike in HIV cases.  As a nation we are not utilizing our resources well.	"Well I am 28 and work in health care and I can tell you right now our current system is scary.  You work hard your whole life to have the benefit of insurance when you need it, but if you can't work then you lose your insurance.  I can't expect a cancer patient to hold a 9 to 5 while getting chemo.  Also quite frankly I don't think that medicare will even be there when I get old.  I hope I drop dead of a heart attack in my 80's."	"Well this is a case of the have's and have nots.  The rich and affluent (which is most politicians) don't have a clue what the poor in America go through.  I think we need to insure that our vulnerable populations have quality health care, that being the children and the elderly.  I think that more public health funding and intiatives would help in this arena, things like giving more money to head start programs and creating benefits for the elderly that make sense not a prescription plan with 42 options.  "	"More money for prevention and education, this is the key.  We are pouring our health care resources into caring for sick people who will ultimately die no matter what.  Look at an ICU in any major city in the country and look at mortality over one year, then look at the cost for one patient over that year.  Medicine cannot cure everything, doctors need to be able to tell patients that diseases like Congestive heart disease and COPD are terminal and there will come a time when there will be nothing more we can do except make you comfortable.  We need more nurses and doctors to help politicians shape our policies.  They are the ones on the front lines."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	1/13/06 9:01 AM
4113	 The tremendous number of uninsured poor who must are deseparte need of healthcare.	 Healthcare should be a American right. We have the greatest technology in the world and it is unfornuate that illegals get better healthcare that struggling working American citizens. A system should be put in place that provides healthcare care coverage to all.	 I not sure about this question.	Decrease the amount of influence that the Amemrican Medical Society and Pharmaceutical companies have in the decerease Congress makes. Do what is best for all Amemricans not not those who profit form our misfortune.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/13/06 9:34 AM
4114	high quality health care can help people to stay healthy.  when people can not get health care they develop more serious problems and it costs more to provide care for them.  too many people are unable to benefit from the wonderful advances of modern health care!	"I think we should have guaranteed high quality health care for all, including dental benefits, mental health care and prescription medications, paid for by tax dollars"	I think if we provide good primary to ptople up front we could trade off providing much more expsensive care when people don't get the complications that they would have gotten without good care in the first place.  I also think that we can trade off high profits that pharmaceutical companies make and find a much more affordable way to give people the medicines that they need.  I also think that we can cut out the administrative waste and the profits made by insurance companies.	"provide universal, high quality health care to all in this country through tax dollars."	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/13/06 10:02 AM
4115	Fees for treatment/care are not competitive as they were in fee for service programs.	Fee for service.	None	Change back to fee for service & reduce number of companies offering health insurance to a few major ones with good track records for quality.	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	OH	1/13/06 10:07 AM
4116	"That we do not have a national health care plan that offers basic primary health care coverage to everyone, and includes catastrophic coverage."	I think we should have a national plan that is paid by individual and business health tax.	"Willing to give children basic primary health care, that includes catastrophic coverage.  If everyone pays a little"	Cover all children 0-18 and offer all mothers prenatal care.	female	NULL	No Response	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	1/13/06 10:09 AM
4117	"Not everyone has access or can afford quality health care, which I think is inexcusable in a country with as much wealth as ours."	I believe we should seriously explore universal health care.	Let's just bite the bullit and pay for it through taxation.	Consider 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	KY	1/13/06 10:13 AM
4118	Lack of insurance coverage either due to cost or availability.	"Government should take the lead in paying and development of national health insurance system. Conversly, individual, and employers should participate in payment."	Less choice of health care provider.	"Expansion of the medicare to system to all americans, with supplemental insurance by employer or individual."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	1/13/06 10:15 AM
4119	That it is not accessible to everyone.	"Absolutely!  We are the only industrialized nation without universal access.  If all the money from these various sources were pooled, we would have more than enough funding to provide universal access."	I don't know--we're very spoiled.  We must see this as a justice issue and it is my great  hope that there will rise up governmental leaders who will have the courage to do what is needed.	"The first issue is for all Americans to have access, regardless of economic status."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/13/06 10:20 AM
4121	My main concern is the cost of health care and those who have no insurance.	"In my view, individuals who make too much for public assistance but not enough to buy their own insurance, should pay less and the government should pay more."	Those who earn $100K or more per year should pay higher out-of-pocket premiums. 	Insure the working poor.	female	NULL	No Response	Other	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/13/06 10:32 AM
4122	That it is unavailable to too many people and sometimes difficult to obtain even with insurance. I also am very concerned about drug prices and the fact that this makes important/lifesaving medications unavailable to many people.	Health care should not be tied to employment. It is a fundamental right of all people to be as healthy as they can be and be able to access health care when they need it. I also believe parity should exist for all illnesses (get rid of the discrimination against those with mental illnesses)	Higher taxes to support the care that is needed and should be the right of all people to access.	Make good care available to ALL Americans.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/13/06 10:33 AM
4123	Besides the cost of Health Care the most serious concern I have is the Quality of the care.	Make some sort of health care available to all americans in some way.  The cost is going higher and higher because so many people can't afford health care.	I am not sure about a trade off.  Don;t really think there needs to be a trade off if the system can get fixed.	Less paper work for the health care workers and get back to taking care of the patient.  	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/13/06 10:37 AM
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4125	"The overwhelming emphasis on futile care. In my opinion, this wastes valuble health care dollars that could be, and should be, spent on others. "	"too many to list. The US has the ""best"" health care in the world, yet it is statistically, not any ""healthier"" than other countires with a national health system. "	"Well, that's the problem- I don't think they will make a trade off, because, in the end, the trade off will not equal that of ""high quality"" health care. "	"Eliminate futile care. For example, an 80 year old patient with multiple co-morbidities should not be sent to the operating room for repair of an aneurysm. "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/13/06 10:41 AM
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4131	"1. how many people are uninsured and only get emergency care  2. the large amount of money used in the last months, weeks, and days of life. This money is often spent even thought the person is going to die regardless, but our system is unable to say no."	"Absolutely. I think we should have a single payer health care system. Everyone would have access to health care. People with money could use private pay plans if they want to but we need to provide heath care for all, for the health of our country.  Large systems like the VA demonstrate that quality does not have to be compromised.   Money will not have to go the administrators of private insurance plans and paperwork can be reduced."	The trade-off may be choice and waiting times. These are acceptable trade offs.	Heath care insurance 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	CA	1/13/06 11:04 AM
4132	The increasing shortage of Registered Nurses and nursing faculty.  Shortage of caregivers leading to increasing errors.	Legislation to regulate the insurance industry & stop the out of control rise in rates.	I believe the public will pay more if allowed to select their provider and healthcare facilities.	"Increase the number of nurses & nursing faculty by increasing their salaries, making federal & state monies available as incentives."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	1/13/06 11:04 AM
4133	That everyone does not have access to health care or health care insurance.	"I am sure that changes need to be made, but I am not sure what they should be."	I cannot speak for all Americans and what they would be willing to give up or trade-off.	Everyone must have access to medical insurance.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	1/13/06 11:06 AM
4134	Lack of equal access to high quality health care for ALL Americans	"Should be single-payer government run system like Medicare.  Insurance companies could sell private plans or gap coverage, but if done right, these shouldn't be needed.  "	They shouldn't have to make trade-offs if the system is set up properly.  Cost savings of cutting out insurance companies' admin. costs should allow for very comprehensive coverage.	Put everyone in Medicare system paid for and administered by taxes.  Corporate taxes should be increased to cover costs of employees currently in company-sponsored plans.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	1/13/06 11:18 AM
4139	"Insurance is set up to draw people away from alternative medicine and wellness-enhancing programs and skills such as regular chiropractic, acupuncture, massage and naturopathic sessions. It is skewed entirely to the views of the AMA, an association designed to keep people addicted to ""heroic medicine"" in which people are ignored until they are ill. In China for thousands of years they have practiced preventive medicine, and THE HEALTH PROVIDER IS NOT PAID UNLESS THE CLIENT BECOMES WELL!! Believe me, if we had a system like this in place, there would be a LOT less expense on ""heroic"" measures or high-tech machinery; simple practices such as monitoring body systems through such techniques as kinesiology and reading acupuncture meridians would give a skilled practitioner enough information to recommend appropriate diets, exercise regimes, herbs and/ or medications that would ENHANCE HEALTH instead of waiting to treat someone who is already patently sick."	"Again: pay only when a health practitioner helps your wellness. Have the government pay for ALL HIGH TECH TREATMENTS (including mammograms, x-rays, MRIs, etc.) and, believe me, they will become much more interested in maintaining wellness and preventive medicine programs. "	"I think the American people seriously need to become aware of the impact their dietary, exercise, cultural and environmental habits have on their immediate health. The trade-off is that we need to become informed about the effects of food additives and environmental poisons on our health, so that we take steps to change the national policy of upholding corporate rights to pollute over the rights of citizens to clean air, water, soil and food. "	CLEAN UP THE ENVIRONMENT! Almost ALL cancers are environmentally caused by manmade pollutants from heavy metals to toxic chemicals to smog. 	female	NULL	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/13/06 11:31 AM
4140	Affordability at retirement	Needs close review and overhaul; the involvement of so many for-profit groups makes care costs unmanageable.	I see today's seniors struggling with heath care costs because the companys they have worked for their entire lives are eliminating care and coverage. These companies need to be held to task before I am willing to increase contributions since I have to be concerned about the same thing in a few years.	"Insurance companies and hospital product companies continue to spend money wooing clients to switch to their services -- cutting these activities will decrease costs immediately -- e.g drug companies contributing to ASHP, APIC, AMA, etc., along with other companies vying for the people holding then pursestrings in various organizations."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DE	1/13/06 11:36 AM
4141	"The number of hospital acquired infections. Asepsis is a thing of the past. Lack of professional integrity in health care workers.  Nurses are overworked, undervalued, and underpaid. Patients are receiving more care at home by families than in the hospital. I tell everyone I know NOT to go into the hospital alone. A family must be with them at all times to prevent errors, and help meet needs of the family member. "	NULL	NULL	Staff the hospitals with professionals who value maintaining the health of the patient. No one knows the patient. Too many people involved with the patient and they do not talk to one another.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	1/13/06 11:40 AM
4143	Government involvment	A 3 way pay  1 Government pay the most. (paperwork)  2 Insurance Co pay the next to highest  3 Private payers the least. Less cost to deal with	None   Just show the diffs on new and old Meds	Show all fact to the population	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	1/13/06 12:00 PM
4144	"The fragmentation of support.  You must have a good job that pays a large percentage of your cost of healthcare which requires that you work for a large coperation, not a small business which pays a higher cost for healthcare premiums.  You must keep this job until you retire and then are eligible to buy Medicare.  If you don't have sufficient retirement savings, then you are dependent on social security which is used to purchase your Medicare premiums as well.  For those that don't fit those guidelines, you face high costs for healthcare and sometimes no opportunity to purchase healthcare since if you lose your job due to poor health you have to be able to qualify for Medicaid to get affordable health insurance coverage.  I also find it morally objectionable that companies can make promises to employees, such as healthcare and then back out while still paying high salaries to executives.   "	I would like my employer to give me the mney that they use to purchase my healthcare and then I want to shop and purchase my own.  	The medical community has to stop promising that we can cure old age.  Enough is enough.  Speak frankly to patients and their families and stop pushing the envelope.	"Provide healthcare to all Americans, we pay for it already in hidden costs.  Just give it to everyone and stop using the ER for a clinic."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SC	1/13/06 12:04 PM
4145	Access for all citizens to quality health care.  The emphasis on acute care as opposed to preventive health care.	I would advocate a system that pays for health care based on the income of the individual.  Out-of-pocket expenses by an individual would be based on their income.  I don't advocate abolishing health insurance but would support an improved government program for those who cannot afford health insurance.  I think it would bring overall health care costs down in this country if everyone had better access to health care. 	I'm not sure the American public IS willing to make trade-offs or concessions.  I would be willing to pay a higher deductible.	Have third party payers provide coverage for more preventive health care programs and treatments. 	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	1/13/06 12:19 PM
4146	The care we given and regulate to our geriatric population is appalling.  We need mandatory staffing ratios and competencies for our nursing home patients.  There is very little focus on the importance of mobility in prevention of age-related complications.  This drives up the cost.  We need improved minimum requirements for standard of care we provide.  The cost for self paying patients is outrageous and still the Governor's quick fix was to tax again these poor elderly.  We need a working group to come up with a long term fix to improved quality of care!!!!	"Absolutely!   We need to pay for preventative care and limit the advanced technology (duplication of building expansion and costly technology) Also, the indivicual who chooses to continute unhealthy practices and eats up our health care resources need to pay more and incentivized to engage in healthy life styles!!! "	"Increases taxes for unhealthy choices (example unhealthy eating fast foods, smoking (already done) Higher insurance premiums if you are overweight after education and assistance, if you don't engare in preventative care!!!!  "	Mandate fair pay for performance which makes healthy care delivery systems more accountable for improved efficiency and decreased wastes.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	1/13/06 12:25 PM
4147	"The rising cost of medical care, not just for the elderly but for the growing Amercian middle-class."	It seems that insurance companies are making far too many of the important decisions for clients today. I would like to see less insurance involvement and more government involvement. A system where all Americans could afford quality medical benefits.	"I do not believe we need to trade-off anything. We are one of the richest countries in the world, yet many Americans are having to choose between medical expenses or food. "	We as Americans have to stop the frevilous spending that we do. The government wastes so much money that could be used elsewhere. I would recommend that we really take a close look at neighboring countries and try to model their healthcare system (such as Canada).	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	1/13/06 12:26 PM
4148	Still not enough emphasis on paid/covered preventative care.  Lack of availability for those who need it most.  Abuse of ED visits due to no primary care provider.	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/13/06 12:45 PM
4149	The uninsured. Everyone should have some form of insurance so that they can get preventive care and care when they are ill.  Very important is the fact that some insured people do not have mental health coverage. There should be equal coverage for mental health care and other health care. 	"Yes. I think that health care coverage should be universal. There could be a smorgasboard of plans, but everyone should be covered for an identified minimum of care. From what I have heard about the federal government employees' programs, they get to choose from a number of plans, but all plans have certain things covered. If the private sector cannot get their act together to offer plans that cover everyone, then the government should mandate that all uninsured persons must join Medicare. That would not only help the uninsured, but it would help Medicare by increasing the premiums collected from young, healthy persons who would use less care."	"Trade-offs sound fine until you can't get the proceedure or medicine recommended by your doctor. I think most people would not mind these trade-offs if they had a choice to pay extra for the specific medicine or procedure. For example, I have a friend who has relatives with colon cancer. The MD recommended colonoscopy for her, but the insurance would not pay because she is not 50. If she could pay another 10% of the cost, maybe she could get the procedure, and the insurance company would still have made her think about it, but still allow it if she insisted."	"Insure everyone, including for mental 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	GA	1/13/06 1:03 PM
4150	"Rising health care costs, insurance premiums (health ins. and malpractice)that are skyrocketing, and unequal access to health care for all citizens."	NULL	NULL	Make health insurance more affordable so that people who don't qualify for government assistance can afford insurance and won't get caught in the middle.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	1/13/06 1:27 PM
4151	high cost of prescriptions and the tiers that insurance companies set up to charge more for certain medications.  Access to care.  care of our elderly in nursing homes and regulations that prevent change in culture.	A way for middle-low income to have better access without having to go on medicaid. some type of HMO with a sliding scale copay.	not sure...	"A way for middle to lower income people to have access based on ability to pay using a copay system. Many don't want it free, but they can't afford preventative health either. "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	1/13/06 1:36 PM
4152	Lack of coordination or a true system between health care providers.  Lack of a system approach do to so many individual and for profit providers limits access to those without adequate resources.	A universal payment system would reduce costs to providers and promote consistency in availability and care.	I think the public would be willing to accept the gatekeeper approach if they could establish a realationship of trust with their primary provider.	A universal health care system that promotes health maintainence and evidence based practice.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MS	1/13/06 1:38 PM
4153	The rising cost of health care and how it is outpacing everything else.	Stream line the insurance side so they are more coniistent. (ie forms...one standardized form would help with billing)	We need to focus on wellness and prevention. The high technology care is not available for everyone. There has to be limits...distributive justice. 	Wellness and prevention methods. 	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/13/06 1:40 PM
4154	"The focus on defaulting to ""depression"" or psychiatric diagnosis if the the person's disorder is unknown or complicated.  This person is then ""treated"" with psych drugs to ""control"" the person rather than figuring out the symptoms."	"Yes.  There should be a national insurance plan.  There can be sub-options or levels depending on the individual or employer's purchasing power, but all American Citizens should be enrolled in the national plan."	We already do the trade-off of high deductibles.  This should be the same deductable amounts for everyone.  Americans are willing to pay these deductables to get consistent access to health care.	"Have a single insurance plan for all American Citizens.  This can be either a public or private plan, or a combination.  It must cover at least 90% of every Citizen's health care costs.  With the entire population enrolled, it will cover well and ill American Citizens.  Non-citizens may be able to ""buy-in"" at a much higher premium for a specific length of time."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/13/06 2:07 PM
4155	"cost, quality, not everyone has access"	there should be national health insurance	I am willing to wait for care so more people can have care.	national 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	OH	1/13/06 2:09 PM
4156	Cost and inequity.  Why don't we all recieve a minimum level of service?	"Yes, we need to pay for healthcare through our tax system, it's the only fair way. We all pay for poor health as it is through higher medicare costs among other things. If we provided equitable care we would all be benefitting from improved healthcare.  It's also simply the right thing to do."	Less spending on international affairs whether it be military or humanitarian.  	"Provide basic and inexpensive healthcare for those that make public service a career. Teachers, police, firemen etc. should all recieve much cheaper healthcare.  I don't even work in public service yet it's clear to me that the costs for them are simply criminal."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/13/06 2:12 PM
4157	Increasing costs making healthcare difficult for many segments of the population	Universal healthcare.	"Healthier lifestyles.  Loose weight, don't smoke and exercise."	Prevention strategies for a healthy life	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AK	1/13/06 2:14 PM
4160	a lack of accessibility for ALL people.  The working poor being uninsured.  The low reimbursement rate to providers from certain coverage programs (medi-cal) and other private insurance companies.  This is bad for the health care industry. The last thing that needs to be addressed is the nursing shortage.  Nurses are underpayed and under-valued!!!  Fix this.	"The government needs to ""subsidize"" the health care industry, namely hospitals, where many are faultering financially because of low reimbusement.  In 2005, eleven california rural hospitals closed because they could not afford to remain open.  This decreases accessibility, lowers places for nursing students to practice etc.  If the government subsidizes agriculture and coporations in order to keep them afloat, why not the nations health???"	"I do NOT believe that taxes need to be greatly increased.  The federal government needs to ""shift"" monies from one area toward health care.  STOP giving our tax money away to foreign governments, and STOP being the police of the world.  This military budget is sickening."	"Our system NEEDS socialized medicine!!!  If President Bush states that protection from terrorism will cost us, then the health of our nation will too!! "	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/13/06 2:21 PM
4163	"number of uninsured and underinsured.  complicated medicare/medicaid  cost of health care in this country   lack of properly trained staff taking care of patients. Companies constantly replacing RN staff with unlicensed personnel, or improperly tained personnel.  Insurance rules so strict, discharging patients before they are ready to go home.   "	"I would like to see a system where health care is available to all. Where people and families are not afraid to seek help/treatment because of financial reasons. I would like to see more community health clinics where the staff go to the patient, rather than the patient go to the clinic.  Especially in Iowa where the aging population and multiple medical diagnoses may prohibit one seeking healthcare when needed.  Aging also brings about limitations in mobility, eyesight, hearing, etc and if health care came to them, instead of them having to go to the health care their quality of life would be better.    I also would like to see moer control over prescription drug prices so that the poor could afford to buy meds and not sacrifice healthcare for eating and home payments.  "	"I think each state should be able to take on this and regulate health care according to needs of their state. If statistics show,for instance, that the majority of elderly population comes from Iowa and that the cost of health care in Iowa is higher than the rest of the nation, I think that Iowa should be reimbursed for health care costs.    I think that the middle and lower classes should be given tax cuts to allow for them to be able to more afford health care. "	"Make health care affordable to all Americans! Mandate the pharmaceutical companies lower drug costs, "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	1/13/06 2:47 PM
4164	What concerns me the most is that there are millions of Americans without insurance and therefore without healthcare. Even those of us who do have insurance are dictated to by the insurance companies as to what thay will or will not cover.	"Yes. Both the UK and Canada have a form of Socialized Medicine. I think everyone is entitled to healthcare. I also do not think that the cost of both insurance and healthcare need be what we are paying in this country. The old story that it costs so much for a physician to go to school does not entitle them to paybacks for life. We could use more Advanced Practice Nurses in there place and that would cut costs considerably. The public has always given the APN a good rating after receiving treatment. Considering I am a Nurse and spesk from many years of experience, I often find the Physicians of today lacking in experience and diagnostic capabilities."	"I think most are doing that right now, considering the cost of healthcare."	I believe that we need to focus on our country. Pull out of Iraq and leave Iran alone. We spend more money on weapons and war then we do on people that need it.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DE	1/13/06 2:57 PM
4165	Cost.	40% of Americans have no health insurance.  There needs to be a government assisted program that provides BASIC health care to our citizens	"I think the public has made enough sacrifices.  I think managed care organizations, other third-party payors, health care companies need to make less profit.  "	Make it more accessible.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/13/06 3:35 PM
4166	The lack of a national healthcare insurance plan. If you don't have a job that offers an affordable plan then you're up the creek.	Government needs to provide coverage for all citizens not just the indigent or elderly. 	I would accept a federally run insurance scheme and live with the trade offs in access to specialty care.	Implement a national healthcare insurance policy 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	OH	1/13/06 3:37 PM
4167	Equitable access	"National health care!  Basic services provided for all by a government funded entity. Basic services would include all evidence-based preventive services and primary care; as well as major medical.  Those wishing elective procedures must fund their needs privately in addition to contribution to the national plan.  I also support the concept of the prioritized list as we have in Oregon. These are hard choices, but must be made in order to have access for all. We have developed into an expensive health care system of 'haves' and 'have-nots'.   In order to develop this system we need to revisit our culture of illness care as a privilege and refocus the nation on wellness and health. We also need to address expensive end-of-life care and use of high end technology in cases of futility"	This will be the most significant challenge. Americans 'want it all' for themselves. Willing? Many will not be and there will be tremendous resistance to a national equitable plan. We will need to experience more crisis in health care for people to understand	A national model of consideration for each other's needs as the foundation for 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	OR	1/13/06 3:49 PM
4168	That the cost for care is keeping America from preventitative medicine.	I think we should go to socialized medicine.	I don't think Americans are willing to make trade-offs.	Socialized medicine	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	1/13/06 4:11 PM
4169	The increasing numbers of the uninsured. Health care has become so expensive that business are opting to not provide coverage for their employees. 	"Basic health care is a right, not a privelege and should be treated as such by our society."	"Cover more people with basic coverage, spend less at the end of life for futile treatment."	Close the gap (chasm really!) between vulnerable populations and the rest of the population. Only then will we be able to truly improve the health of the people of America.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	1/13/06 4:23 PM
4170	"Affordability, basic healthcare should be available to everyone "	"Standardize the ""forms"" to cut down on administrarive expenses."	"I doubt that the public is willing to make any tradeoffs.  The public expects the very best, always available and at a minimal cost to self."	Personal accountability for self health	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/13/06 4:34 PM
4171	Cost and availability for poor	REQUIRE employers to put up their share; (NO Wal-Marts!)	Don't know; (that's the problem)	Ban smoking	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	1/13/06 5:09 PM
4172	the ever-rising cost and decline of service  lack of faculty in nursing programs causing an increase in nursing shortage  widening gap of what payors give hospitals and what it costs to run them for adequate care	we need to evaluate where the money is going in the system. it certainly isn't always going to care for patients or pay  for what is used in the system. people are dying because  they can't afford healthcare and overcrowd the ER's to the point of collapse	they are not willing to trade anything and want only the best whether they can afford it or not. we have come to expect that the system will pay for anything. leaving hospitals to foot the bill and eventually go under	examine the health insurance industry and find out where our increasing premiums are going	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/13/06 5:24 PM
4173	1) lack of personal accountability  2) transfer of medical decsion making  from medical professionals  to insurance companies 	Monetary incentive for preventive healthcare  Required disease management education for chronic illness   Case management services in primary care   	The public does not want to make any tradeoffs!  I think the tradeoff will be less coverage for treatment of disease and more coverage of preventive care 	nursing case management for chronic illness - team approach to care 	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	1/13/06 5:37 PM
4174	The lack of understanding from MDs how good nutrition can powerfully impact health.  Prevention strategies would go far to lessening the burden on our doctors' schedules.  They are overworked and I don't think have time to explore the field of nutrition in helping their patients.	"I think we need some level of universal health care, but not a completely socialized system."	"How can this be answered?  We already do not have affordable, nor do we have high quality care."	Primary care access so we don't end up in more costly treatments through emergencies/emergency room treatment	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	1/13/06 5:58 PM
4175	lack of and nurses and poor training both nurses and practitioners receive.	"State governments need to have enough employees to make very sure that the adults receiving medicaid really need medicaid. Need to have a work for Medicaid program- like Roosevelt and his WPA, CCC plans."	"Tax for nurse scholarships and nurse pay increases instead of importing nurses from Phillipines and India. Let people who can, invest their tax for Social Security into savings. Medicare for people who can't afford to invest."	Government stop dipping into Social Security to cover other programs. Let people invest their own money for retirement instead of government taxing for Social Security.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	1/13/06 6:06 PM
4176	"I worry that when/if I or someone in my family needs health care that I will not be able to afford the best care available. I am concerned that insurance rates are so high and that when I have claims, I often find myself bickering with the insurance company to get them for finally pay (e.g., I had a c-section with complications that caused me to remain in the hospital for a week...first, because the pediatrician on call was not on the provider list, they wanted to charge me out-of-area provider costs; then, becuase the pediatrician marked the procedure as c-section first and healthy baby second, the insurance company tried to split us and charge us for both the baby and me; finally,they tried to charge 100% for the additional days of nursery care for my son because he had not be ""prequalified"" for additional stay time...though I had been and was breastfeeding at the time. Almost daily phone calls for a year, help from my ob and pediatrician, and help from the liason at my husband's work, we were finally able to resolve this and show them how ridiculous they were being. Most people would have given up, and I think that is what they were hoping for/counting on.)"	"As mentioned in my yearlier statement, if we have insurance, the insurance company should pay for that which has been agreed upon without all the red tape and run around. I'm concerned at the rising cost of insurance and the increased co-pays that we are paying. For example, when I take my child to the pediatrician for an ear infection (that I KNOW is an ear infection already, I just need the antibiotic), I pay $20. Ten days later, after the round of antibiotics, we have to pay an additional $20 for the doctor to tell me whether the infection has cleared up...and if both of my children have it, that's $80! When my children were babies and had chronic ear infections, this became quite a financial burden. (Gosh, this sounds like whining...)"	"Quite frankly, I feel we've been making a lot of concessions already. Those in the higher tax brackets don't seem to be feeling it quite like the rest of us. My husband is a high school principal. His profession (i.e., education) is notorious for low pay, ridiculous hours/expectations, and poor insurance...oh, and they are expected to pursue higher degrees to remain on top of their fields. Each year, we pay higher deductibles for less...it's frustrating!"	"Reign in the insurance companies...monitor them to ensure that they don't give people the run around. Likewise, ensure that hospital rates and pharmaceutical costs remain in check, too. It's a vicious cycle that needs to be broken."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	1/13/06 6:22 PM
4177	Fragmentation of care.  Being expected to control your own health care expenses without knowing how much anything costs.  Lack of parity for mental health treatment.  	"Having to defend patient's treatment to an insurance company representative, makes me yearn for a single party payer system."	"The public is willing to share more of the burden, if they only know what the burden is!  It is impossible to make fiscally responsible decisions when costs are unknown."	Mental Health parity	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	1/13/06 6:22 PM
4178	The high number of families which are uninsured and do not have access to health prevention services.	NULL	I do not think that those who pay for insurance are willing to pay more for those who are currently uninsured.  The government should cover the low income families.	"Health promotion and prevention.  Community education that includes high risk lifestyles such as substance abuse, tobacco use, and health screenings."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ID	1/13/06 6:53 PM
4179	The number of citizens that are unable to afford healthcare and insurance.  Number of obese people and the rising incidence of diabetes due to this epidemic.  Diabetes and obesity are breaking our healthcare system in my belief.	"Private run hospitals should not have to take the uninsured.  I think that if the government is not going to do more to stop the influx of illegal aliens, they should have to go to government run facilities ONLY.  If they go to private facilities they should have to provide proof of citizenship with a valid ID.  If this cannot be provided then they must go to a state or federal facility with no reprecussions to the private hospital."	I think that Americans would be willing to take generic meds instead of name brands.  I think that Americans would be open to seeing PA's and Nurse practitioners rather than MD's.	Increased screening and public health services.  More community based healthcare.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/13/06 7:07 PM
4181	"The fact that frontline caregives, doctors, physician assistants,nurses and nurse practitioners, pharmacists put so many hours into fulfilling what some business person or government official decides how care should occur."	"The system needs to provide an adequate safety net for quality care. The system needs to be fiscally conscious but not at the expense of the patients, especially the poorest patients."	Unfortunately I am not sure the public is willing to have trade-offs. 	Make a separate tort system for medical errors.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/13/06 7:44 PM
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4183	Our health care system is broken.  Our infant mortaility rate is something to be ashamed of.  We have a system that treats illness rather by educationing comsumers how to avoid the illnesses.  We need to focus on preventive care rather than waiting until you get sick and then have a physician treat you.	We should have one payer for basic health care which focuses on prevention of illness.  The cost of this should be based on the healthy behaviors people demonstrate.  For example someone that choses to smokes pays a higher premium.  We should also have tax incentives for chosing healthy behaviors.  More bike paths.  Public transportation increased so we get out of our cars and walk.	Unfortunately I think the public wants it all. I would like to basic preventive services for everyone.  Individuals should also be more responsible for the illnesses they develop as a result of not practicing wellness behaviors.	Basic preventive health care for all individuals with a single payer system.  Much of our health dollars now go to managing health plans.  There are major players in this country that make a lot of money off the health care system and don't want it changed.  The public should have more access to Family Nurse Practitioners that focus on wellness and prevention.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/13/06 8:52 PM
4184	"The affordability for the average working class American families.  The high cost of drugs, especially for senior citizens. "	"I think that we should have some form of nationalized health insurance.  Most insurance companies are ""for-profit"" with CEO's raking in too much money, thereby raising the price for everyone (that can pay)."	"In order to ensure that everyone has acess to basic health care, we may have to cut out attempts at ""heroic medicine"" that costs society too much money.  Heart transplants are one type of heroic medicine that usually do not improve the quality of a person's life and costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. "	Get rid of health insurance the way we know it and offer a form of national health care so that rich and poor alike have the same access to health care. 	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/13/06 9:34 PM
4185	driven by MD desire to make money  MDs don't talk to each other...each in his or her own practice  no benefit for those who choose health lifestyle and tons of benefit for those who don't	"consumer should pay directly. this would motivate people to live healthy lifestyle because they would pay the costs of bad habits themselves  I think we should eliminate insurance and have consumer pay provider, other than catastophic  do it just like car insurance..pay your own maintenance"	I'd be willing to pay for all well care if there was less insurance overhead and if I could have coverage for catastophic illness	"I'm a 22 year ICU RN.  I see so much waste.....so many people using up our resources who do  othing to take care of themselves...they smoke drink do drugs eovereat and then want us to fix it  I think a smart, experienced nurse is 10 times more important and valuable for positive pt outcome than MDs"	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/13/06 9:58 PM
4186	lack of adequate health care coverage for the poor and the elderly  exorbitant cost of medications and dx tests  the high cost of an MD consult in relation to the poor quality of the exam one gets in return.	"yes, socialized medicine.  Quit demonizing it and really look at it as an option that can co-exist with private insurance for those who can afford it. This is how it works in most countries who have this system.   Actually the USA ranks way below these countries according to WHO stats in most health indicators!!!"	"Actually, the USA spends a LOT of money on health care, more than many countries, it just goes to the 'wrong hands'.  Take a good look at money given to Pharm Industries, Hospitals, Insurance Companies, in terms of how they are actually using these funds. For example many non for profit hospitals use funds to buy 'toys' to compete with other hospitals but do not necessarily benefit a broad segment of the population instead of using those funds in other areas that would be more benefgicial for more people. Pharm companies don't use all tgheir money on research as so many claim, so much money is spent (even now after all the regulations) in winning and dining MDs and their entire staff, we see this time and again!!!"	"Keep an eye on accreditation agencies, they are a joke.  Don't base so many decisions on their 'verdicts'. They are winned and dinned, their visits are very predictable (no surprises)  More regulation of health care insurances (humanization) as well as the excessive business approach to health care of physicians. Their ethics is many times questionable, lets regulate their practice and stop the abuse."	female	NULL	Yes	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	1/13/06 11:10 PM
4187	High costs and poor care  Non-person to person decisions  Pharmaceutical focus on treating chronic condtions and health	Employees should be presented with a stronger force to buy health insurance.  Health care costs need better management.    Pharmaceutical companies and their employees should be sharing the profits with the uninsured and elderly Americans.	"Americans will trade Iraq for high quality health care.  Without the costs of war, we would be able to trade for better health care support.  More personal care attendants so elderly can ""age in place"".  We do not need to be isolationists, but we really should not go to war without being invited or supported."	Food security 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	LA	1/13/06 11:37 PM
4188	"The lack of availability of good basic healthcare for all citizens.  High costs of care and particularly prescription medicines.  The high number of ""lifestyle"" illnesses in this country--heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity."	"I'm not sure what the answer is, but there needs to be a way to make it more equitable--the working poor get lost in the mix.  They don't have insurance and can't afford health and dental care."	I cannot speak for the American public--	Basic health coverage 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	TN	1/13/06 11:41 PM
4189	How easy it is to lose it and expensive to get back or only get part of it back.  Also why we are too proud to work on a Universal plan when we see more and more people needing it?	"Make it mandatory for employers to offer it!  We need to have the choice of a basic plan.  If workers don't want it or get health care from a spouses plan, fine.  Don't force employers to take it away as the first line to save or pump up profits.  Focus incentive being healthier workers."	"We are the leaders of the world.  Why aren't we in benefits to both workers and employers?  Other countries spend more on the workers and everyone seems happier.  They work less, get more time off and have less work related injuries.  Health is not something we should even have to worry about in this country."	Mandatory health benefit and a plan for hard times.	female	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	1/13/06 11:55 PM
4190	"It is much too expensive for the ordinary citizen. Medicare would work if it were not  so complicated. Drug companies charge so much  for drugs that the ordinary citizen cannot afford  them. They must choose between paying heating bills, buying food or buying the drugs that the  doctor says they must have. Hospitals charge too much for services; but you cannot blame toe hospitals. They are forced to treat patients who  jave no insurance, which means that they are  forced to ""eat"" the costs. This must stop.    "	This program is broken.	"This system is broken. We need to wipe out the  health care program as it is now, and start over  again."	Make health care available to all american  citizens.	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	1/14/06 12:25 AM
4191	"It is unaffordable for so many Americans, and traps others into jobs they would prefer to leave or disability programs they would otherwise work their way out of."	"I don't think the system we have works.  We spend more per capita than any other country and yet leave huge numbers of citizens uncovered and undercovered.  In the long run, we would probably benefit from the lower administrative costs in a ""single payer"" system, but there is tremendous business and ideological opposition to this.  I think for our businesses to be able to compete in global markets and for there to be a more level playing field between big business, small business, and self-employed, as well as a more fair system for those who are working part-time, unemployed, too young or too old or disabled to work, etc., health care should eventually be removed from its status as a primary obligation of employers and handled by government, medical providers, and individuals, perhaps with profit taxes on employers as well."	"I think the American public needs education to learn about the vast amounts they are paying now for a system that does not cover large numbers of people.  In a proper reorganization they would not have to pay more, as we spend now already more per capita than other nations do who cover all their citizens."	"I think Medicare should be expanded to cover everyone and paid for by taxes on individuals and businesses, and that the prescription benefit should be changed to eliminate the ""doughnut hole"" as well as mandating government negotiation of drug prices to the program rather than forbidding such negotiation."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/14/06 12:30 AM
4192	"The inequalities which exixt. Some people, like the members of congress get fantastic covereage; but averge citizen can be wiped out by a sudden sickness requiring hospitalization, etc."	I like national coverage such as we had during our 20 yrs. in Germany.	"If we had a system like the German one, there would not have to be trade-offs."	"Stop telling our citizens how bad national health coverage would be. It would be cheaper because all people both young and old, healthy and sick, are included, so the costs even out."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/14/06 12:34 AM
4194	"nursing shortage,increasing costs of medications and hospital stays   "	The government should take a closer look at the patients that they are paying for.  A lot of the hospital stays are for patients who are non-compliant with their care.  Patients who overdose on drugs that are being paid for by the government.  Why can't the government do something about this.  What about the people who get narcotics paid for by the government and then sell them on the street.  It isn't really only the government that is paying for these people it is the tax payers.  I work and pay taxes for these people who are on disability when they are just as able to work as I am.  I'm a nurse and see it all the time.  There are people out there with terminal diseases who don't get the level of care that they deserve because of people who know how to work the system.  People who claim they want to hurt themselves to get a bed and a meal.  People who claim they want psyc help and then get there and then say they have chest pain to get out.  People who say they have chest pain to get admitted and then refuse the treatment of Nitro and only want Morphine.  It is people like this who make it harder on everyone else.  They are usually the ones on government funded programs or no insurance at all and the rest of us ends up paying for it in the end.  If there was some way to cut the cost of medications.  Why are meds cheaper in Canada and Mexico?  Why can't  the drug companies sell their drugs cheaper here in the USA?	Continued use of generic drugs; Maybe there should be some kind of auditing of people on government funded programs to see if there is compliance to medical advice and treatment.  If not then benefits should be cut.  More funding to educate new nurses or there won't be anyone to take care of patients.	Cheaper medications; an educated public.  Accountability for government funded programs by the patients on them.  I understand there are people who would not be alive if not for these programs but there are those who shouldn't be on them at all.  There should be some way to make sure those that need to be on them are and those who don't aren't.	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/14/06 1:33 AM
4195	Overcrowding emergency rooms.  Many patients are held in emergency rooms awaiting for beds in the hospital which causes gridlock in the Emergency Department waiting room.  Lack of affordable healthcare to those who can't afford.  Utilization of Emergency room for primary care.	"This is a tough call.  Healthcare has to be paid for in order to provide top of the line equipment, physicians, and the healthcare team.  I have no suggestions on better methods of payment at this time."	"Everyone wants to be able to recieve healthcare when it is needed.  Often dilibating illness are not treated until it is so advanced that the chances of survival is dismal.  More education in regards to early treatment, more screening health fairs in the community with encouragement to come.  Maybe some of their tax money could go towards affordable healthcare.  "	"More education.  Utilization of the media to provide the education.  For example since the advertising of take an Aspirin on the onset of chest pain, more and more people that experiece chest pain will take an aspirin while awaiting for EMS.  Maybe Screens could be offered free for patients in order to get more of public tested to catch things quicker."	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/14/06 5:36 AM
4197	"I retired early and my health care was dependent upon my job. I had cobra, and now I have private insurance. I am in favor of a health plan that is not dependent on employment."	"Yes, National health care, not dependent on employment. "	"If you had higher wages, they wouldn't need it as part of the employment package. You could choose your own insurance needs and have the people be the group. i.e. group discounts for everyone that joins the plan. We need the govenment to also be involved because of the wages that Insurance CEO make, which is ethically wrong when people and children can not afford health care."	National health care that would equalize the health care and allow all Americans the oppurtunity to receive health care. I feel that it should not be tied to employment. 	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/14/06 6:15 AM
4198	So many citizens don't have any	single-payer system	don't know	that all receive coverage	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	1/14/06 7:33 AM
4200	errors made because of staffing shortages	follow a more socialized form of healthcare to make it more universal and attainable to everyone	I think the American public are currently exhausted by taxing and reforms that seem to miimally benefit them	"listen to nurses complaints about staffing issues. Also, encourage higher education levels for nurses and a more visible separation between vocational nurses and professional nurses  "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/14/06 8:23 AM
4201	"I've read the ""Health Report to the American People"" and appreciate the interdependent nature of the state of healthcare in America.  We all feel the system is broken.  Quality shortcomings concerns me most.  As a registered nurse for 30 years.  I have witnessed the decline of service provided on many levels.  Mistakes are made or decrease level of care is provided, delaying discharge, due to inadequate staffing.  This is in light of the added burden of ""must do"" paperwork (lack of information technology).  The for profit health system I work for has a bottom line to meet.  Therefore, I don't see any changes from them to improve this situation.  My ICU peers  joke that we will keep an eye on each other should we be admitted, but in reality I want someone ""in the know"" to make sure errors are not made.  Don't we all deserve this?"	"I am a Democrat, but I still don't favor big government.  However, I've oftened wondered how a single payer system might affect these problems overall.  I think the individual must shoulder some of the payment.  Without it primary care providers will be overburdened as happened initially with HMOs.  Additionally, providers should have a ""report card"" so the public could choose exceptional and cost effective care.  Alternatively, I can see that a single payer system would place physicians on a employee-employer relationship with the government.  So at quitting time the doctor becomes unavailable and this would not be a good situation."	I can't answer for the American public.  I would be willing to accept higher financial costs for engaging in at risk behaviors.  Illegal immigrants find their way into a system they have never paid for but must be treated when presenting to the emergency room with life threatening conditions.  Immigration is another area which must be addressed in the healthcare equation.	I believe information technology holds the promise of better checks and balances for such a complex problem.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/14/06 8:25 AM
4202	"The high cost, lack of services, and red tape that affects a population that need services the most - the poor, the elderly, and the disabled."	"Make medical services ""not for profit"" status.  Having ""profit"" as part of a mission statement means that the goal is to but money into someone's pocket instead of providing care.   "	"There is always going to be a population that wants things faster and 'better' because they can pay more for it, but the for the majority of the population the 'Holiday Inn' cost is just as good and effective as the 'Hilton'."	Focus more on individual needs instead of the thier wallet.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	1/14/06 9:00 AM
4203	People who do not attempt to assist with cost defraying of their medical health needs.  People who believe they are owed their good health despite never attempting to ensure proper maintenance of health.	"I believe all individuals should pay for healath care even if just a 'token' amount, esp adult (and I sress here adult), welfare recepients.  Token amounts could include working minial-type jobs in public areas to help defray costs elsewhere.  We make our seniors pay for care and it's these seniors who have helped to build this country through strong work ethics, serving their country during world wars and other engagements, and serving as role-models to their children/grandchildren."	"All health care should be administered equally.  The welfare recepients have greater access to health care and spend time going to physician offices, utlizing time and money easily spent elsewhere other public funding projects, then never follow up with physicians recommendations...e.g. do not repeat labs, travel back to homeland for months at a time, then demand to be seen upon arrival back in the U.S. for their medicines/medical treatments."	"Insure that health care is affordable to all individuals prioritizing to children, seniors, working adults, and people clearly unable to work due to health, temporary joblessness.  Choosing to emmigrate to US does not necissarily provide a right to enter our overburden health care system."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/14/06 9:10 AM
4204	The lack of coordination of care.    Failure of the government to negotiate drug costs for the elderly as is done with the VA system.	There should be a system besides Medicaid where those with the resources can obtain health insurance if turned down by a health care company such as Blue Cross.	Taking generic drugs would cut costs.  Focusing more on health and wellness and illness prevention rather than focusing on taking care of the sick. Putting some kind of pressure on individuals not to smoke and eat a health diet.  Having rewards for doing this.	Increasing the number of health care providers who have the appropriate education.  Nursing homes are generally a disgrace with too many unlicensed personnel caring for individuals.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/14/06 9:15 AM
4205	It is unaffordable to too many people.  America is the only developed Country that does not offer free Health Care to its citizens.  The Pharamceutical Companies are making too much money.  The healthcare insurance business is a business and operates that way.	"Yes. We should have a single payor national health care system.  I have been involved in helping seniors enroll in the new Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.  Medicare is not allowed to negotiotiate with drug companies for lower prices. This drives the cost up.  The plan is admisitered by multiple payors who cover different drugs and contract with different pharmacies.  This is an example of a plan that would work much better with a single payor.  The state Medicaid programs have worked well that way, but they have never had evough money to take care of everybody who needs it and the medicaid money continues to be cut."	I think the corporate CEO's could afford to take some cuts.  The country is run by corporations.  I think we could do this the same way other countries like France do it.  They have free health care and free day care and college education thought PhD.  The people need to take back the government.	More people need to pay attention to what is going in in government and get active in our democracy to keep it that way.  We can improve if the people take over the government and demand what we want.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/14/06 9:22 AM
4206	"There is a significant part of our population that receives inadequate or no health care (in this, our America).  Our health care is also terribly unequal...this is based on wealth"	"There should be some way that however it is done, everyone should be afforded the same care. Just think how long it took our ""elder statesmen"" to receive benefits for medications even though they contributed into medicare for 25-30 yrs in most cases. Some how, those persons that work but are not afforded health care on their jobs (eg MD offices, waiters/waitresses, private mechanics) should be linked under the umbrella of hospitals, food chains, auto workers etc.so that they will receive benefits with reasonable rates"	I don't feel that any American should have to make any trade offs for affordable high quality health care.  Our country is always willing to help other countries in need(many of which are not the real countries in need)and their own people go lacking.  Those in your own back yard should be taken care of better (I'm not saying don't help others but)we should help those at home first and than we might have a better model in place to help others	"Have our congressmen/women, senators etc. actually walk in the shoes of some of their citizens.  Let them understand how they penalize peoople who have contributed all thier lives and than receive inadequate care, limited finances, the children have better care with ESPDT ,WIC etc but too many children still fall between the cracks.  I think if they truly exchange places for about a month or two,they would begin to find solutions..And they should not be able to touch savings...the average elder does not have a great savings because they never made enough to save."	female	NULL	No	Black or African American	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	1/14/06 9:48 AM
4207	So many people in our country are uninsured or underinsured and have so little access to quality health care.	A merit-based insurance system could help provide better coverage. Those who actively work or for those deemed physically unable to work would be eligible for more coverage than those who choose not to work or choose not to seek employment.  Healthcare plans similar to those that government employees have should be available to people who work but are still living near or below the poverty line for our country and those who have disabilities that force them to be unable to work.	More taxation for the highest tax brackets to use toward covering quality health care.	"Offer scholarships and grants to healthcare professionals to continue their education and to those persuing a healthcare profession, therefore enticing more people to enter the field of healthcare throughout the country."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DE	1/14/06 9:56 AM
4208	Lack of coverage and unaffordable prescriptions	"We need a single payer, national system"	1) Roll back the tax cut for the wealthy  2) End the war in Iraq and prevent the next one in Iran  3) Change the corporate welfare system	" One payer, one standard of health care, nothing tied to employment status"	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/14/06 10:01 AM
4209	many of the working people are not getting the health care  they need.  It is the unemployed that have medicaid that are getting the most care.	"have incentives for those with insurance. More imphasis needs to be placed on employers providing insurance for its workers.  Even at the hospital I work at where insurance is provided, many of the staff will use the governments medicaid program instead since they will get much better care at little or no cost."	Pts that cause their own medical problems need to be held accountable for their behaviours and told they will have to pay for the visits.    	Everyone needs health insurance.  Frivillous visits need to be charged to the patients to stop the cycle of wastes.    Malpractice reform.	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	NC	1/14/06 10:06 AM
4210	1) The lack of it  2) The unaffordability of it	"We need a single payer, national health care system like the rest of the western world"	Roll back the tax cuts for the wealthy;  End the war in Iraq and prevent the next one in Iran and   Get rid of Bush--it is time to impeach.	Stop expecting employers to pay for a dysfunctional health care system.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/14/06 10:07 AM
4211	"The high cost of healthcare due to uneccessary lawsuits, unneccessary tests and procedures being ordered by physicians to protect themselves from being sue, and the wasting of healthcare dollars on people who have chronic diseases and are noncompliant and will never be compliant with their treatment. Also, the billions of dollars spent to keep people with a terminal illness alive.      The shortage of nurses, and nurse educators."	"The government should not continue to expect the middle income to continue to pay the healthcare costs of those who will not, but are able, to work, and those who will not at least attempt to be compliant with their prescribed medical treatment. Social Security must be reformed, so that those not needing it, don't get it. "	Those receiving these unneeded benefits are not willing to sacrifice anything. Leadership and courage in our government is needed to take the steps that must be taken to reform our healthcare system. Bipartisanship in our elected officials has to occur. 	"Keep lobbyists out of this process. All lobbyists- the AARP, AMA, lawyers, nursing organizations, Democratic lobbyists, Republican lobbyists, etc."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/14/06 10:10 AM
4212	Costs. Insurance companies blame the hospitals.  Hospitals blame attorneys and insurance companies.  The bottom line is...it costs too much and too much healthcare is governed by money.Too many unnecessary meds and tests.  Too many OR visits for procedures that could be done at bedside or in the doctor's office.	"Determine an actual cost for services and force hospitals, insurance companies and Medicaid/care  to charge and pay that amount plus a nominal fee for profit. Stop allowing people to come to the ER for minor care. The costs are staggering."	Cut out all the unnecessary tests and meds.  Stop giving out Rx benefits if an OTC med will do. 	Cost reduction.	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/14/06 10:29 AM
4213	"That prices keep going up but, you get less coverage. As a healthcare professional it concerns me that when I retire my institution does not provide coverage. "	Make health care affordable for everyone. 	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No Response	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DE	1/14/06 10:38 AM
4214	The millions who are uninsured.  	"Should be a single payer, a la Medicare."	Delays in elective surgeries.	Containing consts.  	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/14/06 10:39 AM
4215	Childhood Obesity  Depression in children and adults	"Yes, I think that employers should incorporate a benefit for health club membership or a discount for health insurance based on level of health and fitness (similiar to an incentive program for good health). I think companies should employ Nurse Practioners to perform annual health physicals, present health care issues and topics, and promote self-care within the local offices.   I think insurance companies should mandate nicotine urine screening for their participants.  If positive, those individuals should have to pay an higher rate than those who are smoke free."	Less frivilous malpractice law suits against health care providers.	Force people to become more responsible for their own health care.  	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/14/06 10:41 AM
4216	"Access to quality healthcare for all. Limitations in drug formularies for the indigent,uninsured, homeless and uninsurable."	"Yes, a system which will allow affordable healthcare to all. Decreased adminstrative cost, increased health access. The decision making about healthcare should be by those who deliver the healthcare with constraints on cost."	Why should the American public concede to trade-off when limitations in unecessary cost should be considered.  Our values on lives are less than our values on entertainment. Reduce administrative cost and entertainment cost.	"Allow those providers who deal with the situations everyday made the decisions as to how much care is too less or too much.  Honest people, not those who are self-centered."	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	TN	1/14/06 10:50 AM
4217	What really concerns me is that not everyone can afford healthcare and they go without until they are seriously ill and hospitalized.  Then they can't afford the necessary treatment.	I think payments for healthcare need to be equitable.  Healthcare should be available to everyone in this country regardless of the ability to pay for basic needs.	I'm not sure that those who have excellent benefits are willing to make sacrifices in order for all citizens to have basic healthcare.	All Americans should be covered for basic healthcare.  They should be able to see a doctor when necessary and receive basic tests and treatments for their illnesses	female	NULL	No Response	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/14/06 10:53 AM
4218	Numbers of uninsured Americans who are critically ill when they do access the system.    Strain of uninsured care on hospital systems.    Working conditions for RN's further exacerbating the shortage as new nurses leave the profession.    Financial control for healthcare lies in the hands of the insurance industry.  They (with very little perspective) make decisions about appropriate patient care.	The only answer I see is a form of socialized medicine.	"Reorganization of existing system to serve all Americans, even though that would increase the cost for all of us!"	Make it available to everyone.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/14/06 11:06 AM
4219	"That there are not enough nurses and hospitals are using the shortage as an excuse not to hire more nurses. There is really not that much of a shortage, but rather an unwillingness to pay nursing salaries. The nurse to patient ratio is outrageous most of the time. Nurses are being held responsible for care, protection, and safety of an ever-increasing number of patients, in an environment replete with distractions and interruptions. These factors have been shown to increase the occurrence of preventable medication errors. Nurses feel that they must respond to these interruptions and hassles, but doing so increases the chance of errors."	"We need some sort of national health care insurance available for all Americans. Hospitals are not being reimbursed adequately for the services they provide because of the uninsured people they are required to treat. It is a vicious cycle of lack of preventive care, which leads to increases in emergency care. If these people had access to preventive care through insurance, they would not be coming to the ER in a health crisis."	"This is a difficult question to answer. No one want to trade anything. However, there must be an equitable plan established. Americans would need to pay a health insurance tax based on income. Physicians must be willing to take less income. Nurses do all the work, but the MD gets all the money. It is not a fair system based on responsibility."	"Hire more nurses! Research has shown that when more RNs are working, there are better patient outcomes, fewer lawsuits, fewer errors, more profitable hospitals, and more satisfied nurses and patients. A recent IOM report even recommended that hospitals should scale back the workload of their staff nurses, hire back middle management, hire more nurses, and improve nurse to patient ratios.. Administrators also should strive to improve the public perception that efficiency and cost containment are more important than patient safety. Allow nurses the ability to refuse new admissions when they feel it is unsafe to do so. Educate nurses and other staff about human factors and the effect they have on medication errors. Consider the environment in which nurses are working, and redesign systems to work for them not against them. Please listen to me as I have been a nurse for over 30 years. I have seen the best and the worst of times, and we are in the worst. I have worked in many capacities in hospital settings. Recently, I was a quality coordinator for a large health care system, so I know the issues. I now teach nurses and they do want something to change as they are already afraid to get into the workforce as an RN with me, their instructor at their side."	female	NULL	Yes	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/14/06 11:25 AM
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4220	"Uninsured people who desperately need psychiatric care and medication, also dental care.  Need to have 3rd party reinbursement without restrictions for NP's  as we have proved our ability to care for patients. "	"Cut taxes to rich, and let them contribute to system.  Reduce or force pharmaceuticals to contribute to states for care of uninsured by a percentage amount.  Reduce costs of medications"	"It should start in elementary  school, as our kids are not prepared to enter science world, and research PhD's and MD's often have to accept foreign born scientists as not enough American students are as qualified."	"Make schools for science/Nursing/ and Medicalschools very affordable, and in return should work 2 yrs. in poor areas . Scientist hardly have time for their research as spend 3/4 of time begging for grant money."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DE	1/14/06 11:26 AM
4221	profit driven  unethical decisions made based on 'bottom line'  different levels of care based on wealth	public funded universal health care with a single standard of care for all	dump the current profit driven broken system.  The trade off would be the billions $$$ of profit which currently line the pockets of a small minority would instead be spent on public funded healthcare for all Americans	healthcare for all	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/14/06 11:55 AM
4222	Rising cost of health insurance and health care.	Socialized medicine.	Higher taxes for greater and more affordable accessibility. 	Control costs	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/14/06 11:59 AM
4223	" The fact that 45 million citizens have no health insurance, when other nations provide universal health care for all their citizens.  The poor state of neo-natal health care, and the high mortality rate in the USA. Couldn't the unborn,as well as infants and children, be covered by a national health care plan? It would be cost effective in the long run.  The pro-life groups should be able to support this, if they are really honest about their position.     "	"Yes, legislation should be passed that mandates companies employing a certain number of people provide health insurance,. It is wrong that huge profits are gained by Walmart, etc. and their employees health care must be paid for by the rest of us. "	"None, as long as corporations and their CEOs reap in obscene profits. "	"Elect Democrats!!!  This Republican administration favors Corpirate interests over the welfare of the middleclass, and the poor."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	1/14/06 12:53 PM
4225	"The need for affordable and accessible care! At  present Louisiana in the midst of a health care crisis..major charity hospitals in New Orleans are destroyed and our budget has been slashed to try to pay for Hurricane Katrina and Rita. I live in a mostly rural five parish medically underserved area.Especially Katrina pointed out as we worked with evacuees that the lack of electronic medical records was a detriment to the continuity of care for our clients. Our 5 parish area has the highest percent of uninsured clients in Louisiana and of course, Louisiana leads the nation in the highest reported cases of many of the chronic and death producing diseases and conditions. "	"A tri-pay insurance program with the cllient paying one-third, government one-third and small businesses (who generally have no insurance program) paying one-third. If the uninsured were insured, then those of us carring insurance would be charged less for care (saving our insurance companies money) and have lower premiums.  Fund health care providers who give care via telemedicine. At present, only hardware, software and setup and takedown fees are funded. The physician with whom one consults on the other end receives nothing.The establishment of outlying clinics in all rural areas reducing need for the indigent, uninsured and senior population to drive many miles and miss vital work days to go to a physician or clinic appointment, ie improving accessibility. Place ajacent walk-in clinics next to every emergency department to handle acute and chronic health problems which are not of an emergency nature; staff these rural and ER walk-in clinics with nurse practitioners hooked by telemedicine to a center where physicians are on duty to review findings and make recommendations. Finally, the new Medicare Drug Program has had a terrible beginning.  It is forcing pharmacists, without any reimbursement, to do the jobs of the insurance companies who have chosen to cover medicare medicines in determining elgibility. Further, the number of medications have been reduce unless the physician gets prior authorization.  This means the pharmacist has to contact physicians to get them to gain prior authorization delaying the entire system. Most indigent Medicare-medicaid clients have chronic conditions which require more than the 5 medicine maximum, many have as many as 14 meds to fill. Please remember hospitalizations result if maintenance medicines are not taken adding to the expense of Medicare and Medicaid. Ihave no difficulty with elederly Medicaid clients with Medicare eligibility having to use the Medicare drug program first before medicaid but the insurance companies, who are getting the government payment of premiums and (client premiums as well) must do the job of working out eligibility, not the pharmacist.  Lastly, all insurances, including Medicaid and Medicare must pay for preventive illness and early detection services.  "	"The public must made to see that its to their financial advantage that tri-pay insurance is made available to the uninsured..that the ""government"" whether it is federal, state or local government, must pay one-third of the premiums.  Small businesses must be strongly urged with some sort of tax-exempt incentive to provide one-third of the premium of their low paid employees (who are unable to pay a full premium).  Paying one-third of their premium must be a requirement for employees to be hired and retained as employees, no matter what their age. Further, all insurance companies participating in the tri-pay program must accept any client regardless of preexisting health condition. With our local hospitals in our area picking up 16-17 million dollars of uncompensated care each year, everyone's health care bill is larger."	"I can't make one single recommendation, so..  1. Fund all patient's medications to prevent unwarrented hospitalization.  2. Increase availability of health care - increase locations in rural areas with more clinics and telemedicine.  3. Implement a tri-pay insurance system into which the employee, employer and goverment share the premium expense, especially for the uninsured.  4. Fund electromic medical records which will reduce duplication of tests, procedures, medicines, etc., track compliance and provide continuity of care. "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	1/14/06 1:17 PM
4226	"Government should support health strategies that focus on prevention and strengthen the general health of the nation, thereby shifting our national focus from disease care to health care. Recent research shows that 50% of deaths and 70% of disease in America are ""self-inflicted"" -- caused by an epidemic of unhealthy habits. The vast majority of disease is therefore preventable.    General practitioner doctors and/or FNPs should be limited to seeing a set number of patients per hour. This would force health care to assume a more, preferable preventative role.    Having to wait weeks for an available appt for your doctor is ridiculous.   Doctors should schedule using ""open access"" (appt made on same day of pt call), which will improve care, pt satisfaction, etc."	"Health care is not a “commodity” and should not be linked with employment or the market.  In 2003, 53 million Americans were uninsured, resulting in no opportunity for primary prevention of illness.  Fundamental overhaul is the only way to transform our current profit and market-driven healthcare industry into a system based on safe, therapeutic care for everyone.  Everybody needs health care insurance.  We need universal health care insurance; as a nation, we’ve got to find a way to provide coverage for everybody, not just those who are employed.  45 million people don’t have health insurance now, and half of all personal bankruptcies are health-related.    Lack of universal health insurance also hurts our economy.  Our nation’s health care services are not the best – but they are the most expensive in the world.  Health care has become a business -- focusing too much on money -- not on patient care.  A 2005 study showed that it’s not how sick you are, but whether you have health insurance that often determines how quickly you can get urgently needed follow-up care after ER treatment; most clinics inquired about patients’ insurance status but not their conditions!  People who really need the care don’t necessarily get it.  Drugs and vaccines are made and sold within a market-driven economy."	Higher taxes for universal health care	"Medical records should be computerized and universal, kept in a national database.  Every health care provider would have access to it to view and modify the data.  It would include current medications and prescriptions, plan of care for current problems, allergies, medical hx, surgical hx, EKGs, radiological interpretations, immunizations, history and physicals, lab work, etc..  All this information would be in one spot for every doctor in any area of the country to look at the same information.  This would eliminate miscommunication, facilitate universal health care, eliminate accidental prescribing of drugs that pts are allergic to, allow for data collection, etc., etc."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/14/06 1:18 PM
4227	"The government’s long-standing failure to ensure the creation and maintenance of a truly competitive (i.e. “free”)* healthcare marketplace  in each state and nationwide.     *A truly competitive or free market is a business governed by the laws of supply and demand, not restrained by government interference, regulation or subsidy. It is a market in which supply and demand are unregulated except by the country's competition policy, and rights in physical and intellectual property are upheld.    A free market economy is one where scarcities are resolved through changes in relative prices rather than through regulation. If a commodity is in short supply relative to the number of people who want to buy it, its price will rise, producers and sellers will make higher profits and production will tend to rise to meet the excess demand.     If the available supply of a commodity is in a glut situation, the price will tend to fall, thereby attracting additional buyers and discouraging producers and sellers from entering the market. In a free market, buyers and sellers come together voluntarily to decide on what products to produce and sell and buy, and how resources such as labor and capital should be used.     A free market can be contrasted with a controlled market, where prices are determined by a regulatory or administrative authority and do not respond flexibly in the face of varying demand and supply conditions. Controlled markets are characterized by rationing, if production falls short of demand, or a buildup of unsold stocks if production exceeds demand.      "	"The solution for the escalating cost and quality dilemma for all 297 million Americans, including the approximately 45 million currently without any health insurance coverage, is clearly NOT replacing the current “employment-based and insurance-funded,” health coverage system in the U.S. with universal health coverage based on “single-payer reimbursement and tax-based funding.”     Until someone can convince me that the coercive power of government has or can ever allocate resources better than well-informed individuals with multiple choices using reliable information in a competitive market, I will continue to believe that our intractable uncontrolled costs and variable quality of care are based on a combination of flawed incentives and monopolies (1), oligopolies (2) and monopsonies (3) doing what they do best---wielding their anti-consumer economic power.     This conclusion is not just based on economic theory. It is solidly based on my personal experiences as a provider of professional healthcare services. Over the last four decades, the evolution of the healthcare industry in Rhode Island has irrefutably demonstrated the substantial value of consumer choice, individual responsibility and lively vendor competition in the statewide marketplace and the adverse effects of their abscence.      (1) Exclusive control by one group of the means of producing or selling a commodity or service: “Monopoly frequently … arises from government support or from collusive agreements among individuals” (Milton Friedman).    (2) A market condition in which sellers are so few that the actions of any one of them will materially affect price and have a measurable impact on competitors.    (3) A market situation in which the product or service of several sellers is sought by only one buyer.  "	"If the problem was clearly framed in the mass media as market failure that is based primarily on government's chronic (and bi-partisan)failure to create and maintain a competitive market for all healthcare goods and services, the American public would embrace market-oriented, consumer-driven healthcare reform as much as the do sub-$500 PCs and competing online bids for their auto insurance and mortgage business. "	"From my perspective as a former physician in private, office-based practice since 1967, the root cause of the escalating prices and quality problems in the $2 trillion United States healthcare industry is the government’s implicit (not readily apparent) failure to create a truly competitive marketplace for healthcare services and products.    A truly competitive market can be hard to achieve in the real world and is non-existent to date in the $2 trillion American healthcare industry because such a market must be based on three specific characteristics:  (1) Consumers of its services and products must have immediate access to perfect information on prices and quality,  (2)No provider of services or products should have enough market share to be able to dictate prices, and   (3)There must be no barriers to market entry or exit.      The core problem with actually achieving this economic textbook definition is that only the federal and state governments can ensure that these characteristics exist and are maintained. And until now, government has failed to do its job, locally, regionally and nationally.    In spite of our extremely dysfunctional healthcare market nationally and in Rhode Island, recent market-oriented reforms at the national level that are being adopted in all of the states could start disrupting the intransigent status quo. Despite skepticism about “consumer-directed” health benefit plans in some quarters, I believe the infrastructure or “scaffolding” on which a much more competitive healthcare market can be built and maintained is feasible if three important new trends that began in 2003 take hold and achieve widespread long-term success. These are:   (1)Health Savings Account (HSA) consumer-driven health plans (Enacted by Congress in December, 2004)  (2)Widespread creation, diffusion and use of Integrated EMRs/PMSs, EHRs/PHRs, interoperable HIEs and ultimately the NHIN (A transferable electronic medical record for every American was first established as a national goal by President Bush’s Director of HHS in July, 2003).  (3)Leveraging physician office and hospital-equipped EMRs/EHRs to transform reimbursement now based primarily on volume with enlightened P4P (Pay-For-Performance) methods.    Fortunately for Rhode Island’s one million citizens, as evidenced by his healthcare reform plans recently published in the Providence Journal and on his Web site, I believe our Governor Don Carcieri supports this market-oriented approach and  not the “heavy foot of government solution” to this chronic economic problem that affects all of us.      "	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	RI	1/14/06 1:52 PM
4228	"High cost, reliance on drugs, not looking for cause and more natural cure, insurance companies making treatment decisions, not doctors."	"an affordable national healthcare with costs being divided according to ability to pay. Get rid of the multitude of private insurance companies making huge profits.  Healthcare is a necessity, not a business."	"Middle class being squeezed, paying for those above them and below them.  All care for the poor shouldn't be free, needs better management, they can get aspirin for free.  I can't   Those who can afford to pay should pay more in, Some are getting free care and making six figures a year.  Seniors with great retirement benefits and incomes are looking for free care, that shouldn' be anymore.  And more expensive testing and drugs are given because they will be ""paid for"".  If it came out of the patient's pocket we might see less non essential care done.  And Physicals should be encouraged and paid for, Medicare doesn't pay for them so many refuse them only to come back with more serious conditions that might have been caught earlier with PREVENTATIVE care.  "	Personal responsibility should be taught. Health and wellness classes encouraged. Alternatives to medications explored. Everyone wants and easy fix. Insurance companies shouldn't be making profits.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/14/06 1:59 PM
4229	That it is not obtainable for all taxpayers.	"Gov't should control cost of medicine, supplies, facilities, tests and service to a reasonable cost."	I would pay higher taxes.	Socialize medical care but allow medical care personnel to maintain a competitive wage system. This I believe would mintain a supply of people going into medicine.	male	NULL	Yes	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/14/06 2:19 PM
4230	"that advertising is creating demand for pharmaceuticals and procedures for profit generation as opposed to good public health policy.  -that Americans do so little to prevent illness with their sedate lifestyle, overconsumption of empty calories, and (the area outside of individual control) their continued intake of known harmful and many probably harmful substances in their air, water and food.  -that profit comes before access to health care."	"All should have access to needed healthcare regardless of ability to pay. We also need to reduce the total cost of healthcare by cleaning up our environment, our food and water supplies, and living more active, healthier lifestyles."	"As long as they are being promised health through medical intervention by the medical and pharmaceutical industries supported by politicians dependent on their campaign contributions, the majority will do little. "	"Get out of your car and onto a bicycle, shoot your television, buy locally-grown, organic food"	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/14/06 2:30 PM
4231	Equal access for all regardless of income.  Cost.  Access.  	"I have always been a strong conservative, but when it comes to health care I think there is no other solution than the government paying for it (obviously from our taxes)."	We should not have make any trade-offs.  We are the richest nation in the world.	Make health care made available to all American citizens (not aliens) equally - without 'putting the poor down'or embarassment.	male	NULL	No	NULL	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/14/06 2:43 PM
4233	"My main concerns are the high costs of health insurance and medical costs.I am concerned for those who cannot afford health care, and that's why we should fight for a national health insurance based on one's income and those below a certain income should not pay at all.Basically, the rich should pay for the poor among us."	"As i said above, the rich should take care of the poor. Churches should also form Health Ministries and nurses become Parish Nurses to help those who cannot afford healthcare .The Health Ministries association can help churches form health ministries to offer Health Education and prevention of diseases. "	"There can be a Healthcare tax and this again based on income and used to fund the National health Insurance program.We must strive to always take care of the weak, poor, homeless, helpless' elderly and disabled among us, so God can bless us as a nation."	"More preventitive programs and getting the churches more involved in the formation of Health Ministries to help their communities become healthier.health fairs, health seminars , health screenings and health counseling are some programs the churches can help.Most importantly they can offer care holistically, in mind, body and spirit."	female	NULL	No	Black or African American	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/14/06 3:21 PM
4234	"As an RN, I am concerned that many people do not have access to good affordable, preventative and restorative health care.  "	"I think the US needs to have universal health care coverage like every other non-third world country in the world.  This is not some unproven, wild idea.  It is disgraceful that so many Americans cannot afford to see a doctor."	I think that Americans are willing to look at uniserval coverage.  It is the insurance companies who will discourage the movement.	Universal health care.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/14/06 3:35 PM
4235	That access to health care is not a guaranteed right of citizenship.	Need the simplicity and economy of a single-payer system.	I know I would have no problem having less freedom in choice of doctor or hospital.	Switching to a single-payer 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	1/14/06 3:36 PM
4236	"The fact that so many in the U.S. are either uninsured or underinsured and that the lack of health insurance means that many will live sicker and die quicker.  Also, the fact that because I had cancer as a child, I cannot get private insurance even if I wanted to because I am considered a high risk and even basic health insurance would be prohibitively expense if it were offered - and group health plans that I can subscribe to through jobs are increasingly rare!"	I think that private supplemental insurance should be available for those who can afford it - paid by individuals.  For the rest of the population - I think the government should provide basic healthcare for everyone.	I think most people would be willing to have tax dollars spent to finance a rational healthcare system if they were better informed about how much of their tax dollars are already being spent to finance a very bad system of emergency room care.	Provide a national healthcare system that provides basic levels of care for everyone through the government!	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/14/06 3:43 PM
4237	"My concern is the increasing cost of health care. While the cost is increasing more and more people in the USA are less able to afford the basic necessities, such as well baby check ups, prenatal care, yearly health screening for high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and cancers."	Yes. We should change to a single payer system. Everyone should be enrolled that lives in the USA regardless of income or employer or employment. Every employer regardless of number or type of employee should have to contribute to it. No one should be exempt.	"The trade off is a society of continued haves and have nots. It is not ethical, equitable or reasonable for some people to have high tech organ transplants and gene therapy while other people do not have the basic necessities of immunizations, health screenings, antibiotics for ear infections and blood pressure checks."	"Implement a single payer health care system that is accessable to EVERYONE regardless of income, employment or citizenship."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/14/06 3:53 PM
4238	"A couple of things concern me about healthcare today. First, is the lack of caregivers to provide adequate are according to American Standards. Second, are the healthcare disparities in this country for ethnic and socioeconomic groups, as well as the underinsured.  Finally, the way that nurses are treated in certain situations concerns me. Unfortunately, it works both ways. Nurses are treated poorly, understaffed, etc., but there are so many nurses that just don't care for anything other than their paycheck. It is a perpetual cycle. "	"I do think there should be change for the greater good. I am not sure how this will come about, but I do have some ideas. "	There are first class and coach hospitals. I believe that quality should be second in neither setting. Perhaps some of the bells and whistles could be eliminated and a tighter control of supplies would amount to something. I also believe the integration of mid level practioners such as PA's and Nurse Practioners should be utilized more often and more effectively. Physicians should embrace the opportunities to mentor these practioners and add to their practice other perspectives. 	Nurse practioner and Physician Assistant residency programs in underserved communites to forgive school debt.	female	NULL	Yes	Other	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/14/06 4:07 PM
4239	The large numbers of uninsured people and the possibility that my insurance will not be adequate in the event of a catastrophic illness.	How much does the middle-man cost?  Maybe we shoudl get rid of insurers??	Less money for was and more for helath care.	Find a rational payment method	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/14/06 4:20 PM
4240	"Undue influence by unrestrained insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies.  Government has shamefully allowed itself to be swayed by these corporate interests, with the result that millions of Americans cannot obtain  affordable, necessary, high-quality health care.    The latest disastrous example of this is the Medicare Prescription Plan D.  Close examination of this Plan reveals that it is set up to benefit insurance entities and pharmaceutical producers.  Plan D is a huge, costly, and unconscionable boondoggle, with little or no long-term benefit to individual Americans, and it must be overhauled immediately--this time without undue influence by corporate interests. "	"It is often noted that Canada and most other modern nations provide acceptable affordable health care to their citizens, but the United State does not.  It is so frustrating that our Government has, so far, been unwilling to provide a decent plan for Americans.  Instead, it seems to me that unrestrained private insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies have been allowed by the Government to run rampant over patients' needs, by dictating what care will be given, and how much it will cost.   Unconscionably high medical costs, and wading through bureaucratic nightmares in order to obtain necessary care, have  resulted.  In order to effect a desperately-needed change, a well-run Single-Payer System should be created by the government. The Single-Payer System should require that a person's premiums be set according to that person's ability to pay, and participation should be mandatory.    The Single-Payer System must include all aspects of health care-- physicians, hospitals, laboratories, assisted living, nursing home, hospice, prescription drugs, medical equipment, etc.  Any citizen who wants, and can afford, an expensive  private-pay arrangement with a medical provider, outside the Single-Payer System, should be allowed to arrange this on his own--but that person should still be required to pay into the Single-Payer System even if he doesn't choose to use it.  The Single-Payer System must be authorized and required to make satisfactory pricing arrangements with all medical providers, in return for guaranteed purchases by the System.        If the Government had chosen to institute a well-run Single-Payer System many years ago, we would not be in the woeful situation we are now.  After all these years of catering to corporate interests instead of citizens' health needs, Government has an immense and urgent responsibility to set things right.    "	"It seems to me that the American people have proved, time and time again, that they will fulfill their responsibilities to a good-faith Government program or endeavor.   If I had to wait a month for a non-emergency medical procedure, I would not mind--as long as the Government has responsibly and faithfully devised a good health care system that efficiently utilizes the great medical talent available in this country.  Private business has done wonders for this country over the years, but there are things it cannot or should not do.  Running the U.S. health care system is not an appropriate endeavor for private business."	See above.  Government should faithfully devise a Single-Payer health care system that is free from undue influence by insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies.  	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/14/06 7:06 PM
4241	46 million americans do not have health insurance ccause they can not afford it.  It is a crime in this country to not have minimum basic health care for all.  Trememdous amounts of money is spent keeping almost dead people alive in our critical care units and children can not get shots or to basic clinics.	Yes get the insurance companies out of the loop.  they pay about 30 cents on the dollar and soon all the hospitals will be deeply in the red. Most hospitals put any profits made back to the community through care and education.  The insurance companies are holding down care and keeping the profits.  Also get all the lobbyist out of washington.	it is time to make decisions about the level of care provided to patients.  There must be concenses about the level of care that will be paid for.  It someone wants more than that then they should pay for it.  I am tired of families telling hospitals to do everything when everyone knows that the person can not get better.  Americans need to know that if they expect everything to be done for their 93 year old mother then they should plan on paying for it.  People who are chronicly ill need to get real about what we can do for them.	it is time to ration health care in america so that all people can have basic health care.  If people want or need more then they can pay for extra coverage	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/14/06 7:08 PM
4242	Inequity.  Rationing based on ability to pay.	A single payer system.  Employment should have nothing to do with it.	They are willing to trade a system that wastes 30% of the health care budget on administrative and investor costs for a system that makes America competitive again by taking the burden of Health Care off the employers.	"Adopt a single payer, universal healthcare plan."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/14/06 7:46 PM
4243	"The cost is way too much and citizens who don't contribute to the fund are the biggest users of the system.  Also, people think healthcare is an entitlement.  But it is not. Instead, healthcare is a commodity that we purchase.  Would any of us go into a department store, take clothing off the rack and take it home without paying for it? We could do that  but we would be arrested if we were caught.  I feel that healthcare is the same.  We have to be prepared to pay a price for it.  I am a nurse.  I do what I do because I love it.  However, I expect to be paid justly for my services to the consumers of healthcare.  If people expect healthcare for free then I guess I might have to work for free.  NOT!"	"I have been a nurse for 36 years.  I have paid my portion of my healthcare insurance premiums and my employer paid his part of the insurance premiums.  If the government has to pay for someone's healthcare then I just paid for it with my taxes.  I want the government to pay less for someone else's healthcare so I pay less for someone else's healthcare.  If I chose to smoke, I should pay higher premiums.  If I chose to eat poorly and sit around like a couch potato, I should expect to pay some of my healthcare expenses.  Many Americans have a strong work ethic which they inherited from their parents and grandparents.  Many people wait for someone else to pay their bills and support them.  I would rather see the government pay less for secondary and tertiary care and more for primary care to keep people well.  Why is it that I heard about this citizen's group and website through the American Nurses Association (ANA)?  This service and website should be well-advertised on TV.  Everyone has a TV.  Why not use it as a helpful tool and have a ""Health Channel"" (sponsored and supported by the federal government)where citizens can learn good health habits and when to contact a health care provider instead of going to the Emergency room every time they have a fever or an ache.  Don't financially punish Americans who live healthy, don't smoke, exercise, and watch their diet.  State and federally funded clinics should be more available in more neighborhoods, on bus lines, (maybe in malls or grocery stores) where citizens can have their children immunized, well-child visits, urgent care, etc.  Make primary care readily available and keep people from utilizing hospitals.  Hospitals are poorly staffed, make lots of medical errors, and are very expensive to run.  Do NOT decrease reimbursement to nurses and doctors. This will just discourage bright, dedicated people from entering the healthcare field.  Instead, encourage nurse practitioners to graduate and provide cost-effective primary care and health teaching to most Americans.  Let the sick people see the doctors.  It is not a good use of resources to have well people see doctors.  Charge many more taxes on alcohol and cigarettes, esp. cigarettes.  Cigarettes should cost about $10.00 per pack.  Put the taxes into a fund to use for chronic lung patients to draw from later on when they need oxygen at home.  Why should I pay $450.00/month for a smoker to have oxygen at home?  That is ridiculous!  Let chronic lung patients pay for their own oxygen with this fund.  Also, if cigarettes cost $10.00/pack less adolescents could afford them and hopefully never start smoking.  Encourage the growth of health spending accounts (HSA) so citizens can have low-cost catastrophic health insurance for true emergencies, pay a lower premium for healthcare insurance, and save the money they would normally put into a traditional health plan to an account that would grow and incur interest to help pay day-to-day healthcare costs."	"As above regarding the HSA.  Also, federal support with home health aides and equipment to keep elderly and sick at home instead of utilizing hospitals, the most expensive drain on healthcare.  Improve the services of out-patient clinics and home care.  Employ visiting nurses and physicians to private homes to keep people from going to the emergency rooms.  Also, this website needs to be publicized to the general public so more varied input can be gotten by the committee.  How about some TV advertisement or a mailing to every taxpayer's home?"	"Americans need to take control of their own healthcare.  Make Americans accountable for their health.  If you smoke, you can expect to become ill soon.  If you eat poorly and are obese, you can expect to become ill soon.  Diabetes and heart disease are two of this countries greatest source of morbidity and mortality.  Most Americans with these two diseases can prevent it by not smoking, eating correctly and getting up and moving.   "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/14/06 8:15 PM
4244	"Lack of adequate Registered Nurses at the bedside, many with less than a Bachelor's degree in Nursing, and the fact that a majority of nurses are nearing retirement and DO NOT plan on continuing in nursing afterwards due to burnout!"	"Government sponsored health care plans need to require that users also have to pay co-pays at visits.  Higher payments for ER use would deter non-emergent use that is taking a toll on emergency services.  HMO type plans should be the norm so that these individuals would have primary care providers (MD's, ARNP's, PA's) and encourage routine visits, if not make them mandatory!"	"It is time for ""Pork spending"" to stop (i.e. expensive palm tree planting along interstate intersections in south Florida, mandatory inclusion of art in public offices..., bridges to Alaskan islands that less than 1000 people live on) I don't go on vacation or buy art unless all my other bills are paid first!"	Support the education and use of Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners and Physician's assistants.  They can provide high levels of care at a fraction of the cost and with an increased accessibility.  The American Medical Association is trying to curb their access because they can't compete!!!	female	NULL	No	NULL	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/14/06 9:58 PM
4245	"For the richest country in the world, it's sad that some don't have health care."	We need coverage from the government such as we have for military personnel from Tricare.  Individuals could pay some of the costs.  Employers should not pay.  Folks should not have to choose a job because of health care coverage.	NULL	National Health Care Insurance 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	AR	1/14/06 9:59 PM
4246	The cost	"Yes. It should be accessible to all, not for a priveleged few. Employers are penalized because workers change jobs to get better benefits. Workers have to leave jobs they like due to poor benefits. Individuals cannot pay the exhorbitant costs which keep rising, not only the premiums but the out of pocket co-pays, deductibles, and  percent payments."	"I'm willing to pay something, just as we pay something for the kids' Healthy Kids, but not $500-$700 per month!"	"Make it universal and paid for by one entity. In Florida, Healthy Kids is subsidized by the government. "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/14/06 10:45 PM
4247	accessability and affordability	single payer	less demand for wage increases since health care is the most inflationary cost increase	universal health care	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/15/06 12:50 AM
4248	Lack of access to health care for all people living in the U.S. 	The current system does not encourage people to advocate for the best buy on health care - methods to reduce the moral hazard associated with our health care system are needed. Also we are paying top dollar for people to access care in emergency rooms because of EMTALA regulations. We will pay for universal access to care in emergency rooms but not cheaper primary care options? This is not logical and we can't afford it anymore. 	"Wow, if I had the answer to this question I would run for political office -  and win!!!"	Promote prevention in the health care system instead of treatment. 	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/15/06 1:12 AM
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4250	"I have grave concerns in a variety of areas. As a practicing RN in surgery i see a tendency of doctors to push patients with an insurance plan that will pay to venture into the cutting edge technologies that hold promise, but are not credible beyond theory. I see patients who are dying put through surgeries that treat symptoms that while consistent with the criteria for a normally ""well"" patient to relieve the same symptoms will not halt the end of life degredation of systems that match the same criteria.  It is a last line effort that surgeons profit from at times in a futile circumstance that seems clear to everyone but the family. Perhaps a manual that clearly described the types of abnormal lab values and their indications for the outlook for a patient along with a mandate for presenting them to families of all patients who are beyond the boudaries of making their own medical decisions would help them make more effictive decisions. We at times hasten the death of a patient by cutting on them in these futile pursuits. finally and most emphatically i am concerned about a sytem that funnels money through a health care system with it's wide mouth at the end of payers into the state run and for profit health care payers and it's narrow end at the AMA,and insurance and pharmeceutical companies."	Make it illeagal for any healthcare provider to ask any question about the patients healthcare payer until the full course of all treatments for the presented malady are complete.	We have endured a pattern of more cost and less efficacy of healthcare for the last thirty years. I don't think we are ready to tolerate any more. 	"Put the impetus back on the person who is receiving the care. If you exhibit symptoms that can only be attributed to unhealthy lifestyle choices as evidenced by objective tests, then you will pay proportionately more according to statistical profiles of health expense for your care. At the same time remove all possibility of profit from the provision of healthcare insurance except for an overhead cost computed on a 93% efficiency model based on the adminitrative costs of the fortune 500 companies.All such costs shall be evenly distributed to all employees of any healthcare payer."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	1/15/06 3:00 AM
4251	"Health care for our poor, our indigent and our elderly.  This administration has no concern about its own citizens.  "	"With all the monies we spend on the War for example, or parks in areas where there is already ""leisure areas"", where the politicians make deals to sweeten their pots when the issues are not immediate or crucial, there is obvious funds to be spent on our own people for basic health care....QUALITY HEALTH CARE"	"Trade-offs? The space project can be toned down....we are looking for other areas to conquer, as we have almost raped our own precious earth of its resources;This unnecesary war that lines the pockets of the rich; the projects that are based on lies inorder to fulfill obligations and keep people quiet....."	"Access to health care for all.  Health care should include the body, mind and soul.  Education and counseling and the tools to provide  this knowledge base so that healing can take place athome!"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/15/06 6:39 AM
4252	Availability of health care; While health care is accessable it is not available to all citizens. A large number of people have lost or will lose their health care benefits. Health care premiums  are so high that employers and the individual can't afford the cost.	"Unless we have a foreign government provide health care benefits and maybe we do quaify for foreign aid, the method of payments for health care will continued to be paid for by each and in bombination with each other. It has reached a pin that no one enitity can afford health care payment alone."	"The sacrifice should not be made the American Public but rather through the overhauling of the  health care delivery system. Insurance company profits,  Hospital charges,Physician Charges,unessary litigation  technological advances, Government regulations (FDA and others) to bring products to market, company profits,  The list goes on. We need to get our arms around this problem; the answer is not in  paying the continually increasing costs, but in the understanding of the market forces that drive the health care industry."	"With more and more people losing and/or unable to pay for health care coverage It is  increasingly  importamt to find a way to Reduce cost, increase access, and make health care affordable to all. "	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/15/06 8:16 AM
4253	Lack of affordable medical and dental care esp. for children and the eldery. Children are our future and without proper health care they can't be healthy enough to learn and may grow up to be a burden on society with welfare and medicaid. They deserve a chance to have a productive life. The elderly our our past and have contributed to the society we have today. As a registered nurse I've seen the benefits of this.	Yes. The cost of insurance to employers should be less so the employers can afford it.	I'm not sure. Maybe health promotion. Staying after duty time for these types of services.	Disease prevention heath care promotion	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	1/15/06 11:15 AM
4254	"The exhorbitant cost of even basic health care concerns me most. Basic health care is unaffordable for many, the cost of health care bankrupts many others, and the cost of health care, overall, has become a huge drag on our economy."	"In an ideal world, individuals would to be in charge of how they allocate their health care expenditures. They should know up front what every test, procedure, or treatment is likely to cost, and decide if the cost is worth money.  In the real world, a single payor system would be a vast improvement over our current system."	"The American public is left with no choice in accessing affordable health care, because it doesn't exist in this country.   A huge discussion needs to take place in this country regarding what is basic health care that everyone in a country such as ours should expect to receive at a reasonable cost, and should be provided at a cost to society as a whole, to include the less fortunate among us, and what goes beyond basic health care, and should be available to those who can, and choose to, afford it."	"The biggest impediment to meaningful reform in our health care delivery system is the corporatization of health care in America. Health care delivery decisions are driven, not by what is the most cost effective treatment for the most people in our society, but rather by corporations whose interest is, rightfully, improving the bottom line. The corporate players in this tragedy include (in no particular order) insurance companies, physician groups (of which I am a member), coding and billing companies, trial attorneys who specialize in malpractice, pharmaceutical companies, medical appliance manufacturers.  My single most important recommendation is for government (our society) to quit feeding the greed driven monster that has become our health care delivery system. The recent Medicare Drug Plan is an example of our government providing corporate welfare over the interest of America's citizens. Our society (that is, government) needs to develop a single payor system to which we all contribute, and from which we all derive basic health care benefits. This is a societal decision. The medical community, which takes the blame for our current health care delivery system, cannot make these decisions."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/15/06 11:53 AM
4255	"I am a Nurse Practitioner with a specialty in Mental Health.  In my semi-rural county in California, patients are waiting an average of 4 months to see a Psychiatrist!  I am well trained and have over 11 years experience working with the mentally ill, but the few health care insurance companies who cover our area will not reimburse me (a Mental Health NP) for my services, only the services of a Family or Women's Health Nurse Practitioner or an MD.  Does this make sense  for patients need access to care/treatment?"	"Yes, in California all Nurse Practitioner specialty services should be reimbursed by all health insurance companies and more coverage by them and our government is needed for Mental Health treatment."	"Optional premiums could be added for expanded health care coverage such as Mental Health and more government assistance for those who struggle to pay, but are not completely indigent.  I think the American public would be willing to pay a small tax, shared by all, to reimburse the government for coverage.  The mentally ill often end up using the resources of state/county mental health inpatient hospitals, jails and prisons due to inadequate treatment."	"Nurse Practitioners in all states need to have continued recognition as a viable and effective way to meet the healh care needs of Americans.  They can solve the access to care problem and provide care that is vitally needed as long as they can continue to have a scope of practice allowing them to care for and be reimbursed to the diagnosis and treatment of illness.  Some states recognize Nurse Practitioners as fully independent  health care providers, but many do not and due to   this problem, patients are being denied access to 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	1/15/06 12:03 PM
4256	"My greatest concern regarding health care is access. After working almost 30 years in hospital systems, I see the emergency departments being used as primary care centers for those individuals who do not have PCP's or health insurance. I have seen this predominantly with the psychiatric/mental illness and vulnerable populations. I do believe that managed care has its place in the overall system but I do believe that CEO compensation siffens off huge dollars that are needed in direct care services especiallyu in the local markets. I do believe that mental health coverage should be ""carved in"" to insurance plans and that parity in very important which reflects on us/our values as a society. I also think that the assisted living industry presents some less expensive and less restrictive care options for the elderly. I think our state medicaid dollars could be utilized here as an option to long term nursing home care."	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/15/06 1:24 PM
4257	Too many have no ability to get health care	provide healthcare for the poor and homeless any way you can	NULL	"Find a way to provide healthcare for the poor and homeless, don't cut medicaid"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/15/06 1:48 PM
4258	the inability to provide access to farmworkers. the clinics available are 9-5. they continue to use the ER as a primary care source. lets look to fund clinics with unconventional hours in the same concept as the urgent cares. 	I think that you could assist the health care system by providing a service to the poor immigrants by using the kitty that you have from undocumented workers paid taxes. we know that we will never find out who actually paid those taxes. why not supplement the health care system by using those funds to pay for the farmworkers health care. the system could be somewhat like the Indian health system but be for farmworkers.	"none, the most verbal are few and selfish"	"make all corporations pay into a health system. today my friend received a notice that at the discretion of the company they would choose who received health insurance and the other employees would be considered seasonal. so even if they have the work for the ""seasonal"" staff they will make it so they don't work to not pay health insurance. This relates to a caucasian, who has diabetes and working in a private construction firm."	female	NULL	Yes	NULL	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/15/06 2:00 PM
4260	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Do the same in the US as in the rest of the industrialized world- national health care. Then all have access to the same level of health care. the present system is beneficial to the rich, the powerful and privileged. The rest of us get the lower tier of health care. Those of us who have health insurance deal with increasing deductables and co-pay rates and in today's tenuous work climate we could lose our insurance at any time."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	1/15/06 2:51 PM
4261	The cost and someone else telling me what I can and can't do - someone with NO knowledge of my situation.	Keep the government OUT of it as much as possible.	We already make enough trade-offs.	Don't let the democrats try and fix it anymore!!!	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	1/15/06 3:02 PM
4262	The fact that I can't get any.  And I'm not alone.	I should be able to afford some sort of health insurance.  The current system DOES NOT WORK.	"You could lower the pay scale of the president, congress, whatever - those people that make so much money.  You could put less money into weapons.  You could just make it a law that insurance carriers have to be affordable. Something."	Make sure we're all insured.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/15/06 3:09 PM
4263	"Mostly, that historians will say, ""For shame, the richest country in the world that didn't provide access to affordable health care for every resident.  And, the ONLY country in the world with more severely mentally ill persons  in jail and prison than in psychiatric hospitals where they could receive treatment.""    "	"Yes, everyone should have affordable access regardless of employment or financial status.  Health care should be available on the basis of Need.  And everyone should pay into the system, similar to the way we make education available to everyone, and everyone pays something, whether or not he or she has kids."	"Statistically, every survey indicates that the overwhelming number of people living in this country want what other countries provide at less cost to the entire system.  For starters, everyone should get the same benefits that local, state and federal employees get."	"Access and provision of health care for everyone which means changing the current firmly entrenched vested interest system to one that is similar to the way we provide education and how it is provided in other developed countries, i.e., government run from taxes, yet allowing private entrepeneurs to thrive as well.  Kids can go to public schools or private.  People should be able to get health care under a similar structure. But, everyone can get it.  This would save billions in paper work, too."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/15/06 4:11 PM
4264	"The 64 million uninsured in this nation and the Americans between the ages of 18 and 64 who are suffering with inadequate coverage or inflated premiums to pay for their care and that of the uninsured are the focus of my concern. I am a registered nurse, out of work due to an injury that happened outside of work. I am a 57 yr old widow, have not worked full time for over a year and am a graduate student in nursing education. I pay $888.00 per month for my Blue Cross MRIMP, which expires in one year, because this is the only PPO I can qualify in this country. After that, if I am still unemployed, my premiums will jump to the normal market value and I would probably join the ranks of the uninsured. I've had to refinance my only assest, my home, to support myself and keep this health plan in order to continue treatment for my injury. Am I bitter that there's no national plan for widowed, middleaged women who have already lost so much? You betcha!"	"Yes, we need to bring Medicare and the care for moms and kids under ONE umbrella. We need a SINGLE PAYER SYSTEM that insures every citizen of this country, not the fragmented system we have today! We are the only industrialized nation in the world that does not provide health care to or consider it a right of its citizens. We also have the most expensive and inefficient system in the world, with a middling rating in outcomes. "	"None. Americans think they have the ""best health care"" in the world and want the right to decide who they see and when. They have embraced the concept of medical insurance as a benefit of employment. This is a habit we can no longer afford, however. I believe if we launch a single payer system, sponsored by the government under the efficient management of the Medicare model, we will finally have equity in health care AND it will cost billions less than our current system. We are one of the richest nations in the world and Americans are inventive. I'm certain we could create a health care model that covers more, at a lower cost, and  be the envy of every other nation in the world. "	"Educate the public on what's wrong with employment based health insurance, then educate and market the idea of a single payer system. I doubt it will take much to sell to many Americans. Many of us are fed up with the current system and there is increasing awareness - perhaps a movement demand our government provide health insurance as a right, not a privledge. We must have equity in 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	1/15/06 4:45 PM
4265	Too costly for elderly and low income families	No	Pay more taxes	Make it eaily accesible to elderly	female	NULL	Yes	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/15/06 6:55 PM
4266	"The insurance companies are dictating how doctors treat patients, and creates such an overload of paperwork that every doctor must have a number of employees - ($)- just to do the insurance papertrail and calls for insurance approval of every step of treatment. Also so many families have to adjust their whole lives around the need for health care insurance  - the wife has to work full time for insurance because the husband is self employed, many times in bad positions, or the husband has to work a dangerous position or one where he's never home due to need for healthcare insurance. People are totally trapped into certain jobs and lifestyles soley due to insurance need. Others give up the fight and go on medicaid - and many times get better healthcare services through medicaid, so they stay umemployed."	"The paper trail has got to go - Healthcare access has to be simplified with a one party pay system, that still gives Dr's control of treatment,and rules of use."	"Maybe a heathcare charge from the paycheck based on earning/dependents to a national fund for healthcare.Employers also would match it, sorta like social security. I don't have an answer for the umemployed, except that it should never be a free ride."	"Stop the inurance companies from dictating healthcare, and profiting huge amounts from it."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DE	1/15/06 9:02 PM
4267	too many people are not receiving health care because it is unaffordable (and they are uninsured or underinsured)	We need a SINGLE PAYER system. Everybody in one system. This should NOT be privatized.	"higher taxes;  The main tradeoff we need, in my opinion is less defense spending and less corporate welfare. Increase   taxes on corporate taxes and get rid of tax breaks for the rich (people and corporations);   There's plenty of money for health care. it's a matter of appropriations."	insure health care for every American. Europe and Canada and many other nations can do it. We can too.  	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	1/15/06 10:05 PM
4268	"The expenses related to health care in America today have become so great that many times those individuals most in need of healthcare are fearful of seeking the assistance they truly need. America is a country based on a capitalistic system, however cultivation and maintenance of this system should never be at the cost of its’ citizens health."	"The systems should be better coordinated with the ultimate goal of providing adequate, affordable health care that meets the needs of the consumer to the best of the systems ability."	I believe that there are many places within the budget of our government that reductions or redistributions of government funding could be redirected into the health care system. I additionally believe that the American public would be willing to contribute more tax dollars if there was a well devised plan with checks and balances in place to ensure that the funds were truly utilized for their projected purpose i.e. improved health care. 	Provide a system that truly limits health care costs instead of utilizing one that simply limits the amount that the government is willing to pay for specific services. By limiting reimbursement many times the consumers of health care are often left with the burden of filling the gap between the actual cost of the services and what the government actually reimburses for those services. 	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/15/06 10:37 PM
4269	Inaccessibility to those who need it the most.	I would love to see a workable universal health care plan that puts people before politics!	"If they had a very basic understanding, whatever it took to equalize healthcare benefits."	"Equal, excellent healthcare for all."	female	NULL	Yes	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/15/06 11:06 PM
4270	"The position that nurses are put in when a staffing shortage occurs in their workplace with regards to nurse to patient ratios.  A nurse carry’s a multitude of responsibility in today’s healthcare environment.  Having to choose between which task can or can’t be down and ultimately having to rush through each task wages heavy concerns to patient safety and quality of care.  Healthcare in America is not an easy subject any way you spin it however, nurses comprise the majority in the health care profession.  They should not be forced to incur excessive nurse to patient ratios even with “Safe Harbor”."	"Working in the trauma center I see first hand the emergency room being used as a clinic to include emergency medical services for transport for definite non-emergent situations.  Expenses across the board can’t be tackled completely until we as a nation decide and come to an agreement on health care services for not just uninsured, illegal immigrants, and refugees as well.  Everyone agrees that the system needs overhaul however, we first need to address the underlying issues with regards to cost benefit and operating funds.  Even those with insurance don’t always have the access and coverage needed and desired."	Again before the American public can discuss trade-offs of any nature we have to go back and resolve the underlying issues that brought us to the financial woes.  To think that the most powerful free nation in the world doesn’t have health care with ensured access and affordable is dismal.	Stop putting band-aids on health care issues and health care reform.  Both address the issues and come up with real-time solutions (which will be very complex and complicated issues that are surmountable) or remain in the shadows until health care becomes a supernova.	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	TX	1/16/06 7:05 AM
4271	 Limited access to the poor and those who cannot afford insurance.	"I believe healthcare should be a right of all citizens.The employers and the government should pay, the employer contribution in taxes should be directed toward that. Payment in taxes should be made according to income levels.Those who have more financial resources should pay more."	"I believe that preventive services, and basic services should be essential, but unecessary services that increase cost should be eliminated. "	It should be FOR ALL indeed. Not only to some. 	female	NULL	Yes	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	1/16/06 7:29 AM
4273	Access of health care for all americans. Many people do not have access and need health care.	The government and private secter should work together to provide basic health care for individuals. There should also be options for persons to purchase or employers to provide additional care coverage.	"Working and non working americans want the highest quality health care, irrespective of their ability to pay. Germany health system is an example of providing care to all, but the employers are now providing extra covage for as an incentive to the goverment provided care. Not a bad idea."	"Remove the physician from the center and place the patient in the center allowing them to choose their provider and type of care. Give the patient choices of basic care and allow them to choose. When cars were created the enginers developed and made the cars. Then the knowledge grew to what it is today. You will not find engineers on the line making cars. The same is true for medicine. We need physicians in research and for care of the complicated patients, but there are other providers who can care competently and safely for patients in most cases and draw salaries much less than the physician. "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	1/16/06 9:13 AM
4274	"Accessibility!  There are thousands of elders, middle aged persons (45 to 50 y/o) and young adults and children who do not have access to affordable or basic health care!  "	"I truely believe we need a national health care system where every citizen, person living in the United States has access to the same quality health care as everyone else.  Everyone, individuals, employers, governments will contribute to this system."	"I hope all will be willing to pay a share to finance this system whereby every individual in this country has EQUAL access to QUALITY health care.  No discrimination, no special privileges for those with more money."	"A national health care system, providing the same high quality of care to all peoples of the US, no matter how much financial resources they may have."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/16/06 9:29 AM
4275	"My biggest concern with healthcare in America is the inequality.  We say 'healthcare for all' in this country, but it is not equal.  That diseases become 'poor' very much bothers me.  'Health' is not something that should be economically selective.  The fact that many Americans do not take a personal responsibility for their health is frustrating as well as expensive.  We spend 95% of healthcare costs on 5% of the population.  Many patients come to healthcare with the 'fix me' attitude, unwilling to confront the thought of their own mortality. I am in no position to decide how much 5-10 years of someone's life is worth, but a lot of money and suffering is spent trying to avoid inevitable grief and loss."	"Frankly, I am a supporter of socialized healthcare.  I appreciate my healthcare benefits from my employer, but I do not feel they should be expected from employers.  I feel that individuals must be held accountable.  When the financial end of healthcare is left to employers and insurance companies, individuals are less likely to consider cost when making health decisions."	"This is a very difficult question.  Most Americans have a poor knowledge of how healthcare works, therefore it is dangerous to make the general public's opinion a plan of action.  In my case, I am very willing to trade military services for health and education services.  Good mental health and knowledge lead to less fighting and misunderstanding.  As far as healthcare-specific tradeoffs, I would trade length of life for quality of life."	A dramatic shift of focus from quantity of life to quality of life.	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/16/06 10:01 AM
4276	"The lack of access to health care for children and elderly. We have an entire generation of welfare perpetuating welfare, allowing smoking in prisons, allowing federal aide to capable people. We have done a huge diservice to Americans, by allowing laziness and bad habits to continue on our dollar. There should be tiered system of welfare money based on age, disability, and medical condition. Clearly the people that need help the most are not getting it, and we have children who are homeless, hungry and cold, yet we are at war and bail out every other nation under the sun, ignoring our own family. "	"The entire system needs to be scratched and start over with a more comprehensive system of fee for service and more competition by providers. Service to patients and satisfaction as well as control over chronic conditions would gauge the reimbursement. On the other hand we need to hold the public accountable fro their own actions smokers will get less reimbursement, able bodied people will have a timeline to get back to work before compensation runs out. We need to be a nation of tough love and accountability to ourselves."	"Money always talks. Why do families that work hard, get education, and pay their bills have to foot the bill for folks to stay home and litterly suck the life out of the sdystem designed to help those truly in need."	"CHUCK the entire system and start from scratch, end the wara and funnel the money where it is clearly needed most, here at home."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/16/06 10:02 AM
4278	lack of stable financing	"One payer system, with quality indicators used to measure reimbursement"	more out of pocket.  Note that this certainly needs to be within reason taking into account the percentage of income spent for other necessities of life	Stable financing that makes health care available to everyone. 	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/16/06 10:58 AM
4279	"The fact that the number of Americans without health care is 43 million, and on the rise"	"The current system si not a ""system"", it is anarchy.  There should be one, single-payer system.  Medicare is a single payer system for the elderly, it is efficient, there is little waste on a bureaucracy that has to sort thru claims.  I would like to see Medicare extended to all residents of the United States.  the only change I, personally would make to such a system, would be to take over the ownership of healthcare facilities by the federal government, and to make all health-care providers employees of the federal government.  For now I would be satisfied if House Bill 686, introduced by Representative John Conyers would pass.  "	"There don't need to be any trade offs.  There is so much bureaucratic waste in the present nonsystem, that the same amount of money could be spent on a single payer national system and all Americans could be covered"	"A single payer, national system funded and administered by the federal government, i.e. extend Medicare to all.  "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/16/06 11:02 AM
4280	"As senior citizens, we are most concerned about (1) the quality of care that is available to us and (2) the cost to us for that care. Until 11/2003,Medicare and AARP were our health insurers. Our payment to AARP was $209.00 per month.  At that time we were told of an HMO (Florida Health Care) which costs $19.20 for me. My husband is cared for by the V.A.  Now, one would wonder why I think we have a right to complain...especially given that our medication costs are also greatly reduced. What troubles us is the fact that, since joining FHC, we have had 2 excellent doctors, both of whom have been ""fired"" by FHC.  Evidently Dr. Zwerling (our current doctor)cares too much for his patients' welfare, thereby spending ""too much"" time with them.  ""Off with his head,"" says FHC, and we have no choice (short of paying a great deal, for us, per month, which we cannot afford) but to do as we are told and accept the next poor Dr..Let us see, if he/she toes the mark!!   I am only asking that some of the powers that HMOs wield, be curbed, so that the patient receives consistant care and feels cared for. I am grateful for the reduced costs, but I resent the fact that there is a hangman's noose awaiting the best doctors."	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/16/06 11:15 AM
4281	The aging population and their needs for long term care..  Many issues seem to affecting their need for care particularly in rural areas.  Examples of some of these items are 1.home care agencies ability to care for aging clients due to reimbursement issues from medicare.  If a home care agency accepts a client who ends up back in the nursing home or becomes further debilitated due to a chronic illness etc the home care agency either has money taken from them or has to care for that particular client with less funding due to what they have been paid up front.  This type of payment system decreases the amount and type of client home care agencies will accept.  2. We are now seeing waiting lists for nursing homes so clients who are severely debilitated are having to wait for a nursing home bed.  3. Waiting lists for Community Option Programs continue to lengthen  4.  Medicare Part D has created severe hardships for medication due to an increase in copay for medications  5. Decrease in pay for medication setup has created many individuals confusion related to taking medication  6.  The workforce for nursing and personal care is limited	Currently insurance companies dicatate to pharmacies and physicians how care should be prescribed.  This is a very large problem as often physicians know what is best for care but the insurance company will refuse to cover certain items.	I am not sure but our county is trying to investigate this	Talk to the american people and other countries who are providing universal health care.  this type of forum is exactly what needs to occur	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/16/06 1:07 PM
4282	"It's NOT fair - the ""uninsured"" are charged up to 10 times more for health care than ""insured"" patients - it is not a true free economy because the patient simply cannot ""shop for service."""	"YES - let everyone buy medicare as their health insurance plan - charge more to younger people, less to older.  Medicare is very efficient. Medicare fee schedules (payments to providers and facilities) establish a ""fair"" system of charges and payments"	Americans must be willing to consider cost of health care compared to benefits of the services provided.  We all too often treat the patient to death!	"LET EVERYONE BUY MEDICARE (at different premium rates, based on age)."	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	TX	1/16/06 1:08 PM
4284	Poor care and ultra expensive.	Health care is being used as a money making commodity. Profits belong within the system and not in the pockets of others. 	I do not believe that in general the public understands that there health care would be more affordable if managers exited and left care management in the hands of those who are clinically prepared to do the management.	Nationalize all of the health care management organizations and use the profits for health care instead of increasing the wealth of the wealthy.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/16/06 1:41 PM
4285	"the ongoing demise of our medicaid system. low income, seniors and those with disabilities are being hurt the most by the withdrawal of benefits"	"yes, ALL federal employees need to pay into the ""system"" to insure healthcare for all individuals, not just those who can afford it."	"Let's look seriously at a national or universal system of healthcare, instead of only those who can afford it or a pay for service program"	a universal or national healthcare 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	1/16/06 1:44 PM
4286	"Lack of accessibility for low income and migrant groups.   Lack of access to healthy affordable food for low income families.  Lack of knowledge re healthy nutrition & lifestyle leading to poor eating habits, lack of exercise and the high incidence of Type 2 diabetes in the young particularly."	Absolutely. Health care should be taken out of the hands of insurance companies. Elimination of waste & administrative costs by same could be reinvested in provision of health care to all. There are a number of alternative models in other countries. The US needs the will and determination to re design the entire health system.	"Perhaps that is the wrong question. Naturally everyone wants all health care at any cost. One could start by:  -  eliminating non-essential surgeries, e.g.costmetic (similar to the Oregan model)  - limiting basic coverage of the essentials, e.g. dental care, glasses etc to maintain basic health  - use health accounts (health patients get a reduction in cost for required care or lower premiums) so there are incentives for  patients to live healthy live styles (don't smoke, exercise regularly, maintain a normal weight) versus a one time payment for procedures, medical care etc for patients who continue to make poor health choices, e.g. hospitalization/treatment for COPD for smokers who continue to smoke (charge increasing premiums for every new event)  - same for patients requiring heart surgery & CV procedures who are overweight, smoke, refuse statins, are non-compliant with medications for high blood pressure. First procedure/ medical visit paid for. Subsequent visits/treatments on a step by step higher premium if they take no responsibility for their health. A Scotish physician wrote a great book outlining this approach called something like ""Don't Bleed On My Carpet"".  For those patient's who refuse to alter their lifestyle against medical advice and develop major chronic health problems they are offered the lowest cost, most basic care"	"Overhaul the health care system, provide incentives & training for lower income families to make better health choices, build incentives into the health care system to support healthier lifestyles. In addition  - pay more attention to the basics - clean air, clean water and healthy food (support organic farming to make it affordable to a wider range of people or locally develop ""city gardens"" so they can grow their own produce."	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	CA	1/16/06 2:07 PM
4288	"  Inequities and lack of access for 50 million people, increasing costs (esp  drugs), and the continued reliance on the private sector for providing services"	"Yes.  We should NOT be relying on employment as a basis for health care benefits.  Financing should be controlled by a single entity, the government, and should provide universal coverage.  There should be no other competing fiduciary players."	We don’t need any tradeoffs.  The $$$ is already there to provide most essential benefits.   We need to cut bureaucratic overhead (private  insurance)which will save billions of dollars  	Provide universal coverage first so ALL Americans can have access to a  provider who can make sound recommendations to improve 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	WA	1/16/06 3:04 PM
4289	The large number of underinsured and uninsured citizens in the U.S.	"Yes, I think we should convert to a single payor system."	"Health care extras such as face lifts, and other not threatening to life or work should be paid for by individuals out of their pocket."	"Create a system where everyone pays something into the system and is guaranteed health care for life threatening problems.  Also, place much more emphasis on primary care with prevention than on acute care."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/16/06 3:24 PM
4290	"The rising costs (especially medications!), the variable quality, and more and more people finding themselves without health insurance."	"I work in this system and it is ridiculous! The number of people involved in authorizing and approving care diverts money from the patient's health care, to the insurance company and business office."	We don't all need the most expensive tests and drugs. We need to stop thinking more is better. We also need to concentrate on quality rather than quantity of life.	We all need access to quality health care. I am very interested in some form of a national health care system.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/16/06 3:37 PM
4291	Lack of access and the cost	It should be affordable to all.  Costs are out of hand so that none of the payors can afford the costs. It seems as though only the insurance companies are making a profit.	"I'm not sure.  However, need malpractice reform."	Make prevention the priority.  Must change the way people think.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/16/06 3:46 PM
4292	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	1/16/06 3:47 PM
4294	Cost	NULL	NULL	That everyone has access to it.  	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/16/06 4:12 PM
4295	"There is a marked and growing inequality in the distribution of health care in the United States of America. Many millions of Americans are uninsured and many millions more are underinsured. The distribution of health care among the insured is also inequitable in that insurance carriers are not held to consistent standards on what is covered and the contracts too complex for the average individual to decipher. Many with preexisting conditions are not insurable at any cost. Many working poor go without insurance. Amercan industry is should not e burdened with the cost of health care when their foreighn competition is not.  Also the American health system is reactive and not proactive with fewer dollars going into disease prevention than are required.  Diseases that cause social morbidity are essentially ignored (psychiatric care and substance abuse) causes much cost on the back end (crime, lost productivity and much human agony)     Endeavors in administration which consume up to 30% of the American Health care dollar do not produce any health care; indeed, only decrease the efficiency with which health care is delivered by vastly increasing paperwork and the manpower required to push the paper.     Drug companies spend vast amounts of money developing me too drugs in order to establish quick profit rather than spending their research dollar  on a coordinated effort to produce new drugs effectively and at lower cost. The American health care consumer seems to bear the brunt of the R&D cost for the world.  There is no reason why a Drug purchased in Canada or other foreign lands should cost up to 75% less than in America.     Health Care providers and provider system should be encouraged to use current Nationally recommended evidence based health maintenance and disease management system (at least for common disease) and in so doing be protected form liability.      A fair and reasonable reform of liability that encourages process improvement  in medical care rather than an underground culture of peer review.    National integration of medical records so that a patients records are obtainable nationally and yet maintaining the privacy of the citizen and patients needs to be developed and implemented.      Integration needs to occur between all health care delivery entities to better lan for community needs.    "	A single payor National Health insurance that deliver standarized care at a cost that is spread over the whole population.	Increased taxes for decreased premiums and a coordinated universal health care free of insurance company interference.	Universal access to standardized heath care  and the medications and procedures necessar to maintain ealth 	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/16/06 5:03 PM
4296	Cost of health care in general	Everyone should be able to get health insurance at a reasonable cost no matter who you are.	making cuts other than health care	make it affordable for everyone	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/16/06 5:18 PM
4297	"COSTS-medicaid abused, drug companies expenses and charges, suit happy public, suit scared ME's"	"Changes are needed, but I don't have any specific suggestions except that Medicaid pts. should have to pay SOMETHING even if it is a very small amount"	not sure	"stop medicaid abuse, everyone should have to pay something"	female	NULL	No	White	NULL	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	1/16/06 6:43 PM
4298	"Cost and the cumbersomeness of the system.  Waits in Dr. office's are often long.  My colonoscopy cost $3,500!  Yes I have insurance, but I still had to pay around $600.  I am avoiding having things done because of cost, even though I am currently insured.  "	"I'm for National Health Insurance, or a National Health Service.  The US does not rank #1 in health care internationally, by surveys and experience. Providers try their best, but it is so complicated with the current payment system."	"Buy your own transplant coverage, and just give us the basics - exams, basic blood work, doctor's visits, immunizations, birth control. basic surgeries."	"Health care/coverage should be separated from employment.  People stay in terrible jobs, or where they should not, because they do not want to lose health insurance. Uncouple them."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/16/06 6:53 PM
4299	The high cost; uneven distribution.	Need a plan for the working poor that actually delivers.	Less luxurious bullshit.	Prevention costs less.	female	NULL	No	Black or African American	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/16/06 7:54 PM
4300	"I am concerned re: rising health care costs and lack of health care access for the un and underinsured.  Increasing share of dollars are going to insurance companies and organizations that do billing, etc.    Increased efforts to control the costs of escaluating prescription costs are also needed.  Medicare Part D is a good step; however, the enrollment process must be simplified!"	"I believe that some form of government insurance program to assure that all persons have access to care is going to be needed in the future.  Large corporations/businesses are negotiating large discounts with health care organizations, thus pushing costs to individuals that are not part of these preferred provider contracts.  I believe employers and individuals should contribute to the gov't premium.   I also believe that incentives (lower premiums) should be available for those who do not smoke, practice good health habits (i.e. exercise programs, etc)."	"I believe that the American public is willing to reduce accept the fact that hospitals do not need to be built like fancy hotels; not all hospitials or clinics need to offer each high-tech test, etc.  These services should be coordinated among providers/facilities."	Quality care is critical;  minimum standards of care must be assured.  All persons must have access to quality care.  	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/16/06 8:37 PM
4301	Emergency Room anytime with a minor complaint and not pay a What concerns me most is that anyone can go to the dime ever and be held accountable for it. What also concerns me is the people on medicaid that go to the ER for minor complaints when they can go to their primary doctor or clinic driving up the cost of health care. Another concern is the cost of the physicians malpractice insurance. As it stands now there is scarce emergency coverage for specialty services due to the rising costs of malpractice insurances. Our emergency room has to go on neuro diversion every single weekend just because we do not have a neuro surgeon. We no longer have GI coverage period after hours and this is just the tip of the ice berg. When the malpractice rates jumped so did our doctors- they jumped ship and where did that leave the patients? 	I think persons that do not have health care should be allowed to pay their health care according to a sliding scale.	"I do not think the American public is willing to make any trade-offs for access to affordable, high quality health care. The American public thinks they are owed something. They think they are entitled to health care and other benefits."	Increase the availablity of health care professionals. Increase the number of Nurse Practitioners	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/16/06 9:10 PM
4302	"Rising cost for coverage, the amount of coverage decreasing."	How its paid.	Those in need of insurance will do what they can to keep it.  They'll scarifice where needed to keep their coverage.	A uniform health care program for the USA.  A standard cost/expense for health care.	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	1/16/06 9:43 PM
4303	"The number of individuals who are uninsured, thus not getting the health care that will reduce costs in the long run."	Is it fair to lay the costs of health care on employers?  I think not.  There should also be built in a way for consumers to have an incentive to look at cost when selecting providers and services.  I'd like to see a universal health care system.  It would have to be more efficient that the hodge podge we currently have.	"For those who can afford to do so, paying for more of their benefits costs so that they have an investment in lowering the costs & not having un-necessary tests.  Obviously, there must be a way that doesn't price the low income individuals out of the system."	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/16/06 9:49 PM
4305	The cost of health care and prescriptions for the retired and elderly.  Medicare D is turning into a confusing mess for the elderly.	The government needs to set some parameters on the cost of medications and some how regulate the pharmacutical companies.	There should not be trade-offs.  The aging deserve good medical care and the proper medications. They should not have to choose between food and medications. There should be a simple drug plan ( obviously not Medicare D)	Allow the physicians to order the medications that the patient needs not what the government or Drug company decides the patient needs.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/16/06 10:13 PM
4306	The high % of the population that is uninsured and has minimal to no meaningful access to healthcare.	"Government and employers should pay a higher percentage.  Individuals cannot really afford the cost of major disease in this country.  Only wealthy families can absorb the cost of major illness of any one member without major financial damage to their families.  We also need new kinds of healthcare facilities, for example, neighborhood nursing centers which offer health promotion activities by nurses and physical exams and treatment by nurse practitioners who can diagnose and prescribe."	"Increase availability of generic drugs.  Policies should mandate most conservative treatment first unless there is compelling evidence otherwise.  Less spending in the final two months of life.  People are very open to ""mid-level"" (non-M.D.) providers and there should be more of these."	Promote neighborhood nurse-managed health centers.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/17/06 12:02 AM
4308	The extra money senior citizens are having to pay for prescription medications. What a crime for one of the richest nations in the world. 	"Yes, issue a debt card to every American that can be used each time for doctor visits, medications, hospital care etc."	Why not cut some of the money we send for foreign aid and put it into health care cost for all Americans. 	Provide full coverage of prescription medications to senior citizens. 	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	1/17/06 8:49 AM
4315	"Home care is getting little to no support from Congress,and vital dollars are being removed from the reimbursement for high end medical products and services.Key items like home oxygen therapy are about to undergo significant changes in reimbursemment that could drastically impact our Seniors getting an support in teh home for these products and services. Hospitlas and payers still dictate patient care...not the physician who is treating you ! "	"People need to take more responsibility for making decisions about their healthcare services they require.Items that are conveniences need to be paid less by Medicare and private payers,and items that are medically necessary need to be kept on fair and equitable fee schedules."	"We need to look at health care much like we do buying glasses.We think nothing of going to the opthamologist to get our eyes tested and paying a co-pay for that service, then going to the optometrist and picking out frames and options that are not covered under our vision plan, knowing we have to pay the difference, but getting what we want(versus what we need). I think we simply need to understand that BASIC healthcare benefits are a necessity, but neither federal or state subsidies can or should give us everything we want, any time we want it, whether it is a vital part of our Plan of Care or not."	" We need to start looking at disease management of the top 5 diagnoses that impact Americans. This disease management needs to include all players in the healthcare continuum, not just hospitals or not just doctors, but all ancillary fields that provide the critical products and services that enable us to keep people inteh least costly and most preferred environment possible...our own homes."	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/17/06 10:04 AM
4319	decreasing support for health care organizations to provide adequate resources for patients	yes	"None, If the American public is forced to make trade offs, then there is no such thing as affordable, high quality health care"	Increase reimbursements	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/17/06 10:31 AM
4320	"Prices, restrictions on providers, level of care received"	"Individuals pay more in co-pays and out of network providers than necessary, I would like to be able to choose where I go and not have to pay outrageous prices to do so.  I have to travel 45 minutes to go to a doctor in my network, 10 minutes away there is a doctor that I use to go to but that clinic is no longer in my network.  It's very frustrating.  "	"In order to get the services I want and where I want them I would be willing to pay a SMALL amount more, but not double!  "	"HAVE HEALTH CARE FOR ALL AMERICANS, if people receive health care and preventative care we won't have the major diseases and issues and consequently high hospital bills if the symptoms can be dealth with early on."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/17/06 11:03 AM
4323	the over bloated regulations facing hospitals are driving the cost of health care. It is estimated that 35 minutes out of every hour of patient care is spent by a nurse documenting. Most of this documentation is to meet regulatory guidelines. Nurses are leaving in droves. the JCAHO acreditation process nees a major overhaul. allow healthcare providers to provide care not spend hours a day and exhorbitant dollars on mostly useless activities.	we keep looking at ways to pay for care rather than  reevaluate the reasons for the rising costs.	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	NULL	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/17/06 11:48 AM
4324	The lack of equal access to healthcare in America.  All persons in America should have equal access to healthcare no matter what their economic status is.   	Yes.  A standard system of billing should be created in order to simplify the amount of paperwork and time.  	I really feel that the american public is willing to make trade-offs in order to see that all Americans have equal access to healthcare.  	We need to start working on plans for healthcare in the future to ensure that it will be affordable and available to all people.  	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/17/06 12:52 PM
4326	My concerns focue on the issue of access in the setting of continued decrease in CMS payment to physicians due to the flawed reimbursement formula.	" am very concerned with the 4.4% reduction in Medicare reimbursement that we have received as of Jan 06.  I have written my congressional representatives several times regards this issue, apparently to no avail.     As you well know this further decrease is tied to the fundamentally flawed reimbursement formula that provides for continued reductions in reimbursement for years to come. Not only does this situation adversely affect Medicare reimbursement, but also reimbursement from other sources as many insurers tie their reimbursement to Medicare policy.     We simply cannot allow this to continue.  I am in solo, independent family practice in a small town in south-central Wisconsin.  I will not deny services to my elderly patients.  However, I am considering restricting my practice to new Medicare folks. I have a healthy practice, but I am concerned for the future viability of my practice.  Will I be driven out of business due to governmental cuts?  I am sure that our urban colleagues are limiting access to their practices from Medicare patients. I believe that we will see a national access crisis in the near future.     Congress simply must fix the flawed Medicare reimbursement formula.      "	NULL	"accessibility, quality, "	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/17/06 1:34 PM
4327	"Use of unlicensed personnel to perform invasive or assessments;    Wide unregulated, unmonitored dissemination of personal and private information both medical and nonmedical;    Continued efforts by medicine to limit scope or place restrictions on advanced nursing practice but their widespread use of physician assistants especially in rural areas without oversight or monitoring thus allowing independent practice by less well educated practitioners (most have Bachelors as differentiated from NPs who largely have MS or MSN degrees) with limited or no prior medical background prior to their PA training;    Reliance on diverse insurance parameters as standards of care (if not paid, most clients cannot afford to obtain these services or medications out of pocket);    Money driven rather than service driven health care industry;     Reactive rather than proactive or preventative  reimbursement which therefore focuses care accordingly."	"Provide medical service accounts without strings or limitations to who, what, where, or when; if benefit is employment based, make it portable; if not employment based, make it tax exempt AND affordable."	I think people believed Medicare Part D WAS the tradeoff they were making; they believed in the government's promise of accessible and affordable prescriptions through this benefit. They naysayers were overrriden and ignored and NOW we find that most of the concerns expressed early on have come to bear.	"Get rid of the middle people: drug / medical equipment/large corporations out of the lobby/ regulation/reimbursement process.      Make health care a matter between the provider and the client.    There are simply too many non clinical layers; those layers cost money; the promises of managed care in the late 80s and early 90s have simply not come true...those nonclincal middle layer services must be paid for.    The outcome to date has been to restrict care and services to clients while those same funds are used to support these middle layer businesses, and to provide 'incentive' payments such as those to large corporate (example: Kaiser Permanente) providers for limiting access to basic Medicare coverage."	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	MI	1/17/06 1:56 PM
4337	"Access. I believe basic health care should be available universally.  We focus on treatment, not prevention. And we spend far too much on end-of-life care. "	All equally important.	I'm not optimistic .	"Consider a single-payer universal health care system, with optional self-pay additions. "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	1/17/06 4:33 PM
4338	 The cost and fear of losing coverage.  The silly advertising by drug and insurance companies.  How much of our premieums go into that?  The shameless profits of insurance and drug companies.	"First, let's get one thing straight, the average person who works for a living is very aware of the costs of health care.  We need to look at a single payer system.  Insurance companies should not be directing health care."	"This is not about trade-off's.  It's about a RIGHT that many people don't have.  We need a proggessive tax system for quality health care for all Americans.  A progressive tax is also good for the prosperity of the country.  However, as long as this administration is in power, I'm not expecting any health care reform, look at Medicare D!  We have to remove the profits from health care."	We need a new paradiem for health care That stress the right of the individual to receive the care she/he needs when needed.  Health care does not belong in the stock market.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/17/06 5:49 PM
4339	lack of access to care for lower middle employed legal citizens	basic health care funded by the government	NULL	"socialized medicine with strict requirements for participation i.e no smoking for heart transplant,"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/17/06 5:51 PM
4340	The way the elderly are treated by the current government.  They see them as easy targets.  	This is all well and good while you're working but for the middle class and poor the quality of health care drops dramatically once you stop working.  Health care should be approached as providing for the life of the individual.	I have no problem with socialized health care coverage.  It would offer continuitity.	The government is more interested in how changes can benefit insurance and pharmaceutical companies; put the peoples interest FIRST and for their entire life.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	1/17/06 5:58 PM
4342	"That the model for delivering health care is fundamentally flawed.  And I've seen very little discussion about abandoning that model.  This is not a problem without a solution, but someone in a position of influence needs to muster the courage to challenge the status quo."	"The government should focus more on regulating the costs of health care services and less on who is paying for them.  Prices for routine care are clearly inflated.  Government shouldn't pay for routine care -- government should make it illegal for providers to charge inflated premiums for routine care and illegal for insurance carriers to deny payment for routine care.  If I pay for health care benefits, I should get routine care.  All we need is legislation to define routine care and create a committee charged with the task of defining upper limits of affordability based on income levels.    In other words, government should govern through laws, not dollars.  If I hear that the government is planning to subsidize cancer screenings for $40 a pop, I will be very disappointed.  Might as well just tell everyone that we're giving up on health care and cut a check for a few billion dollars to split between the greedy insurance carriers."	"That's just a strange question.  Obviously you aren't talking about money or health care here, since you want to know what trade-offs are acceptable along to road to low cost AND high benefits.  So, are you asking about the means to that end?  Are you asking whether I support nationalized health care?  I think the American public is willing to accept whatever works.  But the current approaches to delivering health care and the current system for pricing that health care clearly rule out the result of ""affordable, high quality health care.""  Personally, I'm willing to sacrifice the insurance carriers and let someone else handle the financing -- probably not the government, though.    "	"We need to create a paradigm shift away from insurance toward delivery.  The problem is not that individuals can't afford insurance.  The problem is that they can't get care.  Create a health care subscription concept and encourage organizations to deal with this shortcoming at the root.  If I pay $5,000 in premiums, I should get all the visits and tests I need to figure out whether there's anything wrong with me -- if there is, then we can talk about insurance.      Honestly, I really think the best way to improve health care for all Americans is to begin a movement of all health care delivery and financing toward the non-profit sector.  Physicians don't like the profit game anyway -- they'll be happy, we'll be happy, and we can start talking about innovations in medicine instead of double-digit increases in premiums every year."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/17/06 6:47 PM
4343	"  The fragmented insurance system...always rising, not affordable by ever-growing numbers of people...the instability in an unsustainable system resistant to change that continually drains money from consumers, and underpays providers."	"1) All individuals pay in 4.25% of adjusted net.  2) All employers match the 4.25% contributions to the fund.  3) All cigarette settlement funds and taxes are used to cover start-up costs.  4) All participants become mandatory critical organ donation.     a: all non-critical organ donations are still voluntary.     b: the surviving health insurers can service that portion of the populace that refuses organ donation for religious reasons.  5) Participation in this plan will be voluntary for health care providers, but once they submit a bill to the fund, they are deemed as participants...for life.  6) Unionize health care workers by field; in different unions - i.e. force nurses to worry about nurses and patients, force doctors to worry about doctors and their patients, etc. "	"  More than 80% of consumers (and BUSINESS!) will support a single payer system as long as they are not falsely terrified of imaginary repercussions, and illegal retaliation."	"  All Americans require affordable health care. A binding resolution, passed jointly by the House and Senate to achieve the above goal within one year (without detail), would start an equitable discussion about realistic options."	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/17/06 7:14 PM
4344	Health care is only available to a select group of people in our country.  If you do not abtain insurance from an employer you must be dirt poor to receive health care form the goverment.	"I think health insurance should be removed from the connection to a job all together.  When you get sick, you can not work and then you lose your health coverage. This makes no sense. Also employers try to provide the cheapest plan availabe in order to save dollars.  The whole system does not promote health and wellness in this country and is making it more and more difficult to obtain good health care.  This system is set up with  a series of conflict of interest    "	"Health care should be set up like social security.  All Americans have to pay into it.  All businesses have to pay into it.  All doctors and hospitals have to accept it.  Then people could get fair and equal health care no matter what job they have, what ailment they have, and they will be free to choose a doctor or medical institution that they please.  It will help to improve the competition in the medical community.  "	Take the control of health care away from employers and private insurance companies.  No one should be able to profit from the illness of people and the people who provide the care should be compensated fairly.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	1/17/06 7:35 PM
4345	The cost of end of life and terminal care or futile treatments at this stage of life.	"Health Care for all with a system of payment based on earnings. ie. Someone that makes 100,000 year would contribute more than someone who makes $20,000 year. No government involvement."	THe American public does not understand the trade-off that would be made. Access to health care in a timely manner and giving up expensive treatment for en-stage diseases may be the first to go. Long waites for care as well.	"Cost containment, less procedures and tests would be ordered if we limit medical melpractice cases."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/17/06 8:46 PM
4346	The large number of uninsured Americans who are employed.	National System that everyone pays into. If that is not possible an insurance that meets everyone needs that is afforable.  If companies do not offer health insurance for theor employees then afforable insurance for employees should be available to purchase.  this insurance can be private or government own.  the insurance should allow all to join waving previous health issues. Individual who can afford to buy their insurance is denied because of present chronic illnesses.	"This is difficult to answer co-pay should be base on individual afforability.  A person making $20,0000 a year co-pay should be less than a person making 100,0000 a year.  The same quality of care should be given to all who desire the same type of treatment. The best chemo therapy treatment should be given to the poor as wellas the rich for cancer. Maybe money can be set aside for health care starting at birth with small amount of payment used to cover doctor's visit and prescription medicine. the end result is lower charges for prescription medication and doctor visits so it can be afforable. this will save in the run for the consumer.  Because money is set aside at the start of life then insurance is used as a supplement to pay any bills not covered.  this may decreased insurance."	"Preventive health care. Physicals anually, weight reduction programs, nutrition, excercise.  I am a firm believer that regular physicals will catch the start of any illnesses and diet with excercise with good weigt control will prevent chronic illnesses."	female	NULL	No	Black or African American	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	1/17/06 8:58 PM
4347	Lack of access to primary care and to specialists by poor people.  That includes more than 45 million people without health insurance.	I think we should have universal health insurance with individual premiums supplemented by government.  Premiums dependent on income level.	This is probably not answerable as a generalization.  I am willing to pay a premium that ensures access to affordable care and that does not involve co-pays.	Create a program of universal health care modeled on the Medicare program.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/17/06 9:42 PM
4348	reimbursment for procedures but not presence of the physician	single payor system	longer time for appointments.	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	MI	1/17/06 9:50 PM
4349	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/17/06 10:47 PM
4350	The fact that most don't have any health care and the people that do still can't afford to go to the doctor	"how does Canada,Britain,Germany & Taiwan do it?"	We Americans don't wan't any trade-offs we just want health care. Or should I say NEED health care.	I don't know the answer to that but I can tell you I have a so called very good health plan compared to most people yet the pain I've been having in my heart still cost me over a $1000 out of my own pocket to find out why and the doctor says nothing is wrong with my heart. I still have chest pain constantly yet I can't even afford to have a second oppinion. Many junkies and drug users get cheaper health care and that is a very sad thing.	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/17/06 10:51 PM
4351	The one concern I have regarding health care in America Today would be the lack of nurses with compassion for patients and their needs outside of the physical problem. As I begin my nursing career I look around and see nurses treating patients with great competency but merely lacking compassion. I know very well and understand that this is a growing concern in this current age as this was at the top of a nurses list of tasks in the past and should be today. I am very aware that this issue is being addressed in a broad fashion and for that I am pleased. Being culturally competent and able to deal with a patient psychologically as well as physically is crucial to patient care and rehabilitation. Nursing schools across the nation as well as my own are emphasizing psychological and cultural awareness and I hope it grows to be a large part of nursing education as well as nursing practice. 	"I believe that there are many changes that should be made to this system as I have seen the way people abuse this system on a daily basis. For example, first of all, I believe that Medicaid should more extensively evaluate to whom and for what they are paying for. People that qualify abuse this system by going to an Emergency room for minor aches and pains when a doctor or an advanced practice nurse could easily be consulted. By suggesting that a co-pay be required for those having Medicaid as a benefit may disassociate the reason for having it at all but abusing the system should have its consequences. Secondly, Medicaid along with any other type of insurance is a benefit and while companies may need to make improvements, most negligence comes from the consumer and could be avoid by slight education on the benefits and resources that the insurance companies provide. I believe that by the consumer educating himself or herself, employers along with the government and individuals would decrease overall costs and gain much more benefits."	"I believe that the American public is willing to make and has made many sacrifices to ensure that individuals have access to high quality health care.  I know and have seen many nurses as well as doctors volunteer to provide high quality healthcare to those who cannot afford and do not qualify for medical insurance. As for the American public in general I believe that increasing the amount of taxes paid in order to be able to include health care when distributing tax dollars among freshly paved roads, alleyways, city landscaping etc… would be a tremendous trade off in the long run. "	"Improving conditions in which health care is provided would be my number one recommendation. By that I mean providing hospitals with the best equipment available, hiring the finest nurses, and providing them with an appropriate patient load. Nurses today are the key to healthcare but without the conditions and equipment necessary the best care possible cannot be provided. By listening and working with the American public I believe that the government will come to understand that healthcare is crucial and must become a top priority on a list of many important concerns. "	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/17/06 11:02 PM
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4353	we pay to muchto lower	NULL	NULL	to lower the cost	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	1/17/06 11:45 PM
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4355	Lack of coverage for everyone	All should have care and payment should be based on income (with a cap) A woman in poverty should be able to get medicaid when she need it even without children. 	"We should have a nationwide health care lottery or some sort of exchange for ""health dollors"" program."	Equal access to good health care	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/18/06 4:53 AM
4356	"The fragmented NON-system that we have today causes extreme variation in care such that some individuals get very good (appropriate, cost-effectve and sometimes lifesaving)care, some get massive quantities of expensive services that the don't really benefit from, and some get no care at all."	"I find it interesting that you list ""government"" but not ""insurance"" as a payment source.  Of course insurance payments come from funds originally paid by individuals and employers, but the same is true of the goverment.  The incredible inefficiency of our system of ""third party payment"" arrangements is one of the biggest problems, siphoning off massive amounts of money that goes not for medical care, but for administrative paper pushing.  Direct payment by patients with reimbursement available as a benefit from employers or government sources would greatly streamline the process and save money."	"In general, people will trade almost any aspect of care to save out of pocket expense.  I believe, much as it pains me to say so, that the majority of our citizens would prefer a universal system, paid for with tax dollars and offering fairly limited choices because that would save them from having to study options, make decisions or save money to pay their own future expenses.  Do I think that such a plan is a good idea?   NO!  I think it fosters a ""learned helplessness"" that leads to an unsustainable welfare state.  But you asked what I think the ""public"" would accept."	"The incredible power wielded by the ""health insurance"" and pharmaceutical industries is the biggest driving force in medicine today.  I believe regulation at the federal level is needed to break up that power and to force ""the right thing"" from those big interests.  A condition of offering any ""health plan"" should be that it MUST cover standard preventive services such as screening tests and immunizations, and at low or no out of pocket expense to encourage utilization of those services.  This requirement should especially be pushed for high deductible insurance plans paired with Health Savings Accounts.  "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	1/18/06 9:16 AM
4357	"1)The number of people that are uninsured at some point of their lives.   2) The rising costs for one and all.  3) The lack of conscientous preventive care for insured and uninsured alike.  4)  A health care system that in some case can  cause so many families' bankrupties.  5) The fact that it is more cost-effective to go to an emergency room for those that have some form of insurance and the resulting lack of ""emergency"" care available in ERs and their crowding."	"Yes, the government can start by dismissing interest groups that are in the ""business"" of health care and begin to see health care as an utility for the economic well-being of the country, once that's done there should be some form of government-provided basic care that all citizens pay into, in the forms of taxes."	"Impossible to speak for all citizens but some of those things could be:  somewhat higher taxes that guarantee some form of basic care - non-bankrupting care; possibly choosing to forgo technology driven health care; not having tests done for the sake of them, when a doctor is only doing them to avoid lawsuits but truly doesn't think them necessary."	"A Department of Human Health and Welfare that does just that, "	female	NULL	Yes	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DC	1/18/06 12:11 PM
4360	The link between economics and access to health care. Many people go without the most basic health care because of an inability to pay and/or lack of health insurance. 	"Absolutely. I think that the most basic health care needs, especially preventive care, should be covered by our government. "	"The majority of the American public supports access to affordable, high quality health care for themselves and their families. This does not translate into a willingness to pay more taxes to help the general American population who otherwise would not be able to afford health care. Because government-financed health care has continuously been framed as a socialistic idea, the public has been tricked into thinking that health care is a privilege and not a right. If access if re-framed as a right, the American public may start to become more willing to make the necessary financial trade-offs to ensure access to all.   "	"Our government needs to shift its focus from ""national security"" and taking care of the rich to taking care of the health of all Americans. If programs like Medicare and Medicaid are expanded and not continuously cut, this would be a wonderful step in the right direction. "	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	NV	1/18/06 12:21 PM
4361	Inadequate skills and honesty in its leadership and its practitioners; inadequate skills in implementing computing aids; disparities in treatment based on ethnicity or income level.  	"no.  Free markets work best.  However, there needs to be a better safety net."	NULL	"Check the credentials and track record of your physician or other healthcare provider, especially with regard to discipline (including in other states), malpractice events.  Such resources should be made more available."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/18/06 12:45 PM
4362	"The amount of people who do not have health care and the rising cost cost of health care (meaning even more people will be without since they will not be able to afford health care).    Also, the way health care in America is addressed.  Instead of focusing on preventative care (which is incredibly less expensive), Americans wait until something happens to seek out medical care. "	"More and more of the cost is going to the individual without any type of compensation (increase in pay, etc).  People are getting to the point where they cannot afford the monthly premiums to keep their health care.  This issue needs to be addressed.    Also, health care is getting very expensive for a number of reasons (increased technology, people living longer and needing more medical attention, etc) and so the employer is having to pay more for health care for their employees and so those extra costs get passed on to the employer.  Even though health care coverage is getting more expensive for the employer, the employer is still concerned about the bottom line.  Passing these costs (as well as additional health care costs) is one way for a business to save money.  "	"I think that many Americans who can afford health care will not make any trade-offs with their own benefits.  Many Americans might be willing to pay more in taxes, but that is not certain.  With all of the talk about medical coverage prices increasing until it encompasses the entire federal (and state) budgets in 20 - 30 years down the road, people might be hesitant to pay more in taxes.    Medicaid provider fraud is a good place to start."	Start focusing on preventative care.  Teach children the importance of eating right and exercising.  This is a hard lesson when there is a fast food restaurant on every corner of every block.  People need to understand the positive effects of taking care of themselves every day.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	1/18/06 12:58 PM
4363	prohibitive costs	"savings plan - if an amount of money isn't spent by an individual, person is reimbursed or has the option of rolling savings over to the next yr."	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/18/06 1:26 PM
4364	The cost of care on the blue collar worker and the abuse of the Medicaid system.  Seeing patients come into the ER for a two week long sore throat instead of going to a clinic is financially unacceptable.	Changes do need to be made to the system; my guess would be to lessen the number of payers into the system. Possibly remove the government as a payer and change their role to one closer to a managerial role – overseeing the system and controlling negligence.	"A person would be willing to make amendments, but I believe that it is going to be very difficult to get the public as a whole to agree to any significant changes.  The result, there will always be those who disagree no matter what the changes would be."	First and foremost is control the abuse.  The abuse I am talking about is the fraudulent claims by physicians and hospitals (I am NOT insinuating that all physicians and hospitals practice this).  The second is the frequent flyer to the ER for nonemergent care.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/18/06 1:53 PM
4365	That people who are disabled or working only part-time cannot afford health insurance.	There should be rewards for doctors who provide preventative care. It should be easier for Americans to shop for the best value in healthcare.	A cap on how many priamry care visits per year. Perhaps a medical services account that could be cashed in at the end of the year if not used up.	There has to be a program which woul dmake health access available to all American citizens.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/18/06 2:14 PM
4366	Astronomical cost of drugs......both to the consumer and the provider (especially hospital-based facilities).  I worry about drugs that do not 'cure people' but only extend their lives by a few months as such high financial cost.  I believe they should not be approved by the FDA unless they extend ones life by enough to make a difference (at least one year).  Same for procedures.	NULL	"American's in general want it all!  That is our problem and the reason we are in this situation.  When you ask a healthy person what they're willing to give up, you may get many that say extending life is not as important as quality and saving money.  But, the minute they get sick, or a loved one gets sick, the story changes.  We need to stop offering these options."	"Stricter guidelines for drug/product/equipment approval until the drug (or whatever) can make a bigger impact.  There are drugs approved in oncology that offer mear weeks extension of life at huge, huge economic burden.  It's stupid!"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ID	1/18/06 2:19 PM
4372	"One thing that concerns me is the problem with the nurse-patient ratio.  Also, the workload and the overtime that nurses have is very demanding.    "	Not really.  At least not at this time.	"At this time, I don't believe that the American public is at a point to make any trade-offs.  "	One would be to make health care more affordable to the population.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/18/06 2:50 PM
4375	"1. What concerns you most about health care in America today?      The working poor, those with low paying jobs that do not provide health care benefits and/or those only able to find part time work in today’s economy whom are then ineligible for health care benefits.  I am employed at HMC and many of the poor are eligible for Medicaid for their outpatient medications and follow up care if they are so disabled they can not work, but if they are able to work at least part time they are penalized by having no health care coverage.    "	"Unfortunately I am not at all sure the wealthy American public will ever go for a plan of this sort.  My impression of most wealthy individuals, particularly those in the Republican Party, is that they believe being poor  or under employed is the fault of the individual and that because of that fault, that weakness of character, they deserve to be sick and unable to care for their own health."	"Unfortunately I am not at all sure the wealthy American public will ever go for a plan of this sort.  My impression of most wealthy individuals, particularly those in the Republican Party, is that they believe being poor  or under employed is the fault of the individual and that because of that fault, that weakness of character, they deserve to be sick and unable to care for their own health.    "	National Health Care    	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/18/06 3:17 PM
4378	Far too many folks can't afford to pay for health care!	The obscene and bloated Pentagon should be greatly cut back and the money spent on mass murder and destruction in war could then be spent to care for the lives of all citizens.	Tax the richest corporations - make them pay their fair share and cut backon the military madness and the monay saved would be ample for universal health care.	"Besides redistribution of wealth - EDUCATE people at a young age to take care of their diet and to exercise and prevention, prevention, prevention is the word!"	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/18/06 3:24 PM
4380	Cost and access	"Better ways of including individuals who do not have health care through their employer, make too much for Medicaid, make too little to purchase insurance individually."	Unfortunately too many want it all.  We need to retrain American's way of thinking that not everything is free.	Promote responsibility for own actions	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ME	1/18/06 3:26 PM
4382	"The number of people in this great, rich country who are the poorest and the most at risk not having access to reliable health care."	"I believe that payments by all of the above are important in the scheme for providing health care.  Those who don't have the money or employee subsidies should have coverage from the government, with co-pays based upon ability to pay. Some people because they lack primary care have to go the route of emergency care, which may be much less effective and much more expensive.  "	"The rich should pay more to subsidize the care of the poor, and companies should be required to provide some coverage for regular, long-term employees. The drug and medical services industry should be monitored and regulated, if necessary, to ensure that costs and profit margins are kept within reason. Members of Congress should be required to be enrolled in the same systems as ordinary citizens. I do believe that some people if they are educated, counseled, and supported, would be willing to forego some of the very expensive end of life technologically advanced treatment if they understand that it won't necesarily extend their life span or enhance it, but will save money that could be used for someone else's care and treatment.   "	"Health care for adults and children be considered a basic right for all in our democratic society, and provided for all, no exceptions. "	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/18/06 4:03 PM
4383	Lack of health care for too many Americans. We need a universal health care program that covers everyone.	We need a single payer system to get rid of expensive administrative overhead. Have Federal Express run it or some non-governmental agency.	Get rid of high administrative overhead and no trade-offs will be needed. We can provide care for everyone in the U.S. at the same cost as we are paying today.	Single payer system 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	TX	1/18/06 4:10 PM
4385	The cost and unavailability for healthcare for ALL citizens	"Healthcare should be a SERVICE to our citizens, not a Business for insurance carriers.  How is it possible, that the richest country on this planet, can not provide quality healthcare for all!  Socialized medicine or a similar program would be better than the profit oriented system we have now! At least everyone would be able to get help when they need it, not only the affluent!"	"Why should there be trade-offs?  Dont we pay enough taxes already?  If our tax money can finance a war, it surely can finance our healthcare!"	"Stop making healthcare a profitable business for insurance companies. They are willing to pay $30.000 to amputate a leg, but will not pay regular visits to the podiatrist at 120.00 per visit, to prevent that!!"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/18/06 4:30 PM
4387	"Health care is a right for all citizens.It should NOT be for profit. Caps must be placed on Dr's, hospitals,pharmaceuticals in order to take the profit out of it.Health care must not be tied to employement but be provided by our Gov't via federal taxes. No insurance companies need to run it and make money off of illness. It  should be a single payer system , pubicly operated with a citizen's advisory committee of laymen as well as medical professionals, NOT run as a business."	"Companies need to be fully taxed with NO loopholes or tax write offs in order to pay their assesed federal taxes. In that way, health care financing would be provided. All Americans need to continue to pay income tax according to what they earn for health care provision,  a single payer system.Currently, our tax system needs complete overhall so that Corporations ( large and small) pay according to what they earn, not what they are able to write off). The bigger the corporation, the more they  need to pay! Health care must NOT be tied to employment but be provided for EVERY  citizen , no matter age,disablitiy,whether they work or not.If health care were a line item in the federal budget, there would be less money to waste on starting wars, taking over other countries,forcing Western policies on countries that hate the US.Priority would be to health and wellness of the entire American population. The US would be a model, not a joke for other world powers to model. Capitalism in medicine is killing us! This has to be changed. We are fat, stressed, diabetic, angry,AIDs ridden, over drugged, mentally ill, sexually out of control,with families in shambles, because PEOPLE are last in priority. Putting money, power and greed over health will cause the US to crumble! "	"Put the financial burden back on those earning the most money... corporate American and foreign stockholders , CEO's,  and their boards.Equalize the burden of income distribution. We  have a national responsibilty to take care off ALL of our citizens, including providing preventive care, wellness programs, education of our populace in taking care of themselve sand that includes mental health and treatment.Many would be willing to see their tax money spent for health care for everyone rather than on wars,militaries,killing, domination of other countries so that we can ""steal their resources""! "	"Make it a RIGHT for all Americans,in a constitutional amendment. The public must take control back from profitteering Insurance Companies,  Doctors,Pharmaceutical Corporations,Hospitals, Medical Equipment Sales Corps.,etc. HEalth care needs to be publically controlled, capping profits on every segment ."	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	FL	1/18/06 4:34 PM
4389	"The lack of timely, competant , affordable care."	"Yes.  I think that we need a simple,  single-payer plan,  similar to Medicare, and available to all."	"I believe that most Americans would happily agree to pay less than half of what they now pay in premiums and/or deductables in the form of an annual premium, or a healthcare tax."	To implement a single payor healthcare plan as soon as possible.  People are suffering out here.	female	NULL	No	White	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/18/06 4:54 PM
4390	High Cost and inaccessibility for many.	We need single payer (National Government) universal health care.	Apparently people are open to increasing taxes to accomplish the single payer plan.	"Single Payer Universal Health Care which will impact organization of care, distribution of care, quallity of care."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WV	1/18/06 5:09 PM
4392	That  there are people who will die due to lack of access. Not one more person should be denied access based on lack of money or status; nor should any citizen be forced into poverty because they get sick. Why does the USA value corporations and their profits over human life?	Yes! The time has come for a single payer system!!!!	"Well, let me be direct. The public does not need DTC advertising. Also, the public does not benefit from well-paid pharmacuticle reps or a market based system. Less Research and Dev. of ""lifestyle"" drugs might also save $. "	Universal Healthcare!	female	NULL	No	White	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/18/06 6:01 PM
4393	"That, based on income and status, people receive or do not receive care.  "	WE need a one payer system.	Name brand drugs for generics and longer waits for elective and cosmetic procedures.	"Again, a single payer system."	male	NULL	No	White	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	1/18/06 6:09 PM
4394	"Lack of universal coverage, unequal access to health care, low overall national health standards, wasteful expenditure of health care funding."	Shift to national system of univeral coverage based on the single-payer model.  	"It's not necessary to give up any benefits.  As far as financing, divorce health care from employer-based funding."	Shift to national system of univeral coverage based on the single-payer model.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/18/06 6:39 PM
4395	"We spend more on health care than any other developed nation, yet 16% of us have no health insurance.  Health care is not a necessity in this country; it is a luxury.  Yet our doctors are financially well-to-do, and spending huge dollars in lobbying for protection from their mistakes.  How is it that a practitioner can do so well providing a social service that is not available to such a large proportion of the population?"	A single-payer system would eliminate the administrative redundancy and waste that occurs when a plethora of private insurers scramble to figure out how not to pay claims.	"The financing is already there in the federal tax system.  For all except the financially elite, there is only an upside to the benefits equation."	Single-payer administration.  This does not mean that our health care professionals are government employees.  It simply means that there is one benefit structure and one administrator to process 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	1/18/06 7:07 PM
4396	"The replacement of the health care ministry that I joined when I got my M.D. degree 41 years ago with a commodities market run by profit-oriented companies and administrators, often with little or now knowledge of or interest in medicine, except as a means of making money.  EXTORTION?"	Medicine should be provided free to the sick and paid for by a graduated income tax.  	"I do not know what the public is willing to do.  We would save enormous amounts of money by offering a Medicare for all system to be run by the government, not (like Medicare D) a gift to obscenely profitable corporations.  The focus should be patients, not $2,000 per plate fund-raising dinners. "	"Free health care for anyone who wants it.  Our current sytem costs more than twice per capita what other industrialized countries are spending to get superior results.  Our costs are driven up by profits, excessive number of administrators who obstruct care and cost money, and delay and denial of care for the sick."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/18/06 7:10 PM
4398	"Inequity in access.  The huge financial power of the health insurance industry, and to a lesser extent, of the pharmaceutical industry, to undermine major reform."	"The systen is unbelievably irrational: the quality of medical care delivered is poor on average, the costs uncontrollable, and access is inequitable. The new medicare drug legislation is illustrates the problems of the system in more than a kafkaesque way.     What needs to change, first and foremost, is the concept of what kind of good health care is: not a market commodity, but a social right. Only then we can begin talking about the best way to finance it, and to distribute the ""pie"" (whatever money is gathered). It seems to me that the single payer model would work best in the United States. "	"I do not know. The ""public"" is too broad a category. The ones who would lose the most are the ones who are now making the big bucks out of the mess, and have enough money to buy the care they need. Everybody should pitch into a common-risk pool if this is going to work at all. I am skeptical, because of the huge financial interests committed to undermine any effort. "	"Single payer.  Regulate pharmaceutical industry  Eliminate health insurance industry (other than for elective procedures, or improvements such as private hospital rooms, etc).   Common (non-risk rated) risk pool.    The ""creative"" alternative to ""eliminate"" the ininsured by providing ""affordable"" insurance that is good for nothing (that is full of small print restrictions), is a national disgrace. "	female	NULL	Yes	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/18/06 7:27 PM
4399	The high cost of coverage and the high number of uninsured.	We should have a single payer system which would be more efficient and cost effective.	They would be willing to trade in the confusion and fear for reliablity. Single payer would cover everyone and save money too. No need to give up quality or access.	A national health system modeled after the Medicare or Kaiser -Permanente single payer system that covers every resident in the U.S.	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/18/06 7:28 PM
4400	"The health care of our nation should not be sacrificed to the requirements of generating profit.    The current systm has too much waste, is too expensive, does not provide acess to many citizens, and seems not to deliver care on a par with other economically developed countries."	"I am strongly convinced that a single-payer government-run system would be most economical and equitable, if adequately funded out of the country's tax base."	I think the American public would accept the trade off of higher fair and progressive taxes to get a system that fairly provides basic health benefits to all its citizens.	Closely adapt the Canadian system for the U.S.A. with adequate funding.	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	NY	1/18/06 8:35 PM
4401	the general decline in provider quality especialy in primary care.are you confidant in their ability to diagnose and treat as your were in the past?	our preasent system isn't working.the system is not encouraging the better student to do primary care.	"  the consideration to change compensation back to traditional fee for service where the market determines the fee ,not a third party,might help.the present system has no plans to raise fees but to reduce them yearly.it won't improve care."	make medicine the field we knew it to be.the present system is not working or we wouldn't be having this survey.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/18/06 8:53 PM
4402	The number of uninsured and underinsured and the financial barriers to access care and the resulting poor quality and disjointed services	All or most health care should be financed based on ability to pay which means through taxes and the federal government	Reduced choice in insurance plans	The current system relying on many different payers prevents universal coverage and inhibits quality improvement - we need a government financed health care program through taxes	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/18/06 9:33 PM
4403	"Lack of funds to care for the elderly and underpriviledged.  More often than not many elderly have just enough to not qualify for nursing home placement, but not enough to survive on.  Elderly are often denied healthcare benefits because they own property or have a bank account, yet those funds are not enough to take care of them for the rest of life.  It also concerns me that 44 million in our country have no health insurance.  It's interesting to note that many healtchare workers are not even covered by healthcare.   "	Providing the means for individuals to afford healthcare.  Cutting cost of medical supplies and pharaceuticals. Raising awareness of the consequences of waste and getting rid of policies that require waste. 	"Providing quality healthcare at affordable prices.  Patients have become suspicious of the healthcare system and as a result have become ""sue happy.""  This of course leads to higher premiums on malpractice insurance, which in turn leads to higher office visits etc.  It's a viscious cycle.  Healthcare providers such as APN's and MD's aren't reimbursed enough funds for services to spend the time it takes to establish appropriate relationships with patients and provide necessary teaching to increase healthcare awareness. Increasing awareness and relationships utimately leads to decreased healthcare needs.  "	"Provide tax breaks for healthcare.  Monies are alloted for tax breaks on automobiles  childcare, business expenditures etc.  The government should consider tax breaks for those individuals experiencing hardship with health issues."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/18/06 9:38 PM
4404	"It concerns me that health care is so expensive for people today.  Some people are forced to stay at jobs that they hate, just because they have insurance and know they can't afford it on their own.  That thought disturbs me."	We pay so much for taxes these days.  Is there not any way to use some of that money for health care?	I think people would take less than ideal salaries just to know that they would have good health coverage for themselves and their family.	"I would like to see that all children had access to improved health care.  Medicaid is great, but it is such a hassle to get approved and started on it that many people just give up and accept not having any.  I would like to see Medicaid for less fortunate families more easily accessible."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/18/06 9:50 PM
4406	It is frightening and upsetting that we do not have universal health care.  Health care is a basic human right!	Absolutely.  We should have a single payer system of universal health care by way of national health insurance.  Cover all Americans through Medicare.	"I think we would be willing to pay more in taxes for true universal health care through a single payer national health insurance program.  We would save so much money compared to what is paid for private health insurance, and ALL would be covered."	"Once again, universal health care by way of a single payer national 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	1/18/06 10:42 PM
4407	"I am worried that so many Americans cannot afford health care. Many employers don't provide it, and many people can't afford or even qualify for health insurance. When they get sick, they cannot get adequate care, and some literally end up dying or suffering terribly of diseases that would have been treated if they could have paid."	"We need universal health care. We should look at the Canadian system as a model. Health care should be a right of all people, especially in such a rich country as ours. California is currently trying to pass a universal health care bill on the state level that would insure all of us at no greater expense because of reduced administrative costs. It would be even better at the federal level."	"Except for highly paid administrators, we would be very willing to give up the bureaucratic insurance companies and long lines in crowded emergency rooms (which are expensive too) in order to give reasonable HMO type coverage to all of us."	"All must be covered, and it must include mental health care and drug treatment, our national epidemic. It should also cover prescriptions, emphasizing generics but including whatever is needed for life and health. Medicare should be included to avoid the current prescription coverage mess. The emphasis must be on decent care for people, not high profits for drug companies and others."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/18/06 10:54 PM
4410	The high cost.	A publicly funded heath care system.	Higher taxes.	A health care system based on need rather than ability to pay.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/19/06 12:06 AM
	Duplicate																						na	
4412	The rising cost of health care.	A publicly funded system.	Higher taxes.	A fully fund single payer 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	CA	1/19/06 12:13 AM
4413	The uninsured  Disparities in access  multi-tier health care system	We need to have a one payer system 	They would give up employer based health care and do away with health insurance companies to have a single payer system that ensures equal access to to high quality health care to all residents of this country 	We need National Health Insurance aka Medicare for all...	male	NULL	Yes	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	1/19/06 4:38 AM
4415	"Our present health care system is a disaster. It is inefficient,expensive,and leaves too many uninsured. Shifting demographics bodes financial collapse of health care unless drastic changes are made."	"I am a retired physician but I must admit that a gradual transition to some form of single-payer program is the only answer. Our system needs major surgery,not a band-aid approach."	I dont know. Everyone wants the best of care but most people so far do not want our federal government running it. We need a system in which everyone has access and can afford decent medical care.	"We need to develop a system of health care that is not tied to employment. We need a system that eliminates wasteful spending on insurance,technology. We need to view health care as a right and not a perk."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/19/06 5:44 AM
4416	"Cost, equal access, staff numbers"	"Yes, national health care for the uninsured.Curtail the drug companies."	The bridge to no where in Alaska.Fact finding trips by Congress to golf courses in Scotland.  The health care package we provide to millionaire  members og Congress.(just a start)	"Provide health care, health promotion 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	AR	1/19/06 7:35 AM
4417	less care and I spend more $.  uninsured add a huge subsidy to be paid by us all.	"Universal coverage, administrative details handled by Medicare. Appoint a Healthcare czar much like Alan Greenspan."	I don't think any tradeoffs have to be made. We have been conditioned to think in tradeoffs. 	see answer #2. There is to much waste / inefficiency in our lobby insurance politics system. Those who can afford to pay for premium serive can continue while others opt for universal coverage.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/19/06 7:51 AM
4418	Lack of access and choice. No parity in mental health care. Government and managed care are regulationing fee schedules and access without knowledge. 	"Safety net of care for all US citizens who cannot afford healthcare. No automatic medicare without means testing. Drug coverage bill in Medicare should be eliminated and basic coverage for medication should be provided to all citizens who need it on a financial basis. Eliminate managed care, HMO's and mental health carve-outs which have been a failure. Costs have sky-rocketed since manged care has taken hold. The CEO's of most US companies are raping the profits and leaving less money for healthcare. This includes the CEO's of managed care companies."	"Eliminating the profit that the insurance companies make by letting us purchase coverage on-line and having the insurance be mandatory with no managed care. Changing litigation laws to match laws that other countries havew would save 25% foir defensive medicine. Cnage fee schedule for doctors to reward prevention and time not procedures, anesthesia and unfair hospital billing. Go after the 15% fraud. Doctors, unlike any other profession, are all paid the same rates by Medicare, regardless of the patient's financial means or the doctor's skill and experience. This rewards incompetence."	"We need a comprehensive, coordinated healthcare system run by physicians, not by big business for profit, by special interest groups, nor by lawyers and insurance comnpanies. A utility model with government regulation and going back to traditional coverage where doctors with more expertise and skill get rewarded. "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	1/19/06 7:58 AM
4419	"connection between pharmaceutiacals, insurance companies & physicians"	pull private insurance out of this. set cap on physicians bills - much much lower than now. 	walk away from the marriage of big pharma with big insurance. 	"keep it simple. promote wellness, nutrition, physical activity over pills & surgery. we need the healthcare system a lot less than we think. promote local self reliance. "	female	NULL	No	Asian	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/19/06 8:37 AM
4420	Health Care is no longer affodable for most working Americans forcing many people and many companies to drop coverage.    This shifts the costs to those companies who want to provide health care for their employees & to those who can afford to pay something towards their health care.	Either all employers should be required to pay for a minimum standard health care plan for all their employees...Pt & Ft  ...or the government should make sure that all companies & workers contribute a portion of their taxes to provide national health care	"I  think the American public believes everyone should pay their fair share of health care cost...just like we do for other public services used by everyone...schools, roads,court systems, social security, medicare etc.  Everyone eventually gets sick & uses our health care system at some point in their life."	"Stop the cost shifting by some Employers by penalizing those employers who push their health care costs on the American taxpayer.  If they have a high number of employees in state programs eg medicaid funded by the taxpayer..they should not be eligible for other tax breaks by either local, state, or federal entities."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	1/19/06 9:02 AM
4421	"Regular working folks, even those with insurance through their employers, face financial ruin in the event of a serious illnes or injury.  A large percentage of bankruptcies are due to medical burdens not reckless spending.     There are too many with no health care coverage in our current system.  No one should bleed to death in an emergency room due to lack of insurance."	"Employers really have no business making health care decisions for their employees.  There is an enormous amount of administrative overhead in our current system specifically dedicated to NOT covering or AVOIDING coverage of necessary medical expenses.  In addition, there are too many health care plans for medical service providers to learn the ""rules"" for payment of each one.  We need to figure out a way to divert the administrative waste to covering everyone regardless of ability to pay.  Insurance companies try to ""cherry pick"" those who are the least likely to make a claim."	"Rather than pay premiums to insurance companies, we could pay an income or payroll tax and cover everyone with little or no copayments required.  The idea is to spread the risk of illness/injury over the whole population."	United States National Health Insurance Act (or the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act)  House of Representatives Bill 676.	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	GA	1/19/06 9:24 AM
4422	"The healthcare system is in total chaos and is non-functional, except to the extent that it promotes a greater ""chasm"" to quote the IOM, between those that have and have not (insured vs. uninsured and under-insured.  It is geared to promote of high-tech, invasive, high cost techology that often is unnecessary and yields little viable diagnostic information and pays out more for tertiary care procedures--it is a sick system and geared to reward those that provide sick care vs. well or preventive care.  "	"We should adopt a universal system of healthcare coverage in which all citizens pay a flat fee for basic healthcare coverage.  Those who want more options and extended coverage could pay more or buy additional premiums.  (Like the two-tier system that many Medicare receipients adopt, with add on plans). Standard pay out for procedures would be adopted with no exceptions.  Preventive care and behavioral health education programs would be funded through community organizations and not for profits and the faith communities, to encourage healthier choices, promote physical activity and healthy eating BEFORE people get sick. Pooled funds would be used to equitably distribute monies for these community programs and each program would be expected to show positive outcomes (population based stats) by the end of a three year program, for their target audience, to continue to get funding.  Any specialty care or primary care medical office would be expected to provide some health education and/or  options for community health promotion programs linkages, if they wish to be reimbursed for costly, high end care. "	"The American public wants to have choices and the rich tend to forget that they are responsible for their poorer brethren.  The concept of the Other, or those that are responsible for their poverty, poor health or lack of coverage is endemic and so sad. While there are some poor who abuse the system, the system is to blame for not expecting compliance from those that receive services.  If you offer up a comprehensive plan for universal coverage that is fair to all constituents, demands compliance and ""pay back"" in some fashion, and doesn't enhance the healthcare Divide, this might be acceptable. "	"Take funding for health education and health promotion to the community: faith communities, community centers, trusted neighborhoods and networks.  The trust factor can help make these a success and you can get a lot of ""bang for your buck"" for relatively little pay out.  Active for Life (through RWJF) is a great community-based program that has been shown to increase physical activity in older adults and works in a variety of communities--it takes the program to the people/community/neighborhood. Fund more proven programs like that. Put money into public health and faith collaborations, so you don't reinvent the wheel and use already existing assets. "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/19/06 9:51 AM
4423	"Lack of equitable services and access for ALL citizens.  Disparity is WAY too great.  If it is to be rationed, the lower and lower middle income people are slapped in the face again."	"Possibilities:  * Universal system with a health account for each individual.    *Need ability to pay clause...Example:  If making over $100,000 they would receive less in the account than someone who makes $25,000.  *Some services should be available to ALL free of charge at public health facilities:  Example:  immunizations for children, flu shots for seniors, smoking cessation programs, cholesterol screenings.  *There should be incentives for good health practices..similar to earned income credit."	"Health insurance companies, drug companies, etc. will instill fear into the typical public citizen to make change next to impossible."	"Develop incentive programs that encourage individuals/companies to practice good health measures:  smoking cessation, weight control, physical fitness.  Incentives need to be enough so that persons see a reason to take better control of their own health.  The system must also not penalize those with disabilities such as mental illness, paralyzed, MS, cystic fibrorsis, Parkinson's etc."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/19/06 10:48 AM
4424	Anyone on Medicare can be told that the doctor or medical facility won't take that insurance.  We need a national health plan so no one can be refused. Note I have excellent secondary insurance and am a  retired professor. The doctor who turned me away had  been my doctor for 30 years.  	"I think that there should be a health care trust that collects appropriate taxes and pays a fair, negotiated rate to the providers. By having 1500  or more different plans, there is too much administrative waste in the system. Everyone knows that Medicare administration is cheaper than that of the insurance companies."	There is no reason why we have to sacrifice anything except the private insurance companies.  The health care in the US as judged by life expectancy and by infant mortality is worse than that of other industrialized nations that have national health plans. In Japan people live 4 years longer than we do.	go to a single payer national health plan and stop the privatization of 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	1/19/06 11:14 AM
4425	"Emphasis on treatment of disease rather than prevention.  Decreasing supplies of physicians, dentists and mental health workers, especially Primary Care Physicians, and especially in less urban areas.  Need for minority practioners who actually serve that population  The fact that people earn profits from others health problems (HMOs and insurance companies)  Income and racial health disparities  Need for physicians and dentists who serve low-income clients    ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE IS DENIED TO MANY BECAUSE   OF INCOME STATUS, AGE, RACE AND LACK OF INSURANCE    I worry about, in case of pandemic, there will be people who aren't treated because they lack access to care, and these people will spread disease. Who knows if the child sitting next to yours in school has multi-resistant TB? or flu? or any number of communicable diseases. This is especially true in communities that have large refuge and immigrant populations. "	"There is a need for universal physical, dental and mental health care coverage!!! This could easily be accomplished by extension of Medicare or Federal Employee program.     Immediate need for Medicare to be extended to those 50+ who do not have insurance - especially males. "	"Problem is that American public's voice is drowned out by vested interest groups who aren't willing to make any trade offs. They just want to protect their turf. And, they confuse the issue for most Americans (the market place will take care of this). I don't think the average American has any idea how badly he/she is being screwed by the system.  "	Universal health care 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	IN	1/19/06 11:28 AM
4426	Insurance & Pharmaceutical companies seem to just be making more and more profits and paying their CEO's & other Exec's bigger & bigger salaries and bonuses while charging more & more money for less and less health care coverage.	 I'm just not sure which is the right way or combination of ways to go on this question.	I'm not sure.	"Put caps on & redo regulations Insurance, & Pharmaceutical companies so they don't continue to have carte blanche with generic drugs, etc."	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/19/06 11:32 AM
4427	that it is not affordable and that 40 million women have none and that legislation is passed by corrupted officials with drug companies interests on their minds instead of the health of Americans.	"there needs to be a single-payor system based on a sliding scale of ability to pay - some from individuals, some from government. Employers should contribute to health care costs, but my insurance should not be tied to my employer but should move with me as I move."	I'm willing to pay taxes for this and to support legislation for this. I want to see us balance our budget and put a priority on health care and education costs and significantly reduce our defense costs.	single-payor insurance NOT tied to employment	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/19/06 11:37 AM
4428	It seems the majority of people feel entitled to top-of-the-line care but are unwilling to pay for it.  It's like going to a gourmet restaurant but refusing to pay more than you would have had to pay at McDonald's.	"Everyone should have to pay something.  Even if parents are only required to pay $3 for a Medicaid office visit.  Whenever things are free they tend to be abused. Companies (I think most do) should also require employees to share a percentage of the burden.  Many necessary generic drugs should be free (ones for blood pressure, thyroid, etc.), but if people don't want the generic (they want the cadillac instead) they should have to pay real money for it."	I think we are living in a society that has been conditioned to expect top-notch care and not have to pay much for it.  Probably it would be easier to scale back on benefits rather than force people to pay more.  	"Doctors should be able to use their judgement about tests and labs to order.  Doctors practice way too much defensive medicine because of the litiginous society.  When doctors make a mistake, most people look at it like winning the lottery.  If I'm really bad off, I'll never have to work again.  There is no incentive for people to try to get better.  In short, tort reform is crucial!"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/19/06 11:40 AM
4429	"LARGE NUMBER OF WHOLLY UNISURED AMERICANS, AND LARGE NUMBER OF UNDER-INSURED AMERICANS"	TREND NOW IS FOR MORE PATIENT-SUBSCRIBERS TO PART LARGER PART OF THEIR MEDICAL EXPENSES. MANAGED CARE COMPANIES SHOULD BE AVAILABLE AS SUPPLEMENTS TO UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE PROGRAM	"LESS ACCESS TO HIGH PRICED NEWER MEDICINES, WITH COVERAGE OF LOWER PRICED EFFECTIVE MEDICATIONS. USE OF PROVEN DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES FOR MOST DISEASES AS FIRST-LINE TREATMENT"	ACCEPTANCE OF UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM FOR ALL AMERICANS CITIZENS	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/19/06 11:49 AM
4430	Lack of any ability to control growth in health care cost's.Cost controls should have been put inplace thirty years ago.	"Yes, the health care insurance industry is a hodge poudge of profit motivated marketing disster which does not serve the public interest or need. Sin le pay,uniform benefit seems to make the only sense to our future."	"Health care in America is certainlynot afforda le to th American Public, nor does it give evidence of being ""highQuality."	"Sensible cost controls, role back total expenditures to about 10% of GNP, and perhaps work, now for single pay, uniform benefit package. The trouble is the average American has little faith in governments ability to handle this problem, in light of th Medicare Drug fiasco, yet it is the Federal Govt that offers the best opporunity for success."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/19/06 12:06 PM
4431	"the cost of healthcare is by far the most concerning part of all.  It is not that our country lacks the technology or knowledge to maintain a strong system of healthcare, it is that no one wants to pay for it.  This needs to change or we will lose all we have acheived to this point."	"I believe that insurance companies need to do a better job with the satisfaction of its clients.  I just broke my neck this summer in a car accident, and I was offered 2,000.00.  That is hardly compensation for my suffering, and more of an insult than anything.  If our country is going to play by rules, we must ALL play by the same rules."	"equal coverage, regardles of age, sex, or health"	"I believe that it is up to the insurance companies, medical companies and medical practicioners to get together and decide what would benefit the public most.  If this means hiring more staff nurses, so be it.  If it means having at least 2 doctors per floor, so be it, but no corners should be cut, especially when dealing with healthcare, in order to cushion some businessman's pocket."	female	NULL	NULL	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/19/06 12:23 PM
4432	lack of affordable health care access for all	one payer system...get rid of the costly administrative insurance overhead	I can only speak for myself but stop the employers based health insurance system. it is outdated.	change the system to one payer.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	1/19/06 12:37 PM
4433	the out of control profits of the insurance companies	the complete control of the insurance companies	they shouln't have to make trade-offs!	"a true non-profit insurance company,one that is in business to simply insure it's members,and not  pad the pockets of it's board members,CEO's,CFO's,share holders,and PR people."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	1/19/06 12:42 PM
4434	"The large numbers of Americans with inadequate or nonexistent coverage, and the increasing out-of-pocket costs for those that do have coverge."	"We need a tax funded, independent, single-payor plan that would eliminate administrative waste and inefficiencies."	"I think most Americans would be very happy to pay a 2% income tax to get guarenteed care, including prescriptions, mental health, and home care."	"We need a single payor system that is universal, independently run and taxpayer funded."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WV	1/19/06 12:44 PM
4435	Unrealistically high health care costs.	"Service providers must disclose the pricing (including $ from insurance claim) and procedure information to the patients, and the patients must agree on the charges before performaning any treatment."	"To ensure affordability of the health care system, service providers must directly collect the payments via patients.  Patients must file the claim directly to their issuers, not via service provider who are benefit and motivated to exaggerate the costs."	"Information Transparency:  with complete price (including insuance cost) and performance rating information, like those found in the automobile industry, the free market will able to function properly."	male	NULL	No Response	Asian	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	1/19/06 12:50 PM
4436	Cost of medical care. Insurance Co allow certain amts for procedures. Hospitals and physicians charge more for their services. Uninsured persons are underserved. No one is assisting to say you can only be charged this much for this procedure. Uninsured person's are required to pay what is demanded of them.	401K plans are for retirement and when employed we pay into medicare and social secruity. Some way of saving money when you are young for your medical needs after retirement that is tax deferred.	Uncertain. It is hard for one group or one person to speak for all of America.	Cost control. Affordable medication. Education to promote healthy lifestyle changes that promote healthy Americans.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	1/19/06 12:54 PM
4437	Lack of coverage for over 45 million people	We should have a one payor system.	"This is a case where the eithical concept of greater good hould prevail.  There are many people, and some providers, who will get whatever is possible as contrasted to those procedures or medications which are evidence-based effective.  Considered jeudgement should prevail, not the whims of the priveleged."	One payor system.  Reducing the paperwork would save millions of dollars.  Online medical records would be cost effective and efficient.  	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/19/06 1:03 PM
4438	"The 3rd party payor system and the insurance industry overcharging and increasing the overall cost of healthcare.    Also, the lack of personal responsibility by Americans for their own health and their own health costs."	More payment by individuals and more control/choice by individuals.	"My impression of the American public is that they will not want to pay more... the public wants their care for free.     I personally would rather skip the insurance company, keep my monthly contribution to my insurer and pay for (and choose) my own health care.  I'd like a MSA also.  "	"Increase patient education, increase patient participation in their own health care.    Make patients more responsible for choices and costs of health care."	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/19/06 1:11 PM
4439	"Lack of a prevention focus on the part of many health providers  Geriatrician unavailablity; poor diagnostics about memory loss and dementia issues  Medication costs that are indefensible  Lack of user-friendly, readily available ,community health information with built in incentives that encourage people to make lifestyle changes      "	Make it simpler. Streamline the system. Use working models in other countries.The Medicare Part D mess is an example of what not to do.  	"Designated ""tax"" on fast food and processed foods, with all money going to health promotion/disease prevention.    Increased attention, funding of ""predictive medicine""     "	"Get pharmaceutical manufactures out of the middle of this; institute more medication management understanding at the community level.  Example:  Brown bag reveiws of all medications done in mall and community centers by pharmacists or pharmacy interns, without cost. "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/19/06 1:34 PM
4440	"Costs rising, declining availablity, practitioners who do a sub-standard job continue to practice, at cost to all with increased lawsuits, lawsuits that are unfounded, there are so many areas that need our attention."	We give the impression that healthcare is a right. If someone get sick and they have no insurance they go to the emergency dept. where the cost of caring for that minor ailment costs the most.	Less coverage for more people covered.	"If we had a basic plan that covered preventative and minor ailments covered by government, then a more afordable plan that would cover costs over and above where the government plan stoped. Focus our energies on prevention, its much cheaper to prevent than to cure."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/19/06 1:38 PM
4441	"My two major concerns are:  1- the large and growing number of Americans without access to health care.  This is somethimes called te uninsured, but is more than the uninsured, as it includes individuals with health insurance but inadequate or inconsistent coverage.  2- rising costs.  Health care costs rise between 5-10% each year, but it is clear that health care is not 5-10% better each year.  Ultimately we need a sustainable cost structure in health care."	"YES.  I strongly believe that a single payer universal insurance program would provide higher quality care, allow cost control and address the issue of the uninsured.  I spent time in Canada as a medical student and was amazed by how wonderful the medical care was.  Additionally, In several months, I did not here a single doctor or nurse mention the cost of care or whether or not the patient had the needed insurance."	I think Americans would accept medical rationing of high cost technologies if the decisions were made by doctors not by insurance companies.	Universal Single-Payer Health Insurance	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	1/19/06 1:38 PM
4442	"Basic health care is not accessible to everyone, and is too expensive."	"Yes.  I think the most efficient and economical way to deliver healthcare is to use a system similar to every other industrialized country, where the government is the single-payer."	"I know that we as Americans want health care for all, which could easily be provided by converting to a single-payer system. "	"I think that a single-payer system, which eliminates the unneccessary and wasteful health insurance industry, and provides basic health care for all Americans is the only way to go for now.  We need to take the profit out of healthcare.  People are dying due to greed in our country, which has plenty of resources to take care of everybody."	male	NULL	No	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/19/06 1:51 PM
4446	1. 45 million uninsured americans and mnay more with inadequate insurance.  2. that the US has themost expensive health care system in the world but still has higher infant and maternal mortality and lower life expectancy than most western nations.	We need a public single payer non profit system to include all americans	If we move to single payer system there should be no decrease in benefits and there should be improved access to health care.	Single payer 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	NY	1/19/06 2:20 PM
4447	"Europe in the last 55 years has healhtcare and pension for every single person.If you are sick, unemployed or going on pension payments and healthcare continues.No homeless,hilybilies,hungry,poor people and no living below the poverty line."	In Europe the company pays half and the other half by the employees for healhcare and pension.When you retire yoy will receive 60% of your salary and healhcare continues.They do not use the insurance companies as the middleman.Get rid of them.Use their gig profits towards healthcare.	They are willing to go the European Style	Follow the European system.The USA is No 1 in Technology but No 36 in Goverment in the world.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	1/19/06 2:22 PM
4448	Access to healthcare and needed medications. Mental health parity	UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE FOR ALL WITH MENTAL HEALTH PARITY!!!!!	"This is such a critical issue I belove Americans would be willing to pay higher taxes, etc. In the long run, money will be saved with the elimination of insurance paperwork, etc. in addition to a much healthier population."	 UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE.. let everyone join Medicare which already has the infrastructure in place.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/19/06 2:34 PM
4449	"The lack of access to quality health care for the uninsured.  Increasing insurance and out of pocket costs which are not going to direct care, but rather are being funneled into profit for health care corporations.  The risk of one losing ones' assets in case of major illness, the fact that health insurance is tied to employment.  The fact that a high proportion of personal bankruptcies are related to health care costs.  The fact that despite a huge per capita investment, citizens of this country have worse health care outcomes than those of most other western industrialized countries.  The fact that there is no legal provision enshrining access to the best possible physical and mental health as a human right.  Government currently has no legal responsibility to adequately fund healthcare or to provide high quality health care to the entire population. This should be an important national priority."	"I believe that a Canadian style single payer national health program should be adopted.  I do not think that access to medically necessary health care should be shouldered by the individual, but should be a shared social responsibility.  Payment at the point of service should be eliiminated to remove barriers to care for lower income individuals and encourage preventive care and early treatment."	"The American public would overwhelmingly welcome a publicly funded and privately administered single payer national health care program.  Most Americans would approve of removing the profit incentive.  (except, of course, for those members of the American public who stand to lose money from a universally accessible, high quality, comprehensive, publicly funded system)."	"Enshrine access to health care as a human right.  Enacct laws defining the level of goverment responsible for assuring this is provided to residents of this country.    Develop systems of care that meet the needs of the population and a mechanism to monitor and continuously improve the quality.  Assure parity for mental health care.   Conduct economic analyses of the cost of untreated medical conditions not only in terms of direct care, but also in terms of lost productivity and indirect expenses.  Eliminate for profit companies' involvement in the provision of health care (except for non-essential services like cosmetic surgery, botox injections and the like)."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/19/06 2:38 PM
4450	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	OH	1/19/06 3:05 PM
4451	"Soaring costs.  Even with insurance, and being healthy it is expensive.  Preventative medicine is a luxury few of us can afford.  The cost of medications are also a serious concern."	Payors have to be standardized.  There are too many different insurances etc all with their own set of rules etc.  Socialized medicine may be a scary thing to many people - but if we are ever going to few healthcare as a right not a priviledge there has to be standardization.	"I think that is a large part of the problem, ie the American public is not willing to have any trade-offs and this is not realistic.  We expect immediate, curative care for every thing. We expect all services to be accessible everywhere and immediately. "	"More access to exercise facilities/time at work to decrease weight, stress and increase fitness. "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OK	1/19/06 3:05 PM
4452	"Out of pocket costs to consumers.  This serves as a deterrent to pursuing appropriate care in many people, and serves to impoverish many other people who have needed care.  A major number of bankruptcies are secondary to out of pocket medical costs.  This also affects the care that is given in that caregivers spend more time concerning themselves with re-imbursement especially in the form of documentation than on the provision of care and identifying outcomes."	"Yes, there should be a single pay source.  A single pay source would reduce overhead and administrative costs in facilities as there would be fewer staff needed if all billing went to one source.  Everyone contributes and everyone receives services.  There is no difference in my mind between a ""tax"" and a ""premium"" they are just 2 different words for money out of my pocket.  I believe if everyone were paying an income based tax for health care services the majority of citizens would be paying less than they are now with premiums.  Also it is unfair to the poor to have flat rate premiums because it consumes a larger portion of their already limited income.  "	"I don't believe there will ever be any consensus on answering that question.  I would be willing to give up private rooms, personal phone lines, and personal cable TV with VCR and DVD in my hospital rooms.  "	"Integrating the health care system into the government bureaucracy and make it cooperative with the EPA, FDA, CDC etc.  Working toward identifying environmental contributors to disease and using upstream prevention methods to decrease illness in populations rather than focusing on the individual."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/19/06 3:23 PM
4459	The unforgiving complexity of its administration.  The fact that access to it is linked to employment.  The fact that administrators and pharmaceutical companies are making money hand over fist while millions have no access to the system (and may even be subsidizing it).	Remove employers from this equation altogether.	Willing to pay higher taxes (which will more than offset current OOP costs for the vast majority of people).	Single-payer 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	MN	1/19/06 4:06 PM
4460	Many cannot afford the coverage they need.	It should be replaced by a tax-payer supported system that covers everyone.	"Insurance companies and health care corporations have scared the American public into believing that the present system provides ""the best health care in the world"" and that changes would hurt the average person. As health insurance becomes more expensive and provides fewer benefits people are forced to accept trade-offs. That is happening now. Unions are bargaining away their health benefits. Eventually the present system will become so unworkable that people will look for a different system."	"Create a tax-supported health care program that pays for everyone. Every first-world country except America has some variation on this. If you're the only one in the world NOT doing something, you'd have to wonder why. The American system is getting worse in spite of decades of twiddling and tweaking."	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/19/06 4:19 PM
4461	"We do not have an equitable system--those who can pay, get the care.  If you are underfunded, or not funded, you do not get the same options.  Health insurance has gotten so expensive that people cannot afford to pay for it on their own, ao if they do not have a job where it is a benefit, they often choose to go uninsured.  People also lose their health insurance when they have exceeded their ""lifetime limit""--so if you have an illness like cancer that runs up the bills, you become uninsured."	Somehow the system has to become affordable for all Americans; maybe the insurance companies should become non-profits--then they would not have to worry about the bottom line.  I contribute almost $200 per paycheck for my family's insurance--and my employer pays the rest--there are alot of people that cannot afford to have that much taken out of their paycheck.  You should not be in the business of healthcare and expect to make money--it should be a service that the American people can count on.	Most Americans consider quality health care a basic right that they should have access to...I think that they would be willing to pay something towards a program that would offer them this...perhaps a sliding scale based on income could be developed so that those with less would still pay something towards the system.	"Take a good hard look at the insurance companies that have cut reimbursement to the medical system, but still assumes that it can provide more technically advanced care for less...look at their income, and their profit margins...the hospitals are being forced to discharge patients that are not ready to go home because they will not receive payment for their care...people that are more acutely ill are being managed through the outpatient system and home health system because it is cheaper...people cannot afford the high premiums that they are charged by the insurance companies, who will deny payment for care if you haven't read the small print and followed the rules."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SC	1/19/06 4:22 PM
4462	"Profiteering by insurers and providers, as well as lack of access to care for so many Americans, and the uneven standards of care for those with different levels of wealth."	It would be more efficient for the government to be the only payer.	"We are willing to give up the profits of the insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies and for-profit providers in exchange for a single standard of quality care for all."	Expand Medicare to cover 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	1/19/06 4:48 PM
4463	"Good health care in America is only available to those who have some form of health insurance,  employer based or Medicare with supplemental insurance.   Everyone else falls into the public funded insurances like medicaid or no insurance at all. Those are not great alternatives for many people."	"We need a stronge safety net to protect the weakest members of our society - the poor, the mentally ill and the elderly."	"We somehow are able to support a war costing billions of dollars  without trade-offs of any kind, according to the President. Let's declare war on disease in America. "	Universal health coverage of some sort to suport baseline care.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/19/06 4:49 PM
4464	Healthcare should be a service provided by our tax dollars.  As a healthcare provider I do not make this statement lightly.  The wellbeing of our nation both economically and socially can only be improved by active involvement of the government in the health and well being of its citizens with a focus on prevention and early detection.	Businesses should also be taxed for the health of its workforce with incentives for prevention programs and nutritional offerings	Income loss.	"Education regarding the necessity of diet, activity and Make 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	VT	1/19/06 5:02 PM
4465	"That it is such a huge problem with everyone pointing fingers rather than taking responsiblity for where we are.  You have employees who looked at health care as ""its free"" and abused the system.  You have far too many law suits.  Outrageous price gouging.  Not accessible.  Until we look at the whole picture and all take responsiblity for how we contributed to the problem, it will be hard to fix.  I am not sure I know where to start.  "	"I think we need all three.  Employers should have some responsibility for health care without putting them in the red.  You cannot expect small family owned business's to pay the same as huge corporations.  Safeway, and an independent family business at IGA are in two different leagues.  I believe that we as individuals should contribute some to avoid the massive abuse that we have put upon the system.  Unfortunately, you give someone an opportunity and they take advantage, then all goes out of control.  Paying out of pocket would hopefully curb some of that. "	I think a resonable out of pocket payment.  No more allowing two married adults to have medical coverage from two different companies.  Pick one.  Unfortunatley maybe more referrals to avoid unnecessary tests and visits.  	"There are so many issues, I do not know where to start.  However, get all Americans covered somehow would be a start."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/19/06 5:21 PM
4466	"The current and projected nursing shortage, especially as it relates to nursing school faculty shortages."	I think managed care has made a lot of middlemen rich and that a balance needs to be restored in billing and paying. I believe costs/services to the underinsured and non-insured are making healthcare unobtainable to a huge population. Address changes in basic healthcare packages that the underinsured can afford.	"I, being an uninsured, self-employed, close-to-retirement age RN feel that I will pay more for my day-to-day care out of pocket, if I can just get a reasonably priced catastrophic healtcare plan. Actually I am already doing that, and I participate in self-health managment, but I cannot afford some of the medications I need to manage my hypertension and heart issues. "	Continue/enlarge public education of harmful lifestyles and stop advertizing a pill fix for everything.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MS	1/19/06 5:54 PM
4467	Premiums keep going up and we are getting less coverage.	We need government controlled health care for everyone by pre-taxing all working individuals and companies.	none.	Insure that all individuals have health care.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	1/19/06 6:19 PM
4468	"I have a few concerns about health care in America.  First of all, even though I believe in a free market society I'm concerned that insurance and pharmaceutical companies have way too much lobbying power, and combined with poor decision making by our federal government, are largely responsible for the increasingly high costs of care.  It is embarrassing and shameful to me that our country cannot provide a much less complicated solution to the health care of the elderly than our 'new' medicare and medicaid plans do.  In my mind, our country should provide every individual, that isn't afforded the opportunity  for coverage by an employer, etc., minimal basic health care coverage."	Smarter budget allocation by our federal legislative branches.	I can only speak for myself.	Alter the lobbying process and hold our political leaders accountable for shamefully accepting money from insurance and pharaceutical companies in whatever form it comes to them.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/19/06 7:39 PM
4469	"Cost, unavailablity to those without insurance or means to pay the exorbitant rates.  Also the stupid complicated new medicare guidelines."	Yes go to socialized medicine.  Where everyone gets health care or we should all have the health care our federal congress has.	Lower the pay rate of our legislators and their little perks.	socialized medicine	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/19/06 8:24 PM
4470	"COST, COVERAGE, AND ELIGIBILITY"	WE NEED A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD SO THAT NO ENTITY HOLDS A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE OR CLASS ADVANTAGE THAT WOULD ENCOURAGE TAKEAWAYS OR SOCIAL INEQUITIES.	ESTABLISHMENT OF SOME FORM OF TAXATION THAT WOULD HELP FUND THE SYSTEM	DEFINITIVE GUIDELINES DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/19/06 8:46 PM
4471	NULL	NULL	Americans might be willing to prove that they are willing to look after themselves and their families within a certain time period. Then they provide our required proof that they are doing this. We help them at certain periods of life or give some tax breaks. Our health care costs are reduced on the preventable diseases and accidents and disease become the reposibility of every able American to look after and prove. We have more active and better fed people who know sitting around and eating too much and not getting rest and not teaching children are going to be required to pay for certain things themselve. 	"Americans have to know no one will take care of their bodieas as their equipment. Make them show prove that they are getting their lives improved with some better exercise, and dietary change. Require registration of their health habits and their good changes.Give them special motivation. Help pay for a preventative medical or physical exam or give tax relief for recording and showing that they are doing the things to keep up their bodies....now that is relief in at least 2 ways. They might have to show that they are attending some health education classes, and every 10 years they take an exam to show that they know how to be safe from accidents and to prevent disease, and show how to safely take care of their bodies, and show they are getting their risk factors cut down, and have good diet understanding and exercise as a way to age and do it without a break down at their age.   hese are areas where proud volunteeers could be the ones to be rewarded. The physical education teachers, the earth science teachers, and the retired could be given some breaks to educate about how to stay as healthy as possible. The the phyical therapists who teach these things in their communities get discounts or tax breaks.  Most of all they should get some reward for the pride of upkeep of their bodies and families and for teaching their families and seeing that their families grow up to do these things.   If we are willing to pay a fee to take the drivers tests, we pay to have drivers safety when we don't take care of driving safely. If we are willing to pay to have our cars inspected and checkups to keep them running after so many miles or time periods.   Because so many of the diseases could be prevented that make people unable to work and support their families, or get around to care for themselves without help,or cause them to lose their homes and their savings  American people about how to teach their  education to show how diabetes and that insulin resistant syndrom start a lot earlier than most of us knew. Americans are embarressing themselves and they are in a mess because so many things about them shows lack of attention and education about what happens to a persons body when they sit around a lot and eat a lot of caloriesm,they get too little rest, and they stopped showing their children how to take care of these things. And don't seem to get taugt or get it that these things can be turned around just by paying attention to eating a right amount of calories and getting a right amount of activity and rest."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/19/06 8:52 PM
4472	"45,000,000 uninsured, fragmaneted health care system that wastes huge amounts of money, profiteering by the insurance industry whose incentive is to avoid the sick to maximize profits, poor quality care cmpared to other countries, expensive insurance that many low income people can't afford, and finally an employment-based system that is forcing health care costs on businesses who then shift costs to patients."	"Have a single payer government-run system which would eliminate the employment-based system and instead require all businesses to pay a payroll tax based on size of the company.Other funding would come from individual health taxes based on income collected through the IRS which would be a substitute for the premiums, dedctibles , co-pays that we now spend out-of-pocket.  Everyone would be covered under this system."	Americans would be willing to pay higher taxes if they could be guaranteed access to quality univrsal health care with no co-pays deductibles or other out-of-pocket expenses.	Get a national single payer health care system.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	1/19/06 8:52 PM
4473	"the ever increasing costs of medical care including office visits, procedures & medications"	what about payments by insurance companies? that's not listed above. HSAs are another good way to help individuals save money for medical needs	"I am willing to live within the confines of HMOs or PPOs to have affordable health care. I am not willing, nor do I believe we should be required, to pay extravagant premiums >$200/month for health insurance for an individual. Family coverage in many places & companies is cost prohibitive for many families. This is wrong. "	"require Medicaid recipients to pay a portion of their costs, at least $5.00 for office visits; there are far too many wasted visits because they don't have to pay anything. they should also have copays for medications, higher for brand names to keep them from demanding brand name drugs when generics will work just as well. "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ID	1/19/06 9:18 PM
4474	Lack of accessibility for many  Seemingly uncontrollable rising costs  Change from a person oriented system to a busness     model where employees are merely commodities      and patientes consumers of services	"IF a centralized system could be established without the influence of politics, I would favor a nationalized health service.  However, I don;t think legislators have the knowledge or time to invest in making good decisions; rather they make decisions because of the political benefits."	"I think many Americans do not want the most expensive new drugs, unnecessary expensive tests, expensive treatments when the outcome is unlikely improved quality of life"	National insurance to pay for a very basic profile of health care services	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/19/06 9:43 PM
4475	not enough individuals have any health insurance	"all employers should be required by law to  pay all health insurance premiums, just as it is law that every american must buy car insurance. no working individual should be without health insurance."	"people without insurance are usually billed 2-3 times that amount for procedures that someone with insurance are charged, if everyone had health insurance this would cut the amount of medical debt. and bankrupties."	providing free health insurance to all employees should be required by law.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/19/06 10:10 PM
4476	"The shortage of nurses related to disrespect, overwork, and under payment for the services they provide.  Nurses are the most important health care professional that spends time treating and educating the patient for improved health.  More nurses need to be employed in physicians offices, schools, clinics and hospitals to have more quality time to educate persons on health and illness.   The quality of time and energy spent with a patient in relation to their health care will result in fewer visits to the physicians office and or the emergency room.  The quality of education the patient receives from the nurse also reflects to the family as well as the community."	There are no easy answers for everyone.  I feel it might benefit all working Americans to have health care taxes subtracted from their paychecks just like FICA and Social Security so that all persons have equal access to health care...quality of this care I'm not sure.	"I'm not sure what tradeoffs Americans are willing to pay for high quality health care.  I think the compaines and organizations that provide a health club and allow their employees to exercise during working hours will have more success with healthier employees, decreased sick leave r/t illness and depression, which will in turn decrease the cost of health insurance.  The healthier the client becomes, the less overburdened the sytem is with health care costs.  Might work."	Hire more nurses and put the APN's to work in the physicians offices and emergency rooms and let them do their jobs.  The shortage of nurses and the stipulations the hospitals put on the nursing staff is causing the patients to return numerous times for care.  The cost effectiveness of employing nurses to handle an adequate patient load where there is time to educate the patient/family will in turn decrease the cost of health care. The patient will have less trips to a health clinic or emergency room in the long run. This is measurable.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/19/06 10:13 PM
4477	"the cost of insurance premiums, the shortage of nurses and the increased patient to nurse ratio"	NULL	enforce some form of tax possibly or consider making  monies from alcohol and tobacco sales go towards healthcare since these are two items that contribute to health	improve quality of care rendered	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/19/06 10:37 PM
4478	Affordability and lack of medical coverage for citizens.	Ceilings on health care cost should be placed similar to those in effect by medicare (DRGs).	"Unfortunately, I don't think many upper class citizens are willing, those not covered would probably be willing to give plenty of trade offs."	"Limits the costs by ceilings, penalties, whatever it takes to reduce the expenses."	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/19/06 11:10 PM
4479	too few people pay for medical care; retired military people experience poor medical coverage; providers don't want to accept Tricare Prime due to slow pay & low pay 	NULL	I don't think we should have to make any trade-offs	Medicaid pts should make copays for office visits & medications.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ID	1/19/06 11:24 PM
4480	"So many benefits get cut from the elderly--people who worked all their lives and now live on fixed income and cannot afford care if insurance does not pay.  Home health benefits are being cut more and more and restrictions make it harder for them to get home care which might prevent more costly illnesses, injuries and treatments.  Our Medicare system, as well as insurances, need to focus as much on preventive care as they do on treatment."	"Have a transition program so that people who have been on government insurance programs but become able to work, but will not make enough to pay for insurance, can still have some coverage for a while until they can do better."	Don't know	"Stop cutting health-care benefits and find some other areas to cut money, such as inflated salaries for government officials."	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	1/19/06 11:51 PM
4481	"The Rising Cost of Medicare and Medicaid by the Private and Group health plans that are employeer owned, That the Doctors and Hospital's are not being remburised enough so they are dropping seeing patients, and instead of all Public and Private Companies not Following one Prescription Drug Formulary"	I think that if you pay more for health care coverage like say a 100 % coverage plan or a 90/10 Plan because a 80/20 plan can place a family into debt over their heads	I think that American's would be willing to pay more in taxes in say a 2 % tax increase and it should be a national health care system that pay's doctors a fair price for services rendered instead of just pennies on a dollar	Making it easier for people to get the access to the medicines and doctors if they can't afford it then We should be able to get them the care and med's without them having to worry if it's food tonight or medicine instead of having both. 	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	1/20/06 12:12 AM
4482	"Access--IT'S A NO-BRAINER TO ME THAT THERE MUST BE UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE FOR ALL AMERICANS AND THOSE WHO FIND THEMSELVES HERE. Compare what happens in France, for instance, even for tourists who need medical help while there. EVERYONE HAS A BODY AND CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IT. As the U.N. agrees, health care is a universal human right."	"Yes, universal health care for all who are here. Period. Paid for by everyone's taxes, the way other universal needs (such as defense) are paid for."	Those who don't think universal excellent U.S.-quality care is good enough for them can pay any extra costs themselves (or maybe they will fly to France and get excellent care on the French taxpayers' franc???)	"Universal health care, a la the European/Canadian/etc basic model, for ALL who are here (citizen or not). It's a HUMAN RIGHT, just like clean air and water."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/20/06 12:44 AM
4483	"(1) People with no insurance. They face frightening disease, financial ruin, and death.  (2) People who can't afford to go to the doctor even if they do have insurance, because they don't have money. HSAs and all that horrible nonsense make this problem even worse. The problem is not that people go to the doctor too much -- it's that they DON'T go until their problems become serious, dangerous, and expensive. We need more prevention.  (3) Health care tied to your job is terrible. It means I am nowhere near as free to change jobs or strike out on my own as someone is who lives in Canada or Britain or another country where health care is paid through taxes. Employers lord it over employees because they know that the job is tied to health care. We must change this.  (4) General Motors is going to go out of business if it has to keep providing all the health care that the government should be providing."	"I'll repeat: health care tied to your job is terrible. It means I am nowhere near as free to change jobs or strike out on my own as someone is who lives in Canada or Britain or another country where health care is paid for through taxes. Employers lord it over employees because they know that the job is tied to health care. We must change this.    We need single-payer government health care. We need it now. It's only a matter of time. How many bankrupt airlines and car manufacturers do we need before we realize that companies can't afford to pay for health care -- and individuals need the peace and security that coes from knowing that if they lose their job, at least they keep their health care.    A single-payer government system is what we need now. (People should be able to ""go private"" if they want, paying more money for more services than the government is willing to provide. Like in Britain.)"	"Dear god, would I be willing to get rid of the ridiculous parody of ""choice"" that is ""choosing"" my HMO. The Medicare Part D debacle is just the tip of the iceberg of this problem.    I want to choose my doctor -- but I have NO desire to choose an HMO intermediary organization whose only purpose is to suck up money and pay people to deny patients the services their doctors say they need.     I think everyone in America except a few crazy people would be more than glad to give up our ""choice"" of health plans if we instead got the lower costs, simpler administration, and guaranteed coverage of medicare-for-all."	"Immediately institute medicare-for-all.    What I mean is a single-payer national health care system. At the start it might just cover some basic core of health services and products -- especially those involved in PREVENTION. Expand this over time like medicare to cover exactly what we, the people, want it to cover.     Let people pay for more if they want, but we need to provide a universal basic health care benefit through federal tax dollars."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/20/06 12:53 AM
4484	The fact that millions of Americans of all ages do not have health insurance.	"Offer single-payer, tax-supported health insurance to all Americans."	"I don't see a need for any.  Comprehensive, universal, tax-supported, single payer health insurance will require no trade-offs."	"Congress pass legislation creating a tax-supported, single-payer health insurance plan that covers every American regardless of age, sex, existing health or condition of employment."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/20/06 2:55 AM
4485	"The thing that concerns me the most is the way health care is financed.  There is too much money wasted on overhead, etc. in the existing system operated by insurance companies.  We need a single payer system (similar to Medicare) that would have a much lower overhead enabling the money that is spent to be used on patient care.  Although there is much opposition to this approach from insurance companies and other entities that profit from this approach, I believe it is the only way to ensure that all citizens are covered in a fair way.  I also believe that if the public really understood the stakes involved that they would be supportive of taxes to fund it (if they understood that the money was going to health care instead of to insurance companies.       Good luck!"	See above answer.	See above answer	  Single-payer health care (expanded Medicare) to cover everyone.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	1/20/06 6:58 AM
4486	"The thing that concerns me the most is the way health care is financed.  There is too much money wasted on overhead, etc. in the existing system operated by insurance companies.  We need a single payer system (similar to Medicare) that would have a much lower overhead enabling the money that is spent to be used on patient care.  Although there is much opposition to this approach from insurance companies and other entities that profit from this approach, I believe it is the only way to ensure that all citizens are covered in a fair way.  I also believe that if the public really understood the stakes involved that they would be supportive of taxes to fund it (if they understood that the money was going to health care instead of to insurance companies.       Good luck!"	See above answer.	See above answer	  Single-payer health care (expanded Medicare) to cover everyone.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	1/20/06 7:00 AM
4487	"First -- not sure who did the slide show (at link above)...but do you suppose care to illegals (estimates of some 20-40 million) ""might"" impact the problem?!! I could find NO mention of this problem in all the materials you have. Americans are NOT missing this ""small point.""    Federal mandates to provide care to illegal immigrants is a huge problem where I live.  We are inundated with patients who seek health care and we are either not reimbursed or reimbursement is poor.  Our practice sees a large number of illegal immigrants and it is out of control. Lots of examples: non-citizens receiving family planning services from Title X clinics. They are not charged at all.  Title X was created to enable all AMERICANS to access reproductive health care.  Another example: teh feds mandate we provide emergency hospital services; pregnant patients may be having baby #3-4-5 ---- all courtesy of the US taxpayer. Medicaid won't cover sterilization -- yet we have to cover birth .... hugely more expensive but reimbursed way under cost. The lost revenue is then covered by the paying folks.  And, many Americans are not covered, are self-pay, or have increasingly more expensive co-pays.  There are limited resources and no one wants to address the need to limit services! "	"See #1.  We CANNOT give free care to non-citizens.    Also need to quit doing every test in the book. Limited testing --- or pay out of pocket.    Make those who are obese, smoke, etc. (preventable diseases) pay more for coverage. In other words:  we need to pay more for preventive services than for illness care!  Reverse the priorities. Americans need to take some responsibility for their health.    Lastly, we have way too many medical specialists. For example, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners provide equally good care and are more cost effective.  Yet, the fed govt bellies up and pays for expensive specialist care.  What for?  Why pay more when you could get equally good care with advanced nurse providers?      Finally, HMOs need to go.  They were suppose to save money.  What a joke!  Costs continue to spiral out of control while the HMOs seem to be doing financially quite well. As a provider, I spend alot of time filling out the ridiculous paperwork."	Probably none.  It is time for policy-makers to step up to the plate and make decisions.  Time to quit pandering to political interest groups.  We need to RATION health care.	Get rid of Medicaid/Medicare.  Give monies to the states and let them make full decisions about who and what gets covered.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/20/06 7:42 AM
4488	Availability of health care for all.	Single Payer system.	"Single Payer would actually be less expensive, so no trade-offs are necessary."	Single Payer system.	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	1/20/06 8:18 AM
4495	"Too many uninsured, excessively high cost, fragmented and inefficient care: it is wasteful and unjust. There is no moral justification for our system of health care; and the excessive cost is a drain to America's economy and ability to compete in the world."	"Single payer health care works better for more people at less cost in the other Western industrial nations where it has been adopted. The opposition to this mode of financing is ideological, not practical or moral.  Health care does NOT work like other markets -- just look at how our ""competitive"" system does not work well now. "	"I think that Americans are already paying excessively: single payer health care would be the most able to limit the inordinately high rate of health cost inflation we currently experience. The ""trade-off"" is for idealogues of the market to recognize actual practical results of improvement from this kind of reform."	"Single payer financed health care, funded most equitably and efficiently by the government, provided by private care givers : a model that  has been well-proven in many othernations to be superior to how we are doing things."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/20/06 9:25 AM
4496	"cost of general health care, specifically medications and insurance premiums"	"Those who practice high risk lifestyles, i.e. smoking, race car driving, poor general habits should pay higher premiums than those who don't. Co-pays should be required for medicaid with caps on benefits especially if no efforts at employment are made"	I think the members of congress should be the ones to sacrifice. Do they REALLY need to continue the rate of pay for their entire lives?  No one else has this perk.	"Drug companies need to decrease their profit margins, insurers need to do the same"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	1/20/06 10:29 AM
4497	Quality health care is not available to everyone.  You must have money to get the best care.  	"The current system isn't working, but not sure what needs to be done about the way we pay for it.  "	?	Quality care available to all...there are to many people that fall into the cracks and do not qualify to receive anything.  	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	1/20/06 10:39 AM
4498	The abuse of the system.	Medicaid benefits are being abused.  They should have sticter guidlines.	NULL	Require everyone to play by the same rules.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/20/06 11:02 AM
4499	"I understand that around 50 million Americans have no health insurance, and millions more have inadequate coverage.  Getting and keeping health insurance has become a nightmare.  People with no coverage often delay treatment until their condition is serious and more costly to treat.  Often their only source of treatment is the hospital emergency room.  People who have health insurance thru their employer are paying ever higher premiums and deductibles, and some companies are finding it hard to compete in a global economy saddled with high insurance costs."	Health care should be financed thru a federal payroll tax.  These taxes must be placed in a restricted trust fund.  The government should not be able to borrow these funds to finance other programs as is the case with Social Security.	I understand that about 25% of the cost of health care in the US is administrative overhead.  Universal coverage modeled on Medicare would eliminate much of this cost making it possible to provide health care to all Americans.  I do not believe many trade-offs will be needed.	"I consider heath care a right, not a privilege.  I support universal health insurance patterned on Medicare and the Canadian health care system.  Health care is too important to be left to the vagaries of market place.  Often medical decisions do not involve arms-length transactions between a willing buyer and a willing seller.  For me, universal means universal.  Every man, woman and child in America should be covered.  "	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/20/06 11:19 AM
4501	THE OUTRAGEOUS COST OF MEDICAL CARE - ESPECIALLY TO THOSE WHO ARE NOT HOLDERS OF MEDICAL INSURANCE.	"IF THE COSTS WERE LOWERED, THIS SYSTEM WOULD WORK ONCE AGAIN."	IT IS THE GOVERNMENT WHO SHOULD MAKE THE TRADE-OFFS.  STOP PANDERING TO THE DRUG COMPANIES AND PRODUCE DRUGS AT A REASONABLE COST TO THE PUBLIC.  THESE SAVINGS ALONE SHOULD PAY FOR ALMOST ALL MEDICAL COSTS IN THIS COUNTRY.	ELECT REPRESENTATIVES WHO WILL SPEAK AND ACT FOR THE MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE AND NOT BE BRIBED BY BIG BUSINESS.  WHEN THE DRUG COMPANIES ARE BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL THE OTHER PROBLEMS WILL DISSIPATE.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	1/20/06 11:46 AM
4502	The lack of access of way too many Americans to comprehensive health care.  The barriers are predominately economic.  This allows for too much suffering and renders cruel the health care system in the riches nation in history.	Absolutely.  The only way to acheive access to all Americans is a complete reform of the system.  Everyone needs to be in a system which provides comprehensive access to diagnosis and treatment.  The only way to afford this is to reduce the complexity of our system.  We need a single payer system administered by the federal government--long over due.	"If we get serious about this and educate the public on the current ways we are funding our curent wasteful system (taxes, premiums, cost of products to cover others premiums, etc. etc.)  then the tax changes needed to nationalize this can make sense to them and the savings become real.  I think Americans will then be willing to recieve better value, better outcomes and cover all of us to boot."	"For a comprehensive base level of health care, we need to remove all the intermediaries (3rd party payers) and create a national health insurance program--publically funded--that we are all part of (rich, poor, politicians, etc.).  I am a physician and I look forward to practicing in such a 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	1/20/06 12:27 PM
4503	"I am about to graduate from nursing school and enter into the workforce and I am concerned with the amount of patients that nurses are being assigned.  It is unsafe for the patients and it is not safe for the nurse who is putting his/her license on the line each day.  Everyone says that there is a shortage, but it is not because there are not any nurses out there.  I think it is because the nurses are not willing to put themselves into an unsafe situation and they decided to quit practicing.  The amount of responsibility that is placed on nurses today is enormous and when they weigh the consequences with the benefits they decide to go into other professions.  "	We are seeing an increase in chronic conditions and along with an aging population.  So many Americans are without insurance yet someone is paying for the medical services they are receiving.  We need some sort of government intervention.	"Right now I do not think that Americans would be willing to trade anything, but start refusing to give them medical attention and I bet they would be willing to negotiate.  Negotiate what?......that I have no answer for."	More government intervention to allow for health care insurance and reimbursement.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/20/06 12:39 PM
4504	"The millions who do not have complete health care coverage and the difficulty for the middle class, low income people, and those stuck in poverty to pay for health care services. It is a scandal and immoral!"	"The obvious solution is a single-payer, universal health care system whereby the government pays for the services and people can choose their providers. This would save hundreds of millions of dollars and could actually be called a health care ""system."" "	"This (leading) question simply demonstrates the bankruptcy of the current system. In other words, there are NO trade-offs necessary. A single-payer, universal system provides access to high quality health care--period. "	"I've stated that above: a single-payer, universal health care system which eliminates the insurance industry's participation in 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	MN	1/20/06 12:40 PM
4505	Availablity of individual health care policies (private insurance) for people who have pre -existing conditions (for example Type II diabetes) that indidival policies will not insure at any price.	"Part E Medicare.  Expand medicare to cover all Americans.  Raise the premium.  The cost compared to current costs for indivduals and corporate  payors, would be would be minimal.  Where do I sign up.  Insures of course would hate it.  Now even the ""docs"" have figured out that the HMO's and Insurance companies are not their freind.  Do not let anyone associated with the new Medicare Part D benefit be allowed to administer or plan my suggestion"	"I believe if properely explained , everyone with half a brain would opt for an expansion of the Medicare.  Remember the govenerment normally does two things well, collect money and disburse it. "	"Same as above.  Expand Medicare to cover everyone.  medicare is the most efficient govenment program to provide health care to our citizens.  Prople really do not know how cheap it is and that you nolonger have to live in fear of pre-existing conditions, ie, the chronic conditions that come with living, which current individual policies will not insure and which group policies penalize the enitre group in terms of pricing."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/20/06 2:09 PM
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4507	The cost of health care and the services provided	The current system often provides care for those that can affort it but care is limited in ohter cases so the most vulnerable are not recieving the care that is needed	I'm not sure that there is the abiltiy for some to make a trade off if they are not recieving the care they need now	"Every individal has different needs, what works for one person no matter how compliant they may be may not be the course of treatment that will provide the best outcome"	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	1/20/06 2:18 PM
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4509	"I think my biggest concern is the shortage of nurses in the U.S., and how it affects the care we are able to give patients. There are fewer people majoring in nursing today and alot of that is due to what they see and hear. I think state mandated patient ratios are a wonderful idea and think if every state would institute those policies, more people would enter the nursing profession."	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MS	1/20/06 2:20 PM
4510	"costs....hospital, drugs, too many people using the system who do not pay. health insurance cost too high. rx drug costs too high."	not at this time	?????	control profits of the drug company	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/20/06 2:39 PM
4511	"1. Universal access to quality, affordible care.   2. Greater funding from preventive and primary care and better utilization of nurses in providing such care  "	1. Partner private and public sector. Employers not providing coverage should pay into a public system and individuals should pay pro-rated fees based on income/ability to pay without creating barriers to care.   2. Again- focus on preventive care!  3.  Value nursing care and compensate/reimburse appropriately.	"The public must understand that a basic level of care for all citizens will benefit everyone.  With that understanding, the public and private sectors can more readily shoulder the financial burden.  The public must think more globally and aid a primary and preventive care focus that will benefit both individuals as well as society as a whole."	"Restructure health care to focus on community-based primary care and preventive care, utilizing the most cost-effective delivery consistent with safe, timely and effective care. Nurses can fill an essential central role in such a system.   "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/20/06 3:08 PM
4512	"It's inabilaty to sustain itself with the current models, costs and funding."	Change to a single payor system	Very few as a group. 	Change to a 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	KS	1/20/06 3:43 PM
4513	"unfortunately, many patients do not practice ""low cost, high yield"" health care maintenance - instead many people continue to smoke, eat cholesterol-laden foods, and avoid exercise. If people would use more common-sense preventive measures, lives and money would be saved. in this country, we seem to react to problems instead of preventing them(ie, Katrina) - we would help ourselves,our families, and our country immensely if we would only understand and practice more preventive medicine.  I see people on a daily basis in the icu who could have been saved if they had only maintained a healthier lifestyle.  --pulmonary/critical care md"	"if we are truly concerned about the uninsured, then perhaps we should raise taxes on destructive items such as cigarettes to help pay for the uninsured's medical care.  if cigarettes were $4-5$/pack, then perhaps they would begin to cover the financial cost of treatment for the diseases they cause.    no one in this country should be able to have their entire medical bill covered. is their another product or service in this country that is completely paid for? (everyone would like a cadillac, but can we all afford to drive one??)everyone needs to pay even a small copay  for an er or office visit, so that they are at least somewhat incentivized to take care of themselves. people need to be responsible for themselves....i think that too many patients are not. in that case, the health care system may not have much to offer.(eg,-the unfortunate patient smoking 1-2 packs per day of cigarettes, with a large mi/heart attack; or a 25 year old who takes too much cocaine, arrests, and is brain dead on life support).    we probably spend too much money on end of life care in this country. ""do not resuscitate"" orders,end of life issues are not well understood...family members often feel guilty unfortunately, for ""pulling the plug"" on a loved one, when indeed in many cases they should not. death with dignity i think is reasonable and should be discussed more freely- religious leaders do not seem to understand this in this country.  health savings accounts should be encouraged to help more people save for potential catastrophic illnesses."	"the public would likely be willing to practice more prevention if they better understood the long term benefits and cost savings. this is not an exciting topic apparently, so unfortunately the media doesn't discuss it much. perhaps if we as a country agree that hospital costs are extremely high, then should we not look at what  patients are being hospitalized for in the first place?? are they preventable conditions??"	"take a poll from the public health specialists in the 10 biggest medical schools in this country-  ask them- what simple everyday measure would help the average citizen live a safer, healthier life? (what gives the biggest bang for the buck?)  what is the riskiest,most expensive behavior we practice in this country? Then follow Their recommendations...  my guess would be cigarette smoking - yet we have no coordinated nationwide program to educate against it-(it's state by state.), we allow workplace smoking, smoking in public places, etc, restaurant smoking; we have not done much to help kids from picking up the habit.      i think people are looking for a silver bullet- there doesn't appear to be one.   one recommendation - take care of yourself. the health care system can only do so much if you don't...    Another recommendation-as above-- have the experts list 5 preventable medical problems that we as a country could significantly ameliorate/change over the next 5 years, and commit to a nationwide campaign to improve these problems.  just don't let the tobacco lobby give their opinion."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/20/06 3:44 PM
4514	Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement  Lack of qualified nurses  Healthcare reform	"I think medicare should pay more instead of less.  Our clinic currently is losing a large amount of money by giving treatments to our medicare patients.  It is pushing towards all meds being supplied by a medicare pharmacy, which is a monopoly.  The government should not be able to do this.  Insurance is also troubling to me.  I had a patient this week who works for a small employer, and because of his cancer diagnosis and treatments, the premiums are now too high for his employer to provide medical coverage to their employees.  The whole healthcare system is messed up here.   "	"I am not sure.  I think ALL American citizen's should be provided equal and thorough healthcare.  I know Canada has a system like that.  How we get from where we are now to that, I don't know.  "	"I believe we need millions of more dollars to open many more nursing programs.  The shortage is only going to get worse if we don't start funding more adequate nursing programs.  After all, 98% of all nursing applicants get turned away, because there aren't enough nursing slots to provide these prospective nursing students training."	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/20/06 5:08 PM
4515	Affordablility and quality of care	There should be more tax breaks for individuals that are required to pay a portion of their health care costs  	NULL	"To provide all Americans the opportunity to obtain affordable quality health care.  Also, require that all companies to share in the cost of health care for their employees."	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/20/06 5:15 PM
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4517	Cost	Individuals don't pay a large enough share of health care costs DIRECTLY.  They think it only costs the $20 co-pay.	"They don't want trade offs.  They want to have services on demand for free, but this is not doable."	Insert some personal responsibility.  Lifestyles and personal choices are causing the vast majority of health care costs.  People need to pay based upon the choices they make.	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	1/20/06 5:26 PM
4519	"I believe that the current state of health care in America is abysmal for such a wealthy country.  First, that so many are uninsured, and secondly, the poor & expensive coverage even for those that are insured.  "	"I think we should have a national health care system, such as a Medicare-for-all plan that is extended to every citizen.  I would be very happy if my taxes would go towards such a system. I think running health care for profit is contradictory to the very idea of health care.  "	"I think the American public is very concerned about this issue, probably the primary domestic concern.  But polls can be checked to confirm this.  To have affordable, high quality health care, there should be no trade-offs.  That can only mean to appease certain corporate interests, which are in opposition to the interest of the public."	See my answer to question #2.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/20/06 7:27 PM
4520	"Companies with long term employees are handing packages out, layoffs, and so call restructing to avoid the health care issues they are going to face. We as a Nation are allowing them to do this and the Nation is going to have to pay for the outcome. Cobra is short term and expensive. "	No	Companies will not be affected as much as they think they will be. People are working in their later years to keep up with the expenses of everyday life.  Do the Math!	More clinics and volunteers. Educating the lower income families and seniors citizens on Health care issues. 	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	TX	1/20/06 7:28 PM
4521	"THANK YOU FOR THIS EXCELLENT WEBSITE.  AS A PULMONOLOGIST/CRITICAL CARE PHYSICIAN, I SEE A LOT OF DISEASE AND SUBSEQUENT EXPENDITURES  DIRECTLY DUE TO TOBACCO USE.  THIS SHOULD CONCERN ALL CITIZENS/TAXPAYERS.  TOBACCO COSTS INCLUDE 75 BILLION ANNUALLY FOR MEDICAL CARE, 80 BILLION IN LOST PRODUCTIVITY- THIS PER THE CDC.  430,000 DEATHS PER YEAR DUE TO SMOKING, PER CDC.  150,000 KIDS WITH RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS DUE TO SECOND HAND SMOKE, PER CDC.  IF WE TRULY WANT FIRST RATE HEALTH-CARE IN THIS COUNTRY, DON'T WE NEED TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM??  "	EMPLOYERS (INCLUDING CARMAKERS) COULD LIKELY PAY LESS FOR HEALTH INSURANCE IF THEY ENCOURAGED THEIR EMPLOYEES TO LIVE HEALTHIER LIFE STYLES...	EMPLOYEES COULD HAVE TO FACE EITHER KEEPING THEIR HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE WITH A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE   OR  DECIDING TO PAY MORE IF THEY CAN'T MAINTAIN A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE.	LISTEN TO RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE CDC.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/20/06 8:06 PM
4522	"Health care in America is costing more and more every year. For those who do not have any health care coverage have to spend large amounts of money to be seen by a doctor. When money is an issue in families, many avoid seeking the medical attention they need. I feel that more and more people are suffering from some major and chronic illnesses but cannot get any medical help because of the cost and no medical insurance.    Another concern that I have is the amount of work load nurses have. Patients are not getting the best care they can because the may be on the go all day getting done what she needs done. He/she is not really able to establish a nurse/patient relationship in which I feel is important that a nurse should do.   "	"I do not know of any other way that health care can be paid for. We all do need to take some responsibility in paying for our health coverage; however, we need to determine whether or not there is a necessity to visit a doctor or if we could do something for ourselves at home"	I feel that no one would be willing to trade off anything.  I am not sure exactly what could be changed to provide affordable and high quality of care. Something does need to be done because prices are sky rocketing and more and more people are living without any kind of health care coverage.	"I fell that all hospitals should be aware of the number of patients a nurse has. There are many times when nurses can have up 6 patients so they cannot really provide the highest quality of care. Not only should the hospital look at the nurse to patient ratio, but should also look at the amount and type of care each patient needs. Decreasing the amount of patients a nurse has could decrease the amount of medical errors that occur and decreases the risk of a nurse getting hurt because of the overload (i.e. fatigue, back problems)."	female	NULL	Yes	Other	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/20/06 9:32 PM
4523	"The high number of uninsured. Lack of emphasis regarding prevenative medicine. High cost of insurance. The control of healthcare services (HMO's,insurance, ect.) by for profit entities. "	"I believe we should streamline the payment system and have basic criteria outlined that every payor should be required to follow. The current system is wrought with various ""rules"" that change depending on the the company and plan that the patient has. The current system seems to waste more time and money on paper work then providing services to the patients it is meant to serve.  "	A basic  universal health care plan to cover all citizens would be a place to start. If basic services were provided it may be possible to prevent more costly remedies in the future. People who wanted a better plan could buy supplemental plans or have them provided as a recruitment option thru employers. It appears that as it is now American companies are having a hard time competeing in the international marketplace due to the high cost of providing health care to their employees. To lift some of this burden from employers as many other countries have thru universal health care could benefit everyone.	Universal health care.	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	MI	1/20/06 9:36 PM
4524	"1. LAck of portability of health care coverge.  2. Lack of insurance for young 20's starting out who are working and cannot afford health care premiums.  3. Obscene amount of monies being spent on healthcare executive salaries and profits which are not used to pay for care.  4. Lack of access for basic services.  5. Lack of federally protected healthcare rights for citizens. We worry more about those who have not paid tax dollars and seem to have little respect for the hard working who enable this country to function.  6. Lack of uniformity in charges.  7. Too much administratve redundancy in health insurance, hospital billing is a mess and people are the last ones who see the dollars spent on many grant and demonstration projects. The monies are absorbed into administration.  8. Prohibitive long time it takes to introduce money saving efficiencies into the system using technology that is reliable and tested.  9. Healthcare insurance lobby wields too much power in the system.  10. People who truly need care and have worked their whole lives are being left out when it comes to receiving needed services when they become ill.   11. Employee protections are too weak.  12. LArge Employer protections too small.  13. Basic service packages should be universal and available in all states.  14. Your group should make sure there are forums held in all states.   You are to be congratulated - the web is a good forum."	"Yes,    Basic insurance packages should be a standard available to all citizens.  For profit companies that really only care about where their stock is going are undermining the healthcare in this country.  Subsidize with payments based on ability or at least some kind of uniformity to decrease the billing mess that currently exists. I receive more bills on any one healthcare visit than for any other service I receive. Trying to figure them out is time consuming and I know more than a little about it.   Funding Pools that function like captation for states is an idea that should be explored.   Charges should not e arbitrary. i.e. a vaccine her is 2x more expensive than down the street.  Insurers who reap tax rewards should have to help pay for infrastructure. Things like telemedicine increase access at decreased cost and should be reimbursable and available and insurers should pay to have them made available in all public sector programs. "	"Tradeoff the excessive health promotion costs associated with multiple mailings.  Tradoff the excessive slaries and profits in insurance companys.  Make insurers who are operating in a state and reaping profits over time stay there to help solve problems or have fines allocated.  We need to make the system work better before trading off anything as it currently doesn't. There is waste , inefficiency and redundancy created in part by excessive paperwork that has little value.   Decrease the need to negotiate contracts and pool resources to post appropriate payments and charges for services. What do they really cost. Right now they cost the amunt negotiated. Insureres benefit and the uninsured pay full price. A case of the ones withthe least ability to pay being stuck with a larger bill. "	"Do away with redundancy, promote efficiency and decrease for profit healthcare excesses."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	na	1/20/06 11:04 PM
4525	It isn't guaranteed and getting less and less affordable for all.  Also doctors are dropping programs - and people will scramble to find doctors.	Yes - we need one single risk pool so that all the payments go into one fund and all providers are paid from that one fund- therefore the government does the paying and everyone pays a fair share into that fund including employers - all	The trade-off is that we want better benefits and we have to be sure that we put in enough money to cover them for everyone - no one gets off scott free unless they are without means.	Create a single payer system - one plan for everyone. Look at the Medicare D mess - thousands of plans and costly and confusing- everyone in and no one out.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/20/06 11:52 PM
4526	money spent the wrong way	"health care need to be funded on mutual aid priciples=paid for with income tax and taxes ont products like tobbacco and ETOH, and fines for behavior like not wearing a helmet on a motorcyscle...etc"	"I think if people had a system they were quaranteed woulf be there for them if they lost their job, or income, that enabled then to change jobs hassle free, preventive care and was straightforward for health care providers"	 everybody in same HEALTH plan	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MT	1/21/06 12:11 AM
4527	"1. Affordability of insurance. As a RN I question whether we have sick care insurance or health care insurance.   2. Lack of access to high quality care - across the life span (cradle to grave) - across the entire US.  3. Lack of cradle to grave care in all settings, i.e., hospital, LTC, private residence.  4. Medicare deductions are high during one's emplyment years and remain high during one's retirement; e.g., $88 deducted monthly from social security payments. The return for service from Medicare and Medigap insurance is comparatively low.  4. Lack of full services, e.g., reduction in physical and/or speech and/or occupational therapy unless it is provided by a hospital/rehab.hospital/nursing home.   "	"Have the US government/Medicare/Private Insurance companies truly examined the problem; i.e., demographics of the US population, increased longevity, increased disabilities? In other words the solution seem to have been determined without adequate examination of the problem. Just follow the steps of scientific problem solving, scientific inquiry - review the problem, analyze the data, establish some solutions and determine a plan of action, implement, and re-evaluate."	"I don't know what the trade-offs are but people need to have access to affordable care at some place other than the emergency department of their local hospital. I think US citizens have already made lots of trade-offs, in that they avoide basic care until they have multi-system failure and are either forced to seek care or simply die. "	Cradle to grave insurance coverage (look at Australia or New Zealand or other UK systems as models)at affordable rates.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	1/21/06 10:23 AM
4528	"Uncovered families, potential for unnecessary suffering."	Should be universal one payer system. 	I would hope they'd be willing to change to one payer. 	"One-payer with adequate attention to making the system accountable to payers, patients and providers. "	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/21/06 10:42 AM
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4530	"Huge unnecessary administrative costs. The lack of universal coverage. Grossly inadequate public health attention, especially to substance abuse and obeisity. Excessive drug costs. Duplication. Unreasonable reliance on high-tech medicine."	Sever it from employers and pay for it with taxes/premiums paid for by workers and other taxpayers. Foster non-profit providers to offset the current abuses of many current for-profit providers.	"If good basic care would first be made universal, I believe the public would be willing to give up easy access to expensive care of questionable or even negative value."	"With some modifications make Medicare available to all Americans. Take it out of politics by placing it in an agency structure similar to the Fed. For those who want more, let them buy from several tightly regulated suppliments."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SC	1/21/06 11:23 AM
4531	I'm an ER doc---I can't handle the huge numbers of patients ---they have nowhere else to go.It gets worse every year.	"national healthcare.Our CEO gives himself huge bonuses,while he eliminates psychiatric care from our hospital because it ""doesn't pay""--these people have infiltrated the system at all levels. Parasites!"	"Put money into healthcare, not the pockets of those who DON'T provide care = insurance companies,paper pushers,lawyers.Pay primary care providers and cut pay to specialists."	Stop paying 35% to insurance companies. Believe me----no one is going to take care of people [do primary care] if this system doesn't change.ASK AN ER DOC!!!The system is collapsing now!	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MT	1/21/06 11:50 AM
4532	"As a future physician, my main concern is that the system is failing to ensure high-quality health care to my patients.  Health care costs are skyrocketing, which means that more and more people are losing their health insurance through no fault of their own.  Everyone is affected by this problem – patients, governments, businesses, and especially providers.  I want to be able to provide high-quality care to all of my patients.  I never want to be in a position where I have to turn patients away because they can’t afford to see me.        "	"One big problem is that we have an employer-based system in which employers pay for the health care costs of their workers, which are increasing at double digit percentage points.  This creates a significant drag on the economy and causes our businesses to be less globally competitive.  It also means that health insurance isn’t portable – when people change jobs, they lose their health insurance.  Everyone should pay their fair share for health care, including businesses, but it’s not economically sound to place the majority of the burden on businesses.            Another big problem is not so much about who is making the payments, but who is receiving the payments.  We have a lot of different private insurance companies in America, all of whom have their own set of rules about reimbursement, claims, coverage, etc.  This sets up a lot of waste in the system and forces physicians to spend a lot of their time dealing with administration instead of patient care.    "	"We already spend close to $2 trillion on health care each year – more than twice the average spent on health care per capita among industrialized countries.  With this amount of money, we could easily afford to ensure universal access to affordable, high quality health care.  The problem is that there’s so much waste in our system.  We could save money by reducing the number of insurers and therefore administrative costs.  We could use evidence-based guidelines to prevent inappropriate use of expensive technologies.  We could use bulk purchasing to get better prices for drugs and supplies.  The point is that we don’t need more money for health care; we need more health care for our money.     "	"There is no way that you can achieve health care for all Americans in the current market-based system, which gives private insurers an incentive to avoid insuring the most expensive patients – that is, the patients who need insurance the most.  You might be able to get health care for all with significant governmental intervention, but you’d still end up with a fragmented system that has tons of different payers and built-in inequities in health insurance.           I believe that a better route is for the United States to join the rest of the industrialized world and create some sort of national health insurance program – a centrally coordinated insurance system that is available to all Americans.  With this system, we could achieve universal, equitable, high-quality coverage.  Best of all, because a centrally coordinated system facilitates the use of effective, systemic cost controls, we could do this without spending any more than we currently do on health care.    "	male	NULL	No	Asian	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	1/21/06 12:00 PM
4533	1. That senoir citizens don't have enough money to pay for their medications.  2. That all children in this country do not have health coverage.  3. That our emergency room's time and services are being consumed by non-emergent conditions and by people who don't have health coverage.	1.Every employer should be made by law to offer/provide health insurance to their employees at an affordable cost to the employee.  2. Possibly add a SMALL tax (like we have for unemployment)to every Americans paycheck to cover the costs of insuring that every child has health coverage.	"I am not sure that the American public want to make any trade-offs. However, we are all going to need to."	That would be DO NOT EVER CHANGE OUR SYSTEM TO A SOCIALIZED MEDICINE TYPE OF PROGRAM (like England or Canada).	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/21/06 12:10 PM
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4535	The accessibility and affordibility of quality healthcare for all citizens.	We need major changes. I hate the thought of a government-controlled program because our current govenment assistance programs are so full of abuses and ineffiencies. I hate the thought of a privately-controlled program because it seems that all these eventually show greed by the owners. Maybe we should develop a non-profit organization that could be overseen by govenment and private agencies to manage healthcare.	"I think that those who can afford insurance are willing to pay more, but only if they believe it is beneficial to those who cannot legitimately afford care and that the programs that provide care are functioning efficiently and morally."	"For all citizens to take personal responsibility for your health, as much as possible, understanding that all of us have struggles and personal weaknesses. Also, that we develop a culture of health and fitness that does not ridicule or reject those who are not healthy and fit. This culture should encourage and support good health habits. If everyone was making good healthy choices, it would become the standard and not the exception. And, mostly importantly, to realize that good health means nothing if we are not morally and spiritually fit also."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	1/21/06 12:13 PM
4536	increasing costs and employer & government assistance cuts	This is the american dilemma isn't it!  Make the drug dealers pay.  Direct taxes collected on tobacco and alcohol sales to a healthcare fund.  What else can we taxe that directly affects american health?  The world is overpopulated- birthcontrol should be easily accessible no matter what your financial status.	"Why does the american public need to concede anything?  The only thing I would say is americans should pay more if they smoke, are overweight or engage in any other obvious health detrimental behavior.  People need $$$ incentives to be healthier.  Let's focus on PREVENTION.  What about discounts for those who exercise and eat right and get a thumbs up at regular check-ups with their PCP."	"Make it illegal for pharmaceutical companies to SPEND $$$ on advertising (tv commercials, billboards, magazine ads).  Medications should be prescribed not marketed.  The millions of dollars spent on marteting affect the cost of medications directly.  Why should sick people be footing the bill?"	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/21/06 12:20 PM
4537	"The money is not going to the right places....  1.Pharmaceutical costs (and company profits) and through the roof.  Should anyone be making millions of dollars on health care?  2. Malpractice costs (and the care that goes to avoiding litigation) are crippling the system.  Very few doctors are negligent, yet we all pay.  3. Insurance companies are gobbling up the money as well.  How efficient is it to have multiple companies managing healthcare.  Thinks of all the money that goes to the insurance company's overhead?  In addition, healthcare providers spend resources trying to bill and collect from multiple providers.  Finally, the CEOs of these companies are making millions (once again, should anyone be making millions on healthcare?).  "	"Many people I speak to are afraid of a national health care system.  I have my doubts as well but I firmly believe that things cannot go on as they are.  Lets put the money where it is needed.....lets take care of people.  Lets get rid of all the different insurance collectors, limit malpractice (or eliminate it and focus on preventing errors, rather than punishing well intentioned providers for mistakes), and limit pharmaceutical profits."	"We need to realize that we cannot pay for everything.  The end of life care is very expensive.  Can we change the culture of medicine and limit the heroic efforts which are given to those with little life to live?  Can we withdraw pharmaceutical coverage (or limit it) at a certain age?  For example, why give an 85year old lipitor? "	Start over	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/21/06 2:01 PM
4538	"The uninsured and underinsured, the lack of a defined set of health care benefits that all citizens and residents should receive, the increasing cost of healthcare, the lack of access and patient safety and quality issues."	I would like a single payor system for a determinded set of benefits that everyone would receive.  	 I am not sure at this point that the public is willing to make trade offs.  But I am convinced that as the baby boomer generation ages that more demands will be made on the sytem	"Better utilization of the current hekath care dollars, eliminate the reduundancies, redesign the current healthcare delivery system in this country.  it is broken."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SC	1/21/06 5:16 PM
4539	Even the people with first rate private insurance are getting second rate care. People without insurance are getting terrible care. 	"Like the rest of the rich and industrialized world, we need universal health coverage for all our citzen.The present sytem is inadequite, unfair and inefficient."	Since we spend twice as much as any other country on health care we should be able to provide for all our people without increasing the cost. We may have less choice. That's OK with me.Even increasing th taxes is OK provided it doesn't turn into a public trough.	Universal coverage paid for by all the money currently spent on health care.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/21/06 5:30 PM
4540	"Disparate access and high cost for poor, relatively, results."	"Yes, government pays for all; rich can pay or insure for 'extra service', but rest get access to affordable, quality healthcare."	"Willing to pay higher taxes, with corporations and top income levels pithcing in too, to have universal access to healthcare. "	Single payer system.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MT	1/21/06 6:00 PM
4541	NULL	NULL	NULL	"   Hello.  I am a family practice physician – I have been in solo private practice in Federal Way, WA for 20 years.  I believe that improved use of information technology could not only improve quality of care but also significantly reduce administrative waste and unnecessary costs.  Here is my suggestion:    Someone (probably a governmental agency) spends whatever it costs(*) to develop a really good information system (software) for everyone in health care to use – allowing sharing of data (where indicated/authorized).  This is then given out for free (thereby making it likely that most will actually use it).  It would have different modules – such as for physicians, insurance companies, hospitals, labs, radiology, therapists, patients, etc.  Each module would allow for considerable customization by each user.    I can think of 4 components (perhaps you can think of others):  1)  Billing -  imagine the savings if all providers and insurers used the same (electronic) billing system.  (In addition, I’d require that everyone follows the same rules;  for example - only one way to bill for doing something).  As you know there is incredible administrative waste currently related to billing activities.  2) Electronic medical records - I am sure you are aware of the benefits of a good electronic medical records system.  This proposal allows medical information to be shared among all providers - even those with electronic medical records today can only share information with others using the same software.  3)  Communications - secure email between all participants in the system (examples:  provider-provider; provider-patient).  4)  Information dissemination - so providers can get needed information quickly rather than hearing it for the first time on the news (examples:  anthrax, SARS, influenza shortage, medicine recalls, results of major studies, etc.).     More detailed information is on a web site I made – it is a proposal for restructuring the whole US health care delivery system (universal access; controlling costs by limiting unneccessary charges/services as opposed to reducing necessary ones;  increased choice for patients;  separating employment from health insurance; etc.).  The web site address is      http://home.mindspring.com/~drslonim/    Incidentally – on my web site I suggest having a commission such as yours.  I didn’t know about your commission.  I wish you good luck – millions of Americans can benefit from your work.  Thanks.  *    I noticed in your report that a study estimated that we could save $162 billion a year with such a system.  Your report estimates it would cost $156 billion to develop it – I would disagree it would cost that much.  Even so, once you have it - at $48 billion in operating costs vs. $162 billion in savings (net $114 billion savings per year plus improved quality care) what are we waiting for??  "	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/21/06 6:13 PM
4542	Access to health care because over 45 million Americans have no health care coverage and millions more have inadequate coverage.	"We need a single payer system. In the US we pay more per capita than other Western industrialized nation, yet we get less care than those other nations (per the journal HEALTH AFFAIRS)."	"Until we have a new administration in Washington, there will be no change in the current system that spends too much on administration charges and rewards the CEOs of HMOs for limiting the care provided to members."	A single payer system must be developed.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/21/06 6:26 PM
4543	"1. Expensive; fear of cost almost immobilizes hospitalized patients.  2. Children deserve free medical care; the healthier a child is brought up, the healthier the adult he becomes, so less use of the system!  That means prenatal care should be free as well; a healthy mom, means a healthy baby.  3. Physical education in the schools has been eliminated with drastic consequences on our youth leading to obesity and poor coping with daily stresses.  4.  Home economics classes should be required to educate children in planning food for healthier lifestyle; including parenting and childcare skills.  5.  Pharmaceutical companies must be closely policed for proper preparation and research of immunization medications.  Access should be free to children.  6.  We as citizens are paying for medications several times over by giving monies to pharmaceutical companies for research, development, then excessive costs to individual consumers.  It is unfair economically to taxpayers and patients.  7.  It takes an RN to save your life!!!!!!!!  Adequate preparation and education of nurses must be promoted consistently with incentives to schools, students, facilities and nursing instructors.  8.  I see a prejudice in the practice of medicine in treating the elderly that is shortchanging them.  Advances have been made to lengthen life spans that help all individuals; that means the elderly are included!  Healthcare must be equitable and timely available.  9.  EMS and ambulance transportation should be free.    10.  Bureaucracy is standing in the way of timely, adequate, equitable healthcare.  11.  Safety should be taken seriously all the way from elementary education into the business/ workplace.  Safety means lives saved!  12.  Preparation for emergencies should be built into the healthcare system nationally, statewide and locally.  Standards need to be established.  13.  Some countries celebrate Education Day.  I say we should celebrate National Health Day with health fairs, marathons, nutritious food competitions, etc.  The emphasis should be on healthy families, physically and mentally."	"The healthcare savings accounts should be able to be rolled over from year to year and accumulate, so the savings reward you for good health.  People should be allowed to see whatever doctor they prefer, no matter what insurance they have.  Competitive plans should be encouraged, like Target and Walmart, so there is more choice of insurance available.  Protections against fly-by-night insurance companies must be strictly enforced.  States should be required to give children free healthcare; including prenatal care for mothers.  "	More quality care via more public health care and mental health clinics available for working class poor who are being squeezed by companies no longer providing adequate healthcare benefits.	"More Advanced Practice Nurses available with prescribing abilities, so physicians can provide care to the most acutely ill patients."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/21/06 7:07 PM
4544	will it be enough for part-time workers who are under social secrity restrictions and therefore can't go full time? 	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	1/21/06 7:51 PM
4545	"Increased patient acutity and less professionals at bedside. Not allowed morning and afternoon break, as this is on hospital time. We are allowed 1/2 hour lunch break, as this is not paid. We work 12 hour shifts so adding to the already heavy work load and stress, is one 1/2 hour break in 12 hours.  The 12 hour shift is not an issue, being allowed breaks is."	Insurance should not have the deciding factor in what is pain for and what is not.	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NE	1/21/06 10:27 PM
4546	Keeping it affordable and attainable for AVERAGE wage citizens.	"I am not informed enough to give an EDUCATED suggestion. I have been lucky enough to work at jobs with the employer paying for my health care, but the deductibles seem to be getting higher each year, some families cannot afford this. Maybe drug companies cannot afford to ""give back"" but if they are multi- billion dollar profit organizations, I think they need to contribute more."	Not sure. 	"Making preventitive care a priority and making it afforable. In that we get regular checkups to be aware of areas we need to focus on to keep us healthy so that we don't have to wait until we GET a disease to treat it. Information is key, and to get information we need to be able to see a doctor for regular assessments."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/22/06 1:03 AM
4553	not being afford to pay for it as I get older 	NULL	don't know	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/22/06 11:10 AM
4554	"The affordability and the quality of health care in this ountry. Our health care costs are spiraling, however the reimbursement by insurance companies are being constantly reduced. I would like to see legislation passed that would forbid the executives of any healthcare insurance companies from recieving any perks, bonuses or increases on their alreaqdy obscene salaries, before all of their claims had been paid. I would also like to see an independednt arbitration agency set up, one that is completely independent of the insurance companies, that would be staffed with qualified physicians and registered nurses to act as arbitrators on refused claims, with their decision to be binding."	"I truly believethat payments by employers should be borne by the employer, and not by the individual. Corporate America is getting richer on the backs of the American Worker. The Federal Government should be giving tax breaks to employers who insure their workers."	"None, I think that the American public is fed up with they system the way it is"	"Make it affordable. The hospital industry is a $570 billion dollar a year industry. This is a huge profit even with reduced reimbursements by insurance companies. For people who fall below the federal poverty level, their hospital bills should not be discounted, because many cannot afford to pay even that amount, they should be written off."	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	1/22/06 11:34 AM
4555	uninsured	single payer staff model like Kaiser	most are to selfish to share the wealth	single payer for all   workplace pluys govt  regulation of costs 	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	1/22/06 12:38 PM
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4558	Inequality and lack of access to needed services.	"Yes.  There should be a truly universal national insurance system where risk is spread over EVERYONE, and EVERYONE is covered for essential medical, dental, and mental health services, including medications.  This should be done through progressive taxation.  "	"People are willing to pay--they already are--and would trade off an expensive, confusing, and limiting patchwork system for a simplified tax system that would provide universal access.  The satisfaction with the renewed VA, and wide support for Medicare, shows how popular this would be."	A single payer health insurance system.  	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/22/06 12:52 PM
4559	"Wasting resources on illness and diseases that are, for the most part, self-inflicted. For instance, the little old lady in the nursing home, with Medicaid, on oxygen and various medications and treatments for emphysema caused by smoking, has no funds of her own, has all her needs cared for thanks to taxpayers, and she continues to smoke! Not only are we paying for her care and medications for an illness she brought on herself, we are also buying her her cigarettes! That does not make sense!    Also, education regarding wellness. Many people continue to perpetrate myths regarding vaccines for children, flu vaccines, vegetarianism and other ideas that would contribute to a healthier person."	"Those on public assistance need to be responsible to pay something for their care, even if it is only $20.00 an office visit or ER visit. There is no such thing as ""Something for nothing"" and we have done the medically indigent adult a diservice, as well as the rest of us, by allowing that particular myth to continue."	"give up some of the insurance benefits now provided. A recent example comes to mind: A mobidily obese (another self-inflicted disease) woman develops non-insulin dependent diabetes, directly related to her obesity. Now her insurance company pays for gastric by-pass surgery. It does not require her to first diet and exercise for a year to see what effect that will have. It does not require her to be counseled for an eating disorder. It just pays out the big bucks for by-pass surgery! Not even penny-wise!"	"Education related to healthy life styles. It needs to begin in pre-school, continue on into elementary and high schools. It needs to stamped indelibly on our children's brains, and they need to be encouraged to bring the education into the home."	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	WA	1/22/06 1:29 PM
4560	"That congress gets all the benefits without the money or concern of others. They do not pay into social security. The public pays and pays again for medical care. The social security does not do what is devised to do anymore. I think that congress should pay social security and have to receive it as any other American in the country. We, the public, do not want to pay congresses way throughout our own life and congress too."	As a healthcare professional I feel that insurance is using the medical profession as pupits. Insurance companies only want MD's to do what the insurance companies want them to do for the public. The Medical field should do what it takes to heal or to cure the public without the contrainst from insurance companies. They are just big bullies I think!	To grauntee that the public has healthcare I believe that it should be state supplied. If you work and do not make enough money to get the insurance one needs the state could assist them only if the continue to work and help themselves.	"I believe that if a person has caused injury to a person, in that that person is unable to work or to go on leving a productive life, the person who caused it should help out monetarily for the rest of their life especially if they were sent to prison or not. It would make others to think twice before injuring someone for any reason."	female	NULL	No	Other	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	1/22/06 1:55 PM
4561	"I am concerned about the nurse patient ratio. I see some nurses that have six patients at a time. Sometimes these patients all have a high acuity as well. This is too much responsibility for the nurse. I know that as a nurse, I would want to provide quality care to all of my patients. When I have a high patient load, I am not able to do this  for my patients. "	"There are always changes that could be made to any system. There are some people that choose to not seek medical heap because they are unwilling to pay for the care. I wonder if these people know all of their options. The government is willing to help these people and I wonder is they are aware of this. I know that one would think that most people would be aware of Medicare and Medicaid, but maybe not all of these people who do not seek medical help know their options."	"I don't really think that the American Public is willing to make any trade-offs. This is a hard question to answer. Possibly, if the physicians didn't charge as much for their services, more people would be able to afford health services. However, the Physicians are highly educated and trained and probably not willing to charge less for their services. "	"I think that the nurse to patient ratio should improve. I know that you always hear that there is a shortage of nurses, but some hospitals are not willing to hire more nurses because thay to not want to pay the RN salary. "	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/22/06 1:57 PM
4563	"It is too expensive and therefore not available to many people. As a self employed person I pay about 1/2 of my net income to insurance whose deductible is so large ($10,000) that the policy is useless unless for catastrophies."	Yes. I'd like the government to pay the whole bill. I'd like to have the benefits like Veterans or retirred Senators.	I would be willing to pay a tax to support an efficient single payer system. I don't like supporting insurance companies.	Access to healthcare for everyone. It is a right. 	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/22/06 2:25 PM
4564	We need to find a way to provide affordable insurance to working families!  Let's stop focusing on those who aren't working or providing for themselves and try to help those that are doing for themselves.  Maybe the government could work with the employers and together offer and gov/employer based insurance.  	NULL	"Neither. To provide a cheaper system, more benefits and financing should be placed in PREVENTION.  This would lower the end costs altogether."	"Stop providing insurance and assistance to border jumpers.  Why do these illegal aliens get free insurance, housing and food when they don't even pay taxes?  Just becuase they can cross the border illegally and have one child (officially and American citizen) why are they set for life when others struggle every day living an honest American life?"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	1/22/06 3:58 PM
4565	The underutilization of public health clinics for low cost medical care for the uninsured.    The fragmented care/coverage for the chronic renal patients. The system encourages fragmented care at several hospitals instead of a chronic disease managed care programs. The medicare/medicaid insurance coverage does not address the temporary coverage s/p renal transplant procedures to help people get out of the disability status.  Childhood immunization programs needs to be free to all US citizens. Preventative medicine is so cost effective in the long run!!!!	All people need to be accountable for their own health care and payments should be prorated due to income levels even for medicare and medicaid coverages... Copays regulates overuse/abuse of the systems.  I feel that new ways of insurance coverage focused on the individual/family coverage vs. payroll/employer coverage needs to be addressed.	"People need to be educated and held responsible for their own health/ expenses. The health care accounts are a good way of utilizing the ""save it for later process."""	Standardize coverage for all Americans and look at having affordable tier levels of coverage. Basic preventative coverage for all Americans.  such as Once a year annual exams/immunizations coverage.  Minimum major illness coverages for optional coverage  Tradional coverage for additional coverage for people that want to pay for the added coverage.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/22/06 4:08 PM
4566	"The disparity.  Those who can afford good insurance have it while so many are either underinsured or not insured at all.  The cost of insurance is too high and the working poor can not afford it and often go without.  I think the health insurance industry and for profit providers are profiting at the expense of the public.  Healthcare is not something that should be about profits or free market.  As a nurse working in the ""industry"" it is morally and ethically corrupt to profit off someone's misfortune or illness.  "	"  The distribution of healthcare needs to come from a public entity such as the Medicare system currently is. This will provide healthcare to all citizens of the country.  Then the insurance industry can take a back seat and provide added coverage to those who want to buy it.  The one thing that would need to be assured is that those with ""private insurance"" don't get jump to the head of the line.  They may get access to name brand drugs, or transplants, but basic primary care and emergancy care remains equal to all.  We need a single payer healthcare system.  Pharmacetical companies would contract with the single payer entity lowering drug costs for all.  All providers would be fee for service paid through the single payer entity.  "	"I don't know about the American public as a whole.  Seems like that would be a good poll for you all to do.  Speaking for myself, I would rather have my tax money go toward healthcare for all knowing that I will have access to healthcare no matter if I am working or not.  I think corporate America would be willing to forgo having to pay for healthcare insurance for their employees and pay a tax that would go toward healthcare for all Americans.  This tax would be substantially less than they currently pay for healthcare, worker's comp, and pension, but would provide the single payer entity with a substatial amount of providing care to all.  I don't think income taxes for the American need to raise any substatial amount to pay for this change.  I think corporate taxes, and decreased administrative costs would pay for healthcare for all Americans."	"A single payer healthcare system that is not based on the principles of the free market, but based on distributive justice."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/22/06 6:27 PM
4567	The availability and quality are all over the board.  Prices are out of control.	No	None	"Make prescription drugs available for everyone at an affordable price.    Do not allow insurance companies to have jerry-rigged exclusions.    Pay for health screening tests that are shown to really make a difference, ie, colonoscopy, mammogram, PSA tests, etc."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MT	1/22/06 6:39 PM
4568	"That we do NOT have 'universal' health insurance that covers everyone, with NO exclusions, NO 'pre-existing' condition, with NO SUCH THING as UNinsurance or UNDERinsurance."	"ABSOLUTELY!  Convert to 'single-payer' system, paid by both employee and employer payroll tax.  Then make ALL services FREE, with emphasis on PREVENTIVE CARE.  "	"The IRONY is that MOST Americans--including 70% of workers!!--ARE willing to pay MORE to have everyone covered,  when EVERY study done on a single-payer system shows it will cost MUCH less (somewhere around 15% nationally), WHILE covering EVERYONE!..."	"A NATIONAL, everybody IN, NOBODY out, payroll tax funded (employer and employee contribution), single-payer health insurance system that includes  -- electronic BILLING system with punctual payment;  -- ONE 'rule book' of what is approved, per ICD, etc.  -- that promotes PREVENTIVE care  -- that allows for REGIONAL flexibility, in order to meet needs and lower costs  -- that is PUBLICLY ACCOUNTABLE;  -- that is NON-profit, and where the INCENTIVE is to increase HEALTH as a way of lowering costs (versus denying care in order to maximize profits!) "	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/22/06 8:09 PM
4569	It is not available on an equal basis to all Americans.	"We should stop employer based healthcare and switch to a social insurance modle.  I favor ""Medicare for All""."	"Americans in my experience do not want to trade away any benefits.  They want acute and chronic care, preventive care, drug coverage, and long term care.  They want to choose their own doctor and have access to specialty care when they feel it is warranted.  They do not want to pay any more than they are currently paying."	We should expand Medicare to cover 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	VA	1/22/06 8:58 PM
4570	"Our inability to provide care for all Americans while spending more per capita than any developed country. The healthcare we are providing is over priced,, inefficient and leaving us vulnerable to continue deterioration of the public health."	"We should adopt a single payer system providing equitable, just, high quality care to all Americans."	"I believe there is sufficient financing available to provide healthcare to all Americans without any trade-offs and care provided under a single payer system would be superior to the fragmented, expensive unjust care we currently provide."	We should remove the profit motive from healthcare and provide care to all Americans through an equitable and just single payer system.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/22/06 9:30 PM
4571	My biggest concern is the lack of basic health care coverage for all citizens.	"I have been introduced to the concept of private-public funding for health care coverage.  I like this idea as I believe most tax paying individuals would support the use of tax money to provide basic health care services.  I also support the ability to create individual health care accounts.  It is not right that retired people have to continue to work to support their ability to pay for health care.  Additionally, if a person loses their job, there should be a mechanism to allow for accessible health care."	I think the revisions need to occur on a state level initially.  I believe this would promote a more comprehensive plan the public could understand and promote.	Provision of basic health care services to all members of our country.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	1/22/06 10:50 PM
4572	cost	yes	none. develop a better system	A socialized form of health care; similar to what Canada and the United KIngdom has.	female	NULL	No	Black or African American	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/23/06 12:32 AM
4573	  The cost.	"I think that system is fine, although I think corporate employers should be forced to offer low premium, high deductible insurance to their part time employees."	I think visits to the doctor should be limited in some way so people aren't going in for every little ache and pain.	"Establish a government insurance comapny that provides catastrophic coverage that self employed people can buy into.  Or, allow self-employed people to buy some form of Medicaid health insurance that allows a limited number of visits to a doctor each year, but offers complete catastrophic coverage."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	1/23/06 12:32 AM
4574	"Increasing costs for citizens and for industry payors and government payors are UNSUSTAINABLE.    Quality of care is NOT high, while cost greatly exceeds other countries with higher quality."	"Mandatory universal coverage, everybody in, nobody out."	"This is a FALSE CHOICE! Publicly funded universal coverage works elsewhere for less than we pay for fragmented coverage, and econometric studies (CHOP & others)show WE COULD cover everyone here for LESS than we pay now."	"Universal, publicly funded health care coverage NOT tied to employment-employers."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/23/06 1:57 AM
4575	"Access to medical care, rising costs, decreasing reimbursment, medical errors."	Universal health care would solve some problems that we currently face.	"Those that currently recieve health care via government or employee benefits will probably be the least willing to accept change or trade offs.  Those that have none would be willing to make the most changes.  As a practicing Emergency Physician I would be willing to take a pay cut to insure all have access to timely, quality health care."	Universal coverage	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/23/06 2:29 AM
4576	alot of hard working people only make enough to live on without having to ask for assistance. With the cost of high monthly health care premiums most like myself choose to live without health insurance.  Praying we stay healthly	my employer does not off health care and if I want it..... i have to get on my own it is so high for my age that I can not afford to get	"that is hard to answer.....I see all these people on medicade and see them with more than me.  I don't know what can be done, but I don't want to have to rely on assistance if I ever do get sick"	affordable rates with coverages that will cover all illness 	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/23/06 7:26 AM
4577	The inequity of it.	Single payer. Get rid of layers of administration and beautocracy.	Some triaging of what is covered.  More preventive and at home care should replace expensive tests and hospital procedures (see NY Times articles on diabetes).  Generic drugs if they work as well.	Single payer.  Get the insurance companies out of the mainstream of providing health care.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	1/23/06 7:38 AM
4578	"The wasteful,illogical nature of the so-called system and the disproportionate political influence of pharmaceutical and health insurance companies"	"The employer-based system is unfair to employers and employees, as well as excluding from the system those who don't work for large companies. It should be scrapped. "	"Rationing of high-tech, end-of-life care."	Investment in preventive care and health education.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	1/23/06 7:52 AM
4580	"So many Americans have no insurance and are unable to afford care.  Although I have some health care, I could lose my house and all savings with one health care problem."	Leaving it to employers leaves a lot of people completely out.  The government needs to see health care as a fundamental right.	No trade offs.  We just need to get our legislators and healthcare providers to work with the goal of providing equal and excellent care for all.  	"Get started.  We will make some mistakes as we learn.  At least there would be hope!  As it is, we are only going to seek deeper in this financial disaster."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/23/06 8:36 AM
4581	The high cost of health insurance and the inability to purchase it at a reasonable cost without an employer.	"The linkage between citizen and the workplace is too misguided.  Many employees are ""stuck"" in their current position due to their dependency on the employer's health care plan.  This stifles creativity as the employee can't go out on his own to start his own business.  "	This is a very difficult question to answer since it involves a deeper understanding of the underlying costs and structure.  I do think that here in Massachusetts private plans are not easy to come by thus one is forced to pay rather exhorbitant monthly payments to ensure coverage for their family.    I do believe that one should be able to select and forego certain treatment plans (especially some rather unproven new ones) in order to lower their montly payments.	"Make health care universal either by mandating a state wide plan for anyone to purchase , or mandating it by legislation nationally to be paid by tax dollars."	male	NULL	No Response	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	1/23/06 8:39 AM
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4582	Persons who are uninsured. Escalating cost of health care. Not enough importance is placed on preventive health care.	"Everyone should have access to the same services, regardless of payor source or lack thereof. I suggest some type of universal health plan."	"Higher taxes (within reason), guaranteed coverage at the institution of their choosing. Most people would agree to limit high-dollar testing to have broader coverage."	"PREVENTIVE services. Americans are under the impression that we can use and abuse our services and our bodies and never have to pay the price, so to speak. We must preserve our health and environment."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/23/06 9:57 AM
4583	The cost  I am self employed and it costs me over 1100.00 per month for medical  for two people	"We should have a national system adminastrated by each state single payer system funded by a motor fuel tax that everyone pays into with tax credits over a set amount. that way the money would be handled by two groups., At the pump and at the wholesaler. elemanate all city, town state and federal health benifits everyone is on the same page"	every one I have talked to would gladly pay a little more at the pump to be covered no matter were they worked that waw small and large companies could hire more workers	your doctors office would not have two people fighting with the Insurance companies	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	1/23/06 10:02 AM
4584	"The cost of health care, prescriptions, and nursing home care. "	"Government should pay for health care for all Americans, including the funding of all hospitals, community health clinics, assisted care facilities and nursing homes. Tax payers--whether individual or corporate--can (and should!) tolerate higher taxes to pay for this. Those with higher incomes (corporate OR individual) should comprehend and accept the necessity of paying higher taxes than those with lower incomes; it's just the right thing to do!"	" Ultimately tax payers in the USA end up paying for those who cannot afford health insurance and/or medical costs, and who have therefore not received good preventive care. In some countries citizens pay huge income taxes, but they benefit hugely by having their health care paid for, including nursing home care. I have yet to meet a single Norwegian, for example, who thinks that their extremely high taxes are not well worth paying.  Why should we be the only western nation that does NOT fully fund the medical needs of its citizens? I believe that if Americans knew the truth about health care benefits of citizens in countries with government funded medical care, they would be willing to pay higher taxes. "	The government (i.e. tax payers) must pay for the health care needs of 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	MA	1/23/06 10:14 AM
4585	"The very high price of health care--doctor visits and drugs.  Also, the difficulty in getting doctor visits.  Doctors seem to limit their time (in order to keep the price high, I think).  Also very concerning is for my family, living in an area of traditionally high unemployment where a lot of people don't have health insurance.  The hospitals in this area overcharge and have ""mistakes"" on the bills (I think to compensate for the numbers of uninsured they have to serve, so they overcharge those who have health insurance).  There is too much emphasis on money and not enough on quality of care.  I don't like the time spent on gaining info about how a patient is going to pay for their services, even during a medical emergency.  This shows the emphasis is on money, not on quality health care."	"If this system was working, why are there so many Americans uninsured?  Why do individuals incur large bills (and ""beg"" from others to help them pay)if this system was adequate?  It seems clear to me that many individuals can't or won't pay the insurance premiums, when employees lose their jobs they lose their health care, and the government supports the drug companies more so than the patient and actually wants the drug prices to stay high so that the drug companies stay very profitable (because they give large sums to election committees and so that they can develop new drugs to create new markets for more profit).  The changes should be along the lines of other countries which have better quality health care than America--like the United Kingdom and Canada.  The government pays for health care (taking contributions out of workers' pay).  If the government pays for health care, then it is in their best interest (and in the interest of every single citizen) to get quality health care so that ""health"" is more the norm than ""sickness.""  Healthy people will not need lengthy health care costing the government money.  In America, it seems like doctors/hospitals/drug companies/all health providers and the government work to encourage sickness, because there is tremendous profit in sickness.  It isn't the government that is paying for it, it is individuals mostly. If the government paid for health care, they would take actions to encourage health, not sickness, because it would cost them less that way.  The government could encourage health by putting emphasis on health, from the top down.  Americans aren't the most obese and unhealthy people on earth for no reason.  It is because the government encourages sickness for profit.  Money is more important than health.    "	"If the government paid for health care, people would see that it is a lot more efficient.  The case needs to be put to the people in a clear way.  There are too many people who don't pay.  They penalize those who do pay."	"Encourage health!!   Look at American foods.  Work to get rid of high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated vegetable fats, GMO foods (or at the least, label these).  Encourage people to look to food, not medicine, for health.  Stop advertising drugs on TV (this encourages sickness)."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	1/23/06 11:44 AM
4586	"That insurance is so expensive for too many people. That it is employer based, so cuts out a lot of people."	Pay or play for employers. Or a national Medicare type universal coverage.	"Every entity needs to pay or sacrifice, ie insurance companies, provides, hospitals, individuals."	"For individuals, healthy lifestyle changes.  For the health care system, all providrs should be required to see a certain number of uninsured patients."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/23/06 11:50 AM
4587	"its gross injustice and inequity - more than 82 million uninsured and underinsured, and the lack of a safety net (with over 50% of bankruptcy filings because of medical catastrophes).  The current health care delivery system is unsustainable and unjust."	"Yes.  I support without question a national health insurance plan, single payer.  Every person in this country is entitled, by human right, a ""basic"" level of health care that is provided by our government."	I think that most Americans would be willing to pay slightly more in taxes to offset the aggregate improvement in health care coverage for all.	"To begin with a single payer, national health insurance program."	male	NULL	No	Asian	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/23/06 12:25 PM
4588	"I believe that a lot of money is being spent on people who believe it is thier right to health care but who do not try to change thier habits to improve thier overall health.  Citizens of this country are obese, they do not try to maintain health.  Elders want everything done to save thier lives which I understand, but we spend much more at the end when they are dying than we would have over the course of thier lives if we paid for health MAINTENANCE.  This approach would raise the overall health of the country as a whole.  We do well for children, then abandon the whole adult population for years then try to pay for eldercare. WRONG!!"	"We need everyone to step up to the plate and pay. All people who use the system need to pay for it.  There are multitudes who use the government and know how to get things paid for that are not necessary, while others get nothing."	I don't think the American public is willing to take trade offs.  	Make people more responsible for thier choices as to health maintenance.  Help people with chronic disease to maintain health instead of waiting for major disease to happen.  Educate the masses.  	female	NULL	No	White	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VT	1/23/06 12:50 PM
4589	The rising costs of health care is very concerning to me.  	"Any change that would reduce the administrative costs would be very helpful.  I also think that the old adage is correct, ""An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!""  The more we fund provention and the better we get at prevention should help reduce the cost of curing health issues."	I think the above is the wrong question.  The question should be asked of our elected officials.  What wasteful spending can be redirected to provide access for the 45.8 million uninsured citizens?  I think the American public would want better stewardship of the public's money before we ask the trade-off question.  	"Reduce government regulations that add unfunded mandates to our health care costs, i.e. HIPAA.  Has anyone estimated the costs of HIPAA?  All legislation enacted ultimately comes back to the American citizen to fund.   "	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/23/06 12:59 PM
4590	"I am a physician. The current system is crumbling under the stress of medical legal liability, lack of information technology infrastructure and lack of uniform incentives to make all parties work toward the benefit of the system. In my specialty, Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1/3 of the residency slots are now filled from overseas because noone wants to risk the trauma that obstetricians suffer through the legal system. Physicians are fleeing the healthcare industry and those who are stuck are a very discouraged group of professionals. "	Healthcare is a commodity. It is not a product or service where competition in any way promotes quality. It is time to have healthcare administered by the government. We need a two tiered healthcare system for those who want to get more personal service for an additional fee and those who want basic healthcare covered without additional cost to them. 	America will permit healthcare management if it is fairly administered. 	do what you are doing here. Make nonpartisan recommendations that are for the good of the country and it's people and not necessarily for the healthcare industry.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	1/23/06 1:22 PM
4592	AS A WHOLE WE TEND TO MET THE NEEDS OF OUR CHILDREN TRHOUGH SOCIAL SERVICE DEPT. BUT AS A SINGLE MOTHER IT HAS NEVER MADE MUCH SENSE TO ME NOT TO PROVIDE SOME KIND OF COVERAGE FOR THE MOTHER OR PARENTS. HOW IS THAT PERSON SUPPOSE TO BE ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF THE FAMILY IF THEY ARE UNABLE TO AT LEAST HAVE SOME KIND OF HEALTH MAINTANCE PROGRAM THAT WOULD ALLOW THEM TO SEEK TREATMENT WITHOUT GOING TO THE COUNTY HOSPITALS AS WE KNOW ARE OVER CROWDED OVER WORKED  UNDER STAFFED AND CLOSING UP DUE TO THE FACT THIS IS WHERE PEOPLD TURN WHEN THEY NEED HELP AND HAVE NOWHERE ELSE TO GO I BELIEVE THERE ARE MANY DOCTORS WHO ARE AVAILABLE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF EVERYDAY LIFE BUT WITH THE PRESSURE TO BECOME A PART OF A HEALTH CARE NETWORK THEY HAVE BEEN DENIED THE PRIVALAGE TO PROVIDE CARE WHERE THEY COULD SET UP A PAY SCALE OF THEIR OWN TO MET THE NEEDS OF COMMON AILMENTS THAT OCCUR IN THE FAMILY.	"I THINK THAT ANYONE WHO IS BORN A US CITIZEN SHOULD BE ALLOWED HEALTHCARE PAID BY THE GOVERN,MENT AND OR EMPLOYER REGUARLESS OF INCOME."	NONE BIG BUSINESS IS SET ON KEEPING THE RICH WHERE THEY ARE 	TO MAKE CARE AVAILABLE TO ALL	female	NULL	No	Black or African American	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/23/06 2:49 PM
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4595	"Although my concern includes the number of people in our country who are going without healthcare due to the high cost of insurance, my personal experience has been the hassle of getting affordable health insurance during times of temporary unemployment. We pay over $2000 a month for my husband and me for a COBRA policy at the present time. We have discovered that we need a group plan, because other individual plans use preexisting conditions to exclude services. Finding a job that offers group health benefits is a high priority for my husband while I am completing a graduate degree program. "	"We need universal healthcare for all citizens. There needs to be a basic plan that is a core preventative program which can be expanded by consumers. The core plan would be funded jointly between federal and state health departments and the individual consumer. The core plan needs to cover both illness and preventative care, integrative medicine, and mental health needs. Additional coverage for nursing home care, pregnancy, dental, vision, and other specific needs would be paid for by the consumer as needed at a subsidized rate. In many communities people pay an extra penny tax for community infrastructure which could be expanded to include universal healthcare.    "	I think people would more likely pay a penny tax for health care than for some politician's bridge or road program.	"Right now we have millions of people without health care, including children. The goal needs to be a minimum policy with emphasis on high quality preventative care. Individuals then have the option to increase care coverage by co-payments or state assistance for children, hospitalization, and higher levels of care. The advantage of this kind of universal coverage is the decrease of emergency room visits for non-emergency illnesses, because the uninsured have no other choice at this time. Since this is a group policy, preexisting conditions would no longer play a part in the service provided. "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/23/06 2:59 PM
4596	"As a RN what concerns me most about healthcare is the publics disregard for what actually constitutes an emergency. People seem to believe that the ER is the place to access primary care. That cold may have been bugging them for a week but Saturday night at 0230 it is suddenly an emergency and must be seen about right this very second. Then they get down right angry when they are expected to wait hours on end while people w/ true emergencies are tended to first. My frustration is further heightened when the patient then presents their Medicaid card like it is a free pass and my tax dollars go towards paying a $500 ER bill when it would only have cost a $40 office visit had they gone there instead. Are people not aware that doctors have office hours M-F/9-5 (in most instances) in order to take care of colds, flus, and prescriptions refills? And people wonder why medical care is so expensive."	"Yes most definatly. I believe that people who recieve benefits under the Medicaid programs should be required to pay co-pays for their care. If under my HMO plan I am expected to pay $30 for an office visit and $100 for ER care why can't Medicaid reciepiants pay $5 or $10? Many will probally balk at this suggestion stating that that reason people recieve Medicaid is related to low income and inability to afford healthcare in the first place. But, if this is true then why are they outside of the ER smoking a pack of cigaretts while waiting to be seen? "	"I really don't believe that americans are willing to make any trade offs. Those that recieve free care want just that free care and those w/ insurance don't want to pay for it in higher premiums, copays, and/or taxes."	"I feel that education,health promotion and health prevention of the public is important. People need to realize that an ounce of prevention now is worth a pound of cure later."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/23/06 3:16 PM
4597	"In my view, the current state of our healthcare system represents the unfortunate outcome of applying a well-intentioned, yet ultimately inappropriate model: market-based healthcare.  It would be hard to find many Americans who would find financial profit, in and of itself, disdainful.  It would also be hard to find many Americans who would argue against access to healthcare constituting a universal right as opposed to a select privilege.  What concerns me most is that our current healthcare system often seems to functionally set these values in opposition to one another.  The operational decision in providing medical care often becomes: seek the greatest profit OR provide the greatest access to the highest quality care?  Those who most often have ultimate influence over such decisions, generally corporate shareholders and those responsible to them, are naturally positioned to favor profit.  (As a note, I feel it is dangerous and shortsighted to swiftly and flatly vilify these decision-makers.  They are acting appropriate to their roles.  It is the role itself that has been misplaced and begs for correction.)      As such, the quality of healthcare and its availability to all who need it in our nation takes second seat to profit in a primarily market-based healthcare system.  The initial hopes of this system to achieve greater efficiency and quality of care by applying business principles proven effective in other sectors have not come to fruition.  Instead the free market model has lead to harrowing problems: exorbitant administrative waste, inefficient delivery and financing of care, misuse of expensive technologies, dramatic disparities in access and quality of care, and a population of healthcare “consumers” and providers stifled by an unruly, hard-to-navigate system.      An important derivative of these problems is the erosion of relationships and definitions fundamental to good healthcare.  There is substantial and increasing distrust of physicians by patients (encouraged by the positive feedback of expensive malpractice litigation).  This is somewhat understandable given that physicians have also been thrust further into the fray between fiscal and clinical considerations.  Consider a new doctor emerging into the system facing $175,000 of educational debt (which likely took 7 to 10 years of grueling work to accumulate), exorbitant medical liability insurance premiums, and a reimbursement scale that is shrinking in payouts while increasing in administrative complexity.  It is not difficult to imagine how a physician’s decision-making can necessarily become defensive and re-iterative of the system’s fiscal focus, particularly since the system itself encourages such behavior.  Doctors are now required to think of (and spend their time on) much more than patient care.  Where does this inevitably leave the patient?"	"Yes.  The burden that rising healthcare costs places on employers is leading to an increasing number of employers reducing or eliminating coverage for employees.  Due to this and other factors, more of the cost of healthcare is being shifted to individuals, many of whom cannot afford such costs and therefore go without insurance (and without the preventive care that off-sets the dangers and greater costs of resultant chronic disease or emergency care).   In our current system, we are moving away from valuing access to healthcare as a universal right instead of a select privilege.      I do not think that responsibility for paying for healthcare needs to be removed entirely from individuals, employers or government.  I do, however, believe that the relative responsibility for payment should be aligned toward the goal of providing access to high-quality healthcare for all citizens as opposed to providing appealing investment opportunities for the affluent.  The birth of a sick child should not threaten to bankrupt a hard-working family in the world’s richest nation, yet it often does.  The cost of providing health insurance for employees should not be prohibitive for a business, yet it often is.  I am in favor of a more centralized system of payment and healthcare administration that reduces the escalating cost of administrative waste produced by our current system, which, in many ways, stammers on as a dysfunctional patchwork of private parties. "	"According to the WHO’s rankings of health systems, published in 2000, the United States ranked 1st in healthcare spending, but 24th in the overall health of its citizens (note: 37th in overall system performance and 54th in fairness of financing).  I feel that this is a shameful underperformance.  I do not believe that we need to spend less money on healthcare (15% of GDP in 2003), but I do believe that we need to spend these funds much more wisely.  I feel that many citizens would agree with this sentiment and would be willing to make many adjustments if given a viable and fair alternative.  As a specific example, I believe that citizens would be willing to give up a degree of the current illusory “consumer choice” (the concept on which market-based medicine seems to rest its hat) in exchange for assured and equitable access to high-quality care. "	"Centralize healthcare administration and finance.  In doing so, fund rigorous and ongoing outcomes research to establish an evidence-based healthcare system; such a system could improve national health, reduce wasteful spending, serve as a control for medical liability concerns, provide a dynamic system of medical education and research (guide research dollars toward greatest need, particularly with regard to pharmaceuticals), and importantly, inform policy decisions through data that underscores good health (not profit) as the defining principle of our healthcare system."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	1/23/06 3:28 PM
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4599	I and many have no health insurance. I cannot afford health care since I became disabled and need it more now than any time in my life. 	Yes a national plan like most civilzed nations that care about it's people is what we need.	I am not sure.	national heatlh care.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	1/23/06 4:00 PM
4600	So many people without health care coverage.  High cost of health care and health insurance.	This should be purley a government program providing health care for all.  No exceptions!!!	Government health care for all would have far more advantages both to the individual and to our overall economy than our present system. 	Universal Health care such as that proposed by SPAN Ohio.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/23/06 4:08 PM
4601	"The overwhelming cost and inefficiency of the current system.  I would vastly prefer a single payer model with all of its difficulties to the multiple payer model that currently exists.  Dealing with insurances is a pain for patients and physicians, family health insurance is over $10,000 per year in upstate NY, insurance is employment related which skews the system... the system is broken and needs to be fixed!"	Single payer - see above	Single payer system will work for the majority of people and the wealthy can still buy more rapid access to care (boutique system).	Single payer system covering everyone.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/23/06 5:18 PM
4602	"The ignorance of mainstream doctors when it comes to hazardous substances such as fragrance chemicals. Synthetic fragrances are ubiquitous, falsely advertised, leading unsuspecting consumers to believe they are benign.  Fragrances are probably the leading cause of most neurological diseases, asthma and cancers."	"If the government had to pay for its people's health care, I'm sure a lot of improvements would be made."	The RIGHT TO KNOW THE TRUTH about man-made chemicals in all artificially scented products.	"Ban artificially scented products, which include personal care, cleaning products, alleged air fresheners, scented candles, and demand safer products me made, which is possible."	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/23/06 5:22 PM
4603	Health Care Delivery is a fragmented and broken system that is grossly inneficient and overly costly. It focuses on care of severe disease and has poor incintives to practice preventive medicine.	"Yes! Health care can't be regulated by market princilpes, and the attempt to pass the burden of payment over to a ""Consumer Driven"" approach is just a smoke and mirrors show to hold down costs by withholding access to the system."	"Since more people are either uninsured or underinsured each year,we will eventually reach a crisis point where Americans will demand Universal access under a National Health Policy with a single payer. "	Create a National Health Program for the USA like Medicare that has universal coverage with the federal government as the single payer. There is good evidence that this could be done without increased cost and with an increase in quality.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/23/06 5:35 PM
4604	"Rising costs. Less health care approved by HMO's.  Today Ford announced job cuts with a main reason of rising health costs. Higher costs, less care, damage to our economy, all while the HMO's are recording rediculusly high profits is a major concern for everyones future."	"I have been a life long Republican and conservitive who understands the need for corporate profit, but I believe it's finally time for government regulation.  I believe the HMO's have proven they can not control themselves.  I also would like to see legislation that brings medical malpractice suits  under control so that doctors are not chased out of practice by ridiculously high insurance policies."	I believe the general public is willing to pay a reasonable charge for insurance.  But not for the HMO's to make record setting profits.	Government regulation of the health care industry.	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	1/23/06 7:04 PM
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4606	Health care is crisis focused.  Medicate the sumptoms or remove the organ of stress.  	"Extremely high fees go to CEO's and specialist.  A cash shoulder arthroscopic procedure costs $6,000 for 45 min of work and an insurance charged arthroscopic shoulder costs $29,000 for the same procedure.   A woman can't walk, bilateral sciatic and medicare won't cover her PT at a chiropractors office.  She can go for stints, the first costing $35,000, the second 36,000 and  the third costing $37,000.  The lopsidedness of fees for surgeons and specialist and the low fees for natural health care healers is so very low or non covered.  "	"On par fees for natural health care providers.  The freedom of choice by the patient to go for the stent or to the (Chiropractor, Acupuncturist, Nutritionist, Physical Therapist, Massage Therapist) for care.  The patient is not stupid.  They will go for care they need.  Let some free enterprise run the system.  If national health allows only the current providers that are covered so well by Medicare, Medicade, CHP, Major Medical, well there will be no change. The medical momopoly will have some coverage on everybody and will always get paid and the success of drug and surgery procedures that has our country in 37th place for world scores will sink to a new lower level. "	"Level the playing field amongst licensed providers.  On par fees for skills earned, do away with the high specialist fees for 40 minute surgeries. "	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/23/06 7:40 PM
4607	"I CANNOT GET HEALTH INSURANCE BECAUSE I HAVE DIABETES.APPARENTLY ONLY PERFECTLY HEALTHY PEOPLE CAN GET IT,BUT NOT THE PEOPLE WHO NEED IT MOST."	INDIVIDUALS PAY TWICE THE RATE OF GROUPS. I THINK THEY SHOULD PAY THE SAME RATE.	NULL	MAKE IT AVAILABLE TO ALL AMERICANS EQUALLY.THEY CAN DO IT IN EUROPE.SO CAN WE!	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/23/06 7:50 PM
4608	My major concern in health care today is the fact that nurse's are in short supply but the demand for them continues to increase.	NULL	"I think that health care is the most important asset to any American person. It should be available to everyone, not just the lucky few who can afford it. "	Provide adequate personnel to serve the American people and provide affordable health care to everyone! 	female	NULL	No	Black or African American	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/23/06 8:02 PM
4609	18.000 Americans die every year because they don't have health insurance.	"Employers should not be part of the system. If a person is too sick to work, then their health insurance goes away, when they most need it. This is not right. We should have coverage when we are sick, not when we are healthy."	I am willing to let the health care administrative costs go down to cover everyone. This means all the high paid health insurance jobs will go away. I am quite all right with the changes we are going to have to put up with to get health care coverage for everyone. Let the health insurance people work in actual delivery of care instead of denial of care.	"Make sure we have health care coverage for ALL people in the United States, like the rest of the developed world. Start with HOW to do this not, who can we leave out this time."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	1/23/06 10:12 PM
4610	"I am one of those Americans who has several ""existing conditions"" including Asthma, spinal disc problems and endometriosis.  The Asthma alone makes me high risk, and I shudder to think what the health care picture would look like without my job, which could be lost at any time.  With work being so transient, why haven't our benefits programs kept up?"	NULL	NULL	NULL	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	IL	1/23/06 11:30 PM
4611	Access to care-crisis in nursing shortage- governmentatl programs like Medicare Part D-	National healthcare available to all individuals	I do not feel there should be trade offs	Availability	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/23/06 11:45 PM
4612	The rising cost- Health Insurance especially for young families who do not qualify for state assistance.	a program that requires everyone to contribute-including those on state assisted programs and those on medicare	I believe that the majority of the  American public will be willing to contribute financially when they see that EVERYONE puts forth his/her portion.	"The American Public (inc. Physicians, Hospitals, and Insurance Companies) must contribute as a whole if affordable, high quality health care is to survive."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/24/06 12:10 AM
4613	The number of uninsured and undertreated due to a lack of health insurance or insurance that covers major medical only. The high cost to low income families and how this lack of health care will eventually impact and is impacting our society.	If a national plan on a sliding scale were available to people without any health care they would be required to purchase it and either have it deducted from their tax returns or they would be given a refund if proof of insurance could be provided. It may be a nominal fee and may provide HMO coverage only but some form of payment is better than nothing. Perscription service would also need to be provided as a diagnosis without affordable treatment is not helpful. 	"Less heroic measures such as ICU, liver and heart transplants,or dialysis for patients who have either terminal illness or are over a certain biological and chronological age and who will not recover to have a quality life. Comfort measures and medications for comfort should be provided."	NULL	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	KS	1/24/06 12:11 AM
4614	"Personnel:we do poorly in health care utilizing the special skills of nurses.  We offer cost effective, quality services, primarily in areas of chronic disease management and preventive health care.    Priorities:  We need to be allocating a greater portion of health care budget on primary care and prevention.  Access:  Each and everyone should be able to access high quality, affordable and timely health care irrespective of payor source.  The current guidelines in place to prevent private health care institutions from denying healthcare based on ability to pay is a joke.  There are too many loop holes for private industry to deny care to the indigent and or underinsured of America."	"Recogniation that nursing care saves money:  Research has repeatedly confirmed that adequate and appropriate nurse staffing saves lives and money.  Nursing care should be recognized as separate from general hospital costs and should be reimbursed appropriately by any financing system.  We don't recognize the value of that nurse at the bedside who keeps your doctor informed minute to minute of changes warranting the doctor intervention.  We gladly pay whatever at that crucial moment when our loved one is in that emergency situation, yet when we are asked to consider what a nurse's salary should be we hem and haw about the answers.  Resource Allocation:  We need a better balanced system to avoid the overuse of expensive technology driven acute care services (the present model), and create a greater emphasis on community based preventive and primary care services.  Employer-based system is not working:  As a member of ANA, we believe that the cost of a universal basic health insurance package for every citizen and resident should be borne by an expanded partnership between the private and the public sector.  Employers who choose not to provide coverage should be required to pay into a public system, possibly based on an expansion of Medicare.  Individuals should pay some portion of costs, even if only nominal for those with fewer resources, as an incentive for appropriate use:  however, deductibles and co-payments must not create barriers to care."	"Healthcare is a basic human right: any “trade-offs” need to recognize that a certain universal, basic guaranteed level of care should be   non-negotiable.   Consumer participation and health literacy: in order for people to consider or agree to various trade-offs, they must have a basic level of health literacy and an understanding of the consequences of various decisions. Only then can individuals knowingly direct their own care, as well as understand systemic decisions that affect whole populations.   Trade-offs must be weighed in a “transparent” decision-making process: Americans may be more willing to accept necessary trade-offs if they know what is being traded off and that decisions have been made in a fair and open process in which they’ve had an opportunity to make their case.   Move from an individual-based to a population-based epidemiological model: in making decisions about how to allocate public funds, a primary and preventive care focus will benefit society at large and disease-specific populations, as well as the individual"	"Restructure health care to focus on community-based primary care and preventive care, utilizing the most cost-effective delivery consistent with safe, timely and effective care. Nurses can fill an essential central role in such a system."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	1/24/06 1:21 AM
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4616	although the cost of health care in the United States is 40% more expensive than any other country our life expectancy ranks 25th world wide	"Health care, like government, will always be wasteful as long as we are ""spending other peoples money""."	none	"It's actually simple. The leading causes of death until age 40, in America,all causes of death are preventable. Far and away the most common is accidents. The most common accident is an automobile accident involving alcohol or drugs. The 2nd most common cause of death to age 40 is suicides. Thirdly, homicides. There are as many years of life lost from accidents, homicides and suicides as for Cancer or heart disease. In addition if people quit smoking, were not obese and were not involved in promiscuous sex and drugs life expectancy would increase more than all the health care we can not afford."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	1/24/06 7:27 AM
4617	The large number of people without health care. The ones that do have it pay for those who don't which is driving the costs to employers and individuals even higher.	The amount the hospitals etc. are charging those with insurance should be regulated and there needs to be a system - across the board - of some kind for all working families to be able to afford quality care.	"I think the middle class working public has already made sacrifices and pay more than their share.  Large employers, i.e. Walmart should have to pay their share for all of their employers to have health coverage.  It would save the taxpayers lots of money."	Same as above.  All large employers should have to provide affordable quality health care for their employees. Employees making minimum wage cannot afford the large payments required for health care.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/24/06 7:47 AM
4618	"that costs are rising and quality is declining for those who don't know how to ""work"" the system. many are without adequate healthcare."	find some way to cap the profits of insurance providers and pharmaceutical companies. it is obscene how much is being made when there are folks who don't have resources to get routine check ups or medicine for their kids. one time i think more govt involvement is warranted	I am not sure. Americans are not known for their willingness to defer personal comfort for the benefit of all.	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/24/06 9:31 AM
4620	1)  Access to quality care at a reasonable price  2)  Dr's malpractice insurance rates increasing  3)  Poor care options for mentally-ill adults  4)  Too many overhead costs  5)  We are entering a time of decline in the US Standard of Living - that has to be factored in somehow in our lives.  But NOT in health care!!	"REDUCE government involvement.  INCREASE requirements for private companies to have health care policies for ALL its workers.  The risks must be spread over more people.  This would include PART TIME workers.  INCREASE the use of clinics for non-emergency ""emergencies"".  FOCUS on preventative care (obesity, heart disease, cancer) by virtue of a shift in the nature of insurance."	"Most would be willing to give up more paycheck dollars if doing so would lower the overall cost of health care.  National policies must focus dollars on processes that obtain sound RESULTS in healthcare and DO NOT reward ""across-the-board"".  "	"Focus Federal government policies and dollars on reducing HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS by increasing technology transfer of methods/procedures that have PROVEN RESULTS, requiring ALL companies have private health insurance, and INCREASING support for research in METHODS of healthcare delivery, not just healthcare itself."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	1/24/06 10:15 AM
4621	"As a soon-to-be nurse, the impending nursing shortage is what concerns me most.  Of course, I am assured of job security... But at what cost?  We run our nurses ragged with huge patient loads and precise documentation to protect us in the future.  Documentation has become the single most important thing a nurse does - and that is done to protect herself/himself from lawsuits.  Nurses live in fear of being ""called into court."" People must understand that accidents happen to everybody, and as many steps that are taken to prevent them, they still occur (especially when providing care to 10+ patients).  It is sad that a nurse has to spend more time in paperwork to cover herself than in providing direct patient care."	"I wish there were an easy solution to the problem, but health care costs.  A lot!  If there was a way to make it affordable and accessible to everybody, it would get my vote.  "	"I think Americans are discontented with the cost of health care, but ask them to forgo something else (like a cut in their paycheck toward the health care system), and you will have no volunteers."	"I encourage people to seek out Nurse Practitioners for their health care needs.  They are highly trained (some more so than Physicians Assistants, even), experienced in assessment, and skilled in medication administration and prescription.  I believe a Nurse Practitioner is more ready and willing to provide care for the whole person – physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  "	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/24/06 10:36 AM
4622	The cost of medical care and the medical liability crisis.  They're both related.	"I think we should make medicare available to all people, with those of retirementage paying a lower premium."	I don't know.  But I do know we need to make people more responsible for their health care and it's cost.  Many people feel it is a right to excellent health care.  If this is so than see above question.	"Lower the price of ""insurance"" and send more of this money to the providers.  We're losing excellent doctors every year because of the rising costs to maintain a medical practice with the decreasing payments by both medicare and insurance.  Essentially limiting access to excellent health care in America."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/24/06 10:41 AM
4623	"The total expenditures are out of hand. Lawsuits help drive up the expenses between malpractice insurance premiums and extra tests etc being run to avoid lawsuts. All the money being spent on new hospitals and facilities also bothers me greatly. I guess something else that bothers me is the ""save them at all costs"", particularly in the case of the elderly or brain-dead people.  Most money is spent at the end of life, often for nothing."	"I think that's OK. I don't think our country could do a single-payer system, since people wouldn't stand for any rationing, or probably the much higher taxes that would be needed. We need to limit the increases that hospitals/doctors charge each year since it is so much higher than the national increases."	I think the American public wants everything without sacrificing anything. I think we maybe need to move back towards more capitation.	"I think Americans need to have more of a vested interest in the system. Take away the super rich plans that encourage greater utilization. Publish more information about costs and outcomes, and make people ""shop"" for 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	1/24/06 11:06 AM
4624	NULL	NULL	NULL	"If the fed gov't wnats to reduce alot of the cost of healthcare in one fell swoop, they should immediately provide, free of charge, an electronic health record software for any hospital or doctor to implement voluntarily. I heard that CMS is working on this with a product called vista-office, but this should be expedited"	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	1/24/06 12:00 PM
4625	The aging population and the lack of pallative care programs.  	"I think we first have to look at what the aging population has to contribute monetarily, I also believe that emplorers must have mandatory healthcare coverage and that individuals should be allow to form their own groups to become consumers of insured plans"	I think we first need to educate people that trade offs are necessary.  Americans traditionally want it ALL.  I would start with charging more money for insurance for people that engage in high risk behavior such as obsity and smoking	Prevention for health.  The eat live and I'll worry about it tomorrow because I don't have any personal responsibilty must stop.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/24/06 12:43 PM
4626	"It is a fragmented system that sacrifices efficient and equitable health care delivery to our citizenry in order to protect the profits of the insurance and pharmaceutical industries and other ""free"" enterprise profiteers.  Currently the concerns about health care profits trump concerns about health care delivery.  That is unconscionable."	"We must move to nonprofit single payer insurance for all.  The government's economically efficient record with Medicare financing suggests ""Medicare for all"" would be most appropriate."	"Once informed what ""non-profit single payer insurance"" really means, they certainly would be willing to give up choice of insurance carrier.  Once properly informed of what it means, they would be willing to accept the cost control of reasonable budget caps. "	We must set aside our broken incrementalism and move directly to non-profit single payer health care for all.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/24/06 12:44 PM
4628	"Too many people not getting the healthcare they need, especially the very young, the elderly, college students and those in low socio-economic brackets."	"Yes, the government should subsidize health care plans so that everyone can receive the care they need."	I think people are willing to contribute financially and are also willing to forego bells and whistles and settle for basic health care. I would pay higher taxes to subsidize my health care plan and others' as well.	A national healthcare plan would be nice.  Other countries are doing it.	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	LA	1/24/06 1:40 PM
4629	Lack of health care coverage for ALL people.    The huge profits that take money away from direct health care and prevention	"Single-payer system providing universal health care, based on a Medicare model"	eliminate excessive and inefficient services	single payer 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	1/24/06 1:52 PM
4630	That everyone does not have basic health care	I think everyone under a certain income should be offer health care via the government - and that employees or these people should be charge a small fee to offset the program	"None - no trade-offs every one should have health care - lots of employeers have paid health care - leave them alone - they have been managing their health care issues successfully - take care of the people who do not have health care - including students, mid-aged - children - elderly by income not by age"	"Every one should have health care - lots of employeers have paid health care - leave them alone - they have been managing their health care issues successfully - take care of the people who do not have health care - including students, mid-aged - children - elderly by income not by age"	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WV	1/24/06 1:58 PM
4632	"Our current system separates the payor of services from the person receiving services, which is a structural flaw which leads to increase buracracy, inefficency and waste of limited resources."	"Everyone, young, old, health or sick, should be required to purchase catastrophic healthcare insurance, similar to the requirement that anyone who drives a car (whether they are a safe or reckless driver) is required to purchase car insurance.  This will add millions of young,   uninsured people to the liablity pool, reducing   costs for everyone. "	"I think people, if properly educated about the purpose of insurance (which is to insure against unlikey but costly events), would realize that catastophic care is what they must have.  Reimbursement for routine medical needs (doctors visits, common colds, etc.) is unnecessary except for the poor, who could continue to receive assistance through Medicaid. Once the recipient of services is faced with a cost/benefit decision which the current system eliminates, limited medical resources would be freed to focus on those truly in need and costs would come down. "	"Change the system so that catastrophic healthcare insurance is required by all. Help those who cannot afford it and educate people to assume their own ordinary costs, rather than pay huge monthly premiums in order to enjoy doctor visits at little or no out of pocket costs."	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	1/24/06 2:23 PM
4633	The unfunded mandate of healthcare. Large numbers of people present to the emergency room as their primary health care. This is not the appropriate use of the resources. 	The payment method for hospital is so very bad. If payment could be based on true use consumption of resources then many parts of healthcare could be affordable. The $10.00 asprin would go away. 	I think Americans see healthcare as a right not a benifit. They do not value preventive medicine.   I believe they want the best with no cost to them. We may need to lead the public in a more aggressive way to preventive care. I believe that FREE treatment for hypertension. Could pay for itself in 6 month or less. 	Support primary care and much of the issues will be fixed. When it is impossible to find a MD who accepts Medicaid something is wrong with the system. 	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/24/06 2:24 PM
4634	"There are too many unwarranted law suits resulting in outrageous medical insurance fees. The consumer (patient) pays these fees in a number of different ways. Increased service fees for doctors, increased healthcare co-pays, etc. The biggest cost to the patient comes in the form of excessive and unnecessary tests being to run to eliminate all possible causes for symptoms when the doctor/surgeon already knows the cause. I have experienced this personnally, having to wait 3 weeks and several thousand dollars of testing before having a bad goll bladder removed.  "	"Sharing the costs seems reasonable to me. As stated above, I believe costs would come down rapidly if the liability penalties could be controlled.     Because costs are so high, many young families cannot afford to ""pay their share"". These families must then play medical roulette, hoping not need to health care and letting the government and those with health insurance foot the bills. "	"As an older adult, affordable quality health care, from the doctor of my choice, is very important to me. "	Limited liabilites for malpractice and some type of overview to insure that lawsuits are valid and there is reasonable data to support malpractice.     Perhaps requiring the planitiff to pay all legal and court fees for the defendant if the defendant is found not to be at fault. 	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/24/06 2:30 PM
4636	NULL	I think the individual should have the freedom to choose what type of insurance and medical that they wish to receive for themselves and their families.  Every person/family is accountable for taking care of their individual/family needs.	"None,  healthcare needs to be factored into your household expenses and if necessary ""wants"" may have to be postponed to help insure the best quality care can be received."	There should be less intervention so that Doctors can spend their time taking care of patients and improving the quality of their care.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SC	1/24/06 3:08 PM
4637	The schedules that physicians work in hospitals.  Medical interns/residents often work 24 hour shifts (or more) and are often too exhausted to give the quality of care & attention to detail that is required in their field.	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	HI	1/24/06 3:19 PM
4638	Access to healthcare of the un-insured.	Remove the employer based health insurance system.	"Americans would be willing to wait longer if necessary for non-emergent tests or treatments.    Should be willing to pay more in Medicare with-holding, if not paying for an insurance premium."	Extend Medicare/Medicaid to all citizens.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/24/06 3:19 PM
4639	It is UNFAIR!  Everyone should be covered	should not be based on employers.  available whether or not you have a job.	almost anything to cease the profit-making by insurance companies and pharmaceuticals.	single-payer system	female	NULL	NULL	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	1/24/06 3:52 PM
4641	"As a small employer, I am concerned most about the cost of health care to me as an employer.  I feel that it is important to provide a comprehensive plan to employees.  However, the amount of income generated each year does not keep pace with the cost of health care.  The current cost of health insurance is approximately 1/6 the average annual salary of each employee.  "	I would like the system to paid for with a use or national sales tax.  I have not heard what the total expected cost of national health care would be but a reasonable 1% sales tax on ALL goods and services would spread the cost out fairly across all social connections and would also provide for revenue to be collected from those who are attempting to avoid paying taxes and those who because of resident status do not pay taxes.	"Unfortunately, my view is that the American public will not be happy with a plan that shares costs between individuals and a health care plan. I feel that individuals must and should have to share in the cost through premiums and or copays etc for the effectiveness of the plan to be shared overall."	The cost of care of either health insurance or the direct cost of care must be shared by all either through a sales tax or use tax.  Some will argue that those with lower incomes should not pay anything but I feel that all of us should share.  Paying through a sales tax on all goods and services will result in a system in which those who consume the most goods and services will fairly pay the most.  Tax credits should not be given based on income or the amount of goods and services purchased.	male	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/24/06 3:58 PM
4642	Healthcare decisions are being made by insurance companies and government agencies (medicare/medicaid) instead of by the trained healthcare professionals that should be making them.	Healthcare should be made affordable.  Out of pocket expenses should not exist.	What price would you put on your life.  Health care should always be of the utmost quality.  Patients finances should not even be a consideration.	Allow the physicians to decide what is best for the patient.  Not the insurance companies.	male	NULL	Yes	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/24/06 4:05 PM
4644	Illegal aliens coming accross the border to recieve health care for free.	No	I'm not sure.	Everyone should have to equally as much for health care.	female	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/24/06 4:14 PM
4645	"So many people make do without health care because of money worries, and less notices and reported, so many health treatment decisions are make by insurers rather than the patient or doctor."	"Employment-linked coverage skews the entire employment picture and I believe basic umbrella coverage should be available to all without employer participation. For example, spouses of self-employed people get jobs just to get coverage and, on the other side, employers offer many part-time jobs that may be much less efficient to avoid paying health care. Then you have sad scenarios like the folks working three part-time jobs that still have no coverage. "	"High quality is where the debate will come in, but I think most Americans are tired of worrying about themselves and their families possibly not being able to pay for medical care because of not having coverage or having an HMO that doesn't allow what they feel they need.  Anyone who's been to an emergency room knows the hours of waiting caused by the numbers of people who have no primary care delivery system and no preventative care."	"There has to be a national, basic umbrella plan and some type of clinics for children that cover everyone -- citizenship/legal residency issues to be hashed out in committee. Taxes have to be considered as part of your full financial picture -- are you or could you be paying more for those same services now than a tax would ever cost?  "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/24/06 4:28 PM
4646	"Mainly, the cost of healthcare is a primary concern. As a university student, I have been fortunate enough to be covered by medical insurance under parental coverage without having expenses directly billed to me. However, I am aware of the increasing costs of healthcare for individuals paying their own way through school and working in places of employment that do not cover medical expenses for various reasons or do not offer adequate coverage. Once no longer covered under my parents' insurance, costs will be of greater importance to me. I support efforts to lower costs of healthcare. Additionally, I find that lack of health education contributes to regression in the population's health. Programs designed to increase awareness and promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles would assist in decreasing the need for healthcare, and furthermore, affect expenses for healthcare."	I do not feel any changes in healthcare payments are needed at this time based on my perceptions.	"This is not a popular topic among my peers, however, personally, I would make financial trade-offs in all areas of my personal budget to be able to afford adequate healthcare coverage. By cutting back small percentages in several areas and increasing my savings percentage, I would be able to allot for higher healthcare costs and increasing insurance costs. Typically, I find that most Americans would not consider limitations to their other benefits to ensure access to affordable care.  I base this solely on the fact that healthcare is not usually viewed as a necessity until a crisis arises. However, some may consider financial planning revisions to their budget.  "	"I recommend increasing health education in the school systems across all levels and offering health education programs to all places of employment to cut back on the demands and needs for healthcare. As awareness increases, more Americans can initiate measures to prevent complications of health, thus preventing the needs of healthcare, which affects expenses related to health."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/24/06 4:34 PM
4648	Most Americans can't afford it and are not covered.	Large Employers having a certain number of employees or a net profit over a certain amount must provide health care. 	If the minimum wage were raised to a certain level then they could afford decent health care.	All americans MUST be covered.  Perhaps health care could be tied to a percentage of the military budget.	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	MD	1/24/06 5:11 PM
4649	the economic and racial/cultural disparities in health car	"universal single payer health care--budget made out by federal or federa/state with strong federal guidelines--cost born by income tax and all employers, corporations"	"currently taxpayers are assuming the cost for business entities and contractors that do not pay their share; many workers or dependents, particularly employees who are temproary and/or part time are without benefits and their employers force the workers and/dependents into public assistance for the health costs"	universal single payer health care--	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	1/24/06 5:52 PM
4650	Affordability of health insurance for every citizen	I think the government should definitely assist the people with the payment through subsidy and especially for business owners who have no health insurance at all and are employing people who depend on their employers for health insurance coverage.	Minimal co-payment and reduced price for prescribed medication	"Subsidized health coverage, just like in England"	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	NJ	1/24/06 6:00 PM
4652	Unaffordable.Drs wanting payment upfront. We need a system to keep doctors honest and have a system of reporting issues. Wellness should be covered.	Individuals will not meet the burden and will go without. Government and employers should find ways to help everyone have health care.	Deductables and copays. 	 Offer health care to everyone not just the employed. 	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	1/24/06 6:48 PM
4653	"Increasing costs. Even with insurance coverage, people have trouble with out-of-pocket co-pays."	Ways to provide preventive health care to individuals would decrease overall health care costs. 	"I don't know that the ""public"" is willing to make trade-offs in either benefits or financing."	"Provide public education in preventive measures to protect health in schools, communities, media advertisements, etc."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/24/06 6:54 PM
4654	Two main things that concern me is the shortage of nurses and them being over worked and under paid and also the fact that Doctors seem to be treating the population that they see as a whole and it doesn't seem to be individualized.  Lastly the increasing reliance on technology and not using our minds.	no	Paying nurses more and using materials that cost less.	Remeber where are focus should be on the patient and what is the best for that specific person.	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/24/06 7:21 PM
4657	The high cost and inequity.  The millions without health insurance are charge the most by health care providers.    Health care should be single payer and available to all and not tied to employment.	"Insurance should be divorced from employment.  This is a WWII hold-over and does not work.    All payers should pay the provider the same price for a given procedure.  Now insurance companies pay the least, Medicare more and the uninsured the MOST. It makes no sense."	Basic health care and preventative care should be universal for all residents of the USA.  Supplemental insurance can cover elective procedures and care beyond the basic.  It should be single payer and funded by a fair and level tax.	Remove health insurance from employment and make it universal.  Set a single level of reimbursement for providers of basic health care.	male	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	1/24/06 9:19 PM
4658	"As a nurse, I believe that the rising costs of healthcare and the number of insured is affecting the quality of care that I can give to my patients. Patients can't afford medications to stay healthy so they come to the hospital for a ""tune up"" and then go home and relapse. This cycle is driving up the costs of healthcare. People who need healthcare can't afford it. I have good insurance but my premiums keep rising. It doubled this year alone."	"As stated above, those who don't have insurance can't afford healthcare which increases the costs of those who have insurance. Premiums keep rising and benefits are decreasing. My in-laws were paying almost $800/month for insurance and dropped it because it is cheaper to pay out of pocket and go to a charity hospital. Changes have to be made in the way the states and the federal government regulate insurance companies and how they reimburse facilities."	Small premiums $100-$200/month would be feasible if everyone had access to care.	Providing more regulation of drug companies so that prices of drugs stop escalating. 	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	1/24/06 9:31 PM
4659	"The disjunction between health care costs and what the consumer of health care pays. When consumers do not pay for something directly, they have little interest in controlling costs."	"Health insurance should be divorced from employment. Changing or losing a job should not affect ones health insurance (just as it does not affect ones auto, home, or life insurance).     The government should get out the health care business entirely: no Medicaid, no Medicare. Instead, the government should provide a health care safety net for poor persons by paying for their enrollment in a suitable private health care plan.    Finally, to make this work, everyone should be required to get health insurance. The minimum policy would be a high deductible catastrophic coverage plan. This requirement is similar to that of auto insurance: most states require car owners to buy coverage with specific minimums (eg: $25,000 liability coverage per incident). To even up the field, health insurance companies would have to offer policies to everyone, but they could stratify rates based on risk (again, just like auto insurance). The only government involvement would be establishment of a funding pool for extremely high risk persons who cannot affort even a minimum requirement policy. Of course, health insurance companies could offer far more than the minimum requirements, or consumers could opt to join a full coverage HMO."	Practically none. Americans are attached to the delusion that they aren't paying full costs for health care. Working adults like employer paid insurance premiums or HMO fees that seemingly reduce their health care costs. Our elderly folks love the fact that Medicare gives them extremely expensive care with minimal out-of-pocket expenses. It will be very hard to change these situations.	Make everything out-of-pocket except for hospitalization costs over a certain amount (such as $5000).	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	TN	1/24/06 10:05 PM
4660	Expense	No	Impose high taxes on fast food producers and consumers and allow tax breaks for those who exercise regularly. Use the taxes collected to help fund health care.   	Impose high taxes on fast food producers and consumers and allow tax breaks for those who exercise regularly. Use the taxes collected to help fund health care.   	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/24/06 10:29 PM
4661	"It is expensive.  Costs for services are disproportionate depending on whether you are private pay or insured.  There does not seem to be a balanced, fair method of defining cost for procedures, equipment use, or supplies, much less professional services.      There seems to be a three way pull between healthcare providers trying to run a business and recoup expenses and get some profit to reinvest into expansion/replacement of equipment, services; insurance companies are increasingly demanding proof of diagnoses and need for services (to the extreme of conflicting with the healthcare providers intelligent choice for needed servicesl... I am a nurse;  the past year, if I had not contested several claims that were initially denied, I would have paid an additional $1500-2000 for services that are covered on my insurance policy... and that is after meeting a $500/person deductible); and attorneys all to eager to file frivilous lawsuits in search for a quick dollar for themselves and their clients....forcing hospitals and healthcare providers  to have to pay other lawyers to defend themselves.  *************************************************  My other concern is disproportionate access to care.  Depending upon what city or state, insurance company, socioeconomic status, and availability of reliable transportation, people have to be proactive not to fall through the cracks.  *************************************************  It is very frustrating, though, to see where there are systems in place to care for those who can't pay and transport them for care and they are too ignorant, lazy, or uninformed to get the care they need, specifically in areas of prenatal care and diabetes management.      "	"I like the idea of employers who do not provide health insurance for their employees having to make a contribution into Medicaid funding.  As a taxpayer in an area with a high Medicaid population, it is frustrating to care for these people and know that I am also paying for their healthcare, especially when they neglect to get the care they need until they have a catastrophic illness."	"We need to continue to focus on getting control on the obesity epidemic, which is causing diabetes and cardiovascular disease to skyrocket.    I like the idea of employers who provide healthcare insurance expecting their employees to make intelligent decisions about their health, such as not smoking, regular cardiovascular exercise and physical fitness... preventive maintenance....wellness services...  ""an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"" is absolutely true."	"Don't smoke, lose excess weight, exercise to keep your back and joints healthy, don't drink alchohol or use drugs, stay busy, have fun, protect your spiritual and emotional health...  "	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	1/24/06 10:38 PM
4662	The rising costs of healthcare that make universal coverage for all Americans more and more unattainable.	"Yes! Provide more community-based health centers and return to the gate-keeper theory for preapproval for using emergency services, such as using the ER for nonurgent care issues."	That's the problem...I believe that early detection and intervention should become a priority in healthcare and that too many dollars and resources are wrapped up in caring for patients with little to no quality of life. Perhaps more emphasis should be placed on the right to choose life or death for those with terminal illnesses.	"There must be incentives for Americans to engage in preventive healthcare. One proven benefit is if employers have wellness programs within the workplace, employees are more likely to utilize these preventive strategies. "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	1/24/06 10:50 PM
4663	Lack of universal coverage.	ok as is.  Needs to be expanded.  	Small tax increase.	Universal coverage	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/25/06 12:01 AM
4664	The cost of insurance and the fact that so many people cannot afford to have insurance.	I would like to see all children to be universally covered.	NULL	"To insure all children and disabled, paid for by government."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/25/06 8:54 AM
4665	The # of people who don't have health care or can not afford it. Many companies can offer an affordable plan to their employees. If they do it often bites into their profit margins. In the end this will do serious damage to a growing economy. 	The gov. should provide a safety net health care plan to those who demonstrate a need. A yearly physical exam makes sense from every angle. It will prevent catastraufic health events and save money for the country. Our current system is failing too many people.	I'd be willing to pay a national health tax to assure that there is a more equitable access to health care. Companies should not be shouldered with this high burden.	"A basic national health care plan for primary care,ensuring access to health care and thus reducing the cost of care. In addition insurance companies have too much power in the current system. Their increased involvement has added to the costs, not reduced the costs."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	1/25/06 9:18 AM
4666	"Lack of access to and insurance coverage for health care for all people.  Insurance costs, insurance dictating care (ie. when coverage ends).  Poor end of life care and planning."	"I believe the brain trusts in this country should be able to come up with needed changes that are NOT government sponsored, and that are not driven by financial incentives to any party that ends up driving the nature of the care.  Addidtionally there MUST be control of malpractice litigation."	I don't think the American public can AFFORD to make any significant trade offs.  Health care insurance is already very costly.  High quality care should be a given.  	"The competition  for patients has caused hospitals to continually try to ""one up"" the next guy.  Do we really need all private rooms (exception-isolation needs) and valet parking service and the huge dollars spent on customer satisfaction surveys?  Those dollars should be put to better use!"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/25/06 9:21 AM
4667	Cost including pharmaceutical costs; number of uninsured; repetitive paperwork from a nursing viewpoint; control of insurance companies.	There should be increased constraints on Medicaid recipients but Medicaid assistance should be available for those who truly qualify.	More policies available to small business owners with affordable premiums.	"Limit control of coverage, benefits, etc. by insurance companies."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	1/25/06 9:48 AM
4668	1.  Rapidly aging population  2.  Increased reliance on Medicare and Medicaid.  Fewer and fewer people have private insurance and there is a rapid increase in the working uninsured.  3.  The nursing shortage is severe - hospitals and health care agencies are having to rely more and more on contract staffing which increases the cost and decreases the quality of healthcare.	"Absolutely!  Changes must be made, and quickly.  Our nation has the highest cost for healthcare and one of the highest mortality rates.  We need to look at other healthcare systems that are working better and model our system after them.  Countries like Germany have a very effective model of healthcare that is less expensive, covers all residents, and has better outcomes."	"I think most Americans, if they were made aware of all of the issues, would be willing to make some compromises.  There are many simple changes that could be made, like not giving an 80 year old patient a titanium hip replacement when a lowere cost alternative would be equally effective.  The system is loaded with opportunities to reduce cost while maintaining quality.  Also, the US should not have to bear the burden for development of new pharmeceuticals.  All other countries have cost controls, but the US pays the full price which helps make the pharmaceutical companies thrive."	"A nation wide system of insurance, that covers all Americans, and mirrors countries that have successfully achieved this goal.  No one should be without insurance and coverage for medical care."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	1/25/06 9:57 AM
4669	the rising costs for healthcare.	Less money for the employee	financing	Better doctors and better coverage	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/25/06 10:04 AM
4670	My concern is that it is not individualized.  Healthcare tends to have certain protocols for esch disease process and forgets the influencing factors persist.  	I believe the government needs to subsidize all citizens care.	there should be no trade offs	For the american public to strap on their boots and be their own advocate to question care and ask for evidence of ourcomes .	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/25/06 10:19 AM
4671	"High and rising cost,  will I or my working family  be able to retire and afford health care?"	I think employers should help with health care.  ALso the gov. My mother now is kept out of the new medicare healthcare for medications because she makes 1500.00 too much.  I think the limit should be that more seniors can benefit from this help.  They desperatly need help with medications.  There is also people that regularly lie to the gov to get this help that have money hidden.  Need more investigations into applications and approvals.   	Probably none.	Honesty. On both sides.  	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/25/06 11:20 AM
4673	"Health care is completely unaffordable to the average family. When I had a corporate job I was unaware just how expensive health care really is, because, although my portion of the premium was significant, I never had the entire expense. After my husband lost his job, and started working on his own, was had to shop for health care for our family. All of the premiums offered by every company were more than our mortgage. How could we pay the equivalent of two mortgages every month? To see union members not have to pay one cent toward their health insurance is especially irritating. Even now, as part of the state health insurance, we still have to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket every month due to the pre-existing conditions clause."	"I think the goverment needs to take a bigger role in controlling the ridiculous spiral of costs, and then a much bigger role in helping the uninsured pay for insurance."	"I don't think there should have to be trade-offs. This is America, the world's super-power. If we take the profits out of the industry,  there would be much more money to go around."	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/25/06 12:01 PM
4674	Lack of coverage to uninsured  Emphasis on use and high cost of pharmaceuticals  Emphasis on treatment of symptoms rather than preventive medicine	"Federally sponsored single payer system,  Extension of Medicare for all"	Single payer plan is cost effective	Health care providers and business interests must be reeducated in how medicine is practiced.  A new approach-preventive and integrated medicine	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	1/25/06 12:11 PM
4677	"Lack of coverage, bankrupcty of average families."	I think there should be one insurer that is the governmenet or a not for profit public private partnership	Having the pharmeceutical and insurance industries make less money.    Higher copays for treatments that are not proven effective.	Universal publicly financed health coverage	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/25/06 2:57 PM
4682	I am concerned about the nursing shortage. We are going to be nurses soon and it concerns me that I might have to work longer hours or pick up more patients than I can really handle. The patients will not be able to receive the care they need because we either have too many patients or are tired from working so long.	The only change I would make and I do not even know if it were possible would be to make sure the government is helping pay for health care for people who actually need help. I know there are probably some individuals who know how to play the system and get their health care at a discount. This leads to people who are really in need not receiving health care. Another factor could be that the people in need do not know how to receive help because no one has given them that information.	I am not sure that anyone would make trade-offs. Everyone is so concerned about themselves and making the most money. I wish it were not that way. Everyone should give a little to make health care the best it can be.	The best way to improve health care is to encourage more people to become nurses. Patients spend the majority of their hospital stay getting to know nurses. Having more nurses will help the nurse to patient ratio become low. This is important so that the nurse can meet more than just the physical needs. 	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/25/06 3:47 PM
4688	Lack of understanding around the efficacy of treatments versus their cost (lack of fact-based decisions in health care.    Lack of responsibility on the part of citizens to improve their health and lower the system's cost through prevention and lifestyle measures.	"A greater appreciation of cost should be pressed on individuals, rather than absorbed by employers and insurers.  The new HSAs are one excellent example of how to do this."	"The public is never willing to make trade-offs.  However, increasing the financial stake of individuals in their health care costs will result in their making their own trade-offs."	"Get in shape! (Lose weight, stop smoking, eat better)."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	na	1/25/06 5:00 PM
4690	The outrageous costs of healthcare and the fact that so many people cannot afford insurance or have inadequate insurance. 	"Yes!  I strongly believe that we should have a single-payor government-run system similar to Canada or Germany.  I think Medicare should be expanded to include everyone and I think that the profit aspect of health care needs to be greatly decreased or eliminated as much as possible. Individuals who are wealthy will always have the option of paying for additional and possibly higher quality health care, as they do in Canada, but the entire population will be assured a decent standard of care which is adequate and reasonable for all."	"I think that it all comes down to how much profit we insist on allowing companies to make.  If the federal government runs a national health care system and tells the pharmaceutical companies, for example,  ""sell us the medications for x price or we will buy them from another manufacturer"", our economy will go through changes that will occur when certain sectors that profit greatly from health care take a financial hit.  This will certainly affect the economy and that is a trade-off the American public will have to make.  Benefits will change somewhat, also.  Everyone with tennis elbow will not get an MRI within a week, for example.  Non-urgent medical needs may experience longer waits.  However, countries with socialized medicine, so far as I know, do not have people dying all over the place from not getting appropriate lifesaving care in a timely fashion, so I believe this is a price or trade-off we need to make.  As far as financing goes, America spends, per capita, twice as much on health care than Germany or Canada does and does not serve all the people as well.  I must believe that, for the money we are already spending, we could have quality national health care, so I don't think finances would be a trade-off. And, finally, to address your real question, what trade-offs would the American public be WILLING to make.... that is a very hard question.  I believe that the majority of the population would make the necessary trade-offs to have a national health care system.  But I also believe that the people in power, beginning, especially, with our current government and continuing with the many special interest groups that are involved (Big Pharma, AMA just to name two), would never allow the American people to make those trade-offs.  There is way too much at stake financially for these people to change the current system.  I hate to sound like a pure cynic, but I fear that is the situation."	"Accept as a fact that quality health care is a basic human right, not a privelage."	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/25/06 6:01 PM
4691	high costs and poor value	go to a single-payer system that is not connected to employment	"By eliminating supply-side waste, a single-payer system would eliminate the need for trade-offs right now."	eat less and move more	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	1/25/06 6:08 PM
4692	"Lack of affordable health insurance for the majority of Americans, particularly the elderly, disabled, unemployed and self employed individuals.  Insurance companies dominate health care.  They make it very difficult for health care practitioners to do their job without a ton of paperwork.  The amount they reimburse makes it so the average practitioner who has hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical school bills can only afford to see a patient for an average of 10 minutes.  Doctors want to spend more time with their patients but have a hard time paying their bills with the amount that insurance companies are willing to reimburse.  "	"We are too reliant on the traditional insurance company schema.  If we could take the power away from the insurance companies and give it back to the doctors, they could spend more time with their patients and less mistakes would be made as far as diagnosis and prescribing of medications.  Help supplement those doctors who are willing to go back to the traditional 50 minute first office call and a 30 minute return office call.  Doctors lose money the more time they spend with their patients.  This should never be a factor in an individuals health care, but the reality is that it is.  If doctors could be given a guarentee that they could recieve some kind of financial assistance for spending more time with their patients they most certainly would.  Maybe help pay off student loans for those practitioners who show proof they are spending more time with their patients????  Or simply require insurance companies to change the way they reimburse doctors.  Currently they pay more depending on the number of diagnoses of the patient, what physical exams are done and how much history the doctor is able to get.  Doctors end up asking more questions and doing more exams then is necessary because they have to in order to get paid more.  How about a new system that pays for the amount of time the practitioner spends with the patient rather then what the doctor does while s/he is with the patient.  If the doctor so chooses s/he can be paid a flat fee for time spent with patient.  For GP's they can be reimbursed $65 for a 30 minute ROC and $130 for a one hour FOC for example.  This way the insurance company is not dictating what the doctor does or doesn't have to do during the visit.  The decisions are given back to the doctors.  They will spend more time with the patients and make fewer mistakes improving health care!!!"	NULL	Help make health insurance more affordable and include alternative medicine practitioners on said insurance plans.  Consider a change in the way insurance companies reimburse doctors.	female	NULL	Yes	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/25/06 6:10 PM
4695	"Insufficient emphasis on prevention--healthful The lack of commitment to healthful diet and exercise (and avoidance of risky behaviors); this information is ""out there,"" but it's eclipsed by fast-food advertising and people's natural inclination to be lazy. The President, a physical fitness buff, should serve as a role model."	"Fewer ""middle men"" (no extra bureaucratic layers)"	"People should be wiling to pay much higher deductibles. The idea is to have catastrophic coverage for everyone. People don't mind shelling out $300 to have their car serviced, but they don't want to pay $300 for a check-up? I don't get it."	"Prevention: diet, exercise; abstinence from smoking, excessive drinking, etc."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	1/25/06 7:08 PM
4696	"Health care in America today is far a lot more complicated especially with the nursing field. WHy? Since nurses are considered direct provider, and because there are not enough nurses adequate care will not be attained despite all the advances in medical-technological field. Hence, nursing shortage is my biggest concern.   I work in an acute med-surg unit and seeing all these nurse come to work burned out is not a very good sight. Mandatory overtimes are increasing. Nurse-patient ratio does not do justice for all the nurses and putting their liscence at risk is a fact that they have to live with everytime they clock in. "	"My knowledge with the payment system in America is not enough since I came from a country where cash is all that matters and no credit system. Although hearing my colleagues talk about payments regarding health care, insurances, and other medical-related financial problems, i think that the government needs to overhaul the health care system. There are so many factors that contributes to the complication of health care payments such as illegal immigrants, uninsured people and those whom we call ""parasites"" of the nation. "	"As complicated as the Health care system is, i could not think of possible trade-offs because there are so many factors that must be compensated for once a trade-off occurs. "	"For providing quality care, producing and hiring more nurses is the immediate response i can think of to address one of the many problems in Health Care in America."	male	NULL	No Response	Asian	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/25/06 7:45 PM
4697	"That it seems to only be available to those who can pay or have insurance.   That there are many seniors (even more in the very near future) that will need to be choosing between food and their medications.  That there are seriously injured Veterans returning from Iraq, that will attempt to get their care within the VA system, only to find that funding to the VAs continues on a yearly basis to be cut by the current administration. The shift from reactive healthcare to proactive health care, continues to be a slow one. That there are many individuals that don't want to assume responsibility for their own health, and rather than take care of themselves (not smoke, limit consumption of alcohol, watch what they eat and exercise) they expect the rest of the country to assume responsibility of their care when their health breaks down."	"It would be nice if there could be some type of government program that could arise. The current trends of companies cutting more and more benefits, so they can compete with companies outside of the US is bound to continue. It will eventually get to a point where laborers will not be able to count on their employers to provide health care. Leaving it up to the individual is not a viable option either. I have many friends that are self employed and the cost of health insurance premiums continue to rise."	"I can speak for myself, I am not willing to make any trade offs. Here is why: when the American people can fit the bill for actions our government takes (war, peace-keeping missions, aid to other countries for health care and medications--some I agree with others I do not) I feel that we should be able to expect that our government will take action to do something for its own people. "	Eliminate barriers to access--mostly economic.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	1/25/06 7:52 PM
4698	The role that insurance companies play in denying certain procedures or coverage to patients and the high cost of coverage.	Have the corporate world take more responsibility for the health care benefits offered to it's employees. 	"Health benefits (on site health care,preventative health care and management) in the work place as part of their benefit package."	"Take immediate  steps to insure that there is no shortage of professional nurses once the seasoned nurses have retired in the next 10 years. This would involve pay incentives, higher education funding and recruitment into the health fields. Mandate that hospitals have a nurse/patient ratio that is safe and prevents ""burn out"" of the nurses."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/25/06 7:57 PM
4699	There needs to be more support for nursing	sliding scales	NULL	"Make it affordable to all Americans.  Based on need (not just because they donot want to work), also make it illegal for illegal aliens to get free public assistance"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/25/06 8:17 PM
4700	"Affordability.  It costs so much even for people who ARE insured it discourages us from filling needed prescriptions and to delay seeking care for our children.  In addition, the costs to businesses and non-profits to provide health care benefits mean wages stagnate at best."	"I think employers should be taken OUT of the equation except a flat tax by government per employee to help with the cost of health care of workers.  I do not think health care should be FREE to individuals, but think it should be a combination govt benefit for all with copays."	I think people would be willing to have somewhat higher taxes for the peace of mind of knowing they could lose their job and still have benefits.  I also think it is time for conversations with the American public about responsible use of health care resources.	Address access for all - but not through requiring more employers to cover costs.  I don't think that increases access but decreases pay and employment.  	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NE	1/25/06 9:22 PM
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4702	"My main concern is the shortage of nurses. I have always wanted to be a nurse who provides more than just skill care for patients. I want to be there to listen to their fears and provide comfort by sitting next to them and holding their hand. I believe that nursing is my calling, and I want to be able to share my gifts with every patient I care for. I have come to realize that my view is the ideal because nurses do not seem to have the time to be able to do this. If each nurse has 5 or more patients, it would be difficult to be able to form a strong emotional bond with each one of them. "	"I am not really sure what changes could be made that would still provide the continuity we think we are providing. Educating those who truly need services and have a hard time obtaining them would help tremendously. Sometimes it is not so much that services are not provided, but the fact that certain populations are discriminated against, or possibly they simply do not understand the system. "	"Honestly, I think Americans struggle most with making trade-offs because we are too afraid that we will be conned into doing something, or that the new choices will be substandard to the original. I have no suggestions at this time."	"I believe that educating targeted populations would reduce the gradual rise in new services that must be provided. It is astounding for me to see people who have contagious diseases or some other ailment, and do not understand the necessity of seeking early treatment. So many people wait until it is absolutely impossible to avoid a hospital visit, and by then it might be too late for them. However, if more education was directed towards prevention and early treatment, I think the health care for Americans would improve."	female	NULL	No	White	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/25/06 9:35 PM
4703	"Health insurance is fast becoming unaffordable for small businesses and individuals. The doctors, hospitals and the insurance companies all seem to be profitting on the backs of the american public and the politicians don't have a clue since all congress has a wonderful healthcare plan for themselves."	"We need more control of prices and overutilization. We need a system similar to Medicare for all Americans, not just the old and the poor."	"Instead of paying premiums to insurance companies, I think Americans and corporations would willingly pay additional taxes to fund a federal healthcare plan. I think the trade-off would be less utilization of healthcare services. We need national guidelines to follow to ensure elective surgeries and diagnostic tests are really necessary. We need less malpractice lawsuits and more disciplinary actions by medical review boards. We need to get rid of bad doctors and nurses and not just punich them financially. "	We need to atart a single payer / national health program soon if America is to stay competitive in the world market. I believe it took Canada about 50 years to convert to a single payer system but I don't think we have that long. We should initially start with a hospital program (similar to Medicare Part A) and then work on a physician program.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/25/06 10:16 PM
4704	It is becoming a class system where the poor or less educated are most likely to not have healthcare.	Yes.  It should be universal healthcare provided by the government to all people.	"I believe that if the tax system were fair and equitable, Americans would be willing to pay for a universal healthcare system, but the tax laws must be changed so that everyone is paying their fair share."	A fair tax structure to pay for 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	WI	1/25/06 10:30 PM
4705	affordability- we need TOTAL government paid  healthcare for every US Citizen.	see above- all individuals (us citizens only)  should only have to pay a small copay for services  and products like Canada does for its citizens  LOOK TO SEE HOW KAISER DOES IT- THEY ARE EXCELLENT AT MEDICAL AND RX COVERAGE	why trade offs? NO trade offs for medical coverage- go to ANY Medical Doctor without cutbacks to service or copay.  Only trade off (if you can call it that is medication - NO brand name meds covered if there is a generic  and if a lower priced (average wholesale price) alternative that is equally potent (no trade off on quality).	Get rid of Partisian politics (I know its an oxymoron)and get a NATIONAL HEALTHCARE.	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	OR	1/25/06 11:04 PM
4706	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	1/25/06 11:23 PM
4707	Increasing legal over-involvment.  Management costs that are growing out of control.  Increasing complacency/dissatisfaction of medical institution staff due to poor management models.  Poor recognition of alternative care models that show viability.	"More support for providers of healthcare and less spending on unnecessary managment/processing. Management efficiency appears to be degrading despite efforts to better ""managage"" this inefficiency."	"America has one of the highest levels of medical technology available in the world today.  I believe Americans should expect to benefit from that advanced level of technology.  I believe most Americans are willing to pay a premium for this higher level of health care but I suspect there is much frustration in what they recieve for their dollar these days, I know I am.  What percentage my dollar is spent on actual ""care"" these days?"	"Place focus back on providing ""care"" not ""management"" of care.  Perhaps individuals should be provided more power to make decisions on how ""their"" dollars are spent on ""their"" healthcare."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/25/06 11:39 PM
4708	"Lack of affordability.  Uncompensated care.  Reduced Medicaid Budgets.  Recipient who fall from the public rolls thus increasing the costs of uncompensated care, thus causing a rise in health insurance premiums to private/public employers and employees, thus leading to benefit costs that restrict the employer from providing adequate wage increases due to the high costs of providing benefits."	"Yes, we should move towards universal health care coverage.  Nearly 33% of the nations population are covered  by coverage funded by the federal government.  The current system is a failure with 44 million uninsured individuals in this country.  For being an industrialized nation, we should be ashamed at not being able to provide adequate health care coverage for our citizens."	Service on demand.	"Universal Health Coverage.  It will not be the ideal, but at least everyone will have equal access and certain basic benefits.  "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AK	1/26/06 2:22 AM
4709	the shortage of nurses.	"I want government to remain part of the health care payments yet the government, especially the state government is trying to decrease their share of the payment."	I feel the American Public is willing to tradeoff the high style of living that our State and Federal Elective Officials have which is taking away from everyday people.	We should have affordable health care for all Americans even if it means higher taxes.	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	1/26/06 4:54 AM
4710	"The number of Medicare D eligible people who are not eligible to get extra help are finding this program impossible due to the fact that they do not have the income to cover the required financial obligation.  I am the director of a free pharmacy that works with these low-income people in trying to help them get their medications.  Many of them are now saying that they will stop taking their medications due to the fact that they will no longer be available through Patient Assistance Programs.  This is a real crime that our federal government has created a program that has failed so miserably to meet the needs of lmany low income people.  While those that fall under 135% of the FPL are really being helped, this population is out in the cold!  "	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/26/06 8:21 AM
4711	"The amount of disconcern american corporations have in advertising very unhealthy products.   Booze, cigaretts,junk food, You never see a vegatable rack near the check outline. We are creating are own sinking ship and it is all for profit. if we are healthy there will be less money needed for health care therefore making more affordable when it is needed. "	"Yes, Hershey Mcdodanalds and phillip moris should all pay 50% of the bill. I dont drink dont smoke and I eat healthy, I just turned 40 and i dont have health insurance. I dont feel I need it at all. It is a big scam.Any how here is my plan. Make it a Non-profit organization.You simply invest a smallportion of your income.It then gets invested legally and if someone needs to health care it is paid for. If you are healthy and made healthy choices you can reseive some of the money back in say every ten years.Leaving a portion for your older years.  And stop this right to life and let people make there own choice to die f thew wish."	Difine High quality? I feel that our health care is abunch of drug pushers whome are only interested in profit.Hey look good health care should just be reseaonbly priced and then there is not yet another sacrafice by the working people. Lets face it they are the only ones that always take the sacrafice. what are these rich slobs going to do when the Hard working public cant afford to live in this country and prosper because of the Monopoly they have. I know am plannng my exit soon	GET RID OF INSURANCE ALL TOGETHER. TURN THEM INTO NON PROFIT BRANCH OF THE FEDERAL GOV.	male	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	1/26/06 9:04 AM
4714	The paperwork required of the doctors office.  My child's pediatrician has more staff to fill out insurance paperwork than they do medical staff.  Every insurance company negotiates a different agreement with the medical office on the cost of a service.	The only change to make here is that the cost of each service should be the same for everyone not based on what insurance you have or don't have.	"Unfortunately I don't think the American public is willing to make any sacrifice.  We have to eventually have a debate on not only how much a medical procedure should cost but how much is life worth.  What extrordinary measures are we going to go to to save a life or extned a life.  How much money do we spend to save the life of an extremely premature baby, or mulitple births, how much surgery or medical care do we extend to a 95 year old person on Medicare.  These are not easy questions but unfortunately part of the reason medical costs have gone up is that we  expect to have extreme care for every patient no matter what the chances of recovery or life expectancy."	There should be a uniform cost of procedures for everyone no matter what the method is that they are using to pay for it.    I also believe we need a national debate on medical ethics - how much do we spend to save a life.  This is a difficult question but one we will eventually have to face.  	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/26/06 10:27 AM
4716	over population is the direct cause for alot of the problem /the flood of immigration /americans not saving spending too much to much excess and american culture in general/the loss of jobs in heathcare/everything rushed/employers working employees to death causing heath problems because of greed /american and govermental laws that favor big business/ americans eating habits and less exercise/less roads more bicycle lanes less cars more walking to reduce health care cost congestion charges to reduce traffic more reinvested into buses -trains -subways to reduce pollution and stress on the enviroment and humans/less pollution from industry and technology/cleaner alternatives to oil and man made pollution	raise taxes to have a comprehensive welfare system as in canada and europe -socialism -more control over companies /control over corporate greed and how large companies become to not put other companies out of business reform of the goverment citizens having more say 	americans have to be willing to change how they spend money and to except that we will have to pay 25% in tax like they do in sweden and norway and canada 	higher tax=welfare system	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	1/26/06 10:39 AM
4723	I am very concerned that we do not have Universal Health Care  (Single Payer Plan)  In fact it is a disgrace that we are the only industrial nation without such a plan.	"There has bee enough research already proving that a combination of taxes. gov.subsidy could very cost effective, cover everyone"	"I do not think trade-offs would be needed with a Single Payer Plan.   This plan is not the Canadaian Plan, but would be more finely tuned."	"Get the corporates, pharmetcuticals and insurers out of the mix."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	1/26/06 11:34 AM
4724	Avaliability of monies to pay the care givers.  In an effort to make healthcare avalaible to all it is often the large NOT FOR PROFIT organizations that are expected to foot the bill.  	Our society tends to believe that if you want something and you can't pay - it is someone elses responsobility or fault. Sometimes it need to mean - you can't have it. 	I fear that American's are not necessariliy willing to sacrifice anything. 	"Personal responsibility.  If I engage in highly risky behavior - I shouldn't expect the public at large to pay for it, i.e. smoking consiquences that lead to large pubilc health bills.  "	female	NULL	Yes	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ID	1/26/06 11:43 AM
4725	That money is the bottom line at the expense of the patient. Bottom lines are not what the MD ordered or what the patient needs but what the insurance company will pay for.	"Costs are exorbitant, especially for those on fixed incomes."	Why should there be a trade-off to obtain what is rightfully yours and what you are already paying for.	More availability that is easier to obtain and more affordable.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	1/26/06 11:47 AM
4726	The lack of universal coverage and the underlying assumption that health care should be a commodity that is available only to those who can afford to pay for it.	I support a single-payer system that would be financed by taxes--so it would be essetially totally financed through the government.	"I think people will be willing to limit the use of the latest high-tech and high-expense treatments for a few in order to provide more basic coverage for all.  For example, the cost of a heart transplant could be used to treat many individuals with hypertension with basic first-line treatments."	We need to have the courage to move towards universal single-payer coverage.  The current system is becoming more and more bizarre in terms of its fragmentation and complexities.  The current system is not user-friendly.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/26/06 12:07 PM
4727	"The main thing is cost! the cost of nurses the cost of meds, exc. I feel they do not pay nurses near enough. Also, i feel that health care is getting to be too expensive, and for the people that cant afford, its our tax dollars that are covering their medicaid."	"As stated above i feel the cost of care is too, expesnive, if certain costs of care were lowered and our governments spending was decreased then i would not have a problem with that."	"the trade offs for better care, would be to pay nurses more. nurses get burnt out having to work too many shifts, and either quit or continuing working in a haze, which could potentially lead to mistakes."	Dont cut corners of care...cut coners of cost!	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/26/06 12:27 PM
4730	The cost of both insurance and co-pays. 	I think we should have universal health care for ALL citizens!	"It is obvious that Americans don't want to pay for things, and are always looking for ways to cut their taxes, but how much more would I have to pay in taxes to have insurance? I pay over $15,000 for coverage. I think the real question is how much is the insurance  and medical industry will to give up in profit so that we can have ALL Americans covered?"	To limit the profits that insurance companies can make from people.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/26/06 1:06 PM
4736	"Cost of pharmaceuticals, and their impact on clinic/ hospital bills.   The fact that the FDA is funded primarily by new drugs approved for the marketplace.   Pharmaceuticals need to be better controlled in this country; outlaw lobbying, and revamp funding system for FDA. Outlaw frivolous lawsuits; malpractice insurance is ridiculously expensive.  In addition, health insurance premiums for basic coverage (ie, no co-pay at Dr.s visit) are so darn high, that once the private working class has paid for major medical insurance, the thought of going to the dictor's office for ANYTHING is out of the question. This is yet another out of pocket expense and unless it's serious, we aren't going to a doctor. Haven't seen a dentist in years, yet the illegals and low income + welfare folks get better treatment than my family."	"Cap the amount of money pharmaceuticals may charge; most other countries do this, and they've often got better health care than the US. Create a system that automatically deducts from the paycheck for med. insurance. If a person't not working, they get 6 months grace, and then they're out unless they've got a disability. Get to work or get out.  Have a co-pay system in place; 20 or 30 bucks a pop will usually discourage frivolous Dr. visits that are a waste of time and money."	"I think the majority of the public is so confused by healthcare and insurances as it is, that most couldn't form an opinion. Just do something, and remember you can't please everyone all the time."	"Cost of premiums needs to go down, & co-pays should be regarded as a must have for any insurer doing business in this country. Accessibility of medical care is the primary concern."	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/26/06 3:22 PM
4738	Lack of coverage for 45 million Americans and inadequate coverage for another 70 million       	I prefer the Canadian system where the government pays 70% and the individual 30%. This way employers are out of the loop and can compete with business in other parts of the world where National Health Care is the norm.	The American public is wedded to an employeer mandate to cover part or all of the health care premium so I think a progressive payroll tax plus a progressive income tax can be used to finance the health care plan. People must be informed and convinced that the progressive income tax replaces their health insurance premiums.	Universal Coverage. Everyone should be covered for all necessary medical needs.	male	NULL	No	White	NULL	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/26/06 3:43 PM
4742	The lack of mental health care and community based services for people with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities.	"There should be an opportunity for all persons to pay into our healthcare system.  We might want to allow individuals who cannot afford to pay to provide some other service like helping out at a public clinic, elementary school, hospital, library or other public funded institution. Like bartering.  There also might be co-payments directly deducted from either social service allottments to go towards payment of services whenever an individual gets health care."	One trade-off might be that every individual is looked upon the same regardless to thier economic status with regards to health care needs.  We might want to make sure that companies who sell products that negitively effect our health are sanctioned and the money collected from this would go directly into our healthcare fund.	All Americans have access and support in receiving health care that is affordable.	female	NULL	No	Black or African American	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	1/26/06 4:11 PM
4743	Poor quality care at very high cost and the EROSION of privacy.  HIPAA was a disaster in this regard!  	I am personally considering an option provided by a group of local physicians where I pay them a monthly premium instead of an HMO.  It is pricey but I think the insurance industry has ruined the quality and pricing of health care in this country.  	"I'm not personally willing to ""trade-off"" anything.  Asking the public to tolerate high priced and poor care with no privacy is simply intolerable to me.  "	"Take the ""for-profit"" insurance industry out of the mix.  Stiffen penalties for docs and orgs that are guilty of fraud.      Give the PATIENT control to access of their personal health data.  This will be a huge fight but is the only way to build a trustworthy system.  "	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	NC	1/26/06 4:18 PM
4744	"My primary concern is that we have a two tier system of health care based on ability to pay.  I'm also concerned that health care has become a money making machine to some doctors and drug companies by prescribing drugs that have little or no benefit to the patient and may even be harmful. Doctors need to learn more about natural cures (enzymes, for example) and the nutritional benefits of a wholesome diet free of pesticides and hormones. "	"Yes. We need to have a single payer, fee for seervice plan paid for by progressive taxation. People now receiving Medicaid, for example, would pay little or nothing. The average tax for middle income people should be less than insurance premiums as there would be no stockholders receiving dividends and CEOs making millions a year.   "	"I don't see why tradeoffs are necessary. We ought to be catching up with the rest of the indusrialized countries that have enjoyed universal health care for more than 50 years. Are we poorer then they are? No, but we spend money on the wrong things, like tax breaks for the super rich and military hardware."	"We need to have a simplified system of dealing  with patients' needs that doesn't rely on the judgment and profits of insurance companies and pharmaceuticals. Drug companies claim they spend a lot on research but they don't mention the government help they get for R&D. Making drugs for profit causes companies to come up with a slightly different version of something they already market that is no better or worse but only  increases market share of the genre.  The White House wants to put healthy old people like me into managed care and spend $7-8,000 a year for one or two office visits and blood work. The health care system at present is geared toward helping the providers more than the patients. Patients need to come first.     "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/26/06 4:38 PM
4745	The out of control costs of medical insurance and rising costs of health care.	Perhaps a universal system with free access (i.e. governmetn paid) with a cap and the option to purchase additional benefits.	for the insurance industry to make less profit.  	Lower costs of medical benefits & healthcare.    	female	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/26/06 5:10 PM
4746	"I huge concern of mine in health care today is the nurse/patient ratio. Right now nurses are having to care for 6, 7, and sometimes even 8 patients at once. This is a very unsafe amount, and could cause extreme harm to both the nurses and the patients. I think the maxamum amount of patients a nurse should be allowed to care for should be no more than 4. I do realize it will difficult to achieve this with the nursing shortage all over the US, but safety is the most important issue."	"I don't feel there is any other way to pay for health care. But, if there was a way that made it more affordable and would benefit more people I would definitely be all for it."	"One trade-off I feel the ""Healthy"" American public would be willing to make would be to increase their deductible to help lower their insurance premium payment. What I mean by the ""healthy"" American public are those people who take care of themselves and rarely have to go to the doctor or hospital. In order to do this they would form groups that fit their health care needs. One example would be the young families who are through have children. "	Better and more training offered/given and of course to increase the number of nurses in health care field. 	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/26/06 5:27 PM
4747	1) High costs of doctor visits and prescriptions  2) Lack of adequate coverage for visits to alternative medicine providers  3) People who don't have health insurance	"Yes, but haven't studied solutions enough to be able to recommend changes"	Don't know	"Incorporate alternative health care visits which focus on prevention and a holistic attitude (emotional, mental as well as physical state.)  Current traditional, western medicine focuses on symptoms and prescription drugs."	female	NULL	No	Asian	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/26/06 5:28 PM
4748	"Health care in general concerns me a great deal in a variety of different ways, but one of them is how it seems to be run more like a business, than where it centers as a place for the sick to get better.  I feel like every hospital is concerned with saving as much money no matter how much of a risk it is for both the patient and the nurse.  Managers are sometimes forced to send nurses or other staff home early because there are not enough patients for them to be “needed,” but in all reality, those nurses are still desperately needed.  When nurses are sent home, it increases the risks of burn-out, patient safety risks, nursing risks, and nursing turnover.  Patients are refused for treatment because of lack of medical coverage, but the treatment may be desperately needed."	"I wish there was a great equalizer that would show fairness and equality to everyone.  Almost like a way to guarantee every person will receive the care needed to maintain a healthy and active life.  But then again, I live in a dream world, where I still wish that everyone could just hold hands and get along.  I feel like there are huge changes that need to be made, but I honestly wouldn’t know where to start.  "	"To find one thing that everyone could agree to substitute would be a challenge.  I would have to agree with Kris about seeing a nurse practitioner if it did not cost as much, but they received equal treatment.  I myself prefer nurse practitioners because their approach to care is more open and they still have a nurse’s perspective on treatment."	"I think the only way we can improve health care is to improve out health.  If we as Americans became accountable for our own bodies and stopped blaming others for our poor health, I feel as if we could overcome the inevitable high-cost of health care.  If we could all resolve to eat better (not perfectly) and walk a mile a day, maybe could find a drastic reduction in some preventable health issues that are costing Americans millions of dollars to treat (CAD, Diabetes, etc.)."	female	NULL	No	White	Some high school	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/26/06 5:44 PM
4750	"The biggest concern I have with health care in America is the growing population of the uninsured.  I fear as an insured individual that in order to cover the costs of this population, my premiums will continue to increase.  This is not my only concern.  People who are not insured are also very reluctant to seek medical help when they have issues with their health.  This leads to more ER visits and deaths that could have been prevented had they sought medical attention earlier.  These people are not the homeless or jobless, but could very easily be your parents, sister or brother, or your neighbor.   "	"A comment made to me by a knowledgeable friend suggests that in the future health care would be paid for according to your income.  This will then insure that all people have a way of paying for their health care and receive ""equal"" care. "	"It would be a battle but just like I mentioned above, health care should be paid for according to your income.  If you make over a certain amount established by the government, then you would be expected to pay more for your care.  This would then allow the government to establish criteria for receiving governmental aid to pay for health care.  This also means that just because you are of medicare age, you are not necessarily entitled to coverage.  An application process should be followed to allow coverage for medicare.  It would be a tough battle to get Americans to agree but this must be done or health care costs will continue to increase and no one will be able to afford it then."	Seek medical attention early.	female	NULL	Yes	Other	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/26/06 6:36 PM
4751	That the system is so inefficient and immoral that it is symptomatic of a larger civic malady.	"Currently only employers are allowed to purchase health insurance with 100% pre-tax dollars.  All supply and payment structures skew to that fact. I would require employer-paid premiums to be taxable in the same manner as premiums currently paid by employees.  That single act would break the employer-sponsored system.  The employer-sponsored system is designed to help businesses secure labor, not to care for the sick.  It is a corporate welfare program.  It is absurd public policy and everyone on the inside, liberal or conservative, knows it.  Except everyone on the inside has wall-to-wall tax-free employer-paid health care for themselves and loved ones.  Now is the time for them and for all to admit complicity.  Stop subsidizing yourselves -- help the sick instead.    "	"None.  The American public is fractured, indebted, and ignorant to the point where change must be forced from without.  China, India, Mexico, and Cuba are doing the forcing.  "	Subsidize the verifiably sick instead of corporations.	male	NULL	No Response	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Not sure	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/26/06 7:11 PM
4753	The cost of healthcare is so high that alot of businesses and individuals are no longer going to be able to maintain their premiums.	Yes I think that we need regulations by the government on healthcare cost.  I work for physicians that have not seen increases in their reimbursements yet premiums for our healthcare has increased by over 15% annually.  And the CEO's of Anthem in NH took home a bonus of over 42 millions dollars two years ago where is the justice in that.	I think that medical costs should be covered and maybe some form of nationalize healthcare needs to be established.  The CEO's and board members of these insurance companies take home millions and millions of dollars each year yet they are not the ones saving peoples lives.  	Nationalized healthcare or non profit healthcare companies who are not out to make millions and millions of dollars	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	1/26/06 9:37 PM
4754	The lack of quality healthcare at affordable prices for every citizen across the board. 	"Just as education, healthcare should be available and provided for free to each and every citizen of this country."	"Not certain, majority can ill-afford increased costs to access quality healthcare; unsure what you are referring to by ""benefits""."	"Sweeping across the board reform. Government supported healthcare, available to each and every citizen. National licensure of all healthcare providers with a central tracking system, allowing the prevention of a worker found negligent or inadequate in one state from just moving to another and starting again, business as usual. Standardized pay for all healthcare workers. RN's in FL should make the same as RN's, say, in IN or CO."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/26/06 10:28 PM
4755	High cost with many people receving poor care.	Money should come from income tax and wage tax.	Personal tax instead of healh insurance premiums.	De-fragment	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/26/06 11:39 PM
4757	"The shortage of Nursing programs being offered in Illinois for students who are trying to become Nurses, and the recruitment of Nurses from other countries to fill the gap."	"With many major corporations downsizing and high unemployment being the way that it is, I think that the employer should bear the brunt of the health care costs."	"In order for people to have affordable high quality health care, I feel that the consumer should contribute what they can, because many Ameriecans are not making enough money to afford high quality health care and everyone should have it no matter what their financial situation is."	"Americans need to become more proactive in their health and well being by exercising, eliminating bad habits that would incur serious health problems, and taking preventive measures in staying healthier."	female	NULL	No	Black or African American	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/27/06 8:21 AM
4758	"The lack of preventative medicine coverage by medicare and private insurance.  It is financially effective to educate and prevent illness by screening, then to treat the actual disease.  I am also concerned about the lack of recognition given to the benefit of nurse practitioners.  In areas that lack sufficent primary care doctors, NPs fill this gap.  They are excellent in teaching selfcare and identifying problems.  The lack of reimbursement for the NP service, and the failure for insurance to recognized NPs as primary providers deters the full use of the resource."	NULL	NULL	The advancement of preventative medication.  Using resources to prevent will stretch the current and future resources to cover more persons.  Covering screening tests by all insurances and medicare	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	1/27/06 8:50 AM
4763	It is wrong that the mission of Health Care is to profits and not to  quality health care for all. It is wrong to waste incredible amounts of money on excessive administrative wages and layers upon layers of bureaucracies. It is wrong that anyone goes without health coverage.	"We should have a ""medicare for all"" funding system with the 3% administrative costs  It should be a single payer system. It should be financially transparent.  There should be negotiated price controls.  It should be a not-for-profit provider system"	I want to trade off laws that prohibit price controls. I want to trade off the profit system. I want to trade off administrative costs over 3%. I want to trde off excessive adminstrative salaries. I want to trade off market place competition.      	A simplified single payer national health care plan incorporating not-for profit  private and public sector with community global budgets and community based health planning.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/27/06 12:50 PM
4764	"The disparities in health outcomes, limited access to quality care for many individuals and families. "	Change to universal access	A waiting period for certain procedures. to pay for certain procedures which are desired but not essential for preventive care. 	"Make the system less complicated, less necessary administration of programs. Guarantee access to all. "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	1/27/06 1:38 PM
4765	"The fact that most of the people I know that are my age don't even have health insurance, because they simply can't afford it, either through their employers or through a private insurance company."	"Yes...I think health care should be less tied to your job, and more of it paid for by the government.  50 years ago people kept the same job their whole lives; now people switch jobs every few years, and it becomes very difficult for both employers and employees when insurance is through the employer."	"Sadly, I don't think the American public is willing to make many trade-offs at all.  However, I think people would be willing to limit their choices more readily than they would be willing to pay more."	I would make it mandatory for all companies to pay at least a significant part of their workers' insurance.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DC	1/27/06 2:09 PM
4767	"Lack of insurance for 45 million Americans and underinsurance for another 16 million;    Lack of Leadership/interest at the Federal level--Executive and Legislative branches of government to address the problem of un/under insured;    Current system still financially favors providers of most expensive care and barely and rarely pays for health education, preventive care to control or limit chronic diseases."	"Yes, we should expand Medicare so it covers all Americans as a birthright through a single payor system; get rid of employer based coverage; many positive elements of the Veterans Administration system could be used a models for all Americans; "	"Americans would accept primary coverage through a Medicare for all, government payment system, tax financed. Private insurance could be used to supplement gaps--just as is now done for Medicare among the elderly. Trade off: private insurance industry would shrink & employers no longer would be responsible for health coverage--in return basic equal access for all."	Expand Medicare so it covers all Americans from the cradle to the grave through a progressive tax financed system.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/27/06 4:10 PM
4773	The cost of health care is exhorbitant.  The rising numbers of uninsured people is contributing to the rising costs.	I believe we need one system (run by the government) that will cover all individuals.	I think insured people are spoiled and probably won't want to pay (more) for their health care.  It's considered an entitlement and people will fight to keep their health benefits on the job.	"Don't smoke, eat your fruits and vegetables,  exercise, and get your preventive health screenings."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AK	1/27/06 4:56 PM
4774	"One of my main concerns, as far as healthcare in America today, is the influx of illegal aliens burdening healthcare providers and stressing the limits of charity hospitals.  This not only affects the healthcare providers, but also all taxpayers.  The illegal aliens also take advantage of the healthcare system by crossing the borders to give birth in order to gain citizenship in the United States."	"I believe that we have the best healthcare system in the world because anyone off the street can walk into the finest trauma center in the country regardless of their race, creed, or socioeconomic status and recieve the best care.  I think that the payment system we have in place is working just fine."	"I believe that many employers today offer good insurance plans for their employees.  However, I think that many employees don’t think ahead and choose not to invest in a healthcare plan thinking that they will never get sick or that nothing will ever happen to them.  Some people would rather spend that money elsewhere."	" Your most important recommendations to improve health care for all Americans.   I believe that hospitals should raise and maintain high standards/requirements for all orderlies, clerical workers, nurses, doctors and administrators alike.  We do, indeed, have a nursing shortage, but we should NOT compromise the safety and well-being of the patients by hiring any and every nurse or doctor that applies.  I also strongly believe that nurses should not be required to float unless they are qualified in the area to which they are floating.   "	female	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/27/06 5:16 PM
4775	"How individuals who lack the funds to pay for medical insurance are going to get treated for medical conditions.  As a soon to be new graduate just out of nursing school, I have a concern about how employers can keep their best employees if they have to go elsewhere for better health care benefits."	I think we need to seriously look at a national health care plan for everyone.  It would do away with high insurance premiums and offer quality health care coverage to even those who by our current system can't pay for medical services.	"Again, I think a national health care plan would benefit everyone.  If not a national health care plan, then maybe it would be best to look at obtain high quality services at a lower cost through a nurse practioner or a physician assistant."	"Have a national health care plan for everyone.  If not that, then again utilization of a nurse practioner or a physician assistant.  Also utilization of medical missionaries in this country to assist the poor vs. sending more of them out of the country.  Lets keep more funding at home."	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/27/06 6:26 PM
4776	"The ""bleeding heart liberals are agitating for a national single payer system which does nothing to control costs unless we limit access and would throw hundreds of thousands of taxpayers out of work"	NO	don't know	people should die sooner	male	NULL	No	White	NULL	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/27/06 8:57 PM
4777	Cost  Coverage for the poor  Quality of care  2 tier system	I am not sure.  Government may need to take a bigger piece.  Drug costs need to be regulated.	"copays for medicaid- keep very low so affordable to the poor, but when something is totally free it is not always valued.  "	"Fix school lunches and teach more nutrition and exercise at all levels. It will take years to impact, but our diet is horrendous.  "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DE	1/28/06 9:59 AM
4778	"I am most concerned that the cost of medical care is on the rise. Many people in our country can not afford healthcare, yet they need quality care for their health and for the overall health of our society."	I would like to see more affordable programs available for all people that provides everyone with equal and quality healthcare.	"I am not sure, and I can honestly say that I am not willing, but some people may be willing to make give up their right to chose their provider if the government would pay for the care provided by an assigned provider."	I think that as a society we need to put people at the forefront of the issue and not money. We should make some sacrifices to help everyone in our society and not just those that can afford it.	female	NULL	No	Black or African American	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/28/06 10:45 AM
4779	Using scare resources (Federally funded programs)to continually bail out people who choose to take no personal responsibility for their healthcare and lifestyle choices. 	Federally funded healthcare programs should not be entitlement programs.  	Fittest survive mentality.  Restrict federally funded programs from supporting people who are noncompliant or test postive for illicit drug use. 	Personal responsibility for health maintenance.  	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/28/06 12:18 PM
4781	The lack of healthcare to all people living in the U.S.	National standardization of payments	a budgetary shift from defence spending to healthcare	a cap on salaries for healthcare industry CEO's	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AK	1/28/06 3:00 PM
4782	cost	pressure to keep costs down	wage increases	put pressure on to keep costs down	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/28/06 3:04 PM
4784	"Safe, effective, quality care is a concern to me. It concerns me that nurses will work twelve hour shifts, and even do overtime after that. Many studies have shown that nursing fatigue can contribute to many medical errors, and ideally I would like to see nurses have more eight hour shifts instead. I realize that it would possibly cost more to have 3 nurses for a 24 hour period rather than 2 nurses for a 24 hour period, but I believe that fatigue would lessen, medical errors could be reduced, and fewer nurses may suffer from burnout, thus reducing cost overall and better job satisfaction. "	"I like the way that our system works. Medicare and Medicaid is available to those who can not afford a private insurance plan, and private insurance helps those who can afford it. It would be desirable for a plan to be developed to make it easier for those who don't have insurance to be able to apply and receive the medical help and drugs they need in order to achieve wellness."	"People should not have to make a decision on what trade-offs they should have to make. Depending on what the medical event is would determine what sacrifices they will have to make in order to achieve recovery and decide if they can afford it each time a different situation arises. Without adequate insurance, this will always be a problem, and it will become an even larger problem as a larger number of people become more and more indigent in their lifetime."	I believe it is important for all people to maintain optimum health on their own along with developing a partnership between the medical and drug industry to make it more affordable for Americans to be healthy but not healthy and bankrupt.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/28/06 3:46 PM
4786	That it consumes 15% of our GDP and still doesn't serve 100% of the population	"Yes.  I would support a single payer system BUT politically it won't fly.  A voucher system in which everyone would be _required_ to have health insurance might fly.  Vouchers would be issued to, and paid for, by taxpayers in conjunction with their IRS return.  Those unable to afford insurance would still get vouchers.    In return for demanding that everyone _have_ insurance, insurers would be required to accept all comers at the same rate, and offer policies fully paid for by the vouchers.    This introduces a market-driven and competitive insurance system, addresses the problem of the self-selected sample, and ensures 100% coverage.    This also gets the insurance problem off the backs of business, where it absolutely does not belong, not only because it impacts our global competitiveness, but because it binds employees to their employer in an absurd and unjust way.      "	"Damn few, unfortunately.    I think the wealthy must accept that they are no more deserving of good health than the poor.  As no one deserves to have less air to breath, no one deserves lack of adequate health care.  And can we say there is anyone who deserves _more_ than adquate health care?  "	"My Voucher plan.  Think about it.  kneed it, churn it, redesign it, denounce it but think about it."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/28/06 4:24 PM
4787	The huge number of uninsured.  The trend toward privitization of healthcare.    best example recently; Medicare Part D!	The Medicare system could be expanded to include all.....doing it in small increments. Use the power of numbers to negotiate down the price of health care and drugs. There are other western democrocies which have successfully given their citizens universal healthcare; we COULD do it if we wanted to do it. 	"For increased efficiency of delivery of high quality healthcare I think Americans would tolerate an increase in taxes. Medicare has an impressively low administrative cost for original Medicare; as it gets privitized through ""so-called expanded choices"" of HMOs, the cost of administration goes way up. "	Make it accessible to ALL. 	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/28/06 5:02 PM
4788	"Providing insurance to the uninsurable, those with disabilities or medical conditions that prevent them from buying insurance"	The government should take more control in allowing the uninsurable access to affordable insurance	Ultimately more financing(subsidized) by tax dollars will likely be needed to increase the number of people that can afford and are not denied health care	Ultimately national health care at least to a large extent will be the answer.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/28/06 7:01 PM
4789	"Health care is inaccessable to too many people who don't have insurance either because they don't qualify for any, or they can't afford the premiums.  My biggest concern, philosophically, is that the way the current system is structured, the system is getting stratefied in different ways.  Young and healthy people are being siphoned off into cheaper plans, older and/or sicker people with no means are clustered in another layer and their costs are being driven up because the risk is not spread out.  And of course the rich are turning to boutique plans that give them whatever they want, whenver they want it.  "	"Yes,  We need to essentially expand Medicare to all Americans.  This would actually improve things on many fronts.  Because of the size of the risk pool, premiums would be affordable.  Pharmaceuticals and supplies would be less expensive because Medicare  would have the bargaining power to negotiate fair prices.  There would be much lower administrative costs -- administrative costs for privae insurances were about 17% the last time I checked, and that's just on the insurance side.  Businesses would no longer have to take on the enormous cost of providing health insurance which would help level the playing field and even bring some jobs back to our soil.  Health care providers could practice their professions and focus more on best practices instead of business practices.  The program would be funded by taxes taken from earnings, just as the Medicare tax is now.  In all likelihood, the amount of the tax would be less than most employees currently pay for good coverage.  "	"I believe people are so sick of having to negotiate the system, and so tired of making major life decisions based on whether or not they might lose access to healthcare.  The time has come where it would be much more palatable to know you are going to have coverage as long as you pay a percentage of your earnings into the system.  I don't think there has to be a trade-off in benefits...  the fact that everyone would be paying into the system, the increased size of the risk pool, and the lower administrative costs would allow for excellent benefits.  "	Stop using a business model for the healthcare system.  Healthcare is about life.  Ensuringe that everyone has access to healthcare is being pro-life!  Healthcare is a family value.  Nothing is more detrimental to life and family than loss of health.  	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	1/28/06 7:04 PM
4790	"The lack of a system: poor coordination between public health and our hospitals and providers,gaps in coverage for middle class and poor, financial burden and constant risk of financial ruin.        "	"The payment into the system per person through taxes is presently the same as our neighbors to the north (Canadians), yet we have to buy commercial insurance to cover our healthcare needs.  High deductible with health saving accounts.  Modification of Universal coverage as in HawaII."	Malpractice(as commented upon in the Economist 1/06) belongs in a speciality court. Universal coverage(middle high class with high deductible and health saving account) community clinic with speciality referral for poor.	"Malpractice in speciality court, states given the mandate to reach universal coverage by 2010,and states given the freedom to use unique mthods to reach goal."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	1/28/06 7:16 PM
4791	Affordability  Access  Accountability	Standardization of costs and payments  	"They already have been ""taken to the cleaners"" to pay for the care.  It is just such a broken system, we need to start over"	"Inclusion of Nurse practitioners in all health plans, HMO's and PPO's  CNM care as the standard care givers of maternity care to low risk women."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/28/06 8:28 PM
4792	"My greatest concern is that too many people think that changes to such a large and complex system can be made overnight, or that forcing change is always as successful as promoting it."	"I do not believe that health care is an inalienable right, protected under the constitution.  However, I do believe that making a certain level of health care available to all citizens promotes a more humane, decent and also productive society.  It is an option we may choose as a luxury in a democratic nation, and a luxury that may have many benefits.   As a modern, industrialized ""1st world"" country, America is often in a position to do things that are beyond the necessities of a democratic country (i.e. life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness).  Ensuring the availability of certain health services (those that provide prevention of illness or disability, or those that increase or maintain level of functioning) may indeed be something we desire as a nation.  Some might say we have ""free"" health care now, as anyone can walk into an emergency department and be seen regardless of ability to pay.  But we know that eventually someone has to pay for the staff, the building, the equipment, the medications and so on.  It's clearly not equal treatment to force the hospital to swallow the costs, but I do not feel that a national health care system is the answer.   Experience shows that the more people involved in any system, and the further away the layers of people get from the point of service, the greater the likelihood of mediocrity, ineffectiveness, waste and fraud.  If Americans decided that we would like to do more to provide for the health of those without monetary resources, I feel that programs should be conducted locally, with all decisions being made at the lowest level of government possible, even if funding came from federal taxation.    "	"When your money is being spent locally, you have a say in how it is being spent, and you, the local citizen, are there to hold all parties accountable.  The individual can see what benefits are being produced, and which areas need improvement in their own communities.  The trade-off in local control is that some localities are not as good at managing resources as others.  Services might be repeated, that a larger, more centralized system might have better streamlined.  Services may differ from one town or one state to the next.  But when taxes are spent in your own town, you are more likely to get involved in the process, and you can see what you are paying for.  Small government is leaner, more nimble government, more responsive to the needs of citizens."	"The idea of health care for all Americans is a very broad subject, with many untried possibilities.  One issue we face right now in our current system is the nursing shortage.  Whether there is a lack of nurses, or a lack of willingness on the part of hospitals to pay for more nurses, the result is the same—too few nurses taking care of too many patients in America's hospitals and clinics.  When there are too many patients for one nurse, there will be less care for each patient and a greater chance for critical, even deadly errors.  "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/28/06 9:36 PM
4793	"Lack of national health insurance. My husband is the sole proprieter of a small business and I am a Certified Nurse Midwife. I am not offered any benefits by my employer. We had private insurance for several years, but it became prohibitively expensive, and did not pay for many important services. For example, my husband underwent cardiac tests, for which we paid twice out of pocket than the insurance paid, $1600 to their $800. This is ""highway robbery"" in my opinion. The insurance industry can basically charge whatever they want, deny care, etc., and are essentially accountable to no one. As a hardworking American citizen who pays all my own bills, I am angry!!! I am 52 years old, paid into the system all my life, and now receive a lot less healthcare myself than I am delivering to many pregnant women! And now our president and congress is threatening that our Medicare and Social Security benefits will be compromised. "	"YES. National Health Insurance (NHI)- basic care for all, not just those that manage to qualify. As a healthcare provider, NHI would benfit me both as a consumer and a provider."	"Unfortunately, many Americans are reluctant to have taxes raised, since all we are getting from them right now is a war that many are opposed to. Most Europeans enjoy high quality, universal health coverage for their tax dollars. Personally, I would not mind high taxes if I had a real security net instead of the current situation. Paying high premiums to profit-seeking insurance companies is not a ""safety net!"""	National health Insurance	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/29/06 10:21 AM
4794	Lack of access due to financial constraints for ever-increasing numbers of Americans.	Absolutely.  We should have a publicly funded system similar to Canada's.  The decrease in costs from eliminating the whole insurance and income verification bureaucracy would pay for any increased care given.	"Americans have accepted Medicare -- it's time to extend it to all Americans and provide real drug coverage, not the travesty that was just implemented."	Funding for all in a single-payor system.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/29/06 10:33 AM
4795	Skyrocketing cost; availablity of healthcare to all	Provide national health insurance to all 	Very few unless it impacts them directly	Provide national health insurance 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	ND	1/29/06 10:37 AM
4796	"Cost, accessibility and Cost.  "	"Our system runs by what the market will bear, so we need to consider caps on overpriced services or alternatives to care.  Advanced Practice Nurses (APN) who function independantly are a good source to tap.  However, artifical barriers need to be eliminated.  APN's don't need oversite by Dr's, that keeps prices artifically inflated.  APN's need collaboration NOT SUPERVISION"	Again alternatives to Dr's when acceptable.  Why go to a Dr for a physical pay hundreds of dollars when an APN can perform the same functions at reasonable cost.  APN's are more accessible also.  I can get an appointment with an APN where the Dr's office gives me an appointment in 6 months for acute care.  No more healthcare for ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.  Tax dollars should be spent on Americans not funding people who clog emergency rooms and don't pay anyway.  If we could recoup these tax dollars and spend it on our citizens it is a good trade off.	Artifical inflation of services.  If drugs such as tramedol cost so little to manufacture why am I paying over $100 for a perscription?  It is a system of excess with lack of controls.  Services should have a reasonable cost.  We also need more educational dollars for nurses.  We will never get out of a nursing shortage when dollars for education are so tight.	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	NJ	1/29/06 11:06 AM
4797	"The gross disparities in accessibility:  financial, ethnic, geographic, outcome (death rates, morbidity, etc.)"	Single payer with rational planning	#NAME?	#NAME?	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	1/29/06 11:07 AM
4798	Too costly.  Too complex.  	Create a single payer system.  Medicare for all without any private managed care or insurance companies invovled.	tax supported to reduce all the admin. overhead now necessary just to get care paid for.	De-Privatize the payment system - like Canada but with a little more money in it.  There would still be about a 30% savings which will allow coverage for all.	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	1/29/06 11:27 AM
4799	cost of healthcare and the lack of insurance for so many people.  costs need to decrease so more people can access.	i think a single payer system would be more beneficial to all.	"i don't think the american public is willing to lose their flexibility of healthcare and the ability to see specialists whenever they want to willingly.  i think the most important thing we could do for our society to ensure access to affordable, high quality health care."	"make a single payer system.  everyone contribute just like their taxes, and insurance deductions are taken out of their paycheck currently.  we already pay for medicaid for the indigent population currently, so that would not change."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/29/06 11:41 AM
4800	"The number of uninsured and underinsurec,    Also the difficulty for all in getting services from qulaified less costly and less interventive care providers when research demonstrates their safety.    This is particularly a problem with women's health care, prenatal care and birth (in all settings).  The vast majority of women are low risk and would benefit from midwifery care in or out of the hosptial setting.  Birth care can do much to set the tone for use of helath care resources in a responsible way thoughout the lifetime.  Women are the priumary seekers of health care for their families.  Promoting prevention and health promotion in low risk low tech setings, allowing birth to occur in birth centers and homes if that is the clients wishes would go far to promote normalcy of just one part of our health care system now consuming too many dollars.  We have turned birth into an illness and withit all the associated costs and technology that have NOT made it safer for low risk women.  Our ""stats"" in this area should be considered a national shame.  "	some version of a national health universal coverage with a co-pay based on ability to pay. Employer contributions can be included as some kind of surcharge based again on the size of the business (its profit margin) and the number of employees covered.	NULL	"work to set aside the turfs and create systems and payment mechnisms which support entry level care with nurse practitioners and midwives and other qualified non-physician providers, within a continum of consultation and referral so that those most in need of specialized care can get what they need while the rest of us, the vast majority of Americans can simply access care locally and easily.   "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/29/06 12:34 PM
4801	The rising cesarean rate and low breastfeeding rates.	"I think people who get things for free don't value them. In our office we see a higher no show rate amoung medicaid patients and even with a $2 co-pay they laugh and laugh about only having to pay $2 for surgery, when they can afford the $2.  Now if we were to take their cigarettes..."	"What do I think they are willing to make or ought to make?  We should take some responsiblity for our own health.  Lower obesity (start by breastfeeding), get exercise, don't smoke, etc."	"Focus on good health care decisions, eating well (including breastfeeding), prevention of disease an unnecessary surgery (cesareans, hysterectomy, etc), smoking prevention and cessation..."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	1/29/06 1:46 PM
4802	That too much of our health care money is wasted on administrative inefficiences	"Health Care should not be employer based, should be comprehensive, provide parity for mental health, be transparent and fiscally efficient and portable"	I don't believe we need to make trade offs - Just spent the money more wisely and efficiently	Make comprehensive health care a right	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	1/29/06 2:05 PM
4803	#NAME?	Individuals should have more responsibility (including monetarily) for paying for their healthcare.  Healthcare should not be a government burden.	I think the public would be willing to take more responsibility for their healthcare if they were not required to pay such a high percentage in taxes.  Let people keep the money they earn and then choose to spend it on the type of healthcare they deem most necessary.	Realize that men and women are created in the image of God; this gives great value to life at all stages.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/29/06 2:14 PM
4804	Cost of US Healthcare vs Price Inflation	"STOP TAKING MONEY FROM OUR PAYROLL ACOUNTS TO PAY UNRULY HEALTHCARE FOR MEDICAID PAYMENTS THAT ARE INADEQUATE AND OVER CHARGED!  Medicaid from my monthly checks are in excess of $5,000 and that is WAY too much for one person who does not receive benefits - even when I did not have medical insurance!!  My credit is a very good example of that - Healthcare providers do not even bill patients before submitting very personal to collection agencies."	FLAT COST OF TOTAL LIFETIME HEALTHCARE TO ALL INDIVIDUALS ANNUALLY!  	"COST REDUCTION TO US CITIZENS AND IMMIGRANTS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO PROVE CITIZENSHIP PRIOR TO RECEIVING MEDICAID BENEFITS OR PAY OUT OF POCKET ANNUAL FEES, CAPPED AS WELL!"	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/29/06 2:16 PM
4805	cost and qualtiy	more competition for inefficient large community hospitals by physician owned or physician driven facilities such as specialty hospitals.   Lower the fee schedule paid by Medicare for these more efficient facilities and increase the reimbursement for care for sicker patients at large community hospitals. On balance there will be savings and overall better care. 	higher deductibles for choice of provider	"stop giving ""tenure"" to ""non-profit"" hospitals and encourage competition"	male	NULL	Yes	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/29/06 3:43 PM
4806	The coverage my company offers gets less and less and costs more and more	NULL	I would be willing to pay a higher fee is I could see that I were getting my moneys worth.          	"I believe all americans would like to have health care at a reasonable price. Most americans cannot afford the high cost, high co-pay that most companies offer.  "	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	1/29/06 3:52 PM
4808	 Thw number of uninsured people in the United States.That the rising cost of health care will soon make it unaffordable to individuals government orgsanizations and corporations	   It should be financed by the government at every level	   The trade-off of increased taxes for no private insurance premiums and the knowledge that all Americans are covered.	   Public financing of election campaigns.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	1/29/06 5:49 PM
4809	"Lack of access to health care for uninsured, often working, families. Access to options for women for prenatal care and delivery services by certified nurse-midwives, who have been shown to provide excellent care with improved outcomes for moms and babies."	"Health care should be available to all.  Some kind of universal access is a must in our culture.  The cost of healthcare in this country keeps going up exponentially, without improved health status of Americans. This can be done if we work with groups like the National Coalition for Healthcare Reform, a bipartisan groups working in solutions."	"I think Americans are willing to pay part of the cost, if insurance companies quit taking such huge profits at our expense.  People want to choose providers, and they want to be treated with respect."	"Make access to nurse-midwives a priority.  Four million women give birth per year, and the costs of every rising c-section numbers (30% in 2004) are taking way too many of our health care dollars.  Nurse-midwives provide care with less costly intervention, have dramatically lower c-section rates overall, high rates of breastfeeding, and have high satisfaction rates from clients.  All this saves money and improves longterm health of women and children."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/29/06 6:08 PM
4810	US pays more in health costs than any other country yet ranks low when  comparing outcome health statistics. (about 30th) In Ca.about 1 in 5 have no health insurance or coverage   	"Yes. Each state should establish a Health Insurance System. The citizens would pay the state for this on a sliding scale. Fed funds ie Medicare would go in fund. Citizens would choose doctors, treatment and services  "	Do not see trade offs are needed except perhaps operations and proceedure of choice not need.                             	Health Insurance should be universal cutting admin cost; stopping insurance companies from skimming off the healthy; bulk buying of drugs.  Control the lobbying of Drug and Insurance Companies.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/29/06 6:35 PM
4811	The thing that concerns me the most about health care in America is definitely the high cost of health insurance. Health insurance premiums have skyrocketed within the last few years. It also concerns me that health insurance companies do not offer people with AIDS or other extreme illnesses coverage. These people are burdened by the amount of money they have to spend on prescriptions each month.	"I do not think there should be any changes in the way of paying for health insurance. I do believe that when health insurance is offered by employers, all children should be covered until graduation. Usually, children are only covered until 25 or college graduation, which ever comes first."	"I think that people will be willing to do away with some of the benefits that are offered by their jobs, such as stock holding and inexpensive access to health clubs, in order to ensure more affordable health insurance. I also believe that with the proper knowledge, more people will be willing to see APNs as their primary health care person. Many people are not aware of the tremendous price difference and the difference in care. Many believe that they will not get the proper treatment when seen by a NP as opposed to a physician."	I think the single most important recommendation that will improve health care in America is health promotion and early diagnosis. Too often people put off their symptoms and do not see a health care professional until the illness is much worse. People also should become more proactive in their health and take steps to prevent illness.	female	NULL	No	Black or African American	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/29/06 7:08 PM
4812	"I most worry about the pervasive 'faith' in the so-called ""free market"" solutions to health care inadequacies.  Nonesense!   The free market is not an appropriate model for the distribution of human services such as health care.  I have practiced medicine over 3 decades.  It is clearer than ever that we need a universal, single-payer financing mechanism for financing health care.  Anything less will encourage the free-marketeers to keep gaming and cheating the 'system'. "	"Definitely!  Other than thru paying their fair share of general taxes, I don't see any logic to having employers participating in health care delivery to their employees.  In other words, separate the link between my job and my health care -- a relic of  the peculiar US past.     Government, or some unitary alternative, non-profit entity, should be the agent of our future UNIVERSAL health care funding  system.  Individual payments should be minimal or absent at the point of  service delivery.       Profits should be removed from our healthcare system -- or at least strictly curbed."	"I think that a large majority will join me in accepting progressive taxation as the major mode for health care financing.  As a physician, my personal taxes would (and should) go up.  But I'm smart enough to realize that we'll all come out ahead:    1)  I, and my employer(s), will no longer be  paying private premiums for my personal health care;  2)  I  will no longer be paying outrageous deductibles and co-payments at the time of service for myself or my family;  3)  I will be spared the recurrent struggle to understand  (and rectify) the confusing, contradictory bills that regularly come to my household;  4)  My patients -- to change hats now -- will have a generous, comprehensive, hassle-free system that will compensate any legitimate provider whom  they choose to visit;  5)  My practice, and the medical care structure in which I work, will be increasingly guided by epidemiologically sound principles and decisions (as opposed to ""market forces"" designed purely to facilitate return to investors...);  6)  There will no longer be ""job lock"" in which some workers find they can't seek new positions because of lost health care benefits;  7)  The overall cost-effectiveness of hour health care expenditures will increase thanks to reductions of the massive overhead we currently allow to marketing, billing, and private insurance profits;  8)  I will once again be proud to practice medicine (as opposed to spending my day fighting with private insurers over my patients' distress related  more to  their finances  than their health needs)."	"Abandon  the private, profit-oriented system of employer-based health plans.   We need -- and we'll eventually get -- a UNIVERSAL, 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	GA	1/29/06 7:22 PM
4813	What concerns me the most is the shortage of nurses.  I've been to a hospital to attend my clinicals and the nurse i was working with was taking care o 7 patients al by herself.  I just don't think that is fair for the nurse or the patients. 	I just think if there is any other ways to help people get health care than they should be available.	I think one of these days all hospitals will accept no matter if the patient has insurance or not.	"I think an important thing is to have more nurses, so the nurse isn't having to take care of 7-8 patients at a time."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/29/06 7:54 PM
4814	  As a future nurse I am concerned with our safety as far as being protected from exposure to disease without even knowing it if the disease has not manifested it in the patient yet.  I am also concerned with patient privacy and how well the hospitals are doing with implementing the need for patient privacy as far as their medical records and current status.	I really don't like the thought that just anyone can walk into the ER and claim that they cannot pay and be rewarded with a free hospital visit.  There are alot of us that go to the doctor and hospital and pay hundreds between us and the insurance while people are getting off free when we have to work to pay for our visits.	I think we are willing to do things such as offer care to those in need through charity set up by the hospital provided by donations from teh public.	"I think everyone needs to keep and open mind, and always remember to treat others as you would like to be treated."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/29/06 8:24 PM
4815	"My concern about health care today is the low census of nurses nationwide, which in turn increases nurse/patient ratio and can decrease nurse/patient relationships. A chain reaction occurs. Nursing to me is more relational than “go by the book” nursing. Which I am sure it is for most. I decided to study nursing with dreams of touching people on a more personal level. I most definitely want to provide the best medical care possible, but I also want to develop nurse/patient relationships that are meaningful. It is hard to see that this dream may be harder to achieve because of the shortage of nurses today. I as a future nurse will still strive to be the kind of nurse that is needed and that I was called to be."	"I feel that the way health care is paid for today is working as well as it can for now. At times it is hard to decipher if it is working well or not because many people receive health care benefits through their place of work, while others may not have the advantage of receiving health care benefits through their work, and still other populations (elderly & disabled) may have certain conditions that leave them in a struggle to get medical attention because of the outrageous prices. There are so many different kinds of people and populations in America; it is hard to have the ultimate health care opportunities for all. I hope the future changes of paying for health care will give all populations advantages to proper health care. "	"I honestly do not know how this nation would do with tradeoffs related to health care. I am sure most would react on anything that will be more beneficial to them and their families. Also the higher the quality of care and affordable care given, people might jump at the opportunity, but not until an idea is explained and expressed thoroughly of the benefits, will tradeoffs be desired.   "	"All Americans need to learn more about the bodies we have and what individual health attention is needed. We as future nurses need to encourage people to seek out health care when necessary to ensure good health is being maintained or appropriate attention is being received. Education is vital, and it will help people to take hold and take charge of their health."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/29/06 10:17 PM
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4817	the high cost of insurance.companies not offering good quality benifets tax payers footing the bill for those companies a.k.a WAL MART	COMPANIES WHO DO NOT OFFER GOOD HEALTH CARE SHOULD PAY MONEY TO STATE FUNDING FOR HEALTH CARE FOR THEIR EMPLOYIES	"NO TRADE OFFS IN BENIFETS . CAP ON DRUGS, COLD MEDICNE ON MONTHLY BASIS SO NOT TO BE ABUSED UNLESS SERIOULLY ILL"	THE BUSH ADMINISRATION TO HELP CURB THIS ISSUE BEFORE IT GETS OUT OF HAND	male	NULL	Yes	Other	Some high school	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	1/29/06 10:50 PM
4818	dfadfa	dfasdf	adfadf	adfadf	male	NULL	Yes	White	Never attended school	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DC	1/29/06 10:52 PM
4819	"The high cost of healthcare services in the US is a concern, especially since there are many Americans who either have no health insurance or are underinsured. The way the system works seems to be inequitable. The people who are not insured end up being charged far more than what an HMO would be charged for the same services. Of course, quality of care is also a concern.   "	I think that we should move more toward a single-payer system with a patient cost-sharing element. There are many models that have been proposed and I really do not know which one would be the best. I just think that all Americans should have access to basic services and protection from financial ruin in the event of a catastrophic illness.	"The impression I get is that most working-class Americans are not in a position to offer any concessions. As it is, Americans are paying more and receiving less benefits which does not leave a lot of room for trade-offs "	I think accountability would go a long way in improving the quality of health care as well as lowering the cost.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/29/06 11:51 PM
4820	"Health Care is becoming something that you just can not afford.  My health benefits have been cut, my brother is disabled and on medicare which is being cut down all the time and my boyfriend has no health insurance which means he has no health care.  It is too important to the quality and quanity of life to not give basic health care to all of our people.  High blood pressure, diabetes, cancer....all treatable if treated early but terrible if not treated until late."	"I think medicare was a great idea and one that should be expanded to cover all.  Take the burden off the states, and barder for better cost of drugs.  "	"As Americans I think we tend to want it all.  I really don't know what others would be willing to trade-off.  However I think if we covered medicines to treat disease, more money to treat drug addiction, covered basic tests to check for cancer at the rate recommended by the American Cancer Society, we would save millions of dollars by keeping people at work and not in the hosital with a stroke or massive cancer surgery.  If you can afford insurance then great you can be your way into heart transplants, etc.  "	Universal coverage	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/30/06 1:18 AM
4821	The shortage of nurses and the continued conversations on the subject that do not include supporting nursing programs that exist.  The schools need to be expanded and educators have to be recruited with higher salaries.	"Individuals who arrange to pay privately, should be offered a similar discount that is given to HMO."	"NONE-Let the Ceo's and administrators adjust.,let medical supply profits adjust, and educate enough nurses and supply and demand will take care of adjusting wages."	Education on wellness and how to access healthcare when needed.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/30/06 1:38 AM
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4823	"I have many concerns about health care such as high priced health insurance, lack of access to health services because of it, and the nursing shortage.  As a future health care provider, I do not think people should be turned away from receiving adequate care simply because of no insurance.  But I do understand that someone does have to pay for it.  I am concerned that this problem is just beginning leading to increasing health disparities.  The issue of nursing shortage is also a big concern for me.  There is a shortage now so what will happen when the baby boomers retire from nursing.  Yes, an even larger shortage will occur.  And let’s review the health of the American population…hmmm…not so good.  "	"I do not think our system is perfect, I do not even think it is near perfect.  I do believe change needs to happen but I do not really know exactly how to make those changes.  People who really need a way to pay for health care in some way can find bits and pieces of getting help through social workers, payment plans, etc.  There are also health departments that aid in providing health services to the less fortunate.  The process is long and involved (i.e. application, waiting in line for a long time) but that is part of accessing the services.   "	If people were willing to make pay-cuts in pay checks to pay for health care then I would see that as a solution.  I am assuming that the majority of people cannot afford to have money taken out of paychecks to pay for health insurance.  There’s my dilemma.   	"Prevention and early detection is key.  People should know by now to not smoke, to eat a well-balanced diet, to exercise, etc.  Being healthy is a choice, a modifiable one that people are not always willing to change bad habits for.  People must be aware that it is one’s own responsibility to take care of their body.  And if something doesn’t feel right or whatever, get it checked out because it is the only way to know what is wrong.  Our society as a whole needs to promote health because the way things are going, more and more people are obese and getting heart disease, type II diabetes, cancer; all chronic diseases that is some shape or form might have or could have been prevented.  With all the money McDonalds and cigarette companies make, maybe they should pay for health insurance for all their consumers.  "	female	NULL	No	Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/30/06 3:35 AM
4825	"lack of routine healthcare for the uninsured, lack of affordable healthcare"	"We need universal healthcare, so that everyone can get preventive and emergency care as needed. "	"I think people are willing to be taxed a little higher to pay for improved healthcare. The universal healthcare could be funded by slightly increased taxes, and an additional tax increase on items that greatly increase medical expenses such as alcohol, cigarettes, fast food, etc. In addition, employers no longer having to pay out for healthcare insurance for employees could instead pay that money into a universal healthcare tax, which would be based on the number of employees that company has. In the long run, providing preventive care to all as well as rehabilitation as needed could cut a lot of costs that would offset the cost of the universal healthcare program. For example, I see patients ages 30-50 having strokes from uncontrolled hypertension. They are debilitated and often unable to qualify for rehabilitation therapies to allow them to be more productive, able to return to work or at least able to be cared for by family, and therefore they end up permanently placed in skilled nursing facilities or board and care homes at huge taxpayer expense, and recieving disability for life. These expenses may last for 50 years. This could all be avoided by providing preventive care, routine checkups, affordable or free prescriptions to control risk factors..a simple blood pressure pill daily more or less. "	universal healthcare at no or very very low copay cost to all	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/30/06 7:29 AM
4828	"That there won't be affordable coverage for retirees (or for others in need). Health care cost is the most expensive benefit employers give and as it continues to rise, the coverage level goes down."	"Ideally, we should have coverage available across the board to every citizen."	Individual contributions would be necessary allowing different levels of coverage according to how much people pay for it.	Make health care available to ALL Americans - take away from the employers responsibility.	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	1/30/06 8:14 AM
4829	the problems of access to care and cost of services.	Something similar to UK. where everyone pays from  paycheck. If  the individual wishes and is able to purchase private care that is the individual choice.	I think that the American public is more willing  at this time to sacrifice benefits for healthcare coverage.	Improved Public Health services ie.community clinics which would improve health care and make services accessible for all.Asingle payor system.  	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	1/30/06 8:37 AM
4830	"That employers and health care companies only want to insure healthy people!  It's discriminatory!  Insure us and help us get healthy, don't turn us down and keep us unhealthy!  1) ""Help those who help themselves"" - give folks a chance to improve their health before cutting them off.  2) ""Help those who can't help themselves"" - cutting off people with pre-existing conditions that they can't control is beyond cruel."	"More equity to what employers pay.  Some companies are very generous, but there should be minimums for employers (Wal*Mart being the example we hear about - yes, they offer insurance, but at a huge premium to their employees who are paid very poorly.)  Maybe premiums should be proportionate to income to some degree - like taxes."	"Choices - some are willing to pay more, some would just like something.  Make sure we have something to choose from and let us decide where to make the trade-offs."	Equity in employer and government participation. 	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	1/30/06 8:40 AM
4834	High cost of health care.	Individuals shouldn't have to pay anything for major issues.	Routine visits should be low-cost and not covered by general health care.	Make it a right not a privilege.	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/30/06 10:49 AM
4836	That there are so many millions of uninsured and underinsured Americans.	"Payments are fine, but the adminstrative waste in utilizing them is not. Eliminate expensive high-overhead private insurance companies and replace with a government-run administrator that can capitalize on the economies of scale."	There is a breaking point at which the lowering of benefits will explode the system of rising financing costs.	Make health care universally available to all Americans. This can only be done by eliminating the current fragmented system of private and public insurers and replacing it with a single payer adminstrator that takes advantage of the purchasing power of one large entity.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/30/06 11:12 AM
4837	The growing gap between the health-care have's and have-nots.	We should consolidate our resources and financial buying power by having a single payor system - like a Medicare expansion.	"We can get rid of the profiteering by the multitudes of health care insurance companies - ""competition"" is NOT working.  We can get rid of huge profits for pharmaceutical companies by allowing the gov't and others to negotiate for drug prices. "	"Health care must be a right, not a priviledge."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	1/30/06 11:27 AM
4838	Concerns I have about healthcare in America is the process of treating a patient according to their financial background.  Many hospitals refuse certain treatments because they know that the patients can not afford it.  Other nonprofit hospitals have the ability to freely treat patients without the hastle of going through insurance companies to get approval.  This helps patients get treated faster and more efficently while also getting exactly what they need. 	As stated above I would love to see more thought about the patients wellbeing and less thought about exactly what insurance the patient is on.  Treat the patient not the patients insurance.	I do not believe that alot of Americans put very much value in their healthcare so I dont think there would be very many things they would give up for it.	I think that we should be able to treat patients regardless of financial situations so that people would have the ability to come to the hospital and be treated without the stress of money.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/30/06 11:31 AM
4839	Availability to all Americans and declining quality of care.	Combine resources into a comprehensive system so that every American has health care with reasonable copay based on a family's income/assets.	"With courageous leadership at the federal and state levels, financing of universal health care can be accomplished with existing resources that are ""reallocated"" and directed to a health care plan that covers all Americans. If necessary,  all Americans could pay toward a universal plan based on their income/assets.  That is, using the resources already in place, reallocating funds that are now being used or   ""wasted"" for unnecessary projects, and having each person contribute toward the plan, health care could be available to every person in the U.S."	"Do what is right for all the American people rather than being guided by special interest groups such as AMA, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies.  Make health care a universal entitlement for all Americans.  Other countries have universal coverage and the U.S. plan should be modeled after the most successful plans.  If it wasn't for the special interest groups, this country could have had comprehensive coverage for the past twenty years.   "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/30/06 11:47 AM
4841	"Lack of affordability.  Medicare covers many; medicaid covers many; if you have no assests at all at least you can go to the emergency department, get treated, and not have a mountain of bills to pay. Those most hurt are in the middle.  It is also ironic that the richest of the rich use medicare to pay their bills."	"We need universal health care coverage. All medical insurance plans should be phased out and universal coverage put into place.  Everyone that is a citizen of the US should have access to primary care. No charge for hospitalization.  However, elective procedures that provide no medical benefit except to make plastic surgeons rich should not be covered.  Other things would not be covered either -- you drink --no liver transplant--you smoke no lung/heart transplant."	Those who have will not want to give up anything.	"Get the insurance executives out of health care.  Bill Jews of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Maryland makes millions, even as premium go up.  Thier big public service is to install computers in physician offices -- nothing to help the people,"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	1/30/06 12:21 PM
4842	Rising costs and quality of care	Mabey costs of treatments held to a specific cost	Very little if any	To be able to provide health coverage for all Americans	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/30/06 12:29 PM
4844	Needs easy access to preventative health care and access to nurse-midwives and nurse-practitioner services.	"Needs to be some consolidation of these payers.  System is set up so that big corporations make money, health care should not be based upon trying to make lots of profits.  Should be set up in a way that most people are able to get the care they need in a cost effective manner."	I think there needs to be a compromise with both benefits and financing in order to provide easy access to the public.	Use more nurse-midwives and nurse-practitioners to provide preventative health care.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/30/06 1:24 PM
4845	that we spend alot of time and money and US citizens are not healthy. It seems that healthcare is about business to the detriment of health.	I think that govt  should fund wellness and education and public transportation	I think they would willingly give up the nuclear arsenal in order to have healthy communities families and individuals	education and systems that support wellness	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	1/30/06 1:25 PM
4846	"Liability scares the daylights out of me! We are all human and we make mistakes and that is exactly what they are mistakes. I personally would NEVER do anything that would deliberately hurt someone. The fact that I could make one simple mistake and it could cost me my career is a very scary thought, almost to the point that I would rather do something else. "	"The saying ""if it ain't broke don't fix it"" in this case needs to be analyzed. It is broke and it does need fixed. The simple fact that I can't go see a family doctor for a minor medical problem because I am a student with insufficient insurance is ridiculous. I would have to pay out of pocket and as a college student, and we all know how poor college students are. There needs to be a method of payment besides me going into an ER where they are required to see me.   I don't think that we should go to a system like Canada either. That lowers the standard of care that doctors are willing to give because it doesn't matter what they do they are still going to get paid the same so why should they do better?!"	Americans for the most part are greedy and aren't willing to give any trade offs unless they see the immediate benefit. Taking a cut in pay to increase benefits is not an instant reward to most and neither is putting money into an account just for health care. I think that Americans need a plan where the trade off grants an equal and almost instant rewards. After all everyone likes to see a positive thing get rewarded.	"Prevent it from ever happening when at all possible. By ""it"" I mean whatever ailments that require health care. For instance, exercise and eat right so that you don't have heart and lung problems. Wash your hands so that you aren't passing on bacteria and viruses.  When you do need a doctor go in with all the details you want your doctor to know ready. That way he can make an informed diagnosis and treatment. We can't expect them to get it right 100% of the time if we are only giving them %50 of the information they need. "	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/30/06 1:28 PM
4848	"The fact that more and more people cannot access the health care system, lacking either insurance or cash for copayments, and the rising costs that will put even more citizens at risk of poor health."	I favor a single payer system.	"The public is ready for a major change, even at the risk of losing some of the benefits they have, because they know the system is headed for collapse. "	Make access to health care a universal right.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/30/06 2:01 PM
4852	"That the Government will take it over, look at everything they touch, ie. Post Office, Social Security, Social Programs..ect."	"Yes, get the Government out of health care!! Have the insurance companies form groups, everyone can then join the one that is best for them and that way you will have  large ""group plans"" to choose from."	"We all ready have high quality health care!! As for affordablity see above, problem is the   ""American Public"" isnt willing to do any trade offs because the majority want everything given to them, this is what the ""60s"" mentality has produced."	Simply make insurance companies form large enough groups to make health insurance affordable.	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	1/30/06 3:03 PM
4853	"High cost of presciptions.  Too much paperwork on Medicare, can't figure out the best plan for my 86 yr. old parent.  No healthcare benefits for my grandchildren because dad's work is sporatic."	Healthcare should be free until age 21 for preventive reasons and the government should foot the cost.	A minimum deductible and should have no interest financing loan to pay off higher medical bills and hospital stays.	Preventive care for children through 21.	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/30/06 3:18 PM
4854	"What concerns me most is how there is such a shortage of nurses, and nurses are getting overloaded with too many patients.  I think that it is unfair of workplaces to overload the nurses.  I believe that if you do not have enough staff to care for a certain number of patients then you should not exceed the number you are capable of caring for. "	"I think that something needs to be integrated to help those who cannot qualify for government help because they make ""too much"" money, yet they cannot afford health care insurance."	"I'm not too sure on this one, but I know that I would be willing to have a deduction from my paycheck.  Maybe everyone could do the same system and have a certain amount of money deducted from their paychecks based on the number of people in that family and the income.  That way everyone is paying for healthcare and receiving high quality health care."	I recommend that healthcare be given to anyone and everyone needing it and that the government find the money to help those who cannot afford it regardless of what they make.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/30/06 3:19 PM
4855	The nursing shortage. Hospitals are using the shortage as an excuse to not hire the needed amount of nurses. Patients and healthcare workers are suffering this injustice. 	Changes should be made in the way we care for those who can't. Our current way limits some and denies many healthcare. 	I think more Americans are moving to an independent way verses relying on the government of covering their medical expenses. They are not willing to trade much for healthcare that con not guarantee in the long run. 	Hire more healthcare professionals and providers. The demand is increasing especially with the increasing age of the baby boomers. The supply must be met to keep healthcare clients satisfied. 	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Not sure	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/30/06 3:29 PM
4856	"COST, If an employer cannot afford healthcare for their employees, how do you think the employees can afford it. Over utilization of the healthcare system has and is costing the individuals.  It's like a runaway train. When will it stop.......       "	"Incentive programs, less use of the system should warrant discounts, waiving deductibles, free exams, premium discounts. Conduct ongoing programs monitoring expenses.  Be proactive about expenses instead of being reactive to the out of control spending. "	"A flexible spending account is a good idea, pay as you go and or quartely premiums.  Maybe, for those that do not use their health care benefits as much be able to donate to those who cannot afford health care premiums and have this be a tax deductible item."	"Stop the vicious cycle, hurting the working population and set up a program for immigrants only.  We the working population pay two times for immigrants, taxes from our checks and again when healthcare cost go up we pay a premium premium"	female	NULL	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/30/06 3:32 PM
4857	"I think it is complete disaray.  I think the drug companies have a lock on the doctors and No One is treating the whole person.  Our national diet is a disgrace.  Our health care system is rotten starting with the awful MEDICAL attitude about childbirth.  Women should have access to MIDWIVES first and only see a medical doctor if there is some major problem.  Childbirth is not a disease.    Cancer care is abysmal.  No one seems to realize that Cancer is stress related as well as genetic and environmental.  Cancer is NOT one single disease. It is many . But the Cancer industry is such a money maker it cannot stop.  It would be a crushing blow to the economy if it ceased to exist.  Then there is the scandal of the last few months of life, when the highest costs are incurred.  People are givne Heroic measures when there is NO reason for it and no money to pay for it except their houses which are TAKEN by the hospital in payment. Outrageous!"	I think that the COST of medical care should be reduced. Starting with the cost of drugs.  They are artificially high priced.  Second is the fear of law suits which cause doctors to order unneccessary tests to cover their own backsides.	"I believe that the quality of health care today is NOT always high quality, but it is always high cost.  Doctors should go to medical school because they want to heal people, help people, not to make money.    Until this changes back to the old fashioned idea of doctor as healer and not as doctor playing golf at expensive clubs there will be no solution.    Today's doctors are all about lifestyle.  They live in fear of Insurance companies and use their fear as a spur to make people afraid NOT to do this or that procedure."	Separate the DRUG COMPANIES from the Medical profession. Do not allow collusion between these two.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	1/30/06 3:59 PM
4858	Cost.  The cost of prescription medications is prohibitive.  Most medication is out of reach for the people who need it most.	None	"Not being able to pick and choose our doctors, but still having access to all specialities would be worth a few trade offs."	"Reduce administrative costs for HMOs and PPOs.  The cost of administration is 20% compared to .5% for Medicare.  Believe it or not, we should take a page from our government counterparts."	female	NULL	Yes	Other	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/30/06 4:04 PM
4859	"What concerns me the most about health care today in America would have to be the fact that it is so hard for elderly people on Medicare to get the needed drugs.  Time and time again, I have heard about instances where people involved with this system are not getting the appropriate medication (whatever their disease process is) because it is not ""listed"" as one of the drugs they can have without paying an arm and a leg for."	"I do not necessarily think that there should major changes as to who is paying for health care but rather the amount in which they are paying for them.  For example, I think that the government should chip in a little more money in providing drugs that are needed.  A disease process will only get worse if it is not taken care of correctly the first time, therefore promoting more cost-related problems when it's not cared for properly."	"I think that the American public is frustrated about what they can and cannot, should and should not ""trade off"" in order to ensure access to affordable, high quality health care.  It has become such a problem that some people are sacrificing quite a bit just to be able to get the proper medications and care needed."	"That the government helps out more.  This is their beloved country including the people who make ""our-world go round""."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/30/06 4:43 PM
4860	"I think that my biggest concern with health care in America today is the shortage of nurses and how it is affecting patients' health negatively.  There are not enough nurses or hospitals can not afford to hire additional nurses, so nurses are being overloaded with too many patients or are having to work extra hours.  This leads to medical mistakes and inadequate nursing for these patients.  It is hard to solve this nursing shortage when there are not enough nursing teachers to teach aspiring nurses."	"I think that there should be some sort of changes made for those underpriveleged people who cannot afford healthcare.  Our system now limits what these people can or can not receive as far as health care goes.  Many are also denied health care.  I do not know what the solution to this is, but something needs to be done for these people.  There are countries that view adequate health care as a right of life and I sometimes wonder if America should move to that view."	I do not think Americans are very willing to trade-off anything unless they are ensured only the best health care.  I think that some people in this country might be willing to give up some of their salary for high quality health care.  I do not know how this would work but I guess a portion of their salary would come out of their checks and it would have to ensure full medical coverage.	"I think that the government should recruit and help with scholarships for nurses to become educators.  If America gets more nursing instructors then hopefully nursing schools can accept more applicants and then there will be more nurses, which will end the nursing shortage."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/30/06 4:46 PM
4861	The high cost of health insurance and that so many people can't afford it.	government support or subsidy on a sliding scale	I think the public would be for their taxes going to support their health care.	make it available and affordable 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	MN	1/30/06 5:05 PM
4862	"As a physician I am concerned about access to physicians by patients.  I feel, that as we make mid-level ""providers"" more commonplace, we actually make it less likely the patient will ever see a physician. If the problem is access to physicians, we should help physicians succeed in rural and underserved areas. People in these areas deserve access to quality physicians as well."	"I believe it's ridiculous to have primary care physicians under the umbrella of commercial insurers. Many patients pay more for their drugs than they do for the visit with their doctor.  Our current system is only in place to protect the resources of commercial insurers.  Our citizens should consider a catastrophic type policy. Our current system is burdened with overhead most of which is related to billing and reimbursements. With the insurers, my fees are twice what they should be as one half goes to billing costs.     My average reimbursement is less than $50 per visit, lab costs add about 40 to 50 more on an irregular basis.  My sickest patients rarely see me more than six to eight times a year.  That means my sickest patients pay about $400-$600 a year on primary care.  Studies have shown about 85% of medical care can be provided by a family practice physician.  Similar studies also show reimbursements to these physicians are the lowest of any specialty despite the complexity of the patient's they serve and the quantity services they provide.    Additionally, more and more restrictions are being placed on primary care physician.  These factors are causing a decrease in interest in the specialty, reduction in the workforce through attrition, in dissatisfaction of those of us in this profession.    I have read several paradigms regarding delivery systems.  One that interests me the most regarding government payers involves a government funded savings program.  If I understand correctly, the federal government makes an annual contribution to be spent or saved by each citizen.  The patient's have a debit-type card and may choose to utilize these funds for primary care needs with their own discretion.  The understanding is, the less spent early in life, the more available for medical problems in later life.  The patient makes informed decisions, the position has ready access to funds, there is no billing costs, market forces would drive prices down and bring more physicians into the government paying system.   Additionally the government has fixed and predictable costs on an annual basis."	"I believe people can make informed decisions in picking services that they feel are most important, and choose physicians  they think are best for them. As the system is now, patients have no actual idea as to the cost of medicine, lab tests, diagnostic evaluations, surgeries, physician costs etc.  "	Get control of the private insureres quickly. We have the largest % of uninsured in modern times yet insurance profits have increased dramatically. 	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	GA	1/30/06 5:43 PM
4863	"The cost of healthcare to the individual/family. the lack of open access to all healthcare providers such as midwives.  The power the AMA has over other professions.  The lack of our system to ensure quality healthcare for all.  The monopoly of medicalized women's healthcare in all areas that is not based on science or supported by their own literature. The way our system is structured, bias about who is deserving of care prevail instead of the notion that everyone has a basic right to comprehensive, quality heathcare.  "	"I believe in a single payor system and the continuation of fee for service health insurance for those who can afford it or provided by those employers who can afford to offer it.  The idea that reducing reimbursement and then freezing it while the cost of living, malpractice and practice expensed rise will lead to enhanced care is absurd.  With less reimbursement providers are forced to take on more and more clients and the care becomes more and more 'cook book' and routinized instead of individualized.  The current method of 3rd party riembursement is insulting to the providers of care.  What other profession or business would provide a service and then have to justify getting paid by it via a coded system of billing that bars billing party from talking to the payors directly and has no say in what 'codes' will be paid.  "	"I pay a $1000 monthly premium for my family health insurance and $25 copays on most the prescriptions, am unalbe to get more than amonth's supply of medicine per presciption and wind up paying more thatn $250 a month in copays excluding the copays for visits to a provider.  This does not include dental or optical.  We all have glasses, and we all have Teeth!(and would like to keep them) But with tis kind of monthly premium, who can afford regular dental visits?  I don't think I am unique.  I would trade this system in a heartbeat for a single payor system paid for through my taxes.  I cannot believe I would wait longer than I already do to be seen or to get appointments.  And the cost would not necessarily be more as far as Ican figure out.  The cost would shift certainly and the money that is aready being paid by employers and taxpayer and for premiums would go to pay for it and it would be more comprehensive.    "	Develop a single payor system for all.  Drop Medicare and Medicaid as separate entities and have everyone have a healthcare card which entitles them to access to all healthcare.  And develop within that system a fair and adequate system to pay the providers of care.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/30/06 6:16 PM
4864	"Lack of choices for maternity care in relations to health care proivders and women's rights in childbirth. I am concerned that women are losing their freedom to choose health care providers such as Certified Professional Midwives due to lack of legislation providing the legal status of professional midwives in all 50 states, as well as their right to choose where they want to give birth. Maternal and prenatal care needs serious revision in this country - there is no excuse as to why we fall so high on infant mortality rate. Also, the increase in routine ceserean sections is astronomical and needs extreme evaluation and management."	I think that all people should have access to healthcare no matter what their circumstances.	NULL	Increase access to healthcare with decreased out of pocket costs.	female	NULL	No Response	White	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/30/06 6:25 PM
4865	we cannot sustain the current system	the accounting and billing system is noncomprehensible	None	Healthcare is a utility and should be operated as an oligopoly not a cottage industry. This however will not improve healthcare delivery but make it less competitive resulting in less duplication. I predict competition will be created by other countries like the leather and textile industry and the automobile industry. Other countries have quality equal to ours for one-fourth the price. 	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/30/06 7:18 PM
4866	the costs for all us poor and working people	health care should be a human right.  why are we the only rich country not to have health care as a right?  the government should pay for health care using our taxes	"those of us with big HMOs like Kairser already make trade-offs.  to me, having Kaiser for insurance is pretty close to socialized health care... i have to wait for appointments, there is lots of bureaucracy, its mass health care for lots of people"	Give us socialized healthcare! Its a right that everyone deserves!	male	NULL	No	White	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/30/06 7:30 PM
4867	The possibility of having to pay for my parents potentially expensive medical care when they're older.	I think that insurance should be more personal with lower deductibles and lower copays.	NULL	Regulation of insurance. 	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/30/06 7:38 PM
4868	"What concerns me most about health care today is the abuse, and need to abuse the payment system because of rising health care costs and increase in health insurance premiums."	"I think in theory this system should work quite well; however, there are discrpancies between what insurance and government, etc say they will pay/ reemburse for and what they really do leading to a mistrust and abuse of the system. "	"I think American's would be willing to sacrifice a small percentage of their paycheck that was taken out right, if it was reasonable and ensured affordable, high quality health care. "	Early detection! Make health care screening and early detection a priority. So many extra expenses can be avoided just by early dectection and treatment.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/30/06 7:41 PM
4869	We need more access to midwifery care for women. 	I would like to see a plan similar to that in Canada. 	I would be willing to pay higher federal taxes to ensure that all Americans have access to medical care. 	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	1/30/06 7:56 PM
4870	"Simple. No one wants to pay for it.  They want it given to them.  Insurance companies make medical decisions that members don't understand.  I owe $250,000.00 in student loans for medical school and will never be able to pay for it.  Nurses shouldn't be able to practice medicine unless we abolish medical school which is where we are headed.  Where do you want your children to be many years from now.  "	"Why is the medical profession the only controlled profession in America.  No one tells anybody else how much they can charge and how much someone might pay for it.  I think we should include dentist and lawyers as our lives are at stake in each area.  We all live and we all die.  Done deal.  Why is one more important than another.  Why do I have to pay 250.00 an hr for legal service to be able to go to the doctor and live longer.  Now, we could go on and on about this.  "	"Describe high quality health care.  Nurses taking care of cardiac patients, seizure disorder, neuro surgical patients, Diabetes, MI, children in respiratory distress and bacteremia.  This is what insurance companies describe high quality healthcare at affordable prices and the PEOPLE don't understand the concept or the reality."	Let doctors be doctors and people have to pay for it.  Most doctors have always done care for free and low charges.  Why does the government have to pay for it.  No one helps me pay for my groceries and they are life sustaining.  Look at the response of Katrina (I was in Ala and Miss taking care of patients 1 week after Ms Katrina presented herself).  The people help the people.  The people are we the people.  The ones who work and pay taxes and who work and who live and who die.  WE THE PEOPLE doesn't mean Uncle Sam.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SC	1/30/06 8:10 PM
4871	"Everything seems to be getting so impersonal. Insurance companies seem to make things so difficult, and it seems like trying to get health care is going to become more trouble than it's worth before too long. "	"I am not very familiar with all the ways health care is paid for. However, I don't think that health care should be so expensive that those who really need it cannot afford it. "	"A lot of Americans are very money-conscious and tend to only think in the here and now, so I can see them being willing to give up certain benefits now as a trade-off for a low cost, and then end up needed those benefits later in life. "	Health care should not be only for the wealthy and privileged. Everyone deserves to be healthy and well taken care of. There needs to be a way to ensure some sort of health care for everyone.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/30/06 8:16 PM
4872	Lack of accessibility to health care services for women. We must do everything we can to be sure this group pays attention to the 4 million women a year who give birth and to the special concerns we have about about access to quality health care for women.  	"Give serious consideration to changing the paradigm of health care delivery in the United States.  Critically examine other systems of health care.  It is possible to take the best of flawed systems and design one that will work for the United States.  We need the will to succeed, and the foresight and prescience to think outside the box, be creative and ingenious in coming up with a new health care delivery system"	"Are Americans willing to have to deal with wait times for non-essential services?  In order to make this work, some wait times may lengthen.  We may have to critically examine a two-tiered system for those who don't want to wait."	"Take delivery of health care out of the hands of the insurers/lobbyists/lawyers - remove barriers that limit access to care.  Synthesize a health care delivery system based on national health coverage plans of countries around the world that have lower mortality and morbidity statistics, health care costs per capita and better accessibility."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	1/30/06 8:49 PM
4874	That there are many people in America who do not have health care or can not afford it. People today are taking jobs that either do not offer it or keep them down to part-time employee status so they can not reap their benefits. 	"I think that it should be made more affordable, there are alot of people in america that are not taking out health care because of various reasons such as they need everything they make when they are working or just can not afford to pay the co-pays. Employers should work with the government to try to make a better system for people living on minimum wage. "	The American people would be willing to trade off their wages and maybe even paid time off if their health care were affordable and the benefits were great. 	That the benefits should be greater and more options  allowed no matter where the person might be employed. Also raise the minimum wage or pay workers more so they could afford to make the co-pays that are required through their insurance. 	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Under 25	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/30/06 9:37 PM
4875	"For insured clients the insurance companies are making nearly all the access decisions, and doing so from conflicting perspectives (the consumer, the advocate, the payor).  The uninsured clients pay more than any other consumer because there is no way to negotiate the kind of volume discounts that large corporations can.  This leaves the industry with no meaningful market forces.  The consumer is too far away from their own individual choices for competition to actually drive the market as it should.  The results are malpractice and limited options, many of which decided by non-clinicians."	"Yes, the consumer should be making these decisions.  It is in the client's own best interest 1) to seek the clinicians with the best reputations (not just to go see whomever is on their so-called preferred provider list - with no quality indices at all); 2) to shop for the best ""deal,"" as in finding the source of medical services with the best value (best quality vs. lowest cost); 3) to be judicious as a health care consumer (which would alleviate the problems associated with unnecessary testing, and would encourage personal responsibility for decision-making and informed consent/refusal, thus addressing the rampant malpractice/liability climate in health care)."	"The costs would drive themselves down once true market forces were at work.  For the millions of Americans who are uninsured, any reforms would be improvements and would increase access.  For the health care providers, fairness and simplification in billing practices would diminish the negotiated discounting that the insurance industry perpetuates.  It would make sense to have a single-payor system.  I think that given the high stakes, most Americans would appreciate a more efficiently administered system, and would benefit from improved access.  I think many Americans would tolerate what would at first sound like ""rationing"" in health care, until the wellness models became universally adopted.  Insured clients would also benefit from simplification, and decreased costs would naturally result.  Trade offs would include lower costs overall because of lower ""overhead"" expenses (from simplified billing practices).  High quality health care can be readily achieved and at much lower cost - utilizing alternative models (such as nurse-midwifery and nurse practitioner based clinics), thus making physicians into specialists again.  Many services could also be provided at home.  Hospitals currently monopolize birth, for example, at an unnecessarily high cost.  The more responsibility taken by consumers, the lower our rates of malpractice will become - again, market forces at work.  "	"One of two options:  Restore true market forces, OR create a national health plan and/or a single-payor system.  Eliminate the profit-driven (not quality-driven) insurance industry.  Reverse the attempts by the pharmaceutical industry to make every fatal disease into a chronic disease (also profit-driven motives), along with implementing alternative health care models.  Wellness models (examples are some of the innovative ""worksite wellness"" programs) should dominate the health care industry - at least worksite wellness is profit-driven to the advantage of the employee."	female	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WV	1/30/06 10:29 PM
4876	Sky Rocket costs  No incentive for preventative care  	Every Employer should be required to contribute to a minimum coverage of their employees. If the employee has family then the employee could share costs.	If every employer provided basic medical costs then we could us government money for the elderly and needy children. Government could provide work in exchange for benefits. Then the insured would not always be paying for the uninsured.	National Health care like they have in Europe. Every employer pays a fair share for their employees and employees with families share in the costs.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/30/06 10:35 PM
4877	"The middlemen (insurance executives)are extracting money from the system at the expense of those who deliver the services. The result is we continue to see escalating costs, diminishing revenues to front line providers (physicians, pharmacists, nurses, hospitals)."	"Employer-provided health insurance should stop. No reason to do it any longer since Kaiser in California no longer needs workers to build ships for WWII.  It can still be a tax-based incentive: have the employer pay the employee an amount that must be used for hgealth care purchase and that amount is tax-free to the employee and a deduction for the employer.  Let the employee choose the coverage just like auto, home and life insurance.  If not used for health care, no deduction for either one.  Makes the employer the watch dog only, not the purchasing agent."	"Very difficult to answer because most of the public rejects paying for hgealth care because it is a purchase they did not choose.  They only ""buy"" it when they get sick and they didn't ask to be sick.  Same reason they dislike paying for prescription drugs -they didn't elect that expense - the doctor did, but if they don't proceed they are still faced with the threat of continued illness."	"Educate them to take care of themselves on a preventive basis.  But it is almost impossible to sell the idea.  After 30 years of following a doctor's advice to prevent a heart attack, how can you be certain you would not have had one anyway if you did not follow that advice?"	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/30/06 11:05 PM
4878	Lack of health care insurance for many Americans	"No, it just needs to be able to include all citizens."	"Higher taxes (especially on cigarettes, alcohol), paying out of pocket for brand-name prescriptions, torte reform for medical malpractice to keep malpractice costs lower & allow practitioners to keep their costs controlled"	"At the VERY least, all children should have easy access to health care."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/30/06 11:38 PM
4879	"My first comment is What Health Care? I am a 66 years old,female, mother of 5     Grandmother of 7 and Great Grandmother of 2. I am disabled and recieved     $804.00 per month from SSA, and $28.00 from SSI. A total of $832.00.  I am a     divorced in 1974, widow as of 1999, who was put on SSA at 64 years old.. on my     husband's SSA.  but have been on SSI since 1974. I am now getting Medicare,@     65. I have been informed from the Gov. that they are going to terminate my SSI and so I     loose $28.00 per month, right off the bat. Starting in Jan 06. But, I have been told     that the increase of cost of living is now added to my SSA  $804.00 check to      $817.00. Around $13.00 dollars.  But, on December 2005 it was like this.  Check     SSA was $804.00 and SSI 28.00 which equalls $832.00 total.  Still a reduction     from SSI alone, in my name. Now in Jan 2006 I get $817.00 SSA, they     discontinued my Med-i-cal and SSI and I loose that $28.00 dollars along with     Med-i-cal support. now I have just Medicare. Why? I think I should be getting     both as I worked and paid in for years, served in the Military, etc.  With very     limited medical  services,since this administation was swarn in.   Not only have I been refused medical care, surgery,treatment and the kind of     care that would improve my last years.  but now I am losing more money, with     the lies that Bush is giving us something. He is! More lies and manipulations, to     cover up his lack of leadership. now I have to pay for the drugs I need, by     paying cash,for all Rx's, either 1.00 for Generics or $3.00 for brand name. So far     this month of January I have had to pay $17.00. So if this is subtracked from the     $817.00 I get monthly, I am lossing money. Since I was reciving 804.00 plus     28.00 from SSI. So while the richest people in Corperate America are gaining     hudge tax breaks, the seinors and the students are again being sent to the back of     the bus, and the Republicans should be ashamed. God knows I am. I can't     imagine what my children are going to do for their future.  When do we return     the control of Washington, and not Jerry Falwell or Pat Roberts.  How can we do     this to our elderly and family. I think that the health care system is a farce and a     fraud. This goverment is only waiting for the elderly and sick to die off. Its     cheaper that helping us provide a quality life. I guess? And now the Baby Boom     is approching and the Corporate exec's  and Greedy Goverment, don't want to     pay for it.   What a betrayal to the American People. To give the big tax breaks to the rich     and take it  AWAY from our aging grandparents and needy. I am so sick of the     Regan Bush intellect.  What do we have to do do to obtain a little security in our     old age. I don't know what I am going to do now. I can't hardly pay rent. I have     to sell what I have and go into a one room apartment, or suck off of my children,     to have anyplace to live.  I was homeless for 21/2 years, and wiped me out.This     is wrong and will comeback to haunt the future generations, when our children     learn Why and what this administation has reduced our population too. God     Help Us and Impeach Bush. Please"	Yes take it out of the payroll checks of employees right along with SSA and SDI. Includeing the Rich. 	What trade offs seems correct? How can one feel any 	"Give health care as a right. Cut down on declaring War, Stop creating phony hollow progams that deliver nothing. While selling the bill of goods that we got something. other that lip service. Reelect the Democrats and put Hillary in the seat. Watch how fast a national health program will develope. "	female	NULL	No	White	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/31/06 12:50 AM
4880	"I am concerned that so many people, and especially children, have no insurance and no funds available for even basic preventive health care."	"Rather then employers paying for health care, I believe the government should devise some sort of subsidized plan similar to a national health care plan."	"I am unwilling to speculate about Americans in general. I'm on SSDI, disabled and not working. It's possible that, if I had had access to adequate health care, my several illnesses would have been diagnosed and treatment begun sooner so that I might still be able to work.  However, I'm guessing that if wages were more standardized, I think people would be willing  to make a little less for better health coverage."	Focus on prevention for Americans of all ages.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/31/06 6:40 AM
4883	"the government does not know how to manage, run, or fund  healthcare properly. even the private sector ( insurance conmpanies)is riddled with fraud, greed and unfair practdices that get the ins co very rich ( inc premiums ) dec physician reimbursement,and totaly control all our prices.   see next panel"	"yes!!! eliminate the middle man. get rid of large ins companies and let the market drive medicine. back to a fee for servise system. eliminate all welfare and medicaid ( yes, tha ti waht I said. medical care is not a right it is a privilage and those who work hard, get an education, and strive to make something of themselves can thenearn a living and support themselves and NOT  suck off the Government TIT all their lives and their children'slives..generation after generation.     "	"Cut ins premiums, dec Ins co's extremely HIGH salaries  for top employees.  Dec Malpractice premiums Drasticly. Do like Mexico's medical malpractice reform. Of course attorney's will protest, becaue they wil not get rich off false suits. Penalize attorney's who bring false suits. "	"Make all americans pay for their own health care. Not live off the governement for their food stamps, their housing, their medical care. There are plentyof jobs out there. Have americans take more individual responsibility, YES RESPONSIBILITY for their actions, their family values and their moral issues, Then we can sart to see a better system. "	male	NULL	No	Other	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/31/06 8:09 AM
4885	"The cost. We pay 1500.00 per month for our family of 3 for health insurance.  Why can't we get a better price via some vehicle within our industry banding together? I am tired of paying for my health insurance, your health insurance and the good health insurance of every state, federal and local employee without their concern for me! "	"Get a federal program going where everyone has access to quality health care, everyone bears person liability in the system, there is an equal playing field."	It depends what kind of a sweet deal they have going now. We will not ever all agree. Even the playing field for all or give up your own insurance. 	Personal responsibility	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/31/06 8:44 AM
4886	It's an awful mess.	"A national health care plan like Medicare or TRICARE, to include a full drug benefit with no gaps to cover everyone."	Just about anything for the assurance of continuing reliable coverage of all medical needs.	"A national health care plan like Medicare or TRICARE, to include a full drug benefit with no gaps to cover everyone."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/31/06 8:51 AM
4887	"You work for 30 years to have insurance when you retire.  You hold your breathe that as a retiree, your company is going to cancel retirees.  My husband and I have to each take our own company's policies instead of just one because the other said they would drop us if we waived their coverage.  Cost per month for two healthy 58 yr. olds is $350+/month. This is simply catisthropic coverage because we are healthy and never exceed the deductible by much.    Secondly, long term care is extremely a concern after caring for my parents for the last ten years.  The care is expensive in nursing and assisted living homes, most employees are there just to get a paycheck and care less about the patients, and it is only getting worse."	"For both of our insurance companies to go to United Health Care in one year tells me that it must be the cheapest.  This year, mine changed, thank heavens because United is not accepted at a lot of doctors offices because they do not pay their bills.  How does Canada handle their coverage for their people?  How can the Neterlands be the best there is for long term care at little cost?  Medicare is fabulous for those covered, but when you look at what it covers with no questions asked, no wonder we're in the mess we're in.  I've dealt with it for ten years and it is great for my parents; however, the tax payer is getting taken in some cases.  Same with those getting Medicad in nursing homes and don't pay anything to be there.  I've found as private pay, if you don't check the monthly bill, it's unbelieveable what you're paying for.  If the government is paying, who is checking the bill?"	"Company's, such as Wal-Mart, are a monopoly in America, yet they do not take care of their cheap labor.  Why should tax dollars have to go for these employees when their employer is making a killing in thousands of neighborhoods across America. They need to take care of their own."	"When a company promises insurance with retirement, it should stand.  Just when people are getting older, they are told they no longer have insurance."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/31/06 8:52 AM
4888	NULL	NULL	NULL	"The best reccomendatin would be to have wide spread health savings accounts for all, including Medicare.   The present system is unsustainable, and only when the patient is the consumer will it be affordable.   Bring the patient into the marketplace is, as always, the best solution."	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	KY	1/31/06 8:59 AM
4889	The fact that if you have a pre-existing condition insurance companies jack your rates to unaffordable	no	i'm not sure about tradeoffs  but I do believe we should be taking care of our people here at home rather then sending billions overseas helping others.  I believe in helping others but why aren't we taking care of our own first  Make ins. affordable here	same as above	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/31/06 9:00 AM
4890	cannot afford!	seniors should get free health care!	none	affordable according to income!	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/31/06 9:01 AM
4891	"It is extremely costly, and not accessible to all.  As a rural Medicare insuree, I find that not all practioners accept Medicare patients, nor do they all accept new patients.  Further, Medicare does not cover dental or prescription eyeglasses, nor does it cover alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chelation.  "	"Administrative inefficiencies certainly bloat the cost of health care, and must be dealt with.  A single-payer system would appear to be most logical, provided that a massive, self-serving bureaucracy is not allowed to evolve.  I do not believe that fertility drugs should be precribed to welfare recipients, nor do I believe that Viagra should be made available to sex offenders.  Since both have been precribed under Medicaid, I believe that rationality should prevail in such instances."	"Since I believe that ""affordable, high-quality health care"" is a pipe dream, I would settle for good quality care with a high emphasis on prevention and early intervention.  In other words, I would trade expensive ""high-quality"" for affordability and accessability.  I cannot speak for the rest of America. "	"Treat it as a public good, not simply a profitable enterprise for purveyors of expensive pharmaceuticals, services,  and questionable surgeries, devices and procedures.  A little kindness can be far more therapeutic than 5 minutes with a hurried physician under HMO constraints, especially after a 2-hour wait."	female	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	1/31/06 9:05 AM
4893	"My biggest concern is cost. Manufacturing processes are lean and I believe hospitals and all other health care organizations need to review their spending and find ways to save money thus reducing their overall costs and pass those savings on to patients. Second the insurance industry needs to give an accounting for how the premiums are actually spent. How much of those funds are actually spent to treat people and how much is invested for their profitability, and how are the dividends then disbursed?"	Rather than re-invent the wheel the council should bench mark health care systems in countries with free healthcare and learn from them.     The real challenge will be winning over the majority who have personal interests attached to the current health care system and would like to see things stay the way they are.	"I think any tax payer would be willing to give up a small portion of their salary for national health care, similar to the social security tax. That way as long as Americans are working, Americans will have health care."	"Make cost reductions. Health care is a business and should operate as such. There has to be some regulation to ensure patients aren't being gouged by exorbitant, itemized hospital bills. Finally, eliminate redundacies, ineffective systems and processess. Assess staff requirements, expecially upper management and eliminate unecessary positions and ensure that there are enough hands-on providers for the facility."	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	1/31/06 9:20 AM
4894	"We are not getting it.  As a senior citizen who needs to continue working, I pay for the company insurance plan and Medicare through the company and through Social Security.  I have been struggling with cancer and post polio, as well as heart disease being told I need stent placement. I have NO medical care as none of my doctors are in network for this particular insurance company.  There is a $5000 deductible which I cannot afford, obviously, would not continue to work at 69 if I did not have to.  Am not alone.. with chronic illness, it is bad enough to have to deal with that, but your doctor becomes a major part of well-being and health care and it takes time to establish that relationship.  I am now feeling extremely frustrated as I can no longer rule out or rule in specific problems as I no longer can afford medical care."	"I feel that the legal system needs to get its act together... it has impacted health care by high cost of insurance for doctors, making a patient visit almost that of being on a conveyer belt.  Pharmaceutical companies monopolize magazines and television with advertisement, not to mention wining and dining physicians and staff, that money could be better spent on reducing medications and allowing the MD to prescribe.  Those advertisements are a definite turn-off, don't want any part of the side effects.  Companies are implementing money put aside, tax-free for costs over and above the insurance payments, this is, I think, a good idea but as I understand it, it is not refundable at the year's end."	"That is a tough question, I do not think that the American public feels that they are getting the best care any longer. Hospitals have cut back and staff is over worked in many hospitals, as well, they are hiring cheaper and less competent help in the area of patient care."	"Wish I had an answer.  Seems to me back in the 50's we had good health care, affordable and there was not this mess.  Let's get rid of greed and focus on caring for others."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Not sure	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	1/31/06 9:20 AM
4895	"The exorbatant prices being charged by doctors, hospitals, surgeons, etc.  Especially for those of us who are forced to use out of network doctors or have plans with coinsurance instead of copays"	just in how it is divided	honestly- I don't think the public is willing to give up too much for anything unless they see that they benefit greatly for themselves	"reduce cost to individuals, monitor doctors more strictly"	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/31/06 9:23 AM
4896	"I have no income and am limited by my state's ability to help supply me with the medical care I need and the medications. Right now, many things that would help improve my health..and there fore actually lower the costs of meds, treatments and Dr visits are not covered. This makes no sense to me.Why is basically preventative care not being covered? One such item is pysical therapy!!"	I think the physicians should be making the medical decisions and NOT the insurance nor the case workers at Human Resources.  How can these other people make medical decisions on what an individual needs?? And why are individuals held to pay HIGHER costs than those negotiated for the same services through ins or gov't programs?	The trade off whould be to dispose of the middle-man that is making the individual decisions regarding coverage. Let the Physician decide what their patients need. This is wasting billions of our medical expense.	"REMOVE ALL THE PEOPLE BETWEEN THE PHYSICIAN AND THE PATIENT...SO ACTUAL CARE CAN BE GIVEN TO EACH INDIVIDUAL PATIENT. THE DELAY, ALONE , CAN INCREASE THE COSTS OF SAME. WAITING FOR ""PRE-APPROVALS BY THOSE THAT ARE NOT TRAINED PHYSICIANS IS COSTING US LIVES AND QUALITY OF 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	OR	1/31/06 9:49 AM
4897	Too many people get too much health care that they don't need and raise the cost for us all.  Too many providers look for ways to earn more by looking for illness rather than looking for health.	Keeping people away from too much doctoring is key.  I listen to the ads for health insurance and medicines and believe they suggest that you should be sick and take stuff to make you well.  Too many educated people buy into the suggestions	All health plans are governmentally regulated beyond reason.   If the free market was allowed to work and the government spent more time getting those who commit freud before the fact instead of after none of this would be a problem	"Stop all the heavy ""selling"" of insurance and pills, treat the really sick really good, sort of treat the sort of sick and promote healthy living instead.  "	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VT	1/31/06 10:18 AM
4898	The nursing homes are short on funds and workers. There are beginning to be nore elderly and disabled people in nursing homes.	"There is a problem among caregivers caring for disabled family members in the home. Most agencies look only at the income level instead of the situation. If you are rich you can get by. If you are at poverty level or below you can get financial help for respite care,etc. If you are caught in the middle there is no financial assistance out there for seniors when income is cut at age 65. Respite care is desperately needed for the disabled person as well as the caregiver. Look at the whole situation, not just the income level and help those who ""fall through the cracks in the system""."	Don't know!	"Help the elderly caregivers care for family members in the home.    Give the elderly retired people a break paying for prescriptions, etc.    Give help to the uninsured."	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/31/06 10:25 AM
4899	"The costs of the medicine and the cost of doctor visits, even co-payments and be a high cost of people on a budget."	Look into how it is done in other countries. I know that in Canada and some Europian countries the government has more control on what the costs are for medicine and doctors visits.	Health is very important to most people. I have never given it though on what I am willing to give up or pay more for to get better health care. 	NULL	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	1/31/06 10:30 AM
4900	"Cost, benefits if you are out of work what do you do for health benefits. A major illness and unable to work. "	Individuals who are not working cannot afford the cost.  Employers are uanble to carry the full burden and must pass it to their employees which give them less spendable income.	I do not know. But if all politicians can get free heatlh care and if we are able to build new schools for Iraq and give trillions of dollars to Palestine and then what does that say about us when we have elderly people eating dog foot who are unable to afford the cost wen you have american unable to find work and the problem is out of control. 	Take care of America first.	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/31/06 10:32 AM
4901	You have to be rich in order to afford it. I am a caregiver to my husband and I have no way to get my own insurance of any kind.	There should be a system where all of Americans can get insurance through the government. They help people from other countries here why not Citizens. 	Should not be a trade off Americans pay taxes keep our money home and stop taking care of other countries. We need to take take of our own. 	Stop giving to other nations.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	1/31/06 10:32 AM
4902	The growing number of uninsured and underinsured.	I think we have to get away from the employer-based system and toward a medicare model where all Americans are insured.	I think that Americans are truly willing to forgo tax cuts and willing to pay more for a system that covers everyone and is fair.	"Stop looking at Health Care as a commodity and instead see it as an Right to be enjoyed by all.  From a religious and moral perspective, affordable health care contributes to the dignity of the human person and is a right that all should have."	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	1/31/06 10:46 AM
4903	The lack of coverage for Americas given the size and wealth of our nation.	"There is certainly a flaw in the system (Examples: IBM, Ford, GM). Employers cannot continue to bare the cost of health care if profit continues to be a motive.  The government needs to play a larger role in insuring more individuals are covered, without them having to worry about what job they have. Our current system completely discourages entrepreneurial activity. "	"I'm not sure. I do think that Americans are leery of a completely socialist system.  However, Canadan's system seems to be working. You have government healthcare as well as the option to purchase additional coverage."	"Move toward a socialist system, while offering individuals additional insurance through private companies."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/31/06 10:48 AM
4904	Quality -- There are some poor physicians out there practicing defensive medicine.	"I would like to keep the current system, but I think it's inefficient.  I fear we need a single payer system to get it right."	I think we need more of an income based approach.	We need to have the courage to be better health care consumers.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	1/31/06 10:50 AM
4905	It's not accessible or affordable to the average american.	It should be a right for every citizen to have healthcare.	Whatever it takes no one should bve without.	Stop running the country like a corporation.	female	NULL	No	Black or African American	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/31/06 10:52 AM
4906	Increased costs	Socialized Medicine for everyone	Increased taxes to high income individuals to pay for the medical care for those who need it.	"Health care for all Americans regardless of income,making it available to all. "	male	NULL	Yes	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	1/31/06 11:03 AM
4907	Cost is getting prohibitive even with health insurance.	Yes...have a sliding scale payment system that is tailored to where the pt resides.  The cost of living in California would not compare to the cost of living in Mississippi.	From my experience it would be benefits.  I recently declined lab work that my MD recommended because I could not afford it even after insurance paid their portion. 	All americans should have access to the same quality of care and not be based on the ability to pay or prohibitive costs.  I've seen how insured patients have better access versus the uninsured.  The uninsured are less likely to seek medical care for a condition when it's manageable and will wait until it becomes severe.  Most uninsured don't have a PCP will utilize the ER when they could be better managed in the MD's office.	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	1/31/06 11:10 AM
4908	"The cost. My husband is self employed. We pay over $600 just to insure two adults and one child. This doesn't include any dental or vision benefit. He hasn't seen a dr. or dentist in over 10 years. He needs 3 crowns but we just can't afford $3600 to pay for them....so he goes without. We send our child to the dr. first.....anything left over goes for me. He needs new glasses but again, the cost is prohibitive, and we are well above the proverty level. I can't imagine what a really poor person must do in a situation.....unless they qualify for medicaid and then they receive free medical services. WE're caught in the middle."	I wish I was smart enough to suggest a sustainable idea.	I know we would be willing to make trade offs....just make a suggestion.....	"Find a way to make health care more available....if my husband used his policy, he'd be canceled....."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SC	1/31/06 11:16 AM
4909	The high cost of prescriptions even for working people. 	"I think that if Congress really wants to help the people that they are supposed to serve, then they should take the lead in lowering the cost of health care by taking a cut in their pay to help the deficit."	"I think that the American public has already made enough of trade-offs and concessions, too many people are out of work now because of trade-offs by the public."	"For the medical professionals and Congress to set one set fee across the board for healthcare to prevent the malpractice judgments from escalating,that triggers doctors to raise their rates and the public to pay more. "	female	NULL	No	Black or African American	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	1/31/06 11:18 AM
4910	"If you do not have any money or anything tangable, you can get health care, if not you will loose everything you have paying for heath care. we have malfuctions that require dr visits and daily meds, we almost lost our home, in credit card debt and no savings. we are 45 & 50. my husband went to work back in md. we live in sc. we now have health ins and I get to get a mamogram and pap smear. along with blodd work. husband gets to have his feet checked and get his blood work and checkup with diabetes. we were paying over 600.00 for medicine alone every month. something needs to be done to protect what you have, and still get medical attention and medicine.  perscriptions are unafordable, 15 min dr visits are not affordable and they will not see you if you can not pay.  we need a health care system for all -  we wait for hours now to see a doctor, so time does not matter. In the US time is money but we do not get a payment break for our wait time of up to 3 hours or more."	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SC	1/31/06 11:34 AM
4911	cost of meds	get rid of medcare part d  it cost me more since before i paid nothing	none	lower cost of hosp testing cost inc hospo daily room charges	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/31/06 11:39 AM
4912	My concern is the growing number of people with out healthcare and how employers are continuing to shift healthcare cost to workers who can't afford it	All employers be required to contribute and tax incentives to employers that do	The American public should not it should fall on employers	make all employers responsible for there employees	male	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/31/06 11:43 AM
4913	Keeping good physicians and nurses in practice.  Keeping healthcare facilities open.  This can only be done by limiting suits brought forth by patients and patient families.  We need an organization in look closely into each suit to see if there has been negligence in any way before it can be taken into the courts.	"When an insurance pays more for an MRI than for the surgeon who did the surgery, this is a problem.  Or, when they pay more for the anesthesia than the surgery, where is the equality?  A physician should always come before the machine.  Where's logic today?"	I don't think there are many Americans who are willing to make any trade-offs.  They believe that insurance should do it all and don't want to assume any personal responsibility.  People on welfare are by far the worse.  They pay absolutely nothing and want more and more.	There will always be a few bad apples but physicians need to be treated with respect.  Americans have so much knowledge of medicine today through print and computer but there's nothing they are going to do with the information without the physician.	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	1/31/06 11:44 AM
4914	"THe high costs, and worries that the average citizen will have few options for care in the very near future.    This will be especially true for prescriptions, diagnostic tests, and hospital care."	NULL	I think that giving up on expensive diagnostic tests will be the first options to be given up.    Newer and very expensive drugs may have to be routinely passed up in favor of the older drugs and generics. 	That the very basics of health care be made available. 	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	1/31/06 11:53 AM
4915	General ealthcare is not available to those middle Americans with no insurance that cannot afford to buy a private policy but do not qualify for government help. I am extremely concerned about the cesearean rate and sad state of maternity care otpions.Midwifery should be standard care for all pregnant women as it is in countries with better infant/maternal mortality/morbidity rates than ours. We need to learn to step away from technology when nature knows what to do.	Basic healthcare should be provided by the government for ALL individuals. 	I think most Americans are willing to trade anything to get acess to good affordable healthcare.	Midiwfery should be the norm for care of normal healthy pregnancies. There is just to much interference with the natural progress of labor leading to so many un necessary interventions which lweads to more and more problems with mother and baby including breastfeeding and post partum depression. Labor and childbirth are normal and natural occurences in a womans life and a healthy labor should not be put on a time limit requiring intervention to fit it into that requirement. Women do not need to saved from their labors rather they need to be saved from interventive medicine. Labor is not a sickness and the medical community needs to quit treating it as such.	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	1/31/06 11:56 AM
4916	"I am most concerned with the policy of the FDA that keeps the health of the drug industry as a higher priority relative to the health of the public. As one of many examples, The Chinese government has acknowledged the efficasy of selenium in the treatment and prevention of cancer, hepatitis, cardiomyopathy, etc. They are buying so much selenium ore that the price is now almost ten times what it was a couple of years ago. They are adding it to the soil,to fertilizer and to food to save their people from these diseases. The FDA should tell all of us to take 200 micrograms of selenium per day as a guard against infectious diseases. This would be devastating to the drug industry, but it would bring far better health to our people, and health care costs would plummet. Ironic, isn't it, that the Chinese government cares more about its citizens than our government cares about us."	NULL	NULL	"Doctors tell patients that what they eat does matter. We need to establish safeguards in the supplement industry to make sure that the quality and composition of the product is what it should be. we need for the government to allow use of these supplements that have been effective against diseases for thousands of years, with no side effects."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MS	1/31/06 11:58 AM
4917	People who work and can not afford health care.  We make too much for a sliding fee scale and yet somebody who hasn't even been born in this country can get immediate help.	Get those who are young and healthy working and stop giving them free care.  Don't keep paying them for having more kids who in turn will just bleed the system themselves when they grow up.	"Stop enabling those who have no reason to bleed the economy, from doing so.  Nothing wrong with temporarily helping, but there should be a limit.  Those who really need help should be able to get it."	"Make lazy people work.  More people working, means more people contributing to the over all economy.  "	female	NULL	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/31/06 12:07 PM
4918	"the rising costs of medical care, doctors and prescriptions."	"I think we should have socialized medical care for all. It works in Britain, Canada and Australia"	NULL	Get rid of all the high priced ceo's first of all.  Than make all medical care equal for all.	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	1/31/06 12:13 PM
4919	"1.  The high cost that doctors and other providers charge for their services.  Frankly, it's way out of line to bill an insurance provider $125.00 for a five-minute follow up visit.  2.  I can't make heads or tails of the claims resolution forms I get from my insurance provider indicating how a claim was disposed of.  And I'm college educated!  Surely these forms can be simplified."	"According to my relatives in England, national health is the best kept secret on the planet; it works very well.  A single payer system would work very well here, too, if the government spent less on defense and more on health."	1. Limiting choices of health care providers from hundreds to about a dozen (at most) in each specialty.  2. Higher taxes knowing their family's health care will be free or very low cost ($1/doctor visit; $100 max/surgery).	Stop smoking and fasten your safety belt.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/31/06 12:14 PM
4920	"My family's lack of medical insurance, as well as an increasing number of other people's."	"We need a single-payer, government run system, like  every other industrialized nation.  The paperwork savings alone would pay for extending coverage to everyone."	"What on earth does this mean?  Are we willing to pay for it through our taxes?  Yes, as polls consistently show. "	"A single-payer system that minimizes billing costs and promotes preventive care, life-style improvements, and cheaper alternative treatments. "	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	1/31/06 12:16 PM
4921	Cost and the millions of uninsured	A larger percentage of costs needs to be taken up by employers or the government.  There should also be greater governmental oversight to keep the costs of health care and prescription drugs down.	I believe Americans would be willing to wait longer for appointments if it meant that everyone could have one.	Make it a priority - the uninsured are a huge drain on our resources and the health care system.  But without any true reform that problem will never be solved.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/31/06 12:22 PM
4922	"The food chain. It's empty. We need  to fix it before it's too late. We eat food that is toxic  and minus nutrients. A result of poor farming methods. We need laws to bring back safe and   nutritous food. Food with vitamins,EFA's,CLA,  minerals,minus insecticides & harmones and control  genetically modified foods. This is where it all  needs to start along with a clean environment,  bring back physical education in schools,stop  putting additives in food "	"The public health system is a sham. It needs to be  available free to everyone who is a citizen.We have a system that thrives on ill health and makes it worse. Of course it's a huge industry. If everyone is well or preventive medicine is practiced there's no money in it. Give us drugs  with harmful side effects,HMO's, allopathic  doctors,the AMA,the FDA,GREED,a bogus government  and kill us. Look at the death statistics. Why do  so many people die needlessly at the hospital?"	I don't think the public needs to make any concessations. It's their government. We need politicians who REALLY care about the PEOPLE.  We need to tax corporations like Exxon and  quit taxing the peoples health.	"Cleanup the environment,cleanup the food chain,  put physical education back in schools, legalize  naturopathic doctors in ALL states,seperate the FDA from the drug industry,get all the toxic additives removed from foods,get rid of all   lobbyists from the pharmacuetical industry,  start treating causes instead of symptoms, train  doctors to practice preventive medicine instead of  cash flow methods,teach them the Hippocratic Oath.  "	male	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/31/06 12:24 PM
4924	THAT THERE ARE TOO MANY PEOPLE WHO ARE WITHOUT HEALTHCARE	THERE SHOULD BE BLANKET COVERAGE FOR EVERYONE AND THOSE WHO WANT TO GO OUTSIDE OF THIS CAN IF THEY CHOOSE.  DRUG COMPANIES SHOULD HAVE A CAP ON WHAT THEY CAN CHARGE AND HEALTHCARE SHOULD FOCUS MORE ON CURING THAN TREATING ILLNESS WITH SO MANY DRUGS. THAT STUFF IS POISONING OUR NATURAL DEFENSES.	NOT SURE	"EVERYONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO RECEIVE SOME KIND OF HEALTHCARE.  MY LITTLE BROTHER IS 20YRS OLD AND WHENEVER HE IS ILL HE HAS TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL.  HE MAKES ABOUT $175/WK AND CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY INSURANCE PREMIUMS AND PAY FOR MEDICINE HE NEEDS.  HE CAN'T EVEN GET PUBLIC ASSISTANCE BECAUSE HE IS SINGLE WITH NO CHILDREN.  BUT HE NEEDS SOMETHING, SO ME AND MY SISTER TRY TO HELP HIM BUY HIS MEDS SO HE CAN FULLY HEAL."	female	NULL	No	Black or African American	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	1/31/06 12:36 PM
4926	"My concern is that the government is getting too involved, which could ruin the quality of care."	"I think private health insurance should be mandatory, whether purchased through work or individually. Low income earners could be subsidized out of money that was going to Medicaid or paid by the states. The cost of the bureacracy could be limited and the money passed down the line into actual care. "	I think the public is not willing to make any trade offs. This is fueled by irresponsible politicians who  demand more public resources be spent and ignore personal responsibility.	Mandatory health insurance.	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	CA	1/31/06 1:07 PM
4927	Availability to those who do not have health insurance	There should be a single payer program similar to Medicare for all citizens from birth til death.	"I think that the public is tired of the current system and would be willing to contribute to a universal, sinle payer system similar to other industrial nattions."	Make it available and affordable to all	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/31/06 1:08 PM
4928	"WE do so much now for our seniors and other countries. Now how about our young and low income. The considered $2500.00 deductable will not get it. Maybe $250.00. They are now not getting any preventive attention and they must almost  be dead before they speak up. Even couples with young kids are not taking care of their young because they cannot afford it.My single daughter is 31 years old,has no coverage or aid.  "	We should have the low income register and have a government plan to assist through all stages of illnesses.Facilites should be dedicated to them. Doctors on good salaries to help them.	Federal taxes could increase a bit. This program would need to be places before assistance to other countries. We can oversee the use of these funds here in the states.	"Make it applicable to the young and under $36,000 in income."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/31/06 1:10 PM
4929	"45 million people without insurance, the inefficient patchwork of insurance programs, and the burden that our system puts on businesses to provide the insurance."	"Yes, I favor a ""primary payer"" system that provides a basic level of care for all Americans financed by the government.  In addition, and this is an important addition, there should be the possibility that those who wish to do so can by insurance that will provide them additional coverage.  The cost could be tax deductable."	"Actually, I think most Americans aren't willing to make any trade-offs at this time.  This is because the Health Care Industrial Complex and the current administration obfuscate the situation, leading most Americans to believe that we have the best medical system in the world.  It is in some wayss--providing you have enough money and knowledge to make wise choices--which requires a great deal of education that is not realistically possible!"	"Move to a ""primary payer"" system paid for through taxation and a part of the government."	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/31/06 1:13 PM
4930	"1. Access to, affordability of, and consistent quality of health care.  2. Lack of preventive emphasis in medical care and medical training and insurance reimbursement.  3. There are few incentives for new doctors to choose primary care (and especially geriatrics).  Physician compensation needs to be overhauled; an internist spending an hour with a patient going over lifestyle changes they need to make for their health gets a small percentage of what a specialist could get doing a 10 minute procedure.  Changing demographics are going to cause a collapse in primary care unless changes are made.  4. Physician recommendations are often overruled by non-physicians based on economic factors."	"1.There needs to be more consistency in health insurance premiums.  Self-employed individuals should not be penalized for the fact they are self-employed and should be charged similar rates and have access to the same health plans that employees with larger employers have, without pre-existing condition surcharges or exclusions.  2. Health care costs should get a greater tax break.  They have to be exceedingly high to rate a deduction tax wise. If college tuition and home improvement expenses were tax-deductible, it might be the only way that a middle class family might get their taxable income down enough to qualify for the medical deduction.  Tax credits for some of these expenses are only available for those with very low incomes.   3.  Although I don't believe that premiums should be punitive based on medical conditions because not all medical conditions are lifestyle-related, I do think it would be good to offer incentives that reduce premiums, for positive health behaviors: maintaining healthy body weight, being non-smoker, maintaining aerobic fitness, etc."	"1.  We need to accept generic drugs in place of higher cost brand name medicines where there is no difference in quality.  2.  We need to be willing to see nurse practitioners, nutritionists and other allied health personnel for non-urgent preventive health visits instead of primary care or specialty physicians for each visit.  These individuals would coordinate care with the physician.  3.  Except for the very poor, every American should expect to pay some small copayment for every health care visit and prescription medicine.  4. We need to accept the creation and use of structured protocols based on ""best practice"" for common medical conditions/symptoms.  They could guide what insurance companies would be willing to cover and try to keep costs down.  The physician would have some ability to overide this with justification, but there needs to be a way to cut down on the high number of unnecessary lab and high-tech tests (MRI, CT, etc.)that get ordered either to mollify a demanding patient, protect the physician from possible litigation, or ""just to make sure"".  If a physician follows this protocol,it should be protective against litigation.  5.  We need to accept that phone or email conversations may substitute for office visits and we may have to pay a small copayment for these.  Health insurance companies need to compensate health care providers for communicating with patients."	"Aside from urgent or life-threatening medical conditions, make the shift from medical treatment to health promotion.  Compensate more for preventive primary care visits and allied health personnel like nutritionists and physical therapists.  Decrease or hold constant compensation for specialty visits and procedures.  The payoff in terms of less medical costs will take a few years, but decreasing obesity, blood pressure, smoking, cholesterol levels and increasing self-monitoring, physical activity and preventive screening could make a huge difference."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/31/06 1:27 PM
4932	"The costs and redundancy in equipment in hospitals, ex  too many MRIs, every facility has one, too many hospitals consolidation would help reduce overhead costs, the ""foreign language"" of medical terminology keeps people less informed in their care.  The lack of a nationwide policy-is it a right or not?  Health is not valued until one loses it or it is compromised.  The imposition of one's bad behavior and the impact that has on the rest of society-smoking, lack of seat belt, helmet use, poor eating habits/choices/lack of exercise, lack of time in school day for physical activity.  The uneven field when it comes to insurance benefits/policy-municipalites offer lower co-pays, etc translating to costly insurance coverage (bargaining union influences) thereby directly impacting taxes by citizes, etc.  Lack of information/understanding of public health issues/access, etc "	"People who try to adhere to positive lifestyles should get some type of ""credit"" or reimbursement.  People with poor habits should pay more-similar to what happens when one purchases life insurance-smokers pay more.Employers should not be mandated to provide coverage BUT coverage should be accessible to all for a fee.  Some type of gap insurance for people who have retired prior to Medicare coverage starting.HSA or MSA, cafeteria type selections of covered benefits. Wellness/prevention models need to be introduced at a very young age for behavior modification to work."	see above	level the playing field regarding insurance coverage/access to care.  Employ more minorities in health care careers which can offer a signifcant difference and understanding of the cultural differences.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	1/31/06 1:36 PM
4933	People who were employed and become disabled lose employer-based health insurance. Cobra continuation is not an option for most because the cost becomes exorbitant. Can we create a back-up health insurance plan that protects disabled workers and persons who are chronically ill? 	"All citizens must participate in paying for health care to some extent, with the exception of the poorest citizens. "	NULL	Provide free health care to the poorest citizens (up to a certain income level); private health insurance for everyone above this income level (but consistent from insurer to insurer); national insurance for the disabled or chronically ill.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	1/31/06 1:56 PM
4934	"Our system is currently based primarily on employer-provided insurance.  I am concerned that employers are going to stop agreeing to pay for this insurance, leaving individuals to figure out the health care system.  The system itself is a patchwork of suppliers (hospitals, doctors, drug companies, pharmacies, labs, etc.) with almost no coordination and not enough information about their costs or quality for an individual to make any type of informed decision."	"I think that employers' involvement is going to wane, as this benefit cost is increasingly making them less competitive in a global business environment.  I think the government is going to have to pick up the slack that will be left by employers, just as the other governments have done for the other companies our businesses are competing against."	"I think some level of access restriction will need to occur, so people with a cold cannot go to an ER for care.  ""Consumer-driven"" health care is doomed to fail until the patchwork of providers is sewn together and significantly improved reporting on costs and quality is widely available."	Find a way to integrate the providers so that both employers and individuals can make more informed decisions on care providers.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	1/31/06 2:16 PM
4935	Too expensive for anyone to afford without good insurance coverage and that is becoming harder and harder to come by.	"Single payer system. We should be studying the programs in countries where universal coverage works, like Japan, where their outcomes are excellent.  "	"Taxation to pay for it with safeguards and privatization of the plan.  We do not want the US government administering the program - it's obvious that would be just a red-tape boondoggle as it is now with Medicaid.  They would be the income collectors and the watchdogs only.  The private companies would administer the benefits and there would be still competition between them; just payment by the government.  This would be cost effective as we would eliminate Medicid, Medicare and the patchwork programs whose holes people fall through anyway."	Universal coverage	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	1/31/06 2:16 PM
4937	"1. The current administration and the moneyed interests that support it don't believe that health insurance is a basic right, regardless of an individual's wealth. 2. Insurers penalize you for using insurance. 3. Quality isn't so good; 4.Costs are out of control. "	"A Single-payer system is needed.  It could be state-administred, rather than nationally administered, if that is more efficeint and politically viable. Get the greedy insurance industry out of the loop. "	"Somewhat higher taxes are definiteley worth it; possibly higher premiums, depending on income. Possibly higher co-pays, depending on service. "	"DO NOT CREATE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS-- this shifts all the risk and financial burden on individuals. The more people have to pay to get treatment, the less often many of them will go to get treatment-- which, in the long run, results in more serious diseases and conditions, increased use of super-expensive emergency services, and therefore higher costs for everyone.  Think about the needs of poor and middle-class people, not just rich people's interests.  STOP CALLING PATIENTS ""CONSUMERS""-- when you are sick or injured, it's not like being out of shampoo and having the inclination to shop around.  We need a single-payer system.    "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	1/31/06 2:26 PM
4938	To many people do with health care because of cost	We should go to the plan that Canada has	have a two tiered system	available to all	female	NULL	No	Other	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	1/31/06 2:30 PM
4939	My biggest concern about healthcare is the escalating cost and confusion about plans.	"I have been covered by my employers' health plan since I was 20 years old (I'm now 53).  It's pretty shocking to learn about the cost of health insurance once you become responsible for it.  I think a lot more work needs to be done to involve individuals throughout their lifetime in managing cost so that as a nation, we can better control our costs."	"I think it will differ from person to person but first they (we) must be educated.  Additionally, I believe insurance companies are not very good at communicating to their customers in a way that is understandable (or complete!).  One has to be a detective to uncover facts and truly get at the truth about one's coverage."	KEEP IT SIMPLE (unlike Medicare Part D).  	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	1/31/06 2:36 PM
4940	"During a doctor's office visit there is not enough time alloted to the patient. Also,most MDs are not ameanable to trying natural treatments. They go straight fot the prescription pad, even if dietary changes would work as well - and at far less danger to the patient."	I think the incentivesd from the drug companies should be ELIMINATED. 	This is a difficult question for any lay person to answer. The entire health care system needs to be studied - IN DEPTH.	"More information should be given to the patient. If there are alternatives to the usual treatment that could be utilized they should be discussed with the patient. If the alternative is expected to be effective but would take a longer period of time to show it's effect, this should also be discussed with the patient."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	1/31/06 2:38 PM
4942	Affordability	"Yes, but study systems used in other countries to learn of the pitfalls of their single-payor systems (or other alternative systems) in order to institute safeguards in any new system we ultimately go with.  "	"Obviously new taxes will be required to fund the program.  However, there are so few people who don't have to pay anything at all for their own health coverage (employee contributions are getting larger and larger each year) that the net result on their pocketbooks will probably not change or be quite small.  One thing that WILL NOT be tolerated is substandard health care.  It is immoral and against God to conclude that one group of people is less worthy of quality care than another.  All Americans should have equal access to the most up-to-date treatment and medicines. "	"Get rid of the current system and adopt a single payor, access-to-all health care system with controls in place to ensure competent providers that are compensated accordingly (watch out for what happened in Canada).  Be sure that incompetent physicians are identified publicly and licenses are rescinded.  Change the way the FDA approves drugs, correcting the current methods of reporting on study results and ensuring it operates apolitically."	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/31/06 3:21 PM
4947	"The cost, fragmentation and duplication, uninsured"	WWe  must go to Universal Health Insurance. The    changes can be found in HR 676 that is in     committee now.	  They want full coverage at a decent price	  Universal Health Insurance      My career in health care administration    began in 1951 with a MS in hospital     administration from Columbia U School    of Public Health	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/31/06 4:21 PM
4951	The number of people uninsured and the employers and the goverment not being responsible to make sure everyone is insured.	I think the time has come for insurance to be available to everyone.  Either an employer has to insure its employees or the goverment.    	I think people are ready to pay more taxes for guaranteed health care.  I think they are also ready for more personal responsibility	To make insurance available to everyone.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	1/31/06 5:42 PM
4955	"Our present multiple health care systems are far too costly and cover too few people.  Of all developed countries, the U. S. pays the most and delivers health care to far fewer people on a percentage basis."	"Yes, combine all these payments and adopt a single payer health program. Eliminate the need for insurance companies.  Allow doctors, not insurance company bureaucrats, to make decisions  on their patients' health care. "	Eliminate the new Part D Medicare.  Go over to a single payer system that will be able to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies as the VA does.    Eliminate medical savings accounts.  The poor and unemployed cannot afford them.	"Adopt a single payer plan covering ALL Americans.  Take a look at California SB-840, The California Health Insurance Reliability Act."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/31/06 6:20 PM
4957	Lack of access due to cost	"We should change to a single payer system funded by the federal government.  Medicare, medicaid, veterens programs, and all other government programs as well as private insurance should all be eliminated in favor of a medicare-like single payer complete healthcare system including health benefits, (both inpatient and out), preventative maintenance, pharmacy benefits, mental health benefits, and dental benefits."	"I'd be happy to pay more taxes to have such a system.  Ultimately, I think it will save money by reducing administrative costs, focusing on keeping people healthy thus preventing many complications that currently develope resulting from lack of preventative care, and other factors.  "	"Single payer system, access for all, one risk pool of the entire population paid for by the federal government. Save money, save lives, do the right thing!"	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	1/31/06 7:13 PM
4959	"Obesity, Smoking, Domestic Violence  Drug and Alcohol abuse  I see a system that rewards poor health. The system enables the individuals to continue there self destructive behavior without consequences.  There are a lot of mental health problems with no access to care.   The liablity of physicians is expensive, most doctors order excessive test to cover risk.  If a patient recieves free care or state supplemental care they should not be able to sue without arbitration. It is a shot at the lottery for no risk and pays better. "	"Individual more accountable for there behavior.  Reward good behavior such as excercise, not smoking and normal weight.  Individuals with negative health behaviors should carry a greater burden of the expenses."	"Create a tiered systems.  Everyone can not have it all. I believe 95% of all health care dollars are spent in the last year of life. I know a lot of patients who stay in the hospital because there is no out side support.  We need more Hospice like support, excellent support and care"	"Add gym class back in the school curriculum, limit TV and get outside and walk"	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	1/31/06 8:08 PM
4961	"The uninsured, the exorbitant cost of medication, the misuse of emergency rooms.  The unintelligent use of resources, the profiteering on the backs of the truly needy who suffer."	There should be a one-payer system that provides universal health care.  It should be paid for by Medicare and based on ability to pay.  	Elimination of employer responsibility would help business become more competitive with European and Canadian companies.  Elimination of insurance companies' administrative costs and being able to negotiate with the drug industry would enable great savings. 	"Single payer and universal coverage.  This would enable intelligent consolidation and planning of medical resources, and negotiation of costs with pharmaceutical companies."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/31/06 8:25 PM
4962	"I have two concerns. First, I am most concerned about the inefficient administration of health care via Medicaid. Patients in the setting I work in repeatedly get turned away for care in the public hospital prenatal care clinic because their Medicaid status is so difficult to confirm. When they show up, it is at 32 weeks gestation in preterm labor, which results in hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars of care in NICUs.  My second concern is the high rate of DEATHS from ERRORS in health care systems across this nation- the IOM estimates the equivalent of a jumbo jet crashing every day- that is how many people DIE in our health care systems from ERRORS, NOT DISEASE."	"As much as I hate to have it done, I think the 3rd payer system needs to be disintegrated, and a national health care system needs to be established. The administration of such a system needs to include health care providers, CARING health care providers who give a d*** about patients, not just insurance adjusters, health care administrators and politicos."	"What trade-off for pete's sake?? Just take the money everyone in the work force is paying to private insurers and put it toward one pile. Deduct a proportion of every welfare check and add it to the pile. Add it onto income tax for those ""self-insured"" people who fail to think ahead. It ain't brain surgery!"	Clinical Nurse Leaders in every health care setting	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	1/31/06 8:32 PM
4963	"The high cost and toxic, invasive nature of Western medicine, the power of the drug companies, and the lack of support for alternative medicine. Alternative medicine is much cheaper, is preventive, and is extremely effective for chronic conditions. "	"Health care costs should be charged to the individual according to income, with the government, and possibly emplyers, picking up the remainder."	NULL	"Bring alternative health care into the mainstream. Make Naturopathic doctors primary care providers in all states, as they are in California."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	1/31/06 8:41 PM
4975	Most people cannot afford it!  Employers are cutting the benefits and causing lower income families to live in poverty or have poor health care as a result.	Absolutely!	NULL	"If we moved to socialized medicine, even as a trial run, insurance companies would wake up and realize what they are doing to us.  Rules need to be strengthened that limit the amount people can sue for when a doctor makes a legitimate mistake.  Everyone makes mistakes, but doctors pay a very high price for their mistakes, which ultimately get passed on to us with higher prices for health care.  It is a viscious circle."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	1/31/06 10:25 PM
4976	"government intervention, insurance cartel controlling health care, degrading the quality of health care, uncovered citizens, who have no coverage, minimization of choices."	"eliminate the insurance cartel completely. eliminate all indigent patient programs,state medicaid programs, and other health care programs,i.e.veterans admin,shriners,etc. have everyone contribute as able.institute universal health care plan, well administered,not carte blanche, but with logical parameters (control redundant tests,encourage thrift, but, allow providers -physicians, to practice medicine).eliminate lobbyists and special interest groups!control our population and remove the welfare mentality on the taking and giving ends."	"i do not think we are willing to make, nor should we, make concessions! we have the wealth to enjoy the finest health care in the world, properly administered with judicious parameters."	"address uncontrolled population , especially by the poverty stricken, the least able to provide,- and by that i mean provide guidance, wisdom, values, proper attention to children. "	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	1/31/06 10:44 PM
4982	"As a physician I see the complete failure of our current system on a daily basis.  I see the huge numbers of people with no insurance, and the even large numbers who have insurance but find it to be inadequate when the actually get sick.  No one should be forced to choose between failing to treat their illness and entering bankruptcy.  "	"The only rational way to fix the system is a single payer universal health care system.  The degree of waste associated with our fragmented system is insane, and the savings from dramatically reducing the current level of spending on administrative overhead (30% of health care dollars) would be enough to pay for universal coverage.  "	"Once a single payer universal system is established there would be no trade offs.  Every developed nation in the world besides the US has a universal health care system which delivers health care to all its citizens at a far lower cost, with much less administrative waste, and with far better outcomes (in terms of life expectancy, infant mortality, etc) than here.  All that is required is true political will and leadership to overcome the entrenched special interests of the pharmaceutical and insurance industries.   "	Single payer universal health insurance	male	NULL	Yes	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/1/06 12:48 AM
4984	Lack of coverage for all.  The cost of healthcare in this country.  The highest per person in the world.	A tax paid to the goverment by business and individuals instead of insurance premiums.  Goverment as a single payor.  This would lower cost and cover everyone.	No trade-offs if everyone is in one pool. The efficiency of this system could save 20-30% of the cost of our current fragmented healthcare system.  Money is wasted in the administration of the current system of many payors. 	One 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	CO	2/1/06 1:01 AM
4987	Affordability and access for all Americans.	I support universal health care.	NULL	Adopt a universal health care system.	male	NULL	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	2/1/06 5:55 AM
4990	For the richest country in the world we have a moral crisis because every citizen does not have free access to health care.   Justice demands we take action to remedy this situation.	"Healthcare is a basic human need and not a commodity limited to those who can afford it. The entire system should be overhauled and a system like medicair for all be adopted.  A single payor system is my overwhelming preference, where everyone pays in according to ability and everyone receives coverage.  No employee should have to stay in a job because of health care benefits and employers should not have to pay for benefits for their employees.  The high costs of providing that care are making our companies less competitive on the world scene."	"Studies I have read show that overall we would save money by having everyone insured, all people in one risk pool, lower drug costs because of the economies of scale and still have choice of providers and treatment options beause the middle man(insurnce companies ) are cut out."	everybody in and nobody out of the program	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/1/06 8:11 AM
5000	It is unaffordable for too many people.	Universal health care.	"I don't believe that providing universal health care would result in a reduction of benefits or overall cost to the public, because the current state of affairs is pretty bad.  "	Making health care available 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	MN	2/1/06 10:25 AM
5004	expense  inefficiency of car delivery  lack of coverage for millions of citizens  use of emergency rooms for primary health care	"yes, we should have a single payer system much like Medicare.  Every citizen should have coverage that affords adequate health care. We are the only industrialized country that doesn't provide at least some coverage for all citizens."	I think many people are fed up with increasing insurance costs and fewer benefits or benefits being dropped.  I think they are ready to consider a government program that eliminates third party payers. There are enough dollars in the system to coverage everyone.	Provide coverage for all citizens and others who are legally residing here.	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	2/1/06 11:25 AM
5008	That we don't have universal single-payer health care for all like those citizens in all other developed countries.	"Our system is broken.  Having employers provide health insurance is overburdening them while trying to be competitive in the world market, eliminates portability of insurance for workers losing and/or changing jobs, wastes money by going through insurance companies by caregivers for payment which do not have iniform paperwork, rules, etc."	"Americans need a universal single-payer health care program like Medicare, HR676, Expanded Medicare for All, is alreay in our House and needs to be implemented.  Medicare has a very low administrative rate, pays suppliers (doctors, hospitals) directly, and could eliminate the disasterous Medicare Part D program by simply implementing it as is Medicare A and B.  Medicare D needs to be free from the restrictions of group drug purchasing put on by the recent legislative bill written by the insurance and drug companies.  HR676 is the answer and if our Congress was serious about providing preventive care, not care administered too late and too expensively in emergency rooms, it would be voted on and implemented long ago."	"Pass and implement HR676, Expanded Medicare for All (universal single-payer health insurance for all)."	female	NULL	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/1/06 12:33 PM
5010	that working people without insurance and be broken by the cost of illness or accident. 	there should be a method of seeing that everyone can get medical care without bankruptcy. Doctors should be alowed to make more money.	higher taxes	single payor	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/1/06 12:46 PM
5014	"The out of control health care costs.  I understand about 1/4 of what I pay in insurance goes to administrative costs.  The very complex  paperwork requires salaries for multi clerks, which has nothing to do with actual medical care.  Totallly uninsured people get their care at my expense, or they get no care.  Emergency Room usage for non emergent issues cause people with emergencies long waits before care.  Drug costs much higher than other countries.  The free enterprise, capitalistic, American system should not be allowed to make money at the expense of ill people, ie hospitals, nursing homes, drug companies.  This is amoral and unethical.  Huge and unfair burden on businesses small and large to pay these spiraling costs"	"Health care should not be based upon employment.  It should be one national system like social security,  Individuals should contribute to this.  It should include all basic costs including chemotherapy, surgery, transplants, mental health, but not experimental   treatments.  It should be for citizens, or people in process of applying for citizenship.  Not illegals.  Employers could contribute a minimal amount, as in social security.  "	"Hospitals need to be neat and clean, but do not have to look like hotels.  I would be happy to take my stock out of publically traded drug and hospital companies.  I do want to choose my doctors, as I choose other professionals.  I would pay more in health care taxes, because this would be less than medical insurance now, if you take the profit out."	"A single system for medical/ physician /hospital care.  Attention to the fact that  weare burning out nurses due to the huge  patient care loads. Reduce this ratio, and there will be no nursing shortage."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/1/06 1:19 PM
5035	The fact that around 46 million Americans have no health insurance and that the most common reason for bankruptcy is medical bills.	Preventive medical coverage should be available to all American citizens and it should be funded by the government.  Administrative costs of insurance plans use up almost $300 billion.  That would buy a lot of health care services.	I have no idea what the American public would do to have everyone have access to health care.  I know I will probably vote for Hillary Clinton in the next presidential election because she is the only politician with courage enough to address the issue.  We currently have no leadership from the president or Congress on this issue.	Americans need to have universal health care coverage that is not tied to their employment.	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WY	2/1/06 5:41 PM
5037	"It is rapidly becoming unaffordable.  And if health insurance costs are allowed to continue increasing at double digit rates each year, it will become a serious drain on the economy and stifle future growth."	"I think that employers should be allowed to opt into a model similar to that provided to federal employees.  With the increased buying power, it should help to stablize rates, somewhat.  We also need to get control of spiraling drug costs.  There is no reason that drugs are sold in Canada at one third the cost of what they are sold for in the U.S."	I think most Americans can stomach a $500 deductible without copays to cover the more catastrophic expenses.  	Make it such that it is affordable and available to everyone.  It is an outrage that some 40 million Americans have no health care coverage.  Ultimately those that do have coverage wind up paying for those that don't.  This is not a zero sum game.  	male	NULL	Yes	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	45 to 64	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	2/1/06 6:40 PM
5039	It excludes many middle-class Americans	"There should be larger pools for insurance companies. Less opportunity for health insurance companies to take advantage of profiting from illness and from excluding people after they are ill; e.g., non-portability. The government should probably come up with a version of healthcare for all similar to Medicare."	The American public is willing to pay for insurance but not when the rates become outrageous due to prior medical problems.	Make it similar to Medicare or other governmental programs like those offered to high-ranking civil servants.	male	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Over 65	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/1/06 7:22 PM
5054	There is too much emphasis on drugs and not enough emphasis on prevention and on natural treatment methods.	"Insurance companies have too much control.  If someone needs a procedure that the insurance won't cover, the person is probably not going to be able to get the procedure done or go into significant debt to do so."	I'm not sure on this one.  I just think healthcare should be more affordable.	"I think we need to look at other countries who have better health care systems and implement some of their ideas here in the U.S.  One of these changes should be in the area of midwifery care.  Certified Professional Midwives (CPM's- www.narm.org) not only provide excellent care for low-risk women, but they have the potential to save U.S. citizens as well as the government millions if not billions of dollars in healthcare cost.  They should be licensed and legal in all states (not just 30 or so), and they should be completely reimbursible by medicaid and insurance programs.  Other countries with better neonatal and maternal outcomes than the U.S. utilize midwifery care for low-risk women."	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	25 to 44	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	2/2/06 10:52 AM
5099	Many people have no health insurance.  Many people have inadequate health insurance.  There is too much waste in the health care system.  The cost is too hight	"To the Citizens’ Health Care Working Group:    Re: Suggestions for a better health care system:    I have a few ideas about reforms of our health system, based on my 20 year experience as a physician.  Many of them will be familiar to you, and none of them are particularly original.  They involve reworking our current health care system rather than overturning it entirely by instituting national health insurance, which, whatever its merits, would be considerably more difficult to implement practically. I hope you find some of them useful.      1. Require that all Medicaid patients be treated by medical residents and medical students, under the supervision of senior clinicians, or by publicly funded health clinics, whose medical staff would be funded by the government.   Physicians and other health practitioners would work at these clinics for lower salaries, but be exempt from medical malpractice claims.  A closely monitored self-policing system would regulate the quality of care.  Public clinics and teaching hospitals are already the de facto system of health care for the poor.  These clinics would need to be expanded primarily to deal with the uninsured and underinsured.  2. Have the government pay for the medical school tuition and bills of students who upon completion of residency training, would be willing to serve a minimum of four years in a public health clinic, or act in a teaching clinic staffed primarily by residents and medical students.  Invest government money in expanding these public clinics.  Pay physicians and other health workers who staff these clinics less than those in the private sector, but only modestly so.  At least part of the difference would be made up for by other perquisites, such as exemption from medical malpractice liability.    3. Broaden the eligibility for Medicaid so more people could tap into public clinics and rename it to avoid stigma (e.g. call it the U.S. National Health Insurance, or Med-America). Enable the uninsured to obtain care at public clinics, as well as those in higher income brackets, who would pay into the system at discounted rates, based on their annual income.  4. Operate the clinics on a budget, limiting diagnostic testing and interventions based on budgetary constraints.  Physicians would be exempt from practicing by the highest “standard of care” when it required unaffordable costs, but only when reasonable alternatives were present that were within the overall standards of acceptable treatment.    5. If too few physicians are willing to participate in public clinics, require by law that medical schools admit a sufficient percentage of medical students who have commited themselves, as a condition of admission to medical school, to the four year post-graduate public health stint.   6. Efforts must be made to limit extended inpatient stays where there is little likelihood of recovery.  After certain limits, families must be willing to pay for continued hospital or nursing home care, when continued treatment offers little to no likelihood of recovery.  This will necessitate legislating mandated submission of advanced medical directives for all people over the age of 60 or 65 who will be using public funding, and the establishment of guidelines for clinicians and hospital administrators, regarding the resolution of decisions regarding termination of health insurance coverage for extended care and life-support. (It is important to note that termination of insurance neither requires nor implies termination of care.   It merely refers to termination of health care benefits.  Care and treatment may continue based on ability to pay, practitioner willingness to continue unfunded care, or private insurance’s willingness to fund extended lengths of stay.)  7. Governmental support to health-promoting medical interventions, as opposed to mere cutbacks in illness-fighting interventions needs to be increased. People should obtain tax-breaks or breaks in health and life insur"	The American people are so confused about the health care problems that I think all 300 million probably have different views.	see above	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	RI	2/2/06 4:04 PM
5101	Insurance & Drug Companies making record profits at the expense of the American public.	Take some of that money spent on Defense and the Military and use it for a National Health Care Plan for Basic Health should be a right to every U.S. citizen.	"Less tax dollars spent on government waste, ear marks, lobby deals, military, pre emptive war."	Free Preventive care for everyone!  Health Education!  	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/2/06 5:58 PM
5106	Patients and families largely take a very passive role in hospital--somehow we need to encourage more participation in caring for family members.	NULL	NULL	Individual accountability--people abuse their bodies for years and then take very little responsibility toward changing behavior. 	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/2/06 7:43 PM
5112	"i am a nurse midwife and parent.  i think it is essential for all families to have access to contraception, family planning services, prenatal and birth/postpartum care, coverage for pediatric well child care, and well woman care throughout the lifecycle.  i am concerned that many do not receive quality care (or any care) for normal and preventative issues and end up with very expensive problems such as preterm delivery, babies with congenital defects, drug related problems and so on."	there are changes needed.  i am at a loss to say what	i think people are willing to pay a bit more in taxes.  i think people who want coverage/benefits are willing to work when possible.  people are wanting to get care from less expensive providers for routine issues--nurse practitioners for example and nurse midwives and physician assistants.  the public wants people who abuse entitlement programs and who do not take responsibility for their own health and healthcare to get reeducated about their role in in providing for themselves and their families.	get everyone covered for basic services.  reimburse providers appropriately and reward people who do not abuse the system.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/2/06 10:43 PM
5115	"Lack of American Pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry provision of vaccines for use in America, an area where the media, and some within government castigate the Executive Branch for failing to provide necessary vaccines; e.g., influenza.    There is need for tort reform/some form of liability protection that will enable topnotch U.S. pharmaceutical firms (R&D efforts) to responsibly produce these vaccines without fear of litigation, while making simultaneously earning a ""fair"" return on cost of their research, development and production of necessary vaccines.  The American ""system"" hamstrings our pharmacology industry, while we face the possibility of future ""pandemic(s).""  Why should America be dependent upon European pharmaceutical companies?  Perhaps for every pill imported from Europe, we should sent them one of our tort law attornys, but suppose that would result in reliance upon Asia for our vaccines.  "	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/2/06 11:14 PM
5121	"The most troubling fact about health care in the United States is that so many people are without it--close to 50 million people.  These people have to use emergency rooms for their normal health care needs and that, of course, raises the cost of health care for all of us.  We need a health care system in this country that will insure all people that their health care needs will be taken care of in a normal way (and not in the emergency rooms of their hospitals!). Universal health care exists in every industrialized country except ours and South Africa.  It is time that it be started here without delay."	"I believe we should have a single-payer system, that is one like the ones in every European country, where the government taxes the citizen and they receive prepaid health care for themselves and their families.  If we had such a system here, the costs would be far less than what we have to pay now because everyone would be included and the doctors, hospitals, clinics, etc. would be guaranteed payment. If the European countries can do it successfully, how come this country can not?  The members of Congress need to read the Lewin Report which has outlined the costs of single-payer in California."	"For decent health care, I have no doubt that people would be willing to be taxed so that their care would be prepaid and they wouldn't have to worry about becoming bankrupt because of their health care costs."	A single-payer system for ALL United States residents!	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/3/06 2:18 AM
5129	It fails to provide health care for all.	The costs of forced competition of medical insurance is unbearable.  There should be one central payer as there is in Public Education.	Reduce the costs of miltary adventures abroad and increase the financing of health care for all.	Extend health care to all with no exceptions.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	2/3/06 9:49 AM
5145	Our country needs to provide a universal Health Care program for All citizens. It is essential that every citizen is covered by a reasonable and affordable Health Care program.	Through the use of tax dollars at the federal level a reasonable Health Care program could be prodied to every citizen. Copayments by individuals could be set at affordable levels.	"I believe the reduction of ""pork Barrel"" projects and the current expenditures in the Middle East could easily cover Health Care costs at home."	Somehow reduce the costs of prescription drugs and increase the coverage of Medicare.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/3/06 12:00 PM
5153	The present system is unaffordable for lower income Americans.  So called health care accounts are fine if one has the money but realistically only work for the financially well off.    The present system allows for too many uninsured or uninsurable due to having a major health condition such a past heart problem or Lupus.    It puts American companies at a disadvantage both domestically and internationally.	"There should be a single payer type system.  That way all corporations are on an equal footing, health costs of older companies (GM & Ford) would cost the same as their newer competitor (Toyota). Similar disparities exist between Walmart's SAM'S Club (terrible health insurance)and Cosco (good plans) as well as Safeway where each is competing for the same market and where the price to the comsumer is important but influenced by the companies overhead.  In the 21st century in an advanced nation such as ours, health coverage should not be giving one corporation an advantage over another.    The most efficiently run program was Medicare but it is being destroyed by President Bush's failed drug program.    Personal medical accounts are a slick political ploy.  The Vice President has yet to ask for the bill prior to being admitted to a hospital and neither should anyone else as they race via an ambulence to get immediate care.  With hospitals and doctors with their complicated relationships to one another, the idea of shopping for the best deal is ludicrous and only thought pratical by those on the economic ladder who only go to the best places or have it all provided free such as our politicians in Washington and their lobbiest friends."	I single payer system for ALL Americans would allow savings in overhead while allowing choice for medical providers within the system.  Those that choose to go outside the system would know their costs.    This system would through cost controls allow more people to get preventive medicine by controlling competition between hospitals and clinics that purchase expensive technology that sits idle as the market served is too saturated.    Some elective procedures might be only paid for by the patient but all Americans would know they are covered.  Ask any senior and most would say they were pleased with the original Medicare program.  Revamping the drug part (no lobbiest influence) would also make this a model program that coul then see Medicare rolled into a new Single Payer system.	SINGLE PAYER SYSTEM	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/3/06 12:42 PM
5160	"One of my biggest concerns about healthcare today is the disparity of services and accessability. To afford healthcare, one must have insurance.  To afford insurance, one must have a job that offers insurance as a benefit.  Low skill, low paying jobs do not have that option which insures that those people will not have insurance, and likely not be able to afford healthcare.  They most likely end up in the ER or at a clinic with more severe circumstances because they couldn't afford to go until thei condition was more serious, thus costing more.  One of my other concerns is poor use of resources.  For example, I am a certified nurse-midwife.  It is more cost-effective for low-risk women to utilize my services in consultation with a MD when necessary than for all women to see an OB MD or Perinatalogist.  There are well-educated, well-trained Certified Nurse-Midwives, Nurse Practioners, Physician Assistants that can deal with uncomplicated health issues that are certainly more cost-effective than sending a low-risk, healthy pregnant woman to a specialist."	"I think we need to change to a universal health care system. As long as health care is tied to jobs, and spouses, there will be a disparity.  I think it would be appropriate for all of us to have the same insurance and healthcare coverage that Senators and Congressmen have...nothing less!!! "	I think the American public it ready to entertain universal health care--we need to pay less heed to big business--both the insurance business and medical community--to provide adequate care to all.	  +Make health care available (affordable and accessable) for all.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	2/3/06 2:08 PM
5167	"Two words about health care: single payer. 75% of Americans approve of ""universal health care.""Single payer is the only viable way of achieving this. Join HCA - Health Care for All."	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/3/06 4:18 PM
5173	The rising cost	"I think the way it's paid is okay. I feel that individuals, employers, and government should each take some responsibility. I think it's controlling the cost of health care that is the problem."	Having ER available for emergencies only.Life and Death situations. When a person with a non-life threating situation is in an ER and it is filled to capacity and a life-threating situation arrives where space is needed ER's should be able to discharge the person with the non-life threating problem by maybe not giving an as thorough examination as normally given and maybe giving that person a temporary fix.	Eliminating high cost methods when other methods are available that are just as effective. Like unneccassary ER visits. Or having doctors prescribe generic drugs that are cheaper and just as effective as name-brand drugs.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	2/3/06 8:25 PM
5174	The cost of health care for families is to high for low to medium income families.	We can't afford health care.	I would rather pay the government more money to provide health care to everyone and also impose birthcontrol requirements on minorites who have babies just to be in the welfare program.  To educate our children in schools about health care.	The single most important recommendation is to provide health care to everyone at no cost.  	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/3/06 8:50 PM
5177	"The focus on fixing symptoms verses healing the deeper issues.  The lack of compassion in recent budget reduction proposals.  The lack of basic education people receive in the public education system about taking care of themselves.  The passing of federal policies influenced by health care organizations that stand to gain the most: pharmaceutical companies, insurers.  The over dependence upon pharmaceutical intervention verses education."	I would like the system to be more efficient at serving patient needs and optimized according to customer outcomes.	"Health care is not a right, it should be paid for just like everything else.  There exist incredible inefficiencies in the rising health care costs to companies 12% on average last year.  Reimbursements to providers did not increase 12%.  Where do the increases go to?  "	Teach greater self-responsibility around caring for one's self.  Eliminate the parts of the health care system which foster dependence.	male	25 to 44	No	Asian	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	2/3/06 10:11 PM
5182	"More attention should be given to the major medical healthcare/public health problem of nicotine addiction/cigarette smoking. Current paradigm of addiction etiology is lacking and treatment approaches are ineffective, outdated and inappropriate in light of current scientific understanding of the neurobiogenetic understanding of addiction. Understanding of the etiology of addiction or any disorder should first be known first.  Treatment approaches are then derived from correct understanding of the disorder.  "	More focus on prevention.	Not sure	"Eliminate cigarette smoking in all public places to protect the health of all workers and people.  Focus on understanding addiction etiology-appropriate treatments can be derived from this knowledge.  More research and attention on less traditional, non invasive, non-toxic , treatment interventions that that do not involve same drug therapy (NRT)or psychoactive drugs for nicotine addiction and that shows promise.    Eliminate the artificial categories of psychoactive drugs - legal (nicotine,alcohol), illegal (cocaine, etc.) and prescription.  Since the process in the brain is the same for all addictive drugs, treatment should be the same.  "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/4/06 3:05 AM
5185	That everyone can pay for it.	"one form for all 3rd party payors, reduce the bookkeeping/billing time for all providers--even if benefits aren't the same for everyone, a universal form and process should streamline costs by reducing time/ie costs.  How much of the cost of healthcare is relating to coding/ billing cost?"	"Educate me, what trade offs would be appropriate?"	"Eliminate the complexity, cost of preapproval/ billing"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	2/4/06 8:53 AM
5192	"That 45 million American have NO health coverage.  This means their bills are tacked on to those who do have coverage, or the govenment pays."	"I support a single payer system - but employers and individuals should pay into the system.  Thre should be standardize fees for various services, published for all to know.  The government should adminsiter the system.  i would like to get rid of Insurance Companies that profit on our illnesses, but that is probably out of the question."	"Medical providers should; not be able to charge whatever they want.  We need some type of price control, and yes, controlled access to health services so that ALL can have them."	Single payer system	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	2/4/06 3:07 PM
5196	"Too many patients for physicians to see...opening up the feeling of being in the ""herd mentality"".  Seeing provider for only 5"".  Lack of education about health basics in schools"	More by government	Higher taxes	Educate people about their own health...what is normal and what isn't...and not my pharmaceutical companies	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/4/06 6:28 PM
5205	"Rising costs, rising paperwork, decreased coverage,and most inportant lack of universal coveragewhich I believe is a moral necessity."	I want a single payor system -like expanded medicare or similar to that of Sweden or Australia.	I think that the American public needs major education regarding the problems of the current system and the other options found in most industrialized countries today. Only after a truly unbaised look at these problems and option can we expect the public to make an educated assessment.	"Look at all the other industrialized countries and examine their healthcare systems for the parts that work and those that don't - than put together the best of all of these-,  using American ingenunity  and devise a single payor system that gives universal coverage to all Americans."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/4/06 8:58 PM
5212	I am concerned about the control that pharmaceutical companies have on our medical system and the overuse of prescription drugs. I am concerned about the rising costs of health care. I am concerned about the inequity in our current system.	"Very definitely, changes are needed. However, we need to continue health insurance especially for chronic conditions and expensive procedures and surgeries. "	"This is a difficult question, but it is important to improve efficiency of health care and curtail abuse of social programs.  "	"A thorough investigation of preventive health care options, holistic care and use of natural products should be initiated. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	2/5/06 1:35 AM
5214	the monopoly of allopathic medicine and the resistance to the independent practice of qualified advance practice nurses	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	2/5/06 2:00 AM
5218	Cost escalation	Single-Payer System	"Higher taxes, but no more premiums to fund inefficient market-based system"	Adopt single-payer system	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	2/5/06 2:22 AM
5228	"it's a bureauocratic mess. i think if senators and congressmen worked 1 day in a doctor or hospital biling office, they would quickly see the mess. no one cares about quality health care, it's all about how much is your copay, do you have a referral slip, our doctor is not in your health plan, etc."	get the for-profits plans out of it. get the cost of prescription drugs under control--the govt should set price limits. health insurance should be available to everyone. 	"i think the american people are willing to pay more for better care--higher deductibles, copays."	"have a single payer system, with the government at the helm."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	2/5/06 12:50 PM
5236	hospitals deliberatly short staff units causing hurried nurses which cause errors and poor quality care. it causes burn out and accidental noscomial infections due to the to much to do in to little time syndom.	medical insurance companies should not have the right to deny further treatment because a patient has had an unforseen setback following certain procedures and they have overstayed their alotted days.	? don't know if there is a way to do it. hospitals and clinics could charge a real cost price instead of billing insurance twice the rate of private payees.	mandate all hospitals to follow research guidlines stating no nurse should have to care for or cover more than 5 patients each. maybe then the nurse could acctually do her job instead of just dropping pills in peoples mouths and going to the next person.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	2/5/06 8:00 PM
5245	"The low ratings we have on health outcomes, compared to other nations, is a disgrace and is a reflection of the crisis that exists in our health care non-system.  We have far too many people uninsured, working below their potential because of untreated illnesses, and dying of preventable  causes because they delayed getting health care which they could not afford.  The staggering number of bankrupcies from catastrophic medical bills is especially upsetting because most of them are hard working families that thought they were pretty well insured before they became ill. The insurance companies are making excessive profits and millions of the American people are ill and uninsured."	"Yes.  I think we should have a system of universl single payer health care, with the government collecting the money, but the program run by an independent Board.  Rep. Joh Conyers HR676 is a good start in this direction.  I feel it is imperative that we move rapidly in this direction.  With the amount of money we are now spending on health care (and waisting on ""administration and buracracy"" )we could adequately treat everyone in this country."	"I think that the magority of the American people are ready for a single payer plan that will continue to allow them to select their own doctor, hospital, etc.  I think that they would be willing to accept some limits on receiving high-end care, inorder to have all of our citizens get good basic treatment and preventative care. I do not think that we would go to waiting lists for the vast majority of procedures.  But waiting list based on the urgency of the need would be far batter than the current huge ""waiting lists"" we have based on ability to pay. Businesses, big and little, would be far better off and more competitive world-wide, if the burden of health insurance were removed and they could just run their businesses."	"We should provide good health care to all Americans, and this can only be done, I believe, by Universal coverage, a single payer with funds collected by the government, but with health care delivery remaining essentially as it is today.  The current method of patching up a broken system is becoming very much like putting bandaides on a broken leg.  It is only making the system more costly and unavailable to more people."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/6/06 12:29 AM
5266	"The millions of people in the U. S. without health insurance, or who are underinsured, or who must rely on emergency rooms, or do not receive quality care becasue of lack of resources and funds."	A national single payer system covering everyone in the U. S.  Providers and hospitals should remain private.  The government should negotiate with drug companies (as does the Veterans Administration) for lower prices on drugs.	Take the private insurance companies out of the health care system and use the money saved on insurance to provide a much simpler and comprehensive system with far less administration costs.	"In addition to the above, provide high quality preventive care and education."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/6/06 2:57 PM
5267	"Continuous efforts should be made to improve the efficiency and efficacy of health care with emphasis on the practice, dissemination, and demonstration of high quality clinical care and management, provided in a compassionate and respectful manner."	"Financing of the delivery of health care should be adequate and based upon a pluralistic model, with shared responsibility by government, employers, and individuals."	NULL	"Health care services necessary for the development and maintenance of a healthful life are a basic human right, not to be limited by the lack of health care coverage. The availability and affordability of health coverage should not be a function of employment, health status, income, or other factors. Access to appropriate health care services should be assured irrespective of the nature of health coverage."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	2/6/06 2:59 PM
5272	That it becomes available to ALL!!   It needs to be affordable! Not high co-pays and high deductables!   I'm fortunate to have good health!!	A single payer system is essential The Vetrans Health is considered good ...you get for the money and its efficient and its single payer...It Ok if employer pays 8% & employee3.5 % That would be fair!  Ca. SB840 would be ideal!	"A lot, give up work man's comp.....often missused anyway.....because of the need to get coverage for health.  Jobs are often picked because of benefits offered!!"	"A single payer system...keep doctors private offices...HMO's are OK...choice for care but the pay goes through a single system.....We value our fireman, our policeman....safety issues are covered but health is not!!!??"	female	45 to 64	No	NULL	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/6/06 4:12 PM
5274	"In addition to the obvious problem of the high cost of health care, the lack of access to health care is of major concern.  My employer doesn't offer insurance, and I have been turned down for individual insurance coverage because of a pre-existing condition.  I'm very healthy, but apparently since I actually used my insurance when I had it with a previous employer, I'm S.O.L. now. Cover Colorado, which offers insurance to ""the uninsurable pool"" is very expensive.  I'd be willing to pay a reasonable amount for insurance, but I can't afford Cover Colorado.    I hope that I don't have an accident with a large medical bill, or I'll be paying it off for years (decades...) or I'll end up declaring bankruptcy. "	"The current system is a mess.  Keeping it as it is should NOT be an option.  Administrative costs are ridiculous, and small employers find it difficult to offer insurance.  Copays were a dumb idea because people have no idea what the costs of medical procedures actually are.  Tweaks to the system at this point don't seem practical - health care needs a major overhaul."	"I think some people who have good insurance coverage (or relatively good 'cause it's all a mess) are perhaps a little ""spoiled"" and don't realize how fortunate they are to have insurance.  For example, I have a friend who works for a local government entity.  Copays are low, as are monthly premiums, which encourages some employees to use benefits without considering cost.  While people who have insurance at a relatively low cost may be resistant to change, hopefully they will see that it's in everyone's best interest to have better, affordable coverage for everyone."	"Consider a single payer system.  The ""insurance pool"" would be large, people wouldn't be tied to jobs that offer insurance, and small employers wouldn't have to worry about trying to afford insurance.    (And, hey, I'd actually be able to be covered if I got hit by a bus or something - woo hoo!)"	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/6/06 4:50 PM
5278	Health care is in crisis.  The government mandates requirements the refuses to pay enough for institutions to meet these mandates.	There should be equal coverage for everyone.  I think the fairest way to provide this is through the government.	In general I don't think most Americans would want to trade anything off.	"Provide health care coverage for everyone and let the doctors decide appropriate treatment, not politicians and insurance executives."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/6/06 5:11 PM
5280	The rising cost and the uninsured.	The United States needs a National Health Care System.	Cuts need to be made in the pork spending which is tied to Seenate and House bills.     Use the money for the unjustified war in Iraq to help pay for Health Care.	Regulate cost on drugs and services provided and stop unecessary law suits that drive up the cost of health care. 	male	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	2/6/06 6:23 PM
5286	cost	employers should all be responsible for paying their fair share. Some large corporations (Wal-Mart to name one) should not be allowed to rape the system the way they do in the name of bigger profits.	we have seen a large percentage of workers give up hourly wages over the last decade just to keep health insurance and I think they will continue to do so as long as the companies put in additional monies	I think the federal government has to get involved and set a minimum insurance standard similar to a min wage standard and force all employers with 25 or more employees to provide a basic major medical policy	male	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	2/6/06 11:36 PM
5291	The cost and too many people not covered.	National health care/	Spend less money on war more on health care.	Make it affordable and universal.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	2/7/06 3:29 AM
5292	46 million uninsured and Bush/Congress cuts in Medicaid and Medicare budgets.	Citizen and corporate taxes should pay for all health care with no for profit insurance companies involved.	Leave Iraq and cut Defense Dept budget plus repeal tax cuts for the rich and tax off shore companies same as on shore.	Single payer government administered exactly like what Congress members now have.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/7/06 6:36 AM
5307	American children are becoming less healthy.  We need to support practices that will encourage parents to think about what is healthy for their families and to ask questions.    Corporations whose job it is to make huge profits should not be the ones to dictate or even have a voice in health care decisions.  The ADA should not accept million dollar contributions from Pepsi cola or Coca cola.	"I had to go without healthcare coverage for my family for years.  But we are healthy and we were lucky and did not have to spend much for the healthcare we did seek out.  We were in the large group of citizens who fell through the cracks as far as coverage -- made just too much for medicaid type coverage but not enough to afford insurance.  Everyone deserves to be covered,  not just the very poor and the well off.    We need to look to other countries to find a better way of doing things instead of always assuming that America is the greatest and best and smartest in the world.  Other countries have much better health stats than we do .  Why does our government not pay attention to them.  Do we get our motivation primarily from financial considerations.  Do we need to pay more attention to quality of life?  I sure think so."	I don't know -- I just know that politicians get elected for promising tax cuts.  So Americans are saying that they don't want to pay for programs that cost.    It will take a lot of reeducation.  Other countries with good healthcare and social programs for all have much higher taxes.  I have my doubts that Americans can grasp that there is a legitimate cost to quality.  And healthcare should not be looked on as a way to make money for corporations.  It is by its nature inevitably a cost rather than a chance to profit financially.	"Turn normal birth over to midwives as much as possible.  Support midwives to be educated in true natural birth --  unfortunately quite a few midwives function much like doctors and induce and follow the medical model. Pay attention to the statistics of out of hospital birth vs hospital birth, even though the numbers are much smaller.  Getting Americans off to the healthiest start possible in life will go a long way in keeping them healthier through life. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	2/7/06 12:37 PM
5319	"Listen up. There's a serious crisis. Your format contributes to it. It's could you're here. However, I don't need structure questions to prompt my answers. This is something found in health and all institutions. People need freedom to think and to choose. You may not publish and that's okay."	"This is my position. Deal with it. I say we must all be our own healthcare providers. It cost too much and this you no.                   Meditate this  New mind. New life. New civilization  The challenge is yours.  You have 72 hours  to recreate your mind.  You have one year to build a new civilization.  Inhale the vision. Expand your mind . Your future is now.  BLESSINGS  BLESSINGS  BLESSINGS    Culture     Health     Romance  Beliefs     Business     Family  Be of good cheer. Be  encouraged.   Rejoice. Rejoice.  Rejoice.    Ikan  Ukan   PERCEIVE  CONCEIVE BELIEVE  ACHIEVE   RECEIVE    Ikan   Ukan   STEP INTO THE  FUTURE AND WIN.   BE PACKAGED FOR SUCCESS  at  www.ikanukan.com   Get the wisdom, strategies and techniques you need and more…  Reach goals and have the life you desire.  Experience    incredible wealth and prosperity.  Master the art and science of riches…  Learn secrets of creative financing, alternative money…business building  Visit Dorothy Anderson at www.ikanukan.com    www.cafepress.com/ikanukan     ENTERPRISE  MUSIC  BOOKS   CLOTHING   HEALTH   JOBS  & MORE  BUSINESSES  ENTREPRENEURS  NON-PROFITS  JOBSEEKERS  GO TO THE NEXT  LEVEL    "	"Yes, we need new healthy minds. We need a new life. We need to experience a new life. Let's be people of value and wisdom."	Empower them.  Educate them. Remove the mystery. Healthcare providers need to be godly and have better people values. Healthcare providers need to hral themselves. T	NULL	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Not sure	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	2/7/06 3:06 PM
5326	The price of healthcare and insurance to pay for it. 	All Americans need health coverage. If we do not have a federal plan we need all employers to offer low cost insurance and plans in place for those unemployed. 	To many peole run to the hospital for every little thing. They use the hospital instead of a Drs. office. Most do not have insurance and the hospital does not get paid.  This drives up the prices for those who use hospital for what they are meant for.  The worst are the drug seekers who pretend to have pain to get meds. We need clinics to refer these people to.  	"Make it affordable.  Stop trying to push all RN staff and remember there are LPNs that are capable, educated and qualified to do nursing but are paid less.  If you have all RNs it drives up the price and in order to save they eliminate the LPNs and hire unlicensed, unqualified Pt care techs to do procedures. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	2/7/06 4:44 PM
5327	"#1, we have a mindset in our society where we flagrantly use the term ""health care system"".  If it is to be honestly defined by practice, we must accept the fact that it is primarily a ""disease care system.""    #2, when I looked to ""See Who's Involved"" the list is conspicuously absent of the true ""health care"" community comprised of naturopathic physicians and nutritionists, orthmolecular medicine organizations, herbalists, etc.--the ones who REALLY provide health care services; the ones who do not poison, burn or cut anyone!  I would wager that the healthiest Americans are those that seek out this healing arts community.    #3, the disease-care mindset includes all those who stand to profit from it, who thieve unwitting people of their vital organs, glands and other body parts, their meager wealth, and their even their health!  This medical-pharmaceutical-insurance industrial complex has placed key controls in politics and government agencies to ensure the sustenance of this system.  It is done by attempting to render the natural healing community impotent by withholding insurance coverage and government grants for independence research.  It is done by putting in place malicious laws to make their benign healing modalities illegal, or at least severely restricted.    Even so, medical doctors, HMO's, hospitals and drug companies have a much higher liability risk and more lawsuits per capita than natural healing practitioners due to the aggressive nature of care tendered.  It is a sad state of affairs that the no. three cause of death today is the medical system.  This was first measured in 1994 and the medical system was then ranked as the 5th leading cause of death, as reported in JAMA.    The world is still a den of thieves, and what passes as a ""health"" care system in this society misappropriates the Hippocratic Oath on a daily basis.  Until you all have THIS conversation and get honest about how upside-down your mindsets are, no manner of reform will amount to anything.  Consumers have bought into it, too, so they all have something to look at as well.    Oh yes....bona fide emergency medicine will always be needful for mechanical repairs.  We'd be better off without the rest of the system, with a few other possible exceptions. "	"Health care is paid for almost entirely by individuals already because insurance and government won't cover it.  The system only helps pay for ""disease care.""  A few forward-thinking employers are venturing into health maintenance funding, i.e. Hewlitt Packard.    The system will not help us get and stay well. The change needed is so huge that it would probably bankrupt our economy, so dependent has the disease-care system made us.  It is a profit sector now greater than the infamous military-industrial complex was during the cold war. "	"The American peopole are stuck with the aggressive ""disease""-care system in their feeble attempt to overcome diseased states. High quality and true ""health"" care is affordable, even much less costly.  But, how are we going to get the insurance industry to take less profit from our economy in order to provide coverage?  How are we going to get the drug industry to give up profits?    The only way, I suspect, would be to institute a national care plan of true health restoration and maintenance, either through an insurance mechanism or tax credits.  And, of course, a consumer education program that re-orients people toward taking personal responsiblity for their health.     In the long-run, there is no trade-off.  Let's just do the right and honorable thing."	"To enact health freedom legislation in all 50 states and at the federal level, enabling the citizen to seek health care service from anyone one chooses, and to reverse all regulations that criminalize all natural healing practitioners for offering health care services.  This is beginning at the grass roots level already but needs greater support, lest the medical-industrial complex finds ways to squelch it."	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/7/06 4:37 PM
5331	"The ever-rising level of uninsurance and underinsurance in the richest country in the world. Our health outcomes rank #37 internationally, and #51 for equity yet we spend twice as much as any other country. Why, because we have a profit-based system that has nothing to do with real health care needs and everything to do with insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies raising the profit levels."	"I think that the payor mix should be different not who the payers are. Currently, employers are not required to provide health care for their employees. Instead, all tax payers and employers should be contributing equitably to a common pool of money. It should be progressive taxing so that poorer people are less burdened and rich people contribute more. This is the only fair way to ensure that there is enough money in the entire system to provide comprehensive, health care to all. "	"According to numerous polls, the majority of the US citizenry is willing to pay more out of pocket to create a universal health care system."	"Single payer health care - creating one risk pool and one comprehensive plan that is given to everyone regardless of their income, health status, employment status. This means eliminating the health insurance companies and creating bulk purchasing leverage for pharmaceuticals and medical devices."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/7/06 5:49 PM
5333	That some people are not getting adequate healthcare in either doctor's treatments and/or prescriptions.  Not just the indigent but people are caught in the crack so to speak. Folks who have insurance are denied proper treatment because the Dystonia doc is out of area.  Dystonia is an orphan disease.  All govt officials and doctors need to know what it is and what the treatments are.  See Dystonia Medical Foundation.   	"Employer insurance programs and government should recognize Dystonia as a disease and provide for treatment by doctors who treat Dystonia, Botox injections should be paid.  "	No trade offs are necessary.  Change the rules.  Dystonia victims should be eligible for Tenn Care or indigent help.  Dystonia victims should be reimbursed when going to a specific doctor who treats Dystonia.  	Medical doctors should be educated about alternatives to reduce spending on drugs and surgeries. Many medical doctors don't know how to diagnose Dystonia.  Many patients must go thru unnecessary surgeries before they are diagnosed.  This raises our costs! 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	2/7/06 6:20 PM
5336	The high cost of administrative overhead	Yes. WE need a single payer system.	People want lower costs and everyone covered at the same time. They just don't understand that it is possible because of the propagnda	"Establish single payer systemd in several states, refine the systems and move toward a national health system ASAP."	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/7/06 8:12 PM
5337	"Americans should have a national, single payer healthcare insurance program. Our current system is untenable.  "	"Americans should have a national, single payer healthcare insurance program. Private health insurance is now America's largest racket. Rather than support it with our tax dollars, let us support ourselves with our tax dollars. There is no more worthy cause nor greater need the tool of taxaton ought to address than the health of each and every individual American. "	"The question is a leading question. It is pertinent only to privately owned healthcare insurance companies. With a national, single payer healthcare insurance program, the issue of trade-offs would no longer dominate the issue of healthcare as all members of society would be in a win-win situation. "	"Take a tip from Plato. Consider this, the ultimate Good is the Health of the body and pursuant to that the health of the social body.. i.e. public health. There is no greater good our taxes can address than the Healthcare of all Americans.  American should have a national, single payer healthcare insurance program."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/7/06 8:31 PM
5339	The high costs incurred because health care is administered by insurance companied and pharmaceutical companies.	Yes.  Payments should be made by the same parties to a single insurance agency such as Medicare.	Trade-offs in benefits or finaceing are not needed if we get rid of the wastefulness inherent in the present system	Get the insurance companies out of the health care business.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/7/06 8:43 PM
5342	"Rampant and ever-increasing government intervention in the health insurance market, and in the health care market itself."	"Eliminate all insurance regulations, eliminate restrictions on medical schools and medical licensing, eliminate the FDA drug and medical device regulations (and the FDA itself), and eliminate monopolistic pharmaceutical patents which drive prices way up."	"I don't much care what the American public's opinion is, because most have been misled into believing that the health care crisis is a free market problem, rather than a government created problem."	Get government out of the picture!  Repeat that one thousand times!  Thank you.	male	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/7/06 11:40 PM
5348	"It is a broken system that has given itself to the greed of drug, insurance and other companies and has reduced access to care for most citizens. How can insurance companies justify their high administrative costs while reducing physician reimbursement but continuing to increase premiums at rates that far exceed the cost of living? How can drug companies justify their ridiculous prices despite the cost of drug development which is generally recouped within 6 months of a drug entering the market. Administrator salaries at non-profit hospitals are getting out of control also. The system is broken."	We need to have a single payer system that covers basic health care for all without regards to income. Extra coverage for additional services should be available for extra cost. We need to  reimburse the front -line providers of care sufficientlky and with reduced paperwork.	We need to reeducate the public to not expect something for nothing but also require the publishing of all prices for the health care services and supplies we receive so that they can start pressuring companies from over charging. I feel that most Americans would be willing to accept higher taxes for health care IF we get our health care house in order and prevent big business and lobbyists from continuing to screw up the system. Health care is still a 'mom and pop' style endeavor and can not be dealt with the way big business wants to. Corporate style healthcare does not work for most.	A single payer system. We need our policy makers and politicians to have the guts to ignore all the lobbyists who have their own financial health as the prime interest and not the health of all Americans.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/8/06 10:22 AM
5351	1. Rising costs to deliver  2. Insurance premiums that hold us hostage to our jobs.  3. Paperwork (I'm an RN/DON)which is out-of-control!!!  4. Lack of consumer incentive to develop & maintain a healthy lifestyle.	"We must act now to make sweeping changes to the system.  We're going to bankrupt the system not only before the majority of the baby-boomers die, but the burden will be passed to our children & grandchildren who are going to pay for our gluttony & present grandiose expectations of the health care continuum.  The solutions are so very complex because we have trusted our healthcare providers to make good decisions for us and the public at-large has stuck their head in the sand.  Sadly, until the upper-middle class and upperclass citizens feel how the present system is hurting them fianacially, there is likely little that can be done to correct the problem.  Until the special interest groups are put in check, it will be politics as usual.  I don't like politicians in the middle of my health care decisions, but as a critical care nurse I cringe at the $$ spent on our sickest patients with no real chance at a ""fulfilling"" life just to maintain a heartbeat for guilt ridden family members.  These $$ should be spent on ""real"" wellness care in our child and young adult populations.  Also, if persons choose (& it does come down to choice) to abuse their bodies they need to be responsible for the consequences.  If you want insurance coverage, you may not smoke, drink alcohol, engage in high-risk behaviors & activities.  I'm not a liberal nor am I a conservative, I simply subscribe to common sense, and we have to begin holding persons responsible, and we have to start somewhere."	"First, there must be options and plans to review.  Only then will we be able to debate respectfully what sacrifices can & can not be made.  I like the Scott Company health plan.  Create opportunities for wellness, place limits on poor choices that hit the pocket book individually.  It's about choice."	"Quit talking and get going!!!!    If we can send robots to other planets, then surely we can find a leader (& not the President) who can take this country along the process of health care change.  Someone has to figure out where all the cheese is!"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/8/06 11:20 AM
5355	"The system is bankrupt.  Insurance companies are Wall Street darlings, while physicians are ratcheted down on reimbursements and can't make ends meet as expenses rise.  Employer based insurance is misguided as exemplified by 46 million uninsured. "	"Too many fall through the cracks and can't afford healthcare. Insurers want a guaranteed risk profile.  They don't want high risk unhealthy individuals.  The move toward HSAs will only benefit healthy individuals, leaving only unhealthy to be insured. "	"They can't have eeverything from soup to nuts, especially if it doesn't affect the outcome!they have to be willing to pay out of pocket, and not shunt everthing to the insurance.  When the third party pays, why wouldn't you want the next greatest discovery.  Quallity is already suffering, look at obesity rates!"	"Self destiny:  exercise and diet.  Be willing to reduce your cable bill to pay for helath insurance.  Universal health unrelated to employment, and eliminate insurance megamillion profit and CEO pay which comes from premiums and reduced doctor payments, and substitue vouchers and single payer.  "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	2/8/06 1:22 PM
5357	"The high premiums and lessening of coverage.In the last year our premiums were raised twice and our coverage shrunk. It's horrible,we can't afford it anymore!!!!!!!!!"	"The SB-840 bill seems to be a fair one,coverage for all and less premiums."	I wouldn't  mind the premiums so much if coverage was better.The high price of medication is impossible. 	Coverage for all.Take the power away from insurance executives with multi million dollar salaries and bonuses.All they care about is the bottom line.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/8/06 1:27 PM
5358	"I believe we are not true to what we say we value as a country. We say we are religious and yet our practices do not reflect those beliefs.  We ration health care in this country by the cruelest way possible . . . the ability to pay. Where else in the industrialized world would a family have to have a bake sale for their child to have a bone marrow transplant, or, the humiliation of seniors that have to 'spend down' to get onto Medicaid in order to seek nursing home care. There are many many other examples of the cruelty and injustice of our system such as it is.  Who benefits in what passes as a health care system in our country? Certainly not the vast majority of our citizens.  I believe we ask questions, as you did in your survey, with the emphasis in the wrong place. I was unable to answer your questionnaire as a result.  "	"I believe we should spread out the risks among all of us. I believe we should take out the middleman, the insurance industry. As far as I can see they do nothing to benefit health care. They get in the way of the care people need, not to mention syphoning off 25 - 30% of the dollars that could go toward providing health care services. They are a business that must make money for shareholders. That's fine except when it comes to health care. In order to be profitable they must control and/or deny care. That's immoral in my view. Let those companies continue to provide insurance coverage in their other areas such as theft and fire, etc. Just get them out of health care.   Let's be clear . . . I do not want socialized medicine. I want the system to remain private.  I do want socialized insurance where we pay a graduated income tax in lieu of premiums. That way we get value for the dollars we spend because the dollars go toward providing health care services not to paying for insurance company overhead costs."	"I believe if the arguements are clear and transparent, the American people would understand that the government would NOT be running their health care. That they would get more value for their hard earned dollars if we shared in the risks and we paid fairly to cover all of us. Imagine telling people that they no longer had to worry about their health care because it would be a right of being a citizen of this great nation . . . just as others in all other industrialized nations now experience."	"No system will ever be perfect! But, universal health care programs of various sorts have been around for a very long time. We are resourceful and smart in this country. We can take the best of those systems, and minimize their minuses. But, we have to start with the underlying belief that we must care for all of our citizens whether they sweep the floor or head the table in a board room. That is the job of our government . . . not running health care, but seeing to it that all of us have a basic package of care from cradle to grave as well as true freedom of choice, not just from a list or 'network' that some insurance company dictates. Health care is not a free market from the get go. There are more than 1500 insurance companies in this country. We are not offered that many choices when working for a company. If we're lucky we have a choice of one or two. Where's the free market in that. Not to mention, when we need the health care system the most, we are far too vulnerable and unable to make huge choices. Just look at the mess that has been made of MEDICARE part D!"	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/8/06 1:48 PM
5385	"There are many elderly people who do not meet guidelines for federal help and barely survive on their income.  They either buy medications or food.  There are also alot of mothers and children on Medicaid who are healthy and capable of working, but continue to get gov. assistance."	Improve health care plans and lower preimums.	A tax increase for affordable health coverage with low copays.	Help for the elderly. Stop paying for illegal immigrants for example emergency medicaid for newborns.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	2/8/06 4:46 PM
5391	Too many people not covered.	Extend Medicare to everyone. Employers and individuals can pay.	NULL	Extend Medicare to everyone. Employers can contribute to Medicare & Social Sec. Individuals can contribute to Medicare & Social Sec.Medicare can give a base level of coverage. People can purchase a Medicare Supplement to cover above the Medicare Coverage.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	2/8/06 5:41 PM
5400	"  I find that the safety net once provided by employers has all but dissolved in todays ""global marketplace"".  Along with job security and a guaranteed pension, health insurance provided by the employer is an endangered entity.  As a self employed person I find it nearly impossible to be able to afford health insurance.  The HMO system is nearly unregulated to the extent that even if one has insurance it is possible to be dropped from said insurance simply by being diagnosed with a severe illness such as cancer.  Access to health care is the one thing that concerns me the most about health care today."	"    The countries that offer the world's greatest quality of living, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway all offer nationalized health care.  I am not naive enough to believe that this would be a solution without its own set of problems but I do believe that health care is a right, not a privilege.  The current system enforces the tacit belief in Social Darwinism espoused by the most conservative elements of our society.  The idea that the poor don't deserve as much of a chance at health care simply because they can't afford to pay is dangerous.  Middle class Americans can't depend on their employers to uphold the contract of providing health insurance anymore.  In a climate of job insecurity it is folly to trust the corporations to act in a socially responsible manner.  By shaving ever so little off the top of the bloated Pentagon budget It would be a simple thing to offer universal health care styled after the socialized medicine of the Scandinavian countries.  "	"I can't speak for the entire American public.  Speaking for myself, I'm not sure much sacrifice needs to be made by the public.  Congress should sacrifice all those bloated pork programs and stop building bridges to nowhere in the Alaskan bush, etc.  The culture on the Hill is part of the problem of our renewed deficit.  The President could make some sacrifices by ensuring that he has an exit strategy the next time he decides to play ""mad cowboy"" in the Middle East.  Government itself should be making the sacrifices by renouncing its own culture of graft and excess.  The Clinton administration managed to balance the budget once.  Do it again!  If I must be asked to do anything I suppose higher taxes would be worth it if I knew they would be coming back to me and my fellow man as opposed to funding corporate welfare programs or hemorrhaging into a quagmire of a war that I never supported and still believe is wrong."	"High quality health care is a right as basic as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  In fact, one can hardly pursue happiness, life or liberty without good health.  Make quality health care available to all, regardless of income.  Allow people to choose their own doctors.  Promote preventative programs like nutritional education and exercise.  Cover gym memberships, nutritionists and alternative therapies like massage and acupuncture.  On an inextricably related tangent, give the EPA its teeth back and reduce soot emissions and exposure to harmful industrial chemicals.  Reduce greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide within the next decade.  Public health programs like the campaign against drunk driving really do seem to work.  Do more to promote healthy lifestyles so people don't need to go to the doctor as much.  There are so many options and just a small amount of effort could make such a difference."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/9/06 2:30 AM
5416	"I am most concerned about the lack of preventative care for the poor of all ages especially children.  I believe that ensuring that people can go in for routine checkups (including dental) can help prevent much greater costs later on.  I also think educating people on preventative steps is important ie. exercising, eating healthy, and even flossing.  I would also like to see insurance companies cover more of the cost of these preventative measures ie. gym membership fees and visits with dieticians to get on healthier diets."	I believe that employers should be required to offer AFFORDABLE health care to employees that are full-time and part-time (20 hours per week).  I am disgusted by companies that are gaining huge profits and are not providing their workers with insurance (such as walmart).	The average american is making sacrifices already and should not be expected to foot the bill on this issue.  It is important for the heads of companies and corporations to make some sacrifices and take a cut in their pay to pay for their employees welfare.  	"FOCUS ON PREVENTATIVE CARE especially for children.  Make it easy for ALL people to get basic check-ups, immunizations and drugs. "	female	Under 25	Yes	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	2/9/06 1:30 PM
5434	The fact that it has become a for profit industry and is treated as a privilidge and a commodity rather than a right. The employer based system does not work	The system must entirely change to a single payer system.	We should not have to trade off health care. We already pay far more for health care than countries who have a national plan. My trade would be to trade the current employer based system for a single payer system. It is insulting that we should lose any more benefits.	"Your survey does not address the real solution, which is a national health care plan. All of the other ideas are band-aides and will not work in the long term. We must have one simple system that covers EVERYONE. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/9/06 4:54 PM
5462	"The fact that health care is dominated by private corporations who treat people's health as a source of profits. As a result my partner, who has Type 1 diabetes can not afford his health insurance, yet he is afraid to utilize Medicaid because when his income improves and he has to return to a private insurer the costs will be even higher."	"All health care should be paid by the government through a social security type plan, as in other countries that provide universal healthcare."	"Reducing the amount of tax money that goes to defense, corporate welfare, and pork barrel projects."	Universal health care coverage provided by the government.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	2/9/06 8:46 PM
5464	I am most concerned that there are people who have no access to health care for ordinary health needs.  I am also concerned that there is no structured and consistent effort to educate people toward healthier lifestyles.  	"Small companies (and now large companies also) are carrying a heavy burden in providing health care for their employees.  When people change jobs they also often lose their health coverage.  This coverage also adds significantly to the cost of doing business and thus the cost of goods and services.  Employment does not seem like a very good linkage for health insurance.   Individuals cannot buy affordable health insurance under our present system.    Government is not a perfect solution, but it may well be the best alternative.  Or, it could be combined with a public offering of health insurance by insurance companies at affordable rates (as in very large groups by location, government jurisdictions, states,or some other division). "	"I don't know, but we need to be concerned that we have a population that does not have access to health care.  We need to realize that some sharing of benefits, some increase in taxes, some willingness to join together for the common good is necessary if we are to have a strong and able nation of people."	"Bombard the American people with the reasons why we need to change our system so that all people can be included in our wonderful health system.  WE cannot turn our backs on the children, the working poor, the mentally ill.  Our future as a nation is at stake.  We need to agree that all Americans must have adequate health care.    Perhaps a combined expansion of government sponsored health care (medicaid/medicare e.g.)with large group health insurance for individuals along with neighborhood health clinics and education for personal health.    Let's do it.  (Sorry, that wasn't a single recommendation, but it really isn't a one blow problem.)"	NULL	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	2/9/06 9:03 PM
5467	 The fact that we are in a health care crisis and none of our politicking dopes in Washington DC are doing anything to help.  However they had time to vote another hit on the Medicare program.????????   WHY !!	 It would make a little more sense to get the cost down so it is not such a burden to WHOEVER PAYS. OOPS I forgot the lobbiest have to get paid also.	 I believe that they would trade off the current President.	" I would recommend National Health Care That would be supervised by a panel of independant citisen groups that know what the real World is all about, N0t a bunch of Idiots in Washington, who were born with thier first MILLION in the bank already."	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	2/9/06 10:29 PM
5468	Healthcare for everyone should be available for everyone at a reasonable cost. Make all big corporations provide affordable Health Care .	I feel we need a National Health Care Plan.	United States as a whole need to make drastic trade off in everything pertaining to Health Care.One is to make a national health care plan affordable to everyone. Taking out a portion of paychecks weekly.	National Health Care Plans	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	2/9/06 10:51 PM
5473	Please create a small business health plan.  	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/10/06 4:52 AM
5552	"The quality of health care services in the United States is among the best in the world.  But it is alarming that 46 million people in this country lack health care coverage. The United States is the only industrialized nation in the world without a system that provides quality and compassionate health care that works for all. Why is this?  Where is our sense of justice and collective responsibility?      The employees of Bon Secours Health System see daily how being uninsured can have tragic consequences on a person’s health.  Being uninsured means going without needed care. It means minor illnesses become major ones because care is delayed.  Being uninsured can also result in economic problems. Unmet medical needs keep people from working and for many the cost of needed medical services force them into bankruptcy and even poverty.    Access to health care services that are necessary for the development and maintenance of a healthful life are a basic human right. A reformed system should provide health care for all. The availability and affordability of health coverage should not be a function of employment, health status, income, or other factors.   "	"Responsibility for payment for needed health care services should be shared by all.  The promotion, maintenance, and enhancement of health is a social good with societal responsibility shared by individuals, families, health care providers, voluntary agencies, employers, and government.  The financing of accessible and affordable health care should be adequate and based upon a pluralistic model, with shared responsibility by government, employers, and individuals relative and proportionate to their ability to pay. "	"I believes that Americans would welcome a simpler system with clarity of services and care decisions determined through the provider-patient relationship.   A simpler system would standardize benefits.  A uniform system would lead to higher quality.  A nationally financed system would assure portability while deriving significant cost savings to per capita expenditures.       In an opinion poll conducted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in conjunction with the Catholic Health Association, 91 percent of respondents said health care should be guaranteed to all children, reflecting similar conclusions from other nationwide polls. Nine in 10 survey respondents said the federal government should ensure that low-income people have health coverage.  "	"I recommend the design and transition to a health system rooted in universal access, consisting of a significant set of standardized benefits sufficient for the development and maintenance of a healthy life.     A sequential strategy is the most likely means of achieving accessible and affordable health care for all. Currently, there are nearly 9 million uninsured children living in the United States. For the first phase, all children and youth under the age of 19 should have health care, dental and vision insurance benefit coverage. The United States did not get to universal education all at once.  It took over a hundred years and many steps to move from elite education of a privileged few to ensure that all children receive a basic education. We have not come that far yet with children’s health care.  The patchwork of child health care programs is complex and confusing.  Our programs welcome or shun children based on: parents’ jobs; which organ is ailing; how old they are; what county or state they live in.  We need a new system to ensure that all children receive basic healthcare.      "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	2/10/06 8:29 AM
5650	"Most working people are less and less able to afford healthcare. I know nurses who can't even afford to go to the doctor. Something is severely wrong when a country of our means lets the very people who have built it go without healthcare. Then we turn around and give ""Free healthcare"" to illegal aliens."	The amount of taxes I as an American pay should guarantee me all the healthcare necessary for free.	Not much. Frankly I think Americans are very close to an uprising in this country because of all the wrong-doing in our government. Then on top of it you have these billion dollar companies filing for bankruptcy so they don't have to pay peoples retirement benefits. The USA as we know has changed and along with the people have changed. We are disheartened and feel mad about it. Go tell Washington that......	"The people in the medical and insurance fields have taken advantage of the American people. They aren't the only ones either but that's not todays question. We first of all need a government that is again Of the people, For the people, and By the people. I know longer believe that is our government today but I have to be able to hope. I recommend that the government start thinking about America and get this healthcare issue resolved instead of spending billions of our dollars on a war that will only be in vain."	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	2/10/06 11:50 AM
5653	"cost, access, college aged students without health care insurance and access, elderly without  children without"	national pay. stop making bombs          	less work hours to provide for family care and go to appointments	access for all citizens/legal citizens  	female	45 to 64	No Response	Black or African American	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	2/10/06 12:26 PM
5670	coverage for all people .	to arrive at coverage for all people we have to carry the burden of costs collectively as in the case of social security	"we elect presidents, senators, congressmen who ALL have good health care. Why not have an election and have the people vote for national health care as in other countries.Are they willing to pay collectively for health as they do for catastrophies and other purposes."	Have the government (bipartisan) come up with a plan that will cover health care for future GM and FORD and other layoffs and those who already don't have coverage. America wake up for the future to have a realistic democratic country for all people	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	2/10/06 2:55 PM
5673	"Prescription Drug Advertising.    Where is the Outrage?            The majority of legislators in Congress simply do not get it! The largest contributing factor in the outrageous cost of prescription drugs is advertising and promotion -- about 37% of the price we pay for those drugs. The cost of research and development (R&D) for new drugs does not even approach that percentage, since a huge part of the research going into the development of new drugs is performed by our National Institutes of Health. About twenty-five billon dollars of taxpayer money goes to the NIH each year, much of which is spent on research for the development of new drugs. It is the pharmaceutical industry's advertising, promotion and excessive profits, not research and development, that drives up the costs of prescription drugs.             The incredible waste of valuable prescription drug resources is appalling. Here's but one example of such waste: There are hundreds of thousands of pharmaceutical company ads that appear in many thousands of magazines and newspapers each year. Most of the major pharmaceutical company ads in magazines usually contain a couple of pages of 'stats' describing the product and its contraindications. These pages are usually set in type so small that they cannot be easily read. And if one were to take the time to read it, the technical language is virtually incomprehensible to almost all readers. Since only a physician may prescribe prescription drugs, such information properly belongs only in medical and professional journals.             Billions of dollars are spent (and wasted) each year on television and print media ads. These enormous costs are reflected in the price of the product. Direct to Consumer (DTC) advertising of prescription drugs should be banned. The United States and New Zealand are the only countries that permit DTC advertising of prescription drugs -- and prescription drugs in New Zealand are heavily subsidized by the government (and, as an indirect result of DTC advertising, so are pharmaceutical companies). Drug prices in most other countries are about half those in the United States.             But the most damnable outrage is the recently-passed Medicare prescription drug legislation language that prohibits Medicare from negotiating Medicare prescription drug prices! You can bet that it was the drug companies that wrote that provision into the bill. The gratuitous 'discounts' that are being offered to low income prescription drug consumers by the pharmaceutical industry are a sham. What good is a 25% discount when the product is 200% overpriced?            The pharmaceutical industry does not need any more protection -- it needs less! It is the drug consumer who needs protection from drug companies. It's time to rein in the pharmaceutical industry drug cartel and their congressional co-conspirators.          "	Government one-payer system. Eliminate the stanglehold the pharmaceutical industry has on Congress. 	"Increased taxes for the wealthiest in our country. It makes no sense for them to pay less taxes, as a percentage of their income, than those of more modest means. It is inherenyly unfair. "	"We could start by scrapping the Medicare Modernization and Improvement Act. The drug manufacturers, along with their co-conspirators in Congress, are stealing us blind.   "	male	Over 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	2/10/06 3:09 PM
	Duplicate																						na	
5683	That too many people are without health insurance and many/most of us with health insurance are paying exhorbatant amounts out of pocket especially for presecriptions.	Several other countries have universal health care for thier citizens.  We should do the same.  Health is a right not a privelge for those financially able to aquire it.	I don't think the majority of the insured public is willing to make any trade-offs. We are a rather ignorant and self centered population.  Most people are unaware of the huge number of uninsured and are happy with what they have.  	A comprehensive health care plan for all: womb to tomb!	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	2/10/06 3:31 PM
5685	that one day only the very rich will hve health care.	NEED TO BE ALL GOVERNMENT!!!!!!	to pay a tax that will cover everyone to pay for our care.	 have nation health care system.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	2/10/06 3:47 PM
5686	It soon will be available to only the affluent and wealthy.  Empoloyer-paid helath care will be long gone soon.	Single payer	NULL	Single payer	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/10/06 3:48 PM
5687	Too many people can't afford it.	Universal healthcare and nothing less.	I am willing to pay more taxes for healthcare instead of making the insurane companies wealthy.	Universal healthcare.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some high school	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	2/10/06 3:48 PM
5689	"The cost is going up and up, and my insurance (through the State of Texas) is paying less and less.  I'm worried that the state will just drop its coverage for working and retired employees. In the bigger picture, I worry about the huge number of people with no insurance at all, and the ones who lose their insurance when they lose their jobs."	I'd favor a single-payer system.	"I have no idea what the American public would do.  I'd be willing to pay a reasonable percentage of my income to help finance health care for everybody.  I assume rich people would continue to pay whatever it cost to get the very best care, which would keep research and development going."	"Single payer, with strict controls on pharmaceutical prices.  In the meantime, let Medicare negotiate lower prices on prescriptions! "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/10/06 3:54 PM
5690	Losing it! that is exactly what is happening today. Was promised full medical after retirement and now that is being taken away to paying a large portion out of my very small retirement..Now do not go for the paps or mamos anymore cannot afford the co payments and the premiums.	"Yes, get the pill companies to quit raising their prices and the doctors from charging so much for their office visits...again cannot afford to pay anymore premiums.."	I can't think of a trade off as do not make enought to pay anymore	socialized medicine	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/10/06 3:55 PM
5691	The overuse of prescription meds and the lack of acceptance and public information about natural health methods.	"I think we need a universal health care system, paid for by a third party, probably government, and probably not private parties. It should be not tied in any way to employment. "	"Probably some kind of tie-in to Social Security. IT needs to be based on who has the most money pays the most. I think if people did not have to have premiums taken out of paychecks, and could be assured of some adequate level of coverage, they would be willing to pay a tax."	"Promote healthy lifestyles, and disseminate reliable information about staying healthy with herbs, vitamins, and minerals. This means really good information, not the lies and distortions that the allopathic medical community would have us believe."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	2/10/06 3:56 PM
5692	The high cost and the number of uninsured.	"Yes, universal health care available to all.  Health care should be a right not a privilege of the few."	"Price controls or regulations on health care providers; banning direct to consumer ads of drugs; higher income taxes IF fairly distributed among all, not just the middle class as under Bush..."	Guaranteed access and coverage for all...Realize the devil is in the details...	male	45 to 64	Yes	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/10/06 3:57 PM
5694	rising prices	yes the government employees including senators and government    officials should all be in the same plan as everyone else. 	giving too much money to other nations when we need the money for all Americans especially the retires	have the rich pay more into the system for all Americans to have health insurance	male	Over 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Not sure	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/10/06 4:00 PM
5695	Too expensive	Yes.	Higher taxes.  Possibly a gasoline tax.  Other countries use the income from gasoline tax to support universal health care.	Universal health care.	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	2/10/06 4:00 PM
5698	How difficult it is to get health care without insurance and how many people don't have insurance.	I believe in socialized medicine.	I don't know.  Americans with money tend to hate trade-offs.	NULL	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/10/06 4:05 PM
5699	The skyrocketing cost and the millions that don't have health care.	Yes single payer	I don't think there should be any trade-offs.	I think a bi-partisan committee should be established and charged with the responsibility of first very thoroughly examining the various national health care systems in place in other countrys.  This committee should then put together a list of what works and what does'nt work and then use this information in developing a plan for the United States. 	male	45 to 64	No	Black or African American	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	2/10/06 4:05 PM
5700	"Too many people uninsured  --Rising costs of providing coverage for employees are causing employers to (a) shift some of the cost to employees, and (b) eating up Funds that could otherwise be going to pay higher wages. Either way, even employees who now have employer-provided coverage are seeing their take-home pay shrink or remain stagnant."	I think it is a disgrace that the U.S. is the only industrialized nation not to have a single-payer health care system. There is overwhelming evidence that single-payer systems significantly reduce the cost of providing health care.	"Seems obvious to me--revoke some of the recent tax cuts to the top 5% of the population, and start making corporations pay their fair share of taxes."	See above--single-payer health care system.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	2/10/06 4:06 PM
5701	"Personally, I'm concerned about the rising cost of healthcare for full-time employees.  Companys seem to be paying less and less each year, and forcing employees to pay high monthly premiums and co-pays.  Further, salaries are not increasing at the same rate that insurance costs are, so it's more and more from my family's bottom-line budget each year toward healthcare.  More globally, I'm concerned about the number of employed persons whose employers are not making affordable health-care options available, so these people and their families are forced to utilize public health-care assistance."	I think that employers should continue to bear the greatest portion of the cost for healthcare as a benefit to their employees.  	"I'm not sure, but what's happening now is not working."	Stop allowing administrators to dictate healtcare - doctors should have the final say in what care a patient needs to receive.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	2/10/06 4:06 PM
5702	Universal and portable healthcare. 	"Copayments are fine, but we need universal and portable healthcare."	Copayments are fine. Majority of the public would ratehr end unnecessary wars to pay for universal healthcare.	End unnecessary wars to pay for universal healthcare.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	HI	2/10/06 4:07 PM
5703	"Lack of access, no or under-insurance, profits for health care industrialists are a higher priority than people's needs,inadequate cost controls, cost controls (budget cuts) that are motivated by ideology rather than prioritizing public and individual health,poor, fragmented quality......"	"Government administered, single payer health care that is adequately funded.  ""Medicare for all"", with adequate funding, global budgets,and eliminate for-profit health systems.  All people, especially our political leaders should be part of this social insurance ""pool"". "	"People are willing to pay higher taxes if there is fairness (people and corporations that have more, pay more) and ithas a high value."	"Single payer health insurance that is accountable to the American public on all levels of administration.  If we have fire stations supported by our tax money to protect all of our or others' property, why not have health insurance for people?  Why aren't people as important as property?"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/10/06 4:08 PM
5704	That it is not available to all Americans.	Yes.  I think the current system should be replaced by a single payer system.	I don't think that trade-offs are right.  Full healthcare should be available to all.	"Get rid of private, for profit providers and insurance."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/10/06 4:11 PM
5705	"Working families have no coverage.  Hospitals closing.  Prenatal care, childhood care inadequate"	"Yes, limit the profit on large pharmaceutical and insurance companies.  Have the government negotiate prices for all citizens"	Heroic efforts to save lives.  Loosening euthenasia rules.  Not paying for liver transplants for alcholics  or heart transplants for 85 year olds.    Send illegal aliens with major medical problems back to their countries to deal with the problem.	Government negotiated prices/insurance/subsidies.	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/10/06 4:11 PM
5706	Health Care should be for everyone including drugs. For being the richest country in the world health care should not be the poorest in the world.  Everyone should be entitled to decent health care.	"  Government should be the one to pay for health care for the population.  I would be willing to have my taxes increased to pay for real health care as many other countries are now doing, but hope the rich also are willing to pay. I am no friend of Pres. Bush, therefore my taxes are high."	"I am sure the public will be willing to pay a bit more taxes in order to receive high quality health care and still have good services to all, even those that cannot afford to pay taxes."	Health care must be under the single payer system in order to improve health care for all people in this country.	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/10/06 4:11 PM
5709	"My primary concern is the cost of healthcare in general, the cost of healthcare insurance and the never ending increases in the cost of prescription drugs. My secondary concern is there does not seem to much happening from our government to this regard!"	"In 1948 the U.N. adopted a vital document called The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This document includes healthcare as a basic human right, a concept that our government refuses to consider."	"I believe that the American public may be willing to pay a little more income tax, but why should they? It is time for our government to stop squandering billions of precious tax dollars on the immoral, unjustified war in Iraq! It is time that the big corporations begin paying their fair share of taxes to fund a universal healthcare plan! The American working class has shouldered enough of this nation's mistakes, it is time that the rich and powerful begin doing something too!"	"We the American people must begin looking at healthcare as a right, not a commodity or privilege. We must recognize that corporate America has a stranglehold on us and that we must unite and fight like hell so that our families can have the basic necessities other nations provide for their people!"	male	45 to 64	Yes	Other	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/10/06 4:19 PM
5710	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/10/06 4:21 PM
5711	"We must make it affordable for all citizens of the United States.  I am barely able to afford my monthly premium of $150 per month for ""Catastrophic coverage."" My deductible is $10,000. Thank God I do not have a major illness.  I am a single adult in the travel industry making ends just meet and hate the thought of having to pay $150 per month (just in case something major happens). We need Affordable insurance..all of us, particularly those of us in the lower socio-economic segment of the country. "	"More and more individuals today are Self-Employed.  We need a Group Policy with no exclusions for the Mass of Self-employed people, perhaps for the group making under $30,000 annually."	"I personally am willing to cut Way back on military operations. Our space program, as exciting as it may be, should be cut back also.  "	"Make Insurance affordable and sensible, particularly for lower-income citizens."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	2/10/06 4:22 PM
5712	"That when I retire that there will not be any affordable care for me, I will have to spend all my savings, if something was to happen..I am only 10 years from that date too."	"I would like to see that an illegal immigrant does not get any type of health care, we need to stop that so that the people who are and have paid will be assured that they will be covered."	"NONE....businesses are going broke because of the fraued..if we let the government get more involved, there will be more fraud."	no comment	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/10/06 4:23 PM
5713	All members of our society need to have access to medical care.  There needs to be a national health insurance plan.  One is always afraid today that a company or the government will end whatever medical plan that exists or that they will make it to expensive to use.  	All citizens need to pay into a national health plan.  	NULL	National health insurance with only the government handling the billing.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/10/06 4:25 PM
5714	Not everyone has health care provided	"One payer, Medicare, for ALL!"	Include in fisa? felsa? tax with no cut-off.  Tax all folks with a paycheck on a sliding scale.  Including CEOs!	"One payer, Medicare, for ALL!"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	2/10/06 4:27 PM
5715	SPIRALING COSTS BY PHARMACHETICAL COMPANIES!	"UTILIZE A SINGLE PAYOR METHOD!  THIS WOULD SAVE BILLIONS, YES BILLIONS ANNUALLY!"	FIX THE PLAN D MEDICARE TO MAKE IT MORE ATTRACTIVE AND LESS COSTLY	SINGLE PAYOR PLAN!	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	2/10/06 4:28 PM
5716	cost and to under stand the care I do get .	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	2/10/06 4:30 PM
5717	Affordability	Single payer system	More taxes on the wealthy	Single payer plan	male	45 to 64	No	Other	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/10/06 4:31 PM
5718	"The only industrial (western country) which does not have a national health care unbrella. We need strong political leadership along with a public majority and Labor Unions to push the corporations(pharmacutical, Health insurance etc.)back to the position of acceptability."	One large system administered as a branch of government (as social security is). Look at the Canadian system.  	We can keep the quality relatively high with the least of expenses since the (insane)profit margin in the medical industry has to be cut drastically 	1)Preventive medical care  2)Importation of the medicine from the outside of the U.S. to break the stronghold of the pharmacuticals who are controlling the price of the medications in U.S.  	male	45 to 64	No Response	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	2/10/06 4:34 PM
5719	Most people without healthcare do not go to the doctors until it is too late.	"The government and the health care insurance companies are making tons of money with prescriptions meds, etc.  There is money for all people to have healthcare and with the healthcare be able to go to any physician or specialist and have them accept the insurance that you have."	Why should there be any trade offs - if your are working full time benefits should be made available at least 90% or 100% coverage by the employer.  Part time employees should also be receiving benefits  As it is now full time employees have to pay out of pocket and have to meet deductibles and have money taken out of their paychecks at 50-80% coverage where now some specialists want cash only.	I am not sure at this time.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/10/06 4:35 PM
5720	Access! Very few are able to obtain health care. Insurance is skewed toward profit for the company gained by witholding necessary care or medications.	National health care. It can't be worse than this system.	"Increased taxes especially for the richest Americans. If corporations and the wealthy paid a fair share, there would not be a significant increase in taxes."	Take the decisions away from the business sector. They are all about profits and not about quality. Only the rich make out with the current system.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/10/06 4:38 PM
5721	"Being able to afford it, and also long term care when a person has to go to a nursing home. "	"Government should pay more, and idviduals less. As all employers don't provide insurance, maybe instead of some emplyers providing insurance, have the government provide the insurance, and have all employers pay into a fund, to help pay for insurance. I would make the ones who export jobs out of this country pay more"	"I think the American public, has already made enough tradeoffs. I think alot of medical tests, and medicine could be lowered in price. After all, after a certain amount of time, new equipment is paid for and the dvelopment costs many times over. There should be able to be some savings in that regard. After a period of time, almost all equipment such as x-ray, and mri, and different scanners don't cost nearly as much as when first developed"	"I don't know. I think maybe to have the same care available to everyone, at a reasonable cost. I mean good health care, and no long waiting periods for things like I have heard happens in other countries"	male	Over 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	2/10/06 4:39 PM
5722	That we don't have national health care--This drives more Americans into bankruptcy than any other issue. IT's a gloabl disgrace.	Junk it. Go to a single payer system. We pay too much for far too little. The Canadians should be modeled.	"SLightly higher personal and corporate taxes (with a drop in health care indirect tax--ie benefits for some), for universal coverage."	Universal coverage is a right of US citizenship.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	2/10/06 4:39 PM
5723	"My children, in their mid-twenties and early thirties have no health care if they are out of a job.  COBRA's are prohibitively expensive.  One daughter, going through a divorce will lose her health care insurance when the divorce is final.  She is a full-time student, working 2 jobs.  Our insurance (my husband & I) is through Medicare with a Primera-Blue Cross supplement ( or secondary).  We pay nearly $500/month for the Primera coverage.  That's a lot!  "	Single-payer government-run health care for everyone.  Any coverage by private insurers will be unaffordable for all but the super-rich.	"I'm not sure that we need to have our choice of physician.  We've gone to about 6 in the last few years.  They retire or move or are not available when we need them, so we end up seeing different ones each time anyway.  As long as they are board certified, I'm willing to have one assigned to me.  Many places will not take Medicare patients, so our selection is limited already by that.  I would hope that if you have a real conflict with a physician, you would be able to change."	Universal health care.   No for-profit private insurance companies involved.   Government-run health care.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/10/06 4:45 PM
5725	It doesn't cover everyone.	Universal Health Insurance	NULL	NULL	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/10/06 4:47 PM
5726	the expence.	"yeah, free healthcare in our country should be available to all americans"	NULL	make it free	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	2/10/06 4:48 PM
5727	The high price  of health insurance.	THere should be a single payer plan (the payer being the federal government)No trade-No	No trade-offs are necessary.	The federal government should begin to insure all people as they do in Medicare.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	2/10/06 4:48 PM
5728	"Having coverage that isn't so costly and receiving the necessary treatments for any problems, not just selective ones by the insurance companies"	Perhaps having the government pay a bigger per centage	none  	less waste by the medical force 	female	Over 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/10/06 4:50 PM
5729	1.  Rising costs of medical care  2.  Rising costs of drugs  3.  Rising number of people without health insurance	Remove the age requirement for Medicare.    We need universal health care.	We will accept a flat payroll tax across the board for everyone.	"Again, remove the age requirement for Medicare"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	2/10/06 4:51 PM
5730	Current system is covering fewer and fewer Americans at higher and higher costs.	A single payer system is needed.  End insurance company and medical professional's raid on the country's pocketbook.	First Step: Allow all companies to contract with medicare for medical services.    Second Step: Offer free health care to all people residing in the US.  One payer system can drive down costs.  Any additional costs should be covered by the medicare tax.  The tax should apply to corporate income as well as personal income.  We should all be in this together.	"Leave no one out...not the sick, not the aged, not the HIV infected, not the felons.  Set a ""reasonable"" level of care that will be provided.  Anything else that people want they can purchase independently.  It should be illegal to provide insurance over and above the medicare benefits, so that there will be an incentive to Medicare to truely provide ""reasonable"" services and incentives to the medical professionals to sell services above medicare at reasonable prices instead of just send an ever-increasing bill to an insurance company."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	2/10/06 4:51 PM
5731	That it is an employment based model of insurance rather than an entitlement that is funded like Medicare.    All stakeholders pay their share to provide the needed healthcare insurance for all in this country.	Yes.  See answer above.  	Increasing their taxes for the entitlement.  Employers would be able to level the playing field with their competition therefore the employer tax should be increased greater than currently being paid.    I think the public would become better consumers of healthcare if they were paying for it out of their taxes.  The public would accept a narrower panel of physicians/providers if the ones they were required to go to would provide quality care at an affordable price.	Make it a tax based/single payer system.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/10/06 4:54 PM
5732	It's not affordable to the average American.	Yes! The current system discriminates against the poor. It's time to change to single-payer healthcare or socialised medicine.	Higher taxes--at least we would know our money is being spent on something beneficial.	Single-payer healthcare.	female	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	2/10/06 4:57 PM
5733	High Costs and the effect on ordinary families.	Find ways to reduce costs and not quality.  Explore Single Payer Health Care. Investigate  insurance costs and availability.	I tnink if they have the facts they will be  willing to pay fair taxes.	Health Education and Prevention where possible.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	2/10/06 4:57 PM
5734	Health Care for Seniors.	I feel the government should allocate more money for those already on Medicare.  I also think the government should insure that younger people are allowed to contribute to the health care programs which will cover them when they get old.	NULL	NULL	female	Over 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	2/10/06 4:59 PM
5735	I don't believe it will be around very long! If it does it will be too expencive for most seniors	My total honest opinion of this is I think the government should foot the entire cost	None	As it stands now most seniors don't have enough and can't afford to shell out money for more or don't have the money	male	Over 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	2/10/06 4:59 PM
5736	"Rising costs without added value---in fact with relatively decreasing value, as health of the population in the US is   worse than in many other comparable countries."	"Drastic changes should be made to institute national health insurance, with a single payer, and with much more attention to creating a strong primary care base and less unnecessary and inappropriate spepcialty care and tests."	The American public would pay more in taxes IF they received value for the expenditures.  I believe that they are against raising taxes because they do not perceive benefits to them or to society.	1. National health insurance with reorientation of health services to place priority to primary care as the accountable provider of continuous and coordinated health care.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	2/10/06 4:59 PM
5737	It is focused on removal of disease instead of promoting health.	"Government should pay for all of it since poor health is primarily due to lack of government regulation that results in poor diet, pollution and profit over people."	NULL	Educate everyone to become vegetarian	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/10/06 5:02 PM
5738	"availability,cost,co-payments"	"a fairer way of making sure that not just all employees are offered affordable health care,but that all employers should share the burden of cost."	"allthough co-payments are rising, I don't think that making reasonable co-pays for quality care isun-fair."	it should be available to all working families.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/10/06 5:05 PM
5740	"These comments are meant for Medicare only, and do not apply to VA medical care - a totally different, but equally inexcusable scandal.    Its lack of affordability.  I am 72 years old and can't afford to retire, primarily because of the abduction of Medicare by political ideologists."	A single-payer system.	"Longer wait times for non-emergency appointments, based on a triage for level-of-care treatments - whiners need not apply.    A means test, with a floor of perhaps 150% of the current poverty level, with graduated co-payments based on earnings.  I don't think an Exxon/Mobil CEO should get by paying a co-pay the same as a widowed mother of three K-12 kids."	Get the legislators and the insurance companies out of the bed they have been sharing so long!	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/10/06 5:05 PM
5741	It is not universal	We need a single pay system available to everyone  controlled by the government based on ability to pay...	The present system is a nightmare.....it is not  affordable for most of the population...general health benefits for all would have to be legislated  and financed thru congress.........hopefully most americans would accept adjustments in benefits and cost for good year around health care.	Any single pay system would be intinitely more efficient than the present system.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/10/06 5:07 PM
5742	It's inequality and injustice.	yes single payer health care. everyone pays a % of earnings.	there will be no tradeoffs to a socialized medical system. There are no drawbacks.	Elect Democrats	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	2/10/06 5:11 PM
5743	"That so many Americans don't have it.  Those who do have it are getting to where we can't afford it as premiums, co-pays to office visits and medications keep going up and the service gets worse."	"employers should chip in more, but in reality they are getting out of the business of insuring employees, making 100% out of pocket of the employees and pay raises don't keep up."	It is time for a National Health Care plan	A National Health Care Plan	male	45 to 64	Yes	Other	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/10/06 5:12 PM
5744	"The completely and utter inaccountability of the insurers, the  misdirection of the government programs and spending, and of course the unaffordability and inaccessability for the consumers."	We need single payer health care immediately!! Quality care should be accessible regardless of income or citizenship status.	"I am not sure. I would be willing to make financial sacrifices, perhaps in the form of taxes or the like, to have free or very affordable health care for ALL residents of the US. "	"The government needs to realign their priorities, businesses need to look at how they and their profits can help the situation, and consumers need to take a noticeable stand against the health care system as it is today. I think that people speaking out will have to be the catalyst for a start towards real change in our government and businesses, though. "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/10/06 5:17 PM
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5746	affordability and availability	universal health care for all	"enough of the bs ""tax cuts"". i would not mind paying additional taxes if health care was affordable and available"	"cap on malpractice suits and a real free market for prescription medications. i should be able to buy my prescriptions where ever i want to- canada, mexico, etc"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	2/10/06 5:20 PM
5747	"The clear implication of the status quo is that only the wealthiest Americans ""deserve"" quality health care.  In other words, the U.S. is a cold-hearted plutocracy masquerading as a democracy.  I wholeheartedly believe in redistributing the wealth of this country so that every person--and especially every CHILD, regardless of her/his socioeconomic status--has access to quality health care.  If that entails reducing some of the excessive health-care expenditures on the elderly, so be it!"	"I favor a national insurance system funded by taxes, including HIGHER taxes on wealthy individuals and corporations."	"I think that the richest seniors should pay more for their own health care, and that money spent on prolonging the lives of the terminally ill (especially those who are elderly) can justifiably be reduced."	Nationalize the health-care system so that costs are adjusted according to the ability to pay.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	2/10/06 5:21 PM
5749	The high cost of health care and Big Pharma's control of too many congressmen.  The lack of a universal health care program for ALL Americans.	We should have National Health Care on the Medicare system/	The majority of Americans have been dumbed down by a lack of information about National Health Care. And the Right wings MISINFORMATION juggernaut. 	Institute a National Health Service based on the model of ALL OF THE REST OF THE first WORLDS system of health care delivery.	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/10/06 5:23 PM
5750	affordability	govt should see that health care is available to all	none	"employers ,unions and gov't need to sit down and work out a viable solution. If we can put a man on the moon we can solve this problem"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	2/10/06 5:23 PM
5752	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	2/10/06 5:28 PM
5753	"About ninety-eight percent of my health care is from alternative practitioners because these are the methods that have had the greatest health success for me. These alternative modes of health care are not covered currently. Therefore, I must go without many other things in my life--and it's a life on a very modest fixed income--in order to give myself the best healthcare I can. I pay for medicare but almost never have an occasion to use it. Taxpayers should be allowed to choose their medical treatment, including preventive medicine which saves for everyone. If we are not allowed to do this, that means the government knows more than we do about how to take care of ourselves and keep ourselves healthy. This is of course ridiculous and that attitude breeds generations of sheep. "	"None that I can think of other than the inclusion of commonly practiced alternative means of healing such as homeopathy, naturapathy, chiropractic, chnese, etc."	"I think the public is willing to pay their fair share more if they can be convinced they are not being ripped off to begin with by insurance companies, hospitals and professionals in the healthcare field."	Reasonalbe personal choice of methods of healing. Alternative forms of healing and of preventive medicine--which should also be inclucded--are usually far less expensive than western medicine and can keep more people out of hospitals.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/10/06 5:31 PM
5755	The fact that over 45 million people do not have insurance.	There should be a single-payer system where everyone is guaranteed at least minimal coverage.	Reduction in the military budget.	End all war.	male	45 to 64	No	Other	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/10/06 5:33 PM
5757	will i still be able to afford my health care for me and my family in the near future. each new contract brings uncertain plans on what way i should plan for my retirement. will i have to continue to work until i am in my mid seventies.	i wish i had some adice or would be able to shed some light on how to improve the financial picture but other than to set up an additional type of 401k to provide just for our health care i just do not know.	"i can only speak for myself and my family but i would be willig to donate a week of my time to help in anyway our military system, if every american did this i am not sure how much money could be saved and placed towards health care but i am sure it would helpful."	companies such as walmart that do not pay thier far share towards health care for thier employees should shoulder more tax burdens to help make up that differnce.	male	45 to 64	NULL	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	2/10/06 5:34 PM
5758	"What bothers me the most is this. The system is SO stilted in favor of the pharmaceutical manufacturers, and the system is SO corrupt, that if every law maker turned 180 degrees today, it wouldtake 25 years to straighten this mess out, created to politicians GREED. "	Socialist health care is the only wayto do it I'm afraid.	"In the atmosphere of Fascism that has ruled too long inthis country, it always seems to be up to the working person to make concessions. Bullshit. The rich greedy executives are the ones who need to make concessions. Maybe the CEO's and CFO's could bring their salaries back into the realm of reality. "	"The greed monster is self perpetuating at this point in time. Hospitals say it's because of lawsuits and non-payment by the poor, so they boost the prices of a pill to hundreds of dollars, to try to make up for it, pharmaceutical companies see this and want more, doctors want more, and too many times, the patient is the LAST thing on greed's mind. Under-educated, or drugged up doctors give the WRONG Hundred Dollar Pill to the poor guy and it kills him, the greedy insurance company resents paying for the wrongful death and raises it's rates because the CEO MUST get his multi-million dollar bonus, the greedy manufacturing CEO resents paying more for the insurance for his employees, so he fires the employees as soon as he can and replaces them with illegal aliens whom he can pay less and not provide ANY health care for, and ONand ON and ON it goes. ELIMINATE GREED. There's your answer."	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	2/10/06 5:37 PM
5759	The simple fact that not everyone has health insurance.	"No, I can't think of a better way."	I have no idea.	I don't have one.	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/10/06 5:42 PM
5761	"Lack of coverage, higher costs for policies and prescroptions, less and less benefits in the plans."	"Goverment health care and negotiated drug prices, even from Canada."	Tax cuts redistributed from the rich to a socialized health system.	Redistribute tax cuts.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	2/10/06 5:43 PM
5762	the cost	nope	a few	My health care is great but some provisions can be made	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	2/10/06 5:43 PM
5763	Do to costs middle/lower income is being denied access.	Payment by individuals by ability!	"Raise taxes on individuals earning over $100,000.00"	Access guaranteed to all citizen.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	2/10/06 5:47 PM
5764	"Rising health insurance premiums and lower physician reimbursement.  Physician practices can barely stay afloat financially due to increased costs, litigation risk, technological costs, and patient demands. Insurance keeps ""getting more"" and ""paying less.""  "	"Return to Major Medical Coverage. Allow tax incentive to employers and individuals.  Patients pay for office visits, drugs, and negotiate with Insurance for REASONABLE RATES. REQUIRE illegal residents to pay for services or go home. "	"I think the American public has become very complacent with the health system as it exists. Our office sees the ""I want it all for a $20.00 copay"" crowd and they never pay a premium (their employer does). Those folks OVERUTILIZE the health care system and COST EVERYONE MORE $$. Return to a Major Med only system.  The ""entitlement"" mentality in the USA must end to solve health care issues. Any change to the status quo will be painful to the American public--the system has been too far-gone for too long."	"Preventative care, personal responsibility, and an end to overutilization of healthcare services by the indigent/illegal population."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/10/06 5:48 PM
5765	"We used to have among the best health care in the world, now we're no better than a third world country."	"There should be universal, single-payer coverage."	Re-institute a reasonable tax on the wealthiest Americans.  No other trade-off would be necessary.	We must have national health care for all.	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/10/06 5:53 PM
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5767	"The unholy alliance between the health care industry, insurers, phamaceutical manufacturers, etc. and the corrupt Republican Administration."	All health care costs should be shared as a public covenant.  It is guaranteed in the Constitution. Scandanavian (and other countries) already do this.	Guaranteed health care financed by those most able to pay the cost is the only fair way.  (Perhaps small co-payments by users are appropriate but need to be well monitored.)	Equal access to health care for all individuals living in this Country.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/10/06 5:54 PM
5769	The fact that it is exhorbitant and not available to all.  We should have federally run health care programs.	"We should offer health care like we do education, libraries, etc."	"I think the American public would be more than willing to cease spending billions and billions of dollars on an ill conceived, purely greed motivated situation in Iraq, and use that money for a fair health care plan for this country."	Don't settle.  Get rid of an administration that makes it's mark by giving to the rich and taking from the poor.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	2/10/06 5:58 PM
5770	40+ million people have no health care coverage in this country!	We pay more for healthcare than other countries for care and get a whole lot less!	Employers would be be able to hire people for full-time positions and compete better in the world economy.	We need a natioanl healthcare program for all Americans. 	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/10/06 6:00 PM
5771	"Maintaining quality and availability of medical services and prescription items. Control of so called ""Benefits Manager "" or ""Health Maintainence Organizations"" who practice ""managed care"" when they really mean--MANAGED COST with their worship of the bottom line and dividends to stockholders.  They raise rates and decrease benefits so they can show greater profits."	Employers and Governments should hold their original policies on health care so when somebody retires after 25 or 30 years of loyal work they do not find themselves in poverty because they can not get what they were promised.  All rate increases in individual policies should be audited and the special inducementsn that they recieve should be returned not kept as additional plunder for the companies.	The public will probably trade off things they will need in the future for short term gains.  An example is the Medicare Prescription plan which is supposed to help the consumers but everybody is issuing cards because the restrictions on the cards allow the companies huge profits. Then public will realize the mistake in about 3 to 5 years and then it will be too late .	Complete regulation of insurance companies-    prevention of mergers of insurance companies   	male	Over 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/10/06 6:02 PM
5772	Having access.  Without health insurance it almost impossible to get medical care	It would help if the government wouldn't cater to the pharmaceutical companies and let them charge so much.	I'm not sure.	"Having a system that covers everyone without putting them further in debt or worse, like myself, with no ibsurance because I simply cannot afford it on my pay."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	2/10/06 6:06 PM
5773	"THE RISING COSTS OF PERSCRIPTIONS INCREASED COPAYS ,THEUNWILLINGNESS OF HEALTH CAREPROVIDERS TO USE BRAND NAME DRUGS THEY PUSH FOR GENERIC DRUGS .HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS ARE GIVING DRS FEWER CHOICES FOR PATIENTS AND LESS TIME TO TREAT THEM.WE CANT COMPETE W/ OTHER COUNTRIES THAT DO HAVE NATIONAL HEALTHCARE PLANS.THERE BUSINESSES CAN CHARGE LESS FOR THERE PRODUCTS  "	iTHINK THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SUBSIDIZE EMPLOYERS WHO R ALLREADY GIVING HEALTHCARE TO THERE EMPLOYEES ENCOURAGE HEALTHCOVERAGE W/TAX INCENTIVES FOR EMPLOYERS.INSTEAD OF BUILDING MORE PRISONS BUILD MORE MENTAL HEALTHCARE FACILITIES.PEOPLE WITH MENTAL PROBLEMS HAVE NOWHERE TO GO AND SO CRIMINAL PROBLEMS INCREASE.	i THINK PEOPLE WOULD BE WILLING TO HAVE A TAX INCREASE TO COVER NATIONALIZED HEALTHHCARE IF THEY FELT THAT IT WAS FAIR FOR ALL CONSCERNED.IF THE GOVERNMENT PLAYS FAVORITES TO HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS LIKE IT DOES W/HALIBURTON CONTRACTORS THE SYSTEM WON'T WORK	"gET AMERICAN INTERESTS BACK IN AMERICA AND NOT IN iRAQ OR ANYWHERE ELSE THIS GOVNTMENT WANTS TO MAKE WAR.WHY NOT EMPLOY PEOPLE, LIKE THE WPA IN THE 30S, TO BUILD OR RENOVATE OUR COUNTRIES HEALTHCARE FASCILITIES"	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/10/06 6:06 PM
5775	That everyone receive the health care they need to become and stay healthy. 	"Yes, move to a government sponsored single payer health plan that is universallly applicable to all people within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States: citizens and non-citizens."	"After a certain age, maybe 80, everybody who won't pay extra for special end-of-life extension care, automatically gets a do-not resuscitate order. More emphasis on healthy living in school and on tv and radio to encourage healthier living. Increased taxes on liquor, beer, wine and other intoxicants. Reduce the power of automobiles: why do I need my 2006 Buick LaCrosse to be able to cruise at 100 miles an hour (the speedometer goes to 140). "	Single payer universal health care so that preventative care can be given instead of overworked emergency room use. 	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	2/10/06 6:11 PM
5776	"   Our present system is an outgrowth of the tax laws whereby, to encourage participation by employers, and employees, the premiums paid by the employer on behalf of the employees was not taxable. This created an indifference as to the cost of treatment on the part of employees, particularly employees in our unions.      People should get over the idea that it is the employer's responsibility to provide their health insurance. The employer should only act as the Employees' health plan administrator. Without being compensated, the employer should take the cost of the health plan out of the employees' pay and forward it to the insurer. Employers now paying for the health plan should cease doing so, give the employees a comparable salary increase, and then deduct the premium from the employees' pay.     The tax laws should be changed so that the premiums paid by the employyees are entirely tax deductible just like they are now for employers.     When employees see how much is being deducted from their pay for health care it will help reduce abuse, and give employees more reason to discuss treatment and its cost with their provider. "	   The changes outlined above are a start. But the more the government gets involved the worse things get. Medicare and Medicaid are prime examples of how health care treatment is abused when people think the government is paying for it.      There are millions of examples of unnecessary care out there let alone outright theft. If that isn't stopped then there isn't enough money in the entire economy to pay for future health care. 	"   Where does the idea come from that they have a tradeoff right. They take a job and then expect more than they agreed to when they took the job.     When a company is going bankrupt do you really think the employees have something they can consider to trade. They either take what is there, quit, or wait to be let go when the company is no more."	   It is a problem that appears to be beyond resolution while people think that they have a right to someone else paying for their health care.      The idea that socialized medicine is working in other countries is a farce. The health coverage in those countries pales even if it is just compared to the health treatment we provide those in this country who have no insurance. Other than the mentally disturbed homeless show me someone laying in the streets in need of medical care.     The first thing necessary is for people to realize nothing is free and go from there. What's to be cut to make money available for health insurance is the question?	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/10/06 6:14 PM
5777	so much money is lost in the corporate bureaucracy.	"it should be paid by all three sources, depending on  the individual situation, but the money should go  more directly into health care, not insurance  or HMOs."	None.  The taxes we pay should guarantee access to   health care on all levels.  	"Elimate the corporate stranglehold.  Eliminate   lobbyists who get in the way of real reform.  Hospitals, insurance companys, doctors, HMOs,   pharmaceuticals are all to blame for our lack of   a comprehensive, affordable system.  Although I   must say that the doctors have a hard time   keeping up with their malpractice insurance, and   something could be done to filter out frivilous   lawsuits."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Not sure	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/10/06 6:15 PM
5778	the overpriced office visits plus insurance premiums the deductables and the worst is dental/I have insurance and still cannot afford to have my mouth worked on they want monthly payments and the dental office plus office visit and pay for my insurance**** 	Their should be rules about how much a dentist can charge for services including dentures fillings crowns bridges the thing almost every adult needs and does not get because of the overpriced dental offices lab work and insurance coverage.   As an adult in much need of dental work I am a single mother with two young boys on dissablty and cannot afford to spend more money on getting my cavitys fixed and the bridge I need for the past ten years.  Come up with an excellent dental plan that we just have to pay or insurance with low deductable or none for emergency rootcanals or fillings instead of having to succumb to just getting our teeth pulled out one by one.... I dont think people realize dental problems cause over 50% of our bad health problems. I have lost time at work just for having a absessed tooth that I dont want to get pulled and dont have the money to get a 600dollar root canal.  I only make 23.000 when I was working now nothing.  I know almost 3out of5 adults with low income have the same dental problems with no solutions or way to get around this discrimination that only the rich can afford to have fillings and bridges the poor or lower middle class have to be toothless or suffer with the most horrible pain in the world of rotting teeth and noway of getting them fixed...I think the field of denistry is discrimatory and has made having a nice smile and teeth a luxury in america..  	The American people already make trade-offs our dental and vision hearing is always last on the adult and always first for the children because they are less likely to need fillings and rootcanals let alone ever need a bridge or partial.  I know my trade off is having my boys medically covered and not hving dental coverage or medical for myself is what has been going on in my life.... Americans we need to be able to take care of ourselves and our children equally and not have to keep denying our dental vision and hearing for the sake of our children so that the medical profession can keep on getting rich and richer why we as adults have to suffer in pain and panic at the thought of coming up with an extra 200 or 500 dollars just for a root canal and thats just for the lab work.... wow I wish I could have been a dentist ... 	"Please I'll even submit a affordable dental vision and hearing insurance plan that as a American single mom with children can afford.  The single mother in America is astonomical and I would venture to say over 80% of us have cavaties that we cannot afford to have filled that turn into root canals that we simply no way can afford. I have to wonder are we as the low middle class going to have a real dream come true, go into a dentist office have an exam and set up appointment to fix or replace or bad teeth.  This never happens usually we cant even afford the office visit let alone the x-rays and then the cost of lab work straight our of our pockets like it was purse change.  The American single mothers need our goverment and employers help in the dentistry discrimination against us having our teeth in our mouth fixed immediatly no matter what the insurance covers the overpriced lab work and dentist have got to come to a halt.  I strongly beleive that health issues caused by our neglected teeth, and the poisens that are secreted into our bodies because of this will end up killing us off or tormenting us with the pain and suffering until we as a group of suffering low middle class and poor start doing something for ourselves.  Dental vision and hearing has got to start being affordable for us.  We are Americans and we work harder than most any of the rich will ever know.  Make this happen give the lower income or poor disabled people have a set of teeth to smile with instead of dentures they go to mexico for.  I'll be the first in the dentist chair because I know the work on my mouth alone would by the dentist a mercades or BMW.  Hey thats an idea I'll get a car loan for 50.000 then I can afford to keep the teeth I have left and put bridges in to relace the ones that have broken due to years of decay and just having weak teeth.  I brush and floss after every meal and still get cavaties between two teeth.. I hate watching my teeth turn black and not being able to afford to get them fixed and knowing I will never be able to is heartbraking.  I have to get monthly prescriptions for antbiotic and painpills for absested teeth ....."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	2/10/06 6:27 PM
5779	"Not having enough health care when I retire, and am on a fixed income."	"I think there should be some kind of insurance that you can get if you are working, and you company doesn't help pay for health insurance.  People that are on assistance get health care, but some people that are trying to help themselves by working get cut off when they make to much money by the US standards."	Not sure	"Making prescriptions more affordable for everyone.  So that older citzens don't have to go without heat, or food to pay for medications, or take half the amount prescribed to make them last."	female	25 to 44	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	2/10/06 6:28 PM
5780	The crime against Medicaid recipients being committed by our government in approving Bush's budget    Fear that Medicare is the ext target .	Govenment needs to take a largert share of the costs.The idea of large-for HUGE Profit Corporatins cutting retorees' health care plans isn  morally dispicable.	Americans do not seem willing to make any trade offs or give up anything.  They want it all !	Take a good hard open minded look at the systems in Canada & Great Briton.	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/10/06 6:29 PM
5782	"The cost of our health care. At the present time,we are 17th in the world in health care. The over priced drugs,some with a 2600% mark up,over the cost of the manufactureing the drug."	"As stated in the previous answer,we are 17th in the world for health care,maybe it would be a good idea,for our government to visit the countries who have good health care,and copy their methods."	"Let`s cut the fat out of defense spending.and contracts like Haliburton,and other contractors."	NULL	male	Over 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	2/10/06 6:42 PM
5783	"that it's primarily a business, and as such is subject to being bogged down by bureaucracy, instead of being run with the actual best interest and true health of the public.  also that there are so many who dont even have health care...i believe that it should be universal."	"YES...health care ought to be made universal.  if a SMALL portion of our taxes and/or a SMALL portion of our ever-increasing war department funds were dedicated to health care, it would be universal in a snap.    as it is, the simplest of procedures are prohibitively expensive, with hospitals charging separately from and in addition to the doctors themselves...  this results in the poor among us simply not seeking health care at all (because they cannot afford it) and thereby perpetuating their socio-economic status by being dirty and sick all the time."	"NONE.  America is the most wealthy and innovative nation on the face of the earth...we're told that ALL THE TIME.  the American public is NOT willing to compromise their benefits just to make it more accessible, more affordable, and higher quality."	"cut the Death Budget for once, and strengthen the Life Budget.  universal health care for all!!"	male	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/10/06 6:43 PM
5787	"Lack of healthcare options, especially for low income and the unemployed."	Sociolized medical system similar to that of the Scandanavian countries.	Higher taxes.	Regulated and block the big Pharma lobbying efforts in Wash.D.C. Reverse the privitazation of our health care system.	male	25 to 44	Yes	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/10/06 6:51 PM
5790	"We hear a lot about freedom in the political arena, but when it comes to health care freedom...there is not much said. If my daughter wants to become an equine worker as her free choice in the workplace, she should be able to have an affordable health care plan that offers quality and accessibility. Freedom in the workplace means quality benefits for all workers. Union membership can provide this type of benefit, but not all job situations fall into easily organizable situations, whether it be self employment or a repressive anti union conglomerate.  We should redirect our federal funds from foreign war to homeland health. It is wrong to ignore the health of our people while at the same time spending inordinate amounts of money on the military industrial complex. "	"A one payer system is an option, or opening the federal health care system to all.  A federal tax to specifically fund health care could work."	"The key is being able to have a qualified personal physician that has a relationship with the patient and the patient's family. People may have to have regular checkups in order to maintain coverage and lower costs by diagnosing problems before they get to the expensive treatment stage. Some governmentall oversight may be needed to prevent fraud and abuse of the system. With today's technology, fraud and abuse should not even be an issue."	We should divert funding from war to health.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/10/06 6:57 PM
5791	Its too expensive and is inaccessible to people who don't have high paying permanent jobs	GOvernment run system	Better and cheaper health care. Private insurance is a rip off	A government run universal system	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	2/10/06 6:58 PM
5792	"EVERYTHING! The Greed of the doctors and insurance companies...lets see..the lack of care and feeling from a doctor...their just another human being that thinks their higher level then us. The dictatorship that is alloud by the insurance co....there's too many to list!  Living in America, all American's should have free medical!!!"	Yeah No Payment for health	We made enough trade-off..what is this..let's make a deal?	Move to Canada!	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/10/06 7:01 PM
5793	" I am a hemopheliac.I cannot get healthcare,because I live in the Florida Panhandle and no HMO is available.If I cannot get insurance,I cannot get a job.This is an abomination and a disgrace.How can a person who is a born American believe that this country cares,when this is the case,"	NULL	NULL	Demonstrate consideration for henmopheliacs.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/10/06 7:06 PM
5795	where i can afford medicenes and still have money left for food.right now my medicenes are costing more than i take home a week  	what would happen if we went to a universal health system?	i simply do not know the answer to this question  	"lower cost on office visit and lower cost medicenes,as of right now  i  pay 20.00 to ever office viset  that might not sound like much to you but i am a widow and live alone. ifI have 4 office visets in 1 month that is 80.00 dolars , if I have to get new medicenes filled that another 100.00 or more"	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/10/06 7:08 PM
5796	"   A two-sided answer: the poor or lower-income families are not covered by med insurance, and a large percentage of the population is obese and  are not held accountable for their irresponsible behavior. "	   Yes. The system of employer-based health care is obsolete. I believe that we need to develop a federal-based system.  	"  None. They want to eat what and as much as they want, yet still expect to be taken care of by the system. Where will all of that money come from. WE  need to esucate the population and hold them accountable for the consequences. "	   Educate the population.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	2/10/06 7:12 PM
5797	Too expensive ......too few have it	yes .. less insurance and more affordable care .. insurance is the reason healthcare is expensive	Catastrophic care for everyone and cash pay basis for everyday stuff	Get insurance where it belongs.... for the major expenses   then let  the regular visits to the doctor be cash pay .. prices will plummet	male	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/10/06 7:12 PM
5798	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	2/10/06 7:14 PM
5799	High cost	"National Health Care for all like we give President, Senators and Congres"	Why should we trade off anything?	Start by regulating cost	male	45 to 64	No	Other	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	2/10/06 7:15 PM
5800	I would like to see no HMO's and NO socialized Health Care and less Government invovlement in our system.	I would like to see the the same tax deduction for individuals that purchase health care plans thatbusinesses receive when they provide coverage.	Let the free market rein in all aspects of the system.	Do away with HMO's.	male	25 to 44	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	2/10/06 7:19 PM
5801	That it is neither affordable or accessible for all Americans.	YES  Americans need and deserve universal healthcare for all.    	"A campaign directed to educate Americans to the fact that if both industry and individuals finance a universal healthcare system, there will be little if any tax increase to support such a program would be a terrific beginning.     If this occurred I believe that most Americans would be willing to be treated by a HMO type system.     As our tax supported health care system stands at present, our taxes support hospital emergency care for people that can't afford either private healthcare insurance or medical care if they fall below a certain income level.    A large portion of Americans don't seem to be aware that seeking emergency room care because an individual's medical condition has become dire, is much more expensive then being treated by one's own physician and seeking medical intervention early in an illness or injury. This needs to be brought to the public's attention through PSAs or community meetings.    Our present tax supported system offers no medical care for anyone other than our poorest citizens.  This leaves millions of working Americans that are not covered through their employment, unable to afford either health insurance or medical care coverage.      I believe if universal health coverage is presented in a well crafted campaign and people were educated on the truths of universal healthcare most people would support it and this would result in a fair and quality driven health care system.    Two false ideas are holding support at bay.    1. Many people assume without factual support        that universal healthcare is not financially      feasible.  2. Many people believe that it is not possible to      receive excellent quality care from an HMO      type provider. Remove the profit motive from      this system and make it tax supported and it      will succeed."	"Our legislators receive no higher quality or better access to medical care then other American.    I am tired of paying for and making possible  the excellent level of medical care Americans provide for our politicians, who in return continually deprive all other Americans of the same opportunity."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/10/06 7:24 PM
5802	We need to open both the Canadian and Mexican (as well as others) drug markets to establish a competitive atmosphere--an action that would greatly reduce the cost of medications.	I believe that health care in the United States should be socialized.	"We will have to wait a little longer for non-emergency treatments, but I think it's worth it. As a whole, Canadians are satisfied with their system."	Require large companies to provide a percentage of their profits toward coverage for their employees and their families. Similar to what Maryland has done.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/10/06 7:29 PM
5803	"It concerns me that health care is money driven. It is not consiered a right of human beings, it is a luxury for those who can afford it. Those who are very needy are given an inferior level of healthcare. It should not matter if you are rich or poor- each of us has a right to access an equal health care system provided by the government through the tax money the government requires from individuals and corporations."	"It seems to me that buisnesses should contribute to a universal health care system organized by a consortium of health practioners that will provide excellent health care to all citizens. It should not be run as a corporation for profit but run by the government, not for profit."	I personally feel that it is a more fair and just policy for all people to have an adequate access to good health care than for a few to have excellent health benefits while others have none. I am willing to do what this takes.	"Education. If people are taught early on how to live healthy , how to stay healthy, they will need less intervention and be happier to have more control over their their future. A little spent on education is profitable in the end. Also, medicale intervention should include and support alternative methods of healing. One size fits all medicine is passe. We should look to other countries, and adopt practices which have benefited their citizens."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/10/06 7:30 PM
5805	Accessibility to all.	Universal health care	"I'm willing to make tradeoffs, but don't think it will wind up costing me any more in the end."	Universal health care	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	2/10/06 7:33 PM
5806	"my wife has been turned down for coverage by three insurance companies. she works for a temp agencey and has no insurance from them. we have her covered at  one company ,but the cost is too high for our means.we cannot afford it ,and cannot afford to be without!"	health coverage available for everyone at a price they can afford.	NULL	make coverage for everyone at a good price for coverage with perscriptions.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/10/06 7:39 PM
5807	That good health care will be affordable for the upper middle class and higher	Monitor those who administer health care!	"Everyone  must step up to the plate so,thatall people can get health care."	"Big bussiness must know that a big brother is watching,either from the private sector and/or the feds."	male	45 to 64	No	White	NULL	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	2/10/06 7:41 PM
5808	Most of the part time people I work with are not included in the employer supported health insurance.  A lot and I mean alot of employers in my area do not provide their employees with any form of health insurance.	Force all employers to cover their employees.  Make it a government mandate. They are making a profit off their workers or they would not be in business.  People who are on Social Security are covered.    Disability is covered.  Public Aid is covered.  I think if you have a job and work you should have insurance.	Trade off?  We are working and making a living for our families.  Maybe the higher tax brackets could give a little for a change.	"I am in the block of american workers who dont make enough to buy insurance, but too rich to qualify for benefits.  Give us a break for a change.  We sure as hell pay taxes on every one elses."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/10/06 7:48 PM
5809	Health care is too expensive.	"In our global economy, many companies cannot compete due to increased health care costs.  This nation needs a national health care plan for ALL Americans so that we can keep our jobs *and* have affordable health care."	don't know.	"Using economies of scale, a national health care system would benefit every citizen."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	2/10/06 7:49 PM
5810	THe costs continues to go up and the coverage goes down.	Single payee system.	Should not be any need to give anything up! We r in health care coverage where we where 40 plus years ago. I used to bargain better health care coverage for lesss cost to the members. That is progress.	Single payee system and regulation of the entire health care industry.	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	2/10/06 7:52 PM
5812	"Losing insurance coverage, inadequate coverage, inability to afford coverage."	I believe in a single payer system. 	Not sure.	Dispense with insurance companies.	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/10/06 8:00 PM
5813	Many people working for themselves cannot afford health isurance and make more money so they are not eligible for medicaid.	"There is little oppty for freelance people, or the self employed to find affordable, good health isurance."	"Accessibilty to good affordable health insurance for social workers and others independantly employed, right now there aren't even any plans available. NADA"	Make healthcare affordable and accessible to the working poor.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/10/06 8:14 PM
5814	The rising medical costs.  Not being able to afford my medical needs and not qualifying for federal help.	"No, I think the system is working fine as it is."	"I'll be willing to accept a higher premium only if I know that I will be able to get all the benefits needed without having to pay any extra.  Or, I will be willing to financed some of the cost for high quality health care."	"The government should be able to provide incentives to medical students and nurses, in order to increase recruitment and professionals in the field to meet the rising demand for quality health care."	female	25 to 44	Yes	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/10/06 8:30 PM
5815	Cost and availability	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	2/10/06 8:31 PM
5816	The lack of universal coverage for all Americans.	"Insurance company free, government sponsored, paid through a progressive tax, single payer plan."	Willing to pay taxes to support a single payer system. And no to limiting of benefits.	A single player system is the only way to go.  	male	Over 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	2/10/06 8:38 PM
5817	"Over 40 million people are not insured.  Many of these people are children. This is not only embarrassing but it is evil.  Our lawmakers in D.C. have good health care.  Why don't they fight for the people they are supposed to be representing  to get the same good deal?  They don't fight for the people because the people are so strapped they can't donate to the Republican party; the lobbyists and corporations can donate millions, so they get what they want One big item they want and are getting is lower employer costs for health care for their workers. If the current trend continues, all workers will be left paying for their own health care and losing their pensions.  How can our legislators let this happen to us?"	"We could have a one payer system.  If the Government appointed honest, capable, experienced persons (instead of incompetent cronies) to handle Universal Health Care for all we could have a fine system  If they hadn't crucified Hillary and sacrificed our health care potential to the insurance companies, we could be in good shape right now."	"The American public should not be asked to make trade offs. They have suffered enough under this incompetent and unjust administration. The CEO's who are raking in millions should be ordered to be just and take care of their employees.  If the president, his cronies and the legislators in D.C. lost their health care benefits until they come up with a Universal Health Care plan, that plan would materialize very quickly. "	"Take away the health care benefits for the members of all three branches of government in Washington until they come up with a reasonable, uncomplicaated and fair Universal Health Care plan that would benefit all Americans."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	2/10/06 8:40 PM
5818	The increasing costs and decreasing services. 	Socialized medicine. Everyone should get the same coverage.	I am not willing to make any tradeoffs. We have found a way to treat the sick (even if it is through indigent care) this long and it is only because of greed that we aren't able to now.	NULL	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	2/10/06 8:41 PM
5819	more coverage and lower cost for the working class 	lower the cost for the working and non working people	trade offs non	lower payments and better healthcare	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	2/10/06 8:44 PM
5820	"That there are still Americans uninsured!    There must be a way, and there IS a way - Universal, Single Payer Health Insurance for all."	"Universal health care should be taxpayer funded with minimal copays, much as Medicare, a system that WORKS."	"Basic, comprehensive health maintenance benefits with equitable copay or percentage payment, as Medicare B."	"Cover EVERY American in Universal Plan with U S Government the single payer, based on medicare and other existing government health plans that work."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/10/06 8:50 PM
5821	The fact that the increase in costs and the increase in malpractice insurance will almost guarantee that we will have fewer doctors and that they will charge more.    I am also deeply concerned that the pharmaceutical industry seems to have its fingers into all the decisions that are being made--in order to increase their profit but not to increase the value of their products.	"I think the only good solution is universal health care with the government the sole payer.  As much as I cringe at the thought of the government handling anythin so important, nothing else seems to trump the clout of lobbyists."	"I can't speak for ""the American public,"" but I am willing to pay a bit more for benefits equivalent to those I currently have to ensure access by all.  After all, if people could get treatment early, much of the expensive care they need later wouldn't be necessary."	Ban ALL lobbyists from contacting ANY member of any legislative body and let the elected officials pay attention to the needs of their constituents for a change.  (Not that I am optimistic that this will happen!)	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/10/06 9:11 PM
5822	We don't do enough to take care of our retired or elderly people. We send more money to other countries. It's sad when they have to choose between precriptions and food. They shouldn't have to sell everything they have worked their entire life for to pay for having to move into a nursing facility. Lower insurance for retired and elderly.	same as above	why should they have to trade anything off??? The big companies are getting richer and the workers have to always pay more and more.	same as first statement.	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	2/10/06 9:16 PM
5825	"The cost of health care and prescriptions are getting ridiculous in the United States today.  Something needs to be done.  I feel the government should put some kind of cap on the prescription drug prices, All Americans should have the right to be able to go to doctors, get the needed healthcare and then also be able to get the medicine they need, What good is going to the doctor, if you can't afford to buy the prescriptions?"	I think that there should be a cap put on the m edical costs like they cap other things out there.	"Not sure.  It seems like right now, everyone is paying what they have to, whether they can afford it or not.  This just brings higher debt somewhere else.  Where will it end?"	The government should step in and take control of a spiraling problem in America.  (They did it in Canada)  and I haven't heard of any complaints!  The USA is too good of a nation to let the drug companies run us.  Stand up and take control.	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	2/10/06 9:34 PM
5826	All US citizens work and pay into health care and deserve the right to receive benefits.  Jobs and wages are so poor that the majority of our citizens   cannot afford any medical or dental care on their own.  We will soon become a third-world country if this administration has their way.    	"Yes, drug industry should be changed in the US. All citizens should be able to afford their medicine + health care.  "	End the war and get down to taking care of our citizens.  We have no business dictating to other countries or religions.	Control drug industry.	female	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/10/06 9:36 PM
5827	People cannot afford quality healthcare.	"I think healthcare should be available to all regardless of ability to pay. In particular, if our society focused on supporting well-visit healthcare and on encouraging the public to live healthy lifestyles, the cost of healthcare, I believe, would be dramatically reduced. With this  m.o. in mind, I feel that healthcare should be financed by the government through taxes on individuals and corporations."	"No trade-off necessary if operated properly. For instance, companies that spend more time with PR in the form of public service announcements (free) than on advertisements (costly)that overpromote a product (which, afterall, may simply be a luxury vs. a necessity item)would certainly affect their brand recognition in a positive way at a reduced cost to them (which, in turn, would allow more $ to allocate to healthcare).  The same applies to the ability of our government to respond to America's need for quality healthcare.  STOP spending money to sponsor destructive enterprises; spend it, instead, on more altruistic, constructive, activities. "	"Those people we elect to speak on our behalf must do their job or get out of office. They need to hear and heed this message. The voices of ALL who have rational solutions to the healthcare dilemma need to be broadcast across the nation so that the country can ""brainstorm"". The only means of hearing these voices/ideas is through the media. If our democratic system of representation (the three branches of the government and the ""fourth estate"", i.e., the media) is no longer functioning in a manner that prioritizes the welfare of the people, American citizens need to resolve this FIRST before specific issues such as healthcare can be addressed.  "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	2/10/06 9:40 PM
5828	High and still accelerating prices.	"I don't think your characterization is true: doesn't insurance of one sort or another cover most health care bills? Individuals, employers, and government for the most part pay insurers or self-insure, no?"	"Baloney. You are giving up already. ""Trade-offs"" my foot. "	"Increase the supply of health care workers drastically. Increased supply means lower prices. Why not join with other unions and create your own medical school? Flood the health care market with doctors and nurses. A lot of very qualified people would love the chance to be a doctor or nurse if they didn't have the AMA barriers there (I don't mean the legal barriers to entering the health care profession, such as licensing. I mean barriers that keep the number of doctors entering the market low by other means.) You could bring in smart, competent people who are driven by the love of helping others, and not the love of ""highest profits possible."""	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	2/10/06 9:44 PM
5829	cost	need to get away from the profit based health care and need some form of national health caren	national tax of some sort to help off set the cost of drugs and health care	vote for a democrat that's for the people and not for lobby groups	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/10/06 9:46 PM
5830	cost	lower the cost. Indian gaming.	NULL	put a ceiling on medical procedeures	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	2/10/06 9:46 PM
5831	"The thing that concerns me most about healthcare in America is the unaccessability for those who need it most.  Even if they can get it, it is so expensive they can't afford it.      Our leardership in this country is willing to spend billions of American tax payer's dollars to benefit our countries but, we can't seen to find enough money to provide quality, affordable healthcare to our own citizens.  It's just not right!"	I believe the only fair way is to have a totally government funded healthcare system funded by some type of tax.  This way everyone receives healthcare and everyone pays for it.	I believe the American people would be willing to pay more in taxes if they were assured that every American citizen would receive quality healthcare.	To make it affordable and accessable.	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	2/10/06 9:48 PM
5832	"People like me have no access to health care. I am not even able to find a job, let alone one with benefits. I am too young for Medicare and my husband is on Medicare and receives Social Security. "	This would be fair if ALL employers would pay their fair share.	"Maybe some pay cuts but we are cutting to the bone now with all the cost of living increases that have come our way (gas, heating, all utilities)."	"Have a health care safety net for people who are searching for work and willing to work, but most of all, have jobs available for people who want to work."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	2/10/06 10:01 PM
5833	"it is getting more expansive and that insurance companies do not cover everything, and if you have a claim, they will drop you"	"we should have a socialized plan like a lot of other countries,or expand the medicare system to cover everyone"	"most americans are afraid of socialized health care, because they believe the quality of it,is going to deminish, and they believe that good health care is a luxury only for those who can affort it"	"we need more preventative care, nutrition classes, early screenings"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/10/06 10:01 PM
5835	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	Over 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	2/10/06 10:20 PM
5836	That people like me can't afford coverage for myself nor my child.  Thank goodness I am able to get her on medicaid and/or Peachcare but I can't get any coverage for me.  Its disgusting this country is so unable to take care of its citizens and this is one area that everyone should be able to get coverage.  	"I don't think it should be so difficult to get government coverage, they act as if you are a criminal.  They don't realize that as a single parent you are sometimes the only one handling every aspect of the lives of your child and yourself and they make it impossible to just get coverage and keep it for a year, constantly sending you things to fill in, as if that's all you have to do.  Can't they just have a case worker come to your house and assist with this, just see if you're still in the same financial state instead of inundate you with forms and paper work.  And, not lose the paper work!  Atlanta has the most inept government employees.  I'd love a job with them to get it in order!  They ought to try to go through the system themselves before implementing their ""changes"" because they're never easier, they just make them more difficult.  Also, if you have someone go out into the field, like myself, and sit there and listen to people talk in the waiting area, you can catch the scammers pretty quickly because they love to tell everyone how they are scamming!  It amazes me that I've worked 25 years in this country and some of these people on welfare have never worked a day, yet I'm interogated and looked upon as a criminal and I just am trying to feed and shelter my child."	"I have a fabulous idea for a sponsorship for work in exchange for health and financial benefits.  If these corporations would sponsor a single parent, for example, provide them with job training while their children are in school (8:30-3:00 for example) so they can gain skills to improve their qualifications in the work force and provide the financial and health benefits, they'd greatly improve our society.  Its not that people are stupid, its that they haven't been given a chance to see what they are capable of learning/doing.  I myself am very capable, qualified individual, my self-worth is low because I can't get a job, because in some cases I'm over qualified and in others I'm under qualified, but I can do just about anything if someone shows me, and/or gives me a chance.  I have great ideas - just don't know an outlet."	"Move away from prescription drugs and into alternative healthcare, its already happening but the pharmaceutical companies block it every chance they get because they want the $$.  It’s quite sad and so many people fall into the trap that natural health is full of quacks, when I've worked for plenty MD's that are quacks!  The diet and healthy living are the secrets to good health; the medications only perpetuate more disease and dysfunction in our systems.  I'd say push for natural heath remedies and stop the pharmaceutical lobbyists - they're getting away with murder to be quite honest."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	2/10/06 10:23 PM
5839	"The fact that many do not have access to proper health care, both preventive and remedial."	"Yes.  We should have a 2 tier system.  A base tier (National Health Plan) that everybody contributes to via a tax, and a participatory program over and above the base, that would cover 'private' health care - private hospitals, etc."	"Given that Canada and Germany spend about 10% of GDP on health care and get the best levels of health care in the world, and that we in the US spend about 15.6% and get the 8th best, why should we have to compromise?"	Put realistic caps on the profits that the medical industry can make! 	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	2/10/06 10:53 PM
5840	"the way overpromotion by most all be they left or right politically for allopathic medicine over other health systems, including ayurveda, Oriental medicine, naturopathic and chiropractic, except for truly emergency medicine at which allopathy is excellent"	I am 100% for a single payer or totally socialized health care system	"some of the operations which are of questionable value, such as by-pass surgery, less use of prescription medicine and employing diet change, herbs and homoeopathy and improved diet more"	"Eat food that is organic and less processed plus very low in meat/chicken/fish/dairy, e.g., when Chinese serve pork fried rice, there are just very little pieces of pork mixed throughout large portions of rice, preferable brown & elimination of super concentrated sugars, such as sucrose and fructose, and instead use semiconcentrated ones such as malt, rice, maple or similar syrup sweeteners and do exercise regularly"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/10/06 11:15 PM
5841	"45 million uninsured, some 90 million underinsured in the wealthiest nation on Earth."	Dennis Kucinich's Enhanced Medicare For All bill.	None. It is not necessary.	Pass the Kucinich bill. Universal coverage is the only way. We are already paying for it but we are not getting it.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	2/10/06 11:19 PM
5842	It is not adequately focused on health maintainance and disease prevention.  So it is not working with the bodies immune system to prevent and heal.  It is controlled by the pharmaceutical industry with a focus of finding a drug for everyone	Health care should not be tied to employment.  It should be paid for with tax money collected using a progressive system of collecting the most from those most able to pay.	What is there to trade off for someone who cannot afford adequate health care?	Educate more health care providers who have a holistic approach to health care.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/10/06 11:36 PM
5843	Cost	Socialize the medical system...do away with insurance rip offs.	Everyone pays a standard fee for care. Same amount for everyone. Everyone entitled to same care.	"Socialize the health care industry in America. It works in Canada, it works in the UK."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	2/10/06 11:37 PM
5844	The cost of healthcare insurance. The cost of healthcare. Unrealistic and absurd malpractice lawsuits and the unethical attorneys that generate them.	Should be paid for by the employer.	none	Drive down the cost of healthcare and healthcare insurance.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	2/10/06 11:53 PM
5845	"The rich get great care; the poor none or incompetent; the middle sporadic, depending on what they can afford."	"HMOs are not a market efficiency - they are another way to funnel money into business and make doctors into corporate entities for profit. Insurance should be insurance - pooled risk, not a corporation designed for greatest profit with the clients as an afterthought."	"The public shouldn't have to shoulder the burden of putting profits in the pockets of the corporations that are running the insurance companies and the hmos and labs. If medical insurance were run like auto insurance, even with assigned risk, it would be affordable. Where it isn't (as with high risk patients or low-income segments of the population), the government should provide the insurance and pay the premiums. Regulation should be applied as if the medical industry were a utility - some regulations are in order and perhaps a cap on profits. "	NULL	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/11/06 12:07 AM
5846	"There no way to describe it! it is shamefull, the most powerful country and the richest in the world? yet we don't have adecuate health care for WORKING families, its a shame."	Employees are paying too much and not making enought money to support their families.	NOOOOO.	"since we are paying for congressman and senators and white house health care, ther should be enogh money for the people who pay for their benefits, perhaps take a few billions from american financed wars and give it back to the people, after all is our money, ins't it??"	male	45 to 64	Yes	Other	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	2/11/06 12:17 AM
5847	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	2/11/06 12:18 AM
5848	Uninsured Americans and the fact that our system is basically a market driven health care system.	"We should have a single payer, government run system."	I think Americans would accept a slightly higher income tax rate if they didn't have to pay for health insurance and everyone was covered.	Single payer. See Rep McDermott's bill.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/11/06 12:35 AM
5849	That it is driven by corporate profit instead of patient need.	"I don't know, I certainly am not tied to this way."	"My insurance covers 80% of almost all visits to the doctor.  I would be willing to take a smaller percentage if others were to gain at least major medical care, and hopefully preventive care."	get the drug companies and the health care coporations out of the legal process.  End their disproportionate access to Congress	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/11/06 12:56 AM
5850	"The High cost.  Not from doctors, but from large corporations that make products, and drug corporations."	"  What happened to the Clinton   approach?  Mrs. Clinton tried in 1993.  Legislators need to wake up!!!!   Medicare  only covers a fraction  of costs, as does Medicaid.   Please fix this, so doctors and hospitals get paid, and people continue to have great care."	co-pay's upto $20.00	Free choice of physician care.  Everyone should be covered.  	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/11/06 12:59 AM
5851	That alternative therapies are not given the repect they deserve and are not covered by many insurance plans.	Everyone should be covered like a socialist system.	To quit wasting money on wars.	"Fix the medical schools so that doctors are trained in all therapies and educated about prevention, nutrition and breastfeeding."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	2/11/06 1:03 AM
5852	The number of Americans who are going without adequate health care due to the current system of privfate insurance carriers and the inability of so many to afford insurance coverage.	"We should have universal coverage with a single payer, the government."	We already spend more per capita for poorer health care than other industrialized countries.  We don't have to make trade-offs; just get rid of the insurance companies.	"Universal coverage, single risk pool."	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/11/06 1:14 AM
5853	Lack of affordable quality care leaves healthcare attainable only for the wealthy.	I think all employers should make some contribution to healthcare wether through their insurance or directly to public healthcare agencies.	I think most Americans want to minimize trade-offs because a benefit that may be of little importance in one point in your life may be a necessity sooner or later in your life.	Healthcare should be the primary goal of healthcare workers who have to spend too much time in administrative functions dealing with different healthcare plans and explaining benefits. A standardization of benefits should be stressed.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	2/11/06 2:08 AM
5854	The fact that each year it gets harder for the lower/middle class to secure or maintain a healthcare plan that meets minimum standards for effectiveness and affordablity even though they carry this nation on their backs.	Healthcare should be completely covered by the government.  This has proven to be completely effective and possible.	"I think americans would be willing to sacrafice some of their false security afforded in a $450 billion dollar defense budget for health care that treats real cases of illness as opposed to fictional possibilities of future ""attacks on our freedom""."	Stop the war and shift our priorities as a nation.	male	Under 25	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/11/06 2:38 AM
5855	my biggest concern is that more than 40 million people have no health insurance.	The government should have a preventive health care system	No war.	copy other health care systems from other countries that are able to provide health care to its people.	female	25 to 44	Yes	Other	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/11/06 2:48 AM
5856	The high cost of insurance. I feel that proper tests may not be run do tothe costs involved.	I do believe all emploers large and small should give their workers insurance. There should be programs or better tax cuts for those employers.	you can not tade when it is people lives at stake.	I feel that everyone no matter who you are deserve to have the best medicine has to offer	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/11/06 2:53 AM
5857	"Some of my concerns are: That about 45 million people don't have any health  insurance, and who knows how many people work at jobs they hate (which is no good for mental health), because they cannot afford to be without benefits.    That many people without insurance have to choose between food or doctor, and as a result, thousands of people die utterly pointless, stupid deaths that were completely unavoidable. Shame on this country!    How easy it is to go from being a have to a have-not; all you have to do is lose your job.    I've lived under socialised medicine in both England and Canada, and while those systems are not perfect, they're a hell of a lot better than what exists here. There are a lot of lies told about socialised medicine.    How bad does it have to get before Americans ""get it."" ? Does everybody's mother and everybody's son have to be driven to the poorhouse before Americans stand up and yell, Enough!""  ?"	It obviously doesn't work! It needs a major overhaul.     It needs to be taken away from for-profit corporations and made public. 	"How much of a tax would it cost from every American to pay for adequate coverage for all? Less than people would think, I bet, and I believe many people would think it money well spent.    "	"Quit thinking that we have it so good here. For those 45 million uninsured Americans, they'd be better off living in Mexico."	female	45 to 64	No	Other	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/11/06 2:59 AM
5859	  Availability	Stop war.  Universal health plan.	Higher taxes on rich people.	Universal health care.	female	Over 64	No	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	2/11/06 5:54 AM
5860	"cost, lack of availibility, waste nd profiteering"	go to universl singel payer	"None, unless you call dumping wealthy leeches a trade-off"	Universality	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/11/06 6:06 AM
5861	The huge number of people who can't afford health care at all in the richest nation on Earth.	We should have National Health Care like Canada.	I think the American people want their tax money used for health care.	National health care like Canada's.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	2/11/06 6:27 AM
5863	"I am lucky to have Medicare and secondary insurance,meaning we paid little when my wife needed health care. Prescriptions are cheap. I think everyone should have this. High deduct-ibles and premiums are out of many people's reach so they go without care or go to the ER. Gov't. employees and the military have better plans, why not everyone else?. The working poor just get sick and that is not right."	Yes.  There should be a base hmo-type plan everyone has with health insurance outside of the plan being optional. You want it you buy it.  Everyone should be covered.	A central system should cost less so small businesses should find that attractive. Costs for everyone could go down. I don't see the trade-off. 	Control medical inflation and regulate costs to consumers for care and prescriptions.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/11/06 6:48 AM
5864	"The cost and how, if you don't have insurance, you can't afford it."	Yes.  I think everyone should have insurance or no one should.  Then it would be an even playing field.	I think we are all ready for national health insurance.	Provide it for everyone.	female	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	2/11/06 7:13 AM
5865	Cost	Put everyone under one health care plan	There shouldn't be any trade offs if prices for drugs and services are negotiated by one server.	Cut the administrative costs that are charged by each health care provider.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	2/11/06 7:26 AM
5866	high cost	no	none	get bush out	male	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	2/11/06 7:26 AM
5869	That hard working people will be debt for the rest of their lives because they can't afford to go to the doctors or they could end up with something serious like cancer and not get any treatment and die because they can't affpord medical bills	National health caree for all American citizens. Itt's part of the Declaration of Human Rights to provide aforable medical and health care for all people. This country is breaking an international law by not doing so.	I'd personally would be willing to have money taken from my employer to ensure I have medical coverage or even pay more taxes. 	"Make it affordable. I make less than 15,000 dollars how do hospitals expect me to pay for everything I need to live and a bill for over 3,000 dollars. There are many Anmericans like that who get bills that they are expected to pay that are for thousands of dollars and then there's rent, bills and of course we need to eat and if you have medical conditions that require medicine everyday. Whhere do they expect us to get the money to pay off the medical bills."	female	25 to 44	No	Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	2/11/06 8:55 AM
5871	"Spiraling costs, particulally for meds, put it beyond the means of all but the wealthy.  This is discriminatory and morally bankrupt."	"Our nation could have universal, affordable care at a fraction of current costs if it were SINGLE PAYER.  Just listen to Dennis Kucinich for details."	SLASH PENTAGON SPENDING RUN AMOK.	"Negociate aggressively with pharmacutical companies for same low prices they give their ""preferred"" customers."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/11/06 9:11 AM
5872	People are desprate and dying because of no health insurance.	Unemployed and poor people need insurance too!	Stop the war and put the money into health care for all!	Make health care available for everyone.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	2/11/06 9:26 AM
5873	The fact that the majority of Americans are either unable to afford health insurance now or will be faced with devastating health care costs in the future - homes & savings can be lost in the blink of an eye.  Seniors should not have to go back to work just for health care & they should never have to cut down on their medications or choose between food & pharmaceuticals.  It's just plain wrong!	"We need a National Health Care plan.  With huge numbers of people paying on to the same plan, costs can be minimized & the savings should benefit the citizens of this country. The more you earn, the more you should pay & there should be no cut-offs for people making more than a certain amount (as with social security & wages over $91 grand...)"	The trade-offs need to be made by pharmaceudical corporations & insurance companies; they are reaping the profits from the current system.  These huge profits are finding their way into the accounts of an elite group of uber-wealthy individuals in this country.  It is just plain wrong.  How much $$ does one man or family really need?	"EQUALITY!  People should never be faced with the prospect of losing their homes & life-long savings because of health care costs.  I am tired of hearing about friends & family who are only taking half of their medications or skipping them every day or two becaus they are too expensive.  Medical Science has advanced exponentially & our lifespans are growing, but to what end?  To keep people alive longer so their finances can be drained?  So they become enslaved to the pharmaceutical companies?  Something needs to be done - NOW!"	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/11/06 9:31 AM
5875	Health Care is NOT Universal! It must be universal in order to prtect all.	Government must look to Canada and commit the resources to ensure that all peoples have qual access to all health care.	There are NO TRADE OFFS!  Less money spent on a WAR MACHINE!	UNIVERSALITY accessible for ALL	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	na	2/11/06 10:03 AM
5877	"I am concerned about the cost and the many people that have no coverage.  I have had to cover myself as an individual when my husband went into the medicare system.  I am 10 years younger than he is, and we have spent a good bit of our retirement funds on my insurance premiums. Each year the rates go up and coverage goes down."	"We need to have one single pool of Americans who are insured.  This would help spread ther risk and everyone could be covered.  Employers could contribute to the costs, but individuals should be able to contribute on their own.  Expanding medicare would be the best way to go!"	I think the American people are now ready to embrace a government run program like the one in Canada.  They are willing to sacrifice some conveniences for lower costs.	"Simplify the asdministrative costs by reducing the number of insurance companies, and expand the medicare program to include all legal American citizens."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	2/11/06 10:22 AM
5879	The fact that so many working americans do not have health coverage because it is so expensive and they don't make enough to pay for it plus all of their other expenses and those of us who have good health care coverages from our employers are in danger of losing it because our employers can not afford it any more.	I think it is time to make the hmo's accountable for the high rates their charging for coverage.	"They have to make it affordable. Most of us are willing to pay for a percentage but most of us just cant pay the whole premium, most times the premiums are more than our house payments. We have to weigh our priorities. Do we eat this month or do we pay our health care premiums. I think it is completely luducrous that we live in the richest country and people are dying because they cant afford to go to the doctor."	We need to implement a universal coverage that includes everyone not just the ones rich enough to pay for it.	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	2/11/06 10:36 AM
5880	"Benefits are being cut to keep costs down, and co-pays for more UFCW members are on the horizon.  "	Government sponsored Single Payer Health Plan.	Modest tax increase on employers and individuals.	See answer 2.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/11/06 10:43 AM
5881	getting any healthcare	national healthcare	you shouldn't have to lose substantial benefits for something that should be a right for all americans	"i don't know about other states but in ny we pay a medicare tax. raise the tax a little so its more affordable for the government to push for nationalized healthcare and have the government put restrictions on hospitals, private practices, and pharmacutical companies who don't comply to moving forward for a more affordable and reasonable health care system."	male	Under 25	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/11/06 10:49 AM
5882	It's a for-profit system that benefits from illness: a non-profit system would cut costs by promoting health.	"It should be paid for exclusively by government with negotiated fees to health care professionals, hospitals, drug companies (with research paid for by the government to benefit all); the VA system is a model to build from."	"They only will buy a plan that costs them personally less. They don't care about others, overall cost or benefits. They have to be shown that a universal, government run program will really be less out of their pockets in health care expenses and taxes. I believe the proof is available."	A single payer system.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	2/11/06 10:49 AM
5884	"The lack of it and the resulting poverty that people undergo in order to provide needed medication for themselves and family.The fact that many doo not have access to Doctors, surgury,medications. A country supposedly as rich as the USA should be providing for its own, what happened to your liberty and justice for all. You are obviously not one peoples, the haves and the have nots."	"Totally government with appropriate taxation of the  hgher income persons to pay  for it,"	"None, it is doable. Spend less o spin doctoring and foreign wars."	"equal access, medical, and ancillary benefits, glasses, dental, physio, chiropractic, massage."	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	na	2/11/06 11:02 AM
5885	Cost and quality	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/11/06 11:04 AM
5886	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/11/06 11:06 AM
5888	rising costs.also the reduction of benefits or higher payments given to retired.union contracts go to the table and the retirees go on the chopping block	not at this time	a reduction in pay in order to have better heath care costs.young people (16 to 21) are not as concerned with heath benefits.	" the goverment needs to work on reducing heath care costs so that young people, fixed income (retired) and lower wage people can get quality heath care."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/11/06 11:34 AM
5889	COST IS ALWAYS GOING UP AND WE AS WORKERS ARE   PAYING MORE FOR LESS AND OUR SPENDABLE INCOME  IS GOING DOWN	"THERE SHOULD BE MORE REALISTIC CONTROLS ON HOW  MUCH MEDICINES,SERVICE,ETC. CAN INCREASE EACH  YEAR"	"WE ALREADY GAVE UP COST OF LIVING WAGE,REAL  INCREASES IN WAGE PER CONTRACT AND WE STILL   ARE PAYING MORE OUT OF POCKET EXPENCES"	HAVE EVERYONE PAY THEIR FAIR SHARE	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/11/06 11:34 AM
5890	Overuse of prescription drugs and lack of proper education of doctors on preventive measures.	Universal healthcare with taxes	less military and spying budget 	Reality  ..more fast food restaurants offering food without so much sugar ..Making Doctors live on an organic farm for one week and see if that improves their awareness that all the drugs they  give are adding to the problem	female	45 to 64	NULL	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/11/06 11:43 AM
5891	that so few people have adequate health insurance/ that health care through HMO's is so inferior and without compassion or true caring that it actually is harmful to the patient/consumer.	"we need national health insurance paid for by the government, as clinton and gore proposed -   cut the tax cuts for the rich - and for corporations - there is more than enough money to pay for all of it."	none are necessary - see above.    elective plastic surgeries could be eliminated .    that's it.	national government-funded health care for each and every citizen of the us.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	2/11/06 11:46 AM
5892	That Bush is going to destroy Medicare.    Prescriptions drugs    	  No	 There wouldn't have to have any trade off if Bush & his boys were not on the take from the drug co. & others.	     Get the demorcratic party back in power.    	male	Over 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	2/11/06 11:46 AM
5893	 Outrageous cost of even the simplest things - a simple doctor's office call is $60!	" We are living in the only industrialized country in the free world that doesn't take care of it's citizens!! Then we brag about being the richest, the fairest ,etc. CRAP.The fact that even one U.S. citizen could lie down on the street and die for lack of basic care is not only disgusting - it,s CRIMINAL in my opinion - especially since so many of the country's elite blow millions on trivial crap."	 I already pay a pretty hefty sum every month for health insurance thru my employer - so if this Group Insurance thing works for a group of a few hundred people - why won't it work even better for a group of a few hundred thousand?	 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	2/11/06 11:46 AM
5894	people without insurance are paying more than double what the insured person pays.  all individuals should have access to health care.	the payments should be more equal.  the individual has to pay so much more if he is not working for a large corporation.	I would work some extra hours.	the self-employed and minimum wage individual should not have to pay outrageous fees as compared to large businesses.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/11/06 11:51 AM
5895	"Corporatized fragmentary system run by the insurance, pharmaceutical, HMO industries and their surrogates in government agencies, academia and our captive media "	Government funded with minimal enrollment fee	NULL	"UNIVERSAL Medicare, including nursing home and   in-home care "	male	Over 64	No	NULL	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	2/11/06 12:05 PM
5897	"That over 45 million men, woman and children don't have it! "	If every Company would put a percentage of their profits into a Health Care fund this might finance a Health Care system which would benefit those who don't have any. The Companies would then get a tax break on the money they put into these funds. 	The Tax paying American public should not have any trade offs! Let the billion dollar Corporations pay their FAIR SHARE into the system! 	Every Company should pay into SOME kind of Health Care sytem.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/11/06 12:12 PM
5898	that as a retiree we are more vulnerable to having our benefits diminished without having a voice in the changes that are being made.	Companies should provide healthcare to its employees regardless of the number of hours they work.	???? don't know.	curb the costs of medical care so that it is reasonable for either the employer or the average citizen to be able to afford coverage.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/11/06 12:28 PM
5899	"Health care is needed for everyone.  The poor, those who have minimum wage jobs, and children are living without this health base in their lives."	We should have a universal health care system that is not-for-profit and developed to take care of all our people.  It could advance the programs we already have.  We also need to repair the medicaid and medicare programs to set them out of the clutches of the pharmaceutical and HMOs.	A non-profit universal program would save much with one system of paperwork and no charges for CEO pay.  The Canadian and Scandinavian programs work well.	Universal Health Care modeled after the successful systems already in place (Canada and Sweden) which would replace the many Health insurance plans that necessarily have a built-in payment for profit.  	female	Over 64	No Response	Decline to answer	NULL	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	2/11/06 12:32 PM
5901	Costs are out of control for prescriptions and doctor visits not to mention hospitalization.  Every year the quality my health plan goes down (empire).  Mmore and more doctors are refusing to participate as newtork doctors.  Treatments such as physical therapy and psychotherapy receive little or no coverage.  	"The healthcare industry needs to be much more regulated, especially pharmaceutical companies.  It is horrible that it is cheaper for U.S. citizens to fly to countries in Asia to have heart and hip replacement surgeries than to have them performed here.  Senior citizens should not have to purchase drugs in Canada because price gauging is allowed in the US."	NONE!  	It is time for the healthcare and pharmaceutical corporations to be regulated more heavily by the US government.  They are out of control and earning record profits at the expense of American citizens and are crippling small businesses and middle class and low income workers that cannot afford to provide or pay for health coverage.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/11/06 1:03 PM
5903	That we don't have national health care.	"We need to ensure that those who make the most pay the most, so as to have a strong health care system."	Not sure.	People need to understand that it's a right.	male	Under 25	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	2/11/06 1:44 PM
5904	States backing off-privatizing care-raising consumer cost-Bushes new privatized employee plans-shirking the burden to consumers.Also-Pharma lobby has been advocating unsafe drugs-we don't need tort reform-the drugs corps should be kept accountgable.	Universal health care like Clinton proposes is great-Canadian style	I think the public would go w/ universal health-the problem is Pharma and the HMO-s-doctors lobbys-keep prices up.	reforming the FDA-breaking Pharmas back-defeating tort reform-passing universal health care	male	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/11/06 1:45 PM
5905	That not everyone is covered and cost are not controled.	We should have a single payer system.	"Move to a single payer system will involove no trade offs, since it will control costs and expand coverage."	Single payer is the best way. 	male	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/11/06 1:51 PM
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5908	It's unaffordable. Just last month I received a letter from Blue Cross saying that my premium is going up again. 	I don't think it's right that health insurance companies should be profitting on Americans' health. That is sick.	"I personally don't use drugs unless it's an emergency, so make that optional. I also would like to see more alternative preventitive coverage for things like accupuncture, which is an age old system                                                   "	"Make it accessible to the self-employed and the un-insured. I would be willing to pay a monthly premium, say about $50-100 for full coverage. As it is, I'm paying more than that for less than ull coverage.                                            "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/11/06 2:07 PM
5909	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	2/11/06 2:19 PM
5910	It places our healthcare into the hands of private insurance companies which has turned into one hugh nightmare.	National Healthcare should be enacted into law to cover everyone in this country.	"Most earmarks that are nothing more than paybacks to special interests, lobbyists, pork for states back home for promises made--i.e., part of this administration's corruption.    Also, bring our soldiers home, stop our fighting.  This is an invented war.  The money spent on an illegal war could very well fund healthcare for everyone."	"Re-write the Medicare Law enacted by the drug companies and Bill Frist cabal that prevents bidding on lower drug prices and that also places our healthcare into the hands of privately owned insurance companies, several of which are owned by Bill Frist's family."	female	Over 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	2/11/06 2:44 PM
5911	THE RISING COST OF HEALTH COVERAGE.	"YES. WE SHOULD HAVE GOVERNMENT FUNDED HEALTH CARE, FOR AMERICANS MAKING LESS THAN $100,000. "	PROBABLY NOT MANY.	PROTECT THE DOCTORS FROM LAWSUITS.	male	25 to 44	No	Black or African American	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DE	2/11/06 3:09 PM
5913	Health Insurance for retirees. I haven't any insurance now because I am 63 and unemployed.  	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	2/11/06 3:27 PM
5915	"The JCAHO is a self-perpetuating, ever-growing disaster which has done nothing except make health care more inefficient and costly.    Physicians should be able to deny unnecessary care and prescriptions to individuals who abuse the health care system without repercussions. There are a large and increasing number of people with Medicaid and with private insurance who abuse drugs (especially opiates and sedatives)and health care services simply because they believe the services are ""free."" I am personally aware of a number of individuals who spend all their waking hours trying to obtain controlled substances at no or little charge and then sell them for huge profits. Good medical care is a privilege and should be provided without reservation to those in need but denied to those who abuse the privilege.    Make plaintiffs' attorneys in malpractice suits pay the costs for the defense if the judgment exonerates the defendant.    Make it easy for physicians to sue plaintiffs' attorneys and ""expert witnesses"" who lie.    Make plaintiffs' attorneys in malpractice cases work for a fixed hourly rate rather than for a percentage of the settlement.    All malpractice cases should be presented to a designated group of physicians to judge their legitimacy before going to trial.    Remove the profit-taking by the middle men (hospital executives, HMOs, insurance companies). This alone would probably cut the costs of health care by a third. The amount of money being paid to insurance company executives, HMO CEOs and hospital administrators is obscene. In one year the CEO of United Health care made almost $100 million. The best solution would be to have a national health insurance plan that covers everyone with efficient administration and no profit motive for administration.    Physicians , not consumers, should be entrusted with decisions regarding how medical care should be delivered. Consumer satisfaction is a ridiculous measure of the adequacy or appropriateness of health care.    Stop the idiotic proliferation of ""pain management"" clinics. All they serve to do is create legions of drug addicts. People who want to abuse drugs should have to obtain them on the street and suffer the stigmata of drug addiction rather than be given the respectability of contrived diagnoses such as ""chronic pain syndrome,"" chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.     There should be some mandatory copayment for all medical care, even under a national health insurance program, as a disincentive to people who abuse the system.        "	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	2/11/06 3:48 PM
5918	Rising cost in health insurance and rising cost of perscription drugs.	More Employers should provide more affordable health insurance.	We shouldn't have to make trade-offs.	"Lower the cost of insurance, the insurance companies are getting richer and working Americans are getting poorer."	female	25 to 44	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	2/11/06 4:50 PM
5919	Health care should be universal. No one should be without adequate health care in the richest country in the world.	"To the dismay of some, I believe ealth care needs to be regulated. This way we would take the ""hired hand' aspect form doctors, the FDA, politicians, lobbyists, HMO's and insurance companies. The reason costs are too high is because of greed. There's a way to regulate this field and still maintain competition."	"Congress needs to free up some of that corporate welfare money. It's amazing what can be done when people don't feel as is they're carrying those less fortunate. While there's always going to be a degree of wrongdoing,(after all-some people feel they can never have enough money and what it buys) giving americans the correct information about the real costs in healthcare may make them realize they've bee lied to and the costs may be less than they think.."	"Lobbyists have to be regulated in such a way that former members of Congress should have to wait a longer time before they can accept positions or contracts from lobbyists, their firms and related companies that had business in the Congress they served and these lobbyists should be required to report any and all monies given to a member of Congress, directly or indirectly, on a quartely basis, with limits for each quarter.   "	female	45 to 64	No	Black or African American	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/11/06 4:51 PM
5920	The cost.  The different standards of health care depending on the wealth/status/race of the individual.  The lack of mental health care.  The health care being provided to our returning injured military (but that is another subject).	"No, it is too large a problem for someone such as I to solve. "	NULL	"I dont think we can. We would have to recognize each individual as a unique and special human being. Unfortunately, we are too far along to go back to such basics. Now, those that have consider those that have not nothing more that a means to achieve their agenda."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	2/11/06 4:54 PM
5923	"Availability,cost,and quality"	"Unfortunately with Wallmart's lead,employers are demanding more money for health care,and making it harder to qualify.It is time for the government to  step in and actually legislate something for the  average American in spite of all the money thrown  at them from the insurance lobby."	"I'm afraid health care will soon be at a cost level  that the average person cannot afford.Therefore,  benefits would have to be sacrificed."	To have lawmakers respond to the people they  represent rather than the lobbyists who feed   their re-election coffers.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/11/06 5:19 PM
5924	"People are actually turned away for lack of money, it didn't used to be that way."	It isn't right that some companies have to pay less for insurance just because they have more employees.  Insurance needs to be revamped so there is a base cost for everyone.	"Benefits, none.  They would probably be willing to equalize basic insurance premiums though."	Everybody has to be charged the exact same amount for the exact same treatment.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	2/11/06 6:05 PM
5926	"The lack of health insurance for 48 million Americans, and the cost of health care."	"We need a single payer health care system, like Canada's system."	The only possible trade-offs are some people feeling that they may have more success resolving conflicts with a health insurance company they've been with for a long time.  	There should be more attention on health maintenance and preventive care.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/11/06 7:53 PM
5927	what my wife and I will do when we retire	all health care should be provided to those over  65 with assets under 2 million  all others from taxes at work	no trade offs health insurance for everyone	come up with a few simple rules to govern it	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/11/06 7:55 PM
5928	"to expensive, and the price keeps going up and up.. more and more is getting put on the employee"	weed out the cheap providers that have high deductables and alot of out of pocket expenses	"i dont mind paying for health care as long as i get decent coverage, which means very little out of pocket expense, lower prescription cost,and pay less for office visits "	how did it get this high to start with??? do Doctors need to make hundreds of thousands a year in salary?? is making the drugs so expensive to produce and why?? 	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/11/06 8:03 PM
5931	"The rising cost of health insurance premiums, the rising costs of all medical procedures as well as the amount of underinsured and uninsured individuals and families. Additionally, that the western modality of treatment only covers symptom based medicine as opposed to really focusing on prevention. "	I think that all people should have access to health care. I believe that people that make more money should contribute more so that every person in our country is covered. I believe that there could be a way to cover all individuals and for those who are not living life to better themselves then possibly they have any tax incentives available to them possibly removed. 	"I don't think the American public has a clue how to make this succeed. Our country works off a mentality that everyone is on their own and not working together to develop community programs such as healthcare. I think that people think that as long as they and their families are covered then everything is fine. Somehow we became a society that lost sight of what would actually work. Think about how other societies across the world provide something in terms of medical care to as many people as possible. Native tribes use a ""shaman"" or medicine person to provide care, it has nothing to do with cost. It has to do with what that community believes their values are, oneness. We don't have that and until we work closer to obtaining this the cost of medical treatment will rise tremendously. "	"My most important recommendation is to stop trying to ""fix"" what is broken with a band aid approach. Start putting funding into true prevention programs and see them through. People know that prevention works, yet funding in these programs are one of the first to be cut, how can we ever make headway if this is the way we look at healthcare in our country? Our children and children's children will be worse off than we are because nothing is changing other than the cost. "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	2/11/06 8:20 PM
5932	"I have Medicare and it pays for very little and has a high copay. We get no dental, no eyecare and the prescription part D plan is a joke. I will probably die because of poor healthcare"	No insurers-universal government-run healthcare just like Belgium and Canada	NULL	universal healthcare government-run	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/11/06 8:29 PM
5933	"Its not accessible for all. Even if it were ""affordable"" alot of us will not be able to afford it. What is thought to be affordable is thought by those that have, not those that have not.I for the first time in my working career am making over $40,000 per year. Last year without paying any federal taxes out of my paychecks because of exempt status in previous years have about $300 to my name. How would I be able to afford healthcare with all that extra dough? My son has free healthcare from the State of Wisconsin, but his deductibles are so high that I would be paying for his Dr. visits for that entire year before I hit the deductible level that only costs me 10% of the visit. Where do you think that $2,000 deductible will come from? The $300 I've managed to save? I'm not a brilliantly intelligent person, but I know you can't squeeze $2,000 out of a $300 lemon."	Our tax base should pay for healthcare. My employer can't afford to pay my healthcare unless my income stays stagnant. Healthcare costs are outrageous.	"Why should we have to make trade-offs? I haven't heard of any ""trade-offs"" in those countries that have Universal Healthcare. Even though horrific stories are brought up by those opposed to Universal Healthcare, I haven't heard of any yet. I even have taken to asking persons that I know are from countries with Universal Healthcare if they've ever heard of disaster stories and I haven't heard any from them yet either. They've never heard of anyone being refused any care or operation that was necessary."	Offer it to all Americans. We can't improve health if we don't improve the healthcare situation.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	2/11/06 8:40 PM
5934	The large number of people who are uninsured and who therefore do not have regular access to health care.	I favor socializing the entire health care insurance and health care service systems. I favor public funding of a new health care system by means of income taxes.	Access to certain expensive procedures that are currently available to wealthy individuals may need to be limited in order to adequately fund a health care system that provides universal coverage. A public heath care system would mean the end of the private health care insurance industry. People who currently work in that industry would have to find some other source of employment.	"Include everyone inside the health care system, all with the right to equal access to health care services."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	2/11/06 10:08 PM
5936	"Too many Americans can not afford to be treated by health care professionals, especially too many children."	Tax incentives for companies that provide health care benifits for their employees. Small companies should be able to join together to take advantage of group rates. Corperations like Wal-Mart should be penalized for not providing decent health care benifits for it's employees.	That's an interesting question. I don't have an answer.	Put controls in place on the Insurance Industry. It needs to be illegal for them to continue the way they are now. 	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	2/11/06 10:39 PM
5937	Every raise a person gets is ate up by the rising cost of insurance each year!	With all the money the government is spending on foreign aid and rebuilding other countries we could have National Health Care in America.	Shouldn't have to trade off anything.	Allow us to go to doctor of our choice.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	2/11/06 10:56 PM
5939	That more & more people apparently have no health insurance.	"If employers are to continue to provide coverage, all employers must participate, nationwide."	Those of us with good coverage are loathe to lose it or have it diminished.  	"Health care ought to be a right, like K-12 education, paid for through taxes.  But exactly how to effect this without compromising quality I do not know."	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/11/06 11:47 PM
5941	"More and more, and already too many Americans, cannot get it at least without being damaged or even wiped out financially."	I cannot be specific about what we should do but I can say the system as it is now is a disaster for all but the wealthy.	I would like to think that those Americans who have benefited the most in the last decade or so would be willing to share a little of their wealth toward fixing or at least helping the system.  I can't be too specific as there are lots of different ways to go.	"SINGLE most important?  How about a growing, increasingly militant issue-focused coalition such as you guys putting increasing, unrelenting pressure on our politicians--no rest until we start making real changes or getting results.  It's hard to just pick one but this is a good one."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/12/06 12:16 AM
5942	that only those with money can afford decent health care. 	Universal health care/single payer health plan is the only fair way to assure health coverage for all Americans. 	tax the highest incomes; that will fund such a plan. 	single payer health plan for all ages. 	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/12/06 12:30 AM
5943	"That is is not accesible to every US citizen, and that coverage comes from insurance companies rather that universally from the government"	"Yes, I think we should have national health care, provided by the government"	"There should not be a trade off. Health care should be provided, as i have stated above, by the federaal government."	To make it universal through the government (US and state) and to end the policy that only those with health care insurance will get satisfactory benefits.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/12/06 1:16 AM
5944	Everything is to privatised and expensive	"Employers should be contributing more, and not reducing the wages to employees."	Stop the high cost of the military domination of other countries!	Take care of the disenfranchised is paramount	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	na	2/12/06 1:19 AM
5945	The cost of prescriptions and doctors visits. 	make it so everyone gets a chance to have reliable and affordable health care. 	none 	"have a more streamlined system for health care, and affordable to everyone. "	male	25 to 44	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	2/12/06 1:28 AM
5946	Cost and access.	Lower costs for all.	Willing? None. 	"First, kill all the lawyers (and insurance companies and pharmaceutical CEOs with bloated salaries who waste money on useless advertising)."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/12/06 3:16 AM
5947	The cost	I think we need a national health care system that covers all Americans	With the higher costs for insurance coverage that more and more Americans are being forced to absorb the time might be ripe for a single payer system.	Control the insurance companies. One of the richest industries in this country with no oversight is destroying the lives of Americans.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/12/06 3:16 AM
5950	"  The fundamental philosophical problem with healthcare is that we are trying to deal with the problems of 2006 in a healthcare ""system"" designed during the 1950's. I have studied this exact issue for almost a decade, both clinically as a front line nurse as well as academically up thru the phd.     The only realistic thing we can do is protect what we do well and restructure the rest. The only practical model for doing this is the public utility model. I refer especially to the PUHCA legislation in 1935. By setting up what amounts to health care zones, we can spread the profits thru this not-for-profit system, drastically reducing the cost of healthcare. By empowering the ""second"" tier of primary care practitioners (nurse practitioners), we can open up preventative access in such areas as womens health, pre-natal health, and other areas to begin reducing downstream health care costs.     By assisting the development of community based health care centers, we can begin offering services at convenient times for the ever busy American public, taking some of the pressure off our ER systems.     There are so many benefits to this plan. AFFORDABLE healthcare insurance for every American. A tremendous reduction in State Medicaid expenditures.                              "	what else is there?	"Well, they certainly won't support the 40 to 45% tax rate to cover national healthcare!  As usual, the American public will expect a HYATT healthcare system at a motel6 cost."	"Liberate nurse practitioners in every State to practice independently and give them Schedule 2 - 5 prescriptive authorty on a national level thru Medicaid and Medicare reduced contributions unless enacted.  Why is this so important? We need innovative programs to reach out to working families and single parents. We need community based practices to make health care affordable, convenient, and available. We need primary practitioners, and the MD numbers are dwindling. We need to reach women, as they are the primary determinants of how families utilize the healthcare system. All of these and more are the strengths of nurse practitioners. "	male	45 to 64	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/12/06 8:47 AM
5953	Majority of US population cannot afford health care for themselves or their family members.  There should be a cap of all procedures across the board and Doctors and Hospitals need to STOP having expensive facilities and help the people through lower charges.  A max of $20 to $25 an office visit.	The US should look to Canada and Europe for solutions.  The Canadians and Europeans have free health care and their system works.	"STOP Government wasteful spending.  Take the cream off the top and put it into health care, education and drug/alchohol rehab."	See above statement re: modeling Canadian and European Health Care services.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	2/12/06 8:51 AM
5957	"1. High cost of education for nurses and  advanced degree nurses. I am currently enrolled in a master's program so that I can teach nursing in college. I have been an RN for over 17 years. My MSN will have cost me over $50,000 when it is all said and done. Colleges are turning away potential nursing students due to a faculty shortage. This is not going to help solve the nationwide nursing shortage. Nursing professors definitely deserve and need pay increases.    2. Lack of adequate reimbursement for home care services, including the most vital service,(educating patients). With appropriate patient education in the home, where patients actually absorb the information, we can significantly reduce the number of readmissions to the hospital for frequent flyers such as CHF and Diabetes patients. Due to short inpatient stays, these folks are not receiving adequate information in the hospital which will enable them to be independent with their disease management. They also don't remember much of what is taught in the stressful inpatient environment.It is of the utmost importance, also, that these patients are taught in their own environment so that the necessary adjustments in their disease management can be made. This will ensure better knowledge and compliance with their programs of wellness."	"I think the employee-based health care is good. There should be a way that all employers can offer their employees coverage at a reduced cost. I am fiercly against giving those who are able to work a free ride (medicaid for those who are capable). Also, I believe there needs to be a penalty invoked, not an incentive given in the form of more money, for those women who keep having more babies just to get more cash assistance. As a home care nurse, I have seen how many of them abuse the system, and it is criminal. "	I am personally willing to pay higher taxes.	"Stop the TV advertisements of prescription meds so that the pharmaceutical companies lower their prices. I have heard that they spend about 80% of the cost of a pill, on the advertising of that pill. That is nothing short of criminal."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	2/12/06 9:16 AM
5958	"45 million or so with no insurance, many others with insurance inadequate to protect them from financial hardship or bankruptcy if faced with severe medical problem. health care that makes prevention economically disadvantageous for providers. For profit insurance companies dictating care at patients' expense."	"we need a single payer system (such as medicare) extended to all. Medicare is not perfect but its overhead (percentage) is vastly lower than those of profit driven insurers. Also, insurance should not be tied to employment, a system that currently limits the choices of workers who may face losing health insurance by leaving an unsatisfactory job."	don't know. The phrasing of this question is prejudicial; there is no reason to think a first rate system cannot be created that will give everyone access to appropriate care. We need the political will to find funding for this not by compromises in health care but in such measures as repealing tax cuts passed by the Bush goverment to benefit primarily the very wealthiest among us.	national single payer system. 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	2/12/06 9:37 AM
5960	It's becoming so stratified.  The wealthy and connected have good healthcare while the poor and more and more of the middle class  do not.  It's part of a bigger problem in government (starting from Reagan) in which a small wealthy corporate  elite gets richer and richer (through legislation and tax breaks that favor them) and the rest of us are drifting downward to a peasant (or serf) class. 	We should have a single payer plan in which federal taxes pay for healthcare for every American.  Every single other industrialized country does this and pays less per patient than we do and gets better healthcare results.  We pay inflated amounts for medicines because of pharmaceutical company lobbying and donations to politicians and yet there are almost 50 million uninsured Americans.	"I think Americans will pay more in taxes to get healthcare for everyone as long as corporations are forced to pay their fair share.  Additionally, much could be financed by taking back the needless tax cuts given to millionaires by Bush."	"Get a charasmatic ""champion"" to cut through the conservative Republican propaganda on this issue and explain to working class people how they are being shafted by Republican policies that always favor the wealthy above everything else.  (I'd say Barack Obama except I think he voted for that terrible to the regular person bankrupcy bill.) Work on getting the Democrats to go back to focusing on working class bread and butter issues like this (and, dare I say it, affordable housing as well, of course. as decent paying jobs)."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/12/06 10:12 AM
5962	Health care is not affordable and/or available to more and more Americans. Wage packages are not keeping up with inflation. Corporate America keeps getting higher packages while the employees are told that they must take cuts to allow the business to survive. Offshoring is another catastrophic event that will cripple the American worker. 	All employers should be required to pay a flat tax to provide the workers with a medical coverage plan if they don't already have one provided for them.	CEO's and all other officers can give up part of their copious packages to finance the plan as well as the stockholders. I hold investments such as that but it would be better to spend a little now to protect the assets ( the employee ) and have a consumer base so my stock will be worth something when I retire.	Flat tax across the board for all legal employees.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/12/06 10:20 AM
5963	"We all need health care and the cost is very high so, we need to get it down where the average and below can have at least basic care."	"I think that all employers should be mandated to offer health care to their employees. With that in mind I think the cost will go down for everyone because it is like an insurance policy, the more that pay in the lower the premium. Also there are to many choices for health insurance."	"I think the frills that we get will suffer the most, New cars, New houses, Boats, Ect."	It needs to be made available to everyone!!!	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	2/12/06 11:03 AM
5965	Affordability for all Americans.  Reducing fraud in our health care system.	I think the three working together is a huge step and an appropriate mix.	"I think a trade-off of payment for quality would be appropriate. If you know you are getting care that will be a health benefit and not just giving a patient something to shut them up, would be worth paying for. "	I think eliminating fraud in the system would help. People need to be working to be given health care and America needs to keep people in America working. I don't believe people should be aloud to live off the system with no desire to work. Those types of individuals hurt the system that is in place to help those who find themselves in catostrophic illnesses or a temporary loss of job.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	2/12/06 11:13 AM
5968	Health care is provided in a profit-motivated system.  We pay far too much and receive far too little.	I think we should go to a single-payor system with appropriate co-pays by individuals to prevent abuse.  Providers of health care should have incentives to be cost effective.  	"Less ""heroic"" measures in hopeless circumstances, ie; most of a person's lifetime health care costs are in intensive care in their final days.  We also need to look at our practice of attempting to salvage premature infants who are going to have a lifetime of suffering and disability at great cost to taxpayers."	"We need to prioritize, much like what was done in Oregon."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/12/06 11:57 AM
5969	I am at high risk for health care as I have some chronic diseases.  I am fearful that I will have no health care until I am able to have medicare.	I think we need a state or government plan that is open to all citizens that we can buy into.	Spend less on the pentagon.	Have clinic's that teach people to take care of themselves.  Prevention.  	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/12/06 12:00 PM
5971	"Even with an insurance package through labor contract, I can barely afford to go to the doctor. There is no coverage at all for preventive medicine."	"If we don't get some government sponsored healthcare, the only ones who will be able to afford it will be he very rich and the very poor. (execpt the politicians, who get government sponsored healthcare)"	NULL	NULL	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/12/06 12:57 PM
5972	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Support John Conyers bill - H.R. 676 - a comprehensive univeral  single payer health plan.  Hearing on this bill are now being held  around the country.  There will be one in San Jose, California,  February 25."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/12/06 1:01 PM
5974	The Lack of it	Universal insurance bassed on income.	There is no trade off. Take capitalisim out of health care and it will improve dramaticaly.	Remove the profit motive.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/12/06 1:27 PM
5975	"hat millions of people do not have health care, especially children , the elderly, the poor. Also, prescriptions are too expensive. Too much profits for hospitals, insurance companies."	"Wal-Mart especially, but other large employers are NOT providing health care for employees and the taxpapyers then provide health care. e need a single-payer, universal system."	"What trade-offs. The American public is always the one expected to make the trades, not employers. Let's get real as a Union, stop supporting candidates who talk about health care for workers, but don't do anything."	"I already did, single-payer, universal plan."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/12/06 1:35 PM
5977	Lack of affordable health care for all Americans	Yes.  Too many people are left without coverage or can't afford it despite working hard.  Getting sick  in this country could ruin someone financially.	Wait times are acceptable if properly triaged.  I would accept paying more money now while I'm still healthy to ensure that as I get older or if I would become sick it wouldn't become a burden on me or my family.	"Increase the numbers of nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners providing health care in this country.  Save physicians for what they're needed for - complex, complicated care."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	2/12/06 1:56 PM
5978	The fact that people dont have adequate health care	"There should be a single payer system, preferably paid by corporations and government."	"If one could show the paperwork savings alone, I believe that Americans would be willing to pay higher taxes to finance QUALITY health care."	Make it available to everyone	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/12/06 1:54 PM
5979	it is unaffordable to millions of unemployed and poor Americans today.	"yes, health care should be shouldered by all working Americans in other words by a national health care system.  "	"Higher taxes for the wealthy and a more equitable way of determining what or how much we are taxed with regard to income.  trade corporate welfare for national healthcare.  take the cap off social security wages of the wealthy so that they pay the same percentage of tax on their income as the working man and woman. as far as social security is concerned leave it alone it works but take it out of the general fund budget, put it and natinal healthcare on its own. as it was before president Johnson put it in the general fund."	An equitable tax system with no loopholes for the wealthy or corporations.	male	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/12/06 2:39 PM
5980	"I think the biggest problem is that in the U.S. we do not have health care that is universal, protable, accessible, and affordable."	I think there should be a taxpayer- and government- funded national health care program.	I believe that we should prioritize health over wealth when discussing a national health care program.  	A national health care program that emphasizes prevention and gives incentives to those who practice good prevention techniques.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/12/06 3:00 PM
5981	That it is not available to all Americans.	We should look at the Canadian and British systems.	The sacrifice is more taxes.  Taxes are a necessary part of a democratic society that claims to care for all it's citizens and not just the ones with deep pockets.	Look at other Industialized nations and pick the best from each to come up with a better plan then we have now.  Too many people fall between the crack today.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	2/12/06 3:22 PM
5983	The obstacles that block every citizen from receiving complete health care. We should have a universal system!	It should be a single-payer system.	"We are already paying for universal health care and not receiving it. It should be included in our taxes, and i think even a modest increase would be tolerated by most."	"Public education of the real costs and benefits of a single payer system, or the closest alternative not vulnerable to criticisms of being communist, that would welcome all citizens to health care in America."	male	25 to 44	Yes	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	2/12/06 3:34 PM
5986	That adequete healthcare is out of reach for many of the citizens of our country and that financial disaster can be just 1 illness away for most of the rest.	"I would support a universal, government funded health care program similar to Canada and much of Europe.  I think we need to look into the healthcare system of Sweden, which seems quite successful."	"I would hope the medical profession would be willing to accept fair pay.  I also believe corporate america needs to be willing to give the money they would save  from health insurance for thier employees, if a government funded program were available, to thier employees to offset the tax increase the employees would endure in order to fund governement funded coverage."	Look at the Swedish universal health care system	female	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/12/06 3:52 PM
5988	"In a country with so much wealth, too many Americans are uninsured or underinsured, ultimately helping to increase the cost of health care. We need more focus on prevention and a system that awards healthy lifestyle within reason - an issue not addressed in your questions."	"A single payer system should be explored. There is something wrong with a system where some executives in health care earn millions and many Americans have not health care.    In addition, we need a system where health care is provided by those best able to do it most efficiently including the highest quality. There is too much reliance on physician specialists and not enough on family physicians and nurse practitioners, nurse-midwives, nurse anesthetists, etc."	"Hopefully a committment to healthy lidestyles and some co-payments for services over which they have a choice in order to provide some incentive to not over use the system, promote health lifestyles, and provide basic health care for all."	"Fix teh current system where some make millions, care is too expensive, much waste in teh system, too many mistakes that could be prevented, and too many Americans who do not have access to health care services."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	2/12/06 5:45 PM
5992	The high cost of health care in general.	Yes	No trade-offs. Find a solution. 	Find the money.	male	25 to 44	No	Black or African American	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/12/06 5:27 PM
5993	cost	i think the government should pay for our healthcare	don't know	vote for universal american health care	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	2/12/06 5:34 PM
5994	"I am concerned that those who have better access and better plans will receive better care than those who have bare-bones insurance or have no insurance or are underinsured.The system is not fair or equal. The cost of private insurance is not affordable for the middle and low class. There is not enough of exposure on how to access government help. The television  and newspapers are filled with advertisments to make money, and the news is saturated with one depreessing hopless disaster after another, but when it comes to providing information for people who need help such as unemployment when they are downsized or helthcare when they lose their jobs people do not always know where to turn. They need one main   1-800 for the common person to call to allow them to seek assistance. They need a tv channel called The Human ServicesChannel! This channel can provide seminars and allow people to call in with question on how to access services. Make some good use with television. I hardly watch mine because the programming is low quality and we are bombarded with too many sensless commercials."	"If we are forced to pay taxes and fork over our money to the government, then perhaps we should have a say into where that money goes. That money should go into a fund for healthcare first and then everthing else second. "	"      Everyone, Insurance companies, Doctors, Hospitals, the rich and the poor and everyone has to work together to compromise. Doctors fees are overpriced, hospital costs are overpriced. They are Greedy! Insurance companies are asking more than people can afford. We need to all meet together and brainstorm ideas, hear everbody's perspectives and problems of how the health care system is effecting themand try to come up with a plan that works. Everone may have to give up a little to make it work for everyone. Perhaps instead of paying just federal and state tax we need a health tax that would allow everyone to be able to access a universal healthcare system for all. If the rich or those who have employer sponsored health care let them keep it but those who choose universal care pay the univeral tax and this should be affordably pro-rated based on the families income."	"First of all, fees should be based on the persons income! Have a basic policy that is affordable for the poor, another for the middle, and lastly for the rich and have each group pay their fair share according to their income. Then set up a fee schedule with individual doctors for the poor and middle class to lower their fees for them and then receive a suppliment from the government to share the cost. This way people have a responsibility to pay their fair share and government is not stuck with paying all the costs either. It's a win/win situation and much more fair. There also needs to be a catastophic fund for people with chronic conditions and those who have life threatning diseases that should be in the form of universal health care for those who  need it. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	2/12/06 6:00 PM
5995	"Health care could be available to all Americans.  Too many can not afford it.  The Bush cabal is putting all America's diminishing treasury into his BUSHwars.  Since Congress is too chickenshit to impeach the bastard, they should IMMEDIATELY STOP funding his wars and put the money for American citizens.  Health care is one option."	HEY!  Check with CANADA.  .........or Howard Dean: the man who SHOULD HAVE BEEN PRESIDENT.	STOP THE GODDAMN BUSHWARS AND GET OUR TROOPS OUT OF IRAQ NOW  - N O W ---  N  O  W  !!!!!	"IMPEACH BUSH.  Elect honest men to the White House; to Congress; to local governments,"	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	2/12/06 6:37 PM
5998	High costs of healthcare.	NULL	Stopping the war will provide ample funds for healthcare benefits.	Take away the tax cuts for the wealthy and stop the war.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/12/06 7:47 PM
5999	"Coverage & Cost. Many people do not have health care because it simply is not affordable, and when it is affordable, the coverage is never what is needed. That causes a big program. It is not like just anyone can jump up and upgrade their coverage, or switch their plan, or buy more insurance. So you see that coverage and cost is the two most importants things while having or trying to get health care/insurance."	"No. This part is fairly OK. However, I think that if an employer employs an individual, they should automatically provide health care for the common sense need of caring for their employees. Health care plans should accept more employer's pay for their employees (if needed)."	"I believe that every American would be willing to trade there pay check every once and a while for health care coverage. Good coverage, and affordable. If an employer was able to take a deduction from a pay check every once and a while to provide the employee with health care they would go for it. But it is hard to find one on your own, or even cope with other companies. Why not have it all in one? Plus, everything will be at your fingertips, both the companies and employees."	"Pretty much what you pay for is what you get. If costs keep rising, then what is covered by health care should rise. We shouldn't just keep paying for nothing, or the same as before at all times. Don't it seem like if we pay so much, we should get so much. Kind of like what you pay for is what you get. Why not? When we pay for cheap things, they break. What would expensive things be like?"	male	Under 25	No	White	Some high school	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	2/12/06 8:01 PM
6000	That every American does not have access to quality health care.	"Yes, make it universal single payer plan such as HR 676"	"We have to educate our Legislators, and the American people to the advantages of universal single payer health care."	Passage of HR 676	male	Over 64	No	White	Some high school	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/12/06 8:09 PM
6003	"The large number of people who are without health insurance and those who are tied to unsatisfying employment due to the need for the health insurance their employer might provide though it may not be that great either.  We all end up paying the healthcare costs of people who  have to use it whether we realize it or not when an uninsured person has an emergency such as a serious car wreck or serious illness and doesn't have coverage.  As a school nurse, I see many children who although they have medicaid or Chips do not receive care due to lack of access to a dentist who accepts Medicaid or whose parent does not see the need to take them to the doctor due to not wanting to take off work, but will show up at an emergency room for a complaint the child has had for a long time such as chest pain or asthma that they have failed to treat effectively."	"I see physicians prescribing lots of drugs that patients do not always take, but don't tell the prescribing physician they are not taking them.  Physicians often prescribe the latest drug they have been well detailed rather than one the is effective and has been around a long time and is less costly.  The problem of increased legal liability leads to the ordering of costly and at times unnecessary tests to cover themselves against legal liabilities.  "	I am not sure people who have health care benefits through insurance are willing to trade any of it for the uninsured.	"America needs a universal system of health care for all its citizens.  There will probably have to be some limits either in choice of providers, services or choice of drugs, but too many people are without afordable health care in this country."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MS	2/12/06 8:56 PM
6005	ineqaulity	socialized medicine. has to be	"unfortunately the american public isnt willing to give up much of anything. heath care almost HAS to be part of a salry, even hourly it need to be part of the deal. and not just some high pay catastropic plan etiher. the basics need to be avail."	"accessable, affordable,EQUAL"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/12/06 8:59 PM
6006	The lack of coverage for so many Americans.	"Yes!  I would like to start my own business, but my costs for purchasing health care service would be too high.  Also, I see many people who have been on Medicare or Medicaid due to temporary disability are reluctant to return to work because of risk of losing coverage."	"Sliding scale for copays and premiums, depending on income.  Do away with the tax cuts for the wealthy."	"Universal health care coverage.  I do believe that we could afford this.  It could save money, in that we won't see the uninsured in the emergency rooms as much if they could afford preventative care."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/12/06 9:17 PM
6011	I have to pay $25.00 copay evertime I see a Doctor. If my health care problen is not resolved and I need to see a Doctor again I have to pay another $25.  If it was my car they would have to repair it again. 	"If I was not working I could get better coverage threw Welfare. Were is the Goverment when working, taxpaying people need them most. Ever week I pay taxes so lazy people who know nothing about birth control can get free and better health care than me. Everyone should get good health care. If the goverment put a limit on the number of childern it would pay for, like two kids. It would also help our school system."	"I gave away a raise, gave into paying copay, level pay(nobody know who gets what). Get rid of Welfare oh we are 20 years to late for that. Welfare was a good thing in 1930, by the 1980 some people working it for everthing it was worth. By 2006 I see to much of our young healthy people working the sytem.     Computers are taking over to many job. It started in the 1980's for me. It was at a bowling alley, they no long needed someone to tally the scores a computer keep score. I lost $35.00 a week."	"We need to get better health care for Working American. The keyword is Working. How do we get the non-working to pay their share? The non-working are pulling the working down. We give everything to them, they give nothing back. Our schools sytems are depreived, our medical deprieved."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/13/06 4:18 AM
6012	Cost	No problem with this subject.	What are the trade offs?	Cut the cost!	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	2/13/06 6:35 AM
	TEST																						na	
6046	Everything is too expensive	"I like the idea of the health savings accounts -- but the people that need the help can't afford the cost of the high deductible insurance, so how can they afford to put $2500 or so a year in the savings portions?  Paying medical expenses from an account that they manage, might make people monitor their helath care costs.  I do beleve that people on SSI - medicade overuse the system.  But -- how can they not.  They don't have any experience with the health care system, having put off all but the most critcal care all of their lives.  They only know the emergency room, because they have only sought medical care in extreme emergcy in the past.  To make the health savings account work, I think the government should put the $2500 into the health savings account, for all individuals below a certain income level."	NULL	"I think there should be qualified school nurses, with a doctor on call to each school.  When I was a child, the school nurse was the only rountine medical care I had  Free and low cost wellness clinics, so people could have routine care and referrals and health information, low cost meds, etc.  "	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	2/13/06 9:58 AM
6050	"That more and more Americans, working or not, cannot afford to go to the doctor let alone afford medications or costly surgeries. I am one of the 46 million Americans who has no health care."	"Yes, Nationalize it. All Doctors, specialists, nurses, technicians, aides etc all be paid by the government. Socialized medicine will not kill this country, it will better it for all citizens and cut out the insurance profeteers and doctors making obscene saleries off the lives of people."	"There should be no trade-offs. How abserd. If medicine in this country were socialized, there is no trade off other than no one has to sell off everything they own or have in order to get the treatments they need. Doctors could no longer gouge the people and most important, the insurance corporations and pharma corporations could no longer ransom people's lives in order to maintain their health."	Socialize the medical industry. Abolish the medical insurance industry and all funding be through a centralized office of Medical Necessities. In other words SOCIALIZE IT.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/13/06 10:51 AM
6052	The fact that so few people have health insurance that is affordable and effective.	I think we should all have single-payer health care federally sponsored and which is available to all citizens.	I think people would be happy to sacrifice high end tests for more basic coverage.  Lots of us would gladly see the defense budget trimmed to help provide health care for all.	Get the pharmaceutical industry out of the driver's seat!	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VT	2/13/06 11:07 AM
6053	Affordable health care must be made available for all Ammericans. 	Corporations such as Wal=Mart must offer afordable insurance to all employees	Affordable health care  and accessible for all people. We need to confront a system that makes profit more important that the health of the employee that produces the profit 	Corporations must offer affordale Health insurance  to all their employees honor the pensions promised for years of service                             	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/13/06 11:08 AM
6054	The cost which is out of sight.	How? There are always consequences whoever pays.	I'm not sure. It would depend. Retirees do not have much choice.	A SS deduction towards healthcare.	female	Over 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/13/06 11:41 AM
6057	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	25 to 44	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	2/13/06 12:06 PM
6062	"The current system costs way too much, coverage is  poor, exclusions are rampant, and co-pays keep increasing."	We need a universal health care system.  Time we caught up with the rest of the industrialized world!	Affordable quality health care will require a tax increase. But the savings will still be very substancial.  People wiil get better care for much less than they're paying now.	"Join me in supporting the California Health Insurance Plan (CHIRPA) Senate bill 840.  Universal Health Care for all Californians.  If we get it done here, The entire nation will follow."	male	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/13/06 12:27 PM
6064	Cost and coverage	Everyone should be covered with a low co-pay and deductable	Non choice of Dr's	All Americans should have it for low cost.	female	25 to 44	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/13/06 12:44 PM
6070	It concerns me that healthcare is expensive and difficult to obtain if you do not have employer-provided health insurance.	The old systems is not working and every day more companies do away with health insurance coverage.  I have gradually come to the conclusion that the government has to be a bigger part of the solution.  I believe we need some system of universal health coverage.  It doesn't look like companies will ever take back this responsibility.	"I only know what I would be willing to do and that is to pay higher taxes for the payment of a univeral coverage system as well, probably, as paying a monthly premium and reasonable copays."	"I think Americans have to decide that decent affordable healthcare for all is a primary goal for our country.  That frees us to think of solutions and not continually make excuses -- such as it's too expensive, hurts our economy, etc."	female	45 to 64	NULL	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/13/06 1:34 PM
6071	Cost and lack of focus on prevention.	"Socialized medicine, cut out the middle man. Everyone should have the right to access decent health care."	I think they would be willing to sacrifice the outrageous profits seen by pharmaceutical and insurance companies.	Access for all.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ME	2/13/06 1:41 PM
6075	The costs are going up while the quality is going down.	NULL	anything	increase medical and nursing colleges so we have enough doctors and nurses to treat everyone	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	2/13/06 1:52 PM
6082	"tens of millions uninsured, costs skyrocketing"	"Universal health care, similar to Canada's, would be best."	"For controlled costs, they should be willing to agree to a system of universal coverage.  It needs to be ""sold"" well."	universal health care	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	2/13/06 3:04 PM
6083	The inequality of our non-system    The fact that people are not thinking preventively about their own health    The fact that employers and schools don't create incentives for their employees to live healthy lives.	Don't really know	"I think the only thing that will work is creating a system that includes everyone at a basic level of care with significant incentives for preventive care.  It could be done through a system of clinics located near grocery stores (or Walmarts-type stores), in schools and community health centers."	PREVENTION through public health programs	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/13/06 3:23 PM
6085	i am young and covered by my parents insurance now but in a couple of years i will be uncovered and i doubt in a much better financial situation. not to mention that the insurance that most employers provide does not give me a sense of security and most times that i have needed to be seen by a doctor i have to go through a big hassle to get a prompt appointment. i had to be seen by three different doctors over a course of a year to finally get the care and experience needed to diagnose my problem and perscribe me a medicine to heal.	i don't know the system well enough tp make any definate suggestions but i do believe that with the high cost of health care there should be help available for those who need it but do know have coverage.	i usually have an average of 30 percent of my wages go to taxes. i think that is a big enough trade off.	we need to look at the big picture and be willing to give up a little to help a lot of people and improve our whole country. better health care and education will benefit all americans.	female	Under 25	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/13/06 3:30 PM
6088	It isn't available to a lot of people. It just isn't there when you need it.	Nationalize the system or make it something like the postal system.	Willing to pay higher taxes.  	Already made it above. Include a tracking system to    prevent abuse by fraudulent and frivolous use of the system.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/13/06 3:43 PM
6092	Cost of Drugs; Cost of Drug advertising by distributors  	NULL	NULL	Ban Advertising on a new drug until it proves itself ... pbobably 5 to 7 years after FDA approval.  	male	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	2/13/06 4:03 PM
6096	"cost of healthcare and related insurance costs are Rising, yet level of service is diminishing.      - there are Too many people without medical access, or that forego access to preventitive servioces because of costs are Too high.    - profits in the insurance and medical services industry are coming ahead of services and access."	"i would like to see private, for-profit healthcare take a backseat to a generally available single payer system controlled by national, state and local agencies.  these services should be payed for by a fair, progressive taxation of individuals and business.  i believe that if people want to pay for additional coverage and services they should be able to."	"i would be all for removing or capping profits for insurers, healthcare provides and medical services and pharmaceutocal industries.  sorry senator frist to cut into your family's money making ventures. "	"remove hmo, ppo, private profit layers from healthcare.  have medical services industry bill goverment for services provided, and government tax businesses and individuals to pay for the system.  provide for significant penalties for fraud."	male	45 to 64	NULL	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/13/06 4:41 PM
6098	Rising costs and its affect on availability of health care to all Americans is my primary concern.    I am also concerned about the marketing of expensive prescription drug treatments and its effect on the cost of healthcare.	"I think that placing the burden of health care on employers makes American businesses less competitive in the global market.  At the same time, I think that placing the burden of paying for health care on individuals will ultimately drive up the cost of care by forcing the poor and middle-income among us to rely on costly emergency services that hospitals cannot ethically deny based on inability to pay, rather than cheaper preventive care which they can."	"I think that Americans would accept restrictions on choice with regards to the providers of health coverage or the medically effective treatments prescribed, in exchange for affordable, high quality care.  I also think that they would be willing to pay for some of the cost of their care if they could understand up front the risks, costs and benefits of different treatments for their medical maladies."	"Make basic health care, including preventative care, available to all Americans.  This should be done through a uniform national system, or if there is to be no national system, through a system that does not allow some employers to foist the cost of their employee's coverage on the state."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/13/06 4:49 PM
6103	Doctors are getting richer while many people go without healthcare.	Nationalize it.	"If enough people get involved (i.e. middle and lower classes), the government would want to nationalize healthcare.  As it stands more of the elites in society are controlling this and keeping the government from doing anything too drastic in this arena."	Nationalize it!	male	Under 25	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/13/06 5:06 PM
6106	low copays  and perscription costs $25.00 $100.00 are not low copays they might be if you work in the corporate office but not to an hourly associate i have 6 doctors appointments a year and that'  s  if nothings wrong at all i'm a cancer patient and an epileptic	make the payments lower they are not affordable now or increase all hourly associates wages	NULL	lower copays perscription costs	male	25 to 44	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	2/13/06 5:48 PM
6109	High costs and inaccessibility 	government funded national health care system	small premiums	national health care system for all	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/13/06 6:17 PM
6117	"Health care like educaton, police protection, etc. should be a right for every American that is not based on ability to pay.  Now people delay getting needed health care because they can't afford it and the public ends up paying far more for emergency room care."	I strongly believe we should have a single payer federal government run system.  For profit health insurance companies should not be part of any mix.  I thoroughly resent my premiums being used for advertisements and excesively high CEO salaries.  Only the rich truly have choice now.  The rest of us our dependent on the plans our employers offer.  My husband and I are lucky to have picked employers who have provided health insurance.  In retirement we are covered by 3 plans.  The paperwork and staying on top of it is a horror but we are well covered.  Everyone in this country should be well covered.	I believe that the situation has gotten so bad that the American public will support a federally run single payer system paid for by progressive taxes.  It would likely be Medicare for everyone with drug benefits run similar to the way the VA does it.  Private for profit companies with their 40% overhead plus the providers overhead would be gone.	"Make health care a right regardless of ability to pay like police protection, education through grade 12, etc."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/13/06 7:48 PM
6120	Growing number of companies not providing health care.	Social system.	Giving up in Iraq.	Stop payola with pharmaceuticals.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	2/13/06 8:41 PM
6122	People who have no health care.	I don't have the background to answer this question.  Perhaps a syster like income tax.  	I don't think trade offs are necessary if the dollars contributed to health care were properly managed..	"free or a sliding scale clincs for all children, and seniors--well or sick---preventive medicine for everyone"	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/13/06 10:29 PM
6123	"The high cost of group health care coverage on the manufacturing sector. As manufacturing jobs continue to be outsourced overseas, we cannot compete with other countries when the price of healthcare continues to skyrocket. It puts industry in the US at a disadvantage, as industries abroad have national healthcare plans that are not fronted by the individual employer. The US cannot compete globally under these tilted circumstances."	The US should have a single group health plan that is financed by all individuals out of one single pool. 	"For the US to be more competitive globally, it is an issue that should be resolved immediantly."	"Doctor and hospital bills should be itemized and all charges broken down in understandable terms. For example, a hospital bill I recieved for my grandmother, I am her Power of Attorney, listed supplies at $1200. My grandmother was in the hospital for four days, and was covered by medicare. Her supplies for $1200 consisted of tolet paper, adult diapers, tissues, etc. I could have personally went out and bought these $1200 supplies for less than $100. Americans are being raped with these kind of uncontrolled and unregulated costs. The healthcare system is taxing the whole economic system to a virtual collapse. "	male	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	2/14/06 12:31 AM
6125	cost of health care with and without insurance	yes	don't know	socialize	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	2/14/06 2:01 AM
6128	The power of the drug companies and the FDA and the way they lie and mislead people.Tell the truth about cholesterol and the real causes of heart disease.	The money our government wastes and gives away could easily pay our medical insurance. 	NULL	"Have insurance cover alternatives such as holistic medicine,supplements,etc.They are much cheaper and can do a lot of good."	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	2/14/06 2:22 AM
6129	It is far too expensive with costs needlessly outpacing the cost of living and inflation.	We should have a single payer system that covers everything.  We could eliminate all the insurance forms and bureacracy associated with minimizing claim payment and maximizing profit.	"Most Americans would be willing to pay more in taxes for a national health plan.  Most Americans also believe that the rich, businesses and corporations are not paying their fair share of taxes.  Also, at least half of what is spent on defense could be reallocated to social programs such as health care.  This would still leave us a defense budget at least three times greater than any other country.  Eliminating unnecessary wars would also reduce the strain on health facilities and result in better health care."	"Quit applying the capitalist profit model to health care. Provide a single payer system with cost controls and medical decisions made by Doctors and health professionals rather than marketing, accounting and profit seeking managers."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/14/06 2:26 AM
6136	"1. Lawyers are making healthcare decisions not doctors.    2. We need to limit how much a lawyer can make on a malpractice case.   3. Mandate that the loosing party be liable for legal fees unless they go through arbitration first.  4. We as a society are willing to pay for drug abuse intervention, but tell a parent of child with Autism and other special need kids “too bad, so sad”  "	Make ALL payments for medical expenses or insurance tax deductible.	I thik they are willing to give up the Lawyer for a quilifide doctor.	Get the Lawyes out of medicine.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/14/06 9:09 AM
6137	How to maintain the best health care for our aging citizens.	Access to health care to all individuals regardless of ability to pay. Equal access to all american citizens. If needed some type of co pay. Concern is with the working poor and the elderly.	Mandating limits to drug company profits. If increase in taxes at a straight percent of the income to all irregardless of amount earned would truly be done to provide medical care to all Americans.	"Ability to access health care for preventation as well as with illness, regardless of ability to pay or age."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	2/14/06 9:09 AM
6138	"High cost of premiums and deductibles.  High cost of medical services.  Example:  When my husband had to go to the emergency room, they gave him a tylenol (plain) and he was charged $3.  All medical procedures, especially in hospital charges are outrageous."	"I would like to see all employers having to provide health insurance.  But I think in minimum wage jobs, they would still apply for government coverage i.e. Medicaid.  Premiums and deductibles would be too high"	"We make trade-offs all the time.  What trade offs will the government make for those of us who work full time, after attending college and pay outrageous taxes?  What about offering college (reduced or free in a state system) to those of us in the middle class. If more people got educations, there wouldnt be as many uninsured individuals."	"I think that Medicare recipients, should not have deductibles and their medication should all be payed for.  They need it now, wherefore many of those on Medicaid, use the system and only have to pay $1 for some prescriptions.  Medicaid recipients have more available than I do.  they can get speech therapy, PT and OT, whereas, I can't unless it is rehabilatative or caused by accident, not because of Developmental delay.  I have to pay higher costs both premiums deductibles and prescription.  "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	2/14/06 9:16 AM
6139	"When my son graduates from college, unless his employer offers it, he will not have health coverage. "	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	2/14/06 9:21 AM
6140	There are to many American families or senior   citizens that are having to decide whether to eat  or to be able to buy life saving sustaining drugs.  This is AMERICA !! More information on the quality  of generic drugs versus name brand.	Much should be taken into account as to the income of a family and their ability to pay that   amount.	Have only authorized Doctors for families to see.  Only specific doctors.	"persuade health care to become the single most important issue for the families budgeting.  Educate the American public as to the difference   between the quality of generic versus name brand  drugs.  If generic is cheaper, but still quality  drugs let them know that so they can buy cheaper  drugs."	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	2/14/06 9:30 AM
6145	cost	force employers to provide. government should help with this	NULL	make more affordable	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/14/06 10:34 AM
6146	The rising costs and the lack of access for the poor.	"I think it is time for a single-payer, national program"	"I can only speak for myself, but we are the only industrial power that doesn't offer affordable health care.  One of the reasons that gasoline is so high in Europe is that the extra goes to public programs, such as health care."	Single payer	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/14/06 10:51 AM
6150	We give trillions of dollars to the insurance companies that provide NO benefits towards our medical care. 	Take all the money we give to insurance comapanies and use it to pay for actual health care.	"Trade the do nothing insurance companies payments for actual health care treatment, what a novel concept."	GET THE INSURNACE COMPANIES OUT OF OUR MEDICAL SYSTEM!	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/14/06 11:24 AM
6154	Cost of health care and cost of insurance to pay for it.	"All insurance should be tax deductible whether employer provided or individually purchased, as well as health expenses should be deductible below the 7.5% threshold.  More transparency in both quality and cost so that people can truly become health care consumers.  Government plans need to provide BASIC coverage and support care through community health centers as most efficient way for free care to be administered.  "	"I think all Americans would like to see everyone have access to quality health care.  But I think free care needs to be controlled to reduce taking an ambulance to the ER rather than going to the community health center, government negotiated drug prices to lower cost of prescription care, less waste in the system (when it's for free youdon't value it, like orthodontia in medicaid, prescriptions that are not taken, etc).  Without cost controls and examining the ways to provide efficiently, the government has no right to expect Americans to buy into funding it.  With the right steps, we should all be willing to pay into a system of universal coverage (not universal care!)"	"Promote individual responsbility for healthy lifestyle, prevention, etc.  "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/14/06 11:39 AM
6155	"The expense of health care and pharmaceuticals, and the number of people who are uninsured."	We need a single payer system.	I would be willing to pay higher taxes.	Enzct a single payer system.	female	Decline to answer	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	2/14/06 11:39 AM
6159	That it is so expensive and the government does not take care of the ones that truly live here and they are the ones that do without.	The government should be responsible for the health care of the people just like in Canada	NULL	To make it affordable and also make the drugs affordable also not that people have to choose between paying for their medicine or eating 	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	2/14/06 1:18 PM
6160	That not everyone can afford it. I mean we should all be able to get Healthcare.	I think that we need to make sure that ppl that only work part get insurance and can afford it. 	none I doubt others will care. SO many ppl are only worring about themselves!	MAKE IT affordable to everyone~	female	25 to 44	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/14/06 1:25 PM
6163	Affordability and availability	Goverment funding should be increased to include the middle class.	"There shouldn't have to be any trade - offs. The public is already trading off their weekly salaries with higher energy costs,education costs, and others."	Goverment needs to look into the costs of insurance and how the medical industry takes advantage of what insurance companpies are paying.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	2/14/06 2:06 PM
6166	"The poverty level is rising rapidly and those people who are low or fixed income having trouble getting medical care.    My partner is on Medicare and does does not qualify for Medicaid, as a result he has to pay for his medications. For a while he was recieving some of them free throught the manufacturer. With the new Medicare program he is losing this help."	Not knowledgable enough to answer.	Not knowledgable enough to answer.	This country could use the money that President Bush is spending on the wars in Iraq and Aphganistan to fund affordable health care for those below the poverty level.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/14/06 2:36 PM
6175	"It's so expensive nobody can afford it. Also, most doctors don't want to see you if you don't have insurance. Doctors are forming select groups which makes it horrible to try and find a doctor. Healthcare should be for everyone! We pay our tax dollars so that our Congresspeople have health insurance, why are they denying us the exact same thing? Get health care costs under control. "	"Yes, take a look at what they are charging for a simple test. It is so expensive, nobody can afford it. Insurance companies can't afford to keep paying those high costs, nobody can. So something has to give. This whole system needs to be revamped. Doctors wanted HMO's and they got them, now they are complaining."	None and they should not. These multi million dollar corporations are the ones that need to be makink the concessions. The outrageous prices they are charging has to stop. It is so outrageous they have priced themselved right out of the market. Soon only the rich will have health insurance. They will be the only ones who can afford it.	"Same as above. These multi million dollar corpations(health companies, labs, medical centers) who have priced everything so outrageous are ensuring that the only people who will have health insurance will be the rich. They will be the only ones who can afford it. "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/14/06 3:45 PM
6185	quality health care seems to be a luxury reserved only for those who can afford it	"if health insurance were affordable I would have it in a heartbeat.  plain and simple.  an individual plan for me would run in excess of $300 a month, and i simply cannot afford that.  I have friends whose monthly payments run them over $800 a month.  because of pre-existing conditions they MUST have insurance, even though their premiums have tripled in the past few years."	i wish i had an answer.  I know these stupid health savings accounts are a crock!!!!	find a way to make it equal and affordable.  i know doctors who are as fed up with the system as the rest of us.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	2/14/06 4:59 PM
6189	"The huge numbers of uninsured, which, too often, means that patients seek care when they are very sick, thus increasing the costs."	"Nationalized health care would immediately reduce costs by 1) removing profit, and 2) by consolidating the many, many individual administration systems ."	No trade-off is necessary.  See answer above.	Nationalize health care.	female	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	2/14/06 7:05 PM
6191	The rising cost which makes it unaffordable to alot of people.	"The current way is fine.  It goes back to the high cost which makes it difficult for individuals, employers and government able to afford it."	The bottom line is that the COST need to come come down.	The cost needs to come down without affecting the quality.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	2/14/06 9:13 PM
6192	"Even those of us with decent health plans find it hard to get the care we need. In my opinion, anyone without a million in the bank is already underinsured!"	"One system with all Americans in it. All others in America must buy health insurance before entering the country. Those who would engage in risky behavior (smoking, skydiving, IV drug use, unprotected sex must pay for more insurance) but pay nothing to quit."	"Wait no more than a year for even the most cosmetic of procedures but no wait to correct life-threatening or developmental health problems. The recruiting and retention of doctors for specialties can be forecast and managed at the federal level. Pay for doctors may have to be reduced but only with the elimination of malpractice suits. Doctors who fall behind on the latest medical advances lose certification in their field. Need comprehensive database for afflictions and their treatment to work toward guaranteed successes. Those whom medical science can't help enough to get back into the workforce get SSI until it can or for life. Finally, all adults in this country need to read and sign-off on the variables of risk with every drug and procedure because the truth is really what we need when it comes to our health: warts and all!"	"Nobody should directly profit monetarily from maintaining the medical needs of others. Those who invent drugs and/or devices for healthcare, along with those who devise procedures (all time-tested and approved) get a one-time government payout but retain no patent. This way, the government has exclusive control and will not dare hold back on R&D lest it gets voted out of office. Those displaced by these reforms should be retrained to something suitable to their skills, unless they were bought out."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	2/14/06 9:30 PM
6193	"Poor medical care.I pay over $2000 a year out of $14,000 yr teachers retirement, but doesn t cover glasses or teeth,have $4000 dental bill.Even so cant get a good MD(from a family of eight MDs(all dead now) so know what I should be able to get in care.MDs in practice dont do the research I keep up on and are poorly trained as to environmental ahd food causes of ills."	"You know.Universal health care,keep social security,etcbut it is useless to wish or,plan or act as long as both parties are bent on empire building and horrendous military budget."	trade offs?It doesnt matter what we think.The public is way ahead of the politicians but...	Change priorities stop funding the rich as the expense of all of us.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/14/06 10:05 PM
6196	   I am ashamed to be living in a country where   quality health care is not affordable and    accessible to all.	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/15/06 3:39 AM
6197	"1.)That I have to change doctors every time my employer/union changes to a lower cost plan. Because my curent doctor does not belong to that plan, or will not accept that plans payment schedule.  2.)If my employer/union decides to stay with the curent plan the additional costs are assigned to me with out explanation/proof of increase in cost.  3.)Bad doctors/medical providers billing for services not rendered. Or ""padding"" the bill so that when the doctor/provider gets paid by the health plan they not only get my portion of the bill but also 100% from the plan provider.  4.)Doctors prescribing services/procedures that only benifit their bank accounts rather than benefit me.  5.) Plan providers driven by proffit rather than by medical needs of John Q. Public."	"1.) Have health plan providers that are not driven by making proffits for their shareholders. Specificaly all health plan providers will not be listed on any stock market. Limit the percentage of proffit that the plan provider can make. If the proffit exceeds that specified percentage then the excess proffit can be returned to John Q. Public via reduced premiums/ or reduced deductable.  2.)If I have to pay for a specific percentage of the cost to maintain the health plan eliminate my co-pay/deductable.  3.)Scrap the whole system, start from scratch. Do Not let Insurance Companys and Politicians become involved with the rebuilding of the system. "	Limiting the amount of any malpractice settlement by not awarding dollar amounts. Award the victum with an excellent doctor to care for the problem and bill the cost to the bad doctor/provider. If the problem requires lifetime care then the care should also be lifetime not time limited.	"One plan formula that covers every conceivable need for every one regardless of their level of income. This plan to be offered by all plan providers at the same cost. Same payment schedule to doctors/providers. No one to be denied coverage, no one to be refused service. No non medical overseer to deny services. If a service is to be prescribed it shall be provided in the best interest of John Q. Public, not some Wall Street manipulator."	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/15/06 4:21 AM
6199	"The lack of good quality, affordable health insurance coverage for basic health care services among a large portion of the US population  "	"Yes: After observing the failed attempts to strengthen ""managed competition"" and private sector innovations as the stimuli for improved health care efficiency and accessibility, I believe we need to adopt a universal, social insurance system in the United States.  The financing should be built on a broad base of public taxation, employer contributions, and individual contributions.  A single-payer system should be strongly considered, and compared with one or two comprehensive alternatives (building on the best of current public and private structures but ensuring affordable, good-quality coverage for all)."	"If properly educated on the differences in health status, health costs, and access to health care across different population groups, I believe that a majority of the American people will support truly universal health care coverage for essential health services.  They would trade-off reduced access to ""extra"" services on average (perhaps rated by cost-benefit considerations) in order to cover everyone."	"We must commit to universal health insurance for the US population, with a phased plan (either extending and filling all gaps in the current structures or moving to a single-payer model) to achieve coverage for all within a 4-year period (one Presidential term)."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/15/06 9:09 AM
6205	"That it is profit driven, unregulated with 45 million without coverage and people living everyday fearful that they might loose their coverage if they have it.  Employer driven health care is wrong. I worry that I am the one that provides the health Insurance for my family.  If I would ever have to stop working there are not adequate affordable alternatives in the free market."	It should be a single payer government run program.  The free market has not regulated the cost.  We spend more than other industrialized nations and we do not have the best patient outcomes.  As an RN I have witnessed the decrease in quality care.  	Get health care companys out of the stock market.	Make health care a human right.  Get the profit out and invest our dollars in quality affordable health care.  As this great nation decided a quality education shoud be equal and available to all Americans so should quality affordable health care.  We must regulate  and stop the profiteering in the health care industry.  They obviously cannot do it themselves.  The system we have is also to complex.  As an RN who has worked in health care my entire work life even I cannot always navigate through the system.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/15/06 10:25 AM
6206	"It has become fee for service, and the insurance and drug companies are price gouging the american people,small business, serving to break union arbitration agreements, etc. Insurance companies have been passing along double digit increases to employers and citizens for over five years. They utilize our health care dollars for marketing and we have no say in how they use it. That is taxation without representation. As Americans have had to tighten their belts, so should these companies. NO MORE INCREASES UNTIL THE COMMERCIALS ARE ERRADICATED FROM THE MEDIA. All I need is medical care, not ad campaigns. I want my healthcare dollars put into healthcare services only."	NO MORE ADVERTISING ALLOWED. They should not be allowed to utilize our health care dollars for advertising and customer service.	"I would pay a flat tax,gladly, as they do in England,if everyone could get medical care."	"A National Health Care Plan/ Medicare For All.H.R. 676 Private provider system that operates on 5% admin as opposed to 30-40 % in the current system, that doesn't cover everyone. "	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/15/06 10:45 AM
6211	"Medical Professionals:    Since your study of American health care needs has served to document the demand, and necessity, for health care services during the last half, or perhaps we could say one third, of our lives, what current actions or programs are targeting the availability of adequate numbers of health care professionals to meet demand that will stem from demographic data that reflects the aging of America?    Are medical education/training facilities/institutions adequate to meet ramp up in demographic demand?    Are talented/gifted individuals being attracted into the medical profession?  If not, why not?  It is entirely possible that the medical profession is experiencing the same scenario as the teaching profession in America.  Are the best and brightest are no longer attracted into these high stress career fields, especially when compensation is not keeping pace with pay scales in other/alternative professions?    The medical profession, AMA, etc., should be brought into the health care problem solving process.  A carrot for participation could be an honest, bipartisan, effort to implement tort reform.  The following are some of the issues to consider in this regard:    1. Tort liability is restricting access to concern critical health care services.  One example here is the availability of obstetric care facilities, nationwide.  Locally, there is only one hospital in Sarasota County (the public/non-profit hospital) that provides OB services.  So, even though the cost of tort law cases does not represent a significant percentage of national health care costs, it is leading to restricted availability of health care services in high risk care categories.   2. You report documents the number of cases where there are errors in provision of medical care.  Some thoughts in this regard are as follows:  a. The nature of medical science is such that a zero defect/error rate will never be achieved.  A zero defect/error rate cannot be achieved in very tangible scientific processes; e.g., manufacturing, etc., so how can we expect medical science, which must face many intangible, or difficult to specifically diagnose and treat conditions, often under high stress or urgent conditions be expected to achieve a near zero error rate.  Given this situation, tort law attorneys will always have “fresh meat” for litigation.    b. That being said, we obviously have medical “professionals” who should not be “practicing.”  Some are not sufficiently motivated, or do not possess necessary skills or gifts to be in the medical profession.  If a database that documents number of errors committed by practitioners was available, some of these people could be “weeded” out of the system.  Given the high premiums for malpractice insurance, medical professionals/the AMA should have a program or process for eliminating people who should not be practicing medicine, as that would serve the needs of patients, health care/benefit plans, and expenses for insuring proven doctors.  In essence, medical professionals; e.g., the AMA, should become a self “policing” community.  This would require some commitment of resources, medical professional time, etc.; however, the benefits to patients/plans and medical practitioners should justify the expenditures.    c. Alternatives to our current tort law litigation process need to be explored.  It might be worth while to review procedures/policies that apply in the financial community, where any complaints first go to mediation, then arbitration and, if clients are still not satisfied, they can still go the route of formal litigation.  In arbitration, one member can come from the financial profession, while two members of the panel are from outside the profession.  In the case of “medical arbitration,” one member could be a medical professional with two coming from outside the medical practitioner community.       The CHCWG report also takes note that the United States is 29th in “healthy li"	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/15/06 12:18 PM
6212	affordability	i know someone from canada look at their system	none	higher cost for doctors who have complaints against them	male	45 to 64	No	NULL	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	2/15/06 12:37 PM
6219	"That many people don't have adequit coverage.  Everyone should have health care, everyone!!"	The answer to health care and many other problems in America are in a viable formula for Economic Reform.	"With economic reform there are few trade offs, except a change in a mind set."	Economic reform!!!!    (Check out the Federal Reserve web site in New York City and look at the trillions that are thrown around.  Lots of smoke and mirriors in current economics and lots of dishonesty.	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	2/15/06 2:34 PM
6221	"Access to healthcare for everyone.  More funding for health care for the elderly.  Including nursing home care, community based care and home care.  More campaigning about the benefits of LTC insurance."	NULL	"I think we should pay more in taxes so that everyone can have access to services.  With those in higher income brackets paying a higher percentage of their income.  However, I do not think the majority of the US population agrees with me.  I would be willing to pay more in taxes."	Increase care for all.  Increase choices and flexibility.  Increase taxes for middle and upper class.  Strong focus on quality of life when deciding what services should be covered.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/15/06 3:03 PM
6222	the greed of the medical field is pushing prices up astronomically.	the cost and accounting can be lower if simpler	control the ama	control the ama	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	2/15/06 3:10 PM
6226	Lack of health care for everyone	Our government and our taxes should provide health care for everyone	For everyone?  None.  The voting American public majority is not concerned with the needs of others.  I would gladly pay higher taxes to see that quality health care was available to everyone.	Government funded	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/15/06 3:26 PM
6232	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	25 to 44	No	Other	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/15/06 5:29 PM
6239	That I will become ill enough to go broke.	All Americans should have health care on an equal level. I don’t mind paying more in taxes for it so long as that money can never be used for any thing else.	Raise Taxes.	Provide Health care to all Americans.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/15/06 5:44 PM
6252	"The fact that it's increasingly inaccessible and unaffordable, and with all the forces acting to increase the cost of it, only two ways exist of decreasing the cost: removing the profit motive and the overhead costs of marketing, and increasing the size of the risk pool. National (or state) health insurance accomplishes both of these goals; no private-sector proposal that I know of does."	A national- or state-run system should be paid for out of taxes on individuals and employers. Period.	"I doubt that the American public will voluntarily give up anything, but I'm certain that the lack of action on this issue will keep forcing the American public to give up a great deal."	Government-administered single-payer health insurance.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/15/06 5:48 PM
6254	"Having been in the insurance business to some extent, and with the knowledge that $.33 out of every dollar goes to the healthcare provider's overhead, which I don't ever see coming down, we need a strong non-profit organization to assure adequate health care.     "	"Yes, I believe if a non-profit organization could be instituted or appointed, we as Americans, could cut the health care cost in many area's.  With the understanding that the insurance lobbys in Washington are not going to like getting there over priced salary's cut, it will be an up hill battle."	"I believe the American public is tired of the high salaries and overhead they are paying for their healthcare.  If a non-profit organization was set up that they could join, knowing the government is not totally involved, and the organization maintains state, local and federal law and statues, they would be happy to at least listen to a new vehicle for healthcare.  I wrote before with how the non-profit organization could be completed.  As American's, I would like to see a non-profit health care system, the American people are tired of all the monies going to other countries when in distress, this vehicle would only be able to be used by legal American workers.  This is not Medicaid.    "	"Simply have US citizens participate in the, for lack of better wording, ""The Peoples Fund"".  Money paid into a non-profit organization for the benefit of there healthcare and not the salaries of the management of healthcare companies.  "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 5:49 PM
6255	The idea of the federal governtment getting involved in it. for everything that the fedeal government does is not good	"NO, I think the current sytem is fine."	"None, I dont think the people who can pay want to and the peole who cant pay, well, they always want others to pay their way."	"To get rid of health care and have people join christian science church, this is the answer to high health care costs."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 5:54 PM
6267	It is abhorrent that the wealthiest country on the planet does not have health insurance coverage for each and every one of it's denizens.	I think that we need universal coverage administered by the government and paid for by taxes.	"The American public is squeezed enough as it is, the free market is not working for working Americans when it comes to health care."	Universal coverage	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MT	2/15/06 5:54 PM
6269	"The expense of health care is all pervading; affecting people's lives in a way that is disproportionate to what it should be. People are staying at jobs they hate only for the health benefits. End of life care is so expensive, it destroys not only the life of the patient, but of the spouse and family.  Health care should not be a ""for profit"" business.  Profit should not enter the picture when we are dealing with people's lives."	"Definitely!  I feel that we could all pay more taxes for universal health care; set up a ""medicare"" system for everyone.  Stop the pharmaceutical companies from commiting highway robbery. Health care should not be a ""for profit"" business.  Profit should have nothing to do with health care."	Pay more taxes for UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE.	Pay more taxes for UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE.  	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 5:55 PM
6279	"Everyone is not covered with quality, affordable care"	Mandate a National health Care Insurance - single-payer Program.	"Trade off all tax cuts for the wealthy, Require an affordable premium with waivers for those unable to pay."	National health Care Insurance - single-payer Program.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	2/15/06 5:57 PM
6284	Exploding costs	National Health Care	"Longer waiting times for non-emergent care, giving up futile care especially at the end of life"	Make tobacco and alcohol illegal	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/15/06 5:59 PM
6287	" All of the people in Low-paying Service sector or ""Temp"" jobs without any insurence AT ALL.   Often these are descibed as the ""Working Poor"", a population growing, yet one that in the America I grew up in and belive in SHOULD be an oxymoron.   Industry and Commerce, certainly our elected officials have done far too little to adress this group's costs, care and challenges.   as a Nation we need answers to these people's Health issues YESTERDAY."	"  In a phrase, National Single-Payer Not-for-Profit.  In this respect the United States lags behind such Global Giants as Costa Rica.    We can do better in this regard, and should have YEARS ago.  Every 1st and most 2nd world countries have examples to be studied, and/or followed, we are the ONLY big-league country without National Health Care.     We need to change that NOW."	"  Willing? I'm not sure.  I myself havn't had Health care for YEARS, so I don't exactly get a dose of opinion at the Doctor's office.    My opinion, energy companies made record obscene profits the last few years.    Simple solution: Send everybody under $40,000 a year to the Doctor for whatever they ACTUALLY need. Send ""Big Oil"" and the Energy sector the Bill.  End of problem. ( if Big Oil complains, toss them in JAIL for non-payment of taxes. After the first 2 hit the Cell-blocks they'll shut up)"	"  Cover ALL Americans BELOW a certain income level, make those above that level pay a graduated tax to pay for it attached to thier priemiums. Done."	male	25 to 44	No	Other	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/15/06 6:00 PM
6292	"The fact that the average citizen can not only not afford the huge cost of insurance premiums, they can't afford basic care without insurance. It can't work both ways. My husband was laid off in June, 2005, and we have had no insurance since then. The financial and health problems that have insued are tremendous. We had no alternatives."	"I think that there should be programs available to everyone, based on need and circumstance. Ability to pay should not hamper access to health care. The medical industry, as well as employers, government and individuals should bear some of the burden. The cost of medical services is outrageous in this country, as are insurance premiums. There should be a way to provide care and keep costs down...perhaps a change to malpractice unsurance?"	"If insurance is offered by an employer, I would be willing to share the financial burden of premiums to get high quality care. I think it should be mandatory that an employer offer the option. I also feel that if one is unemployed, some program should be available to provide care until employment can be found."	"Reduce the basic cost of medical care, and I think that insurance premiums and the insurance industry would follow with lowered costs to the patient."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 6:01 PM
6299	"you don't address the major problems of health care--unprivatising health care--get control or get rid of private insurance---do health insurance companies really need to make $1000 for every $1 they spend--do they really need to buy more small countries with their daily cash on hand--and, any govt programs need to have citizen oversight[just like our democracy is supposed to run]--the questions on your questionnaire are biased and incomplete--and your solutions are slanted towards accepting the corporate buyout of our rights  --are you getting this---YOU DID ASK---un-Reagan-ize the nation"	"we pay enough taxes to make this all affordable---but, due to corporate buyouts of our representatives, the rich get richer[and huge tax breaks] & the poor get poorer  CORPORATIONS ARE CONTROLLING WHAT WE THINK, SAY, PAY, WHAT QUESTIONS WE GET TO ANSWER ON QUESTIONNAIRES......  ..........STOP IT"	"AMERICANS WOULD BE WILLING TO GIVE UP THE CORPORATE CONTROL OF OUR COUNTRY  AND, IF NECESSARY, WE WOULD BE WILLING TO GIVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE: GIVE UP THE POLITICIANS WHO DON'T HAVE 'THE PUBLIC GOOD' FOREMOST IN THEIR MINDS"	"GET THE CORPORATIONS OUT OF HEALTH CARE---let's face it, by definition they only want to make money[lots of it]---their really are advantages to the public sector[if nothing else--it's public, and the main interest is 'the public good'  IF THE CORPORATIONS HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT---THEY CAN LEAVE THEIR UNGODLY PROFITS AT THE DOOR AS THEY'RE LEAVING THE COUNTRY---MAKE THE CORPS ACCOUNTABLE WORLDWIDE--THEY'RE SLIPPING THROUGH TOO MANY LOOPHOLES WITHIN NATIONAL LAWS, AND PLAYING ONE COUNTRY'S LAWS AGAINST ANOTHERS----'THE PUBLIC GOOD' IS UNIVERSAL, NOT JUST WITHIN THE U.S.-----MAKE IT SO"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 7:19 PM
6301	The raising costs.  duh!	"This way is probably the best way, but to many want it given to them and not have to pay for it."	We need to be carefull and keep free enterprise and competation in the system.	There is too much money being spent in hospital administration costs.  Costs for paper work to insurance comapnies and government programs is eating up medical care money that could be better spent on the patient.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	2/15/06 6:11 PM
6315	"1) The gulf between the very rich, and the very poor.  2) Lack of accountability: doctors always get paid,      even when care provided doesn't work or causes harm."	"The employers want to bail.  It doesn't make sense to  force the employers to continue to provide insurance,  they'll just find a way out."	"I think most Americans would be willing to go to high-  deductible plans if they thought that this would get   health-care for poor people with lower deductibles.  Unfortunately the ""free-market"" doesn't allow these  kinds of sensible compromises."	The Kaiser Network recently distributed an article  about the VA health-care system.  The VA system is  a perfect model for what this country needs: the VA  system works well without the huge burden cause by  for-profit companies and their screening paperwork.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 6:11 PM
6317	"The rising cost. This is an upward spiral involving Medical care providers, insurance companies, attorneys, and government. Each lays the blame on the others when in fact they all have their noses in the trough."	"No, but I think the costs should be uniform. Right now if I have Blue Cross coverage and need an insulin pump, my insurance carrier and I split a $3,700 bill. Without any insurance that same pump costs over $6,000. How can that be?"	"Why is it that the American middle class always has to make the compromise? I think the government, by force if necessary, has to get the medical industry to put in effect the same cost cutting efficiencies that we have seen in most other industries. We absolutely have to cap medical malpractice awards and quit seeing the medical business as a lottery. And we have to mandate that if the medical industry will get their costs in line with everything else in our economy that insurance carriers will follow suit with reductions in insurance costs insetad of lining their pockets will ill gotten gains."	"I hate to say it but Government regulation. I am not for Government regulation, but our Government regulates facets of our life that are far less important than our health. There absolutely must be a cap on medical malpractice. There should be a cap on what medical practicioners can charge, and all items that will be billed should be listed up front just like a getting an estimate on a brake job. We shop around more now to get our cars fixed than we do with healthcare, mostly because they make it so hard to shop. Lastly health insurance must be regulated, or even provided by the State or Federal Government similar to many state funds for workers comp insurance now."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 6:12 PM
6318	"Doctors get paid way too much, and there are too many under and uninsured people."	"Change to government sponsored single payer, universal health coverage like those that work successfully in many countries already, and cost less overall than we currently pay in this country"	"If we go to universal health care and really do it right, there shouldn't be any increase in costs, and more people will be covered, as shown by all the countries that already have universal health coverage--they pay less per capita than we do, and everyone is covered"	"Scrap the current system.  Move to single payer, universal health care for all.  Decrease exhorbitant pay for doctors, prescriptions, and other health care. Stop expensive life support for brain dead people, which also sucks a lot of money. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 7:43 PM
6322	The fact that it is a self perpetuating cycle of rising costs that the politicians have done little to change.	As far as the current way of paying for health care is concerned the majority should be paid for by the employers and individuals.  Not the government.  The politicians in both parties have proven time and again that they are not efficient.	The American public should not have to make trade offs and in my opinion does not need to.  The American public does need to have a reality check in one aspect.  The awards juries hand out directly effect the costs of healthcare for all of us.  Too many juries look at the insurance companies deep pockets and simply award outrageous sums.  The insurance company simply turns around and raises rates on doctors and individuals.	"1) Cap awards by juries    2) Cap lawyers income from cases    3) When this is done, go after the insurance companies to lower malpractice insurance premiums.    4) Then go after doctors and hospitals to lower their charges in accordance with the lower premiums.    5) Then go back to the insurance companies and have them lower the premiums on corporations and individuals.    "	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 6:13 PM
6332	It really concerns me that so many people are running up the cost of health care because they are filing lawsuits against doctors for silly things and are asking for huge payments for things the doctors can't control.  I can't understand why people think that all the answers are to be had thru the legal system instead of educating themselves to what could be the correct types of treatment for them.Part  of the reason everything is so expensive in medical care today is because the cost of liability insurance for a doctor is so high due to frivilous lawsuits with extravagant payments.	"I believe that everyone should make paying for their medical care part of their budget be it copays or buying their own insurance. I don't believe anyone should have a ""free ride"".  I thin keveryone should contribute in some way to society. "	I am willing to pay for my own coverage which is affordable unless you have a pre-existing condition and then you can't get individual coverage. I think a good informational campaign would be helpful to all of those people who don't think they can afford medical coverage.	Reduce the amount of damages an individual cam collect for a malpractice suit.  I realize there are bad doctors out there and they should be penalized not the good doctors.  This is why in some areas there are no Obstricians avaiable.  The liability insurance for some specialties is outrageous and makes some doctors not willing to practice in areas because of it. 	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 6:48 PM
6333	"We do NOT have a healthcare system, we have a sick care system.  We do NOT have a free market system, we have a gross inefficient large consumer (Gov't, insurance companies, military) driven systsem that tries to keep their costs down without regard for the people who are not covered.  Plus we have insurance providers and drug companies controlling and preventing meaningful programs that could help the system improve.  "	Yes!  Health insurance companies and big gov't are simply shifting the costs away from themselves.  Neither of these contribute a thing to actual health care yet they consume billions of our healthcare dollars.  Some form of single payer system would have to work better.	I think we will wouold be willing to pay more for a system that actually worked to make us healthy.	"Answer the question, ""how are the various other countries that have much better systems making their work?"""	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/15/06 6:17 PM
6342	healthcare and drug costs	national system!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!	"none in benefits, plenty in financing"	single payer system...the VA system is a good example of where to start	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/15/06 6:22 PM
6345	Nobody is willing to admit that declining payments to primary care physicians is leading to a shortage of these types of physicians and this is what will hurt the system the most in the long run.	"No, just keep the choices out there."	Just give us more options in plans and payments and so forth.	"Pay primary care physicians more and insurance CEOs less.  Most primary care physicians struggle to take home a salary that reaches six figures.  On the other hand the CEOs of insurance companies are raking in quite large six figure salaries without listening to and dealing with the kinds of things these doctors wrestle with 24/7 every day of their lives.  When premiums go up, it does not make it to the doctors pocket instead the insurance companies have been taking it out of there too!! "	female	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 6:23 PM
6351	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/15/06 6:24 PM
6358	"It is too epensive and the lawyers are driving up costs with law suits. Malpractice lawsuits ar used too often when it is not the Doctor's fault. We need tort reform and fair settlements, lawyers should get a set fee for each case not a percentage. People are too ready to sew over accidents."	The government should not give away health care for free. Everyone should have to pay for coverage and have doctors so they don't use high priced emergency rooms for regulare care.	"I think we should go back to the way it used to be, critical/emergency care should be covered by insurance. We the people should have Health Savings Accounts(pre tax dollers) for regular care, flue, strep throat etc. Save insurance for true emergency and major medical issues."	"Get rid of lawsuits which drive up insurance costs.     Dont let people use emergency rooms for everyday medicel care. (especially when the taxpayers are footing the bill) Keep the emergency rooms for critical emergencys and use clinics for simple broken bones, illnesses and checkups"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 6:25 PM
6362	"There is terrible waste in our current health-care ""system,"" provided by insurers and their huge bureaucracies where the emphasis is on making money for the stockholders. Forty-five million people don't have health-care coverage.  Everyone in this country should have coverage."	Affordable coverage should be available to everyone through an efficient national health care program paid for by income taxes.	"If good, national leadership (our elected representatives exerting leadership) made an effective case for the efficiencies of a national health-care system and explained those efficiencies to the American public, the public would vote for a national health-care system."	We need to have a national health-care system provided by the government that provides coverage to all.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 6:27 PM
6365	"More and more doctors are becoming pill pushers (thanks to the drug companies) and are not properly trained in actual diagnosis and the pills jack up the cost of health care and they cause other health ""side effects"" that people then have to use more resources being treated for. And there are too many patients that have been conditioned to believe that they don't have to take responsibility for their own well-being and that it's up to the health care system to prescribe relief from the condition they are creating in their own body. "	"Yes, I think individuals should pay more of it only because they will quickly put the culprits of skyrocketing medical costs in check when the huge R&D budget is coming out of the consumer's own pocket. I think we need to take the complexity out of the system. Government should only pay for low income kids vaccinations and yearly dental checkups, and veterans. The elderly should be paying a monthly premium commesurate with the cost of their medical expenses."	"I think they would be willing to pay higher co-payments in return for having the choice of what provider to go to.  For example, my husband and I pay over $500 (a hardship for us) per month for basic coverage for a family of four, and he and I don't even go to the doctor. We then have to pay 100% out-of-pocket to get the treatment of our choice at a chiropractic office. We have to have the insurance for the kids, and in case of emergency but, most of the ""coverage"" we will never use, and the treatments we do use aren't covered."	"Recondition Americans to take responsibility for their own lives and health. Only cover critical life-sustaining prescription drugs and make consumers pay for 80-100% of the rest of the heartburn medications, anti-depressants, sleep-aids, nasal-sprays, etc, etc. If consumers have to pay themselves, they might think twice about doing the things that cause them to have those conditions that they want a pill for."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 6:28 PM
6368	The upward spiraling cost of care and services.	I think a universal health care plan should be closely looked at and implemented if research shows it will be more effective (provide more affordable care for all Americans) than our current system.	"Higher taxes.  I do not think we are open to higher premiums/co-pays/out-of-pocket expenses, giving up the freedom to choose our own care providers, or having services denied us (either necessary, though costly, or preventive)."	"Make sure every American has access to quality, reliable, affordable health care, regardless of education, employment, economic status, familial situation, or location."	female	Under 25	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	2/15/06 6:31 PM
6376	we need universal health care - Conyers' plan	"We need universal health care - Conyers' plan.  Oversite by personal practioners and patient, only - like medi-care only including for example, homeopaths - "	"to have our taxes go for our benefits - not for waging invasions on people in and outside the U.S., not for reducing taxes such that we don't have free parks , good food for us all regardless of income, good housing for us all regardless of income; etc.  "	Universal health care - as proposed by Conyers.	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/15/06 6:35 PM
6390	Rising costs charged by hospital and drug companies.	No.	1) Less leniency towards hospitals charging $10.00 for 1 tylenol.  2) Less leniency towards the obscene prices charged by drug companies to AMERICAN consumers (the same drugs being sold at lesser price in foreign countries - and they are the same drugs.  3) Less FDA interference when it comes to holding back the release to the consumer of certain drugs.  Drugs that have been approved by FDA have had problems (Vioxx anyone?) 	Stop denying that other industrialized countries have perfectly good healthcare and yet less cost and start copying what works.  	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 6:38 PM
6395	I believe the most pressing issue in American Health Care today is the dominance of Pharmacutical companies in the decisions of Doctors and Insurance companies.  Not all medical solutions need to be pharmacutical. Insurance companies and doctors need to be more willing to provide non-pharmacutical solutions.   	"Yes, government at the State level needs to be more significant so that all Americans can have access to health care."	"If earnings caps were placed on Pharmacutical companies on a per pharmacutical basis, this would slow down research efforts and the like. I think Ameicans would be happy to have less drugs and more afordability."	Take out Pharmacutical company power in the medical arena.  Allow people to be more important than earnings.  	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 6:42 PM
6397	"that law suits and greed have increased the cost of a Dr. visit to the point that even a basic physical, can cost too much for some people.  Also what concerns me is that people with basic ailments that could be cured by a prescription are instead allowed to continue to get ill until they have to go to the E.R. where they require intense medical treatment, costing 50 times as much as that prescription and Dr's visit would have originally cost.  And that this extra money is being taken out of the American Tax Payers pockets.  "	n/a	I doubt they are willing to change anything as long as they have their insurance and their gas guzzling SUV and their big house that has poor insulation so they burn more power to keep it heated and cooled.	"make the cost of medical treatment cost less.  There in lies the problem, not the cost of healthcare, but the cost of medical care.  What happened to days when insurance wasn't needed?  I recognize that some new advances in medicine cost more than things in the past, but it is grossly inflated in my opinion."	female	Under 25	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/15/06 6:42 PM
6399	The cost of drugs.  I have ashtma and the cost of my asthma drugs is prohibitive.	One payee.  One Insurance for all.	No trade-offs.  We already are making too many like free medical care the aliens when people like me can't get adequate medical care.	"Do something about the prohibitive cost of drugs, lab tests and diagnostic procedures.  Quit giving free medical care to illegal aliens."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 6:43 PM
6404	There are 45 million people without health care coverage.	We need a National Health Care System.  Take the profit out of insuring for healthcare.	Higher taxes.  Less or no tax cuts for the wealthy.  Industry taxed as part of being able to do business here.	National Health Insurance.  Not private insurance companies.  Educate the people of why they will have to pay taxes to cover this.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 6:51 PM
6417	"Many of us have no health insurance, about 45 million of us, and many companies including WalMart, the largest employer in our nation, will not pay for health insurance.  Many of us, about 1 out of 9 of us in the work force, work at temporary jobs where we have no benefits or health insurance.  And these jobs certainly do not pay wages that would enable us to be able to afford to purchase health insurance on our own, or save money in a ""health savings account""."	"Yes.  We need single-payer universal health care coverage just as Canada and other countries have.  When Dennis Kucinich ran for president in 2004, he proposed ""medicare for all"".  We need our Congress to pass ""The United States National Health Insurance Act, H.R. 676: to provide for comprehensive health insurance for all U.S. residents"", sponsored by Rep. John Conyers D-MI."	"How about we stop giving more tax cuts for the rich, more subsidies and giveaways to the oil companies, and bring our troops home from Iraq?  This would save much money that could be spent on healthcare."	Single-payer universal health care coverage.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/15/06 6:50 PM
6428	"The profit motive exhibited by managed care companies, and the huge administrative bureaucracy that they have set up to micromanage health care practitioners."	"We should have national, affordable healthcare for all."	Pay more for elective coverage.	Develop a single payer system to get the profit motive out of it and to include all people.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	2/15/06 6:54 PM
6429	your insistence that it costs too much - and yet you pay to invade and conquer everywhere.    Get rid of insurance.  Just let us have full care for our needs including our pleasures via our taxes.	end imperialist conquest	no war	no war	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/15/06 6:54 PM
6430	I do get Medicare Card	they take some out of My payroll for medicare	NULL	NULL	female	25 to 44	No Response	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/15/06 6:55 PM
6431	Although I am a professional and have access to health care it is not too difficult to see how easy it would be to lose that access.  Every American should have access to health care in a country as wealthy and technologically advanced as this it is a embarassment that we don't.	"Absolutely, a single point of pay system, affordable and available, should be implemented"	"I think we would all be willing to pay for a system free from lobby and influence, and designed for the people through taxation."	"As much as I dislike the idea of the government running anything(after all we would not have this problem if they did their job), nationalization under government control is the only solution I see."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 6:55 PM
6432	 Health care is too important to leave it up the the vagaries of the market.  Medicine would be much better served in cooperation than competition.	I think we should join the rest of the civilized world and offer national health care.	"Why do you ask US waht sacrifices we will have to make and tell business that they WILL increase wages to reflect the higher taxes and an elimination of their ""responsibility"" to pay for health care.  People, on the other hand, need to stop running to the doctor for every sniffle."	"Nationalize, Nationalize, and Nationalize."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/17/06 5:06 PM
6447	"It is clear that the Medicare pharmaceutical bill was put together by both the insurance companies as well as the pharmaceutical companies.  This legislative process needs to end now.  The winners are those who wrote the legislate (above) and the losers are those of us who are part of the Medicare system (enrollees).  What I find most horrible about this program is the ""donut"" hole.   What happens to those who have heart conditions or cancer and run out of their $2000 plus initial minimum and have to wait and spend their own money.  Do they choose their drugs or their heat?   What would you do?"	"I am fortunate to have an excellent retirement system through a university and will be covered, expensively, throughout my life.   But I feel that there should be opportunities across all industries for group plans.   Small employers getting together with other small employers.  Whether one is self-employed or part of a company of 3 individuals or more.       Look at the possibilities that Congress and other Federal employees have.  This should be available to all citizens...whether they work or not.      For a country that should have the best system of insurance we have the worst.    It is also TRAGIC that those who live in rural America have to suffer from lack of decent and excellent health care.   Or those who are just above the poverty level have to suffer because they can't afford to see a doctor."	"I think we have to stop giving the wealthiest of our country the greatest tax breaks and use this money to fund decent health care and insurance for all citizens.   The tax program, as it is, is shameful.  I would guess, if asked, would you give up your tax break so you could fund your health insurance all those who don't have health insurance would say ""yes"".   We have become a greedy - unhealthy nation - and this is because of those who say yes to the lobbyists and no to the people."	"See paragraph right above.  Get rid of the tax breaks and put those to work so all Americans have health insurance.  And, let people obtain their drugs where they are cheapest until the US stops putting profit as their greatest reward."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 7:02 PM
6449	If we would set the courts so that doctors could not be sued for every little think I bet healthcare prices would go down.    The goverment should not be concerned with making sure that eery American has health insurance.  That should be our choice!  If we decided not eo care health insurance & have a medical problem then we just have to pay for it out of our pockets.  American goverment cannot be so aregunt to think they can afford to make health insurance avaluable to every induvidual!!	NULL	None  The price for everything compared to the wages most earn is not in balance.  We need toget that in balance.  Not let people sur for every little thing in fact suing for damages should not be allowed!	Get it out of goverment control. We need to have less goverment control not More	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 7:10 PM
6452	The 46 million people that don't have it.	"Yes.  I believe we should adopt a universal, single-payer system that covers everybody.  It should be fully funded by tax-payers.  This takes the burden off employers and enables them to grow and expand their businesses unimpeded and unfettered.  It will also encourage many first-time businesses to sprout up. All in all, it makes good fiscal sense, encourages job growth, and alleviates a huge burden on business owners, and provides a quality, affordable service to each and every American."	"I believe that most Americans possess a great deal of common sense, and are willing to pay a little more in taxes to get this service.  It would be more efficient than our present system, which would save time; something most of us have too little of as it is."	"Single-payer, universal healthcare, publicly funded, with payments dispensed by the government on behalf of the people, to private physicians, hospitals,etc."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Not sure	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	2/15/06 7:04 PM
6453	"The fact that I can't get the health care I need because I don't make enough money.  Both my husband I work, and we have health insurance, but it's never enough.  Even with just basic care, our bills  are way too expensive.    "	"I think we should funnel some of the money going to the war to our health care system.  Our president seems to get all the money he needs for the war, but there isn't enough for our medical needs.  Very strange.  "	"End the war, pay for health care.  Start focusing on the payback for educating the public about their health.  If people were better educated about their health and what they could do to better their life, I don't think the system would be so messed up. "	Education	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/15/06 7:04 PM
6454	"Health care is an oxymoron in the US.  We have the most expensive and invasive medical care in the world, yet the most dismal markers of health on several fronts including infant mortality.  There is essentially no provision for preventative care in our current system even when patients are fully insured: most American ""medicine"" is focused on disease management rather than health management.  We do not license Naturopathic physicians, which are the ONLY physician level providers with expertise in natural medicine. There is a growing shortage of first contact, or primary care, providers along with a growing interest in natural health and wellness. There is no other provider group who can meet both of these needs. Yet these graduates of post graduate DOE-accredited medical schools are still fighting for licensure state by state in order to ensure public access to safe and effective naturopathic care."	"there needs to be a basic level of coverage for every American that includes both preventative and emergent care.  If people want additional coverage, they should be given the opportunity to purchase it."	"1. a specific tax for this purpose that goes into a medical fund protected from raiding by legislators  2. increased waiting time for non-emergent care   3. a better understanding that most of our medical expenses occur due to end of life care, which is generally ""heroic"" and completely unsuccessfu (i.e. the patient dies anyway, in accordance with the natural cycle of life)  4. an increased awareness that the most expensive end of life care occurs in nursing homes: provide for the ability of patients to remain in their homes as long as possible.  This is much more cost effective than warehousing people to die!"	We need a national health care coverage for every american that provides for preventative care as well as urgent and emergent care.  	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 7:04 PM
6457	"It's not medicine, it's , unfortunatly, a business"	National Health Program	Stop the phony war and use the money to pay for a National Health Care Program	Remove health insurane from private Insurance companies	male	Over 64	Yes	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/15/06 7:08 PM
6472	"What concerns me most is that I might be saddled with more taxes to pay for universal healthcare that does not include ALL alternatives - acupuncture, homeopathy, naturopathy, chiropractic, qigong, herbs and supplements, etc., etc., etc."	People need to be responsible for their own expenses.  They should be reimbursed by their insurance companies.  Government programs like Medicaid and Medicare should be drastically curtailed.	The question should be whether or not individuals should be held responsible for paying for their own care.  Then each person is free to choose treatment or not.	Each should pay his own way.	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 7:31 PM
6473	The need for universal health care.	Universal government-run health care.	Higher taxes.	Universal health care	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	2/15/06 7:14 PM
6476	"health care is not afforable to all citizens in America. People that are at a disadvantage in wealth suffer the most, it's second rate health care they are getting and it's s shame our government can't provide or won't provide the funds for American citizens."	"I believe the only way to cure this problem of money and health is to have ""socialize medicine.""  It has worked well in other nations and it could work well here."	"There should be no ""trade-offs."" That sounds like should I give up eating in order to pay utilities.  Americans have given up basically everything, there is nothing to ""trade-off."" The only thing we have left is the power of the vote, that could change minds of our Representatives."	"We need new blood in statehouses and in Congress, that will forego the ""Lobbyist"" and focus on the people who they represent."	male	45 to 64	No	Black or African American	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/15/06 7:14 PM
6482	"While it would be great if all Americans had health insurance, I am worried about the ""brain drain"" where the quality of doctors is reduced because of lack of incentive when their salary goes down."	"I think it is a good system to spread out ways of paying for health insurance. However, for the amount we have to pay, Americans should be allowed to go to whatever doctor they wish, and not be limited to specific hospitals/doctors because of their health insurance."	"While I would not mind paying higher taxes to ensure access to affordable, high quality health care, I don't think the majority of Americans would."	Stop limiting which doctors/hospitals we can use!	female	Under 25	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/15/06 7:21 PM
6489	"I am concerned about the number of americans without adequate health care insurance, due to disability or inability to afford it."	"Health care delivery costs are simply too high.  Since the times when insurance ""paid for everything"", costs were set at an outrageous amount so that equipment companies, hospitals, doctors, etc. could make quite large sums of money & enormous profits.  Now, insurance ""pays for almost nothing"" and the costs continue to rise. As under PPS, NEW amounts & caps should be set for certain things, like equipment, hospital rooms, doctors fees, etc. and that amount should be ALL that is payed, period.  No separate bills to the consumer.  The price is X, the doctor or DME provider takes that price or does not provide the service, period.  This is a radical idea, but given adequate thought, it makes sense. "	"I'm not sure how to answer this question.  I believe that Kaiser Permanente is on to something good.  They appear to be the only insurance company interested in reducing costs by paying for preventative services. And by having a large network, they can keep their prices for services down and the service quality seems to be generally good."	"1. Set reasonable caps for costs of medicine, procedures, doctor's fees, equipment and do not allow these individual service providers to set the prices for the services.  In other words, make it so that a specialist (such as neurology) can only charge $X for services, period. That would be the amount the insurance company pays.  Then there is no need for secondary insurance or OOP expenses for the consumer.    2.  Set reasonable salary and benefit caps for executives of insurance companies, drug companies, etc. to take ""profit-making"" incentives away from them.  The profits should go to the comsumers paying for service, not the top of the pyramid, so to speak.  3. Establish more ""non-profit"" insurance companies and networks who provide services for pre-set dollar amounts.  4. Provide free birth control to low-income families and keep religion out of healt care.  If americans give birth to fewer unwanted babies (or have fewer to abort) then costs would decrease."	female	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 7:18 PM
6491	"Health care for seniors is in a fragile state today.  Currently, seniors receive equal health care whether they have  economic resources or not.  However, Medicaid and Medicare are losing funding and putting our seniors at risk."	I would like to see all citizens covered by some types of health insurance.	If poor populations had access to quality regular health care then they may not use the emergency room as their doctor's office.  This would help decrease the overall cost of health care.	Protect our seniors	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 7:19 PM
6504	"Medical decisions and the medical dollar is more and more being taken away from providers and hospitals and placed in the hands of corporate and government entities.  The financial rewards of providing healthcare are increasingly declining, and quality and availability to patients is suffering as a result.  Frivolous lawsuits are also a serious drain on our resources."	"Private financing of healthcare has its problems, but is still highly preferable to a national plan or government-run healthcare.  Additional bureaucracy will only compound inefficiencies and availability.  I do think that medical insurance should have higher deductibles and not pay for some basics, much as auto insurance is purchased not for tires and windshield wipers, but for catastrophies.  People need to be more personally accountable for the healthcare; it is not an entitlement as is often expected in America today."	Higher up-front out-of-pocket costs for basic healthcare to ensure serious illnesses/hospitalizations/surgery will be covered.  Eliminate healthcare as an entitlement and require more personal responsibility for maintaining health and paying for it.	"Eliminate frivolous lawsuits and provide a system for basic, generous compensation to patients when errors are made.  Reimbursement will be timely, and  legal costs substantially eliminated.  This will be better both for patients and the physicians who care for them; the trade-off is less money for malpractice lawyers, but patients will benefit.    "	male	25 to 44	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 8:04 PM
6514	"That changes will be made that will ultimately hurt America. Socialized Medicine has been a disaster world wide as taxes range from 55-70% and higher for countries that have it, (Canada, Great Britain, Swedan, etc.)Patients on longterm waiting lists for routine procedures that can be performed in one day in America. Make Americans more responsible for their healthcare. That is the answer."	NULL	"Stop having insurance companies paying for routine medications. Insurance, simply by definition, is reserved for circumstances that are unexpected. As Americans become increasingly dependent on prescription drugs, they should pay for their own medications. Today, insurance companies pay for cold/allergy medications, gastroesophageal drugs, antidepressants, etc all of which is robbing the healthcare system. Patients should purchase their own drugs and alow insurance companies to pay for more detrimental situations (Car accidents, major surgeries, hospital stays, etc.) Now premiums go down so that all Americans can afford healthcare. "	"Make Americans more responsible for their own healthcare. Medical savings accounts that can only be used for healthcare, ones in which there is no expiration, and which cannot be taxed. Funds would be reserved from paychecks, simlar to how taxes are withheld, and would be placed in a medical savings account for future use. That way fraudulant claims to insurance companies, illegal aliens, other means of robbing the American people through insurance companies would be virtually eliminated.  "	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 7:23 PM
6516	"The Hippocratic Oath has long been abandoned by the medical professionals in this country. They all seem to live by the new version of the Golden Rule, which reads, ""He who has the gold makes the rules."" The insurance companies are profit driven, and compel doctors to shun treatments that would have an adverse effect on their profit margins, and this seems to be the driving force in medicine in this country as we know it today. In addition we have the greedy tort attorneys who are taking the doctors to the cleaners inasmuch as some doctors are abandoning their profession because they can no longer afford the malpractice insurance. It is no wonder that our care system is so sick. "	"I think that most people would be willing to accept a national value added or national sales tax to fund a nationalized medical system that treats all legal citizens fairly and equally, without financial or any other kind of discrimination."	"As I said above, I do not think that our citizens would be adverse to what is popularly called Socialized Medicine if they could get the care that they need. Now, there are millions of Americans who cannot receive the care they really need for lack of coverage, which they cannot afford. We need to get the greed out of the system."	"There is way too much bureaucracy and redundant paperwork involved in the public health systems today. It seems as if each agency has its own form of paperwork asking the same questions. A central databank that houses this information for all users would probably save millions in paperwork processing,and payroll for those who must administer the current system. Also, taking a great deal of the paperwork load off the shoulders of the skilled medical personnel such as RN's and LPN's would allow them to spend more time caring for more people, instead of spending 3-4 hours of a normal working day doing administrative paperwork to satisfy the bureaucracy. The whole system could use streamlining. Also, give handicapped, disabled, and elderly patients incentives to move from nursing homes and assisted living facilities to public or private housing if they are able, instead of trapping them in a very expensive care facility.  "	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 7:23 PM
6518	"A number of things, it not inclusive of everyone to start with.  Secondly, it's not prevention based, it's drug based.  Third, it's managed by corporations intent on profit first and formost.  Its management top heavy with far to much bueracracy wasting costs."	The system should be single payer based universal health care.   Anyone who wants private health care should pay for it separately.	American's will support a fair system that doesn't waste their money and does a good job of making their health better so they can live more valuable lives.	Establish a Prevention based Universal Healthcare System	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/15/06 7:24 PM
6520	too many people don't have healthcare.  It is unaffordable for the average person.	More $ from government for healthcare less on defense and wars.	Give up some aircraft carriers and wars on middle eastern nations	Get rid of illeagal immigrants	female	45 to 64	No	NULL	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/15/06 7:28 PM
6530	"In America today , if one is wealthy one gets adequate Health Care , The Middle Class experience some rationing and The Poor Get A Pat On The Head & A Sympathetic Smile !! We Need Canada's Highly Successful , World Class Health Care Programme For ALL !!"	"Dump it ALL & instead adopt Canada's Highly Successful , World Class Health Care Programme !!"	"None !! Adopt Canada's Highly Successful , World Class Health Care Programme !!!!!"	"We NEED Canada's Highly Successful , World Class Health Care Programme !!!!!"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	2/15/06 7:35 PM
6532	Rising cost and government mandates	"The more government stays out of the health care business the better off we are. If anything, a tax credit would be helpfull."	"He, who pays for the health care should decide what benifits are to be provided. Having any health care is better than having none. To tell a business what benifits are to be provided ends up causing some employers to not have any insurance."	Pass legislation allowing AHPs so employers can band together to negotiate price without having to deal with all the state requirements the insurance companys and states are saddling us with. We do not need government to tell us what we need. We can figure that out for ourselfs.	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 7:28 PM
6538	It is far too expensive. Many can't afford it and are forced to do without it.	NULL	NULL	"Get the Republicans out of bed with the drug companies and allow individuals, States and providers to negotiate the best prices for medications, both domestically and internationally."	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/15/06 7:36 PM
6552	"The thing that most concerns me about health care in America is the fact that our legislators are being bought off by rich and powerful lobbyists who represent the drug companies and other medical companies. This means the laws are not being written to benefit the consumers and the tax payers, but written to be beneficial to the medical and drug companies. When our politicians are being bought off (and it is perfectly within the law for them to be since they write the laws), there is no limit to the cost of health care to consumers and employers."	"When I live in a country who takes $250 a week out of my paycheck in taxes, I feel they should use some of that money to provide insurance for EVERYONE in the country, rather than spending it on a costly, unjustified war in Iraq and on raises for themselves. Every citizen in America should have the same health care options provided to our government workers."	"American taxpayers are already being raped by our government each payday. Instead of wasting taxpayers' money on pork projects, unjust wars or the space program, use that money with a little bit of sense and create a health care program for all."	"Creating laws which elimate the chance of our legislators being bought by big businesses would cut back much of the cost of health care in America. Eliminate all donations from health care providers, drug companies and other medical companies to the politicians and eliminate the crimes their lobbyists are committing in Washington every day. "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	2/15/06 7:36 PM
6553	It is too expensive and has too many hidden costs.	"Yes, health care needs to be paid by people. It is not a ""right"" that is free."	"There is no way to ""ensure access to affordable, high quality care"".  Demand is close to infinite when the price is zero as is shown around the world.  "	Equalize tax benefits of personally-purchased healthcare and company-sponsored health plans. The US tax policy to give deductions to companies and no-deductions to individuals is INSANE from a policy standpoint!  	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 7:36 PM
6554	If you have a catastrophic illness it can completely wipe out your finances.	"A single payer system where everyone puts in and sick people are taken care of, avoiding the middle man (i.e. insurance) that eats up so much money for ""management"", and allow for collective bargaining for services, much like Medicare."	Being able to sleep at night because they know they are not one devestating illness or injury away from bankruptcy would make it easier to put off that office visit for a cold or other illness that will heal itself without medical intervention and would cut back on overuse of antibiotics.	Expand Medicare to all Americans and use the power of collective bargaining to negoiate better health deals for all Americans.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/15/06 7:36 PM
6561	"Treatments and costs are driven more by companies who are trying to make money from patents, and less by what's actually best for Americans.  Alternative and inexpensive treatments are often the most effective, but they're attacked and marginalized by huge companies who have the money... and the power."	"Yes, a single-payer system would eliminate a great deal of needless administrative costs."	"I think Americans would be willing to give up the high-cost, high-risk, low-results drugs and treatments if they were educated regarding the truth about them."	"Forget lobbying by drug companies and insurers, and instead focus on what WORKS.  Put some real time and energy into reviewing recent research on natural and inexpensive treatments, particularly studies conducted in EU countries.  Then push those high-results, low-cost solutions to work for Americans."	female	25 to 44	No	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/15/06 7:39 PM
6562	It looks to me like a system that is more concerned with maximizing profits than with maximizing health.	"I think we are paying pharamaceutical companies, for-profit hospitals, laboratories, medical equipment companies, and doctors way too much money.  It's like the Pentagon's $400 hammers."	I think the American public is willing to see fat cats get less money in order to assure access to health care for those of us with little money.	"Emphasis on prevention--diet& exercise, education to facilitate self-diagnosis&treatment for minor problems, ""barefoot doctors""/nurse practitioners widely available."	male	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	2/15/06 7:45 PM
6567	NULL	A formula needs to be developed based upon a companies revenue and payroll to be paid to a socialized health care program available to all.  Too many Companies are using the Medicaid system as the health care provider	NULL	NULL	male	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/15/06 7:40 PM
6570	"The high cost coupled by the lack of availability.  The older/sicker you are, the more you have to pay.  The concept of insurance is gone, because if you are not healthy, you cannot get insurance at an affordable rate, even if you had it when you were healthy."	All individuals need to pay for health care. 	"I think some of us are going to have to pay more, but why can other countries have universal, quality coverage, but not us?"	Get rid of all private insurance companies and institute a single payer system run by the government.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 7:52 PM
6571	Corporations providing services are ripping off consumers and insurance companies	Every state should have a single payer system provided by one insurance company for all residents of the state.  All residents are required to be part of the program.  The insurance  company would submit bids for providing the service. The program would be monitored by a consumer provider board.  No insurance company could have more than 10 % of the total population of the nation.  Insurance companies would compete amoung the states for the most effective service and the best cost.  Pharmacutical companies selling drugs in the U.S. would have to meet competitive bidding for wholesale prices to have their product sold in any U.S. drug store.  Generics should be authorized by law as soon as a  company has recouped development cost plus a percentage.  Federal monitoring of monopolistic  health care corporations.  Any corporation providing sales or services in the U.S. should pay  taxes in the U. S. ( No More Cayman Island Corp. Headquarters).	NULL	NULL	male	Over 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 7:41 PM
6573	"That the lower income and very poor, those with chronic medical considtions and those without children in particular are being ignored when it comes to new health care legislation. If you have no extra savings to spare, there is no way to afford an HSA, or pay for an individual plan. And those of us with chroinc long term treatment needs cant even get an insurance plan. "	"I believe we should have a more socialist system type health care...run by the government or some designated gov. or state agencies that would supplement all those who cannot afford or obtain employer sponsored health plans. I am disabled, low income and unemployed with chronic health problems that medicaid makes a huge burden. It's fine to have HSAs or similar tax free savings accounts ....if you can aford it....but mos tthe uninsured CANT, so this type of solution is ridiculous."	"I think many of the public would prefer contributing an income tax specifically for universal health care...and eliminating income tax for other hidden purposes. I would be happy to pay an extra national sales tax, that went towards a free health care system.  But those who still CAN afford there own health private plans or care should be made to do so. Income contingent rules should applly....or medical condition status, etc. And, single people deserve just as much care as children or people with children.  We dont all choose that route."	"Recognizing our responsibility for all to share into a health care system relative to their ability or financial status to create social justice for all. Health care is a basic right to all, not something to be left to the greed and corruption of market forces...where the rich only create legislation to benefit themselves....those with the most need are the least represented."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/15/06 7:41 PM
6579	price of health care and insurance	universal government provided health care	"higher taxes - I pay $500 per month now to insure my family, in addition to what my employer pays for me.  I work for a non-profit, so government tax incentives will not help."	provide universal health care through personal and business taxes	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 7:47 PM
6595	"The focus is on paying for disease care.  ""An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.""  Too much emphysis on pharmaceutical solutions to symptoms and not addressing and preventing the causes.  Lack of exercise, poor eating habits, junk food, etc."	"Yes, allow for coverage of alternative, health promoting options."	"I think Americans would be willing to pay slightly more if they had coverage for a variety of health care providers, such as Naturopathic Physicians (4 year not correspondance school), Acupuncturists, Chiropractors, Nutritionists, Massage Therapists, in addition to M.D.s, and D.O.s."	Allow Americans to choose their form of Health Care and not be forced into the Disease Care system.  Focus and reward physicians who keep their patients healthy.  Similar to the system in China where the physician only gets paid for healthy patients and no pay for sick patients.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 8:07 PM
6598	"Skyrocketing costs for health care are pricing health out of ordinary consumers' reach.    Big pharm is a complete racket that ineffably represents the fascist Bush junta's regime and its goals. Costs skyrocket as big pharm companies charge more and more for drugs they claim they are researching when it is really public taxpayer dollars that are funding the research through academia and places like NIH.    And yet big pharm costs us average Americans more than just by hitting our wallets. Americans are sold toxic drugs that do NOT cure a thing; they merely mask one set of symptoms with another set of symptoms called ""side effects."" Since the Bush junta's FDA is merely a rubber stamp serving the greed of big pharm, there is no protection for the consumer, to whom these poisons are being marketed like candy, from taking drugs that injure and kill (e.g., Cox-2 inhibitors).    Our high-fat animal-product-based diet is also killing us. Please read ""The China Study"" by T. Colin Campbell: it offers clear scientific links between animal-based ""foods"" and every disease of affluence we see in this country.     It is time America put its people first by stressing prevention and low-cost, non-toxic, natural alternatives rather than high-priced, toxic, ineffective poisonous drugs. It is also time to stop pandering to the American meat/egg/dairy industries and put our own health FIRST."	"America is ready for a single-payer health care system that ensures that every citizen will receive the health care he or she needs regardless of ability to pay. Just think: we wouldn't do any less for a dog, so why aren't humans entitled to proper health care?"	"Currently, Britain's system limits highly complex treatments like transplants. While I would prefer not to impose such limitations on an American single-payer system, I realize that compromises must be struck to keep costs contained. Personally, I believe that stressing prevention would go farther than rationing to contain costs at a reasonable level. Americans must learn to become responsible for their own health and to be intelligent health consumers."	"PREVENTION, PREVENTION, PREVENTION!    American culture is awash in a plethora of high-fat, animal-product-based fast- and junk-foods that are making us sick with everything from obesity to diabetes to cancer and everything in between! It is time to step away from the greed of American industries (like big pharm and the meat/dairy/egg manufacturers) and start putting people and their health FIRST!"	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	2/15/06 7:51 PM
6607	"The high cost.  Also, I worry that my children who are in their late 20s/early 30s will not be able to afford health coverage AND college for their children."	"I would like to see people who refuse to change their lifestyle (eg. - smokers, obese, etc.) have to pay more for health care.  Also, a reward to those who try to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  I agree that employers should have the right to enforce no-smoking rules."	Maybe a better balance of paying for higher premiums along with an incentive for using preventive health care.	Get rid of the waste.  Medicare is a good example of too much money being spent ineffectively.	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	2/15/06 7:55 PM
6608	"The fact that so many people do not have the option to have any type of health care ""insurance"".  While I don't believe in making it mandatory, I do believe that everyone, regardless of income, should have a health care option available."	"I think there is a need for a universal - single payer - health care system.  If someone wants more options than ""government run health care"" provides then let them pay for private insurance that will let them have more choices of doctors, treatments, hospitals.  We who are not wealthy would just be grateful to be able to see a competent doctor when we have an infection or for some preventative care.  If we can't get all the fancy options, basic care is better than no care."	"That is too broad a question.  There is the wealthy American public who have lots of options right now.  There is the less wealthy American public who have enough income to take some of the available options.  There is the working American public who can just barely afford any available options.  And there is the American public who can not afford any of today's health care options.   And each group will have very different ideas about what they are willing to give up or ""trade-off"" to get affordable, good quality health care.   Even the concept of ""quality"" health care is a relative term -- any reasonably trained and mostly competent doctor looks good when your choice is that doctor or no treatment at all.    What all Americans should want is at least the quality and availabilty of care that countries like Canada, France, England, etc. offer.  "	Stop the nonsense about private insurance/ free -market economy and provide adequate health care for everyone.  Health care that includes preventative care appropriate to people of all ages.  Health care that may not have all the frills that private insurance can offer the wealthy but at least gives the rest of us the option of being able to get quality care for our basic needs --- education to prevent problems; care to eleminate the problems we do have that can be treated; and end-of-life care that allows us to die with dignity and without pain.    Let all who live in America have at minimum the same options that a person living in Canada or France or many other countries have.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 8:11 PM
6613	Natural Health Care is TOTALLY left out of insurance and federal regulations/options.  It should NO longer take a back seat.  It should be on equal status with the Allopathic Medical care system.	"Yes, Natural Health care should be paid for by insurance because it would lower the premiums because it cost less.  Then health care cost would come down, insurance would come down and we wouldn't need more beuracratic regulations that make it more costly in the long run."	I don't think Americans should make any trade offs.  Natural Health care is the answer.  It cost less than half conventional health care and would solve the health care crisis in this country.	Use natural health care products!	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	2/15/06 7:56 PM
6634	"I am most concerned with the rising number of people lacking health care in America. This is the most basic service and right which ALL Americans should have access to, without the astronomical costs."	"I believe that employers should be required to pay more for their employees' health care costs, and required to provide this service to all employees, regardless of the amount of hours worked. The government, as well, should spend more money on health care and other vital domestic issues. "	I believe Americans may be willing to wait longer for non-critical doctor visits; visit doctors that may not be their doctor of choice; pay slightly higher rates- although this should not be placed upon the American citizen's backs when other industrialized countries offer free health care to all.	"The single most important recommendation I will offer is this: quality, socialized health care provided to all Americans.If people choose to see a different physician that is not involved in such a program, they have that choice; and may pay out of pocket expenses to do so."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	2/15/06 8:08 PM
6636	 It's getting insanely expensive. We need a   national single payer health insurance program.	NULL	NULL	Single Payer	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	2/15/06 8:09 PM
6645	"It's not affordable, espectially insurance.  No universal coverage.  Too many uninsured people."	"Yes, I would like to see a universal coverage system like they have in Canada and Europe."	I don't know if the American public is willing to make trade-offs.  If we knew we'd be better off.	"Universla coverage.  I'm in Korea now and for about $50 U.S. I get insurance that covers everything including dental and acupuncture.  I make more money here, too, so it's not that the cost of living is so cheap.  A Dr.'s visit costs $4.    The whole medical system is screwed up in the U.S.--Each hospital duplicating expensive equipment that could be shared, an insane authoritarian heirarchy, but I think cost is the worst thing."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	2/15/06 8:12 PM
6649	"WAL-MART's use of taxpayer dollars as its health-care plan. I tell all my friends that about $8(i've done the calculations) of their paycheck goes to pay Walmarts employees healthcare.It sounds like a joke, but before too long, it's going to be a new box on everyone's paycheck-it will say FICA, DENTAL, WALMART WORKER INSURANCE. Every company should be held accountable, to making sure it is affordable and available, not discouraged.If the average worker in a particuar company can't afford their health-care, that company should have legal action brought against them.In Wal-Mart's case, that is the number one reason they make so much money-they bend every rule in sight-especially health-care-it is quite evident that Lee Scott could care less if the employees live or die, as long as he doesn't have to pay for it.Remember, he has more Medicaid or Medicare forms handy than healthcare forms(he's probably laughing to himself ""Healthcare,,,we dont do that here!!!!"")"	"Well, obviously the government is slowly going broke(mostly because Walmart is content on making us the NEW CHINA)-so pretty soon we can take them out of the equation altogether.The system works for the most part the way it is, but people taking advantage of it have proven that it can't exist much longer in it's current state.Wal-mart is the number one company taking advantage of the current lack of laws with regard to health-care.To Walmart, it's free employee healthcare for the foreseeable future!!!.I like the President's savings account method, i think that really forces a lot of people who don't invest, to see the benefits of timed-savings.I think your foolish to not to do some kind of investing, so why not invest in something that is a necessity?"	"I wouldn't expect anybody should have to do any trade-offs, once Walmart is put on notice. I don't think we should be making health-care sacrifices, just because people don't understand how Walmart is undermining the government.  "	Fine Wal-mart immediately for unaffordable healthcare costs.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/15/06 8:14 PM
6654	"Health insurance is too expensive, and too often people end up with lifetime exclusions on exactly the conditions that they need insurance for.  Also, some health care service is prohibitively expensive -- partly because some physicians charge more than they need to, and partly because of astronomical liability insurance.  "	"Yes.  We should have a national health care system that covers everyone for everything that requires medical attention to keep us healthy, including preventive medicine and regular checkups.  We are the only industrialized nation that doesn't have national health care."	I think they are willing to pay more in taxes to cover national health care when they realize that in the end they will pay less than they would for private insurance.  I think they would also be willing not to be covered for some of the most expensive treatments available.	Nationalize it.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 8:18 PM
6657	coverages for everyone no matter what thier income is. 	Lots of changes are in order if we are to have any kind of meaningful health care program in this country.	"depends on the income level of the person you ask. Wealther people are less willing to contribute to a national system than someone of average income, such as myself. possible a higher tax for a national health plan."	"Less tax cuts for the wealthy. That is a terrible way to try to fund any kind of social program. With social programs cut beyond the bone to give tax breaks, we will never have the money in the budget and this becomes nothing more that rhetoric."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	2/15/06 8:33 PM
6658	"It is unaffordable. I cannot get the medication I need because my insurance company refuses to pay for it. I cannot go to the specialist I need because my previous insurance company refused to pay for my last visit - though they authorised it. My 3 nieces have no insurance at all. In the meantime, I still have to pay my premiums. Healthcare in America has become a criminal enterprise, with most Americans being the victims."	I'm strongly in favor of universal health insurance. Ordinary Americans like myself cannot much longer endure the third world healthcare system of the U.S. It makes no difference if the best doctors and hospitals in the world are two miles away if I can't afford them.	It should be paid for by raising Federal Income taxes. Period.	Universal Health Insurance.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/15/06 8:20 PM
6659	"1. Too many people have no health coverage.  2. Insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and other big businesses have too much power and suck too much of the money away from people.  3. HEALTH CARE IS A HUMAN RIGHT, NOT A COMMODITY. The so-called ""free market"" is the wrong model, just like election campaigns should not be ruled by money! The rest of the civilized world provides UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE for people, but the U.S. is shamefully backward!!!  Our health statistics suffer as a result.  4. Studies show we could provide HEALTH CARE FOR EVERYONE if we were to get insurance companies and other big businesses out. IT WOULD COST NO MORE THAN AT PRESENT!!!  Simply extend Medicare to everyone. I support a SINGLE-PAYER system!!!  5. Control pharmaceutical prices. "	"THE CURRENT SYSTEM IS GROSSLY INEFFICIENT!!!  Everybody wastes effort and money trying to shift the costs onto other sectors.  For the same total amount of money we spend now, we could cover EVERYONE with good coverage if we ABOLISH INSURANCE COMPANIES and have the government cover everything through a SINGLE-PAYER system. There's no need for employers or individuals to pay anytying.  A governmental system would be more efficient and more fair."	"The public does not know the information I've presented above.  If the public knew that insurance companies are not necessary and that big business is driving up the costs and making the system inefficient, the public would choose a single-payer system.  In that case the public would choose a single-payer system financed through the government."	GET BIG BUSINESSES -- ESPECIALLY INSURANCE COMPANIES -- OUT OF HEALTH CARE!!!  Use a single-payer system (like extending Medicare to everyone)!  It's really quite simple!	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/15/06 8:21 PM
6662	Inequality in access to quality care	"We need to pool risk and make everyone's payment lower as a result.  As a society we pay for the uninsured, we need to bring these people into the net, improve their health and reduce the societal costs."	I would like to see health insurance administration costs (that means the costs and profits of insurance companies) of private insurance brought into line with that of Medicare.  Medicare's administrative cost is 2%.     The public doesn't need to make trade-offs as much as big companies do.  We need to take the big money out of it for insurance companies.	Bring everyone into CHAMPUS or other nationwide program.  Then we can focus on improving costs and quality.  Put it all into one big pool.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/15/06 8:28 PM
6666	Rising costs are causing my employer to try to cut benefits during contract negotiations.	"Everyone pays a fair share, everyone has health care benefits."	"Fair and equitable levels of cost sharing for health care benefits, as a trade for a halt to fast rising costs."	Streamline payments to doctors by eliminating the cost of ensurers' burocracy.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	2/15/06 8:36 PM
6671	We have a health insurance system that is run by private companies and that has a high cost of administration compared to the government medicare system. We should have a single payer system which would be the medicare system expanded to cover all citizens and supported by taxes.	We should have a single payer system run by the government and supported bu taxes.	the american public wants medicare to expand its coverage to all and would be willing to support that with taxes	Universal health care by the government supported by taxes.	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	2/15/06 8:30 PM
6672	The high cost of insurance and prescription drugs reflect the number of people who are sicker than ever before in the US. People put off going to the doctors and getting prescribed meds due to the price .	Health care should be more affordable for everyone. 	"The American Public is paying enough as it is now. I think some of this cost should come out of Washington, such as a reduction in salaries for the Government officials who currently are raping the system while the General Public can not afford doctors or meds."	Fight the high cost of health care by having the procedures and visits and drugs on a scale that needs to be followed by these providers	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	2/15/06 8:25 PM
6679	Too many Americans go without health care because they can afford neither the care nor health insurance.	People who work for companies who don't offer health plans and people who are self-employed should have easy access to health plans that are within their means.  People shouldn't have to choose between buying groceries or paying for a health plan to help them manage ordinary costs and contain catastrophic costs.	I think a lot of Americans would be willing to pay higher premiums and co-pays to ensure a better system for all Americans.	Create an affordable health plan that is available to those who don't have one through their workplace!    People should be able to afford the premiums.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	2/15/06 8:34 PM
6686	"It is like everything else, it just keeps going up in price and yet employee raises are very small.  Americans have not received a cost of living raise in a very long time but the cost of gas, food, insurance and every day exspences just keep going up.  "	"Lower the amount that you can deduct at the end of the year on your taxes.  I believe the amount now is $6000, well that is alot for alot of us.  "	not sure	give back the cost of living raises.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 8:33 PM
6687	It needs to be comprehensive and must be made available to everybody (especially poorer people!).	NULL	"To begin with, no more of Bush's escapades, such as lying us into an unnecessary war in Iraq.  "	NULL	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/15/06 8:33 PM
6688	"what concerns me most is the fraud, theft and rape of the american citizens by the corrupt and greedy hospital corporations, pharmasutical companys, doctors and all other medical supply companys that reap BILLIONS of dollars off of the public with criminally high prices for all health care and use part of the excess profits to bribe the congressmen and senators in the name of ""donations to political campaigns"""	"YES!!! We should have a national health insurance that all employees pay for in a payroll tax. ALL medical, dental, and eye care should be completely free as it is in many other civilized countries."	NO trade offs at all. We should insist that greedy medical providers cut their charges by up to 1000%....they would STILL get filthy rich.....	Pass laws making excess profits for medical providers and medical corporations illegal and prosecute the greedy thieves to the max.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/15/06 8:33 PM
6694	That everyone does not have health insurance and affordable health care.	Everyone should have affordable health insurance that stays with them.   Health care costs should be negotiated to get the costs as low as pollible for everyone.	NULL	Costs for health care and drugs should be negotiated to get the lowest possible cost. 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	2/15/06 8:44 PM
6704	It's being run by the drug companies who are getting obscenely wealthy at the direct expense of the health of the citizens of this country; after that - that health care isn't available at all to millions of people in this country because they can't afford it - THAT IS MORALLY WRONG.	"It should be underwritten by the government, with sliding scale of payments made by individuals through taxes - people who make the most should pay the most to insure that health care is available for all; employers should also contribute through the taxes they pay."	"we shouldn't have to make tradeoffs - we're the richest country in the world, with some of the most deplorable health care in the world.  Perhaps the tradeoffs should be END THE WAR IN IRAQ, PROSECUTE THOSE WHO ARE PROFITEERING BY THE WAR, PUT MONEY BACK INTO THIS COUNTRY AND WHAT OUR PEOPLE NEED"	set national standards that are enforced everywhere so that the same standards of care are available to all	female	45 to 64	No	Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/15/06 8:45 PM
6705	"I don't like the connection between work and health insurance, especially at a time when job security is decreasing. Also pre-existing conditions can make insurance unavailable or impossibly expensive if one has to change jobs."	I think medicare or veteran's care or some combination are good models for everyone's care.	Co-payments and premiums could be 10% higher.	It should be as universal as the driver's license. I'm happy that I have insurance but I can't totally enjoy it when I hear that 40-45 million don't have any. Also those that don't have any sometimes have to use emergency rooms - perhaps raising hospital costs.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/15/06 8:39 PM
6712	Lack of universal coverage for all citizens.	We need a national single payer universal health care plan funded by the federal government.	"Eliminate tax cuts, perhaps some tax increase."	Give us basic universal health care.	male	Over 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SD	2/15/06 8:44 PM
6721	"It's too expensive and inefficient, and too many people can't get it."	"We need a single-payer system to control costs and promote efficiency, and it has to be universal."	"Higher taxes to support a universal, single-payer system."	"Universal, single-payer coverage."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/15/06 8:44 PM
6725	"It has been allowed to become a commodity with winners and losers rather that a real care system. Health care should be a basic, publically-funded right of all people."	Single-payer system financed by taxes.	Re-direct the money we spend on unneeded weapons systems for defense and eliminate pork barrel politics.	"A change of attitude and heart from Bush's faux ""ownership society"" to a collective stewardship model (We are our brother's & sister's keeper). "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	2/15/06 8:50 PM
6726	The paucity of coverage for ALL Americans.	There must be a universal program instituted in the USA to provide coverage for all citizens. Administration of such a program will probably require a governmental agency - pray that it's not FEMA or Homeland Security.	"I think that moderately higher taxes, somewhat longer office waits, and required annual check-ups  would be palatable to most."	Provide it for ALL citizens equally and without preferential access.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	2/15/06 8:45 PM
6728	The fact that people like me who have been displaced from good paying jobs that may provide insurance cannot afford to pay for our own insurance.  I had to cancel mine after 2 years of unemployment because of thier 30% increase in premiums per year and my savings being depleted.  I now work low paying temp jobs and cannot afford  insurance at all.  	"The payments need to be evened out so that everyones covered.  Those that can pay more, should pay more."	I will give up choosing my own doctor/dentist to be able to get care.	Work to lower health care costs and stop the drug companies from inflating thier prices over what they should be.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 8:50 PM
6738	"It's too expensive for very little service and quality.  Insurance companies control health care in the USA and focus on their profits and not on ensuring that Americans are healthy and receive the care when they need it.  There is too much emphasis on dealing with illnesses and diseases, and hardly any effort to prevent these illnesses and diseases."	We need a single-payer universal health care system.	"This is a red herring.  There don't need to be any trade-offs for most Americans.  The insurance industry will take a hit in the wallet, but for as much money as we citizens pay to insurance companies, we can easily provide health care for all through a single-payer universal health care system that is of higher quality than what 99% of us have right now."	Adopt a single-payer universal health care system that is completely not-for-profit.  Insurance companies should not be profiting at the expense of the sick and dying.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/15/06 8:51 PM
6744	"That the middle class has been ignored and most of them can't afford insurance.  I can't afford to seek medical care because of the money issure and I pray everyday that nothing happens that I am forced to go to a doctor.  I haven't been able to see a medical doctor for 15 years or more even though I really should do so.  When I get sick, I have to tough it out.  Also alternative care, such as Chiropractic should be included and paid for by insurance companies.  Chiropractic care has been proved safe and helpful and lower cost than any so called ""medical"" care."	Just like to see most people have some sort of coverage for hospital.  	NULL	"Make it affordable especially medication, which is  out of hand completely.  The prices charged are so high that most people have to skip what they need to take. "	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 9:01 PM
6752	"I am concerned that there are so many people without health insurance. I have friends in their 30's even without coverage that need simple things- blood pressure medication, or mental health drugs and they have no access to them. I am also concerned that we are not ready for the flu pandemic that we are almost certain to get."	"I think that the government should offer a kind of health insurance to everyone, one that has co pays and such. I do not think our taxes need to be raised for it- we just need to re-prioritize where our dollars go. "	I think that the government could give up pork barrel projects like the missile defense system and the bridges that lead to nowhere. I think that the public should be prepared to pay something small for these services if they do not make a lot.  	Preventative health care is most important. It costs far less to have someone get the patch to quit smoking than to treat emphysema. 	female	25 to 44	NULL	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/15/06 8:56 PM
6753	Prescription drug coverage costs are out of control.  The Medicare part D coverage is a joke.  It is causing more problems than helping.  Its coverage is just not good enough.  Many Americans live without health care coverage because costs are just too high.  	"Wal-Mart doesn't pay for employee health care.  They would rather pass it on to the rest of us.  The way that works is their employees go to emergency room care for basic health needs. If you're going to have system that isn't a universal care concept, then I say Americans should pay according to how much money they make. Richer Americans pay higher taxes."	"A universal system can be paid for by an America that has less dependency on oil.  Less dependency on oil means less wars and less defense spending.  To do this we must raise the cafe on all vehicles to at least 35 MPG.  We then would have enough oil resources within our borders to run America.   As the President said we must address our ""addiction to oil"". We wouldn't need to control the middle east and we would stay out of unnecessary wars, thus saving trillions of dollars."	"Create universal good quality health coverage run by the government, not private enterprise. "	male	Over 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/15/06 9:37 PM
6758	"America's health care today lags badly behind other westernized countries, and for Medicare D it is a total flop it has created nothing but chaos I have fought with it time after time  after time to no prevail. Bush and the Republican Congress should have let Medicare alone it was bad but not as chaotic as it is now ! I am concerned that I cannot no longfer get my meds covered not all of them like I did before Bush messed around with the system. No wonder so many Americans are going to Canada for their medicine!"	"We should have Government Healthcare as was proposed by former president Bill Clinton ,her had the the right idea but the Republicans stopped him and a a very good plan that would have covered all Americans for their health  carew needs."	NULL	NULL	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	2/15/06 8:59 PM
6759	"Health care is too expensive and not enough Americans have access to health care.  All Americans should have access to quality health care.  We should move to a single-payer system, like Canada."	"The government should pay for it and limit and reduce the costs of health care, prosthetics, medical equipment and prescription drugs."	I don't know.  Eliminate the give-aways and tax breaks to HMOs and pharmaceutical companies.	"Make it available to all Americans by moving to a single-payer system, or the Canadian system."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/15/06 9:13 PM
6761	It bothers me that so many have no insurance. It's more expensive in the long run.	Eliminate the age limit for medicare. Raise taxes to pay for it.	"Look at Medicare, it's efficient. Raise our taxes, many of us already pay 5000 a year for health insurance. Start over on the prescription drugs."	Congress should get off the stick and quit asking for tax cuts. 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/15/06 9:05 PM
6777	Government involvement.  The government has no legal right to meddle in the affairs of private busineses such as the health care industry.	"If government would stay out of the health care business, the free market would take care of the problems with health care."	None are needed.	Lower our taxes so that we can afford to pay for medical care!!!!!!!!!!!	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 9:11 PM
6779	"Skyrocketing costs, burgeoning insurance and secondary health industries, decline in quality of direct health care services, and the profits extracted from the system at the expense of the users."	UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE funded by federal tax dollars administered by a federal agency responsive to democratic public input (what a concept in a democracy).	"Reduction in high-cost, low-service care. The public shouldn't pay for your 3rd experimental artificial heart. Reduction in coverage for high-risk, high-cost recreational activities. You climb a remote mountain and can't get back, there's no obligation on the public to spend millions to rescue you."	"universal, publicly funded health care."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/15/06 9:11 PM
6782	The system is broken. There is no system.	"Again, we need a single payer guaranteed health care system for all, not tied to employers."	Perhaps a comparison of the cost of having uninsured people ill and dying from a lack of affordable health care vs the intelligent approach of using a universal health care system. Compare the cost of sick workers vs healthy workers.	"We need a single payer, universal health care system. It has to cover the cost of prescriptions so that we can all survive."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	2/15/06 9:11 PM
6794	High costs and poor coverage for those without private insurance.	Large corporations need to pick up more of the slack especially when thier profits are based on low wage jobs.	pay more to pick their own doctors.	Preventitive care and low cost access to it will help people see doctors before problems become bigger and more costly.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/15/06 9:22 PM
6805	"I don't mind companies making a profit, I own a business myself; but how much is enough and how much is obscene? There is no reason for drug companies to police themselves but if some sort of control is not put in place, health care will die of drug company overdose."	I don't really have an answer. Doesn't government owned health care work in other countries?	Necessity will dictate. An aging population will recognize that some concessions will have to be made but the cost must be spread a bit more evenly among the have and have-nots.	Insist that there be competition as far as drugs are concerned. The nonsense of this administration giving the house and barn to the drug industry needs to be addressed. 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	2/15/06 9:23 PM
6806	"Increasing government involvement is destroying the free enterprise forces that make medicine cheaper and more effective.  Please stop emulating the Soviets, Canadians, and others who have tried socialized medicine.  Free enterprise has given us cheap and powerful computers and improved every area of life where it is allowed.  Our system works great except for where it is ensared by government regulation."	Health care should not be associated with employers.  Remove all tax incentives and allow individuals to buy their own health insurance.  Remove all government involvement from the heath care system so it can dramatically improve.	The American public is poorly educated on this issue and will be willing to trade the best medical system in the world for a failed socialist approach.  The only way to save our health care is to remove government.	"End all government medical regulation, tax items, and programs.  Medicare and Medicaid should be ended.  The normal welfare system can provide funds that can be used for medicine, housing or food.  The prices of medicine and health insurance are being driven up by government regulation.  It is time to remove the cancer of government from the essential industry of medicing."	male	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 9:31 PM
6819	"That a growing number of people (myself and my family included) do not have access to it. I am also concerned that many people in the service industry who come in contact with the public and/or prepare the food they eat, are vulnerable to contageous diseases, which could result in a pandemic."	I am a firm believer is Universal healthcare.	"I dont' think the American public should have to sacrifice anything to get affordable, high quality health care. Considering how high premiums for people who do have medical insurance are, I don't think trade-offs are in order. "	Universal Healthcare. Increase the pool of people who pay for healthcare to reduce the cost to individuals.	female	45 to 64	Yes	NULL	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/15/06 9:36 PM
6827	It's much too expensive and does not provide equal access to all citizens.	  There should be a single payer system of federalized health insurance as in all other developed countries.          	I think they will accept curbs on the powers of the insurance and pharmaceutical industries to charge unregulated unreasonable prices.	"We need a national heatlh insurance system to get costs in control while providing more equitable services to all Americans, including stronger programs to prevent illness in the first place."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	2/15/06 9:33 PM
6828	Excessive profits by drug companies and medical insurance companies push costs too high. 	"Dump health insurance companies and employer based systems. Go to a universal coverage, tax financed single payer system like other developed countries. "	"Restrict some expensive procedures to those likely to survive 10years or more.  Ration elective care, allowing some waits. "	Institute Canadian single payer insurance with free choice of providers. Outlaw 'for profit' medical organizations. 	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/15/06 9:43 PM
6829	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Get rid of this current President, Administration, and GOP Conservative controlled CONGRESS!!!"	male	Over 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/15/06 9:35 PM
6836	"The rising cost, soon more and more Americans will not be able to afford the basic health care they need. Health care benefits are being given to non-citizens of this country at little or no cost at all, while our own citizens do not enjoy the same treatment."	"The system needs to be much easier than it currently is, the system could use the goverments post office approach to health care----a health care building in each area like post offices cover zip codes. That would streamline it and each area of the country would have a health care professional in that area."	"Americans would be willing to burden the cost, just not the ever increasing cost. The cost has to be stopped or slowed at some point."	"Easier to get---geographic wise, easier to get finanicially. The cost is just too much for people to afford, lower income Americans need relief from this now, not five years from now, this topic has dogged yet another administration---let it end now--get this health care issue done!"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	2/15/06 9:39 PM
6838	Health care should be universal.  It is a disgrace that only seniors and the wealthy can afford it.	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	Decline to answer	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	2/15/06 9:39 PM
6842	"Runaway costs, over-prescribing of medications, refusal of insurance to cover less expensive and more effective natural remedies, too much power and influence of the pharmaceutical industry."	Build our healthcare costs into our taxes and insure everyone.  Other Countries do it and their corporations gain competitive advantage over us with regard to holding down healthcare costs.  	"I think that if we all paid additional taxes to cover everyone and we coupled that with holding the healthcare industry from essentially raping us, the insurance companies and the Gov't. we'd find a happy medium.  We all do pay for everyone's healthcare in one way or another anyway so why not get it over with and nationalize it.  I'm a federal employee and my current plan is Blue Cross so it's not like I want something for nothing.  I just think we need to do the right thing and protect the health of our nation."	Take the greed out of the system while still making medical research a worthwhile endeavor for companies who engage in it.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	2/15/06 9:40 PM
6846	"The number of uninsured people in this country is staggering. we must find a way to cover aeveryone--and it must be de-coupled from employment, since employers are increasingly finding themselves either u nable to afford it.  We also need to facilitate more preventive care.  AND we need to ensure adequate end-of-life care and palliative care for all."	"I think we need to have public health care, one-payer system."	I think people would be willing to pay higher taxes IF that ensured that they could have health care coverage no matter what their employment situation.  I also thinnk elective procedures that are purely cosmetic (exclusive of corecting severe deformities or reconstructing after accidents or illness)should not be covered by teh system I propose--people could buy private insuranc efor that kiond of stuff.	"ensure that it is accessible to everyone!!!!!    by the way, the other survey did not allow the ""strongly disagree"" column to appear on my screen."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/15/06 9:44 PM
6851	"It is not accessible to everyone, and it costs too much.  It is not CARING enough either."	"I advocate a single-payer, universal health care system. The United States is the only industrialized nation that does not guarantee access to health care as a right of citizenship. 28 industrialized nations have single payer universal health care systems, while 1 (Germany) has a multipayer universal health care system like President Clinton proposed for the United States "	"I don't think there SHOULD by any trade-offs.  We should be able to get high-quality health care under a taxpayer funded single-payer universal health care plan.      Myth Three: Universal Health Care Would Deprive Citizens of Needed Services     Fact One: Studies reveal that citizens in universal health care systems have more doctor visits and more hospital days than in the US    Fact Two: Around 30% of Americans have problem accessing health care due to payment problems or access to care, far more than any other industrialized country. About 17% of our population is without health insurance. About 75% of ill uninsured people have trouble accessing/paying for health care.      Fact Three: Comparisons of Difficulties Accessing Care Are Shown To Be Greater In The US Than Canada (see graph)      Fact Four: Access to health care is directly related to income and race in the United States. As a result the poor and minorities have poorer health than the wealthy and the whites.      Fact Five: There would be no lines under a universal health care system in the United States because we have about a 30% oversupply of medical equipment and surgeons, whereas demand would increase about 15%      Conclusion: The US denies access to health care based on the ability to pay. Under a universal health care system all would access care. There would be no lines as in other industrialized countries due to the oversupply in our providers and infrastructure, and the willingness/ability of the United States to spend more on health care than other industrialized nations.     Repeated national and state polls have shown that between 60 and 75% of Americans would like a publicly financed, universal health care system  "	"GO TO A UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM NOW!    Myth Six: The Problems With The US Health Care System Are Being Solved and Are Best Solved By Private Corporate Managed Care Medicine because they are the most efficient     Fact One: Private for profit corporation are the lease efficient deliverer of health care. They spend between 20 and 30% of premiums on administration and profits. The public sector is the most efficient. Medicare spends 3% on administration.    Fact Two: The same procedure in the same hospital the year after conversion from not-for profit to for-profit costs in between 20 to 35% more    Fact Three: Health care costs in the United States grew more in the United States under managed care in 1990 to 1996 than any other industrialized nation with single payer universal health care    Fact Four: The quality of health care in the US has deteriorated under managed care. Access problems have increased. The number of uninsured has dramatically increased (increase of 10 million to 43.4 million from 1989 to 1996, increase of 2.4% from 1989 to 1996- 16% in 1996 and increasing each year).    Fact Five: The level of satisfaction with the US health care system is the lowest of any industrialized nation.    Fact Six: 80% of citizens and 71% of doctors believe that managed care has caused quality of care to be compromised    Conclusion: For profit, managed care can not solve the US health care problems because health care is not a commodity that people shop for, and quality of care must always be compromised when the motivating factor for corporations is to save money through denial of care and decreasing provider costs. In addition managed care has introduced problems of patient confidentiality and disrupted the continuity of care through having limited provider networks.    Overall Answer to the questions Why doesn’t the US have single payer universal health care when single payer universal health care is the most efficient, most democratic and most equitable means to deliver health care? Why does the United States remain wedded to an inefficient, autocratic and immoral system that makes health care accessible to the wealthy and not the poor when a vast majority of citizens want it to be a right of citizenship?      "	female	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	2/15/06 9:45 PM
6860	"How incredibly unfair the system really is.  I like the system set forth in many countries that guarentees free health care to those who are working.  A system that's already set up doesn't take much thought into copying or making a rendition that works just as well for our country... so, why the hell not?"	"The system should be changed to a free health care system (for the working class, etc.)"	"The American public is lazy and bitchy, but easily manipulated.  They'll deal with any decision made for them.  Raises the taxes?  They'll get pissed and then eventually just take it.  I think the American public is a rediculous group of push overs that never truly stand up and act in what they believe in.  With that said I'm sure the American public would be willing to make any trade-off that was put forth... whether they like it or not."	The Free Health Care system used in Canada and a few other countries.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	2/15/06 9:50 PM
6861	   It's not available to everyone because most people can't afford it.	  We need a universal healthcare system in this country.	  The wealthy could pay a fair share in taxes.	  A universal healthcare system	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	2/15/06 9:58 PM
6868	Self coverage is leaving out more and more Americans and is becoming affordable for fewer and fewer people.	Universal Health Care by the US govt. similar to the Canadian system.	"Higher taxes for Universal Health Care.  Govt. regulation of Drug, Hospital, and Drs. to keep costs down and affordable for all.  "	Mandate Universal Health Care for All Citizens.	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 10:01 PM
6869	The incredible costs associated with even the most minor needs. From prescriptions that cost hundreds of dollars to a visit to the doctor that can also run into the hundreds (or thousands). The fees and costs simply don't seem logical.	"Yes, the ""insurance"" system as we use it is horribly flawed. The insurers use their buying power to get sweetheart deals with doctors and hospitals. In the meantime those who cannot afford coverage (or who are denied coverage for chronic illnesses) are footing the bill for the lavish salaries of Healthcare Administrators and others."	I think people would be willing to accept some increased cost if it were spread among the entire populace. I simply can't see requiring the working poor to try to pay for wars and the healthcare of citizens in foreign countries while they can't even afford to see a doctor in their own country.	Fire every person with an MBA who heads up a hospital or clinic. They are overpaid and do nothing to improve the situation - in fact they do quite a lot to make it much worse. Unless you're an MD or an RN you should never be allowed to administer a healthcare facility! And you still shouldn't be allowed to do it unless you spend at least 25% of your working time actually with patients!	male	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SC	2/15/06 10:02 PM
6877	"Lack of care. Lack of infrastructure ie. public health facilities, lack of care for the majority of Americans."	Take the Insurance companies out of the picture. Public health before corporate health!	Outrageous insurance fees.  Elective surgery.  We need National Health Care!!	Again lose the Insurance Companies	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/15/06 10:01 PM
6880	  I think the Goverment needs to look into   the actual cost of health care such as prescription drugs a news channel in our area   did a check on the pharmacys in the area and found  that they were charging the public up to 5000% over cost on there drugs they were selling to the   people and having to take several prescriptions   myself when I saw this I was angered at the pharmacys for screwing the public like that but   thats corporate america if you want the info on  that news article contact Fox 4 in Kansas City Mo.    Thank You     	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	2/15/06 10:02 PM
6889	"It has become too expensive and difficult to access if you do not make enough money.  It should be a right, not a luxury."	end the attack/war on all nations- then we could all have health care of some kind.  	"We should not have to make any.  The Federal government, our representatives do not indeed represent us. Every citizen should have some say as to where their taxes go.  There is plenty of money, it is just allocated in a fashion that serves the elite and the war mongering neo-cons."	"Impeach Bush, Cheney, for high crimes.  Get real Democrats in the House and Senate at both the state and federal levels.  The health care crisis is just a symptom of the bigger disease- we are living in a democracy, and haven't been for a long time."	female	45 to 64	Yes	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Not sure	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	2/15/06 10:16 PM
6892	The high cost of medical care in the U.S. Being able to choose your own doctors.	It should be modeled after the other countries (England and  Canada). Universal Health Coverage for all.  They have some of the lowest costs.	"I don't think there should be trade-offs to obtain Health Care, that should be a basic right.  "	To bring Universal Health Care to this country. The Drug and Insurance Companies have very deep pockets not to implement it.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/15/06 10:07 PM
6896	"The high cost of medical care.  Even though there is an abundance of providers, the costs seem to keep skyrocketing each year.  The medical profession is one of the greadiest on this earth.  The cost of prescription drugs in this country is out of control.  Why are drugs so much less expensive in other countries?  The ""free-market"" system in this country is raping us, not helping us!"	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	2/15/06 10:09 PM
6897	1)  Citizens can find themselves without healthcare coverage.    2)  We can lose our life savings if a major health care crisis affects a family member.	"Individuals and employers do not have the power to affect the health care industry; we are held prisoner to their spending.  Only the government can provide an overall view of the health care industry and the health requirements of citizens.  Therefore, the government should manage the industry to ensure we work together to provide health care for the whole commnunity."	"Other countries are providing quality health care for the same amount Americans are currently spending.  Why?  The answer should provide a framework that will provide quality healthcare for all citizens without a significant rise in costs.  In short, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the industry, and the savings should be used to provide care for all Americans."	Our society should provide quality and affordable care to all citizens from birth to death.  It is unwise to manage it from a purely financial perspective - our communities end up with duplicate services or none at all.  We should manage the healthcare from the perspective of what is best for the community.	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/15/06 10:10 PM
6900	"cost,cost,cost"	"everyone should have the same health care, corporate america should pay its share, CEO's have ONLY what it's workers have. ONLY AMERICAN CITIZENS AND LEGAL,LEGAL,LEGAL IMMERGRANTS ARE COVERED!!!"	WORKERS WILLING TO SETTLE FOR THE SAME LOW COST COVERAGE CEO'S HAVE	CARE ONLY FOR LEGALS AND CHARGE OTHER COUNTRIES FOR EMERGENCY ONLY CARE PROVIDED TO ILLEGAL AND SEND THEM BACK WITH EMPLOYERS WHO HIRED THEM PICKING UP THE COST UNTIL THEIR COUNTRY DOES.	male	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/15/06 10:11 PM
6903	"How it has become ""big business"". I believe it is difficult for the average person to take responsibility for their own well-being, including lifestyle and complimentary medicine choices."	"Yes, but I am not sure how. Clearly the current system needs some change."	I don't know.	Educate Americans to understand the ways they can protect and enhance their own health.	female	45 to 64	No	Other	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 10:14 PM
6907	"Children who do not have health and dental care and the lack of affordable alternatives to those of us who are middle class and make less than 70K per year.  Although we are insured, a 1K deductible per person often makes us not get the care we need. "	"If wealthy participants, especially those who are retired, had to opt out of federal medicare, the system would save more.  In addition, doctors who have elderly patients on medicare, order more tests even when death is eminent.  That's wrong."	"Basic well-care for all.  A basic check-up to signal anything serious.  A basic dental cleaning annually for all should be a given right for all to stay healthy.  These could be health-rights through state clinics.  Those who wish to pay for more, should pay for it. Individuals with no means of paying should be allowed to wait for care in these clinics if they are unregistered/illegal without fear of deportation."	"Charge for it.  The wealthy should pay  the most for health care.  The middle class needs the biggest break.  Those who have no health insurance and are illegal must have access to health and dental care. Children of the middle class and those making 25K and less should have free or sliding scale costs for services.  All services...extra lab tests charged to government health programs need to be stopped because they are ""milking"" the system and the money goes to building up the bills to go into doctor pockets. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/15/06 10:16 PM
6917	"I am shocked that the health care industry is mostly a market-driven one, yet nevertheless is exhibiting the darkest qualities of an over-socialized system.  I see this in two facts: 1) lack of choice for the level of coverage and 2) lack of choice in pricing (at least in MA).      For some reason there is no ""accident-only"" plan offered in this state, and therefore there is a large segment of potential consumers whose demand is not being addressed by the so-called free market.  Instead, health insurance on my own would cost me, a 24-year-old male in excellent health, a whopping $300 or more per month.  Imagine how little I'd actually tap into that annual payout of $3,600!  Instead, there should be much more flexibility of coverage and a corresponding premium tier.  I expect to pay no more than $100 per month, if that.  I do know that in VA I could get the same plan I would here but only be shelling out $129 per month.  Why such an astronomical chasm between prices in these two states?  "	Require big-box stores like Wal-mart to provide decent health insurance for its employees.  It is shameful for them to rake in their lovely millions of dollars all on the backs of the workers.  No managerial or entrepreneurial ingenuity is worth the hundreds of millions the Walton family is making ANNUALLY.  	Execs at large corporations will trade their excess cash for two things: the health of their fellow citizens and some good wholesome ethics.    Ethics.    Just go to CEO Paywatch website (AFL-CIO) to see what I'm talking about with this lack of ethics.	See above.	male	Under 25	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/15/06 10:34 PM
6924	The ever rising cost of quailty healthcare.	Large cooporations should be required to pay for some of the cost.	"I believe this would continue to keep the burden on the poor, while coporations are getting off scott free."	Address the rate which healthcare cost are increasing by setting limits to how much a provider can charge for bacis services.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/15/06 10:37 PM
6927	The biggest problem with health care is Tort Reform. Change the law. In civil cases the loser pays all lawyer and court costs. 	Keep the Government out of health care! The Government only makes things worse. Look at the fraud in medicare alone. 	Privatize health care. It will become more efficient. More cost effective and more responsive.	Have a private company take over medicare and medicade. 	male	45 to 64	No	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 10:40 PM
6932	"The cost of technology which cannot be avoided, but pricing should be more reasonable.  The cost of pharmeceuticals which defies explanation.  The cost of Durable Medical Equipment which is unbelievable.  The appetite of consumers, unwilling to pay, for the latest and greatest.  They will spend $20,000 on a face lift, but are unwilling to pay for routine care.  The fact that plumbers and construction workers get paid better per hour than many physicians, escpecially family doctors and obstetricians.  The fact that doctors are now so underpaid, that good students are going into other lines of work where they will be rewarded."	"Absolutely!!!   Get the government out of the system.  Get rid of HMOs and PPOs.  The insurance industry is running health care, and doing it poorly.  If supply and demand were to take over, everything would work out."	"There is no high quality health care that is affordable.  People should receive what they are willing to pay for.  Not eveyone eats steak.  Not everyone drives a Mercedes.  Why do we try to give the equivalent of steak in medical care, to everone.  It will never work.  Other countries don't try to give everyone everything."	"Let the Free Market System take over.  It will straighten itself out.  things started becoming bad when HMOs and PPOs came into existence.    I bet you will not let anyone read this since it does not support your Democratic, give them everyting that they want, thinking.  That type of thinking will NEVER work, especially in medicine.  This country was founded on Free Enterprise.  Now, you are trying to interfere with the greatest system in the world.  You are seeing all the problem of price fixing and micro-management.  That's why we are having all these problems.  You can not afford to give people everything they want.  It will break the bank.  Let people buy what they can afford, and everything will work.  Charities can help those who need help.  If given tax breaks for free care, the indigent would be taken care of by many doctors and hospitals."	male	Decline to answer	Yes	Asian	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 10:34 PM
6951	The very poor don't have to worry nor do the very rich.  The middle get squeezed.	NULL	NULL	Have single payer universal health care as all other indistralized nations do.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	2/15/06 10:43 PM
6966	"Cost, Coverage, and Effective Care."	"Cover everyone, single payer system, take it to any job."	"The American public is already paying for health care...the system is informal, but even those who are illegal are covered, by local taxes."	"Single payer, coverage for all, honest system, for the people not the insurance companies."	female	45 to 64	No Response	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	2/15/06 10:53 PM
6969	"The extreme high cost, and the fact that much of it could be reduced,example an asprin in the hospital may cost say 5 dollars.You can go to a dollar store and buy a bottle of 100 for 1 dollar. There is no justification of the high cost. Not one person should be without insurance."	"I say start at the top. I know research is expensive. Yet we want to down a person who works in an auto factory for making a decent wage, and turn around and give a hospital 5 dollars for a penney asprin. Start at the top reduce the cost. The problem isn't the place of employement or the employee or so much the government as it is the fact that we are letting these ridiculous cost sky rocket."	"I think we can all pay something. People, employers, the government. And perhaps those in the top 1% of the income chain could certainly afford to pay more and those less wealthy pay less."	Lower the cost accross the board at the top levels. As I said it is not common sense to pay 5 dollars for a penney asprin. Where does that make sense or why should it be legal?	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	2/15/06 11:02 PM
6971	"The fact that a lot of Americans lack basic health insurance coverage.  I live in Nebraska, and about 200,000 Nebraskans have no coverage at all."	"There needs to be some combination of these things to allow coverage for all Americans.  Maybe we could expand Medicare/Medicaid, or allow people without coverage to enroll in the Federal employees plan, with a premium based on a sliding fee scale, so all pay something.  "	"I thin America is fed up with tax breaks for large corporations and rich individuals, and would like to see more money put into health care, either by expanding public progams, or giving people stipends to purchase insurance in the open market.    "	Elect a Democratic Congress.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NE	2/15/06 10:55 PM
6980	"There are too many uninsured and under insured, including children and elderly.  The expense of insurance is out of control and without it, many sick have to go untreated and many people could prevent serious illness if they could afford preventive care.  Under our system, however, many can't.  "	"Yes, I think there should be a single-payer system, such as what has been introduced in California by Senator Sheila Kuehl.  This bill passed the state senate last year and passed the state assembly health care committee.  Hopefully, this year it will see final passage.  It is a good model for the country."	A payroll tax which will provide them with coverage at great savings from what they pay now is a small trade-off.	Single-payer coverage.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/15/06 11:04 PM
6981	"The high cost, it is out of control."	everyone should pay their fair share.	in benefits	a good deal in healthcare.	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	2/15/06 11:04 PM
6984	"Even though there are problems with universal health care in other countries, it works better for more people than the current health insurance system.      I would rather pay more in taxes and compensate the doctors adequately for medicare and medicaid services that continually cut back on their fees until they aren't willing to take these patients.  As a medicare beneficiary, I am embarrassed to see the pitance the doctors are paid.  Before I retired, I was a mental health care provider and the medicare patients I saw cost me more money in overhead than their fees covered.    I think the prescription drug program needs to be scrapped and the government negotiate for reasonable cost drugs for medicare patients.  Our current system of health care benefits the drug companies and the health insurance companies to the detrement of the patients.    Medical savings accounts only benefit people who have enough disposable income to park in them. As long as insurance and drug companies are profit driven, their orientation will be to provide the least amount of service they can get away with.    "	"I would like to see the universal health care model paid for by the government through my taxes.  But until then, insurance needs to be portable so that the loss of a job isn't a medical financial disaster.  Means testing for fees or copays is acceptable to me."	"I'm willing to pay so that everyone can have the basic services.  If health care needs to be rationed because we as a nation can't afford it for eveyone (which I don't believe is true), then let that rationing process be based on outcome not income."	Universal government funded health care.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 11:08 PM
7003	The thousands of Americans -- especially children -- who have no helth care coverage or inadequate coverage.	We need to go to a national single payor system.	I really am not sure.	Go to a system where everyone is covered under one governmental system like Medicare.  (Except correct the problems that have been created with Part D Prescription coverage.	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AK	2/15/06 11:31 PM
7004	"We need to redefine medicine.  Access to care is a priority as well as the consistency and quality of care.  We also need to look at what the American people are demanding in regards to health care; Naturopathic Medicine, Homeopathic medicine, Chinese Medicine.  "	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	2/15/06 11:32 PM
7006	The cost keeps going up and fewer people are able to be serviced.  Too many people have no care and go the emergency room for last minute care rather than doing preventive medicine.	"I think it would be good if we had a single payer system sponsored by the government.  Expensive procedures might not be available to all, or we would have to wait for them, but all should be serviced."	The public is going to pay more for their services and possibly be limited when it comes to the most expensive procedures.	Make a single payer system so that all are services.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/15/06 11:33 PM
7012	"Because many people lack coverage they do not seek medical help until the problems are more serious and more costly, sometimes fatal."	"People will get medical help... only at what point and what quality. Without insurance they will wait until cancers are malignant, minor problems become worse and require hospitalization they will either go to city and county clinics and wait days in the emergency room and months for appointments... or go to hospital emergency rooms and they will not go to followup  appointments with referral doctors or get prescriptions filled and will show up again at the emergency rooms."	I think that people are willing to have a basic system where costs are controlled and that people wanting premiumn service should pay additionally to help support the quailty of overall care.	It is less expensive to do preventitive medicine. We are already paying for the uninsured only in a round about way which does not give us the most service for the money.	male	25 to 44	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/15/06 11:39 PM
7020	The high costs that are allowed/excepted with no guarantee of real conclusive results. People in need of health care but don't get it for what ever their reason...how will we afford it (I read your research...see it's true)Include my comments below to this question for my true feelings. We are in deep poo-poo with our current situation!!!  	Get rid of the lobbyist working to inflate and lie  about the reasons why their menions are in such dire needs to charge as they do for our well-being...what a crock... and it's allowed by OUR (yea right)government to charge as they do. See and add my next comment to help answer this question. Let's be realistic our government does not have the word FISCAL in it's vocabulary.   	" If things we're down with a more fiscal responsibility we wouldn't need tradeoffs from the general public but instead, Let's eliminate the bloat and  exorbitant charges for procedure's , some that don't produce any  positive results BUT the full charge is still charged even when the job wasn't done. It's like going for a $20 oil change but today we just ran out of oil but you came here and I brought you into the bay so you still owe for the service. Am I the only person that question's this practice.  "	If I knew that answer I could be the next president. I feel my ideas above would be a good start. I guess you can gather that I  find this an interesting  and needed discussion amongst the people and for the people. May God watch over and guide us. I volunteer myself as a lobbyist for the people or however you see best.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	2/15/06 11:45 PM
7022	It is necessary to do away with health insurance all together and instead provide health care to all who need it.  This could be done by employers ro some other tax.  Think how much time and paper and money is wasted on insurance.  Just cut the middle man and provided care instead.	Yes.  The government should provide medical care.  It could be paid for by tax on employers or other taxes.	Willing to let employer pay it.	"Do away with insurance, provide medical care."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/15/06 11:50 PM
7031	"My wife and I currently have adequate health and dental insurance and excellent health care in the Phoenix, AZ area.  However, since we will both be retired soon and our employer insurance will cease within about a year, we are about to embark on a search for private health care insurance. We have not yet begun, but we are warned by friends that it is a real chore and quite expensive at our age. First, they all have had a terrible time with the Bush mandated Medicare drug ""benefit plan"". WE SHOULD DEMAND THAT THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION DUMP IT !"	"There should be available a well planned and designed, universal US government health insurance plan that is properly and efficiently operated. We have had plenty of experience with private corporate health plans and insurance - - and they have been an unrelieved disaster. Let's dump them all and the Bush drug ""benefit"" plan which has been foisted on the public in order to enrich the insurance corporations. In addition, the health industry should be properly and fairly monitored by the government."	"Acceptance by the public of a goverment health insurance program with monitoring of the health industry. Even if the government plan initially costs more, it should eventually cost less than the currrent mess, which is designed for the benefit of the insurance industry. There is no doubt that physicians once also charged too much for their services, but that has changed with the limits put in place by the Medicare system - - although perhaps a bit too harshly."	"Universal Government Health Insurance - - WITHOUT THE MESS AND PRIVATEY RUN BUSH DRUG ""BENEFIT"" PLAN. That plan should be removed entirely from the Medicare program."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	2/15/06 11:57 PM
7038	40 Million Americans are being left high & dry by their fellow Americans	Scrap this system  Bring in Universal Health Care 	Damn Few	Finance the system through a Goods & Service Tax.	male	Over 64	No	NULL	Some high school	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	na	2/16/06 12:11 AM
7048	The cost and the limitation of coverage.	Yes.	Why should they make trade-offs?	Single health care program or all.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	2/16/06 12:19 AM
7068	It's outrageously expensive! 	Yes obviously changes need to be made. Unfortunately I can't offer any suggestions except to make the rich pay their fair share so poorer Americans at least have a chance.	The average American can barely afford to make any sacrifices which makes them unwilling to even hear about this.	Do something about the costs!	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VT	2/16/06 12:54 AM
7069	"It's a complicated question, and I thought question #2 on your poll oversimplified an important aspect of it -- the question asked what is the most important reason for having health coverage.  The options were either to pay for everyday costs or to protect against high costs; but isn't that a deceptive question?  Those two matters seem inextricably linked.  Paying for good everyday care allows people to prevent or ameliorate higher-cost critical problems, resulting in both an overall savings and a healthier, more productive workforce.  In short, good care seems likely to be cheaper, over the long run, than poor care!"	"I think we'll finally, inevitably, follow the lead of every other Westernized nation and institute some form of extensive public health care system -- I think it's the most efficient system, and the one that gives the best care to the most people.  The biggest problem I see with the system as it now stands is that we as a society spend a huge amount of money putting a profit in the pockets of the ""middleman"" in the system -- the insurance companies.  That's why we spend 50% more of our GNP on health care than other nations do while getting worse care, and it's absurd."	"I think most Americans who pay for a significant portion of their own health care would be content to stop doing that and pay a similar amount in taxes to get a secure nationalized system of care that would follow them from job to job, and would be there for them even if they were unemployed.  I think that many Americans would eventually accept moderate delays in non-urgent care situations, though that acceptance might take some time to develop."	"We MUST find a way to communicate clearly to all Americans the fact that good care can be smart, affordable care!  We, as a society, run away from a cost-effective nationalized system solely because we have a cultural reaction to hearing the word ""nationalized;"" too many of us perceive that word to mean the vanguard of The Communist Threat, and a danger to our rugged Yankee individualism.  But the truth is that a nationalized system could help us all!  It can ease pressures on small businesses, it can allow all Americans access to good preventative care to keep them healthy and productive, it can help our children stay healthier and thus learn better in school, and it can do all of it for a smaller wedge of our GNP pie than the current, broken system requires.  We can do WELL by doing good."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	2/16/06 12:54 AM
7072	Health care should be treated as a basic right of citizenship of Americans.	There should be a basic health care that is not skimpy.	Higher health care taxes.	"Fund health care by taxes, not insurance companies.  They have had their chance.  They blew it."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	2/16/06 1:02 AM
7077	"The fact that there are so many Americans uninsured...and all it takes to become one of them is to lose your job.  At a time when you can therefore least afford medical problems, there you are, not only without income, but also without health insurance.  This needs to change.  Maybe by requiring employers to keep you on their policy until such time as alternative employment is secured, along with replacement health insurance."	"Yes.  Insurance should be portable from job to job...meaning that if you go and take another job, in order to improve yourself...you should not have to deal with a three to six month gap before your new health benefits kick in.  employers ought to be required to keep people on their policy until such time as the new policy kicks in...and at no extra cost to the employee."	"I think longer waiting times for non-critical care...perhaps even having medical students intern in doctor's offices, and have them deal with the more non-critical-care situations.  Have that be a part of medical students curriculum."	Don't place people in jeopardy of losing coverage when they lose a job.  Don't force people into choosing between food and medical care...forcing people to ignore a condition when it is still small and treatable.  Encourage people to get early treatment.	female	NULL	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	2/16/06 1:12 AM
7088	"Medical coverage is America is terrible. The corporations are more than able to pay a fair share yet many don't and Wal-Mart is the worst offender. I wonder how the founders and CEO can live their lives knowing what they do to America, because their workers are America. "	"Yes, have employers pay the majority of medical coverage for their employees. Corporations have to pay to ensure meeting environmental and health coverage standards, it's called the cost of doing business. The empolyers haven't been paying this cost. "	I think the middle class will give but the high class sadly the least giving. 	Socialized medicene or higher mandatory federal standards for big businesses concerning medical coverage for employees.  	male	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/16/06 1:28 AM
7090	"We allow our health care to be run by insurance companies & drug companies. Health care should be a service, but instead it is a business."	Raise taxes - without allowing loopholes for the wealthy - & give us socialized medicine.	"Speaking for myself, I'd be absolutely fine paying more taxes if the money went to keep my neighbors healthy. At this point a huge percentage of my taxes go to bombing people, torturing people, and investing in policies that keep those on the bottom on the bottom & those on the top on the top."	Socialize it.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/16/06 1:24 AM
7093	"Our current health care system is bankrupt and spiralling out of control. Basic health care is a basic human right to twhich each and every citizen is entitled. The cost of such health care is the financial responsibility of every person, business and corporation. The current health care system fosters ignorance on the part of consumers, reinforces the use of expensive interventional HCS and disincentivizes the use of preventive HCS."	"Federal government-run, single payor insurance program covering all Americans which ADDIITONALLY permits, by law, any person to also obtain any health care service they choose, at their own expense, AND which permits, by law, any licensed health care provider including MDs to provide fee-for-service and balance-billing for professional services rendered on behalf of any person contacting to obtain health care services at their own expense. I make this strong recommendation even though I am an upper middle class family man who pays out of his teeth for health insurance and health care services, and who is a physician with a thriving private practice."	"Less beneficial tax treatment for corporations including big pharma and the insurance industry. More taxes for ALL citizens, businesses and corporations. Shift 10% of current total expenditures from each of the following: high technology procedures including surgical and diagnostic; near-end of life care (but NOT medically certified hospice care)----and reallocate those dollars to preventive care and adolescent healthcare services."	"Establish a federal government-run, single payor insurance program covering all Americans: basic medical (including basic mental health); basic dental; basic vision.  I make this strong recommendation even though I am an upper middle class white male who is a family man, business man, and physician with a thriving private practice."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/16/06 1:27 AM
7096	"The increasingly high cost of insurance premiums, co-pays, deductables, and prescription co-pays.  The middle to low income americans who make too much to qualify for medicaid.  "	Yes	I believe we should have an additional tax on our paychecks to provide every American with private or government-sponsored healthcare insurance.  I believe EMPLOYERS should HAVE to provide all of their employees with healthcare coverage.	"Healthcare for everyone, no matter what income!"	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/16/06 1:40 AM
7097	"Health care is unaffordable to the poor, like myself and my wife. We are struggling because we cannot find work that provides a living wage, and that is the real problem.  Healthcare is expensive, but costs are out of control.  "	"We need a national healthcare policy that is backed up by funding by forcing US corporations to pay their taxes and by forcing the top 2% of the super rich to pay taxes instead of the current welfare for the rich that we have.  Individuals are now responsible for the entire burden, and that is morally wrong, considering the cost of healthcare."	I can't speak for any other Americans.  I would be willing to put up with long lines and wait times.  I would be willing to except a less expensive treatment option.	"Stop the welfare for the rich.  Everyone should pay their fair share in taxes.  No one should be exempt unless they don't have an income.  Taxes pay for healthcare, and the current group of Republicans has robbed the Treasury, leaving us with this huge problem.  We should provide public funding of elections to make them fair, so that the current group of thugs can be legally and peacefully voted out of existence.  We need the fairness doctrine reinstated so that we can be informed instead of propagandized.  We need a government that is free of corruption, instead of the scum sucking bastards that call themselves ""lobbyists"".  We The People need affordable, accessable healthcare like they have in EVERY SINGLE INDUSTRIALIZED COUNTRY ON THE PLANET.  If the Canadians can do it, so can we."	male	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/16/06 1:36 AM
7102	We have 45 million people without health insurance. Most of these people work. The premiums that corporations and people pay go to pay the outrageous salaries of insurance company CEOs.	The government should take over healthcare by extending medicare or something like it to everyone.	"We may have to pay higher taxes, most of this should be paid by employers. "	"Cut out the greedy insurance companies, regulate the cost of care and drugs."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	2/16/06 1:52 AM
7107	The fact that there are so many people who lack access to quality health care in a country as rich as ours.  It's a national disgrace!  EVERYONE should have EQUAL access to high-quality health care.	"Yes, I think there should be a single-payer system paid for with taxes.  We pay twice as much for our health care as most industrialized countries, and some Americans still don't receive adequate health care.  The problem is all the profits being made by health insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and other for-profit companies.  They are getting rich at the expense of average citizens."	"I think if Americans were really convinced that there would be a system of high-quality health care for all, that they would be willing to pay higher taxes to support it.  I also think Americans would be very willing, and in fact enthusiastic, about taking away profits from large for-profit companies to lower the cost of health care."	"Create a single-payer system!!  Every other modern country in the world has one, and even some developing countries.  It is ridiculous that we haven't achieved this yet."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/16/06 2:07 AM
7110	Lack of it.	"The government should provide help to all, especially preventative medicine that trains people how to not mess up their bodies. And caution those who keep injuring themselves but not punish them by taking away care."	"I don't know. I am willing to pay taxes. I think almost ALL Americans though would appreciate more flexibility for individual states to figure out Health Care, with some basic templates that have worked in the past given as suggestions to the local politicians."	"Stop fearing that when you come up with an idea that looks European that you are somehow   ""copying"" Europe. Just because some ideas may work both here and there doesn't make them better. But we shouldn't discount ideas just because we haven't tried them. That is really dumb."	male	Under 25	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	2/16/06 2:14 AM
7111	" There are too many individuals who are uninsured. Many of these people are the working poor. The health care system today is set up to create wealth not health. CEOs of insurance companies, health care systems, pharmaceutical companies, and many doctors are feeding at the trough. The elderly and others on fixed incomes face financial hardship due to the inequities of our health care system. "	" We need to set up a system like Social Security, where all working people pay into it, but all get equal coverage. We also need to tax not-for-profit institutions and systems that are currently acting very much like for-profit systems to cover insurance costs for the uninsured, the elderly, and disabled. If these systems are competing with one another, and they are, they must contribute to the community need through tax dollars, since they are duplicating services and keep building facilities that are not needed."	" They will have to pay higher taxes to offset the cost. Tax loopholes will have to be closed, as well as offshore tax shelters. Tax cuts for the wealthy need to be rescinded."	" Quit starting wars that are money pits, and use those dollars to finance health care for all Americans."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	2/16/06 2:09 AM
7112	the costs that keep rising and the constant removal of covered services by those plans.  I am going broke to pay for my insurance.  I am disabled and now just qualifying for medicare but it is so comfusing I am still trying to figure it out.  the drug companies are making billions and the Bush administration and Bill Frist are giving Drug Co's and Hospitals carte blanche to profit off our suffering.  this is destroying our nation from the inside out - literally	"A single payer system like Canada.  IT WORKS, EVERYONE IS HEALTHIER AND IT IS MUCH, MUCH CHEAPER.  BUT OUR FASCIST GOVERNMENT WONT TAKE THE PROFIT AWAY FROM THE DRUG COMPANIES SO NOTHING WILL HAPPEN AS LONG AS THESE CROOKS CONTROL THE WHITE HOUSE AND CONGRESS.  WE ARE ALL DOOMED UNTIL THEY ARE GONE"	DECENT AMERICANS WILL HAVE NO PROBLEM WAITING A LITTLE WHILE FOR APOINTMENTS OF NON EMERGENCY SERVICES.  	MAKE LOBBYING ILLEGAL.  THE DRUG COMPANIES HAVE MORE LOBBY PEOPLE PER CONGRESSMEN THAN ANY OTHE INDUSTRY - BRIBES - ABRAMOFF TYPE BS.  STEALING FROM US.  ALSO BUSH HAS TO STOP GIVING CORPORATE WELFARE TO THE DRUG COMPANIES	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	2/16/06 2:11 AM
7121	it is a total mess---too many people are un or under insured.it is a disgrace that we are the only country in the developed world that does not have a national health care plan.	we need a national plan based on the canadian model	i am willing to pay more taxes for a national health care plan 	a single payor national health care plan based on the canadian modeel--with freedom of choice.get private insurance out of health crae.	male	45 to 64	No	Asian	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	2/16/06 2:30 AM
7127	"The financial control that Big Pharma and other corporations (GE, Monsanto) exert over decisions that impact health of individuals and the planet.  For example, Astra-Zeneca postures over breast cancer ""cures"" (little pink ribbon campaign) yets dumps tons of carcinogenic chemicals into landfills and watersheds while earning huge profits on Tamoxifen.  Environmental polluters MUST be a focused target in health care reform.  Also, direct-to-consumer advertising of drugs should be prohibited by law.  This provides convenient ways for doctors to just fill the Rx for the little purple pill, or whatever, and not spend time figuring out WHY the patient has heartburn (over-eating, eating too fast, hiatal hernia, etc.) "	The government should be the single payor for all basic health care services (Medicaid for all).  Individuals who want botox or stomach stapling or hair implants can pay for that themselves.	"Why should the American PUBLIC make a trade-off?  How about changing the way drug companies and purveyors of medical equipment make money from ILLNESS?  There is no incentive with the current scheme to promote WELLNESS, although clearly that would be better for all citizens.  How about giving families a ""wellness allowance"" annually in the form of a tax deduction (say $15,000 per person in the immediate family).  If the family spends less than their allotment of ""free"" (government sponsored health care services), they can claim that amount as a tax deduction.  If they spend more than their allotment, then they can't claim a tax break until they've ""paid off"" their expenditures.  So, for example, one year a family of 3 spends $150,000 because someone is in a severe accident -- they wouldn't quality for a tax break until 10 years out of not going over their allotment."	"Exercise regularly, get enough sleep, eat organic food whenever possible and quit smoking if you still do that!"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AK	2/16/06 2:57 AM
7131	"The fact that 40,000,000 Americans have no health insurance coverage,which means this country has the best health care system that money can buy."	"This country needs a federally-funded health-care-delivery system, period."	"While I'm willing to reduce the Department of Denfense budget by at least 30% to ensure federally funded health-care coverage for all Americans, I cannot speak for my fellow citizens."	See response second response above.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/16/06 3:08 AM
7138	"Greed, profit, corruption, and manipulation of TRUTH, misinformation/propaganda, and the culture of fear and ignorance perpetuated by Corporate America."	"Abolish the current system, then follow/implement the models of Canada, Sweden, Denmark, and all other industrialised, civilised, and enlightened nations."	"There are no ""trade-offs"" if you follow the example outlined in the previous question. Expand your mind and think about it. This country throws five times the amount of cash at healthcare and gets less than half the results compared to other nations. Eliminate greed and corruption, and you eliminate waste... no need for any ""trade-offs""."	Re-read the answers to the previous three questions above. Then read The Urantia Book.	male	25 to 44	No	Other	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	2/16/06 3:57 AM
7147	we need equal access to the health care system for all without financial stress.	we need a single payer system.  no one should be denied health care for lack of funds and no one should feel like a beggar.	we shouldn't have to make trade-offs.  too much money being spent on defense and not enough for health.	equal access through a govt sponsored program as in other industrialized countries.  	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/16/06 6:02 AM
7170	I believe the system that Canada has works. Everyone should have health care no matter what. We also need good health care and insurances that won't break the pocket book. The rising cost of health care for families that can't afford it is crazy. Allot of Americans haven't seen a raise in minimum wage and just can't afford the health care they currently have. We also need to start having the insurance companies cover all medical procedures even if they feel the procedures aren't what they consider urgent or affective like invetro fertilization because there are people out there that can't get pregnant and this is the only medically necessary way to do that and these people are being turned down even though they do have an medical issue that needs to be addressed.	The government needs to come up with a system like the Canadians that works for Universal Health care coverage. Also employers could help come up with this program since it's going to be coming out of workers pockets. I just hope that the government and employers change their views on the minimum wage issue and raise it since health care costs and increase of the cost of living are always on the rise.	"I think that cutting back on the current programs should be stopped because it seems to me that we're moving away from the Universal Health care issue instead of moving toward it. I also think the health care should be less costly than it is, but if quality health care is offered for everyone then everyone should pay for it, which would mean higher taxes. I don't think that making individual health care accounts are the answer either because it doesn't address the issue of everyone in America getting health care coverage."	"That the programs include quality health care that covers everyone in the United States. That's affordable, quality, timely and for everyone."	female	25 to 44	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	2/16/06 7:36 AM
7175	"The high and increasing costs of drugs and services. Also the increasing physical, mental, and spiritual toxicity of life in the USA."	"National health insurance, independent of employment and covering every person, is a necessity. The USA is far behind on this burdened as it is with massive and inordinate military expenditures. "	"The focus of finding funds to effectively care for every person must not be on USA citizens alone and on simply shifting costs around within the health care system as it is currently conceived. The USA is being destroyed by its welfare for the super-rich and well connected primarily through the archaic and parasitic USA military-industrial structure. It must radically rethink its course and begin to care about and for all people on the planet rather than wallow in fear of phantom 'enemies' against which it continually builds ever more elaborate 'defenses'. The USA needs a new paradigm based on cooperation, coordination, and consensus-building on a global scale. The old competition model doesn't work. We must free up resources to build a new vital system.  "	"Think outside the box. Get to the roots of the interconnected problems in the USA. Healthcare does not have to be a separate issue with limited options. Resources expended on negative, unhealthy, and destructive endeavors disallow positive, healthy, and creative solutions to problems that plague the USA and the planet. "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	2/16/06 8:01 AM
7179	The lack of quality care for every citizen	there needs to be a universal health care system that covers every citizen no matter what.	I feel that I would be willing to pay more taxes so that I know that all US citizens are guaranteed access to quality heath care	"Change the current attitude of medical professionals from ""how are you going to pay"" to ""what is wrong and how can we help"""	male	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	2/16/06 7:32 AM
7185	that the people that need it but can't afford do without	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	2/16/06 7:40 AM
7191	That there are so many people without access to health care because they cannot afford health insurance	"We need a national health system that is funded entirely by taxes.  The wealthy could still buy private insurance as they do in other countries, but all Americans should have access to excellent health care."	"I cannot speak for the American public.  I lived and worked in England for many years, where I had wonderful free health care."	National Health Plan paid for by taxes.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	2/16/06 7:54 AM
7195	The growing number of people who have no health care insurance at all and therefore just don't go to the doctor (or get any medical help) unless someone else can pay for it.	"I believe in a National Health Care system. Single-payer, administered by the government, agency able to bargain for lowest prices, tax-payer funded."	Higher taxes.	"National Health Care. This system would help businesses to be more competitive with the world and provide health care for all our citizens. It is a national disgrace that this country refuses to provide for all people, regardless of wealth."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/16/06 8:03 AM
7202	We need a national health care system for all citizens.	Scrap it altogether in favor of a rational national health care system for all.	As much as is needed.	We need a national health care system for all citizens.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	2/16/06 8:03 AM
7207	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Like it or not, the United States is going to require SOCIALIZED MEDICINE!"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/16/06 8:09 AM
7216	That so many Americans lack health insurance and necessary health care services	Use a single-payer system that reduces administrative costs and use this savings to cover all Americans	Longer waits for treatment in exchange for expanded coverage	"Universal health care with a single-payer model, reducing inefficiency and waste"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/16/06 8:18 AM
7226	It seems under the Medicare Program that only 80% is covered and a gap insurance has to be purchased in case of any major hospitalization.  The cost of Medicare + gap insurance is so great it is very difficult for the general older population to purchase it.  Now they have the drug program that has a monthly premium plus deductibles.  Any person with many prescriptions has a problem.  If you add up the Medicare premium + medigap + prescription drug coverage + deductibles it doesn't leave much expendable money to pay other living expenses.  I think the government has to step in and stop the rising cost of medications. 	 I think that the government should pay more of the cost once a person retires.  The system is fine if you are working and your employer pays some of the costand the employee pays some also but once you retire most people lose  their coverage and are forced to go on to medicare which is not the best system.	If a person can afford the high premiums for good health care I'm sure they would be willing to pay a little more but if you are on a fixed income that would be difficult	I think there should be a universal health plan for all people at a reasonable cost.  The government is spending tons of money that we don't have on a war we shouldn't be involved in and trying to pay for it by reducing the health plans for the old and needy.  The ones that need it the most. 	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/16/06 8:48 AM
7233	"the cost of monthly premiums is unffordable, and the premiums keep rising too often."	government and employers should pay a bigger portion.	possibly higher taxes?	"lower the cost of monthly premiums (for example: I pay $600 per month premium for a family of 3, with a $1000 deductible for each member!)"	female	45 to 64	Yes	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/16/06 8:33 AM
7242	The fact that their is no program to ensure that ALL U.S. citizens are insured.	"All employers should be required to provide inexpensive, affordable health insurance to its employees."	"We would be willing to pay more in taxes for health care if we could pay less for tax subsidies for the very rich, the so-called ""War on Terror"", nuclear armament, the Bush Administration and Congress's many ""pork projects"", corporate lobbyists, and rampant, shameful cronyism."	"Stop giving tax cuts to the richest minorities in the country and the corporate fat cats (like Exxon-Mobil) and start putting that money to good use, namely, truly affordable healthcare for EVERY U.S. citizen!"	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	2/16/06 8:38 AM
7243	"I am 54 and I have been disabled 30 years of my life. Cleaely, Throughout the years, I have needed more healthcare than most Americans and overtime, hralthcare in our country has not improved. It has declined rapidly. "	Look at other industrialized countries--they do better. Return to what works better--you know before HMO's and medicine costs.	Less bureaucracy.	Allow the individual and his/her physician to direct one's own care.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	2/16/06 8:39 AM
7253	"The fact that everything - right down to most conversations about health care in America today - is driven by the insurance companies, which are making money hand over fist.  On the one hand, my PPO decides what is an allowable charge, and my Dr. is out of luck beyond that - on the other, my Dr. charges the higher amount to somebody else.  Hardly fair. "	"Well, I know everyone hates the word, and I know such a system isn't perfect, but.... socialize.  How to fund?   Less money to the war in Iraq, Afghanistan (and probably soon Iran).  Better, honest oversight of the money there would save us billions which could be spent at home on health care.  While I'm not a total separatist, I do believe that we have become so confident in our superiority that we are stomping around on the world stage, pounding our chest, and  neglecting duties at home.  Sure, it's more glamorous to spend money in other countries.  But we should get our own house in order first. "	"The point is that for many of us, there is no ""trade-off"".  We don't have anything to trade. I am currently spending nearly a quarter of my income on health insurance for decent - not great - coverage.  I think the INSURANCE companies need to be taken down a notch.  Their profits are obscene.  Their position of power is immoral. "	"Provide health care for ALL AMERICANS.  Many people I talk to have no insurance or other coverage, but aren't terribly concerned because they can go to the ER if they have to - which clogs the ER with lots of non-urgent cases, and costs us all a lot more than if they went to an FP/GP with a $10 copay they could try to afford.     I would also like to find some way to restrict the access to healthcare by non-citizens.  While I don't want anyone to suffer, I also am tired of paying indirectly for thousands and thousands of illegal aliens.  If they seek free access, they should be granted the care that they need, but only if they surrender to INS for deportation, so they cannot continue to benefit from something to which they do not contribute. "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	2/16/06 8:48 AM
7256	We are the only large industrialized country in the world without universal health care.	We should all get a card at birth to entitle all of us health care till we die.	"Quit financing the giant military, industrial, congressional complex and our imperial adventures around the world. Not only could we pay for health care for everyone but also education for everyone grades 1 thru college."	Everyone should have it. 	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	2/16/06 8:56 AM
7261	"I am most concerned about the high cost of treatment for major illnesses. If either me or my husband were to suddenly get a serious disease, we'd go broke! The way things are set up now, you can lose your home if you can't pay your medical bills. Then your credit gets ruined, and you could lose your job because of your non-creditworthy status. I worry about my elderly parents, too, and what kind of care they will get."	"As long as everyone who is supposed to pay actually does, than no. I have no suggestions."	"Longer wait times, higher pre-tax premiums from employers. "	"Get rid of the HMO way of thinking and allow true pro-active care. Full disclosure of all available treatment options, with access to second opinions. Various payment plans should be available. Build more local clinics to stop overcrowding in Emergency rooms. "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/16/06 8:53 AM
7269	That the gap between uninsured and underinsured and the wealthy insured is widening at an alarming rate.	"Medicare and the VA are and have been working. They are cheaper than other options are already in place and are more efficient in administrative costs than other many other options. I would like to see these programs expanded, not sabotaged like Part D has done: ""A report from the House Government Reform Committee found that drug prices offered by the Medicare drug plans are more than 80% higher than prices negotiated by the federal government for the Department of Veterans Affairs and 60% higher than prices paid by consumers in Canada."" Without being able to negotiate with pharmacy companies this plan has failed to provide lower prescription costs for many..."	"The uninsured and underinsured can't afford any more trade-offs. However....""And the rich are getting phenomally richer. R.C. Longworth pointed out in the Chicago Tribune in July 1999, that the three richest officers of Microsoft- Bill Gate, Paul Allen and Steve Balmer- had more assets (nearly $140 billion) than the combined gross national product of the 43 least developed countries in the world; 600 million people reside in those 43 countries. In 1960 the richest of the world's people has thirty times as much income as the poorest fifth. Today, that portion has almost tripled, to more than 80-1: while the fifth of the world's people in the richest countries collected 86 percent of the world's income, the fifth poorest accounted for only a miniscule 1 percent.""  Restructing taxation so the wealthy pay more would allow plenty of money to save and improve upon the Medicare/Medicaid/VA models."	"Again look at our taxation policy, the middle class shoulders the burden for the health care sysytem and can not afford to do so."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	2/16/06 9:02 AM
7277	"People who don't work for large corporations that provide insurance are getting left behind. If you don't have insurance, one trip to the hospital can cause financial devistation. The cost of a serious accident or illness is so astronomical, many people will not get important treatments.  "	"The sensible answer is a singel payer system. If the UK and Canada can make socialized medicine work, there is no reason why the US cannot."	"A responsible federal budget would allow insuring every American at no addtional cost to the tax payer, but due to the fact that that will never happen, I, and I feel many Americans, would be willing to shoulder a modest tax increase to cover the cost."	"The profits made accross the healthcare spectrum, from drug companies to insurance companies to large hospital corporations, are disgusting. "	female	25 to 44	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SC	2/16/06 9:08 AM
7281	The rising costs with no end in site.  Employers can't afford to provide coverage and if they do the premiums are so high for employee they can't afford their part.  I pay over 300 a month for health insurance premiums for myself and husband.  More than a car payment.  I still have to pick up 20% of insane charges.  Long term care for people that are living many years without being able to care for themselves will end up bankrupting our country.	"I don't know what kind of changes need to be made to fix it, but the whole system right now is broken.  One question or opinion that has not been solicited is about tort reform.  Drs are not God and can't save everyone.  There should be something in place to guard against unqualified, dangerous Drs, but malpractice insurance and law suits are part of the problem."	Waits for non emergency treatment.  Socialized medicine.  Damage and punitive caps in malpractice. 	Tort reform to start.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	2/16/06 9:10 AM
7289	"That billions are spent on defense and a criminal illegal occupation of Iraq, as well as corporate welfare, and not all Americans have basic health care coverage.  For God's sake, a poor country like Cuba provides health care and education for ALL of its citizens! "	Take away the bloated billions from defense and give free health coverage and education to all Americans!	"There does not need to be any ""trade-offs"" as health care should be a basic right of all Americans.  Take the money from the Pentagon and subsidies of the war-profiteering companies and other corporate welfare giveaways."	Cut defense and corporation welfare and give the American people their basic right to health care!	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	2/16/06 9:17 AM
7292	Health care is getting out of reach by normal working people.  Too much of the cost is being pushed back to the participant.  Companies like Wal-Mart aren't paying their fair chair which helps run up costs for everyone else	Yes.  We need a single payer government run program.  Medicare for All is a good proposal and is now pending in the House of Representatives.  Support it	There shouldn't be any trade offs.  Medicare for all covers all Citizens. If they aren't citizens don't give them care.  Maybe that will slow down in the influx of illegal immagrents.	See above	male	Over 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/16/06 9:19 AM
7298	"The fact that there are 49 million uninsured Americans and that the cost of helath care continues to rise while the quality of our health as defined by life expectancy, infant mortality ets declines in relation to other developed countries.  "	"We need universal health care coverage for all Americans similar to that of all other developed countries in the world.  Our cost would not rise, efficiency would increase, insurance companies would no longer have the final say over doctors about medical treatment and our helath would improve.  The cost of doing business in the US would also decrease since companies would no longer have the huge expenses of provideing helath care."	Poll after poll have indicated that Americans are willing to pay higher taxes or eliminate tax cuts in order to have universal health care coverage.	Develop a universal health care plan and push it through congress.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	2/16/06 9:24 AM
7306	"The outrageously high cost of medical care. Without insurance you can easily be forced into bankruptcy, and now with the new law you will be ruined for life."	"Forcing employers to cover it all has an adverse effect on the economy, and most individuals aren't paid enough to cover costs themselves. The government really has to pay the vast majority of costs."	"Benefits have to be kept at a reasonable level, they can only cover necessary treatment. I would like to see more of my tax dollars go towards health care."	"The government needs to stop wasting so much money on needless military adventures, unnecessary defense spending, and the incredible amount of pork-barrel projects.It has gotten worse than ever in the last six years."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	2/16/06 9:28 AM
7310	"I worry that rising health care costs are making it difficult for companies offering health benefits to compete with companies that don't, including companies overseas. I am also concerned that lower income, uninsured families are losing access to care."	Payments should continue to be shared. Companies that are making profits should reinvest some of these profits in the health of their workers. Government role includes trying to ensure coverage for unemployed and workers who do not have access to healthcare at work. Individual payments are needed to ensure that we all consider the costs of the care we seek.	NULL	Access to some basic level of healthcare should be provided to all Americans. This will require that we address the significant socio-economic and racial disparities in access to health care under our current system.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	2/16/06 9:34 AM
7315	"High costs caused by insurance companies and drug companies. Too many unhealthy people because corporate interests have control of our government and press, skewing all information and causing us to stay uninformed about the devastating effects of eating fast food, bio-engineered food, hydrogenated oils, meat, foods laden with pesticides and other agricultural chemicals. The government should invest in education programs to teach everyone how to take care of themselves. Everyone high scvhool student should see the film Super-Size Me, for example. "	There should be a single-payer system controlled by the government. Our system is the most expensive in the world by far yet not nearly the best. 	"People will be happy for the government to take care of health-care and know that they are covered, especially for catastrophic occurances. People should be required to pay some fee for all services, if they can afford it. But the government can pay for most. There will be no trade-off really, we are already paying for a very inefficient system in which 25% goes to paperwork and insurance companies. THis will be much cheaper and wil cover everyone."	Single-payer system. Clean up government through campaign finance reform.	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	2/16/06 9:54 AM
7317	"That it is so expensive and exclusive that low waged people cannot afford decent healthcare.   That health care decisions are controlled by the drug companies and decisions and choices made are based on MONEY instead of on need.  That a price is put on health care. I believe that both healthcare and education should be available to EVERYONE equally, to pay if they can afford, but mainly funded by the government if necessary."	"I think that healthcare should be totally funded by the government, with some input by employers. Basic healthcare should be free to individuals, and a RIGHT for ALL."	"I think that Americans on high incomes can afford to pay higher taxes.  I think that extremely high wage earners could deal with smaller pay increases.  I think there should be caps on health care and prescription costs, especially the amount that drug companies are allowed to charge."	"MAKE EXCELLENT HEALTH CARE SERVICES FREE TO ALL PEOPLE. THEY ARE A RIGHT, NOT A PRIVELEGE."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	2/16/06 9:34 AM
7328	"I currently work at UTMB (the state owned hospital in TX) and I see a lot of patients who are admitted with no insurance. I can only wonder how many of them are working for Wal Mart corporation and how many people truly need the assistance. Since we turn no body away due to their inability to pay, someone needs to pick up the slack and as a tax payer, I don't mind helping the ones who are in true need, but if a corporation (such as Wal Mart) refuses to help out their employees, then they should be the ines who receive the medical bills for the health of their employees. It isn't fair to off set the burden to the tax payers- who knows, one day, they may need assistance and won't be able to get it because Wal Mart employees are sucking it all up. Wal Mart needs to understand that it is a hell of a lot cheaper to help their employees with health insurance rather than paying each individual's medical bills. Either way, the point should come across to them loud and clear!"	"Yes, since a ""sliding scale"" has been put into place in the state of Texas, Wal Mart shoud be responsible for the portin of medical bills and prescriptions which their employees are responsible for."	"No trade off! Wal Mart should be responsible for the well-being of their employees. If the state of Texas can afford to insure mysel and give me affordable rates for my dependents, then Wal Mart should look into the plan the state has. Wal Mart is opening up new banks, hair salons, ect., what about their own insurance company? Here is an idea they should have had along time ago!"	"Create a ""sliding scale"" for those who are uninsured. The payments due to the employee should be taken care of by the employer."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/16/06 9:42 AM
7333	The high cost.  The drug companies have almost total control over legislation.  Then insurance is nearly as bad and medical costs are also way above inflation.	We need a system similar to that of Canada or Britain.  The economic health of our companies is at risk when they cannot afford their employee health insurance.  If we are going to be competitive in the world market the government should provide basic health care for all. 	should be taxed like social security with a separate health care account that cannot be used for anything else.	get a grip on profiteering by all who are involved in health care.	female	45 to 64	No Response	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/16/06 11:08 AM
7339	"affordability and access, costs are out of control and many people can't even find a doctor"	"get employers out of the system, it should not depend on a person having a job to have adequate health care. I'd like to see a state by state or regional system funded by taxes. This would eliminate the need for private health insurance for most people. And the rich should pay more, as they live off the backs of the less well to do."	I would pay higher taxes rather than high premiums that pay for nothing like I do now. 	make access to doctors and hospitals universal and affordable so that people don't put off seeing a physician when they need one. 	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/16/06 9:57 AM
7340	"It is unaffordable, sometimes abused."	"A company that makes food that is bad for you like Pepsico or Aspartame, pay into the health care system. Food with harmful effects and no possible bodily benefits.    After all, they are a big part of our current health problems."	More taxes.	"Nutrition and exercise.  Oops, that was two.  Maybe education on nutrition and exercise.  But we would have to admit certain foods and drugs are not beneficial and actually make people worse, like the little 'purple' pill, dairy, meat and wheat."	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	2/16/06 10:24 AM
7355	A SINGLE PAYER SYSTEM	A SINGLE PAYER SYSTEM	HIHER TAXES 4 THE WEALTHY	 A SINGLE PAYER SYSTEM	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/16/06 10:06 AM
7360	"The fact that it is becomming more and more costly, so much so that many workers are priced out of coverage.  I must say it is not because the employer just dosent provide coverage but they can't afford it.  Small businesses are especially affected by this problem.  It is quickly getting to the point that only the RICH will have access to coverage, other than the emergency room."	"If we can give billion's of dollars to the top 1% of the country in tax breaks, why not use some of that money on providing health care  for all?  I don't understand why those that can afford it the least must pay the most.  The nursing home industry in this country is a joke that is rife with fraud and abuse.  Our most vunerable citizen are being neglected and abused constantly.  The saddest part is that the state and federal regulators just don't give a hoot!"	"They shouldn't have to make ANY TRADE-OFFS!!!  All I need to say is $100,000. cost for a years worth of a new cancer drug??? Riddle me that!!!"	Stop the GREED AND QUIT TRYING TO BULL SHIT THE PEOPLE!!!  PHARMACUTICLE COMPANIES ARE SPENDING MORE ON TV ADVERTIZING THAN THEY ARE ON RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT!!! I DON'T WANT TO HEAR THEIR BULL SHIT ABOUT THE COST OF PUTTING A NEW DRUG ON THE MARKET.	male	45 to 64	No Response	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/16/06 10:09 AM
7383	"Healthcare needs to be available to the poor and needy through their respective states' programs which are currently in bad need of repair. I met a woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to wait two years to begin treatment because she was just slightly above the cut off dollar amount for help. She had to actually change jobs and make less in order to get her treatment started. How risky is that!?, and then I think of all the very young who need well baby care more often and need to be eligible for help if their parent(s) are struggling. We have too many poor elderly people who can't take good care of their health because they can't afford both food and medicine. What a tragedy! We certainly don't value life as is the case in many foreign countries where health care is free. And then there's the insurance companies who make billions and billions of dollars and they often have surplus in profits. Some of that surplus, a percentage anyways, should go to the state programs to boost their budget for the needy and poor little ones and elderly. Our government in all its wisdom keeps cutting these programs, how would those politicians like it if one of their own family was in need and couldn't get help. Maybe then some of them would care a little more about the medicaid and medicare budgets. Those are my thoughts about healthcare in general. I am one of the forutnate ones and blessed because I have health coverage and have gotten good treatment and medicine lately for my breast cancer and my prognosis is good because of that speedy help. I feel bad for the women out there that don't have the same options. My heart goes out to those who seek and can't seem to find what they need from assistance through their states' programs. I hope and pray that some day the system will change so that needless illness, injury and deaths won't be happening so often where they can't get care. We as a nation must do something to make things better. We are in sad shape as far as the medical industry goes. Those that profit so greatly should be sharing support to those that have such great needs. Lack of healthcare is the worst aspect of our nation. And most of all, what those in charge need to remember, above all, is that they will be judged for not rendering assistance to the poor and needy. The healthcare situation should be the most important issue when the next election comes out for president and that is what I will measure when placing my vote. Who is going to help the healthcare situation in our country? Let us base our votes on that issue so that we are caring for our fellow beings. Otherwise, we are no better than some third world nations. We have the resources and they're just not being allocated properly. I pray for the day when that will change. "	"As stated above, our government's role is in very bad need of reform."	I think some form of healthcare should be especially available for those individuals who work forty hours and more. There should be some contribution from the company whether small or large businesses.	"Having insurance companies making profits donate a percentage of those monies to their respective states' programs. This way the money generated from those who can afford the best is being shared with the rest. Just because a person has healthcare doesn't mean they don't have another family member who is on the opposite side of the fence, lacking and in need of medical care."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	2/16/06 10:28 AM
7386	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NE	2/16/06 10:31 AM
7390	"1. Healthcare costs are a tremendous drag on the national economy.  Current total Medicare obligations exceed the total net value of the U.S. and this does not include other health related obligations.    2. The total inequity of healthcare access in the U.S.    3. Finding a way to balance access to basic healthcare services for all while eliminating the notion that healthcare is a ""right"".    4. Finding a balance between getting healthcare consumers to take more responsibility for their healthcare decisions while reducing or eliminating access inequality.    "	"Yes, the employer should not be the vehicle for providing healthcare coverage.  This stemmed for historical circumstances (wage & price controls during WWII) that no longer apply.  The employer tax benefits should be eliminated and some sort of federal funding mechanism, whether single-payer or tax breaks,  should be in place.  Employer need to focus on their core businesses and not devote so many resources to providing health insurance."	"I don't know what the American public is willing to make.  I think that basic services should be extended to all and then perhaps insurance companies could provide supplemental coverage.  I also think that individuals with behavoiral related health problems (smoking, obesity, alcoholism) should pay higher premiums, co-pays, or taxes depending on the type of funding mechanism adopted."	Eliminate the emploer tax deduction and fund healthcare in some fashion through the federal government.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/16/06 10:34 AM
7396	"Rising costs. As a nation we need to address why medical costs are so high and what can be done to make medical care better and more cost efficient. We pay more than any other OECD nation, both in per capita terms and as a percentage of GDP but with the exception of South Africa we are the only OECD nation that does not provide universal coverage."	A single payee system may be the way to go.	Perhaps Americans would be willing to trade convenience for lower medical costs.	As a nation we must get a handle on costs. 	male	45 to 64	No	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/16/06 10:44 AM
7398	Costs and lack of coverage for all Americans.	Install a single payer systems	Trade-offs should not be necessary if the health care system was taken out of private hands and paid for by general revenues the cost of which could be paid by defense budgets which paralleled other nations.	Take the profit incentive out of the system.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/16/06 10:40 AM
7409	"The high cost of insurance premiums and the high cost of medical care. Medical care cost are out of this world, maybe the US should have a system like Canada's."	If a government run health care were in place(like Canada) there would'nt be any problems.	"Well higher taxes would be in, just to pay for it.  "	"Have a health care system like Canada, Have are members up on Capital hill, take a pay cut or pay there fair share. They are hired by the people, the people should decide on a health care system, not them."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/16/06 10:54 AM
7414	A couple of things: Large companies are making health care decisions for people instead of doctors and patients.  This includes both large corporate employers refusing to provide insurance and HMOs and their ilk refusing to cover tests or care that is actually necessary.	I think that we should move more towards a single payer system.  	I'm certainly willing to give up the war in Iraq to get better health care in the US!	Get the decisions back into the hands of health care providers and their clients/patients.  Require large companies to provide a minimum level of benefits coverage to their employees.	female	25 to 44	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	2/16/06 10:59 AM
7426	"Healthcare is unavailable to alot of Americans today. I think this is because most simply cannot afford the high cost of health insurance without the assistance of an employer. The problem is alot of employers dont offer affordable healthcare coverage. Most insurance Ive had throughout my life comes with super high deductables before you can even begin to see the benifit of having it. There have been times I have been sick and have not gone to the doctor because of this. What is worse is the cost of health care if you have dependants. Its not really bad if your lucky enough to be employed by a govt agency or a high paying company. But what about your everyday hourly employee? I feel like quality health care is only available to the rich! What about everybody else?   I am a 28 year old FT college student. I work for Walmart PT while I attend school. I have been shopping online for ""student"" health insurance for about three months. On my 7.55hr salary I literally cannot afford anything. My employer does not offer health insurance to PT students. If I have a major accident or issue I will be in debt for thousands of dollars. Thats on top of all my student loans!"	I think people should still have to pay for health care. However I think it should be more affordable for every american citizen. 	Probly not alot. That is why there is a problem. 	Make it more affordable.  Have the govt set up guidelines to ensure that everyone has a right to purchase affordable healthcare coverage regaurdless of what your employer offers.   	female	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	2/16/06 11:08 AM
7427	Affordability	Transform the Medicare System to a Universal Healthcare system for ALL Americans.	I don't think that trade-offs are necessary except as may be defined by the commercial interests that are currently involved in the healthcare industry. Access to healthcare should be a basic right.	Government financed universal healthcare for all.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/16/06 11:10 AM
7429	People can't afford to take care of themselves and their families. The gov't is so bloated and wastes so much tax money that anytime they get involved it seems like the situtation gets worse - not better. Low level and high level gov't officials need to be held accountable for their actions. The gov't should be more efficient. There is a way to provide more direct health care to low income families without raising our taxes. We pay too much and get too little as it is. 	"The system as a whole needs to be fixed so that everyone can get the health care they need. I do believe that everyone who can should pay for a portion, however small, of their own health care."	I don't think we should make tradeoffs. The gov't spends our taxes wastefully enough as it is. The whole health care system (as well as the gov't in general) is bloated and inefficient. Make the gov't employees accountable. Then we will have plenty of money to pay for expanded/new programs. Right now no one in the gov't is accountable....from the highest to the lowest level....none of them are held accountable for the waste and corruption that goes on right now. 	"Aim for health living at a young age - teach children how to brush their teeth, exercise and eat right in school and community centers. Then when they grow up they will have less long term health problems because they will know how to live healthy lives. "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DE	2/16/06 11:18 AM
7432	Rising costs of premiums and less coverage in return.	Definitely.  I think that individuals and/or employers should be paying for more basic doctors office visits without having to go through the insurance companies.  Insurance should be available to everyone for major medical health problems.  Open more community based clinics for everyday health care needs.	I don't know.	Major medical health care should be available to everyone.  More community based clinics should be opened to provide basic health care for those who cannot afford to pay for their everyday basic health needs. 	female	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/16/06 11:13 AM
7433	that doctors and health care providers are influenced by drug companies and lobbyist to treat symtons and not on cures and preventive life styles.I think we are over medicated in general. 	make HMO's truely non-profit	I would be willing to pay more out of pocket for dortors visits in turn for lower cost for catastrophic coverage	"Anyone who works full time should recieve health care coverage paid for by thier employer,even if it is subsidized by taxes.Everyone eles should be covered by a nationalized plan."	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/16/06 11:45 AM
7447	"Unregistered or illegal aliens receive government benefits. We are talking about AMERICANS receiving benefits. All AMERICANS should have a choice of some kind of health care with a payment from one's own pocket to make people responsible/accountable. We need to deal with 2 major problems leading to higher health care costs for all of us: illegal immigration and drug and alcohol abuse in this country. These are serious contributors to poverty and declining health. It may seem harsh, but I say if a person chooses to trash his/her health, they don't deserve ""health care."" People need to start taking responsibility for themselves and stop expecting others to take care of them. ""Enabling"" goes beyond a family. Our whole government enables the victim mentality that keeps the lowly in a low state. Perhaps we need to send the lowly back to the churches for loving arms that help them find a way face themselves and get better. I truly believe sending illegals out of the country and letting communities deal with the other issues, employment levels would rise and healthcare issues would decrease. "	"It seems to me that an able person who can't afford their own health care should in some way participate in any government provided care they use - either by a  financial contribution (even if it's a minimal fee) or by doing a volunteer work (when well) in exchange for care. I don't beleive in free services or social medicine. All sponsored programs should receive some kind of contribution from individuals. I also believe better group programs available for those who don't have employer provided benefits would bring costs down. Cobra plans are a joke. When I lost a job the Cobra contribution was so expensive I couldn't afford it even with a full-time job and the medications I needed cost over $800 a month, most of my salary! That's rediculous. I'd have gone off the medications if it wouldn't have landed me in a hospital I couldn't afford. This is a devastating experience for anyone. If there were better group insurances for those who are newly employed (during the ""probationary period,) self emplyed, free lancing or disabled, enrollment would go up and those costs would go down."	"None. I don't think AMERICANS should have to sacrifice anything. Our health care costs are already rising to unaffordable rates. I don't think it would be necessary for anyone to sacrifice if we stopped providing free care for illigal foreigners. I am not against foreigners coming here - God blessed America and it should be a sanctuary for all who choose to come here and work - through proper legal channels. Most of us were imported by our parents at some point and they went through a legal process to become U.S. Citizens. Why should AMERICANS be penalized because outsiders take unfair advantage (key word take, as in steal?)"	"Send illegal visitors back where they came from if they refuse to go through proper registration to stay here, work and become contributing tax-payers. All working people in this country should be accountable to contribute equally. "	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/16/06 11:23 AM
7458	"The fact that, despite spending more per capita on healthcare than any other country on Earth, our level of health is less than most countries in the developed world and, unlike nearly all other developed countries, we have no national health insurance program."	Yes.  Institute a national single payor system.	Higher taxes (if presented rationally) for relief from health insurance premiums.	National Health Insurance.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/16/06 11:29 AM
7470	"Besides the obvious, I am concerned about the high cost of prescription drugs and therapy for patients with mental illness.  Even with insurance, I know people who can truly either buy groceries etc. or take their meds and see their doctor. CO-PAYS ARE HIGHER FOR PSYCHIATRISTS THAN REGULAR DOCTORS. Mental Illness is just as real a disease as anything other, and patients who cannot afford their medical treatment are at high risk for hospitalization or worse, suicide."	I'm not educated enough to answer this.	"Not many, if any."	"Care and compassion from the govenment, which will never happen.  As long as Bush and his crew can pay for their prescriptions, they could care less about the rest of us."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	2/16/06 11:41 AM
7475	"All other major industrial countries offer national health care programs. Our industries can not compete internationally with the burden of providing health care for workers which adds to the cost of their products. We don't need to spend more nationally.  If we spend what we do now on a program like the Canadian program, we can provide very good care for all persons.  Persons in this country illegally should not be medical services by the government. We should not do as we have done with Medicare Part D.  It is a disaster. It is costing me close to $2000 more per year over the insurance coverage I had in the past.  In addition to my costs the government is paying the insurance companies a very significant amount."	We need a national program covering all persons. 	"A national program would require changes in some options, but not many."	A national program.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	2/16/06 11:48 AM
7478	The number of people without access to health insurance and/or to quality health care.	I strongly believe this country should develop a universal health insurance program that covers essential health care needs.	I cannot speak for the US public.  My opinion is that we should opt for financing to ensure access to quality health care.  That means forgoing access to some of the high tech/high expense tests and treatments.	Develop universal health care insurance.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/16/06 11:51 AM
7487	"Underinsured or poorly insured individuals are charged outrageously high bills for routine procedures. In order to continue coverage when my job was lost, my husband and I signed on to 'prepaid' medical coverage. When he was hospitalized for routine tests for 20 hours, we ended up spending, out of pocket, $9,000.     Also, the poll question on this web page repeatedly refer to ""efficiency"" and ""quality"" of medical care. Those questions are impossible to answer until it is specified who determines which medical providers embody those terms, and what the criteria are for judgement. Unfortunately both the existing medical establishment and government have proven ineffectual at those determinations in the past, putting corporate and pharmaceutical interests ahead of the welfare and care of the patient.    For example, an 'efficiency expert' may determine that efficient medical care is offered by a hospital that schedules many overlapping appointments in a given day, which provides a steady stream of patients visiting all doctors in the facility. But the result is elderly patients sitting for hours waiting, and lost productivity of working people waiting endlessly for their visit with a medical professional. Also, putting doctors and nurses under the strain of treating them like assembly line workers may make for a more ""efficient"" operation, but will drastically reduce their ability to deal with each patient as an individual with unique issues.     Medical care involves treating the client with dignity, respect and care, and thus cannot be equated to any other service provided in the marketplace. While quality care can be measured by an ultimately successful outcome (i.e., recovery), it also must involve intangibles which improve and speed the process, such as consideration and addressing ancillary issues of mental and emotional health."	"Since there is no job security any longer, medical care cannot be dependent on the employer. It needs to travel with the worker. Otherwise healthcare coverage becomes a major factor constraining the free market of employment."	"I think great strides could be made in just redirecting the money we spend for treating the results of unhealthy lifestyles (like drug and alcohol abuse) into preventative programs.    I believe most Americans would readily pay more for quality healthcare when they have information they can trust on the quality of care, and availability of services."	"Quit subsidizing the tobacco, sugar and alcohol industries, and start teaching kids about nutrition early. Obesity is a public health problem, and we will all be paying higher premiums going forward to cover the cost of the epidemic of medical problems associated with obesity and poor health.    Improve breakfast and lunch programs in public schools to provide healthy food to all kids. Remove pop machines and junk food from schools. Increase public awareness about nutrition requirements, and encourage athletic programs for children of all ages."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/16/06 12:00 PM
7491	"The number of people who cannot afford health care and/or insurance is growing very fast. This not only affects the unemployed, under-employed and poor. Because insurance premiums and drug prices have skyrocketed and many employers can no longer afford to offer benefits, it has greatly strained the working middle class. "	Individuals and employers should be able to pay on a sliding scale. This should apply to both insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. 	"I think most Americans will be willing to pay extra in taxes, either county or federal, as long the waste, bogus charges and overcharging is kept under control."	"Cutting waste, bogus charges and overcharging  could go a long way in reducing the cost of health care no matter who is paying for it. I know from personal experience that private hospitals need a lot of work in these areas. When hospitals over-charge insurance companies, the premiums go up. When hospitals over-charge individuals, people tend to not pay all or any of their bill. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/16/06 2:03 PM
7492	Both the rising cost or health care services and prescription drugs and that too many of our citizens cannot afford adequate medical treatment when needed.	"Yes, obviously the US is paying too much for too little especially when compared to the quality and cost in other countries. There are too many Americans who cannot afford the way health care is delivered under the current (non)system.  I think that there should be a basic level of services provided to all citizens even if it has to be paid for by increased taxes.  Some sort of sliding scale of payment should be required of those who can afford it so as to give people some dignity that they are at least helping to pay something toward their own health care. There should be a one payer system whereby we could rid ourselves of the myriad private insurance plans and simplify the overhwhelming amount of paperwork now required.  The current way we do things is much to much complicated and confusing.  We should use economies of scale in the purchase of prescription drugs and throw out the exising Medicare part D law. This law illustrates what I mentioned above about confusion and cost.  Although this might not be possible, I would like to see that the influence of special interests (read lobbyists) be contained.  It seems to me that one of the basic reasons we are in the situation we find ourselves in today in health care delivery is the result of too many thinking only of themselves without considering the conquences passed on to others.  This, of course, would require more of politicians and they way they are elected."	"It will be a real battle to get the special interest crowd to set aside, even if slightly, their advantages under the current (non)system.  The American public will have to take more interest in their own health care delivery programs.  I think that the special interest crowd will prevail by flooding the media with their own messages. Hopefully I am wrong.  The trade-off most likely, if it should happen, is to increase taxes to insure those who have no insurance presently."	"Make the congress, executive, and judicial branches of the government use the current (non)system just like the rest of us and do away with their special health care plans."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/16/06 12:06 PM
7493	Universal coverage and quality concern me most.	Yes.  We must extend the Medicare program to all.  Private insurance is not providing for the health care needs of Americans.  It is profit oriented and leaching out dollars that could be used to provide quality health coverage to the most people.	"If explained appropriately and fully funded, most Americans will support a publically financed Medicare for all program."	"The single most importgant recommendation is to expand Medicare to all Americans, young, old and middle aged."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/16/06 12:08 PM
7501	"That many, like myself, pay out the entirety of my disability income to cover health care costs that are not covered by Medicare.   Also, that we don't have universal coverage and, instead, have astronomical costs"	"Medicare, medicaid, CHIPS, should all be done away with to create a single universal system that covers all people without insurance.   Employers with over 10,000 workers should have to pay 100% of workers premiums, and copays should be strictly limited to a nominal amount"	Tax increase for total free coverage for all	"Provide free full coverage for all keeping us all as healthy as possible to have a productive working society. I was working 3 jobs just to make ends meet and still could not afford the insurance costs and treatment needed and as a result became permanantly disabled. That is shameful. If quality care were available otherwise, I'd still be in the work force."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	2/16/06 12:23 PM
7505	"It is profit driven, unfair and chaotic with the  exception of Medicare. Part D, the Rx coverage has  the same problems in abundance as mentioned above.  "	The whole system should be changed to Single Payer.	I only know what trade-offs I would be willing to make and cannot speak for others.	To entirely institute Single Payer as soon as  possible.	female	Over 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/16/06 12:19 PM
7508	"I don't think that medications should be able to advertise - print or tv commercials.  It drives up the price of drugs, and causes people to think they need to be on more meds.  I think advertisements for drugs should be banned and the general public would benefit. "	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	Under 25	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/16/06 12:24 PM
7516	"It has problems, but I think it is, if not the best, among the best available medical care in the world.  There is no free lunch!"	NO--we have afunctional system.  Perhaps people should explore there lifestyle.  Without government interference --let each person be responsible for their health.	No trade offs!	"Good health habits, save and spend your own money as you see fit.  Buy a tattoo, six pack, DVDs, and a big screen or health products."	male	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/16/06 12:32 PM
7527	All people who live in our country should receive basic health care with a big emphasis on preventitive health care and a lifestyle that promotes good health.	It is wrong that people other than health care providers profit from people being sick or injured. Medical care should not be st up based on the business model. The practice of medicine is foremost an atr!	We need a different system all together. Having insurance companys making huge profits from people being ill isn't right. It is hard to know how much a different system would cost.	See answer above. Other than that erase greed from our hearts and minds!!!	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/16/06 1:10 PM
7528	"That of all the industrialized nations, we are ranked so low in the number of people who have access to medical care, is testament to the low value we place on our health and the health of the people in our communities. "	"We should have a socialized medical system. As basic as medical care is, it should be guaranteed to all Americans."	"We should be making the trade-off at the federal budgetary level, and taking money out of the military to put into taking care of people here at home. That Bush would rather spend a trillion dollars colonizing Iraq rather than a fraction of that to ensure health care to all Americans is appalling."	"Ensure access to health care for everyone, not just the middle and upper classes."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/16/06 12:43 PM
7533	"The high costs and the absolute ineffectiveness of the entire process are my biggest concern.  We spend more than any other country and have mediocre care at best.  The waiting times, the lack of communication and quality care, the incredibly high costs to the patients - and at the prices we pay?  Ridiculous, If I am going to receive sub par quality treatments, I really should not have to pay as much as I do.  I am all for Kennedy's plan for moving everyone to medicare.  The sloppiness and lack of decent care for most Americans is one of the biggest failings of the United States.  It is obscene that in 2006, how healthy you are and the access you and your family have to basic health care are tied to how wealthy you are.  Not a very moral or value laden response to our poor, is it?  We judge and place value on people and what they ""deserve"" based on wealth.  Obscene.  And it sickens me further to watch docs, pharmacists/drug companies and insurance companies all in bed with each other with absolutely no regard to the people they are supposed to be helping.  Our doctors have gone from healers to drug pushers.  A real failure for a country as wealthy as we are that claims to care about the least among us.      Also, where the hell is the accountablity for doctors?  There is no recourse if you have a bad experience - they get paid the same, you can;t get a refund.  I want a national feed back forum where you can look up your state and look at reviews as well as legal issues of docs to investigate before using.  "	"YES!  I do not understand why the costs are so high for the services received!!!!  Where is the money going???? Make it as simple as possible, get rid of multiple systems and codes - your job, as representatives of the people, is to find solutions to these problems. Make it as simple and efficient as possible - there are people you can hire who will run different cost analysis programs - research it and figure out what is best for the PEOPLE and then let the companies restructure themselves around OUR needs.  At this point, no one is working for the PEOPLE - companies are in bed with each other and it is all about money.  The government is supposed to help as watch dog...get on it!    Also, if we know that most of our poor use Emergency rooms for colds, fairly minor issues b/c they lack coverage...WHY AREN'T THERE STATE FUNDED CLINICS FOR BASIC CARE SERVICES ?????  I mean, we can't come up with a program that provides scholarship money to medical students with a clause that they have to work three years in a state clinic to pay back their loan from the state or government?  Why can't we have places like this set up all over, for basic care and prevention.  There should be clinics in every city in every country to provide QUALITY and RESPECTFUL services to our poor.  The government and medical community are simply not fulfilling their duty to the people they claim to serve. "	"Why do we have to have trade offs?  The system is completely inefficient - reduce the waste!  We put an enormous amount of money into the system for it not to work - I am not about to add any more into a broken system with no real accountability!  If you restructure it wisely, we should all gain from this - businesses should be able to lower their costs as well as consumers.      Kennedy's plan!!!!!!!!!!!!"	"FOLLOW KENNEDYS PLAN TO INCLUDE EVERYONE IN MEDICARE!!!!!!!  His program allows people to choose their doctors and will cut costs for businesses and consumers, responsibily. The system is already failing in its quality of care to the consumers - I really don't believe it could get worse.  Our medical system is not about prevention or quality care, it is about money, period.  Find a way to take the money away from inefficient providers, whether they be insurance companies, doctors, or pharmaceutical companies.  Force them to provide better service at lower costs.      Second - GET THE TAX BREAKS/CUTS OFF THE TABLE UNTIL WE FIGURE IT OUT!!!!!  WE NEED EVERY RESOURCE WE HAVE ACCESS TO IN A TIME OF WAR AND ECONOMIC CRISES!!!!  It is irresponsible, and defies logic to continue with tax cuts in a time of war, a deficit that is now in the TRILLIONS, hundreds of thousands of Americans with no health care...this actually is one of the biggest failings of our current government - the continued betrayal of the average hard working American in exchange for campaign dollars from corporations.      Cut out the waste, get a single coding system, use common sense to cut red tape that is not needed.  This does not need to be complicated!!!!  Use common sense people!!!  Research!!! Look at other countries, but for God's sake - DO SOMETHING TO PROTECT POOR AMERICANS WHO CANNOT AFFORD BASIC HEALTH CARE FOR THEMSELVES OR THEIR FAMILIES!!!!  Your job is to work for the people - not to protect corporations.  START STANDING UP FOR THE AVERAGE AMERICAN OR YOU WILL FIND YOURSELVES OUT OF OFFICE!!!!"	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	2/16/06 12:47 PM
7537	"Firstly, the rising costs for even the most basic of procedures and treatments.   Secondly, the increasing numbers of citizens who cannot afford or are disqualified for basic health care."	A mix of payments from all souces is fine.	A slight restriction of what is defined as basic services for different age groups combined with a slightly higher tax for universal health care services.	Stop thinking of health care as a market-driven quantity for sale and start thinking about it more as a public service!	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/16/06 12:49 PM
7538	"With the advent of Medicare Part D, and with me having read various articles about the number of health carriers in each state, and with their various authorization forms for different medicines (30-35 per carrier,) I'm asking the following:  Isn't the government better running this program?  The bureaucracy allowed under Medicare D is pitiful, wasteful, and expensive.     In general, the various levels of bureaucracy is causing untold amounts of work.  Cut the bureaucracy and part of the problem is gone.  Medicare part D is confusing and expensive.  Give it to the government to handle!"	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/16/06 12:49 PM
7539	I feel that the affordability of health care and the dependability of doctors and health care facilities are of the greatest concern to everyone in America.	I think that our Government should do more research on people who are getting benefits which the working taxpayers are paying for.	"The American public, in general, do not believe in making sacrifices.  Government should step in to try to regulate cost to stop over-charging by hospitals and doctors."	"To improve health care would require the Government to stop the rise in cost, which is already too high.  A Republican government will not do that, though, because most of our elected officials are receiving kick-backs because of these costs."	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	2/16/06 12:50 PM
7546	So many people are uninsured or underinsured. It can destroy their lives.	We need a single national health care system covering all Americans. A public insurance program like Canada's single-payer plan. Anything less is like putting bandaids on a brain tumor.	"I think Americans are willing to have a public program provided it truly serves the common good, like Social Security or Medicare."	"Read my lips--""It's Single-Payer, stupid!"""	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/16/06 1:03 PM
7558	"There is no limit on the profit that drug companies, insurance companies and health care providers can make while thousands of people (children especially)can't afford even minimal care. Drug companies are spending millions on advertising products that many can't afford and probably don't need. "	"I think we should have a single payer system with some control over the costs of medical care, like medicare does. It should provide at least basic care to everyone.  People who can afford more than basic care could still buy that on the open market. "	We should be willing to pay the taxes necessary to provide essential health care to everyone.  We would save most of that in insurance costs. Elective care (e.g. cosmetic)and name brand drugs should not be covered. A small copayment for each doctor visit would be acceptable. Some deductable amount depending on income would be acceptable. 	"Limit the profit that health care providers (drugs, hospitals, insurance companies etc.)can make, given the life and death coercive power they have over their ""customers."""	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/16/06 1:07 PM
7578	"Walmart needs to ensure its employees have health coverage.    Homeopathy needs to be much more available and covered by insurance, including homeopathic care provided by non-MD homeopaths."	"National health care which includes coverage of alternative medicine, including homeopathy."	NULL	See above on homeopathy	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	2/16/06 1:24 PM
7580	"Inadequate coverage for many Americans, especially the elderly, people with disabilities and those employed at low-wage jobs (such as Wal-Mart and others in the service sector)."	I feel it is essential that ALL Americans have basic health care coverage and feel we need to look at socialized medical care plans in other countries (E.g. Canada and western European countries) to adopt a new model. It's outrageous to me that the wealthiest country in the world does not have an effective system in place.  Many employers cannot afford to offer medical care (E.g small business owners) while others (corporations) are more concerned about making exhorbant profits than providing strong benefits for all employees.  I feel that a standardized basic plan should be offered via government and tax payer financing.  Elective surgeries need not be covered by the plan.  Those who desire them can buy supplemental private insurance or pay out of pocket.	"I feel that many Americans would be willing to pay more out of pocket, via taxes, higher premiums or higher deductibles, to see that everyone has coverage.  There are of course some who would not agree."	provide basic coverage for ALL	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/16/06 1:24 PM
7590	"Escalating cost, dominance by phamacutical companies, and the fact that 45 million Americans cannot afford or have health insurance, and that cash paying customers for health services are literally screwed by the high cost of an office visit."	Evidently this system does not work.  Employers routinely circumvent the system by cutting hours (thus if you are classified as part time you do not qualify for the insurance anyway)  The individual cost is outragous -- if I was to enroll in Healthy NY (of which I qualify) the premium would cost as much as my housing expenses do per month.	"Value added tax, of course not being in Iraq and blowing all that dough on an unresolvable conflict would probably take care of this health care crisis"	end marketing campagins by pharmacutical companies and cap the control these private industries have (including insurance companies) over the population of the United States.	female	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/16/06 1:33 PM
7605	The lack of coverage for lower and middle income people.  Anyone who works should have healthcare regardless of who they work for.  And there should be some restriction on those with very high incomes receiving federal funded healthcare such as Medicare.  	"Employers need to be required to provide at least a basic plan for all thier employees covering at least 70% of the premium costs, more for those with lower incomes, and less for those with higher salaries.  "	I think that in general the American public would be willing to have a slight increase in payroll taxes in order to fund a national healthcare system.  Every American should be intitled to healthcare.	Basic coverage and catastrophic coverage guaranteed for all Americans according to income levels.  	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	2/16/06 1:53 PM
7609	"Eligibility, affordability, and the extent of health insurance coverage available for anyone who can't remain in a large insurance group until age 65 is our first concern.  Our second concern is the lack of public accountability in health care facilities such as hospitals--especially as related to sanitation and error-prevention."	This system doesn't work.  We are punishing the working middle class as we permit corporations to save money by dumping health care costs on their employees.  Our senior citizens are treated like expendable annoyances.  We must find a way to let those who enjoy massive profit margins to share the burden of health care expenses--even if that means implementing a form of socialized medicine.	Many wealthy Americans don't think they should have to make any trade-offs.  They aren't at risk.  Americans who can comprehend complexities and who believe they have an obligation to other citizens are willing to forgo pointless tax refunds and would probably approve an additional tax to create greater healthcare security. 	"Make health care accessible, accountable, and realistically affordable for everybody.  Remove the control the insurance industry has over the people."	female	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/16/06 2:08 PM
7617	"Health care in this country has become so expensive because we are a very unhealthy country.  It would be much less expensive if we quit looking for a pill to cure everything.  The answer is PREVENTION.  Get the junk out of our food (dyes, chemicals, harmful preservatives, pesticides, etc.) We overeat and eat too many processed foods, and don't drink enough water.     People who take a preventive approach to our health only need a doctor when we are injured.  THIS IS MUCH LESS EXPENSIVE. When we have indigestion, we eat less, eat slower, chew our food better, look at how we combine foods, and examine the food itself.  This is FREE! The medical community in conjunction with the pharmaceutical industry labels the problem a disease (acid reflux disease) and prescribes drugs, which cause further complications and the need for more drugs.  THIS IS VERY EXPENSIVE!!  P.S. The FDA does not protect citizens of this country. It is guided by money, power and influence of the pharmaceutical companies.  If we allow the FDA to gain control over herbal remedies and vitamin supplements, we will compound the problem."	"Much of the cost charged to parents is for bookkeeping, insurance billing, record-keeping, etc.  We need MAJOR MEDICAL insurance for all citizens provided by the government for emergency care and surgery.  People need to pay directly to doctors at a much lower rate for office visits, as doctors will not need the personnel, equipment, and time to work with insurance companies.  Examine the systems in other countries that work, or parts of systems that work, and adapt them.  Spend government $$ and energy to inform people that they need to eat natural or organic foods without the harmful additives we now allow in our food, and drink water instead of pop. (That would upset the soft drink companies, just like the tobacco companies.)  Set federal guidelines that won't allow harmful additives to be allowed in food.  TRUE nutritional education (not that provided by the Amer. Dairy Assoc. or special interest groups) based on recent, scientific research in our schools and throughout our communities."	"Some American people who are wealthy and have good insurance are not going to be willing to do much of anything.  They'll still want their tax cut, and not be concerned.  Hopefully, the heart of the majority of Americans will care that we have children, elderly and less fortunate adults who need our help.  This is more important than what we use lots of our money for."	"Revanmp the FDA, so that it is truthful about what causes disease in this country, and truly protects our citizens from harmful additives in our food.  The American Dairy Assoc. should not be allowed to tell us that drinking multiple glasses of milk a day causes us to lose weight. IF AMERICA'S FOCUS BECOMES PREVENTING/CURING DISEASE INSTEAD OF TREATING SYMPTOMS WITH DRUGS, OUR COSTS WILL BE A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF WHAT THEY ARE TODAY. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/16/06 2:09 PM
7620	"Too many people have no access to affordable health care.  I think we should have universal health care as an extension of medicare, a single-payer system which would reduce the cost of health care considerably."	"The government should be the singel payer, and we should pay it."	I don't know.	Single-payer system	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/16/06 2:13 PM
7630	too many people suffering because they can't get care.	more action by the government to help those who can't afford their care.	many polls show that americans are not averse to paying taxes if they see the money going to a good use.	"rein in big pharm, research more and fund more preventive methods, and cover all the seriously ill."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/16/06 2:20 PM
7632	"Accessability, 44 million without health insurance,runaway costs for the past thirty years. If this effort moves in the direction of single payer, uniform benefits, then I'm for it.  "	"Yes, single payer, uniform benefits"	I'm not sure	"Single Pay, uniform benefits"	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/16/06 2:22 PM
7633	"That we are one of the few ""First World"" countires to have no universal health care for its people."	Get rid of the many health insurance companies and create a national health care system that supplies at least basic coverage. Then people who can afford more can get private insurance.	I think most people would like to spend more of our tax dollars on caring for people and less on torturing and killing them.	national health care	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	2/16/06 2:27 PM
7642	"The seemingly out-of-control costs of healthcare, the prevailance of preventable diseases which are reaching epidemic proportions and are costing everyone (especially healthy individuals) more money are what concern me.  The public health care system is being paid for by the middle class, who are then unable to benefit from any of the programs they are paying into, yet the middle class is having to pay sometimes a quarter of their income for private health coverage (in addition to the taxes that pay for the programs they are ineligible for).  Also, the costs of preventable diseases to our healthcare system, government and individuals is deplorable!  People who choose to participate in behaviors that lead directly to serious disease (smoking, obesity, acoholism, drug abuse or behaviors that lead to heart disease, for example) should NOT be covered by any public OR private insurance!  People who participate in preventative care and a healthy lifestyle should be given lower premiums.  Yes, I think that all Americans must have access to quality health care, but at the same time, all Americans have a responsiblity for their own health and to do whatever they can to stay healthy!"	"I think Health Savings Accounts are a good start, because they give individuals more control of their money and they keep more of their money, earning interest on it.  I think all Americans should have the opportunity to participate in HSA's.  I think that it is unfair to tax working-class Americans for public health care if they are not then given access to it, but I think it is helpful that there is a tax break for the cost of healthcare.  I think the costs of all medical services and drugs needs to be more seriously controlled, perhaps at a state level.  The control needs to be closer to the people who are paying for it."	"I think the most obvious answer is more money.  I would be more willing to pay more in taxes to assure that everyone has access to good healthcare if I could be assured that the medical care system was based on fair practices and was not influencing politics.  I would be thrilled to see Americans embrace a healthier lifestyle.  That is a tradeoff that doesn't cost much.  People seem to believe that they can just take a pill or wait for some breakthrough to solve their health problems.  Public schools need to bring back physical education and increase activity, cities need to become more pedestrian/bicycle-friendly.  This country can help provide the opportunity to MAINTAIN good health instead of fixing the problems of poor health - it would be a lot cheaper.  I'd be willing to pay more in taxes for things like that.  "	"Stay healthy!  Most people are born with good health - don't blow it!  If you do, be prepared to pay for it yourself!!"	female	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/16/06 2:30 PM
7651	"Three things:  Seemingly uncontrollable rise in health care costs  Lack of accessible and affordable health care for    many  Politicization of health care- as long as health     is a political issue, it cannot be solved"	"No except that government should provide a basic level of care to all individuals and require that insurance companies cut profits (along with pharmaceuticals, medical equipment companies, and thousands of other businesses which support the health care system.  It is the combined total of all including malpractice insurance costs for health care personell that drive up health care costs unnecessarily."	1. Shift money from the excessive defense budget to address health care; gov's should provide a basic package of health care services with private insurance purchased by employer or individual for additional services 	Cut the vast amount of waste to make it possible for all to have accessible and affordable basic health care services	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	2/16/06 2:41 PM
7658	My concerns are for those who do not health care coverage not only for the individual but because there only alternative for medical treatments is often emergency rooms which means in the long run the taxpayer is paying for there care.	I think a national health care program is long overdue.  How that would be developed should include administrators of existing health care programs(medicare/medicaid not by politicians.	I'm not sure a trade-off would be necessary if a national program is set up properly.  I have heard the already existing medicare/medicaid programs are the least expensive to administer.	Leave politics out of health care.	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/16/06 2:49 PM
7659	The waste of money administering the multiple systems of decision making that have nothing to do with the actual medical care provided. The paper work cost far exceed to cost of treatment in most medical facilities.  Medical personel should make decisions rather than computer jockeys at some site far removed from the doctor and patient.  	"All individuals should carry their own health insurance they do for car and property.  Insurance companies should be forced to insure individuals rather than corporate entities and employer groups.  If this were the case, premiums could be lower and the loss of employment would have little effect on health care availability.  Cost of care could be stabilized to the extent that the same treatment would not have multiple prices depending on the coverage. A secondary benefit would acrue by the employer being able to pay higher wages when he was no longer dealing with high cost of administering an insurance program."	"I think Americans would be willing to assume responsibility for health insurance if they were allowed to purchase it individually but, currently, individual insurance is prohibitively expensive because insurance companies prefer group  contracts where they can make undisclosed amounts of money and deny coverage with impunity."	"Individual policies unrelated to employment, condition, age, gender or ethnic origin."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	2/16/06 2:49 PM
7661	Health care should be provided for everyone in this country. We are the only advanced nation on earth which doesn't have universal health coverage. And it's time we got it.	"There should be a single payer system in America. It could work like Medicare and/or Social Security. Workers, employers and government could all contribute. "	"I think universal health care is important to everyone in this country, and I think people would be willing to pay a little more in taxes in order to get it. [First thing we should do is get rid of tax cuts for the rich...]"	preventive health care provided for everyone in our country	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/16/06 2:54 PM
7672	"Rising medical costs that many people including working class, the poor, and even the lower middle class can't afford.  Oftentimes this results in lower quality of care for these people or causes them to be less likely to seek out care till it becomes a bigger, more expensive problem."	"Yes, we should go to Single-Payer health care where we fund it via taxes."	"I think most Americans would be willing to pay higher taxes to ensure access to affordable, high quality care."	Expansive Single-Payer health care financed by the government.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/16/06 3:08 PM
7674	"What concerns me the most about health care coverage in present day America is how difficult and expensive it is for the average caucasion American to have a child while there are plenty of illegal immigrants having babies for free in our country and then they get to stay because their child was born here so now that child is automatically a citizen.  Even ethnic minorities get a break from the high cost of having children and their break doesn't stop there it becomes reduced cost of lunch in public schools and scholarships for college are easier to obtain and if not that applying for government aid isn't nearly as difficult as for a poor caucasion child.  It has been over 40 years since anyone of any ethnicity has been supressed yet here poor white people have to carry the burden; it doesn't hurt a rich man to pay a little, but it hurts a poor white person to pay that little bit and still pay for their child as well.  Its a sad day when ethnicity matters when it comes to paying for your well being and the well being of your child."	"I believe that health coverage even if it is only the most basic needs, should be covered by the government.  Medical should be free for all citizens."	I think that the American public is always willing to pay more for the assurance of quality health care when it affects them and/or their children.	I believe that the cost of health care is outrageous and the difficulty to enroll in governmentally funded programs is ridiculous.  Having good health is a priority not only for individuals but as a public concern.  The government should see uninsured citizens as a threat to America and make it a goal to remedy that by making health care affordable and easily accessible to the American public.  Lowering cost of out-of-pocket medical expenses and putting government enforced limits on basic medical expenses is a good way to improve health care even for the uninsured and those with minimum coverage.	female	Under 25	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/16/06 3:09 PM
7696	QUALITY	employers of small businesses should be able to join together to provide health care for their small business employees	NULL	"If you allow more people into the system, even part time employees. that would be more money available to spend on health care."	female	25 to 44	No	Black or African American	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	2/16/06 3:49 PM
7700	The billions of dollars being wasted on military buildup while our own citizens are dying of preventable diseases.	"Yes, I believe universal healthcare is a basic human right that should be funded with no tax increases for average Americans by slashing the bloated military budgets and increasing taxes on the obscenely wealthy."	"Reduction in military expenditures to increase healthcare to our citizens, and increasing taxes on the wealthiest Americans."	Loosen the grip of the greedy military-industrialists on our fiscal resources to free up funds for providing basic humane care to our needy.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	2/16/06 3:57 PM
7701	Healthy Taxpayers are the machines that pump the tax money into Government.  If a busines owner let his machines fall into disrepair he soon would have no income and go bankrupt.  Goverment has a duty and a self-intrest in keeping it's Taxpayers healthy.  Snub the Insurance Lobbiests!  Ask Canada to send you a copy of their single-payer National Health Care Plan and write their plan into U.S. law.  No need to reinvent the wheel-it already exists and is working fine in Canada.   	Create a single-payer National Health Care System that covers all Americans.	They will pay increased taxes to create a National Health Care System.  They can use the money they now spend on private health insurance which is 15% of our Gross National Product/ 9% for Canada.	"Copy the Canadian single-payer National Health Care System.  Do it this week-no multi-billion dollar/six year study needed, it exists and works north our our boarder. "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/16/06 3:52 PM
7703	"once a person has been diagnosed with an issue it becmes a pre-existing condition and will not be covered by another insurer, so this person must stay with their existing insurer even though the premiums raise 30-40% annually."	"allowing everyone, no matter what size group, if any, access to the benefits and rates that are given now to only the largest corporations should make coverage affordable to many that are willing to pay for it."	NULL	lower rates	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	2/16/06 3:55 PM
7708	The LACK of it.  That it is Only available to the wealthy.  That the Poor Working Class people AND THEIR CHILDREN are going Without it.	"HELL YES!  HEALTH CARE IS A RIGHT; NOT A LUXURY!  It should be made available to Every Man, Woman, & Child in this country Regardless of Class, Race, Age, Gender, Or FINANCIAL STATUS.  Our Government should fund Universal Healthcare (in spite of the objections of the Rich Bastard Republicans who want it only for themselves, like everything else) by taxing the Hell out of the Wealthy (who get their wealth off the backs of the working class) and Big Business Corporations who Exploit the working class.   "	"We shouldn't have to make Any.  That is a horrible lie perpetrated by the Republicans.  This Country is Great enough to Take Care of ALL of Her people.  Hell, if we just took 1% of the money going to the Defense Dept. & Haliburton No American would Ever have to Pay for Healthcare again. "	UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE!  THE TIME HAS COME FOR THE WORKING POOR TO DEMAND WHAT'S RIGHTFULLY OURS!	female	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/16/06 4:00 PM
7729	Many people have no access to affordable health care - it is a shame that in this country someone cannot get preventative medical help and has to rely on emergency rooms to re health care	I believe that the 1 percent of the population that has all the money could and should pay more towards helping the rest of us afford health care	I would be willing to pay an additional tax income tax.  	The folks with the big bucks need to share!	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/16/06 4:29 PM
7731	"My three main concerns are:   1. The large number of people in this country who cannot afford even basic medical coverage and the impact that has on the health of the general population and the productivity of the country.  2. The financial inability for many people to start their own businesses because they are tied to working for a larger company in order to maintain health insurance.  3. The incredibly high rates charged to individuals who do not have insurance. The charge for giving birth to my son would have been $25,000 if I had not had insurance. Because of the insurance company's ability to negotiate prices, the hospital was only allowed to charge $5,000. Even if I paid 100% of the charges, simply having an insurance company to negotiate for me would have made an enormous difference to the cost."	"I believe that the costs should be paid solely by individuals and government (by way of taxing individals and employers). I do not believe that employers should be involved in the insurance of their employees. It creates an unhealthy link between an individual's health care and their job. Additionally, I believe the cost is too big a burden on small businesses which then in turn limits their ability to hire the best people."	I am not sure. I think too many Americans are selfish and short sighted these days. If more of the country thought and behaved the way we did around both world wars and the depression I believe we could make more progress on issues like this without having to pander to each individuals current self-interest.	"Remove the direct burden from employers, increase taxes paid by both employers and individuals, and enroll all individuals in the country in a health care program. If they would like, employers can offer additional insurance coverage."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/16/06 4:47 PM
7732	"One very important fact is constantly overlooked--many Americans use alternative/holistic health care and spend billions of dollars out of pocket for this.  Why does insurance only cover harmful drugs and not even consider herbs, homeopathy, etc.?"	NULL	NULL	"Offer repayment to those who use alternative/holistic health care.  It's unfair that harmful drugs are paid for by insurnace, but not herbs, homeopathy, nutritional products, etc."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	2/16/06 4:33 PM
7739	"Big drug companies raking in profits, unduly influencing medical practice, while cost of prescriptions is sky high largely due to expensive advertising."	Get the private sector (insurance companies) out of the health care system.  Universal Medicare coverage.	A few highly-paid CEOs have a lot to lose.  The rest of us have a lot to gain.	"Better educate public and physicians about natural approaches to health.  The diabetes epidemic and much heart disease could be avoided if people stopped intake of sodas and fast foods and learned about unpatentable nutritional supplements like Omega 3 oils, CoQ10, chromium picolinate, etc.  There is solid research to back this up, but it gets lost in the shuffle with so much money spent to promote prescription drugs."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	2/16/06 4:42 PM
7746	"Has anyone noticed that your poll is in pdf format, so that most people cannot fill it out on line, and that no address has been given to return it to?"	It needs to be changed to a single-payer system.	NULL	NULL	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	2/16/06 4:53 PM
7747	"lack of health care for so many, makes for a unhealthy nation."	the VA has the best system of any.	I would be willing to pay a reasonable tax increase.	national health care system.	male	Over 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/16/06 4:53 PM
7756	"The cost of Health care premiums is so high that most individuals cannot afford basic coverage.  People with pre-existing conditions are penalized by having unreasonably high premiums.  The age goup between 55yrs and 65yrs has very little ability to take advantage of lower premiums through any groups, because there are few, if any groups available.  For ex. the AARP plans cost more than what I am currently paying as a direct pay individual! They offer no deal! There needs to be a basic level of health care and sickness prevention opportunites for ALL AMERICANS.  If individuals wish to buy more coverage, that should be available to them, but the basic coverage needs to be comprehensive and I answered what I consider to be basic coverage in the community poll questions."	"More ""group"" options should be made available and the standard should not be controlled by the insurance industry.  I believe strongly that everyone should have to pay something for health care even if an idiviual can only pay $1.00 and the payment should be based upon a sliding scale.   Also, there should be no difference in the health care coverage opportunities for government workers versus any other citizen."	"More scrutinization of how our dollars are currently spent in general.  There is so much government waste (I am certain!) on every level that I believe if that alone were  and controlled there just may be enough federal and state money to fund basic healthcare for all!  I personally think that the ""middle class"" is supporting both the rich and the poor right now and I am not willing to do much more!"	Supply Health care to all Americans!	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	2/16/06 5:03 PM
7760	Health care costs are rising at an unacceptable rate. See my answer to the fourth question below.	"I am not against any of these three paying some portion of health care. However, I believe a universal health care system like that used in other countries like Norway make the most sense. The cost is included in taxes and there is little or no cost for individual services, no premiums, no drug costs, etc. "	Having to wait longer for non-critical services and having to pay more taxes for the health care system.  	"Immediately eliminate advertising by pharmaceutical companies. I think this is the main reason for the rising health care costs. We should be concerned with developing the best drugs not which Company can make the most money. Doctors can decide which drugs to prescribe or give the patient a choice, if there is one. I also think it is ridiculous for hospitals and clinics to advertise and compete. "	female	45 to 64	No Response	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	2/16/06 5:10 PM
7763	"Several of today's corporate giants, like Wal-Mart, do not provide affordable health care. Because they don't provide affordable health care these giants reap the benefits and are able to keep their prices low. Due to pressure to stay in business, slightly smaller companies are jumping on the bandwagon, because of profit loss, and don't offer affordable health care either. Jobs that people once considered well-paying and that offered affordable, high quality health care are and do not today. Instead, people are encouraged or forced to use public assistance programs offered by the state and federal governments, thus using the taxpayers money."	The current system is fine as long as the individual is offered health care that is affordable based on their average annual income. The employers should also be held more responsible than they already are.	N/A	"Employers should offer affordable high-quality health care. Also, the government should be more strict in allowing people access to public assistance programs. "	female	Under 25	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/16/06 5:12 PM
7765	"We need government funded heath care for ALL United States citizens and/or residents in the U.S., U.S. Territories and/or U.S. Trusts where the government pays 100% of all health care costs."	See answer to first question.	None.	See answer to first question.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/16/06 5:14 PM
7776	The uninsured and the general rising costs.  The rising costs of caring for non citizens.	don't know	I think financing	make it universal	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/16/06 5:32 PM
7783	"I am concerned that, of all industrialized nations in the world today, the United States is the only country that has not provided universal health care for its citizens. During the 1970's my family and I spent six years in Germany, and their health-care system is admirable! It should serve as an example to the United States."	"Yes, I think that health care is a basic human right, and the federal government should stop wasting money on inessentials (like illegal warfare) and use that money to the benefit of the citizenry."	I think that the American public would be agreeable to a fair tax structure that would be assessed across the board as a percentage of business profits and individual wages that would guarantee health care to everyone.	Take a look at the European nations who have had universal health care in place for decades and mimic their programs here in the United States.	male	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	2/16/06 5:44 PM
7802	Everyone who is an American should have health Insurance.  Look at Canada.	All Employers who have 5 or more Employees should offer some kind of real health insurance.	If everyone who works pays $10.00 a week then at least 3/4 of the Insurance problems can go away.	Taxes and a set amount to be taken out weekly by all americans who work.	female	25 to 44	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	2/16/06 6:22 PM
7810	That there's only a few insurance companies where  the insured actually gets benefits from it. The rest of us don't get much or don't have any at all because we can't afford it. 	How about a healthcare system like the Netherlands?  Woman and children are taken care of my the government	"I don't see that as the answer. From what I gathered, lawsuits have caused insurance companies to tighten their purses. Why should the average person pay more or sacrifice anything?"	  Make it somehow affordable for everyone. 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/16/06 7:06 PM
7811	"I am sicken that Congress gets FREE health care while the rest of us ""peasants' have to do without.  This is truly a crying shame."	"yeah, give us all FREE health care that Congress has.                "	Take away Congress health care and let them cry.	Have more alternative medicine paid for. 	male	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/16/06 6:37 PM
7819	"Even when you have insurance, even a minor illness can be devestating"	No	"Charge all people health payments, and make all amounts standardized"	Have universal health care	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	2/16/06 6:44 PM
7821	"What concerns me most is the complete capitulation of government to pharmaceutical manufacturers on drug pricing and to the insurance companies allowing unrestrained cost increases with no accountability, while these same industries rake in insane profits."	I can't think of any at this time.	Americans should not have to make any tradeoffs on either benefits or financing. The health care industry is out of control and unaccountable for cost increases.	Reign in corporate welfare for pharmaceutical manufacturers and insurance companies. Require more accountability and re-impose regulations on costs and reporting.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/16/06 6:49 PM
7824	Every American should be able to receive affordable health care.	I think we should ELIMINATE HMO's/health care providers and/or get them ALL to agree to ONE SET OF RULES/SOFTWARE/TRACKING etc and build a government sponsored health care system that requires they cover all of us.	I think most people would pay extra taxes to have a gov't sponsored health care system. Think of all the $ saved by not having to deal with the stupid HMO's	This should not be a privately funded 'system'. It is so full of in-equality it's pitiful. How can people NOT receive health care that's needed in this country (LAND OF PLENTY) not to mention go hungry.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/16/06 7:15 PM
7825	Not good and getting worse with the current administration.	NATIONAL HEALTH CARE	NULL	NATIONAL HEALTH CARE	female	45 to 64	No Response	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/16/06 7:23 PM
7837	There's no more general care. You go to a different doctor for everything and no one picks up on something that may be wrong with the patient because they never see the whole person.  We could save a lot of money on expensive tests if the doctors knew more of the patients back ground. You see a stranger for two minutes and he orders every test in the book so he won't get sued. Patients are people and when we're sick we need and depend on doctors to care for us.	There should be only one way of paying medical bills. Reimbursement fees should be preset and that's that. Insurance should pay those fees. If doctors spent more time seeing the patient and getting their history then they wouldn't need to order unnecessary tests and medical care wouldn't cost so much over all. Yes some people will still take advantage of the system. More importantly people who need to go to the doctor before they are really sick and need extensive care would go and get treatment and this would also reduce expenses.	We're throwing billions of dollar away every day all over the world. Take care of the American public first. Then have an impartial international committee decide what money should go to help the rest of the world. They're taking money away from financing higher education and sticking pork barrel projects into bills that read the size of War and Peace the American public thinks our elected officials are elected to represent the public at large and not just a few key players.	All of the American public should have access to high quality health care irregardless of their circumstances in life. NO ONE should be deprived of health care or prescription medication because they can't afford it.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/16/06 7:46 PM
7838	"The costs are getting outrageous,  and I make a UNION salary.  I couldn't imagine not being a Union to bargain these benefits for me."	Government regulation of the Health Care industry has to be handled by our Government.  It has become to big of a problem for citizens and employers to handle now.	"If we taxed the hell out of foreign imports,  I believe Americans would give up the junk they buy from overseas and spend their money here,  strengthening our economy."	"I'm sure malpractice insurance costs an arm and a leg,  fix the loopholes,  place caps,  lower the costs to medical providers and the cost will drop for the rest of us."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	2/16/06 7:49 PM
7839	"I think so many of our economic and job-related issues, including strikes and union actions and outsourcing have to do with the outrageous cost of health care.  I am a public employee and the agency I work for is strugging to keep up with the costs of healthcare, since traditionally public sector jobs have offered excellent benefits to make up for not being able to pay in comparison with the private sector.  I have been uninsured and deferred health care because I could not pay.  I have a friend suffering from chronic illness who must stay enrolled in a degree program her health makes it extraordinarily hard to complete because without it she would lose insurance.  Our current system is broken.  Everyone should have access to health care and should not feel like they cannot receive it because they cannot pay."	"I think our current system has made us emergency room dependant since a lot of the uninsured end up there for primary care.  I think individuals, employers, and the government should all pay for health care, but we have to change who we pay it to and how we do it.  I would support strengthening neighborhood clincs, perhaps require all primary care physicians to take on some free cases much as lawyers do pro bono.  I would try to minimize how much money goes into the pockets of health insurance middlemen."	"You have to remember that there's a lot of us out here who already can't choose our own doctors or afford elective procedures.  When I hear people say they wouldn't like nationa health care because they couldn't pick their doctor, I laugh.  Most insurance companies make us pick a doctor off a list.  I would pay more out of my pocket if someone would GUARANTEE to me that this makes sure everyone is covered, and I have no problem waiting my turn in line.  We need to make our health care neighborhood, and not corporate based."	"Everyone should have access to a clinic, not an emergency room but a simple neigborhood clinc with basic staffing and equipment, where they can get basic care like throat cultures and some advice, whether they can pay or not.  Community health has to be the way we do this."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/16/06 8:00 PM
7842	Two basic concerns:  1- health care has gotten too expensive for the averge person;  2- there is no system set up to educate people or the medical community about prevention or general health care through daily dietary issues. Better health would reduce stress on the medical community.	"I believe the employer connection to health care needs to be eliminated - it's not working.  Reducing health care cost is a function limiting or controling law suits, and controling medical procedure billing. There needs to be an investigation into hospital fees and where that money is actually going.  Many doctors in this area are building there own out patient surgical centers - rather than using those in the local hospital, which have become too costly to use.  Local health clinics associated with large stores, like Sears or Wal-Mart are becoming the affordible alternative - not a bad idea, provided quality care can be maintained.  The high administrative costs associated with the insurance companies are adding to overall high cost of health care.  If the government took over this process by setting up a single agency to set up standards and processing, then there would at least be continuity in the health system.  But it would have to be an open-minded agency; allowing alternative solutions, and cutting strict ties to the big pharmacuticle companies.    By moving to the west coast, I have discovered better health by allowing alternative medicine to be part of my health solutions."	"Why should there be trade-offs if people have to use health care less often because their general health has been improved?! (Daily health and food education and its practice, being part of this solution!)"	"Get rid of and replace the entire health care system - and start all over! Look at how other countries deal with health care - the problems and the successes.  ""Socialized"" medicine may not be the solution - but, government involvement to a large degree may be necessary."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/16/06 8:04 PM
7854	My husband and I are close to becoming uninsured because we can't afford $1400/mo for the 2 of us. A hospital stay would bankrupt us. Healthcare is too expensive. Our insurance premiums increase 35% this year alone.	Congress should have the same healthcare the rest of us do. No more freebies. Let them pay premiums and when they are 65 they use Medicare. Hospitals and doctors should give us the same discounts they give the insurance companies not the 200% markup we have to pay if we pay for it ourselves. If Americans want to get their Rx drugs in other countries then let them. Stop subsidizing the drug industry and then letting them overcharge us and make huge windfall profits. The insurance industry is also making huge profits and my huge premiums are part of that. We need some limits on what they can charge.	I think the American public is already taking reduced benefits and paying out the nose. It's time for the government to get out of bed with the Insurance and Drug companies and be on our side for a change.	"Congress should have to live with the same health care the rest of the nation does, then maybe they would do something about it. Hospitals and doctors should give us the same discounts they give the insurance companies. If they were more affordable then perhaps we could afford to pay more of our care ourselves and not need the insurance companies as much. It's a vicious cycle."	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/16/06 8:42 PM
7860	"Rising costs for insurance and for services, the increased use and cost of prescription medication, and the poor state of health most Americans are in."	I think the only answer is single payer system. Too much money and time is wasted on paperwork which could be used on health care. 	I think most Americans would be satisfied with being guaranteed healthcare through a clinic-type setting with the option of spending out of pocket for more care choices. 	"Focus on wellness first. A healthy diet and lifestyle would go a long way to cutting costs on future health care. The FDA needs to ban partially-hydrogenated oils which have been proven to cause heart disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity and other diseases. The government should also not allow drug companies to advertise to consumers."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ME	2/16/06 9:34 PM
7862	"Not helping people see a direct connection between lifestyle choices and health care costs, i.e. people who choose to smoke and drink, drink and drive, become obese and not be physically active, should be helped to understand the costs of risky behavior and after sufficient warning, be made to shoulder more of the cost of their care."	No.	Eliminating costs associated with excessive interventions for beginning of life (preemies below a certain gestation or weight are not saved as in other countries) and end of life (death with dignity should be allowed on a national scale).	Get educated about your body and stay healthy!	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	2/16/06 9:12 PM
7866	"The system in force now is beginning to be a hand out by corporations.......with no liability to the outcome o the patient.  With limitations of the amount of care for a specialized condition to the limitations of family care due to the ratio of premium cost to monthly take home pay.  In-excessivly HIGH cost of co-pays, what is covered and administration ineptitudes of manageing the billing experiance. "		The American public is largely uninformed or misinformed about how Medicare for all could be implemented with wonderful benefits all around- to the employer and the working public.  I guess this means we need a massive education effort.	"Medicare f0or all.  And get rid of the absurd Medicare Drug so-called ""benefit"" which was set up to funnel money to drug companies."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/17/06 7:12 AM
7938	"In my judgment, we ought to have a national health plan for all US citizens that would cover major expenses (like cancer or a serious accident). Just like we, as a society, decided that offering public school education and social security were important priorities, I think we should do the same with health care.    I do not believe that private profit should be a factor when it comes to health care. Furthermore, we need national health plan which encourages each of us to take more responsibility for our own health. One way to do this would be to set aside a stipend (say $1,000 per person) that could be used at the individual's discretion. For example, one could choose traditional medicine or alternatives (massage, acupuncture, health club, vitamins) or a combination of the two.    Most other developed nations guarantee health care for all their people at a much lower cost than we have here. Here, if you have money, you gain access to quality health care while if you are poor, too bad. I find this morally repugnant.    Personally, I have not had any health insurance for several years. I am a very healthy 57 year old man who has considerable energy to devote to working for nationalized health insurance that is both inclusive and fiscally responsible.    "	Have our federal income taxes pay for health care for all.	NULL	Create incentives for each of us to be more health conscious while insuring that we will be covered for major medical expenditures.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/17/06 8:13 AM
7942	The fact that large numbers of Americans are not covered by health insurance and are not getting the health care they need.	"Health insurance should be mandatory, administered by private insurers and government programs, with premiums capped in each state, and with a wide range of deductable coverages (like the system in Switzerland). Everyone should be covered; no one excluded for pre-exisiting conditions."	Health care covereage for all with ceilings on the prices that can be charged (or that will be reimbursed) for specifically defined medical proceedures. Cost side needs to be reined in.	Mandatory health care insurance for all (no exceptions) at premium levels and reimbursement ceilings regulated by the federal and state governments.    DO SOMETHING ... THE CURRENT SITUATION MAKES ME ASHAMED TO BE AN AMERICAN CITIZEN!	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	2/17/06 8:38 AM
7948	First you cannot answer your poll.  The web site will not record my answers.  Helth care needs to focus on patient/doctor interactions not how much money insurance companies can extract or their stockholders and CEO'S	Less government.  They never do anything efficiently	Expectations are too high.  People want less cost but more benefits.  Limit payment for high cost items that are only occasionally needed but are done by physicians for fear of malpractice law suits.  Must limit lawyer insentives o sue for anything.  Make the lawyer/patient pay if a suit is not sustained.  ENGLISH SYSTEM  Limits law suits to true malpractice issues	Limit insurance company profits to lower premiums.  Start paying less for technology and more for good doctor/patient enteractions	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/17/06 9:14 AM
7962	"The rampant corruption between the insurance companies, the AMA, and the FDA.  Total greed. Between the 3 of them. the health care industry has become a total scam."	"Get rid of insurance completely. They waste more on paperwork and trying to get out of paying, than what they pay out. Everyone had good, affordable, local care before insurance companies and big corporations got involved in healthcare."	Everyone would be willing to pay a small tax to cover medical care. Get insurance out of the picture entirely.  Get rid of corporate owned clinics and hospitals.	"Provide more doctors, which means NO MORE funding of medical schools by drug companies.  NO MORE limiting medical students to only the rich and privileged. NO MORE of the AMA being an organization whose main emphasis is to protect the income of their members.  NO MORE of doctors who think they should only have to work 1 or 2 days a week.  They need to work every day, just like everyone else., with the usual incentives for weekends, evenings, etc that everyone else gets.  There is NO EXCUSE for doctors to think they need to make a million dollars a year.  When I go in to a clinic and the office call alone is over $100 or a pseudo physical is over $400--- do those people have ANY clue as to how long I have to work to make that much money??  And I'm only in there for 15 minutes... that's ridiculous.  A child who needs 5 or 6 stitches in a finger and the bill is over $1200?  There is no way to justify that kind of charge.  Or a $55 charge for an aspirin??  COME ON!!  GET REAL!!  the corruption has got to stop and the only way to do that is to get rid of insurance companies and large corporations making billions off of clinics and hospitals."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/17/06 10:55 AM
7963	Lack of affordable coverage for everyone.  People who cannot afford coverage drag the system down using public facilities that cost the over-all system and raise the cost for the insured.	"The government needs to make it manditory that everyone has coverage, from one source or the other.  That would reduce cost and elimate access problems for the entire country."	"Quit spending billions in Iraq, while Bin Ladin has still not been caught, and is not there anyway.  Make big oil companies pay their fair share in taxes just like citizens do."	"It has to be for everyone, not just those who are lucky enough to have coverage at work, or a goverment job, or social security.  People who are ""out of the loop"" drag down the system for the rest of the people.  "	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	2/17/06 10:55 AM
7975	"There are a few decisions that I think the government needs to make.................  I know taht these are not going to be easy decisions, however, they still need to be made.....  One:  Just because a baby is born in the US, should NOT automatically make them an US citizen.  There are many Mexican people who come to the US to have their babies, so they are then US citizens and are then covered by Medicaid........  We give away many free services to individuals who are not U.S. Citizens.... which is at the cost of those who do have insurance......    We are robing Peter to pay Paul and unfortunately, we all lose.  What I have seen in my community, (which has many foreigners... mostly Mexican)is that they are all working, most of them illegally, they all have cash in theri pockets, drive new cars.... but none of them pay for any health care that they recieve.  They can send money home to Mexico every month though.  "	"I would like to see the governments be more involved in the ""care"" of their people.... this would be equal for all nations....    I think that if a person comes to the US, (travel, illegal, work visa etc.) that if they do not have health care insurance.... and they get hurt or become ill, that then the responsibility for the cost of health care falls on the government.  Other governments would be more likely to care about how many people come to the US.  "	NULL	"I think that you say what is most important, is stated in your quesiton............   Americans....  I think that we need to figure out how to cover health care for all Americans/U.S. Citizens first...  then worry about how we are going to pay for everyone else in the world."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/17/06 11:39 AM
7980	The number of people who do not have heatlh care.  The profits of the providers.  The paper work.  The insurers and thier profits.	"Yes, a single payer systme operated by the federal or state governments, like an expanded Medicare program, with real drug coverage."	Higher taxes by both employers and employees or a VAT tax to pay for an expanded Medicare with real drug coverage.	"Get rid of the current system of insures and providers and go to a governement single payer system, funded by employers, employees or a VAT tax."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	2/17/06 11:49 AM
7991	"Too many Americans do not get basic, preventive care."	"Definitely!  The tiers of administrative and clerical personnel to support the current system adds both directly and indirectly to cost, timeliness, and quality of service."	"Pay more individually to make sure all have basic coverage.  If families can't afford basic preventative care or if that is not available to them, patients end up in ED's in poor condition - costing us all much more."	Access to basic preventative/maintenance care for all.  	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	2/17/06 12:15 PM
7992	"Sure enough, we are all stuck paying the high premium costs, and to top it off, the service is the worst.  I can tell some horror stories about how Kaiser Permanente treated me when I was in labor having my first child.  What upset me the most was that at the time, I had two companies paying my premiums because I had to have two jobs in order to afford anything. I look back and I know for a fact that I should have sued. We should not be forced to pay so highly, especially when these major companies are truly incompetent to provide professional service. The Health Care System should be a GENIUNE Care System, hence the word CARE.  More and more it seems that they (the companies) employ personnel that are more in it for the money than for what it stands for.  The general public loses faith for the provider and at the same time, feels robbed."	"Yes. I think that the health provider should eat up some of the costs...they should not be allowed to charge so highly. A lot of their employees are incompetent, and they should make their future employees go through rigorous screening to make sure that they are aware of all procedures, including customer service, they must know how to address the patient in a proper way. "	"I don't think that there is much that we can trade off.  It's not like we all are rich and can afford a loss in other needs of our everyday lives.  I just think that somebody sitting in a high chair should take a real look at the unfairness that is going on with the health care system, and say ""Stop! You cannot charge any more than X amount"""	NULL	female	25 to 44	Yes	Other	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/17/06 12:25 PM
7993	I AM MOST CONCERNED THAT EVERYONE DOES NOT HAVE MEDICAL SERVICES AVAILABLE.	I THINK ALL PAYMENTS SHOULD BE ADJUSTED BY INCOME.	"I DON'T THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE A TRADE-OFF. THE MEDICAL INDUSTRY NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR WASTE AND ""BAD"" DOCTORS. THEY DON'T POLICE THEIR OWN SO AN INDEPENDENT GROUP NEEDS TO. ALSO, MORE INCENTIVES AND ""PERKS"" FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION."	USE THE NATIONAL MEDICARE SYSTEM TO PROVIDE HEALTH CARE FOR ALL AMERICANS.	NULL	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/17/06 12:40 PM
7995	I can't afford it.  We desperately need single-payer healthcare.   And we need it NOW!	Universal coverage for all citizens.	"Well, we could help those who need healthcare instead of giving tax breaks to the rich."	Universal coverage.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/17/06 12:36 PM
7997	"NOTE:  I have medicare and my ""significant other"" has medicaid.  The main problems I see are:    1. failure of programs to notify doctors of special requirements for some medications.    2. Delays in authorizing medications when prescribed."	"Some changes need to be made in handling the system, but I don't know exactly how."	"unfortunately, to many want to ""have their cake and eat it to"".  They fail to realize that the money has to come from somewhere; BUT  Many lower income and/or fixed income people simply can NOT afford the costs without some kind of assistance, and the rich can afford what they need and most don't care about the rest."	"Increased efficiency.  As a retired programmer I see ""new"" programs put into use without sufficient testing to eliminate ""bugs"", and other problems such as fancy ""GUI's"" but poor ""execution"" of programs which makes them easier to use but LESS efficient."	female	45 to 64	Yes	Other	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/17/06 12:49 PM
8000	"My greatest concern is that there is not enough health care for those who can't afford insurance, the poorest."	"The United States should have a national health care plan that covers all citizens. Our current system is inefficient, we are just paying for insurance companies profits; health, like education is NOT a free market item."	We should all agree to pay more in taxes to ensure health care for all. 	"Lets have a national plan, get rid of insurance, and let's get the pharmacutical companies to be more honest about the real cost of their drugs."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/17/06 12:50 PM
8006	"Rising costs of education, research, and products in the medical field.  shortage of quality nursing help"	"No, government is already spending to much on something that should be remedied in the private sector.  "	NULL	"pass legeslation limiting medical malpractice law suits. The cost of care, insurance, and research is directly related to unwarranted suits and unrestricted punitive awards.  Restrict coverage of illeagal aliens. They are a fiscal drain on the system and do dot return money back into any sector when receiving free services."	male	25 to 44	Yes	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/17/06 12:55 PM
8020	How many people can't pay for it and yet the government keeps on spending like there's no tomorrow on defense.    That we're the last industrialized nation to NOT provide universal health care for its citizens.  Why do you think so many people think that the government doesn't give a shit about them?	"Make government pay for basic coverage by slashing defense funds (take a few billion away, which could provide for everyone) and keep private providers in place, as well."	"I think that most people, if they knew how ridiculous our defense budget is, would say ""cut money from there to provide basic healthcare coverage for everyone"" (dental, mental, 3 free physician visits, medication coverage)."	Slash the defense budget and use that money to take care of everyone (universal healthcare) while keeping private entities available for those who can afford them.	female	25 to 44	No	Other	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	2/17/06 1:34 PM
8021	1]high cost  2]utilization of services that do not change the end results  3] difficult for some people to get coverage they can afford  4] attitude by health care providers & consumers that everyone should be able to have everything in health care services	develop a universal system modeled after Kaiser;  everyone pays something; tax employers also to pay for the system & govt adds to the pot to pay for those not working	public wants low cost & all services.  They are generally unrealistic.  Define a basic level of service for all & let people buy additional coverage if they want	put everyone in an HMO like Kaiser	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/17/06 1:39 PM
8026	"The present system is a mess: there are communities where it is not possible to find a provider, too many people cannot afford health care, the costs of health care are completely out of control, and noone is taking any initiative or responsibility to change this mess."	"One payer, universal health care system"	"I can't speak for the American public, but the wealthiest nation in the history of the world could, in my opinion,  certainly implement a single payer, universal health care system as every other developed nation has managed to do with a reasonable tax cost and without denying services."	"Institute a single payer, universal system of health care"	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/17/06 1:49 PM
8027	"I'm very concerned about the profits taken by health insurance companies. Couldn't costs be cut greatly if we ""eliminated the middleman"" or at least cut back on the money they can make and thereby the power they can exert in health care? I didn't see this option presented in your poll.  Why not, or did I just miss it?  If it were not for the extreme profit motive and the health insurance industry lobby in Washington fighting to maintain the status quo, we could certainly do as well as the other industrialized nations -- England, Canada, Sweden, and others -- in creating a rational, cost-effective health care system. I base this opinion in large part on shameless self interest of the insurance industry that gulled the public and killed healthcare reform in the early '90's."	Watchdog the insurance industry and the pharmaceutical industry.	Scrutinize the activities and profits of the private healthcare insurance and drug industries. They will fight changes because the current system is lucrative and works to their favor.	"If private insurers and drug industries are going to continue, then the public deserves greater accountability.  I suggest forming something like the Truman Commission of the 1940s, this time to focus on healthcare profiteering."	female	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/17/06 2:28 PM
8032	That not everyone has coverage or affortable coverage.  Healthcare is more and more something for the rich.	Health care should be available to all paid for by the government through our taxes.	"Less money spent on war, fewer tax breaks for the wealthy."	"Make health care available to all, we morally owe this to our citizens."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	2/17/06 2:06 PM
8035	The high costs.	Increase the deduction for medicare tax and set aside for free medical visits to doctors. This should catch problems before they escalate to where a person ends up in the hospital.	See earlier comments.	Regular doctor visits for physicals.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	2/17/06 2:30 PM
8048	"What concerns me is your poll. It's set up to make people choose between quality and cost. Of course people are concerned about cost. But that's no reason to push them toward your so-called ""consumer approach"" that President Bush wants to take. Your poll is set up so people will say that they're most concerned about reducing costs.    However, I think you'll find when they get saddled with low-cost, high deductible plans and Health Savings Accounts, they'll skimp on preventive care, wait to see doctors till it's an emergency, and then when they have a real emergency they won't be able to pay from their pathetic savings accounts anyway. I bet Americans won't like that better than the patchwork system we have going now. And then we'll be in a REAL health care crisis.     Meanwhile, you'll probably let profit-hungry employers completely off the hook when it comes to kicking in for employee coverage--and they'll pocket the profits. While workers are breaking their backs for companies, they won't give back one red cent of their new profits to help employees build their HSAs to a level that's anywhere near acceptable.    I won't take your silly poll because it sets up a false choice between cost and quality. Americans want comprehensive, quality, affordable health care. We shouldn't have to give up one to get another.    If reforms don't lead to a system of affordable, quality, accessible health care--the system will make no sense. Do you think people want equal access to a quality health care system that they can't afford? No. Do you think people want affordable insurance that doesn't cover anything at all--until you get in a debilitating car accident? No.     Don't say it can't be done, or that Americans need to pick and choose. What if we stopped wasting money on other stupid priorities instead?    Bridge to nowhere vs. Comprehensive, quality, affordable heatlh care? I think we know who wins.    War in Iraq vs. Comprehensive quality health care? I think we know what people would vote for.    Pork projects in Congressional districts 90% of the country will never benefit from vs. Comprehensive affordable health care?    You tell me!"	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	25 to 44	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/17/06 3:29 PM
8049	My greatest concern regarding American Health care is that so many Americans are remarkably unhealthy and yet our medical care is so expensive.  This paradox needs to be addressed.	"The current health care system is not economically sustainable.  Thus, government funding must be accessed.  I believe that this could change by switching from an illness managment model to an illness prevention model.  "	"Americans do spend billions annually out of pocket seeking Alternative Care options.  These options are inexpensive, effective, and preventive.  I have worked in various capacities in the health care industry for a decade now, and am a 4th year medical student.  It seems very obvious to me that there is no organized system of high quality health care available to Americans.  But, if you just look at where American money is going, you can see that Americans have already decided to invest in alternative health care. "	"Health depends upon healthful actions, and so I recommend that we Americans get on board with the hard work of leading a healthful lifestyle.  This outlook might feel like an uncomfortable switch from believing that the answer to illness is in pill form, but it would be a realistic and cost-effective outlook."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	2/17/06 3:34 PM
8053	cost and availability	there shoulbd be no out of pocket costs	no trade offs	free health care for all	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	2/17/06 4:22 PM
8056	"The health care system in America today is bogged down in ineffective, expensive allopathic procedures and drugs.  Americans feel ""locked in"" to this system because it is all that their ""insurance companies"" will cover.  They often make poor choices in health care because that is what ""the insurance company"" will cover.  Return the responsibility for and payment for health care into the hands of individauls and they will be free to choose the least-cost, most effective treatment for THEMSELVES!  Get Government out of my health care!"	Yes.  Elliminate public funding of health care.  Elliminate government requirements for health-care coverage.  Allow Americans to pay for and choose their own health care and pay for it themselves.	NULL	"Remove government handicaps on the alternative health care industry.  Block all attempts of the incredibly expensive and lucrative pharmaceutical industry to take over the ""natural medicine"" venue.  Let people make their OWN choices and mistakes - get government OUT of my health care!"	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	2/17/06 4:32 PM
8062	"It's a mess. It's controlled by pharmaceutical companes, hospitals and other politically minded entitites. It needs to be for the poeple! This is human life we're talking about! Not money, not politics, LIFE!"	Increase in what employers have to pay. It's unthinkable that huge cororations make billions a year while thier employees can't even go to the doctor.	NULL	Quit funding the Iraq war and fund our healthcare! Quit funding religious groups and fund our healthcare! We need an overhaul!	female	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/17/06 4:50 PM
8064	"Third party pay covers only drugs and surgery.  Example: My son needs a surgery on his shoulder and the surgeon charges us cash, %6,000, Anestheologist $2000, Surgery Room $3,000 for the 45 minutes work.  Another boy has a surgery with insurance and is bill is $29,000.    Another example:  As a provider I see a patient that is Type II Diabetic and on two sugar regulating meds for the past 5 years.  Insurance pays labs, meds and officvisits for the MD.  I spend two hours with the patient, sell him food supplaments and in six months hope to have him well enough to get off of the sugar meds and be well enough to stay off.  Its cash from his pocket that will get him well, but for 1/15 to 1/20 of the cost he has a great opportunity to get well.  All that is covered well is high cost medical 'crisis' care. "	"Make payments by individuals the same.  A co pay that involves the patient.  Employeers may pay something and the government may pay seomething. But the big change, ALLOW FULL FREEDOM OF CHOICE FOR ANY LICENSED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER AND COVER NUTRITIONAL FOOD SUPPLAMENTS.  Pay on par, the same rate for office calls for GPs as Chiropractors, on par for GPs as Certified Nutritionist, on par for Orthopedic surgeons as Chiropractic Specialty work and for Gods sake, greatly lower the surgeons fees.  Sure they have more education, so do the Chiropractic specialist that work on extremities, sports, pediatrics, etc, but the surgeons fees are obsene."	"Let patients make choices, they are not stupid.  The will cease going to what is not working.   Show data bases of what is working.   Pharmacy and surgery are not working.  This model is broken"	"Level the playing field and and pay on par with licenced providers and lower the high, high surgeon fees.    Totally stop the pseudo science of Psychiatry and the damaging of patients with the horrendously deadly antidepressant drugs. "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/17/06 4:51 PM
8090	The amount of American Citizens that do not have health insurance and the rapid increase of perscription drugs for the working American family.	"I think it's ridiculous that there is a possibility for an American Citizen to have to be brought to the poverty level in many cases so they can survive by paying for perscription drugs from their disability checks.  The government needs to regulate some type of Health insurance for American Citizens; NOT Illegal Immigrants, but America's own Citizens."	I would be much more willing to give more in taxes to make sure that the American working family has food on the table every night and the perscription drugs they need to live.	"I feel that the actual Brand name perscriptions are comparable to a monopoly.  The rising costs must cease and all Americans must have health care and not at the expense of whether they will have food on the table or not.  My father passed away when I was 18 years old and a freshman at UNC Charlotte from being a juvenile diabetic since he was 10 years old.  When I was a freshmen in high school, his kidney's failed and he was unable to work.  He had to go on disability and we suffered.  My father passed away when he was 52 and he had worked since he was 16 years old.  He worked until he could not anymore and we struggled to keep food on the table, him being a single parent and supporting myself and my little sister.  The procedures to keep him alive were ridiculous in costs and the perscription drug costs brought tears to my eyes.  This can't keep happening.  Working families deserve a basic health coverage."	female	Under 25	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	2/17/06 8:51 PM
8092	"We should have a single payer system where the costs are paid for out of a payroll deduction that does not cut off at some upper limit, but which is not paid by folks making minimum wage.  Hospitals should be all non-profit.  Insurance companies should not be in the health business at all.  HMO's should be disallowed.  Pharmasutical companies should be public institutions, not private, for-profit corporations.  No part of health care should be for profit."	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/17/06 9:25 PM
8107	"I feel that quality health care, which reflects the personal values and beliefs of individuals, is unattainable in this country.  Health care is just another form of commerce or capitalism, a legalized way for insurance companies and drug companies to extort money from the American people."	"Absolutely!!  As it is, insurance premiums are climbing higher and higher.  Often, the premiums become so elevated that individuals and families must choose between having a healthcare plan or having a quality lifestyle.  Though the premiums are increasing, the benefits are decreasing, as insurance companies appear to be adding treatments and procedures to their ""not covered"" list rather than their benefit list.  The American people are paying more and getting less."	"Little.  Few are even willing to pay much more in taxes since the amount we pay in taxes appears to be so disproportionately distributed throughout our nation, states and local communities.  I think that IF a comprehensive health care plan can be presented to the American people, that will actually provide quality needed services, then I think that people would be willing to pay more taxes.  However, it has to be evenly distributed, a small group of people cannot be pulling the weight of the rest of the country (as is often the case in these situations)."	"Provide a QUALITY ""Free"" Healthcare system in the U.S. that provides desired services as needed by U.S. citizens and offers ""Wellness Incentives"" for people who pay into the system (through taxes)but who do not regularly require services.  Incentives could be tax write offs, etc. "	female	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/18/06 12:45 AM
8109	"What concerns me most are the growing and staggering amount of people in this country who have little to no health insurance coverage and no way to see a doctor. In the freest and most prosperous nation in the world, I cant understand why access to a doctor is not a basic humyn right!"	Hold more companies responsible to pay for basic health care coverage for their employees. 	"Higher taxes, I mean come on its not like we fund the greatest of programs already in this country like subsidizing the same corporations that get away with not paying a firm ammount to cover their employees. Just redirect the money to help those less fortunate. "	Redirect federal funds to make basic health insurance a national right!	male	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	2/18/06 2:14 AM
8114	"the intrusion by insurance companies has created the greatest crisis---rather than lowering costs and making things more efficient, they have ruined whaat used to be a great medical delivery system!  Cut out the ""for profit"" angle and focus on providing care to all and cut back the intrusions by the pharmaceutical industry, as well!!"	"Absolutely; we need a national health care system similar to ones in countries like Canada and some of the European nations.  Blanket coverage for all citizens, prioritzied by the health care professionals directly involved with providing the care and paid for by the government, funded by taxpayer moneys. "	"The current bloated government budget has within it plenty of money to pay for complete health care for all citizens, if Congress prioritized this over wasteful military spending, wars of aggression, R&D programs for nuclear and other weapons and massive ""earmarks"" for questionable programs which benefit too few people at the expense of the many.  With taxpayer funding, we could have a national Health Care system which would be the envy of the entire world.  It  would open the door to exporting our expertise in delivering efficient yet high-quality services, superior equipment, specialized technologies, breakthrough cures and research and new pharmecueticals which are needed, not just ones which are profitable to corporations."	"Plain and simply, develop a Naional Health Care Program for all citizens and make it the best in the world.  America is very, very good at developing the best so why not in this area?  Does the world really need a new cluster bomb----or does it need a model for the best health care delivery system ever imagined?"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/18/06 8:17 AM
8115	insurance premiums are unaffordable. medical care  and drug costs are too high.	"yes, we need universal health care just like many  other countries have.  it should be a right for  every citizen to have universal care"	there should be no trade offs.  other countries  offer universal care and we could too.  savings  over the current system would finance universal  care without trade offs.	"offer medicare now, for all.  or some type of   universal health care"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	2/18/06 8:44 AM
8119	"My main concern is getting health care to those who need it most....the poor, elderly and children. This should be a priority, but sadly it has been ignored due to the war and special interests of the republicans."	We should adopt the Canadian system of health care.	Some poeple can't afford any trade offs due to lower wages set by our government.	"Adopt the Canadian system. It seems to be working for them, why won't it work here?"	male	25 to 44	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	2/18/06 9:37 AM
8120	"That our elected officals are not doing what they were elected for, to do what is right for the people not what is right for the rich and big business.  We the people need to take away the health care from the elected offficals for now and for their retirement until they can come up with good health care for everyone in this nation.  "	"Just that everyone should have health insurance.  Our laeder ship back in Washington D.C. thinks that health insurance is available to all, but it is so expensive that most people can't afford it and still be able to have a roof over their head and have food to eat.  Being available and having are two different things."	"I think there should be no trade-offs for the people getting health care.      We should get the money from the CEO's of the health care industry as their take home of $15,000,000.00 to $60,000,000.00 million a year is to much and is driving up the cost of everyone's health care.  Also the companies selling the drugs are going to the Dr.'s offices and buying them lunch every day, day after day to have the Doctor use their drugs instead of someone other companies drugs.  "	"If what people have is working for them let them keep it, but make sure that all people have some kind of health care.  I also think that every company that is making money like Wal-mart should be forced to pay for health care for each and every employee they have not based on haw many hours they work."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/18/06 10:51 AM
8127	"What concerns me most is the lack of health care available to every American at this time.  We need a centralized system where EVERYONE can recieve medical, dental, and mental health services."	"I think that currently, employees are being gouged for insurance costs through their employers.  A centralized system with a sliding scale cost is what I belive would work best."	Higher income taxes would probably be agreeable to most Americans.	"Free mental health care for the homeless.  I believe many homeless people are simply suffering from different acute mental illnesses (bi polarity, severe depression, etc.) that can be regulated with medications."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/18/06 11:08 AM
8128	"1. The prices charged by hospitals for surgery and other major medical care is obscene and is one of the root causes of high medical. It is time for the government to regulate costs of these obscene prices.  2. The insurance companies must be seriously regulated by the government. Their premiums are out of control and are hurting main stream americans and the country.  3. A basic coverage for health care should be provided to all americans. Others that want more services than ""basic"" care should be allowed to purchase supplemental insurance. However, this supplemental insurance should be regulated and reasonably available.  4. Insurance premiums are so high now, it would be not appropriate to raise taxes for ""basic"" health care for all unless these prices are first regulated and reduced to compensate. Fix the root problems first!"	"Government should provide ""basic"" health care for all. Supplemental insurance should be made available to those that want it (regulated). However: a) the prices charged by hospitals for health care must first be regulated. b) the insurance companies must be first regulated by the government."	NONE! We are so overburdened now because the system is out of control that I know no one that will be willing to pay more. The government needs to fix the root problems first by forcing regulateiopn to reduce costs of insurance and hospital care that are WAY OUT OF CONTROL.	Regulate hospital and care costs that are hundreds of percent overpriced for all services. Force government oversite.     Regulate insurance companies to force them to a modest 10% profit and produce their books for audit yearly to enforce lower premiums.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/18/06 11:30 AM
8135	Health care should be about care for people and not  about insurance. Cut out insurance companies.   	Health care should be paid for by an increase in taxes.  A Social secuity number and a co-pay(to cut down  unnecessary visits) should be all that is required.  	Increased taxes	Manditory health education through all school years	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/18/06 12:14 PM
8155	Loseing my coverage as I am aging and need it more.  People dying from lack of care.   Escalating costs.  Out of control. Upset the AMA didn't get behind Clintons plan. Or change it to where it would work.	"It should go to all Medicare and the above would pay into it. It would contain costs too.   Everyone covered, but more medicare HMOs.   A system of Walk-in clinics where minor things would be covered cheaply and keep people out of the ER. Would save a lot. If you could walk then one would need to be seen there for ER or hospital, or one's MD. (Exceptions of course)  Higher taxes on the filthy-rich(greedy rich) as opposed to just the rich, who are not opposed to assisting 'The Other America'.    "	I don't mean to sound cruel but end of life decisions. I made a living will and would have allowed death sooner if possible but the state laws are strict against pulling the plug too soon.   I am deeply religious too but not in the traditional way. My step-father had cancer surgery about 2 years ago with radiation. He's in his 80's but still going. That's not the type of decision I am speaking of. He has had more decent years because of it. It was NOT an excercise in futility.     The wealthy could buy extra private coverage. More perks and faster service.     	It's pretty much covered by the above. 	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/18/06 3:52 PM
8162	affordable healthcare for all americans	enhance the HSA model and give individuals the same incentives as businesses i.e. 100% deduction	I believe there is a revolution going on in America today which will end the managed care model and put more responsibility on the patient to take better care of themselves. End the needless out patient visits and have catastrophic polices that are affordable	Publisize the HSA program more. Everyday I meet more and more people who have never heard about it before. Once they do hear about it they are ok with giving up the outpatient services(via insurance) in order to afford coverage	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/18/06 5:45 PM
8168	"Stop paying for any health care for illegal aliens. Part of our rising health care costs is administrative. Doctors' offices can't keep up with the paperwork, and that increases our costs. If an aspirin in a hospital costs over $1 there's something wrong with the system."	Do not go into a government health care system. Keep it private. Give employers tax breaks for making group health care available.	We should not be making the trade-off in benefits. Remove paperwork and graft from the system to keep costs down.	"If someone is working, he/she should be able to tap into a group health care plan. Also, allow Health Savings plans to be discounted. People who rarely see the doctor should not be paying so much in costs relative to the benefits they receive."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/18/06 7:10 PM
8170	Our health care system in the United States is an embarassment.  We are the only western country that does not provide health care for all its citizens.  Health insurance is a farce.  It just makes rich insurance companies richer.  What we need is universal health care for all people living in the United States.  If we could get rid of health insurance and just provide health care to all we would be much better off.	I think that we need to provide universal health care of all of the people living in the United States.	Get rid of health insurance companies and just provide health care.  Doctors used to have a receptionist and a nurse.  Today  doctors need to have insurance experts to help them take care of being paid by their patients.  National health care would provide care with out all the levels of paperwork.	I recommend universal national health care for all of those living in the U.S.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	2/18/06 7:21 PM
8172	" disparities in services offered. an example as a midwife,in the past, I cared for a woman arriving from Columbia who arrived at the tertiary care hospital I work in to have her baby in the US. She not only had the million dollar work up it was free. she had her other 5 children here in the same manner. When I asked her why she came here she answered that it cost too much money in Columbia... and oh yes, her husband had been deported from the US becasue of some issue with immigration....."	"absolutely..... even if they pay only $1.00 for health care, everyone should have a co-pay. We need to stop the free rides.   Why don't we reinstitute the work ethic of service for service. many hospital s and clinics are in very poor parts of towns and they could all use some up keep.....nothing wrong with sweeping the cigarette butts off the sidewalks etc."	" Probably none as no one likes change. However, if it was for the true benefit of all then increase the co-payments."	I think we could utilize mid-level practioners much more judiciously. 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/18/06 7:33 PM
8174	"Costs are rising out of control.  I am a licensed psychologist who works both in the private practice and in a state hospital.  Paperwork at both places greatly reduces the time I can provide direct services.  Especially wasteful are the many applications I must fill out (then renew) to be on various preferred provider networks.  I believe a great deal of health care dollars are wasted in this area of ""credentialing.""  Every little company has its own 20-page application and I have to recount all my experience, etc.  The state has licensed me, but I repeat this process over and over to be on preferred provider networks in order to get paid."	Yes but I don't know what would work.  Health care should not have to lead to bankruptcy.	"1. Require living wills for those over 40 so that money isn't wasted in keeping people alive who don't want heroic care or would prefer to die at home, not hooked up to machines.  2. Financial incentives for people who have demonstrated healthy lifestyles (not smoking, maintaining health weight, moderate drinking).  3.  Insurance should not cover any elective or cosmetic procedures (lasik surgery, infertility treatments liposuction), unless disfigurement is caused by accident, disease or birth defect.    4.  People who make choices that lead to higher health care costs for all should have to bear more expenses--for example, a smoker with a premature baby should have to pay more.    5.  Doctors should tell patients about costs when they provide options for treatments.  "	Health clinics with preventive and public health services should be available in poor and underserved communities.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WY	2/18/06 8:12 PM
8181	I believe that high costs and fewer doctors available are the most important issues for American health care.	"I believe that all employers larger than 500 employees should offer some type of health care for employees paying a minimum of 20% of the premiums. Part time employees should also be eligible for health care, with the employer paying a smaller percentage of the premium commensurate with the part-time hours worked. Part time workers are probably the largest uninsured group in America. While I don't necessarily believe that the government should expand Medicare or Medicaid, there should be some type of government subsidized health plan for employees of smaller businesses that would allow them to have access to decent health care - the government acting like a large employer to get cheaper premiums and paying 25-30% of the premium in some cases - just like most large employers do."	"For those that already have health care, I believe many are willing to pay a little more for that benefit if they can be guaranteed that the extra would be put towards providing health care for those less fortunate - most of us have been in the position of having no health care at one time or another in our lives. For those that don't currently have health care, there can't be much they can trade. "	"Some type of additional tax similar to the Medicare tax - which I feel should remain for the disabled and our seniors instead of sharing with another group - to assist in subsidizing health care for those that don't have health care, but don't fall into the disabled or senior category."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/18/06 10:17 PM
8184	"Rising health care costs with little concern, effort and finances being directed toward preventitive measures.  "	"Paying for a condition after it has occurred is necessary.  Usually this is the most expensive method.  Even though symptoms of the condition were present before the climax and ultimate failing in health, the current medical system or the American Public in general do not value these sympoms enough to pursue their cause and seek preventitive care.  The earlier the cause of the condition is saught out and the patient is coached on lifestyle alterations that can be made to prevent failing health and high costs in health care, the more time and money it saves everyone.  "	That all depends on the mentality the American Public is fed.  	Preventitive care/diet and lifestyle changes.	female	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	2/18/06 9:58 PM
8189	The large number of uninsured.  Limited healcare resources in rural areas.  The high number of bankrupcies caused by medical costs of sudden illness or injury.  Threats to cut medicare and medicaid programs.	"Develope a universal system that all are entitled to which covers a minimum level of basic healthcare. Tax EVERYONE in a progressive manner depending on income and financial resources, the poor pay pennies, the wealthy paying more, the more they have.  Those who are able may buy private insurance to get greater coverage.  "	NULL	"It is cheaper to provide basic preventive care than wait until health conditions deteriorate to high cost situations.  Home healthcare is cheaper than institutional care.  Concentrate on pregnancy care, early childhood care, to eliminate preventable health problems."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	2/18/06 11:04 PM
8191	"That millions, including myself, are without any safety net.  Also, that we currently have a system that focuses on disease detection and management rather than a true HEALTH care system.  By focusing on prevention and wellness many more costly expenses would go down and the population would be happier and healthier."	"Removing the burden of paying for insurance from employers and putting it with the federal govern-ment would level the playing field, making all businesses more viable.  As a small business owner, I am apparently never supposed to get sick because I still cannot craft and write-off a health insurance policy for myself as a single S-corp. At the very least, this loop-hole must be closed.  Expand health savings accounts to allow people to write off all their expenses for medical care, raise the limit you can put in to at least as much as your total out of pocket for the insurance policy you have.  But this is not a solution really because the only way to have a HSA now is to have the money and the health status to get insurance and pay the premiums and put the money aside.  It is all pie in the sky if you have to choose between food, shelter, transportation to get to work and health care.  Naturally, since health (or disease management) care is not needed on a daily basis and can often be put off, it gets dropped from tight budgets that can barely make ends meet now."	Higher taxes to go toward health care would be okay (an expansion of the medicare %?).  I would also be quite willing to give up spending billions of dollars fighting unprovoked wars in order to have excellent quality health care for all Americans.  How about lets go with a neutral Swiss model where the citizens come first!	"Move toward a prevention and wellness model by ensuring access to ALL types of providers, including midwives, acupuncturists, naturopaths, nutritionists, chiropractors, massage therapists, mental health services, including counseling, and regular, age appropriate diagnostic screening. While this may seem to be more expensive in the sort run, the benefits of doing this would be reaped in healther citizens that need fewer big ticket medical services.  Include all types of medications (Rx and over the counter) as well as  Rx and over the counter ""health food"" types remedies as covered expenses.  Let people have real choices and allow them to make decisions for informed consent and INFORMED REFUSAL of care or approaches to health care or disease management without penalty.  Stop subsidizing tobacco and other health destroying corporate activities.  END CORPORATE WELFARE and recreate the corporation to be a healthy member of society rather than the imbalanced, selfish, bad-neighbor, obsessive-compulsive, money grubbing entity that it is now.  Make businesses accountable for environmental impact and being generally good citizens BEFORE PROFITS.  If the government is providing everyone's care then the government has a much more direct stake in the health of every citizen and should stop its own health-destroying activities (such as exposing troops to depleted uranium and promoting nuclear power).  Let's return to a country that is of the people, by the people and for the PEOPLE or lets call a spade a spade and change our name to the United Corporations of America.  "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	2/18/06 11:19 PM
8193	NULL	NULL	NULL	"I just filled this out and forgot to add: Health care should be for people not for profit.  The government should regulate the cost of devices, drugs, tests, testing equipment (such as MRI machines) and other medical services so they stay within reason. A single payer system is best, least cumbersome and will save money.  You want us to have choices, then simply build in all the choices into the plan.  Health care is a basic right, in my view guaranteed by the constitutional referral to ""promoting the general welfare,"" well nothing could be more fundimental to promoting the general welfare than the health of the citizens and the environmental health of the country.  The stress of knowing you could lose everything if someone in your family has a serious illness is not to be underated as a debilitating situation.  For average citizens not to have to worry about health care would also help to solve the malpractice situation because people would know their needs would be met and not feel they have to sue to get expensive problems paid for."	female	Over 64	NULL	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	2/18/06 11:43 PM
8195	"The fact that so very many Americans are uninsured, or at least underinsured."	Trade organizations ought to be allowed to offer group health care benefits to its members in the same way employers & government are able to do so.  Individuals are not treated fairly.	"Personally, I would be thrilled to obtain a high deductible option through my membership in the nation's largest trade organization."	Allow trade organizations the opportunity to offer group health care benefits to its members like employers & government do.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SC	2/19/06 1:47 AM
8204	"It seems to me that everyone is trying to fix the wrong problem.  In my opinion, the reason the cost of health care is out of control starts with the drug companies.  Now I understand that drug companies need to be compensated for the hard work they do researching the latest medicines.  But I also understand that they WASTE billions of dollars every year on advertising and perks.      First of all, advertising is pointless.  It shouldn't be up to a patient to tell their doctor what medicine they should be on.  Doctors should be researching medicines through medical journals and discussions with each other about clinical research.     Secondly, the perks that drug companies use to influence doctors to use their medicines must stop.  Billions of dollars are spent each year to bribe doctors into using the ""next best thing.""  If a medicine is the ""next big thing"" then it will speak for itself.  Maybe I'm naive but I don't think that a salesperson who sells pharmaceuticals needs to make $200,000 per year.  The fact that drug companies can pay these exorbitant salaries and also spend billions on advertising and perks to doctors tells me that they are obviously making money hand over fist.  Where does this money come from?  The consumers of course.      If we don't fix the cost of medicine problem first, health care for everyone will be extremely expensive for taxpayers and would therefore never pass through congress.  "	NULL	"I think most Americans are selfish and don't want to part with their money that they ""worked so hard for.""  I think most Americans want health coverage for all but they don't want to take responsibility for it.    For me personally, I would be willing to pay more in taxes if it went to a good cause that did cover everyone.  Unfortunately, this program would have to be run by the American government which wastes too much money due to inefficiencies.  The American government is also run by large American companies that don't want to pay their fair share into this problem.  So this option will probably never happen anyway.    Wow, I thought I was an optomist until I started writing this.  Sorry, I guess I'm pretty negative about all of this.  "	Start by fixing the problem with expensive mediciines as I stated above.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	2/19/06 6:57 AM
8207	I have to pay higher deductables and get less options of medical care for my money.	"Yes, I think that the employers should get togeather and put a package togeather about resonable healthcare for all americans, so we can ALL afford to be healthy and make sure our children and families are healthy."	How about raising the cost of living so that we can AFFORD the higher quality health care?	"Offer packages of different variables for people of differnt incomes who need to have certain health care or allow the people to ""create"" a health care package to suit there families."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	2/19/06 7:35 AM
8220	Those who most need coverage can least afford it.	"There should be some consistency among private plans.  Medicare-type allowable costs whould be enforced.  Employers like WalMart and other large employers should be required to cover ALL of their employees, regardless of their status.  If the state allows them to conduct business in their state, it should be required from them to insure all employees.  Otherwise, say you can't do business here."	Would use generic vs. branded drugs.  Would be able to deduct the cost of their premiums from their IRS return.  Congress and all government employees whould be given the same type of coverage that private parties have.  It would be a big incentive to see that everyone is struggling with the same restraints.	Have someone other than the congress make decisions.  They are hopeless.  They can't be depended upon to put the welfare of those they represent above their own self interests.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	2/19/06 12:31 PM
8221	"1. cost 2.increasing number of uninsured people, 3.the health care provider 'rat-race' i.e., they've not enough time to give adequate/comprehensive care because the sytem is based on $'s thru quantity. The more they see the more $they make-so they don't take time to listen which leads to misdiagnosing/underdiagnosing which leads to additional visits and frustration and suffering by the patient for the problem isn't fixed (or even identified properly). It's waste of service and resources by not taking enough time to begin with. Seems doctors don't want to sit and truly listen and ask all the right questions. If you don't ask you won't know. "	Universal health care in America! 	skip the stupid Bush tax cuts or end the war in Iraq (or other planned invasions) and use that defense department money for adequate healthcare. We've a greater chance to suffer and die from poor health care than from a terrorist attack. This administration (and neocons) are out of control. Look at USA defense spending caompared to other countries-it's nonsense-what if we diverted 5-10% of the defense budget towards Universal Health care? How much would that cover?	"Universal coverage-a government based system, NOT privitized and money making based. Cost controlled and contained, sure, but if it's privitized than greed becomes too much of a factor in something as basic as the geatest country in the world providing it's citizens with healthcare."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	2/19/06 12:32 PM
8226	The lack of support for alternative health care techniques.  They tend to be overlooked in favor of traditional drugs and treatments.  Healthy alternatives exist that have fewer side effects.  There should also be greater focus on prevention.  	NULL	NULL	Better preventive care including eating more organic and natural foods and using food based suppliments rather than synthetic vitamins.  	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	2/19/06 1:01 PM
8233	It is expensive and many Americans lack coverage.	"I think the government needs to take a larger responsibility in covering more people, enforcing that all should be covered, and stop reimbursing for very expensive tests at such a high leveL  (I say this as a physician)."	I think they would be willing to pay higher taxes to ensure coverage.	"Cover all preventative care--immunizations, birth control, regular physicals, basic preventative tests."	female	45 to 64	NULL	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/19/06 1:58 PM
8236	That one-sixth of us (~50 million) Americans don't have it.	Tax the rich corporations and wealthy individuals (that 1% that owns 40% of the wealth).	Most of the American public is losing their employment ability to pay for healthcare as the rich get richer.   WE working-class have no more tradeoffs to give; the rich do--tax them.	"Nationalized, Universal healthcare."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/19/06 2:26 PM
8238	"I would like to see drug companies probibited by law from advertising their products to the general public in print and on TV. In my mind, that money should be spent on keeping their costs down and passing along savings to customers.  Drug companies should inform doctors of new products and advances in products, and doctors should ultimately make the decision as to whether or not a patient would benefit from a particular drug. If consumers what to research their own options, they should be able to access accurate prescription drug information on the internet or at the library free of charge. Addionally, Drug companies should not be able to bribe doctors with high dollars gifts, trips, etc..."	I would like to see incentives for health insurers and drug companies to be restructured as NPOs.	"I think more people would be willing to go LPNs, PAs etc for very basic problems and preventative care. Also people would welcome less expensive alternatives to emergency room urgent care for non life threatening injuries, like cuts needing a stitch, etc.."	"Take profit out of the picture as a goal. Make good care the goal. Good care, especially good preventative care benefits our society as a whole. It saves us all money in the long run."	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/19/06 2:20 PM
8240	"I am most concerned that not all Americans have health insurance, mainly because they can not afford it."	I think health care should be nationalized so that everyone will be covered and have access to living a healthy life.	"I think people would be willing to pay slightly more so that everyone is covered through health insurance. We are the UNITED States, so we should all look out for the well-being of each other."	"I recommend that health care be nationalized so it can reach all citizens, regardless of income."	female	Decline to answer	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	2/19/06 2:30 PM
8248	"The medical system is organized as a factory system  to process large numbers of people, without care for their individuality.  Many preventive and treatment methods that could be of great value are ignored by the medical system, in part because people in the system are blinded by their training, and in part because large corporations have not figured out how to make much money from these methods.  In addition, society as a whole does not care very much about health."	"I would like to see the government set up and run its own health clinics for basic care that is both effective and inexpensive.  Beyond that, people should pay for their own care.  I would like to see the pervasive influence of insurance companies greatly reduced."	Why do you think I would know what the American public is willing to do?	Get rid of insurance.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	2/19/06 4:00 PM
8259	"What most concerns me is that health has become a commodity that only those with the resources can buy.  I am a 45 year old professional, working more than full time, and neither of the two places where I work has an obligation to provide insurance for me, and I can't afford it myself because of debt I incurred when I was unemployed for 8 months.  Access to health care should be universal."	I think the way we do it now is extremely inefficient.  We should have a single-payer system.	"I am willing to pay higher taxes for a universal, single-payer system.  In the long run, I believe it would save us money.  I think that if the American public were educated about the cost-saving side of universal health care--eliiminating the middle man, improving preventive and primary care and thus reducing the more expensive emergency and critical care, etc.--they would support it."	"Universal, single-payer health care plan."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/19/06 6:01 PM
8266	I won't be able to get medical care when I need it. I should be having a biopsy and may need treatment but can't afford it so I wait until I can qualify for Medicare which is another SEVEN years away. I may be dead by then.	Give significant deductions in costs to those of us who don't have insurance instead of charging us double and triple the cost. Penalizing us only pushes us further away from being able to afford insurance. 	Give SIGNIFICANT tax deductions for purchasing insurance.	"Health Care is BIG BUSINESS in America. The private sector is NOT going to push prices down. The govt. should put in mandatory PRICE CONTROLS in all sectors of the health care industry just like they do for Medicare. It's the closest thing to socialized medicine the people making all of the money will have to accept. Revisit the drug program. It is a FARSE, JOKE, FAILURE. It will cost to join in for us. It is NOT VOLUNTARY - that is an outright LIE! We won't join until something is done. "	male	Over 64	No	White	Elementary (grades 1 to 8)	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/19/06 6:16 PM
8270	"Because of the budgets for the war, defense, and all things related to these 2, including veteran's benefits, we have little money left from our taxes to care for the people of our country.   Plus, funding the issues which keep us from caring for our own people comes as a huge deficit for the country.  It should be obvious what is wrong with this system of caring for your own and the way to correct the problem."	"Socialize Medicine so the care is the same for all; rich or poor, or something similar!"	See the first wuestion	"Access to food, housing and healthcar."	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/19/06 6:53 PM
8290	"* The sickest people are usually unable to obtain insurance, meaning the people who most need help to pay for medical services don't have it.  Pre-existing conditions, even simple ones, usually disqualify a person from being eligible for insurance. Those same conditions often prohibit the person from working F/T or regularly enough to pay for health care in addition to routine living expenses.   * We hear that people use ER services to avoid paying for routine medical care.  Suggestion: Establish urgent treatment centers for this care. These centers could operate similar to ERs but would need only staff comparable to a family practice office -- no intensive services or specialists, no 24/7 availability.  * Somehow get dental services to be available for a co-pay comparable to a visit to a family doctor. I suppose this would take a change in mind-set for the insurance industry and dentists.  * Making people aware of over-use of antibiotics and the differences between treating a virus and a bacterium.        "	"I'm unsure of the best methods to pay for health care.  But people do need to be made aware of the full cost of their health care, whether they pay their entire full cost or not. An estimated full cost of specific services should be easily available, along with options for treating a particular condition, so people can consider costs-vs-results much like they would for other purchases: ""Do I really need a Mercedes or will a Toyota get the job done?"". But I don't think doctors should have to deal with the cost-estimation factor; let them be doctors. Have some other staff member consult with patients about costs of proposed treatments."	"* I suggest higher deductibles, higher co-pays for doctor visits (not prescriptions), and a smaller percentage of coverage for services and procedures that aren't critical to physical life and health (plastic surgery, teeth whitening).  *  Require higher co-pays for brand name drugs if a generic formula is available.  (Unfortunately, I don't think the majority of society is willing to make trade-offs, especially those people who currently have insurance. We have become a ""I deserve the best and I want it cheap"" society.)  A radical unpopular thought: Does ""high quality"" have to be ""the best, the latest?"" A friend told me recently a story she'd heard about a couple who are temporarily living in Asia somewhere (I think she said China).  One of them had to be treated for something and found the medical environment and treatments in Asia to be ""20 years behind the U.S.""  And I thought to myself, there have been a couple of times recently that I'd be happy with treatment that's ""20 years behind the times.""  As it is, I don't go to a doctor for possible treatment because I can't afford ""the latest and greatest"" if I'm not in a life-or-death situation. (I am uninsured.)   It seems immoral that someone might not obtain the ""best, latest and greatest"" health care because of lack of finances, but I believe this is a ""side effect"" of a capitalistic society. Those with the greatest financial resources will have more choices and access to the current best practice.   I do believe, however, that all Americans should have access to basic health care and basic treatment when it's required, regardless of their ability to pay.  Preferably without using the ER.  "	"* We hear that people use ER services to avoid paying for routine medical care.  Suggestion: Establish urgent treatment centers for this care. These centers could operate similar to ERs, meaning no charge or very minimal for services, but would need only staff comparable to a family practice office -- no intensive services or specialists, no 24/7 availability.  * "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SC	2/19/06 11:32 PM
8293	I can see the health care disapering.  I feel that the federal government sould stop all companies from taking employee's health care away from the employees.	"Yes, I do.  I feel that the government should not let the insurance companies cut the benefits.  I also feel that the prices should have somewhat of a 'roof' put on them."	"I feel that in order to have federal health insurance, the federal government can cut programs such as:  End the Iraq ""war""  No longer waste our money by going up to the moon  Help the American people more than how the government has been.  It seems as though forien countries have been getting more help than USA citizens."	"Anyone who has a health disability, has to pay much more money than anyone who doesn't have a health disability.  I feel that all people should pay the same amount."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/20/06 12:18 AM
8308	What concerns me most is that there is no centralized directory of enrollment information where the correct primary and secondary payers could be determined before or at the time of service. This was recommended by the OMB in 1995 and the Workgroup on Electronic Data Interchange in 1993. With the existing manual system of coverage determination Medicaid and Medicare are paying billions of claims that are actually the responsibility of private payers	Once a central directory of enrollment info is established and the insurance companies are forced to comply to HIPPA Sec 1173-1176 the entire system will become efficient and less costly so there will less overhead for everyone and premiums will stabilize and hospitals will be more profitable.	Some compromise in privacy information	"An on-line , up front query system in which the primary and secondary payors will be determined at or before the time that care is provided, thus eliminating the need for after-the -fact attempts to match data actross various data bases, or the continuation of the Medicare Data Bank as recommended by the OMB in 1995"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/20/06 9:58 AM
8312	"Inequality of care provided to different groups of people, based largely on economic factors.  Excessive duplication of tests,scans, etc. because those done elsewhere are not easily accessible. End-of-life care is not accepted by too many physicians, leading to patient/family problems accepting hospice and palliative care instead of the terribly expensive and futile ICU care that too many have in the last year of life.  Elder care in general is very badly managed in almost every setting. There are not enough nurses and not enough nursing professors to teach new nurses."	"There MUST be one single payor system.  It would save so much money in all the stupid competition and advertizing, all the arbitrary refusals of care, all the needless duplication.  Contrary to public opinion, the gavernment actually does a pretty efficeint job of management with medicare."	"None.  ""The Public"" thinks they should get everything they want for free."	"One system, funded by a per capita tax, the same amount from every man, woman, and child.  If you have a job, it comes out of your pay.  If you don't, the state pays it for you out of general revenue."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	2/20/06 10:41 AM
8313	The outrageous cost of medications. Too many people are having to do without food to pay for their meds. This is so unfair!!!	Drug costs should be based on an individuals ability to pay like many other services are  structured.	Most anything to assure that they can continue to take the medications that are vital to their well-being.	Quit cutting services to our low-income families and stop giving our wealthiest citizens tax breaks.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SC	2/20/06 10:47 AM
8323	"The very idea that the government should not be involved in health care today is being lost. The poll I just took had every question except one written such that the distinction between enforced govt programs and voluntary, private actions is obfuscated. This is the death of freedom in America."	"YES: the government MUST BE ELIMINATED from all such matters, in every way. The health care crisis in America derives directly from Johnson's Great Society. That is ewhen prices began to go through the roof.  The evidence is overwhelming--but ignored."	"No ""trade-offs"" are necessary, if voluntary, private is returned, people can shop for what suits them best, and doctors, hospitals and drug companies are set free of the billions of dollars in coercion they are subject to. No other industry combines technology with a crisi in cost--because no other high-tech industry is so heavily interfered with by the government. "	"End all government involvement in medicine: phase out all government subsidies, payments, insurances and regulations."	male	45 to 64	No	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	2/20/06 11:33 AM
8325	Rising health care costs seem to go unchecked and are not allowed to be controlled by free market principles. Frivolous law suits cause doctors to pay high malpractice insurance premiums that get passed on to consumers. Federal regulations such as FDA restrictions on controlled substances cause unnecessary and numerous office visits that inflate prices. Cut the red tape for pharmaceutical companies and doctors and let people make their own choices about medical treatment and risks. Reduce taxes for doctors and medical providers to help lower costs.	Reduce taxes and regulatory restrictions on medical providers. Control frivolous legal actions. Remove regulations that limit free market influence of medical care. Disband the FDA.	"I think people are will to pay more for direct services when they need it. I pay for all my doctor visits except for a primary care--and now that my deductible is $1200, I pay for that, too. Efforts need to be focused on lowering costs."	"Reduce regulations and litigousness that contribute to higher medical care costs. Allow freer competition, less restrictions."	female	25 to 44	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/20/06 11:44 AM
8335	I'm concerned that the government is going to create a national health care program.   The government should not be in the business of providing health care.	"Yes, only individuals or employers should pay for health care.  The government should not be involved in health care."	Trade-offs are for each individual to decide for themselves.	"End all government sponsored health care programs.  Let me decide how to run my own life, including how much health insurance to buy or not buy."	male	25 to 44	No Response	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/20/06 12:05 PM
8344	"My greatest concern about American health care system is that it provides fewer services at twice the cost of the national helth services of other G8 countries, yet I see us trying to hang onto the ""private insurance"" approach even though this model does not work and I believe will never work. "	"Nationalize our health care system, and escape insurance companies."	"While our American health care system has imploded, and continues to reach fewer citizens at greater costs, I do not think American citizens have the courage to admit that this insurance based model does not and will not work. We will therefore watch as our health care reaches more catastrophic failure without action. "	Do what the other G8 countries have done and nationalize our health care system. This will cost half what it does now while covering all citizens. We Americans always seem to want to reinvent the wheel and seem to look for excuses to rationalize this approach.	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/20/06 12:37 PM
8355	Incessant involvement of Congress. Rising costs are frequently due to required compliance by govt. Keep the gov't OUT of health care and let supply and demand settle the costs. Competition is what capitalism is all about.	"Yes, get rid of the watseful entitlment programs that are running out of control. I've just retiered after 30 years in the medical field and the entitlement programs are kllling it!"	If we don't come up with a way to get rid of entitlement programs which now cost 60% of the budget...NONE of us will have decent health care. WHY doesn't Congress understand that?? It's such common sense that it's maddening to see congress so unwilling to make the needed changes (ie; stay out of it!)	GET RID of all entitlement programs!!! They are going to bankrupt America.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	2/20/06 1:11 PM
8372	"(1) It is becoming more and more unaffordable, even with (extremely   expensive) insurance. (2) Too many medical decisions are being made  by clerical folks with no knowledge of medicine or the  patients. This has to stop. (3) Pharmas are charging too much for  medications, seeking to derive their full world-wide development  costs and profits on the backs of US consumers. (4) Coverage is  not universal, allowing too many people to not be covered and thereby  potentiating public health emergencies as well as raising  the cost of health care for all.(5) Pharmas should NOT be  allowed to advertise drugs (by the FDA and/or FTC)."	All private insurance companies and their rip off overhead should be  eliminated from the mix. There should be a universal single payer  system put into place.	Universal single payor will have better coverage at lower overall  cost than the current hodge podge Balkanized system. The  loss will be for the moderately wealthy and above who will  want better care than the universally available.	Universal single payor system; no private insurance companies  in health care. No HMOs.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/20/06 2:31 PM
8376	"First, the uneven and inequitable access to health care among our citizens and second, the rising costs."	"I favor a national system that provides all non-elective health care to all citizens without the added layer of health care insurance, paid for through taxes.    However, I believe the majority of citizens do not favor this approach, so in lieu of the above, since we have a system based around employer contributions, we should devise a system where all employers are required to provide health care (or insurance) -- a job is not a viable job unless it pays for health care -- with the unemployed then covered by the federal government.  And then all employers (and thus workers) should have access to the same ""plans"" -- no more favoring of large companies by insurers.  I would also like to see all employer ""plans"" include an option to pick the ""national"" plan that by-passes insurance company profits altogether.  And yes, with this employer-based kind of plan, employees need to bear some of the financial burdens so everyone has the incentive to reduce costs. "	"I believe Americans need more visibility as to how they're paying for this broken system.  We know we all pay for it one way or another so lets make every job include at least basic health care coverage.  Americans would accept paying more for fast food, dry cleaning, yard services, agricultural products and you-name-it, if they knew it was going to basic (which is preventative) health care services."	"Eliminate inequities in insurance premiums based on employer size and change the way doctors and hospitals are paid, to more outcome-based incentives than procedure-based incentives."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/20/06 3:56 PM
8382	It is far too expensive and not available to everyone.	"I lived in England and worked in the National Health System. Although not perfect it worked better for those most in need. i am a health care provider and it seems as if it is the insurance companies who decide what health care is provided. I recently heard a physician, who works with older people, speaking about Medicare which is the closis thing we have to the NHS say why it is so important for this country. She has written a book about why we need it and how we can improve it. I heard it on NPR."	I personally would pay more in taxes if we had a National Health Service. I feel most people would not see it the way I do. There also needs to be more emphasis on wellness than on illness.	Move toward a National Health Service.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MS	2/20/06 3:40 PM
8383	Americans with no health coverage. Losing the coverage I have through Medicare.	"Yes, in payment for durable equipment.    Medicare has been paying for a hospital bed for me since 1998 as a rental. It has been paid for many times over by this method and has required nothing from the provider for upkeep.    Also had paid many times over as a rental for a Bipap Synchrony vent I used for years at $624.17/mo (7,490.04/year) with no need for repairs,etc.. One could be purchased outright for less than $4,000.    I am now using a LTV950 ventilator.  Medicare is paying $1,406.38/month (16,876.56). One can be purchased for around $10,000.    It would be far cheaper for Medicare to BUY our durable equipment for us rather than rent it! The savings would be immense. Even if one needed to be replaced after a couple of years (the one I currently use is over 5 years old-rented)it would be a vast saving. For this machine Medicare has paid out $84,382.80."	"With health insurance for all, paid for by taxes or varying sorts, government controls on costs of equipment, drugs, etc we could haqve high quality healthcare. The money currently spent to insurance companies, pharmacies and health care providers now far exceeds what the program would cost.  It would relieve business from health insurance costs.  "	Cost of drugs reduced by government control. Medicare PURCHASING durable equipment rather than renting if used longer than the cost of the equipment.  	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/20/06 3:40 PM
8388	"I am concerned that the government is involved with health care at all.  I view a person's wealth as his private, sacred property, which cannot morally be taken from him for the benefit of another.  Therefore, I view taxing one American to pay for the health care of another American makes the first a slave and the second his master.  Health care is an economic good, which must be provided by the effort of human beings, and is therefore something that must be paid for by those consuming that good.  We all need health care, just like we all need other things, and it is our responsibility to find a way to pay for those things - not take money from others to do so."	"From my previous response, it should be clear: the government should in no way be involved in health care for private citizens, either in providing it or financing it.  Leave the citizens free to trade, and they will find ways to lower the costs.  But the moral point is most important: health care is NOT a right, and the citizens cannot be made slaves to pay for others' health care."	"I am unsure what is meant by ""public"", since this includes many people, all with different circumstances.  To say that the ""public"", as such, is willing to do anything is a clear fallacy, because as such, it does not exist.  Only the members of the public exist, and only those individuals can be asked such a question as ""What trade-offs are you willing to make?""  Some will need more health care, others less.  Some would like more coverage, others less.  The point is, only each individual can decide, and lumping them together, trying to identify some common situation, is impossible and will necessarily fail.  Let us decide, and let us pay."	"Government (taxes and regulation),out.  Free choice, in."	male	Under 25	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	2/20/06 4:29 PM
8396	that all americans have health care available to them as needed..	"yes, they say that insurance benifits payments continue to climb, to pay for those who do not have insurance coverage and yet seek treatment at our hospitals. there is something intrinsically wrong with this system. it needs to be changed. all business should offer insurance to individuals so that the cost is spread around and cost dose not fall on the shoulders of a few. also single and low income people should have the security of knowing that they can recieve care when needed. we send so much money to other counties, that defiles the mind that we don't have a system in place in America for it's citizens....."	"i don't think there needs to be any trade-offs. this is a basic human need. in the richest country in the world, people should and recieve health care when needed."	lower cost health care should be offered to people via work and government. no acceptations....	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/20/06 6:24 PM
8401	NULL	"Government should be barred from entering the health care market.  This is not only true because of the reduced efficiency attained by government run programs, but also because it is morally wrong for the government to be sanctioning theft as embodied by the health care system.  Government programs are funded by taxpayers, meaning that every pay period the state robs me to pay for services that someone else is somehow entitled to.  As an allegory, an individual in the United States would never consider it acceptable for another to come up to them and demand money, this would indeed be a crime.  Somehow, it has become permissable for the government to sanction this if it serves the ""public good.""  There can be no rational goverment however in which the right to enslave is maintained.  This is exactly what occurs in the current welfare state, which includes 'public' health care programs."	"I would imagine that a certain portion of the general public is more than willing to support such a program, as long as it is paid for by someone else.  It would truly be a victory for mobocracy if the rights of the individual, that is the right to the property they have earned, would be sacrificed even more than it currently is."	NULL	male	Under 25	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	2/20/06 6:47 PM
8403	The huge numbers of our citizens most of whom are working that have no health insurance or are underinsured.The fact taht at least 30% of the $6300 per capita expenditure on health goes to providing health care but to profit and overhead by private insurers and drug companies.The strangle hold pharmeticutal and health insurance special interests have on all branches of government and the FDA exemplefied by the Medicare part D debacle.	A single payor universal basic healt care funded by all tax payors with the best elements from other systems in the world.	We need to get realistic about limiting the huge expenditures for futile end of life care and better allocate our limlited resourses. I believe most Americans would be willing to pay taxes to support a well managed effecient system since they can no longer afford the out of controll rising health care costs.	A single payor universal hhealth insurance system funder by all tax payors.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/20/06 7:06 PM
8411	no central planning and authority	"everyone should have to buy a minimal standardized policy, with subsidies for the poor"	I think they might give up some control if they knew that evidence based decision making was being used	"Electronically connect all doctors, have everyone go through a PCP, give the doctors the guidelines they need to make cost-effective decisions, and exempt them from liability if they follow the guidelines"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	2/20/06 8:36 PM
8418	Rising costs and lack of access to healthcare for increasing numbers of our population.  	"The ""system"" sucks.  It is too complicated and does not work (i.e. too many fall through the cracks).  We need a real system of national healthcare that covers everyone and provides access to healthcare before the need goes critical."	"We *should* be willing to pay higher *progressive* (income based) taxes.  Whether the rich are willing or not is another matter.  They tend to be self-centered and greedy, and out government represents them."	"National healthcare, similar to that enjoyed by every other developed nation on the planet."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/20/06 9:37 PM
8419	The cost.	"At this point, I believe we should have socialized medicine.  I expect insurance companies and doctors will protest the loudest.  Call it national health insurance or whatever with a small co-pay or a small sliding scale co-pay.  Costs now are absolutely outrageous and with no insurance, you get billed the largest amounts.  I think charges are greatly inflated; insurance companies and federal programs don't pay the fully billed amount."	Have health insurance premiums be deducted just like social security.  Why can't we use some of the European countries' models here?	"Nationalize healthcare.  In the short term, those making a lot of money in the present system(s) will be making quite an uproar, but I believe, in the long run, it is the right thing to do."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/20/06 9:46 PM
8424	"What concerns me most about health care in America today is that it is highly selective in who is covered; if you work for an employer that offers health care benefits, then you have health care insurance available to you at a much lower cost than if you work for an employer, or do not work at all, and have no healthcare insurance offered.  This leaves approx. 50 million people NOT COVERED BY ANY HEALTHCARE INSURANCE in the U.S. at any one time.  Additionally, the cost of healthcare is skyrocketing, making health insurance less affordable for many working people, and, simply un-attainable, un-affordable for most of those that are not covered by employer-sponsored health insurance plans."	"I would like to see a ""single payer"" system, where the government bears the cost and delivers the insurance to ALL its citizens ... no matter the funding method that makes this possible; if additional taxes are required so that ALL citizens are covered, then that is the cost we must bear to cover ALL Americans."	"I think that the American public is too ignorant to connect the dots between lack of healthcare to about 50 million of its citizens, and the tremendous social and public cost we otherwise bear due to this missing link in our national governmental structure.  Therefore, unless Americans are introduced to the full story, where they see the entire cost of this crazy current system, I believe they will not be willing to make many trade-offs.  Conversely, if Americans are allowed to see greater detail in the news, all greater detail on the cause & effects and background on this complex issue, then they would be willing to accept a different tax or funding structure to solve this disgusting national problem."	Nationalize the administration and delivery of health care insurance for all Americans.  I can't say it any more simply than this.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/20/06 10:56 PM
8437	Drastic infaltion in premiums. Has gone from $400 per month to $1300. in less than 5 years	"I do not like Gov't prograns since they are rarely efficient, but we do need some sort of curbs on rising costs."	Think that it is important to get medicines and procedures in place that we know work to the maximum number of people at the lowest cost. Kill/limit the Drug company expensive ads. Leave the hi-tech stuff as optional coverage.	Give business the tax breaks needed to provide the coverage and let them negotiate costs.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/21/06 7:10 AM
8442	"I am most concerned that we live in a society without personal and family responsiblity and accountability.  I am concerned that this behavior will lead our health care system into a socialized system which will further deter people from becoming personally responsible for their own health and their family's health care.  Requiring the Government to fund our health care system through higher taxes of a socialized system is not going to improve the health of the American people.  People need to take responsibilty for their own health.  It is not the responsibility of all to fund those who 1)will not work to have health insurance, 2) who participate in high risk behaviors which lead to health problems or 3) who access care from high cost providers such as the Emergency Department because it is ""more convenient"" and most community hospital cannot refuse care because of the inability or refusal to pay  "	"I do not think we should change the whole system that we currently have in place.  I think it would best to adapt the current system that we have to include rewards to providers who efficiently manage their patients with quality care.  If there is a surgeon whose patients consistenly have postop infections, that physician should receive some financial penalty until they correct their practice.  Money or the loss of it will often correct behavior that any other deterrants are unable to accomplish.  I think there should be financial rewards to those Americans who try to be healthy by providing tax breaks for less use of their health benefits."	"I am not willing, nor do I believe alot of middle-class, hard-working Americans are willing to pay higher taxes or premiums to fund a health care system for those Americans who are not currently willing to work and pay their own health care premiums.  There is a group of people in our society who use drugs of all kinds and participate in other high risk behaviors but will not work.  I should not be responsible for their health care!!!  We all have choices to make in life.  When are we going to have expectations that people must make healthy choices with some personal responsibilty?"	Preventitive Education!!!!!!!!!  There has to be more programs for health care education and injury prevention.  Funding care for the unhealthy costs alot more than educating to improve health.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MS	2/21/06 9:57 AM
8446	Why is it so hard to understand that illegal immigration into this country is draining the soon-to-be-depleted resources (a.k.a. the Money tree).  The coffers are not bottomless.  Recently I was in the hospital less than 36 hours for observation.  The insurance company was billed for over $17K.  Any ideas who's bills I was paying for?  	"Perhaps those who are in this country illegally (Webster says ""prohibited by law, against the law"")should be denied the freebies of this great nation.  Those of us legal taxpayers ripped off by the burdgeoning taxes should not be paying for those who do not belong here! We cannot keep furnishing free health care to the world."	"Why do we need trade-offs--see above responses. Or better yet, see your 3rd question below.  Why is that pertinent to this survey??????"	"Now that the Federal government can no longer even estimate how many illegals are running the unprotected borders, (latest figures are near the 20 million mark) who will pay (is paying) for their free care?  As we age and require more health care--unless we stop this insanity--there will only be health care for the very rich or the very poor! "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/21/06 11:24 AM
8452	That costs continue to increase and fewer people have access to health care.	I don't believe that health care should be linked to employment. I don't think that health care should be a for profit system. 	I believe that people would pay more in taxes in order to be part of a comprehensive system. I also think that a small co-pay or per visit fee would be acceptable. 	"A universal system where everyone as equal access and receives equal coverage would be best. Oversight for unnecessary services (as a health care provider I see a lot of that, aka defensive medicine or visits because they are billable though maybe not necessary). Also, evidence based care. My specific example is that Nurse-Midwives provide more cost effective care for lower cost but their practice is restricted in many states."	female	25 to 44	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VT	2/21/06 12:44 PM
8460	"My concern is that health care is not affordable by everyone.  It is not a good thing when you have to make a decision between getting health care or putting food on your table.  being a single mom of 2 boys cant afford insurance, which do i choose? which one would you choose?"	"having the same premium for everyone, no matter the age or medical backround. the government and employers should pick up the biggest portion of the cost."	NULL	"making it available to everyone, making the process for getting the insurance easier."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/21/06 2:11 PM
8462	The large number of Americans who do not have health insurance.	We should have a single system run by the government similar to medicare for all.	Cancel the tax deductions proposed by President Bush to help pay for universal health care	provide insurance for all Americans.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/21/06 2:45 PM
8463	"A major concern of mine is the lack of attention given to oral health as an integral part of total health.  Even the US Surgeon General has made that clear.  No disease has ever been eliminated through treatment alone, but rather it is the prevention method that provides the greatest potential to eliminate or significantly reduce a disease process.  Dental decay, periodontal disease, and orofacial myofunctional disorders can be eliminated/controlled through preventive methods.  Also of major concern:  Dental Hygienists are not currently regarded as a primary provider of oral health care services.  They should regarded as such as they provide triage, primary and preventive services.  Dental hygienists should also be included in the federal description of who is allowed to receive direct reimbursement for services provided through all Medicaid (dental and medical)and Medicare programs.  Currently, dental hygienists can receive direct reimbursement through Medicaid in only 9 states.  It will take many, many years to have this be changed through only the state legislative process.  It makes better sense to change it on the federal level to more quickly assist the public populations who are eligible to receive these services (and currently are not) and facilitate dental hygienists in being reimbursed for them to encourage greater participation from these healthcare professionals in providing services.     In addition, too much red tape is present to become a Medicaid or Medicare provider.  So, providers find it easier to just not accept those individuals into their practices.  Therefore, these populations often find it extremely difficult to receive needed services or just continue to live with a disease process and/or pain.  That has a significant affect on other systems: extended family situations, increase in absentee days from school/work by the individual or their caregivers, and places a higher financial drain on the healthcare system in the end as well as often also on community services.      I am willing, experienced, and able to serve in any capacity on one of your committees to help incorporate oral health treatment and prevention into your policies.     T"	"Reorganization of the current system is needed.  It is not an efficient or effective system on the private or government levels.  Too much red tape exists to become a Medicaid/Medicare provider.     Tax credits for pre-tax healthcare savings accounts should be provided.  This benefits both the government and healt care insurance systems by having the individual reserve their own funds to cover some of the expenses.  Also, it should be mandated by the government that all pre-tax healthcare spending accounts can roll over if not utilized withone one calendar year.  Corporations benefit when someone has a ""good"" health year and the employee looses those designated funds when not used.  This should not occur as it appears to be a punishment for advance planning and good health.       Preventive programs should be rewarded by the insurance industry and government.  Lower premiums should be available for those who participate in prevention programs, testing, and services.  A tax credit for participating in prevention programs should be given.  Example: dental sealants are well documented as helping prevent tooth decay on the biting surfaces of teeth.  The best time to apply them is when the teeth first erupt.  Parents of children who have had dental sealants applied to their first and second molars by the time the child has reached the appropriate ages should be eligible for a tax credit.  It will reduce the cost of restorative dental work at a later date and thereby reduce the cost to insurance carriers and for Medicaid programs.      The insurance industry needs more reform to allow for greater access to coverage for the public.  Easier access to group purchasing would lower the overall costs for carriers and thereby allow more individuals to gain insurance coverage.  Government programs need to facilitate reimbursement levels at fees that are more competitive with the private sector so that more providers will enroll in those programs and provide services to those populations.  It is usually the government funded programs that serve the populations in greatest need:  the poor, uninsured, and elderly.  Better programs should be available for children and the elderly as subsidised through the government.  The insurance industry should be mandated to cover basic services and those that are preventive in nature.  A higher focus should be placed on preventive services as a whole for both medical and dental.  More school based preventive programs should be funded through block grant programs with standardized guidelines to help insure they address particular health issues.  Immunization and oral health prevention programs (fluoride treatments, routine cleanings, dental sealants) should be cost shared between the insurance industry and the government.  Reduction of disease through prevention is a cost effective measure for both entities.  Part of the national tax base should be directed towards healthcare for preventon focused programs.  These programs should extend through the entire life cycle process as there are preventive measures that are effective in reducing particular diseases through various stages of life.      While I am not in favor of new taxation, it must be considered as an option to help fund some of these programs.  The insurance industry should also be taxed more due to the enourmous profits they currently make on denying coverage for many beneficial services.  Corporations should be mandated to provide insurance for employees:  coverage for full time should be mandated and pro-rated coverage for part time employees should also be included.Access to affordable and quality health care should become a basic right (and not just of privlige) of citizenship in this country.  "	"Due to the increase in technology, I do not see that the public should have to make many trade-offs in benefits.  Increased screening and preventive services will eventually make a significant difference in reducing the stages of disease costs and provide a huge savings in the long run.  This savings should help fund the access to affordable, higher quality care as a result.  The outcomes of prevention are not currently included as a fundable benefit.      A trade-off of an additional tax may be a necessity.  Will it be willing....probably not, but if it would ensure access to high quality care that becomes more affordable to the middle and lower sectors of the populations then it would be worth the struggle to accomplish it. I also think a trade-off the American public is willing to make is dealing with regional health care centers that are more government funded.  It will still leave the private sector open for increased competition, but having regional governement funded centers might decrease costs by centralizing services and higher cost equipment.   "	"Increase prevention programs through decreasing the ""gate keeper"" role of physicians and dentists by icreasing the scope of practice and direct access to allied health care professionals (nurses, dental hygienists, physical therapists, etc.) whose roles have usually been more focused on providing preventive services within community settings.  "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/21/06 2:42 PM
8468	That we are moving toward socialist healthcare systems instead of sticking to the free-market economy that was designed by the founders of the United States.	The government should not be involved.	"I think it's a loaded question - it assumes that I agree with the premise, which I absolutely do not agree with.  Much of your poll doesn't include the option to disagree with the basic premise that there SHOULD be access for all Americans."	Allow it to be dictated by the market and leave individuals free to make their own health care decisions. Supply and demand will drive the rest.  DO NOT make the US into a socialist country.	female	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	2/21/06 3:06 PM
8474	"Costs are soaring; there are too many procedures done or drugs prescribed for reasons of avoiding a potential lawsuit, rather than patient's wellbeing; there is too little emphasis on preventative care/wellness; alternative and holistic care is not covered by many insurance plans, meaning our choices are limited; there is too much emphasis on treating symptoms rather than core issues; and procedures/technologies/etc are often implemented and gain ""standard of care"" standing in spite of lack of research-- first, to begin using them at all, and subsequently, to support their continued use regardless of high costs and low benefits"	"I think everyone deserves access to health care, and to health insurance.  I also believe that maternity care MUST be included in any system of health care, as good health literally begins in utero."	"Truthfully, few.  If the medical system is not overhauled, I'm unwilling to pay higher taxes for universal health care insurance myself.  There may have to be government regulation to control the massive costs of health care."	"Open up the hegemony of allopathic physicians, so that viable alternative strategies for wellness and healing can flourish.  For instance, insuring that both nurse midwives and professional midwives (non-nurse) could practice without supervision of a physician and provide maternity care for all low-risk pregnancies would potentially save the U.S. billions of dollars without compromising the health of mothers or infants.  Currently though, the malpractice insurers are making it very unattractive for doctors to provide supervision for midwives, which in turn means that we're being forced down the path of highest cost for fewest benefits.  I believe this is illustrative of the problems in the entire system-- there is no incentive to support, allow, or even tolerate lower cost options."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	2/21/06 3:48 PM
8478	Goverment regulations. Need to get out of the way and allow the free market to do it work. Tax credits or tax elimination will solve the problem.	"Only individuals should be responsible for their own insurance. It is not the roll of the government or the employer to provide ""wellfare"" to any individual, regardless of need or ability."	None whatsoever!!	Get the government out of the way!	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	2/21/06 4:29 PM
8479	The lack of ob-gyns in many areas and the decline in health of Americans - our system makes it too easy to not take responsibility for our own health choices.  It's too easy to be overweight and take diet pills or see a chiropractor for back aches instead of lose the weight.  Our over use of prescription drugs is scary as well.  	"No - I think all three should be involved.  I think there may need to be changes in how the three work together, but I do think all three need to pay.  I think individuals need to pay because they are the only ones that interact at the point of care.  If they dont pay for the service, they don't question the bill or the need for the service.  I think employers need to contribute as they are probably part of the reason we are becoming unhealthy (stress, workloads, unhealthy cafeteria choices, physical labor...).  "	The healthy will be willing to have higher costs at point of service to keep premiums down and affordable.  The rest probably arent willing to make tradeoffs.  They want to get more for the same amount of dollars they are paying now.  I think we have a culture of entitlement to endless medical benefits.	"Focus on improving health,  not just in treating illness.  Prevent these illnesses from happening.  I don't know how you change people's lifestyle choices, but to me its the best way to attack the problem if its true that 70% of health care costs are related to behaviors that could be avoided."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/21/06 4:40 PM
8483	NULL	"Mandatory health insurance.  We are currently mandated by law to have insurance in case we wreck someone elses property but not in case we ourselves are hurt.  Hospitals and emergency departments are required by law to provide emergency care yet people are not required to have emergency insurance.  Since the working middle class and poor make up the bulk of the uninsured, why not require that they obtain insurance?  Private insurance is available in the Denver area through Kaiser and Blue Cross for example at $70 to $240 per month for an individual or family.  I think that every one can afford this but chooses to buy a new car, gas, toy, skis, etc instead.  If you were unable to get or maintain your drivers license without health insurance, Everyone would be insured and doctors could cut their rates by as much as half.  Also, a simple way of enforcement would be to have everyone submit proof of insurance with their taxes to get a rebate of their insurance premiums which were added to their taxes earlier in the year.  Also, why not make premiums deductible for individuals?  Why should people insuring themselves be penalized into loosing their tax deduction that they get by purchasing more expensive plans from their employer?"	NULL	Mandatory health insurance paid for by the consumer with tax deductible premiums. Call me for my plan. 	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/21/06 5:25 PM
8485	"The fact that I have no health care coverage, most of the people I know are also uninsured, and it costs so much that we don't go to the doctor or hospital when we really should."	Make it more accessible and affordable!  I can't afford insurance premiums and I don't fit the qualitifications for the government insurance.	"Several, really.  I personally think less money could be spent on things like war and more on things going on at home."	"If Americans were insured, Americans would be healthier."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	2/21/06 5:32 PM
8489	"We had to semi-retire at age 60 and 61 because body parts have worn out.  We are not totally disabled but we are occupationally disabled.  Thus we are not collecting ANY kind of disability payments.  Because we cannot work in our previous occupations, our income is substantially lower.  We are having to dig out of our retirement savings to pay for health costs (medical bills and our insurance) in the amount of $10,000 per year.  This is really eating up our savings accounts."	"We need to have national health insurance where everyone is covered.  If folks want ""special"" care they should have to pay extra for that.  We will be running out of money because of the high costs of insurance."	I don't think they are willing to make any trade-offs!  They expect health care to be free.	We should all have health care as good as our Congress people and for the same price.	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/21/06 6:08 PM
8493	We don't have a health care system.  We have a disfunctional mess costing far too much of our GDP and producing poor quality health care.	"Ideally, individuals & families should pay premiums into a dedicated national trust fund to finance a national health insurance plan in which people choose their providers, and providers practice medicine as they wish (NOT socialized medicine). There is no logical reason to make employers pay because their costs just get passed on to their customers."	No trade-offs are necessary.  Read my above comment.  Look at the New Mexico Health Plan which would be set up by the Health Security Act.  Or look at health care reform bill just introduced in Arizona (based on the NM plan).	"Set up a national insurance plan covering all residents of the U.S.  Fund it with premiums--NOT congressional appropriations.  Health care monies should NOT go into for-profit insurance companies whose only interest is making profits, not providing health care."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	2/21/06 6:18 PM
8500	"High costs.  Private insurers use one third of our payments for administrative costs, adding nothing of value to health care. Pharmaceutical compamies spend enormous amounts on advertising,  especially for drugs that are untested and redundant.  These are prime reasons why many can't afford health care.  Medical education is inadequate and antiquated."	Eliminate insurance companies.  Open Medicare to all.	High technology at end of life.  Duplicate medicines.	Eliminate insurance companies.	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/21/06 7:30 PM
8504	"The cost of healthcare seems to be increasing many fold faster than the rest of the economy. I feel that government regulation of some aspects of healthcare could help to control this runaway inflation. I feel that government has bowed to the pressure of the healthcare machine in so many ways and for so long that the only way to rein in these costs is to eliminate lobbying as we know it, provide complete transparency to the american public where all money from any lobying source is concerned, and to eliminate the dishonesty and self-intrest of both government representitives and the healthcare industry. If you are selling shoes, T.V's or cars, there should be choices, and wealthy americans should get to choose to own these products, or should get to choose from amont the best of these products. When my child has a brain tumor on the other hand, My child should have access to whatever reasonable treatment is required to treat him/her, not if I have the right insurance, or if the insurance company cannot find a way to weazel their way out of providing treatment. You should ask yourself, would I deny this treatment to my child?"	"As with most government programs, their involvement in healthcare is a model of inefficient. Eliminate all health programs including workmans comp, vetrans healthcare, medacare, medicade, etc. ELIMINATE them completely. From scratch, build a system with a single administrative body, that takes care of the medical needs of all americans. Make it transparent so that burecrats ""in the know"", their familys, their friends, their financial supporters. are not taking advantage of ""special programs"" not available to the average american. Make it truely fair to all americans, not ""fair"" the way washington likes to claim they are being while they send their children to harvard using my tax money. but actualy fair like they might find in the bible if they ever picked one up. By the way, eliminate all the other special programs an pork barrel bullshit that sucks the will out of the middle class on a daily basis too, and put that until now wasted money into the fund too. "	"I feel that 99.999999999999999999999% of Americans would be willing to trade an Alaskin bridge to nowhere, A millions of dollars study of Cow Farts in Montana, or even take the body armor for a dog if it ment that johney down the street got to have treatment for his lukimia. You might get an argument from a few alaskins, but none are going to be as loud as the senator or congressmen who golfs with the contractor who is building the bridge or gets a cushie job as an absintee administrator of some college in Montana with a fart sniffing department.  "	"Cut government waste and perhaps pull that bible out of your desk once in awhile. When Middleclass America can respect its government again, and look each other in the eye instead of down at the ground like a rape victum, we will probably stop droping dead of heartatacks and eating, drinking, and smoking ourselves to death in record numbers. "	male	25 to 44	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/21/06 7:51 PM
8505	THE BLATANT AND HORRIFIC ABUSE OF MEDICAID BENEFITS BY COVERED PERSONS.	"WE HAVE A GREAT HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.  THOSE WHO RECEIVE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE (MEDICAID) SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO HAVE A COPAY AND OTC MEDS SHOULD NOT BE ""FREE"""	MAYBE THEY SHOULD GET A JOB!	STOP MEDICAID ABUSE!!!!!!!!!	female	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/21/06 7:53 PM
8509	Is health care going to become more attainable in fifty years? Or harder?	No.	Maybe is large corporations could cut back on over-spending (on things like advertising and such) then they would have more money available to support their employees. And I'm sure we can do without one billboard in order to maybe save someone's life.	"Well first off, take care of yourself while you can, and maybe Health care will be less of a concern later on. Also, remember to budget so that when it comes time to need health care, you can afford what you need. Don't forget to support causes that provide aid to those who cannot afford any kind of health care...even just a visit to the pediatrician."	female	Under 25	No	White	Some high school	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	2/21/06 9:51 PM
8514	"Health care continues to discriminate against mental health diseases, including substance abuse. Appointments are limited, effectively limiting dollars spent for care; lifetimes ""caps"" are very low; and ""gatekeeping"" is a significant barrier for people seeking care. The term ""behavioral health"" continues stigma, and implies that these diseases are a choice."	"Health care must be available to all citizens of this country. I believe that it will have to be a nationalized plan. Also, our care system is at present palliative; we are a very unhealthy nation by many indicators."	We accept too many trade offs at present. Delivery of health care needs a complete overhaul	Stop political action committee donations.	female	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/21/06 10:40 PM
8518	Because we are not going to let people die in the streets we need to provide health care to everybody so they can receive preventative care.	I would like a law that would require all company's to provide health care. People should pay more that have poor life style choices.	NULL	Health care for everyone.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	2/21/06 11:53 PM
8519	"Where to begin...  Too many Americans are uninsured and a disproportionate number of the uninsured are those of low socioeconomic status and minorities.  We essentially have a two-tiered system in which the affluent recieve a higher quality of medical care.    The work-based insurance system causes rifts in healthcare when patients switch jobs and those who work on a freelance, contract or part-time basis are left vulnerable.    With the shift from PPO plans to HMOs, medical decisions are being made by corporations rather than physicians.    The lack of parity for mental health services is absurd given that approximately 30% of Americans are affected by mental health or substance abuse disorders annually.  The fragmented nature of the medical establishment is inadequate and fails to recognize and address the needs of whole, integrated persons."	We need a national single-payer system.  Anything else is a band-aid solution.  	"We are going to pay for our healthcare whether it is done via insurance premiums or higher taxes.  However, with a national single-payer system, we would receive care that would remain consistent over time regardless of career shifts and would be more equitable in that all Americans would be guaranteed equal access."	National single-payer system!	female	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	2/22/06 12:02 AM
8521	"Several things. First of all, employers who are self employed, provide less than optimum health care for their employees and charge large amounts for this. And the employer makes a profit on their employees health care.   Also, the poor, unsafe staffing provided in our hospitals today. Nurses are leaving the field rapidly, because they no longer can do the job they are asked to do, either because of too many patients or not the supplies they need."	I think health care is a right of all not a privelege. I am totally in favor of universal health care.	"I think if the plan proposed is viable, a workable plan and please, not like our 'workable' tax system, I think Americans would be very willing to make any kind of trade off. "	"Take making a profit out of the equation.   As a nurse, I can tell by tests and medications ordered, by services provided who has good health insurance, who has mediocre insurance and who has none. Frequently when I see a patient receiving for example a test, I wonder why, not thinking it really necessary, and I look, oh yea, 'diagnosis--insured'."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	2/22/06 12:10 AM
8522	"Working Americans are bankrupting themselves paying for medical care in emergencies, sometimes preventable emergencies, because they can't afford health insurance. And too many poor Americans are going without basic care, because the cost of care is too high."	Government programs to provide coverage for the elderly and special needs Americans should be expanded to cover certain other groups who cannot afford care currently.	"I do think Americans would pay higher taxes for affordable care if they could see that their money would actually provide care for working people, and that it wouldn't be wasted on bureacracy."	Expand Medicare.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/22/06 12:16 AM
8526	"That midwifery care, the standard in most countries with better maternal and neonatal mortality than ours, is not the norm."	NULL	not sure they understand that they will have to pay for it one way or another.  Taxes are most likely the way.	make access to midwifery available to all pregnant women.  Include Certifed Professional Midwives in all third party reimbursements.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	2/22/06 12:24 AM
8529	"The increasing lack of access to affordable health care by working families; as corporations spend more money to eliminate unions and fight mandatory coverage laws, working people are seeing drastic cuts in health care coverage, as well as increased fees and deductibles.     Many workers have gone without raises, or accepted other contract takeaways, to accomodate the rising cost of coverage. Their wages don't keep pace with the rate of inflation; even if they get maintenance of benefits for a while, they can never make up for the lost income---and there's no guarantee that what they sacrificed will insure future coverage. "	"  No one should have to assume crushing debt because their coverage lapsed, or their employer drops their plan.No one with a chronic health condition should have to choose between medicine or groceries. No one should have to endure long waits in overcrowded facilities to get the treatment they need because they have no way to pay---but this happens all day every day in our country.     Any company doing business in our country, that employs our citizens and uses our infrastructure, should pay a ""fair share"" of the cost of coverage for their employees. The government already pays for the uninsured; our tax dollars are used.    If a national health care fund was established, it could create a nationwide HMO---a minimum baseline of care available to all citizens on a sliding scale. If someone wanted access to a different system, they could pay for the privlege themselves.                                           "	"Americans have been giving up too much already! They have forgone raises, paid vacations,pension contributions,and made other concessions in order to keep the health coverage workers have traditionally enjoyed as a condition of employment.    If the head of a large corporation is making hundreds of times more than their lowest paid employees,or reaping financial benefits because  the goverment's safety net subsidizes their employees' lack of affordable coverage---then that's where the sacrifices need to be made. Not by working families!      Healthy citizens are productive citizens!Healthy students can concentrate on their studies. When there is peace of mind, not panic, when a loved one becomes ill, everybody benefits.    I was on strike (over health care) for 141 days in '03, and one of the things I heard daily as people crossed my picket line was, ""I pay for my health care!"" Well, so did we---by the hour. The cost of our health care was borne by the employer, in lieu of a higher wage. Having to pay out-of-pocket, with higher deductibles and fees, was the same as taking a huge pay cut for us.     No one in this country should become ill worrying about how they are going to pay for a broken arm or an appendectomy. We need to take our health care dollars and use them more wisely, so that all Americans will be covered."	"Starting in pre-school, children should be provided with the tools to get healthy and stay healthy. Preventive measures, such as immunizations and regular check-ups, along with sound nutritional advice, should be as much a part of the curriculum as math and language.    Americans should have to spend more time on staying healthy, and less time fixing the damage our lifestyles inflict on our bodies."	female	45 to 64	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/22/06 1:56 AM
8532	Lack of afforability and therefore the large number of uninsured who are a burden on everyone.  ER's in large population areas are flooded with visits by the uninsured as ER's by law cannot turn them away.   	Employers should be required to offer some minimal health care plan to employees that is affordable. This includes the Federal Govt as an employer!  Everyone should make a contribution including the consumer. 	This is probably the biggest problem Americans want it all and affordable and high quality at the current costs are not possible for all.   	"Affordable and high quality might not be able to come together....There will always be those who have and those who do not. The main goal should be to make sure that those who do not have, at least have the minimum and that they are not a burden on the rest. In the end health insurance is really no different than any other insurance and the cost of the premiums should reflect the risks. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/22/06 4:06 AM
8534	"The cost of insurance for individuals who do not have access to a group policy through an employer.    That Wal-Mart, the nation's largest retailer, does not provide insurance to their employees that all their employees can afford. Why do taxpayers have to pay the medical costs for a company that makes millions of dollars?"	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/22/06 4:33 AM
8548	Health Coverage should not be in the realm of For-Profit Public or Private Corporations whose responsibility is to earn profits for their shareholders.	Health Care should be available and affordable to all US Citizens and wealthier individuals should share more of the burden by paying higher taxes.	"Highly expensive, end of life care should be reconsidered and substitute hospice care."	"The wealthy class (not middle or lower classes)should shoulder more of the costs of national health care, which all 1st world countries should provide to maintain the health of its citizens."	female	45 to 64	No	White	NULL	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	2/22/06 10:33 AM
8549	"Too many uninsured people (40 million).    Rising costs, especially for lower income senior citizens."	"I think all should pay.    Find a way for small size employers to group together for insurance buying power.    Make people more responsible for their health- maybe make them pay more if they smoke, for example."	"Higher income seniors should pay more toward Medicare.    Some benefits could be cut, probably"	"Put more money into preventive care and we will then spend less on illness care.  Also, put more money into lower levels of institutional care such as Assisted Living so people won't have to go to expensive nursing homes.    "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	2/22/06 10:40 AM
8554	two things:  Cost  and right to access alternative options (such as midwifery)	"Yes, possibly more of a system of offering hospital services pro-rated by income level, supported by government funding AND insurance companies."	"By making the ebefits pro-rated insteadof only available to those who can afford high priced insurance or those poor enough to qualify for medicaid, we can better cover those who need it most: the middle class."	"giving more freedoms for people to be resposible for their own healthcare decisions, for example removing restrictions on midwifery in many states."	female	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NE	2/22/06 12:15 PM
8574	The spiraling costs. More and more people are going to be left out.	"1. Cap jury awards for malpractice.  2. Create a single payer health insurance for the American people. Put the entire population on the same plan.  Elimnate duplication of government health care plans, (medi-caid, medi-care, etc.).  "	"The only trade off I think will be necessary is the elimination of multi-million dollar malpractice awards, which drive up the cost of health care.  If Universal Health Care is implemented properly no trade offs will be necessary."	"For people to get involved, Americans should have the security of universal health care, just like citizens of every other industrialized country."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	2/22/06 3:16 PM
8582	That so many people are uninsured &  That medical care is virtually unaffordable for millions of families.	"Employers and citizens should pay into a national healthcare plan which the fed distributes to the public.  Those who are independently wealthy (i.e. make more than 300,000 to 500,000) should pay most of their own expenses.  Everyone else should pay copays, according to their means on services to make sure they are medically necessary.  "	"tax increases, stop spending money on a war that was ridiculous in order to divert funds to help the working class and working poor - middle classes can be financially drained by medical bills as well.  Let's start caring."	"That Bush and his wealthy friends need to think about people who make under 100,000, under 50,000 and under 20,000 - Just think for a bit about how it might be difficult to set aside money when your car is broken down and your cupboards are empty for a week out of the month - or how cancer treatments can bankrupt a middle class family within months."	female	25 to 44	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	2/22/06 4:28 PM
8589	The rising costs to consumers and the paradigm shift of looking at expanding the number of persons with coverage by decreasing the number of benefits and in particular shifting away from preventitive medicine.	"The system that is in place can work, but it needs an overhaul.  It needs a systematic and comprehensive review followed by full implementation of new strategies that will lead to the current system becoming efficient and effective."	"I think a small tax increase would be accepted, as long as it wasn't regressive in nature.  Also, things like credits and deductions would be less contentious to the general public."	Everyone deserves access to high quality care.  Figuring out how to make it happen is a difficult and daunting task.  Take the time to do it right!	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/22/06 5:05 PM
8601	"Need to make preventative care a priority.  Close the gap between Medicaid and Medicare, so that those whose SSDI payment is below poverty guidelines yet too high for Medicaid eligibility have no insurance.  Expand Medicaid waiver program (HCBS) to include more patients.  More funding for CHP+ program.  Educate medicaid patients about the HIBI program-many HHS employees don't know it exists and Medicaid would pay private health insurance premiums instead of being a primary coverage."	"2.Educate individuals and employees about both their rights (ie extension of COBRA with disability being awarded by SSA), as well as their responsibility for obtaining and maintaining health insurance and what resources are available to assist them.  We have no formalized way to educate our high schoolers about  these basic issues.  Well-educated people, including physicans and insurance attorneys are ill-informed about basics on insurance and thus make poor choices.    A single payor system makes better sense than what we have.    "	Pork-barrell projects; decrease subsidies and defense spending;	"Basic health care for everyone-immunizations, basic screening/prevention and care on sliding scale basis.  High end items, ie transplants,etc. need closer scrutiny of high dollar procedures, at  both ends of the lifespan."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/22/06 6:41 PM
8604	The lack of options for women and their families birthing their babies.  The lack of education surrounding the event.  Women are not being provided all their options.  They are being convinced that their bodies are made to malfunction and not to trust their ability to birth without intervention.	"A medical degree does not autmotacially mean your ticket to the country club, fancy cars and the high life.  Put a cap on their earnings."	Provide patients seeking treatment access to all their options for care rather than the ones that are traditionally offered.  Maternity care should be returned to midwives and only high risk cases should be turned over to ob/gynaes.  The c section rate is alarming.  dr. should not be allowed to perform them for personal choices.  They are dangerous and harmful to babies.	Focus on the cause and stop treating the symptom	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MT	2/22/06 7:38 PM
8612	Total costs and the impact on business global competitiveness of health costs.  Second is the cost and number of prescriptions.  Too many are to treat the side effects of other medicines.	"I paid over $12,000 in expenses (not including legal fees) to collect $12,500 in medical expenses because two insurers were arguing about who was responsible.  Everyone wants to avoid paying.  It would be vastly cheaper to adopt any of the European systems.  I would even accept the military health care system I suffered though as a military dependent."	"Since I am about ready to give up on health care and just take my chances with nature, I am ready to make lots of trade offs. I would even like to see the most expensive medicines in a class lose their FDA approval."	"Regulate the price of prescription drugs and don't approve me to drugs at all unless their complete costs, including side effects treated, are cheaper.  Require Ph.D. Pharmacists to review all prescriptions for all patients taking more than 7 or 8 prescriptions."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/22/06 9:11 PM
8613	"I am a senior citizen. I have Breast Cancer & have to take 2 prescriptions for this that costs OVER 350.00 PLUS A BUNCH OF OTHER MEDICATION, but if I wasn't a senior on Medicare I could get these 2 Prescription free as it is with the new Presc. Drug part D I have to pay a big part of my S.S check for my drugs. I think this New Drug deal is terrible & hope you can help all of us old people their are a lot of us out here.  "	NULL	NULL	Change the Prescription Drug coverage. I have Medicare & AARP Supplementary Ins. I have no complaints with either	female	Over 64	No	White	Some high school	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/22/06 9:12 PM
8617	"What concerns me most are the following items: First, that there are so many Americans who cannot afford any type of health care, therefore many common, treatable, non-fatal medical conditions become major crises. These crises often incur expensive treatment, and in some cases, are fatal.      The second major concern I have is regarding persons with disabilities.  While the state Medicaid systems that I am familiar with are fairly good, there are many providers who refuse to accept payment from Medicaid.  In some cases, needed treatment is covered under Medicaid, but there are no providers available.  The Federal Medicaid system under Social Security is actually fairly good - if you can get it.  There are endless hoops to jump through, and many different types of aid that you can receive.  Once a person is accepted, however, there are then endless ways a person can lose those benefits - especially if a person is trying to get back into the workforce in some way.  The harder a disabled person tries to be a contributing member of society, the harder it is for them to get continued help with their disability.  "	"While I agree that we are all responsible for contributing to our own health care (except for fully disabled persons,) I do not have the education or experience to give any viable suggestion.  "	I believe that many Americans would be willing to help with financial costs of medical care if it improved quality if care and provided healthcare for everyone.	How about actually providing it?	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/22/06 9:30 PM
8624	Not having health insurance and being in my 40's. I am self-employed health care practitioner and can't afford health insurance premiums.	I am a supporter of National Health. I would not mind paying more taxes in order to have health insurance coverage.	I would be willing to have to wait for non-emergent care and/or surgery. 	"In addition to allopathic care, I believe the government needs to strongly support alternative routes of healthcare including: non-nurse midwifery (like most of the world), accupuncture, chiropractic, etc. All of these compliment allopathic care and can often prevent illness."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/22/06 10:54 PM
8626	"Insurance companies are driving health care, rather than people's needs driving health care.  Self-employed people like me will soon join the ranks of the uninsured because we simply cannot afford the premiums -- even high deductible premiums.  HSAs and high-deductible plans are a smoke screen.  To suggest that they solve ANY problems with our health care system is very far from true."	Yes of course:  It's clear that we need to get rid of insurance companies and go to a single-payer system.  Anyone who thinks that's not the answer is either uninformed or connected to the medical-corporate comples.	That is absolutely not the question.  People need access to affordablequality care with an emphasis on PREVENTIVE CARE.  Universal access is the only way to keep costs down.  Trade-offs?  Get rid of the insurance companies so we can BEGIN to control costs and have high quality care AT THE SAME TIME.	See above.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	3/2/06 12:30 AM
8631	"The fact that not all Americans are receiving the comprehensivity or quality of medical care that all citizens of our advanced, wealthy country should be receiving! "	The United States should join the 21st century and adopt a government-run single-payer health care system modeled on the 'best practices' of the other industrial nations that have such systems already! 	A national health system should be supported by the same range and types of taxes and fees that support the national health systems of the other industrial democracies. 	"A Comprehensive Pre-Medicare Physical Examination should be offered by the Medicare program to ALL U.S. citizens, and residents, medically insured and not insured, after they turn age 40, during their fifth decade of life, or perhaps at any point during the long period of ages 40 to 55.     This physical examination -- to be defined by medical experts and customized to individuals based on their age, personal and family health history, demographics, and any other medically-pertinent criteria -- would include appropriate scans, blood tests, colonoscopies, mammograms and pap smears, etc., and could be performed by community health centers, HMOs, Veterans Administration hospitals, and other qualified healthcare providers, in accordance with Medicare-prescribed parameters and paid for by the Medicare program.     The value of this 25-to-15-years-before-Medicare physical examination would accrue both to the participating individuals and to the Medicare program and U.S. taxpayers:  Finding and diagnosing developing health conditions and chronic diseases at an earlier stage can only benefit individuals who, as a result, will be able to address health problems at an earlier stage of development; and can only save money for the Medicare system, many of whose new patients will, up to 25 years earlier, already have started managing health challenges that in the exam's absence might only later (sometimes not until age 65) have come to light.     The proposed pre-Medicare physical exam for U.S. citizens might be available at any point during a range of age-years, say during ages 40 to 55; or 'redeemable' by individuals of any age between 21 and 65 when they experience troubling symptoms, or if they work in occupations that are hazardous for certain diseases.     A Pre-Medicare Physical Exam at ages 40 to 45 perhaps would detect fewer conditions but at an earlier and more remediable stage of development, and at a point in life that allows individuals an earlier and more productive opportunity (and a stronger spur) to alter health-threatening lifestyles.  A Pre-Medicare Physical Exam at ages 50 to 55, on the other hand, will likely find conditions that would not have surfaced in an exam conducted during the 40s.     A Pre-Medicare Exam that is 'redeemable' over a range of years would give procrastinators and individuals worried about hearing bad news a longer time during which to resolve to schedule the exam.      (I wish that I had received such a comprehensive physical examination a decade ago, when I was still in my 40s.  I have in the last three years developed a severe case of osteoarthritis and a degenerative spine disease, and other conditions; perhaps an earlier diagnosis of this developing condition would have permitted an earlier medical response that would have me today in much better shape than I am.)      Former Rep. Newt Gingrich in an address carried on C-SPAN in November 2004 advocated a 'Welcome To Medicare' physical exam for 65-year-olds.  I think my own proposal, which pre-dates Gingrich's, is a superior idea that would return great benefits to U.S. citizens and society.    ________________________________________    I have been developing the Pre-Medicare Physical Exam proposal with the office of my U.S. Representative, Brad Sherman.     After researching this idea (an effort which continues), Rep. Sherman appears to believe that positive health outcomes for individuals is a stronger argument for the Pre-Medicare Physical Exam than government health care cost savings, if one has to be the better motivation.  In addition, Rep. Sherman thinks this program ""would help alleviate the racial and economic disparities in comprehensive healthcare (in the U.S.).""    The genesis of my Pre-Medicare Physical Exam for U.S. Citizens and Residents proposal dates from a December 3rd, 2002 news item, to the effect that American black men suffer from a more aggressive and more often fatal form of prostate cancer -- and that more of the men "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/23/06 12:41 AM
8639	"The rising costs, lack of government control, the amount of Americans without health care and those who would try to foist all cost and responsibility on the individual while trying to maximize profits for the industry. "	"Yes, universal healthcare. The United States needs to have a system of controlled medical care not based upon 'free market' principles that have proven to drive costs up. We need to make sure that medicine is controlled through a government plan such as Social Security. Social Security operates to protect the condition of humanity in a low cost/high efficiency way. "	Most of the American public is willing to make sure that all Americans have access to medicines even if it means higher taxes. 	See response from question 2. 	male	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	2/23/06 8:15 AM
8648	Costs  Poor quality of care for basic services  Not everyone is covered	"Employers should not be responsible for health care coverage. It's draining their resources and making them inefficient in the global marketplace. WE NEED NATIONAL HEALTH CARE to at least cover basic, essential needs of all people."	"I think the public is willing to sacrifice expensive treatments/services for basic services for all.  If some rich person wants plastic surgery, or some 80 yr old wants a hip replacement, then they will have to pay for those services themselves.  It is not a good use of national resources."	"Create a basic national health care service for all americans, that should replace employer-based health coverage."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	2/23/06 11:45 AM
8658	Rising costs of services	"Somehow make it more personal.  People don't seem to understand that OPM (Other People's Money) such as insurance, Medicare, etc. REALLY COSTS ALL OF US. Eliminate waste."	NULL	"I think you need to take a good look at faith-based organizations such as Samaritan's Ministries, in which people of like values come together to support one another with health care needs.  IT WORKS!  Better to pay our money to actual people that have the need than to insurance companies (high overhead) or government (higher overhead!)"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/23/06 1:49 PM
8663	That so many Americans do not have access to health care.	All employers and individuals should be contributing to insure all American citizens have health care. 	"I believe every American should have access to affordable, high quality health care. Obviously all Americans will need to share in paying for this."	Make it available to all Americans.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/23/06 3:03 PM
8665	Inadequate prenatal care. All pregnant women should have full access to prenatal care from a doctor or midwife (CPM or CNM)for in or out of hospital care. This is important for the health of both women and children.	A single payer (government) healthcare system would be more fair and more cost effective.	We need to pay higher taxes to fund universal healthcare. In the long run it would be more cost effective.	A single payer universal health care system.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	2/23/06 3:23 PM
8685	"As a victim of a terminal lung disease caused by smoking, I am puzzled by the fact that funding for programs designated to help people suffering from such debilitating diseases is being used for other pet programs of legislators and governors. The money is available, but it is not being used for the purposes originally intended.  I was told  diseases caused by smoking is not one of the more  ""popular diseases right now""!  What does this Mean?  Death due to smoking; in all it's various forms, is killing almost 450,000 people a year in this country and yet it is not ""popular""?  We have an epidemic here and no one cares! "	"Leave the Tobacco Awards Monies alone.  Quit using those monies to fund all your pet projects and use it to help those who are draining the health care system with all the smoking-induced illnesses.  Use it to fund intense education and effective cessation programs on smoking.  Use the funds to provide 'scholarship type programs' for those victims unable to afford rehab.  A good effective rehab program can help improve a lung victims overall health for quite a long time, therby reducing their need for more intensive medical needs.  Also, allow Americans to purchase their medications from outside the country if they can save some money.  We need to do something about the exhorbitantly high drug prices."	"I, personally do not believe we should depend on the government to take care of all our ills.  However, we paid into certain government programs to help defray the cost of our ills.  It would be wonderful if something could be done to educate the public about not over-using those programs."	Tackle the one of the major sources of many illnesses people suffer from today -- smoking and 2nd-hand smoke!  Educate - Legislate - Irradicate.	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/23/06 4:21 PM
8688	"THe lack of availability and the lack of choice of providners, are two things which concern me about health care in America."	"I believe that their should be a shared system, paid for by govt and consumer."	I'm not sure.	"I believe that midwives should be covered under any new health plan for Americans.  America has some of the worst infant and maternal mortality rates in the developed world. T he countries with the highest all use midwives.  WHen I wanted to use a midwife, my insurance refused to pay, despite all the studies which proved its safety. "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/23/06 5:09 PM
8689	"I'm concerned over how expensive it is for corporations, let alone individuals. I'm concerned on how expensive drugs are, that they are not made cheaper, like in Europe or Canada. Why do individuals suffer the expenses, just because they work/don't work/self employed, etc? The same drug costs me $30 because I work for a large firm, but costs my friend $300 because they run their our company. I also am concerned that alternative medicine isn't covered by insurance. Modern medicine is fine for certain ailments, but some things are better solved in a more non-traditional manner - like Chiropractors, Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture, herbs... are herbs not the root of most drugs anyhow? Yet they are not covered under health plans. "	"I think drugs companies should be more regulated, so what we end up paying for is lower cost. I believe a set $$ to the people would be more fair - and it should be made available to all citizens, like Canada. Not $15 a month b/c I work for a HUGE company, but $200 a month because I'm a real estate broker. That just doesn't make sense. Gov't & Co. should pay for all month bills, and individuals pay for the Dr visit and drugs needed. "	None.	Lower costs for Americans and open up the programs to include alternative medicine.	female	25 to 44	Yes	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/23/06 5:30 PM
8692	The high costs and the inequities of who receives health care.	I think this country should move to a national health care program and eliminate so many levels of bureaucracy.	"I would like to see a national health care program that emphasizes prevention of health problems through education and access to medical care.  I do not think we need to have a national program that promises that every conceivable medical step will be taken and paid for by the taxpayer.  If you want that, you'll have to be able to purchase private insurance."	an emphasis on good nutrition and exercise instead of on the gluttony prevalent in our culture	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/23/06 5:56 PM
8695	"We have a system that does not invest enough in preventative care.  We have a system that rewards doctors for doing invasive and unnecessary procedures (for example, why is the C-section rate 30%?), rather than spending time the time to provide quality care. We have a system that's in the pocket of the pharmaceutical industry.  And we have a system where a large number of people are bankrupted by illness or injury that occurs while they are uninsured.  Hospital ERs are overburdened by servings as primary care facilities for the working poor.  "	"Let's have a single-payer system, like that which works in every other industrialized nation on the planet."	"I think that Americans, if given all the facts, would prefer to pay more in taxes and have a single payer system that is more efficient and geared toward sensible, responsible services."	National Health Care Insurance!	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/23/06 6:20 PM
8698	The extent to which drug and insurance corporations control our health care and drain off funds. 	"Yes, health care should be financed by small co-pays and progressive taxation."	It doesn't look hopeful.	Educate the public about the successful health care systems in civilized countries.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/23/06 7:04 PM
8701	The fact that not all Americans have access to health care.	I think we should have a comprehensive system of single-payer health care provided by the government and paid for through taxes on both individuals and corporations.	I think we could limit payment for radical beginning of life and end of life medical intervention as well as very expensive interventions that extend life only for a short time.	We need a single-payer health care system that includes more emphasis on preventive medical care.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/23/06 7:57 PM
8704	"There is no single ""evil empire"" driving up costs. There are so many variables driving health care inflation that applying market pressure in only one direction ie. Conumers with an HSA, will have absolutly no effect on it. In fact ""consumer driven health care"" will only compound the problems of an already fragmented system. The only way to fix this system is to universalize it and create equal access for everyone."	The only way to fix this system is to move to a single payer model. Insulate its budget from congresional gerrymandering and create a governing board that is accountable to the people.	I beleive the public is willing to see an increase in Taxes if we see stability in the system and don't have to worry about ever increasing insurance premiums. 	That EVERY American has the same health coverage as members of Congress!	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/23/06 8:28 PM
8710	The fact that millions of Americans are without any type of health care while in other developed nations health care is much more accessible.	Much more involvement by employers to look out for their employees as well as much more governmental involvement.	I think if an effective program was introduced to subsidize health care for those in need American's would be more than willing to support it.	Make health care more accessible for those currently without it or struggling to afford it.	male	Under 25	No Response	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	2/24/06 1:31 AM
8715	"My concerns are the rising cost, the rising number of uninsured and underinsured indivuals in the United States.  The inability of our nation to create a Federal plan to give a basic health care plan to every individual in this country.  Don't we pay when the uninsured just walk in our emergency rooms?"	"Yes, I believe the Federal govt should take the lead in health reform and revamp how we deliver healthcare to Americans."	I believe I am willing to make the trade-offs with higher cost in the short run to allow all individuals the right to decent health care.  We pay the cost for the uninsured and the underinscured any ways.  The effects ripple through the soul of our nation.  	A Federal commitment to provide decent heath care to all in the Public good.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	2/24/06 9:33 AM
8722	I am concerned that many people live without insurance and therefore do not get medical attention that they need or are charged more than a person with insurance if they do go to the hospital.	"I think Americans need to get away from suing doctors and hospitals for human error thus reducing Malpractice insurance which woudl help lower costs and then start using funding for health care that is used for destruction (weapons, war, etc.)."	Paying higher taxes so that all are covered.  Longer waiting times.  	That we realize that many of the expensive treatments that are given to people to prolong life  often do not mean that person has quality of life and that instead perhaps using that money to help the most people would be better.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/24/06 1:05 PM
8729	There needs to be a national health care plan for all citizens.  The insurance industry has more power than citizens and stops this from happening.  	Many.  We need a single-payor national health care system.  Give Europe a call and get some information.  It works.	"Less war.  Less tax incentives for already rich corporations.  They do not pass them on.  Prove that they do, please...stop the insane trickle-down-theory. National health care plan for all citizens."	"Start with the assumption that a wealthy nation like the US can provide all its citizens with preventive, emergency and quality of life health care.  Get over the 60 year-old obsolete fear of socialism."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/24/06 1:27 PM
8730	"The costs are too high and so many people can't afford high quality preventive care.  I'm also concerned about Medicaid recipients not being held accountable for their costs -- e.g. taking a child to the hospital emergency room for diaper rash! It's the people in the middle who really concern me, those who don't qualify for Medicaid, yet have no insurance and can't afford quality health care. And people with catastrophic illness or injury should not be forced into bankruptcy."	"I think employers should be encouraged to offer quality insurance with tax incentives.  Citizens should be encouraged to make the most of health care dollars by sharing some of the costs -- with tax incentives, as well. Government should fill in the gaps."	I would be willing to pay more in taxes for a system that assured everyone got high quality care -- as long as there were safeguards in place to hold everyone accountable by sharing some of the cost -- encouraging wise choices in how their health dollars are spent.	"Making everyone share in the costs -- through taxes, sharing the price of premiums, deductibles and co-pays to encourage people to be more careful in the way they spend health care dollars."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	2/24/06 1:42 PM
8734	"As a Public Health nurse, I see many young families in which both parents work, and their income is too high for the current Medicaid/CHP coverage, but they do not have enough income to pay insurance premiums."	"There is about a 5% administration overhead for Medicare.  While there are some things that could be better, it is proven to give persons 65 and older adequate coverage.  The adm. rate for HMO's and private insurance companies is much, much higher. There should be a consideration of general population coverage in the same manner."	"If the taxes are raised, but no insurance premiums are collected, the cost would probably not raise.  The adm. costs could be lowered enough to cover more persons with the same amount of funding."	Health care for all in a universal system.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/24/06 1:59 PM
8736	"Not having health insurance or not being able to afford it.  My daughter has IPF and seizures and she cannot afford the premiums any longer and was denied health care coverage by 2 other insurers.  So where do we go from here. She is a tax paying citizen and did not ask to be sick, had no bad habits.  Since she is my daughter, we both feel punished for no reason at all.  "	"Yes, affordable premiums, lower deductibles and out of pocket costs.  I believe there should be health care coverage for all Americans.  As you can see above, people either cannot afford it or are declined coverage with any serious pre-exisiting condition."	"Higher taxes, less government waste"	"Don't know the final answer, but they have been talking about it for years.  Medicaid will not work since you have to exhaust your resources to get Medicaid. This not only affects indigent people but people who lose jobs and have pre-exisitng conditions. They must start with a plan similar to Medicare and go from there."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	2/24/06 2:09 PM
8744	"The unconditional acceptance, absurd cost and relative ineffectiveness of pharmaceuticals. More people than ever are living healthier by avoiding the medical system except for trauma or crisis. Drugs cure nothing, and create multiple other health problems. Check the ""conservative"" statistics on IOTRAGENIC (physician induced) health costs and deaths!  What if the general public knew these numbers to be true? This, along with greed, is the TRUE reason for unaffordable health costs. Education and TRUTH are the key. "	"See above.  If insurance would pay for the safe, natural forms of care, ie. chiropractic, accupuncture, massage, true nutritional education, etc.  consumers wouldn't face near as many health crisis. This would keep care more affordable by decreasing overall expenses, allowing the system of payment to remain essentially the same."	"We don't need trade-offs, just TRUTH in educating the public about prevention and maintenance of their health.  The newest drug and the shiniest new machines are not the answer.  The real question here should be directed at the pharmaceutical and medical INDUSTRIES.  They are the ones who must start telling (or maybe learning) the truth.  They will have to trade a little of their income (greed) for the good of our country."	"LEARN AND PUBLICALLY ANNOUNCE THE TRUTH ABOUT HEALTH. Wellness education and promotion, teach Americans how to be responsible for their own health and what to do to strengthen themselves, then help them to have access and affordability to those options.  Don't put so much energy into figuring out how to pay for more of the pathetic results we are experiencing now. "	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/24/06 3:42 PM
8748	"unavailability for some at reasonable rates, lack of universal health care, and obvious greed. we DO NOT have the best health care in the world or the best living standards in spite of being the richest country. why not! does cruise missiles and 250 million $ a year ceo's, suv's and other insane excesses resonate?"	"look at canada, costa rica(whom the u.n. says is the model of health care delivery for the world)and europe."	"the average american is deluded and ignorant and thats the way the power mongers like it.hey lets privatize the system, i need another mercedes (foreign car!). the players will always keep on to the point of excess (it's in their nature)."	"see first box, UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE,DUH.let the wealthy have privatized health care as an adjunct if they want special treatment.i'm taking what money i've made here and moving to costa rica because of, and only because of, health care issues. kaiser won't let me sign up without employee sponsoring even tho, or because they know my medical issues, i've been a union sponsored for my entire life. also, let those of us who are federal employee survivors sign up for federal sponsored coverage. i rejected my option at the time my wife died because i was covered thru the union, not realizing that i may become physically unable to work later. as a home-owner i'm uneligible for any assistance and too poor to pay for benefits that don't cover what is needed."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/24/06 4:35 PM
8749	"The monopoly of the AMA and FDA. The average Medical service and Drugs do not address the causes of disease, and do not keep people healthy. They supress symptoms so that they can make more money. WE need preventive medicine. It is hundreds of times less expensive than treating a condition that is fully developed. The American public needs access to alternative medical practices....not just the one a few have a monopoly on so they may make more money! "	"Too many ways to collect for medical care. Too easy for fraud, double billing, and confusion.  There should be a clearing house for payments to all doctors, hospitals, etc. Several consumer groups should be involved as a check and balance system. We cannot trust the Insurance industry in place now, they only abuse the system we have now.  "	"The American public needs to take responsibility for their own health. WE need to pay more attention to diet and lifestyle. I feel we are ready to let go of the parent-child relationship that currently exists between doctors and patients. Instead of focusing on diagnosis and treatment of disease, we are ready to focus on supplying the missing factors of health."	"Deregulate the AMA and FDA, competition between many kinds of practitioners will help keep prices low. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/24/06 4:41 PM
8750	Not everyone has access and people are incurring insurmountable medical debt.	It should be streamlined to a more efficient single-payer system.  There are too many holes in the current system so not everyone gets the care they need.	"Pay more taxes to cover everyone.  Also, the government should make some sort of qualitative assessment of new drugs and technologies to control costs where effectiveness is not increased."	"Universal coverage.  We are facing a meltdown of our provider system, a public health crisis, and people are dying due to lack of coverage.  A relative of mine who was uninsured recently died of cancer - she did not seek treatment until she was in unbearable pain and by then it was too late to do anything.  This is by no means a unique situation, but it had deadly consequences for her and devastating ones for my family."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/24/06 4:52 PM
8756	"That everyone does not have access to health coverage, and that we waste so much money on health care that doesn't work."	We have to find ways to encourage people to choose effective care and coverage.	"I think people are willing to be asked to pay more for what they want beyond basic, effective care.  For example, if they want complete freedome of choice of provider, they are willing to pay more."	I read the quality chasm report by IOM.  Follow its ten rules for redesign.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/24/06 6:17 PM
8783	"The lack of primary care for people without insurance, leading to overuse of emergency services, and the increased costs and cost shifting that occurs."	"I think there should be a basic package for everyone, paid for through taxes instead of Medicare/Medicaid, covering a selected set of services (annual well-visit, 5 sick visits, annual dental visit, 1 eye visit every 3 years, 1 CBC per year, copays for specialists, $50 Xray, $100 CT, $150 MRI, Rx covered: antibiotics, insulin, cheap generics).   I also think that there should be tax incentives for those who don't smoke (as evidenced by cotinine tests), have a healthy diet, and exercise (as evidenced through an itemized yearly report from grocery reciepts and gym club dues).  For those with employment, I think that the employers should be given tax incentives to ""match"" an individual employees contribution/premium for additional services beyond the basics (more OT, PT, Chiro, ALt. Med, prescriptions).  And for those who can afford to get further services, I think supplemental private insurance programs should be available.  "	"Many economic studies have shown various ways that the system could provide coverage for all without costing more than we currently pay in Medicare/Medicaid in addition to insurance premiums.  I think the majority of people are underinsured and if they voted, could win.   Of this population, most I'd imagine, would rather have adequate care, particularly primary care, even if it means waiting in lines and not choosing a doctor.  I think there should be supplemental insurance for those who can afford it, in order to provide incentives for physicians, insurance companies, and still allow those people to feel superior so they don't whine about not getting elective procedures covered. "	"Use the Medicare/Medicaid funds to provide basic care for all, then the 'gap filling' program funds could go to specialty care for disease management."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/25/06 3:12 PM
8789	"People need insurance to get healthcare. We should have Universal Health Insurance for all American citizens similar to that iutlined in H.R. 676, Comprehensive Health Insurance for all."	Healthcare should be given to all citizens by government financed through our taxes.	Patients need to see more physicians assistants and nurse practitioners for minor routine ailments.  Physicians need to give less drugs when diet or other lifestyle changes could work.  Doctors need to stop giving patients antibiotics without checking that a patient actually has a bacterial infection.  They need to do antibiotic sensitivity test to determine the effective antibiotic.  	"Institute Universal healthcare administered by one entity the government, cutting down on people having 2 insurances,and paid for by our taxes."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/25/06 4:06 PM
8793	"The lack of basic health insurance for all people, especially when it's because of its high cost relative to income or inavailability through an employer because of part-time employment or other employer-imposed ineligibility."	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/25/06 5:23 PM
8795	Limited access to health care and insurance.  The price of health care and insurance.	I believe that their should be universal health care.  Those that cannot pay individually should have coverage.  The current system is not covering everybody.	I would prefer that the money I pay for insurance go to taxes that would promote health care for every body and not just me and my family.  	Universal Health care coverage.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/25/06 6:40 PM
8798	"Health care in all the countries I'm familiar with is offered by the government.  Insurance companies do nothing to help, and an immense amount to hurt, Americans' ability to get affordable care.  That people like my married-couple housecleaners, who are working at low wages and cannot begin to afford health insurance, have to spend hours that they don't have in trying to find free or low-cost dental care and mental health counseling is shameful.  That when a member of their family is sick, they have to visit a hospital emergency room is costly to the system and inefficient for all concerned.  That people who are unemployed have no health coverage, although they are likely to need it more than employed people is shameful. Health care should not be linked to employment; to do so is to be punishing and foolish."	"A single-payer system like the ones proposed in Congress by Reps. Conyers and McDermott would enable all Americans and legal residents of the U.S. to receive health care.  The money saved from insurance paperwork and buying medicines in bulk, along with modest tax increases on the high-income earners would be adequate to provide high-quality health care for everyone.  "	"                                            I'm an individual American and as such am not qualified to speak for the willingness of ""the American public"" to do anything.            "	Create a single-payer national health insurance program to cover every American and legal resident of America.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/25/06 7:02 PM
8816	"We should have universal health care   single payer.  Private health insurance needs to be taken over by the government to make it available to all.  I am getting less and less benefits and paying more and more.  ""For profit""(LOTS of profit)corporate health care companies are WAY too powerful in this country.  These days the only people who can afford private insurance are the wealthy.  Drug and insurance companies are WAY to powerful.  We should be allowed to buy drugs from Canada if they are cheaper there.  This ""free market"" health care and drug system is for the birds!!  We are the ONLY industrialized country WITHOUT universal health care!!"	Yes...adopt the single payer system of universal health care.	"I think we can certainly afford to implement a universal healthcare system IF the government...Bush Administration...will STOP throwing our tax money OUT the window to be caught by Halliburton and Big Oil, Big Pharma, and the Insurance industries among other corporate cronies who pay little or no taxes themselves.   Fix THIS and we will have enough to care for the citizens of this country in the   areas of health care, education, a REAL military, election reform, and decent wages.   Don't need too many trade offs if we can just STOP this INSANITY and bring all the outsourced jobs back from overseas."	See above!!	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	2/25/06 10:23 PM
8823	Government involvement bringing about higher costs due to increased regulations.	"The government should cease requiring insurance companies to cover X, Y, Z and instead let the free market come up with a wide array of plans including plans that are inexpensive and cover only catastrophic emergencies to more expensive plans that cover everything (doctor's visits, prescription drugs, etc.)."	"Government involvement will do nothing to increase quality or decrease costs. We currently use a Health Savings Account because it is the most cost-effective way for us to pay for our own health care needs. If there were to be a national health care system, we'd be forced to pay for that whether or not we think it's a good value for our money. This is wrong. This is not the role of government."	Keep the government out of it. Let people be responsible for theirselves. Let private charities care for the poor as they did in times prior to government programs.	female	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	2/25/06 10:56 PM
8836	"I am concerned that health care has become a profit-making enterprise.  This has corrupted the system in my opinion. Health care is a value, not a commodity.  People are a value, not a commodity. We should value health care workers, not promote the profits of insurance companies and shareholders."	"I would like to see a shift in the power bases of health care.  Insurance companies and business types should have less power.  Non-profit, charitable enterprises as well as multi-disciplinary healthcare worker groups and private citizens should have more power.  If health care was not a profit-making business enterprise, costs would go down for all those making payments under the current system."	"I would be willing to pay for more of the primary care costs or pay higher deductibles if it would result in a more public, less private (meaning insurance companies) health care system."	Stop making it a profit-making enterprise.  Return to viewing health as a value and health care and health care workers as charitable and beneficent.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	2/26/06 12:13 PM
8840	Access to basic healthcare and the gross maldistribution of resources.  We have massive expenditures in this country for healthcare of questionable value while many millions of Americans lack access to very basic and proven effective health care.  Also there is the horribly unfair redistribution of resources from poor working people paying medicare taxes and yet not having health insurance for themselves while at least part of those taxes go to paying for Medicare for a large group of very well-to-do Medicare recipients.  That situation is intolerable and must be corrected!	"I think the basic system of employer provided health insurance is seriously flawed and leads to the problem of loss of insurance with loss of job.  I would favor a tax payer financed, single payer system which included co-pays similar to Canada.  Alternatively, individual purchased insurance that was available and guaranteed to everyone and could be purchased utilizing tax credits is much more rational than what we have now."	"Many are willing to make tradeoffs but what that percentage is is open to question.  I'm not sure it's a majority.  Tradeoffs that people are already dealing with in many communities include: increased out of pocket expenses, standing in line to get to a specialist, and dealing with formularies which strive to limit pharmaceutical expenditures."	"I think it is time to create a federally financed system of health insurance which uses evidenced based research to identify essential basic health care that is available to all Americans.  I would build in incentives for people to stay take care of themselves such as major taxes on cigarettes and alcohol.  I would also create incentives which rewarded providers for effectiveness and efficiency in their work.  I also think that additional health care not covered can be continued but would require private, individual financing.  For example, everyone would have access to antibiotics for pneumonia, surgery for appendicitis and breast cancer, anti-depressants for depression, pain medicine for pain, and orthopedic care for injuries.  However, antibiotics for colds, breast reconstruction surgery, and back fusion surgery would not necessarily be covered.  We have delayed fixing our severely broken system long enough.  It is time to take action."	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	2/26/06 2:27 PM
8860	Middle America cannot afford a system that represents 16% of GDP.   This drastically reduces savings and disposable income necessary to support other sectors of the economy.	"I like the concept of Health Savings Accounts if they are universal in scope and there is a minimum return of 5%.  The federal government should guarantee up to $15,000 per head of household offering the incentive that every participant would be free to invest or use any money over this amount for any purpose once the account has reached $15,000 dollars in value.  There should be a minimum monthly contribution based upon the ability to pay.  Businesses would be free to contribute to an employees account without the overhead or burden of ever increasig rates that now exist for insurance.  If a participant keeps $20,000 or more in the account, then minimum monthly payments into the account can be reduced.  Banks could participate in this program, only if they agreed to pay the 5% rate (doubtful).  Otherwise, an organization similar to the Federal Reserve could be established to oversee the operation of these funds.  This offers an opportunity to enhance savings and investment while encouraging preventive care.  The elderly who could maintain such an account would no longer be dependent on medicare, and individuals would maintain appropriate control of their decisions about health for them and their families."	"The American public is currently making huge trade-offs in healthcare availability and affordability.   The question is, how long are we going to give the health insurance providers and pharmaceutical companies this huge entitlement?"	"A three part system.  Universal HSAs (as mentioned above), an independent cooperative for catastrophic care where heads of households contribute $50 per month to a pool of money used explicitly for such care (independent of the federal budget), along with Medicare and Medicaid.  Since over 50% of the non-insured work, such a system would reduce the current burden in medicaid that is crippling state budgets.  Develop community clincs as an alternative to emergency rooms.  "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	2/26/06 9:09 PM
8863	My biggest concern about healthcare today is cost.  I think we should try to make the basic coverage more affordable so that low income families can be covered and can go to doctor visits so they do not later get the medical issues that can make bills higher.	"I think the government should take certain medical conditions into consideration when deciding how much money to give a certain individual in need.  Individuals should pay for their own, but government should pay more so low income people don't have to."	"I think increasing taxes would upset people.  I think it should be the individual who takes care of his/her own plan.  The government should help.  As for trade-offs, it should depend on the specific person, their type of plan, and what they can afford."	"Help low income families. Pay attention to certain cases based on income and medical conditions.  Some people may not be able to afford one type of plan, but may be able to for another.  Look at a specific person's needs."	female	Under 25	No	White	Some high school	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	2/26/06 10:05 PM
8874	"It has gotten too expensive. It is no wonder that so many prople are uninsured, they simply can't afford to be."	It should be a National Health Care System and financed by a federal tax on goods and services.	When people buy something they pay an additional tax on it to fund health insurance. Those on low incomes don't buy as much so it is fair to everyone.	"Stop the lobbying, pocket padding and game playing. New medicines are cost prohibative and it shouldn't be that way. "	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	2/26/06 11:43 PM
8881	"The monopoly by, and the tyranny of the medical profession.  Capitalism is a good economic system except for the human greed factor. US health care is a for-profit industry.  And how dare we fund health care in other countries with my money when my children and I go without! Makes me hate USA. "	"There has to be a way to eliminate the high profits of the medical industry.  We are a rich country.  Fix it any way you like to be sure that millions of our citizens are not disenfranchised, as is currently the situation, by going without care."	"We can afford it if the medical profession's monopoly on care is eliminated, if health insurers don't pay $30 million salaries to top execs, if doctors get out of the bed of pharmaceutical and medical eqipment manufacturers."	"Maternity care should be primarily delivered by midwives.  Four decades of research shows midwives to be the safest, most cost-effective providers for normal maternity cases.  Yet US insists on marginalizing midwives and using obstetricians, who are specialists, for all cases. That's the MOST expensive way and produces sub-par results."	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SC	2/27/06 8:46 AM
8897	The endless reports like this one resulting in no action. 	" Only a national referendum to allow the American people to mandate a single payor system can make a major difference.  Then we can deal with the problems of a single payor system which will be significant, but at least people will have a new set of problems to work on."	"None, because access to affordable, high quality health care is an oxymoron. Access is a matter of personal priority. High quality is a matter of oversite and enforced regulation.  The consquence of access is what needs to be addressed."	Quit believing that health care can be delivered on the same economic model as widgets.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	2/27/06 11:24 AM
8936	"Alas, the healthcare system is run by the pharmacutical, cancer and medical CARTELS. Their lobbiest can easily influence our politicians with so many incentives..legal and illegal! The working middle class employee doesn't stand a chance. He has been brain washed into thinking, that what health care he has now is wonderful. "	"To be honest with you, I'm very biased as I am a naturalised citizen from England. Prior to the huge influx of legal as well as illegal aliens from the West Indies and other Commonwealth countries, my birthplace could pride itself on its healthcare system. Unfortunately, this is not the case today. However, a little about my experiences within the British healthcare perimeters. When I was sick, I went to the doctors and sat and waited with all other consumers. When the Doctor saw me he perscribed medication, which was a very nominal co-pay prior to the 1980's. If he found a medical problem, I would be given a note for the community hospital. In America the overall process is the same, EXCEPT you are coldly asked for your insurance card, social security number, your list of assets including your house! In England, I waited three months for a late circumscision, 2 months for nose surgery and spent nearly three months in East Greenwich Merchant Navy hospital with a real back problem. No money changed hands. Nothing. No insurance company involved? They gave me a hefty jar of Codiene tablets and sent me on my way. Had a letter for my Doctor in London and that's it."	"With 47 million people without healthcare, I think the majority of the tax paying American public would welcome a Universal healthcare system with open arms. Currently, more so as access to it, becomes more of a major problem for the average family. "	"A national pool for all Americans, where everybody pays through their taxes. Englands example was that You paid a percentage in insurence stamps, while the other portion was paid by your employer. Of course I cannot vouch for the system today, as I have not been their since a family members demise. However, my sister still lives in the U.K. In that she is now 68 years old and had several surgery's, she has never admitted to me of any issues. Luckily here I have decent medical insurance for my wife and I. One thing that really makes me angry is the fact that foreign nationals, who break Americas laws to work here after crossing the border has access to medical care. While the majority of poor tax paying Americans cannot afford it?"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	2/27/06 9:21 PM
8941	"the chaos, waste, repetitive expenditures/ studies"	insurance companies should also contribute to costs of caring for the  massive numbers of   uninsured.    mandatory to have auto insurance to be on the road...should be mandatory to have at least catastrophic health insurance	higher deductibles... for smokers? for obese? for alcoholics? for drug abusers? for noncompliant pt?  don't know who would monitor all these vices that add astronomically to mediacal costs	"close  down tobacco industry by goverment mandate supported by AMA, ACP, CMS etc."	female	45 to 64	No	Black or African American	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/27/06 9:04 PM
8942	"i am a family physician...in practice for 20 years..problems and culprits are many...patients....until patients have some financial stake in the cost of care...prices will go up....i've had people come in to see me because they've had a cold/sore throat for 2 hours!!! and then they insist on a prescription for a cold....because otherwise it was a ""waste of their time""....i had a father request a mri on his 7 year-old's shoulder...a little league pitcher...instead of treating it with ice, rest and tincture of time.....i didn't order the mri....but i did feel pressured to send him to an orthopedist...who i'm sure did...until patients bear  some cost for futile care....we will continue to spend 60-70% of our  health care dollars on last 6 months of life....i see LASIK eye surgery keeps getting cheaper....while all else in health care gets more expensive.....why?....because people  will spend their own money with much greater reluctance than  the government's or  the insurance company's..everyone should be required to buy basic/catastrophic health care coverage....premiums can be deductible to encourage buyers....government subsidies for the poor....all plans should include coverage for important preventive measures.....paps, mammos,etc to encourage participation in those activities....but patients with unhealthy health habits should pay higher premiums(like bad drivers)...higher premiums in smokers/obese will help fund increased cost associated with those problems....next, doctors....unfortunately, many of my colleagues feel they are entitled to a certain level of income....and with medicare and all payors continually trying to pay physicians less....and undervaluing/underpaying TALKING and EXAMING patients...doctors find other ways to maintain/increase their income....as a physician friend of mine said....""medicine has become a racket""....so, when you pay  a doctor 50-$60 to talk and examine a patient.....or $150-$200 to order a chest xray....what is going to get done....so you see doctors buying/building specialty hospitals and imaging centers....because payors pay us to do tests or  procedures...and unfortunately, patients expect more and bigger tests...so, payors need to pay more for time WITH patients....and less for what you do TO patients.....and finally, malpractice is an issue!!! between the unreasonable expectations and demands of patients....""I know you'd order a mri if i was michael jordan""...a true quote....and the true fear and reality of lawsuits....unnecessary tests and treatments add billions to our nation's health care costs"	"requirement that all people have basic health insurance...tax deductible for most....subsidies for the poor....we already have ""tiers"" in health care....we need to admit and accept it as reality...those that can afford the rolls-royce policy should pay and get it...and if they pay for a ""rider"" that covers ""alternative""  or ""experimental"" care ...so be it....but we cannot pay for everything for everybody....and we need to face that painful fact"	none.....i think we want it all...and we want someone else to pay for it....and we have a lack of courageous leaders to discuss honestly what we need to do	lose weight/quit smoking	male	45 to 64	No Response	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	2/27/06 9:05 PM
8944	"The huge discrepancy in health care for too many citizens - ie. the ""working poor"", who can't afford to pay out of pocket for health insurance (and insurance not available to those without employer coverage)"	"There are too many discrepancies in how much people pay for how much coverage.  For instance, as an employer, I can no longer afford to pay for 100% coverage for all conditions, but medicaid patients are fully covered, and those without insurance pay the full actual billed costs for services, not the ""negotiated"" insurance rate."	"We have to finance a system that provides the same care to every citizen, whether working or on welfare.  We also need to deal with the spiralling malpractice premium issue, the exclusion of well-qualified alternative providers (such as midwives and nurs-practitioners), and the escalating costs of insurance premiums, medications and services at all levels."	"Provide a uniform way of all Americans being insured, whether by a graded system of assisting those unable to pay for premiums or by taking over the insurance industry to unify the costs and coverage provided at all levels of care."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	2/27/06 9:20 PM
8955	"The treatment of health care as a profit center, creating a climate where the healthy and wealthy are insured & no one else can afford coverage. We are insuring the bottom line of the private, for-profit inusrance & pharmaceutical industries instead of insuring people. Increasingly, only the healthy & wealthy can afford coverage."	"Health care should be separated from employment. We could have much more cost-effective insurance with single risk pool health care coverage - public payer, private provider, paid for by taxes and sliding scale coverage that would be less than we currently pay through premiums, taxes, copays and deductibles. We should eliminate the high overhead cost of private, for-profit insurance - up to $300 billion annually."	"We need to eliminate the high overhead costs - $300 billion - for for-profit insurance. We currently spend twice as much as any industrialized nation for health care, and have worse outcomes. Our current system is not cost-effective."	"Create a single-risk pool insurance including everyone, for more cost-effectiveness."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/28/06 1:14 AM
8970	"The inequity of health care between the races, gender, and socioeconomic status."	A socialized system of medicine that provides the same care for all persons without exceptions to any differences.	There should be no trade offs.  The best care can be provided and be affordable.  Cut backs to other nations for different kinds of aid; return the troops home.	"Multiple centers of health care education for public use that promote health awareness, ongoing health education for chronic diseases, prevention services."	female	45 to 64	No	Black or African American	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	2/28/06 11:16 AM
8982	"The expense. The deductibles. The lack of full coverage, they don't cover all perscriptions.  The fact that it is so difficult to compare prices of your perscriptions so you can make a decision on the best place to purchase them. It is also impossible to know before you have a procedure done what you financial responsibility will be. You cannot find out what the hospital charges, your doctor's fees, the tests, medications, anesthesia, etc. will cost.  You have no idea what bills you have to plan for at a time when someone in the family is sick and not able to work."	I don't know.	I don't know.	"People with preexisting conditions are excluded from being able to get health care on their own. So it forces people with disabilities to make choices such as commit fraud to get health care.  I would like to be able to buy health insurance. My current choices are work for a large company. (Curently, I own a Consulting busines so I have the flexibility to pick and choose when I work as my disability allows. I don't want to be forced to apply for SSDI as many of my friends with disabilities are forced to do.   I can work with modifications and accommodations. I just need the access to purchase resonibly priced health care. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	2/28/06 1:49 PM
8985	1) Managed-care plans' red tape. 2) Drug companies' and managed-care plans' excessive profits.	"We should gradually transition to a single-payer system administered by private firms under a single set of federal rules, with federal supervision."	Use generic drug equivalents rather than brand-name Rx's.	"We should gradually transition to a single-payer system administered by private firms under a single set of federal rules, with federal supervision."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	2/28/06 2:14 PM
8992	"Unless we have grass roots involvement, the health care issues will not change. The polotics involving the FDA- AMA- Pharmaceutical companies will preclude improvement in the health care area."	"Who pays our aauto insurance? (We Do!) I feel people should pay their own health care premiums and then they may wake up to the reality of being responsible for their own health, "	"What is high quality health care, if you look at conventional medicine all it does is mask symptoms or cut it out.  Is this high quality health care by trying to trick the body with drugs and we do not have any extra parts.  Quality care of the body is giving it the natural foods that it was designed to fucntion on.  You cannot buy good health- You have to earn it (and it doesn't cost much dollar wise) "	"It all boils down to an alkalarian lifestyle, taking individual responsibility.  Every American should read Kevin Trudeau's book, ""Natural Cures- They Don't Want You TO Know About""  Like it or not, he tells it like it is.  There is no secret,  Lifestyle is the answer "	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	2/28/06 4:12 PM
9004	High cost that cannot be afforded by the average American.	NULL	NULL	"Medicine should be socialized so that all American citizens are provided medical care.  Premiums would be part of an indiviual's or families taxes.    Tax credits could be given for those who subscribe to a healthy lifestyle. For example, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy blood pressure and cholesterol level. On the other hand, people who engage in destructive behaviors ( smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug abuse) whould be penalized."	male	25 to 44	Yes	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	2/28/06 5:23 PM
9007	"The waste inherent in the system. Non-care expenses (such as paperwork, wasted time regarding insurance coverage, legal settlements and fees, etc) are a huge, wasteful inefficiency weighing down the system. Also, the combination of emerging, costly medical procedures, coupled with the aging population spells disaster. Finally, the great American ""it's not my fault - someone else has to pay"" mentality will make a difficult situation even worse."	"Although I consider myself largely a (quasi) free-market capitalist, I think the medical system needs a single-payer system. With multiple insurance companies, there is unfortunately tremendous waste - in real dollars, and in time wasted by doctors and patients trying to figure it all out. Also, the ""adverse-selection"" phenomenon guarantees that private insurance premiums either have to be sky-high (to cover high-risk people) or extremely micro-marketed (to tailor premiums to inherited health risks and behavioral choices). I and my family are reasonably healthy, and we have found that private individual healthcare premiums are actually much lower for us than group insurance offered thru employers - imagine that!"	"In order to achieve universal, basic coverage, Americans have to relinquish the belief in ""something for nothing."" This is critical. We're going to have to accept that basic coverage will not cover every treatment and procedure; for that, we'll either need to buy supplemental insurance or pay out of pocket. This will indeed mean that the ""rich get better healthcare than the poor"" - but we have to avoid making class warfare out of a medical debate. Also, we'll need to curb the power of the trial lawyers' lobby, to limit ""intangible"" awards, and to ensure that differing healthcare levels based on willingness to pay are not taken as de-facto evidence of discriminatory practice - otherwise, all of our medical funding would be going straight into the pockets of lawyers, and nobody would get healthy. Finally, curbing paperwork and legal exposures would once again start drawing truly competent professionals back into the medical profession - I have seen the dis-satisfaction from the inside, as my wife is a doctor."	"Provide basic healthcare to everyone, via a nationwide program. We already have this in a de-facto manner, via emergency rooms. In order to make this work, we have to accept that enhanced healthcare will go to those most willing to invest in it."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/28/06 5:55 PM
9010	"It concerns me that there are so many people out there who are not getting the health care that they need.  Also, that the costs of health care are rising so much, soon even some people who can afford it now won't be able to pay for the health care that they need. "	Many people have health care programs that are working for them through their employer or the government.  I know that the system isn't perfect but I'm not sure how it could be made better. 	Many people might think that they are willing to trade coverage of obscure health benefits for more affordable day-to-day costs but this could be a dangerous idea because people may trade-off benefits that they might end up needing in the future. 	Someone needs to control the inflation of health care costs.  	female	Under 25	No	White	NULL	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	2/28/06 5:56 PM
9012	High cost and being shut out of the system	"National health insurance - Medicare for All as in HR676 (Conyers) bill.   Cut out the middleman (insurance companies) and negotiate bulk purchases with pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, equipment manufacturers, etc."	"We don't need ""trade offs"". Just cover everyone under Medicare and we'll save billions of dollars each year and have high quality health care. Eliminate the high cost of administration (cut out private health insurance); negotiate for bulk purchases and we won't need 'trade offs'. "	Pass HR 676 (Conyers) period.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	2/28/06 6:10 PM
9018	"The cost and lack of accessibility.  The cost of insurance and every kind of care, tests and prescription drugs are horrendously expensive and   keep rising.  The whole system seems to be business and institutional centered rather than patient centered.  "	"I think we should have a single payer system and that should be the government.  Short of that, health care coverage should be portable, with a combination of employees, employers and government paying for coverage through taxes and tax incentives."	"I think that most Americans, especially the middle class that is getting slammed with the costs, would be willing to pay higher taxes and give up some choices - doctors & hospitals (ie. Kaiser)to ensure access to affordable, quality care for everyone.  We all pay for the uninsured in one way or the other."	Encourage and make affordable more preventative care.  There is a huge cost to both the public and private insurers when people delay getting treatment for an illness or disease that becomes chronic or acute without treatment.    	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	2/28/06 7:10 PM
9032	"I don't feel like the American public has enough accountability when it comes to health care.  Also, with prevention and education proving to save thousands of healthcare dollars, this can be used to strengthen our system."	NULL	"The key to our nation changing healthcare expenses is prevention and education.  My idea is that you offer a basic baseline price to every individual in the U.S. (with employers paying additionally for each of their workers/families).  Then you offer incentives for DECREASING the insurance price based on individual efforts such as free healthcare screenings, optional weighing-in, agreeing to annual non-smoking checks, attending health seminars in various subjects especially if concerning a current diagnoses, etc.  So, if individuals knew they would save $50 on their premiums by getting and annual checkup, they will be more likely to do it.  And if people didn't want to attend these prevention/education initiatives, they can just pay the regular price.  There can also be disincentives, such as regular smokers pay $50 more.  Also, employers can offer their own programs to decrease their healthcare costs, schools can offer programs for children, etc.  This would make people accountable for their own health and implement the prevention and education needed to keep people healthy and save healthcare dollars."	Prevention!	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AK	2/28/06 9:55 PM
9035	The medical communities lack of respect for pwesons with disabilites.  A denial of the same quality of care because a person is disabled.  The willingness to make end of life decisions for others by too many health care proffessionals.  They refuse to participate in a legally implemented execution of a convicted murderer - but willingly put to death the disabled that pose inconvenience and hardship for others [katrina outrage]this dichotomy is a scourge on our society.	universal single payer health care -remove every middleman and overhead	trade out the middlemen that take a cut of the profit - oh yeah - take OUT the profit!  	"Let's face it - health care today is just as essential as the air we breath: yet we would never allow proffiteers to sell every breath of air.  There is enought money being spent to make the medical professionals well to do without having to have all the administrative costs we now experience.  What does it take five insurance clerks, three goverment or state staff, one industry clerk, two insurance salesmen, three insurance risk managers....for every doctor practicing medicine!"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/1/06 12:50 AM
9047	"Being a healthcare professional myself it is concerning that my family and patients can't afford coverage or are not offered it at their places of employment. If the employers can offer coverage it is so expensive that employees cannot afford the monthly cost. This should not be happening with the amount of money that our country spends on healthcare each year, $1.7 trillion. The United States spends more than any other industrialized country yet we have the worst healthcare system."	"Yes, we need a single payer system so that all citizens can be insured. The country would actually save money each year and all Americans would have the coverage that they need. This would also encourage a preventative healthcare system instead of the disease care system we currently have."	"The trade offs would be having to wait for treatments that are not life threatening. We should not have to incur anymore cost, the government will have enough to cover the cost with what they currently spend."	My recommendation is for a single payer system with the government spending the funds that they currently have to cover the cost. If we don't see changes soon the uninsured and underinsured will continue to increase the amount spent each year on disease care.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	3/1/06 9:19 AM
9051	"The fact that unless you are in a group plan, such as one offered by an employer, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to get coverage if you have been seriously ill in the past.  It makes one an insurance slave, unable to leave a job, unless you find another one that offers group coverage. I am not currently well enough to work full time but must because I can not give up my job and work part time because I am a cancer survivor and can not get insurance coverage outside of a group."	I'm sure there should be but am not sure I know what would work better.  I do not want socialized medicine; I have friends in Canada who have come here for treatment because of problems in their system.  They were lucky enough to have the resources to do that; most people do not.	"Without an education campaign, probably few people would be willing to make any trade-offs.  If you have good insurance like I do, you want to keep all the benefits--any doctor, any hospital, pharmaceutical coverage, etc.  However, people need to understand how rare this is getting and that they are giving up other things because even if the employer is paying for it, the employer can not do something else--like wage increases, higher 401/403 matches, retirement funds, etc.--because of the increased cost of health insurance."	Enable self-employed and small business to form larger groups so they can get competitive insurance coverage for their employees.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/1/06 10:55 AM
9082	getting it. Getting health care for inherited conditions I can do nothing about so that I can be a productive contributing participant of the economy without going broke	"Constitutional amendment guaranteeing all Americans a right to health care.    CAREFULLY  targetted liability reform: I think some research on outcomes does nto get done becuase there is no way to reap economic benefits or because fear of lawsuits keeps people from looking at certain questions, but I think liability reform has a SMALL place in the dialogue. It's not just ""First kill all the lawyers and it's not just only big corporations get to have good lawyers. but cautious steps."	Absolutely. The people who will have to be dragged along kicking and screaming are the ones making absurd profits sucking at various institutional teats.	"Look at comprehensive immigration reform with legaliation of people already here and paths to citizenship for works. The US population is aging. Immigrants are on average younger, healthier, not as influenced by bad habits of excess. People who work as hard as immigrate laborers do deserve to be full parts of the US dream, and the US healthcare system would benefit from an influx of younger, healthier, less costly customers as well as more labor to care for the aging population!"	female	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Not sure	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	3/1/06 10:22 PM
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9092	"President Bush claims to be Christian, supported by Christians.  I think this is a ""slogan"" used to get votes.  The bible talks about the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes.  To cut taxes for the very rich and ""justify/balance"" the budget by cutting benefits to the less fortunate is bazaar at best, unchristian and abusive.  At this point, maintaining the status quo is a victory.  We are heading toward an oligarchy.  Impeach Bush and Chaney and reestablish the government the Founding Fathers intended.  The poor man is as important as the rich man."	At this point the status quo is o.k.	"With the increasing number of people in real poverty, and needing health care, trade-offs are irrelevant.  The poor man is in a position of ""damned if I do and damned if I don't"""	Impeach both Bush and Chaney.  I am not being dramatic in that statement.  I fully believe they have NO interest in anything outside corporate profits.  A peaceful revolution is necessary to reestablish what America stands for; that personal profit will no longer be the basis of both domestic and foreign policy.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	3/2/06 2:05 AM
9098	"As an oncology nurse at a community hospital, I see that there is way too much overhead in managing the current ""system"". We need single-payer to simplify administration of healthcare and we need the government at national or state level to negotiate volume drug prices with the pharmeceuticals. The VA, along with NY and other states have already negotiated reasonable prices for Medicaid patients and have been doing so for years.     What concerns me most is that the current system is not adquate to meet the health needs of the baby boomer demographic, of which I am a member."	"Clearly, we need to raise taxes to pay for nationalized healthcare. "	"I think the argument needs to be made that the current system is a major drain on small businesses who want to provide coverage for employees. The cost of health insurance is becoming a huge drain on small and medium sized businesses and therefore a drain on the economy and innovation in our country.    We need to be willing to accept that every possible procedure will not be done on a very elderly or terminal patient according to certain national standards. If the family wants these kind of ""extreme measures"", they will have to be willing to pay for it privately. "	"My husband and I traveled to Australia 3 years ago. I suggest looking at their system. Everyone was assured a consistent level of care nationally, paid for via taxes. Those who could afford to, bought additional private insurance to pay for things the national system would not pay for.  People we spoke to were very satisfied with the system. We saw small businesses thriving there because they didn't have the overhead of employee coverage."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	3/2/06 11:28 AM
9102	The lack of concern most Americans place on healthy living such as diet and exercise. Traditional health insurance rewards poor health habits.	I would limit insurance to major medical costs above a high-deductible. Individuals would be given tax-free incentives to save for the routine care expenses and be incented to save for the major medical condition.	I think that most would welcome the high-deductible plans. Everyone would welcome the significantly lower insurance premiums.  Especially if their employer passes along part of the savings to offset the high-deductible expense.	Let's get back to true insurance.  Insurance against major medical expenses.  Very few of us can afford to insure known maintenance expenses. 	male	45 to 64	Yes	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/2/06 12:43 PM
9121	Increasing costs and declining quality of care.  	"Yes.  I believe we need to transition to a system where the employers are out of choosing health plans and consumers alone choose their own health plans and pay from their own pockets for the plans they choose.  Employers don't pay for their employees house or car insurance, why should they pay for the health insurance?"	"I think the best trade off is to take away the tax incentives for purchasing health plans from the employers and provide those tax incentives to consumers.  At the end of the transition period, consumers will be fully in charge of their own health plans.  They make their own decisions with all the consequences."	Transition to a system where the consumers are in charge of choosing and paying for their own health care and take the employers out of the health insurance business altogether.	male	Decline to answer	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/2/06 4:36 PM
9127	"Very few people are offered health insurance and when they are offered it, even fewer can afford it."	We should implement a National Health System. 	it depends on the percieved value of the health care and what services it offers and covers.	Create a National Health System. Every American should be able to recieve health care.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/2/06 5:00 PM
9134	"i'm an RN who recently worked briefly at county general in L.A. and for a Kaiser hospital.haelthcare has gotten increasingly depersonalizedand become a bureaucratic nightmare for everyone-pts, docs, families, nurses,administrators. i give excellent care, but that's not what working in healthcare is about at all. a preceptor in kaiser's orientation told me 'better documented and not done, than done and not documented'. she actually said that, but from what i could see as an insider, that's pretty much the prevailing attitude in healthcare these days. at county general i couldn't believe how management wasted the time of the folks on the front lines with inane mtgs and requirements, no real problems were ever solved by these excessive burdens of 'new program', and the direct management i had were more interested in the policy and procedure (to they violated every day)than the impact of staff care on the pt. what concerns me most is that there is more scapegoating and CYA than accountability and genuine problem solving ability rewarded in  todays healthcare."	"i think my examples above, the disastrous results of the federal govt in responding directly and well to real human need exemplified in katrina efforts, an honest review of the negative impact  entrance of the fed govt into healthcare with the initiation of the DRGs, followed by an honest appraisal of the impact of trying to turn healthcare into a for-profit venture starting in the early 90's  reveals fairly clearly that people are actually getting less for their money than in the days when medical technology had less to offer. i suggest a review of the book ""Escape Fire"" addressing the complex issue of bringing quality back into healthcare should be mandatory reading for every lawmaker who will vote on changes to our present system. the system is completely broken, don't just keep looking for the money to keep the old limping , groaning, dinosaur alive in a new milenium."	"trade offs- simplify things (the watch word of any effort""keep it simple"", the acid test of an idea ""is it simple enough for a 6 yr old to understand?""). stop the 'buck passing amoung professionals, the RN COULD triage and refer if there were really enough of them to actually do what nurses are trained to do, and docs would actually listen to them, and the patient actually mattered to eaither of them as in the beginning of the last centurey. healthcare access could be much more affordable and 'user friendly' if the model for healthcare delivery REQUIRED teamwork raher than respect for hierarchy and if the govt would step in to DEFEND the folks who just want to keep people well and out of hospitals. trade offs?i go to one vet who has a good sense of the reality most folks face, he sees more clients and quicker because he keeps it as simple, practical , and affordable as possible.  i used to see another vet, excellent surgeon, but always suggested the most expensive things , often unnecessary things, and took advantage of the emotional edge of client vulnerability. i don't really think we need trade offs, we just need everyone involved to start using common sense as their guide."	"wow, i guess i'll reiterate here-""KEEP IT SIMPLE', should be the plumbline of any 'new' approach. i suggest that every lawmaker who's vote will impact change in healthcare should be required to read dr.d. berwicks book ""Escape Fire', and i suggest that every lawmaker should have to experince 3 nights as a patient in the hospitals i've worked in and medical offices i've had to interact with to TRY to get real care."	female	45 to 64	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/2/06 6:12 PM
9135	That health care is considered a privelege rather than an essential service which would be a great long-term investment for all sectors of the economy. That government feels no responsibility to ensure the health and welfare of its citizens. That our current system is run by the people who profit from it rather than by the consumers who use it.	A national health plan paid by consumers and government (possibly on a sliding scale for consumers by income) would alleviate the burden on employers and return us to a being a viable economy.	People are willing to pay reasonable prices for necessary goods and services that *fairly* compensate producers and providers. We are not willing to be gouged so a small minority can live lavish lifestyles.	Change the attitude of healthcare as a bottom-line business to that of an essential service. Government regulation is not a bad thing as long as it is fair and for the GREATEST COMMON GOOD(which is the business of government).	male	45 to 64	No	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/2/06 6:16 PM
9137	"A thought experiment.    The strategy.    Get tested together for sexually transmitted infections,  including human immunodeficiency virus and share the results with  your potential sex partner BEFORE having sex.    Here's a collaborative blog and a collaborative wiki about  the strategy of let's get tested together before we have sex...  for STDs "	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	3/2/06 7:32 PM
9153	"Increasing costs of course, but also incompetent doctors who throw medication at everything. "	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	3/3/06 8:17 AM
9154	I have completed your health care poll. The last questions about whether I have attended community meetings on health care does not give me the opportunity to indicate that I am well informed about health care from other sources.  	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	3/3/06 8:25 AM
9174	That we will have socialized medicine and that we will end up like Canada.	"Health care needs to be consumer driven, not run by HMO's or the government."	None.	"Cut out the waste.  For example, mental health inptatient facilities are filled with homeless drug addicts who take beds from people who really do have a mental illness.  They know that if they walk into an emergency room an state, ""I am going to kill myself"", that they will get admitted, get food, and get drugs for free (because as we all know pain is the fifth vital sign and we are prescribing methadone like it is candy to control all this pain everybody is having).  THe crisis in mental health is not the system, it is the drug addicted homeless people taking up all of the beds.  "	female	25 to 44	No	Black or African American	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	3/3/06 1:17 PM
9175	cost of insurance coverage and the health care costs we are being insured for	"I think the paperwork, at least, should be standardized.  A flat ""health"" tax according to risk should be initiated"	"I feel that if doctors and other providers were capped in their payment schedules, this would help and there would be no trade off"	"Make health care a right, not a commodity"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	3/3/06 1:27 PM
9189	"Cost and a fragmented, insurance-based system that shifts that cost increasingly to those who have coverage, including publicly supported programs like Medicare and Medicaid, while leaving millions without coverage and therefore, without access to health services.  Our nation should be ashamed that, despite its riches and incredible abilities to develop life sustaining medical advancements that are unequaled, we have poor infant mortality results, millions of our citizens without access to health care and a grossly costly system that is threatening to take down our entire economy."	"We must sever the relationship between health insurance and employment.  Employers should not bear the cost; it is impacting our competiveness in the global market and it leaves huge gaps in which persons not employed in a company providing health insurance, are forced to bear huge costs of non-group insurance or, most likely, go without insurance at all.  The rising percentage of uninsured is a tragedy in itself because these people frequently go without needed health care until they reach crisis.  In addition, we all pay for the uninsured through higher and higher insurance premiums.  Our system must be completely overhauled and redesigned to provide universal coverage with buy-in by all who have the means and a safety-net for those who can not.  "	"We have more high cost hospitals in urban areas than is necessary.  We could easily be served with fewer hospital choices.    For non-emergency care, elective procedures, we should be able to go onto a waiting list.  Quality care can and is provided by professionals other than physicians; for example, midwives and pediatric nurse practitioners.  We should be willing to accept and actually demand end of life care that is palliative.  Hospice care needs to be promoted and made widely available in our health system.  Too many of us die in high cost hospitals, hooked up to high cost technology systems that prolong life, often without reducing pain and agony."	Develop a system of universal coverage that works for Americans.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	3/3/06 6:18 PM
9195	"It is the worst in the industralize world.  Canada,England,Germany,France.Sweden. They all  put us to shame."	The Clinton administration had a worhable plan.  So we turned it down because of corp. greed	Use Canada as an example.	"A National Healthcare Progam financed by The U. S. Goverment. Forget Bangledesh,forget the Sudan,  Try sending aid to needy,homeless AMERICANS. Try   free hospital care to the 42,000,000 UNITED STATE   CITIZNS."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	3/3/06 6:41 PM
9201	"Uncontrolled use of hospital emergency rooms by Medicaid patients. The rest of us take our children to the drugstore for over-the counter meds, take them home and care for them. Medicaid parents use the most expensive treatment vehicle for non-emergency room complaints. A disgrace."	"The government should get out of healthcare. They got involved in the 1960's and prices have spiralled out of control ever since. Many doctors over-treat so they can over-bill because the government pays, no matter what."	"If you want high quality care; pay for it yourself. Don't ask the taxpayers to pay for your demanding tastes. Healthcare will eat up an ever increasing share of the economic pie until people learn to accept their mortality. If you can pay for ""high quality care"", do it yourself. Don't ask me to pay your hospital bills."	Get the government out of healthcare.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/3/06 9:00 PM
9203	"WASTEFUL OF RESOURCES --ER CARE WHEN NOT NEEDED--  MEDICAL LIABILITY OUT OF CONTROL, PAYMENT FOR DAMAGE SHOULD BE SEPARATED FROM PENALTY AND EXORBITANT LEGAL FEES REMOVED. TOO MANY WASTEFUL INSURANCE ORGANIZATIONS AND TOO MANY PEOPLE TO FILL OUT FORMS AND FOLLOW REGULATIONS."	PAYMENT SHOULD BE MADE THROUGH VALUE ADDED TAX AND RECEIPTS GO INTO A HEALTH SECURITY ACCOUNT (HSA) WITH FIXED MAJOR MEDICAL INSURANCE AND OTHER BILLS PAID DIRECTLY OR BY SECONDARY INSURANCE.	"ALL PEOPLE CAN GET CARE (ER, etc.). UNFORTUNATELY   IT IS OFTEN AT THE MOST EXPENSIVE RATES."	CONSOLIDATE PAYMENTS THROUGH VAT TO ELIMINATE EXCESS FORMS .	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/3/06 9:38 PM
9210	Affordability and accessability	Doctors and pharmaceutical companies need to share in the responsibility by keeping prices at reasonable rates.	"None, need to eliminate payoffs to government officials by the drug and medical society to keep prices reasonable."	"Make it the best, affordable and without paperwork and redtape hassles."	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	3/4/06 11:37 AM
9215	I believe there are people who are currently on Medicare and SS who could take jobs which are low paying and contribute to the Social Security system but need the Medicare benefit to be able to afford their medicines.  Why not help these people get low cost health insurance and contribute to Social Security and gain back their  sense of self worth.	Perhaps a voluntary contribution to the health care of those less fortunate may appeal to the charitable characteristics of some.	I'm not sure but I would be willing to make a small monthly contribution to help out.	Find a way to cut the cost of health care.  Reduce paper work.  Use technology to offload physicians work. Offload some of the nurses work to nurses aids.  Provide government support for research and development to pharmaceutical companies so that they can reduce the cost of medicines once they are placed on the market.	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	RI	3/4/06 12:42 PM
9221	Waste and excessive profits in private insurace.	We should provide a program such as Medicare for all Americans.	"Once the waste in private insurance and in other parts of the federal budget, especially the military, are eliminated, I don't think any trade-offs will be necessary."	"Single, federally-run insurance program."	male	Over 64	No Response	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	3/4/06 4:17 PM
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9224	Please reduce miitary spending in order to offer universal haelth care to all americans	single payer system	Very few Americans are happy with the current system in needs to be completely restructured	universal health care	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	RI	3/4/06 4:39 PM
9229	Government involvement almost always increases problems rather than solves them. Let the free market system do what it does best-provide the highest quality services at the lowest quality prices.	The bureaucracy required to administer the current system consumes most of the funds. Give a tax incentive to those who have their own insurance and reimburse hospitals and providers directly for charity care rendered. Stop paying the horrendous salaries and put the money to direct benefit.	"The HSA plan is a stroke of genius. It is pre-tax money. It can carry over from year to year and you are only responsible for 20% of anything beyond your deductible. What a great incentive to use resources conservatively and save for future large medical bills. If Medicaid/Medicare recipients had a copay, they would be less likely to end up in the emergency room for a cold."	Mid level providers are an economical way to provide high quality personalized care. Certified Nurse Midwives consistently provide lower cost deliveries while having fewer complications and malpractice issues than OB/GYNs. Nurse practitioners provide very personlized thorough services at much less cost than MDs. A partnership of midlevel providers and MDs with the MDs handling the more complicated cases would benefit everyone.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	3/4/06 5:30 PM
9234	"The rising cost of prescription drugs, doctor and hospital costs.     The fact that Medicare is trying to be privatorized.   Many people do not have health coverage.  The rising cost of nursing home care.             "	"Leave Medicare as it was.  As you reach 65 buy   your own supplemental.   For those that can not  afford the supplemental, they should be able   to get help with it.   Think it was better as it  was before the changes that Bush is trying to make.  "	not sure .  	It is too bad in this country that everyone does  not have health coverage!   	female	Over 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	3/4/06 9:44 PM
9238	"Nothing concerns me specifically about health care, per se. It's the combination of problems of the increasing rich/poor divide (i.e. Reaganomics is a crock), lousy general education, and the overall lack of health-related preventive/educational steps being taken that is destroying the health care system -- from within. So I suppose my concern is that the government isn't being smart about how they are addressing the health care system (among other things.)"	"Probably some tweaking in the amount each of the three groups pays (though no complete removal of any of them); I'm not educated enough on the topic.  I do feel, however, that accountability is key in order to stop/prevent free-riding and embezzlement by the ""consumer"" and provider, respectively, if we do plan on changing the methods in which health care is paid."	"The American public? None: spoiled rotten and/or abused by the system, not to mention ignorant as hell, the vast majority of them “won’t want to give the government another cent.” A rare altruistic few, however, won’t mind paying another 8% ($1000+) for a quasi-egalitarian system.  It is essential, however, that you remind people of the drawbacks of a “universal health care” system, since many are under the delusion that it’s the panacea for health care."	"Don't listen to a self-selecting group of individuals who volunteer answers to the government, lest you receive a whole bunch of demands for ""universal health coverage"" without a single coherent explanation of how this will be accomplished; better to use a bipartisan think tank which is knowledgeable on issues of economics, health care, and bureaucracy/enforcement, along with representatives of various special interest groups (e.g. homeless, unemployed, working class, minority, LGBT – any sort of group that a fiscally conservative [at least in terms of social welfare] and plutocratic government is liable to otherwise forget/ignore.)  In all seriousness, however, my suggestion is to improve the overall education of the American public -- both vis-à-vis health issues and for general critical thinking abilities.  Other quick ideas: investing more money/manpower in preventive efforts; rewarding positive health habits and punishing (i.e. denying services) poor habits; junk food tax (not serious, you wouldn't want to lose another lobby for the sake of public welfare) -- so at least some way of discouraging lousy eating habits; closing rich/poor divide."	male	Under 25	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/4/06 11:58 PM
9239	"loss of experienced Doctors.  Too many foreign doctors, that you  can't understand. medication costs too high. Can't afford insurance, hospitals, or doctors."	Take the RICH INSURANCE companies out of the loop. LOOK at the exorbitant compensation of their executives. They should not decide on medications or tests.	Take it back from insurance companies- they are the ones soaking up the health care dollar.	"Single payer system, paid for just like payroll deductions now."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	3/4/06 11:48 PM
9247	"That the people thinking about this are stuck in the current paradigm about health and sickness and how it gets paid for.  WIthout some real breakthrough thinking, we will never get out of the mess where we currently we find ourselves."	"The current way of paying for health care leaves out too many people and too many ways of maintaining health.  I think that just focusing on the way we pay for health care misleads us and distracts us from focusing on how we can create and maintain health for everyone, especially children."	I don't see why we need to pose this as an either/or question.  I believe that we have the wisdom and the capability to find ways to help people get and stay healthy and not break the private or public bank!	"Put the decisions about health care back into the hands of the providers and consumers, and increase the focus on creating and maintaining health. Don't wait until people are sick enough to require care to ""admit"" them to the system."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	3/5/06 1:13 PM
9249	"It is too expensive, extremely inefficient, and inaccessible to many middle income Americans. Insurance companies are making medical decisions and that can be downright dangerous. Also if a person is denied health coverage, the insurance company does not have to inform the person as to why they were declined. There is no recourse.  "	I think that we should have a national healthcare system much like Canada and most western European nations. Access to health care should not be controlled by the private sector or insurance companies. 	I think most Americans would be willing to wait longer for noncritical care; pay more in taxes to provide basic healthcare to all citizens; pay out of pocket for cosmetic or unnecessary treatments.	Get rid of the health insurance companies!!!!  	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	3/5/06 2:34 PM
9258	NULL	NULL	NULL	"I suggest that you use all help care providers to their fullest abilities and scope of practice. It should be the norm that cost effective providers like nurse-midwives should be used for low risk OB/GYN patients and physicians should be utilized for complicated OB/GYN cases. Likewise, PA's and Advanced Practice Nurses should be utilized to the maximum of their scope of practice to lower the cost of of health carein the USA."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	3/5/06 7:02 PM
9264	"The lack of accessibility to health care for so many.  The waste of medical resources and money in the last year of life; the fact that medical decisions are now in the hands of corporations and lawyers, not in those of doctors.  Also, the runaway lawsuits that end up costing everybody. "	"There should be a government plan for those under a certain income; above a certain income, it could be a sliding scale of government/private, eventually becoming 100% private above a certain income level. "	"Refuse medical care to repeat drug/alcohol abusers. Nobody would argue that this represents a big drain on our system; we spend money on this population, while children can't get decent medical care.  Ration medical care; no expensive, heroic or long term treatments for the very elderly; only comfort/palliative care, perhaps in hospice.  Create a panel that determines if a medical malpractice lawsuit is valid or not, before going to court. Malpractice lawsuits HAVE to be reduced."	"Reduce the wasteful, expensive use of the medical system in the last year of life.  The only way to save the medical system at this point is through some sort of rationing, and these heroic measures in the last year of life are very expensive and for the most part useless.  Allow the doctors to determine who gets what treatment; they are the ones who have the experience and training to make those decisions, not the lawyers. "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/6/06 5:01 AM
9267	"The increasing costs, the level of influence insurance companies have and the direct marketing of pharmecuticals. "	I believe we underutilize midlevel providers. CNMs should be the NORM for low risk obstetrics and OB-GYNS for high risk. FNP caould offer alot of primary care. 	NULL	NULL	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ND	3/6/06 6:56 AM
9278	Costs are exhorbitant. Most working people cannot afford care. Insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies are inlfating costs. Preventive care for all should be the norm. 	Yes. I support the US National Health Insurance Act.	"I'm not convinced that there need be many ""trade-offs"" if the system is run efficiently."	To make it accessible to all. 	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/6/06 1:21 PM
9282	Skyrocketing costs and affordability of insurance.	Yes.  National health care...flat rate health insurance taxes by individuals/employers and government subsidized financing for the difference.	Flat tax rate in exchange for guaranteed insurance for all; treatment based on needs vice desires.	Establish national health care program to improve (and in some cases provide) health care to all Americans.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/6/06 2:21 PM
9284	"The high cost of health care due to fraud, foolish people on drugs, abusing their body with junk food, sexual stupidity and STDs driving the cost sky high. Medical profs are asking for too much money and the pharmaceutical companies are being regulated to death and hence the costs. No competition in the health care- why not have panels to screen foreign doctors and nurses and allow them to practice in this country? That should drive down the costs."	"Healthy people should be rewarded for their wise choices of excercise, healthy food and clean behavior. People who choose risky behaviors should be penalized for their foolish behaviors because they are driving up the cost of health care. Why should costs keep escalating?? Costs should go down!!keep all the illegal aliens out of our health care system. No free medical for non taxpayers or non producers.    "	"Get rid of stupid frivolous lawsuits!! Trade off a little of Civil rights to get affordable , quality care"	"Personal responsibility, self discipline and removal of medical fraud will go a long way in improving health care for  all Americans"	male	45 to 64	No	Asian	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/8/06 6:35 PM
9286	It is more costly than necessary and is badly mismanaged.	I would like to see a system containing HSA's similar to the Swiss system.	"None. Presently, I think most people are expecting something for nothing from the central gov't."	Adpot some form of HSA's	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	3/6/06 2:38 PM
9303	"Many people don't have access to healthcare, even if they have medicaid or medicare there are providers that refuse to see them with these""insurances"" because of the poor reimbursement."	I think all employers should be required to provide healthcare coverage.	"I think if we go to a national healthcare system as some other countries have done we will sacrifice quality care, be we could certainly make the most of what we have by utilizing midlevel practitioners such as nurse practitioners and nurse midwives."	"Increase midlevel care practitioners: nurse practitioners and nurse midwives, they can provide the same services within there level of expertise and then refer on if surgery or treatments are needed."	female	25 to 44	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OK	3/6/06 5:00 PM
9305	"As a nurse practitioner, my main complaints are related to fragmentation of services, the frantic attempts to see enough patients in order to stay in practice without going broke, the number of people unable to pay for health insurance, the inordinate amount of time spent on insurance related activities for patients who are covered by insurance, and the time spent trying to care for patients in ways their insurance companies will cover. "	"I think instead of helping the rest of the world as much as we do, we should be financially helping our own citizens receive at least the basics in health care. Making practice more feasible for nurse practitioners would help in this area, as well."	"I think if citizens should be able to pay into an optional insurance plan when necessary (i.e. between jobs).  Perhaps the level of income for those considered in poverty should be raised so more people could get government help with healthcare, there would be less use of emergency rooms, which we all end up paying for anyway. We do not NEED a space program and certain other programs, but our citizens do need food, water, shelter and health care. No one in this country should be without these basic rights. "	Some form of health care coverage for all U.S. Citizens.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/6/06 5:21 PM
9314	"No one can afford it, except of course the wealthy and some very fortunate government workers who have good insurance coverage.  Health insurance premiums are way out of line, like every other kind of insurance premiums, and the insured too often find they are not covered for necessary procedures."	"Yes, individuals and employers should no longer have to pay anything.  The government needs to increase taxes back to the level they were at before current President Bush slashed them, the wealthiest Americans need to cough up a little more, and doctors need to start being doctors to help people and not to get rich.  We in this country are constantly paying the expenses for poor children from other countries who have strange or rare diseases or disfigurements.  The money spent on just ONE of them could cover an entire city's worth of children's well-baby care and immunizations for a year."	"None, and I don't believe there needs to be any.  We can and will continue to have high quality health care and research in this country when we go to a universal health care single payer system.  There is absolutely no reason quality should suffer."	"Universal health care - single payer (government) system.  Dismantle and destroy all the health insurance agencies in this country, make hospitals and clinics service industries again instead of for-profit corporations."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	3/6/06 8:58 PM
9316	The rising costs for health care.	No	None	Federally  owned and opperated hospitals.	female	25 to 44	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	3/6/06 9:04 PM
9351	"1. Access to good health care not reflected by how much we are paying: too much waste  2. Health care policies made by private insurance companies, not by the patients and providers. Policy makers not accountable to public  3. Health care is driven by income, not by needs"	"1. We need a publicly financed, privately delivered, and locally controlled health cae system where everyone is covered.  2. make health insurance mandatory for every worker, and every employer. All must pay into a public health care fund, according to ability to pay, and subisdies for those who cannot."	"1. There is no need for trade-off in reducing most benefits, if waste and ineffiency is corrected in the current fragmented system of private insurance.  2. Decrease utilization and cost of futile interventions at the end of life."	"1. Create a new national health care system where everyone has automatic health insurance that is publicly funded through earmarked taxes that replace current premiums and deductibles. Private for-profit insurance companies may exist, but only to offer ""gap policies"" for non essential medical procedures like cosmetic surgeries."	male	45 to 64	No	Asian	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	3/7/06 6:04 PM
9353	"Health insurance is not readily, reasonably available for small business, individuals -- and the cost of medical care without insurance is beyond a reasonable expense."	I have no problem paying for health insurance.  Everyone (except the very poor) can pay for health insurance if they are part of a large group plan.  	Again I am not sure trade offs are necessary if individual policies were abolished and all persons were part of some large group plan.  That would keep payments reasonable and benefits high. Insurance companies would be spreading their risks and citizens would be paying for their insurance either via their business or organization.	Make group rates available for all.  Have a safety net insurance for those that are unemployed or disabled.  Use medical savings account plans in some fashion.  	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/7/06 6:10 PM
9361	"Ensure complete coverage for all Americans. We all suffer with rising cost of living, gas, and more. Needless to say, it is difficult for us to save money and pay for rising medical/insurance cost."	There should be universal healthcare system to ensure coverage for all Americans without worrying the burden for rising cost of healthcare/insurance premium.	Not sure.. I cant say much on this.	Consumer/government should control healthcare system to prevent unecessary rising cost of healthcare services.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	3/7/06 10:20 PM
9363	lack of coverage for me and many others.	I would like to see the reimbursement streamlined and less confusing...  preferably a universal healthcare system.	"i think the people of the US would be willing to pay similar $ that we are now, appropriated by a large non-profit central reimbursement system to ensure access for all at any facility without delay or confusion of coverage."	Universal healthcare!	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	3/7/06 10:44 PM
9365	The amount of people who are uninsured or underinsured.  The lack of parity in coverage for mental health and substance abuse disorders.	"It needs to be standardized.  For example, all claims should be filed the same way, all should have standard benefits, all insurance cards should have the same information and only one number to call at which a real person always answers.  This would reduce paperwork and administrative costs for providers and needless aggravation for providers and consumers."	Slightly higher taxes.  Higher co-pays on elcetive services and convenience items.  Take better care of themselves.  Commit to good health education in order to make better choices.	More accurate health education so that consumers can make informed choices.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/7/06 11:05 PM
9369	"The cost is too high.  Too much burocracy, and too much money is being made off other people's suffering.  The money ""made"" in the healthcare industry should not be calculated into our country's GNP - it is a cost to our country, not an asset.  We should be supporting preventative programs, and not being so dazzled by high tech. adventures.  When I last checked, the US was 27th in the world for life expectancy.  That's pathetic, especially since we spend many times as much money on healthcare."	"I don't think healthcare should be tied to employment.  For one, it puts a burden on businesses that compete with businesses from other countries who do not have to pay for healthcare.  Secondly, people will stay in a job that they do not like or is not right for them, just to keep their health insurance.  This decreases worker productivity and satisfaction.  it is bad for the health of the individual as well as the company.  Healthcare should be garanteed by the government."	"Fancy operations that transplant complex organs for people who destroy them through their lifestyle.  People would be willing to give up end of life procedures and medications that simply prolong life just a bit more.  I heard that 50% of a person's total spending on healthcare occurs in the last year or so of their life.  That is ridiculous.  We spend so much money on keeping people alive for a few more months in a hospital, often away from loved ones.  I know this is also a cultural issue.  But many people I talk to feel it would be more important to ensure healthcare coverage for ALL people rather than having a few more hroic life-lengthening procedures for the last few months of someone's life.  Let me die at home, thank you.  Many people feel this way."	"Support preventative programs and measures over high tech gadgets and new drugs.  New drugs and gadgets are not enhancing quality of life, and being 27th in the world for life expectancy shows that they don't prolong it (incredible!).  Naturopathic medicine is an excellent system of healthcare within our country.  Programs which promote good nutrition and exercise; others that ""tax"" fast food atrocities and extra taxes on junk food.  Prevention is the key to economically sound healthcare."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	3/8/06 12:10 AM
9370	The large number of uninsured	Go to a single payer system. Would be more efficient if designed properly.	We need to increase the fairness of the system.	Go to a single payer system.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/8/06 12:32 AM
9377	"the lack of care afforded to not only the elderly, but to young families, people with young children. There is no help for middle class elderly, (over 65) to get glasses, hearing aids or dentures. something all of them need."	"There should be a single plan that employers, government and individuals should pay there fair share into based on income. a national health plan that would be available with the same care and coverage for everyone. "	"None. americans are so tired of hearing how other countries offer such great plans for their citizens. Canada, England etc. Maybe we should be more informed about what they actually have to offer and how they do it."	Caps on spiraling costs. Making health care affordable for everyone and offering wellness care especially eye glasses  to everyone.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	na	3/8/06 9:32 AM
9378	"My primary concern is the lack of access that millions of Americans have to quality, comprehensive, preventive primary care services. It reduces the quality of life and ability of many to participate and contribute effectively to this society. Also, it is not cost-effective to treat a populations problems only after their conditions are out of control and result in ER treatment and hospitalization. "	"Yes. 1) Let those families with incomes up to 200% of poverty buy into Medicaid on a sliding fee scale (i.e. 130% of poverty, pay 30% of cost). At least give states the option of such a plan. 2) Provide universal subsidized re-insurance, so the nation accepts some of the  responsibility for those with catastrophic accidents and extremely high cost diseases or conditions. Individuals cannot possibly pay for such events/conditions. Neither can small business assume such risk. As a result, the actuarial death spiral continues, with individuals and small business dropping coverage, leaving a limited number of private payers to cover the medical establishment. The cost shifting then begins to bring down even large companies like GM. 3) Continue the President's initiative expanding Community Health Centers to every county with an underserved population exceeding 10,000, but add a voucher system to provide financing for CHC primary care physicians' referrals to specialists and hospitals, under the sliding fee scale program of CHCs. Otherwise, patients often cannot obtain the specialty consultations and tests needed to keep them out or the hospitals' inpatient wards. "	"1) Since Community Health Centers reduce the overall of their populations' total health care cost by 20 - 30% in every study done in the last decade, no compromise is necessary for their expansion. They operate within approved clinical quality programs and approved budgets of HHS/HRSA/BPHC. So, they reduce cost in the system, while providing a medical home to those without regular access to quality care. Provision of referral vouchers would increase the savings. These could be tied to the Medicaid system as a waiver. 2) The speading of risk of catastrophic costs through subsidised re-insurance would probably be welcomed employers, insurance companies and individuals alike, since they would reduce premiums and make insurance more affordable.   Both of these approaches"	"Provide Americans the reasonable oportunity to afford convenient access to affordable, quality health care, particularly comprehensive primary, preventive care, so they can stay healthy, contribute to this society, and diminish the use of high cost ER and catastrophic treatment. "	male	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/8/06 9:35 AM
9383	"The large number of uninsured people puts great strain in our health care system.  People WILL and DO get medical care in a crisis, with or without converage, and we have a very inefficient system whereby cost - effective primary care is overlooked because of lack of access.  Therefore, high cost, ""crisis"" care becomes the norm for a large segment of our population. Services such as nutritionists, diabetes counsellors, mental health care, prenatal care are often not covered, presumably in an effort to save costs, but then we, as a system are stuck paying high cost care of amputations for out- of- control diabetics, heart surgery for obese people and for hospitalization of people when they have a schizophrenic episode because they had no coverage and didn't take their meds.  We need to greatly expand primary care coverage with cost effective, efficient providers.  Use of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives is one way to keep costs down while expaning converage for larger numbers of people.  Their focus on preventative care is essential.  In addition, I think we have a very inefficient system with too much money being spent on paperwork, using VERY outdated computer systems, with no organization between different facilities and organizations. In this day and age, it is inexcusable.  We are living in the 1970s in the hospitals. The various small private insurance companies involved makes for a very inefficient system with redundancies.  It is a very risky, inefficient situation for not only individual people but for the system at large.  When you look at other developed countries, our system and our lack of coverage and even our outcomes are very dissappointing. "	"I believe that we should have a government controlled system that oversees the provision of health care for all people.  The current system is inefficient because everyone gets care from different sources, with different rules, co-payments, etc etc and it has created a huge inefficient mess of a system. "	"I believe the public is willing to make trade-off in terms of limited number of providers.  I believe that once expsoed to Nurse Midwives and Nurse Practitioners, the public would be extremenly happy with the care they receive and would be willing to continue care with these cost-effective, sensitive providers.  I believe that people in higher income brackets would be willing to pay slightly higher taxes.  I think the poor are laready strapped with the high cost of medical care. "	"Increase use of cost - effective practitioners for basic, preventative health care.  I am a Certified Nurse Midwife and I see the kind of efficient, quality, low cost care that we and Nurse Practitioners are trained to provide.  We keep costs down by doing interventions solely when indicated.  We screen for problems and then refer to high cost specialists in the rare cases that they occur.  We develop relationships with our clients so that should a problem arise, they feel comfortable coming to us for care so that we can prevent a full- blown crisis.  Yet, many insurance companies still do not reimburse for our care.   Nurse Midwives and Practitioners specialize in preventative care, education and screening for problems.  These higher risk problems can then be treated by Medical Doctors but the majority of care for nomral, healthy people can and should be provided by Midwives and Nurse Practitioners. This will enable access to care for larger numbers of people while still keeping costs low.  We need more sensitive, cost effective providers out in the community. "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/8/06 10:21 AM
9384	"My highest concern rests with high-cost, low-quality, wrongly-motivated, insurance-driven services.  We need more preventive care.  We need more low-cost, high-quality providers - an example, using midwives to care for the large majority of healthy childbearing women and making obstetrician/gynecologists into specialists again.  We need a system that is not based on liability to motivate appropriate care.  We need a system that is based on free market principles - where good providers are the busiest - because the consumers use their purchasing power to make judicious use of our health care resources.  Not because of a pre-selected network of providers arranged through an insurance company.  Who does the insurance industry serve?  Certainly not the consumer, certainly not the health care provider, certainly not the public.  The insurance industry serves itself, as an enterprise, to make money.  It does not work in my interest (as a provider) - it only increases the cost of my business by its complexity and even questionable business practices."	"The insurance industry is altogether unnecessary if health care systems were to rebuilt on free market principles alone, with quality health care as the product, instead of the current menu of options, designed only to make the insurance industry rich.  As a consumer, I prefer to pay out of pocket for every expense I incur, just to bypass the complexity and expense of the insurance plans.  As a professional, I prefer to have customers choose me based on my excellent reputation, not on the basis of which panel I've lobbied.  I do not approve of an industry making decisions about the care I offer - I feel that I am in a better position to determine appropriate care for my patients.  I am always careful and judicious about every recommendation I make, with conservation of public health care resources as a guiding principle.  This is unusual in my business - many practitioners make decisions in order to protect themselves from liability, and this is definitely not in the public interest!"	"Many clients are satisfied knowing that their health care is the highest concern to a practitioner - not the cost of a particular treatment or medication.  Health care should be focused first on health, and prevention of disease and other problems; this means the majority of healthy people should be seen (and kept healthy) by the ""experts in normal.""  The second tier should be focused on treatment of problems by specialists.  "	Eliminate the insurance industry altogether.	female	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/8/06 10:21 AM
9390	"Health disparities, diminished access to care, unaffordable care (even for those with insurance) and the lack of consistency in quality health care"	as we transition to universal health care I think we need  a more comprehensive program that will likely be an enhancement of these three entities working together. Right now there is little collaboration.	"I think the American public would be willing to make trade-offs if they were better exposed to evidence-based practice. EBP is easy to say, harder to do. It is very difficult for practioners to give up their sacred cows. "	"Better utiliztion of advanced practice nurses, who are best-suited to care for the majority of the population AND have more expertise in health promotion and health education which will produce healthier populations. Right now we have too many specialists and not enought primary care providers. For instance, most childbearing women do not need a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist for their pregnancy expreience. Care by certified nurse-midwives is supported by the evidence, but not by market forces."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	3/8/06 11:54 AM
9392	"the rising costs, without always a correlative improvement in health status--especially in pregnancy and birth.  Part of that is the increasing reliance on specialists for things that midlevel practitioners are well-suited for: preventative care (NPs, PAs), pregnancy and birth (nurse=midwives), paliative end of life care (hospice nurses and professionals)"	"There should be taxes--both personal, based on income, and corporate, based on size (i.e. larger companies would pay more). "	"there needs to be a societal shift away from high-tech care, to adequately disseminated safe care. Preventative means should be available to all. Genetic testing, amniocentesis, ART, hi-tech tests like MRIs without adequate reason, should be paid out of pocket.  "	"midwives for all normal pregnancies and births. Look at Europe. They do it, and have better outcomes than we do across the board.  "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	3/8/06 12:42 PM
9400	"The rising cost of healthcare, hands down.  Costs continue to increase year after year and I wonder where we will be in 10 years.  Second would be our fragmented system of delivery and finance."	"I believe there should be a safety net in place for individuals who are not in a financial position to take care of costs themselves.  However, our federal and state programs have gotten out of control.  Individuals purchasing coverage are at a disadvantage and should be given the same tax advantages as individuals purchasing coverage through the employer-based system.  For employer-based coverage, changes with plan and product design may help educate consumers that employer health coverage is a benefit and not a right."	"I think it depends on who you ask.  I would like access to quality healthcare, a choice in providers and also am willing to assist with the safety-net system.  However, I belive individuals need to take some personal responsibility for both the financing portion of healthcare and their health.  We need to address the rising problem of obesity, heart disease, etc.  From that perspective, I am not willing to help finance someone else's poor health habits.  "	"Increase access to affordable health insurance products and provide assistance to low-income, vulnerable individuals in this country."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	3/8/06 1:39 PM
9406	"Truth and Honesty is the major problem. Congress and appointed officials are not directing America's Health Problems.  American Mediucal Assoication and its State chapeter groups, such as the Stsate Medical Society affliated with AMA are directing our healthcare.  When Bush was elected in 2001 he appointed Tom Scully as Director of Medicare who origionally was Director for the American Federation of Hospitals and the healthcare Industries.  This is definately a conflict of Interest.  Most of our Congressman have interests in in the medical profession and the pharmaceutical Industries,especially Bill Frist whose family formed HCA, the most decitful company.  How could American except ethical care with these conditions.  I am also not happy with the appointees selected on the Citizen's Health care Working Group. There is not not one average citizen. If it is for the people, it should be just plain Americans who have had probblems with our Healthcare System, not executives with political connections."	"The cuurent system is extremely corrutpt and infact most of the almost one thousand advisary groups do not work towards correcting the problems of Americans receiving ethical healthcare.  American's governmemnt health agencies are decitful, corrupt and congress forever allows this to continue to better the special interest groups tha support their campaign donations."	THE AMERICAN PUBLIC DOES NOT HAVE A CHOICE!  CONGRESS DOES NOT LISTEN TO THE NEEDS OF AMERICANS.	TRUTH AND HONESTY IN OUR GOVERNMENT. A GOVERNMENT DIRECTED BY THE PPEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE WITH QUALITY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. 	female	Over 64	No	White	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/8/06 4:57 PM
9407	Health care must not be provided to illegal aliens.	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	Over 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	3/8/06 5:05 PM
9409	"Unaffordability, lack of accountability in HMO organizations, excessive drug costs, NO health care savings accounts--no gambling with my money/health!"	Yes. Single payer universal health coverage.	higher taxes for higher income earners--let's level the playing field	take out the middlemen--the insurance companies	female	45 to 64	No Response	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/8/06 5:19 PM
9412	We have a health care crisis and politicians especially the lobbyist for healthcare interest groups don't care about it because they do not believe in universal health care system but i think it is the moral duty of every nation to provide free health care for its citizens. We should the follow the Canadian model. All industrialized countries provide free healthcare to their citizens except us who is the only super power in the world and the richest in the world suppose to be. But we have a greedy system that is against our moral values. Im willing to pay more taxes for a free healthcare than pay more taxes for war and military adventurism. Wake up people.	"We need a universal or socialize medicine whatever you call it. Under this system fraud which is one of the reasons of skyrocketing costs can be eliminated or greatly reduced. Overpricing and price gauging by unscrupolous doctors, dentists and lawyers can all be eliminated under socialize medicine. It is the humane system and morally correct."	Under socialize medicine we have to be more patient and report to the authorities any inefficiency and improvements needed to improve the system.	"We need socialize medicine to lower down unreasonable costs and greedy people. The government should take over and put a stop on it, its not a perfect system but is better than now in which we are in Hell. Just look at the systems in Europe, Canada, Japan, Australia and even some third world countries provide socialize medicine."	male	45 to 64	No	Asian	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/8/06 6:20 PM
9413	"Impact of income inequality on health; national fiscal priorities that benefit the wealthy at the expense of the poor; lack of universal coverage; move to individualize risk (i.e., Health Savings Accounts); excessive compensation to executives and specialist physicians, excessive pharmaceutical profits; evidence based medicine not widely practiced; uninsured charged ""full ticket price"" for services."	"Roll them all into one system: there could be a payroll tax similar to Social Security, with two exceptions: don't double tax self-employed people, and provide the same benefit to everyone regardless of the amount they contribute. "	Modest co-pays that possibly could be tied to ability to pay (but any kind of elibibility determination just adds to administrative cost); sharing risk nationwide	Universal coverage	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	3/8/06 6:20 PM
9416	"I am a self-employed, mid-level health professional.  I am unable to afford health insurance based on premium amounts.  My practice, however, charges a fee for service which is ALWAYS reduced by third-party payers making me depend on self-pay patients to survive.  It's wrong!  Hospitals will reduce charges for insured patients, yet they will not reduce my charges as an uninsured patient.  "	"The government programs give incentive to people NOT to work lest they make ""too much"" to be able to qualify for medicaid...yet make too little to afford the hefty premiums for insurance!  "	"I would suggest high incentives (ie percentage off) to people who can wait for services, stay healthy, work, maintain their health, etc."	"Look into the insurance scam....reducing reimbursements to providers, denying less expensive providers to be on their panel (due to politics), reducing choice.  Look into hospitals reducing/negotiating lower prices for third-party payers and NOT negotiating bill adjustments for self-pay."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	3/8/06 9:30 PM
9418	that 40 % of all americans don't have health insuarance. That the county that I was from in 1990 had a federal-state survey done and found 40 % didn't have insurance I'm scared to guess what it is today. I was a county commissioner then and had access to the stats.	"I think if all of us need  a group rate similar to the former federal employees who pay 102 per cent of the total cost and was bid on by the companies, then we could choose an affordable rate and company. But they would be regional bids. I get mine thru the fed govt because I'm an exspouse but I pay 102 % and I'm glad to have it."	SEE ABOVE. If we all had a group rate that was cometively bid on by state or region. Then the insurance companies get the chance to get the business and the individual would have a group rate so that he could buy. We could go to 90 % coverage in this country. 	MAKE group insurance rates available to all Americans. 	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	3/8/06 9:58 PM
9419	It is getting beyond the reach of too many Americans due to high cost of premiums or medical care	"There has been no push or incentive for Pharmaceutical companies to decrease their prices. Must reduce advertising, promotional, and excessive charges. Too much spent to protect from lawsuits - lawyers, too many tests, etc. If health care would be provided in case of catastrophe, we wouldn't need the insurance companies and lawyers who take enormous amounts of our health care dollars. "	"Kaiser Permanente provides good model for everyday care, but needs better for emergency care. Trade offs? It should be about serving the public rather than making huge amounts of money"	"Stop medical lawsuits. Provide for needs of those injured rather than giving huge settlements. Prosecute negligence, but prove it. Order necessary tests, not CYA tests. Use tried and true meds, not every new one on the block. Regulate what pharmaceutical companies can charge. Allow discounts for Medicaid, Medicare, States, etc. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	3/8/06 10:17 PM
9439	"The Environment (Air, Soil, & Water)  Health insurance  Tobacco  Obesity"	I think that people on government insurance who are smokers or alcoholics should be required to participate in tobacco cessation programs and/or substance abuse programs in order to be (or to remain) eligible for benefits.     The government needs to be more prompt about reimbursing health care providers that see medicaid patients.     The government should provide more loan repayment incentives to new graduates so that they will accept more medicaid patients or locate in areas of greater need. 	NULL	"We pay so much already in taxes but most of it goes to the military. Tax money should be redistributed so that more money goes into healthcare, education, and the environment. So before raising taxes, tax money should be redistributed."	female	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/9/06 1:48 PM
9442	"Lack of access, misuse of resources (for example, using obstetricians to care for low-risk pregnant women instead of nurse-midwives, rising costs without a concomittant increase in healthcare indices of quality"	"Yes.  Let's admit that it's not working, overhaul it and replace with a single-payor system that decreases overhead, simplifies billing, and uses appropriate practioners for appropriate problems."	"That all depends on how effective the AMA is in lobbying for their own interests.  If it could be explained that U.S. citizens are paying LOTS of money for WORSE care under the current system, perhaps we would all be willing to consider changing to a single-payor system"	"Nurse-practitioners, nurse-midwives, and PAs should be the gatekeepers and manage most common problems with physician collaboration and referral as needed.  These providers are much better versed in prevention and wellness, cost less, and are documented to provide the same or better quality care with more satisfied consumers. "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	3/9/06 1:38 PM
9452	There are too many Americans without health insurance today.  The elderly cannot afford their medication. I am not happy when friends tell me they have to choose between medications by which are the most important.	What happened to the money I paid into medicare while I worked?  Why doesn't that show up anywhere on my payment to Medicare for insurance? We certainly were told by SS how much we put into that system.	"I would pay more for high quality. I am not sure that the poor could afford to take this stance. Perhaps, less benefits and go just for basic needs."	"Inculations against diseases, well-baby check-ups for all children, life maintenance for seniors who do not have a secondary health insurance."	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	3/9/06 5:19 PM
9455	"I am most concerned about health care, not ill care.  I feel we are doing a lot to promote ill care in the US and it's expensive--expensive tests, expensive equipment, but there is very little work done to promote health care.  People should be required to see an acupuncturist or naturalpath doctor--because these people are concerned about healthcare, diet, nutrition, exercise, and helping the patient to be responsible for their own health.    "	"Yes, people who are fat, smoke, drink, don't exercise, and in general do not take care of their health should pay very high premiums.  There should be more focus on what people can do to take care of themselves and their families so that we aren't paying for life-saving surgeries and illnesses that could have been prevented in the first place."	NULL	"Every American should have an alternative doctor, acupuncturist, natropathic doctor, chiropractor--these doctors should be their primary care physicians that monitor whether or not they (the patient) are taking care of their health:  exercising, eating right, not smoking, or over-eating, or drinking and doing drugs excessively.  If people are doing things that strike against their health, then their premiums should go up.  "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/9/06 6:04 PM
9461	"I believe the entire health care crisis is a comprehensive lifestyle crisis.  If we ate well and exercised well, employed preventitive care, opted for low-cost personal care over high-tech care in most cases, supported family planning and health education, and lowered pollution, we would see a DRAMATIC drop in illness.  The vast majority of disease is preventable, and no one seems to be interested in addressing the sources of the problem because we're addicted to drugs--sugar, caffiene, tobacco, oil, and don't want to give them up!  "	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/9/06 8:59 PM
9476	"I am very concerned that so many American rely on a public system that is doomed to fail.  I would like to see individuals have more personal accountability in their health care decisions and costs.  It is unfortunate that many people making healthy choices (non-smoking, no or limited alcohol, regular exercise, healthy diet, etc.)are paying for the health care of individuals who make poor health choices.  If government were to create an all encompassing National Health Care System, health care in America would only get worse!"	"I believe that government should be phased out of the health care system completely.  De-regulating health care will lessen health care costs, improve efficiency, and promote healthy lifestyles."	"If personal accountability in health care is increased, you will see that individuals are willing to make better health choices and limit their health care access in non-necessary visits.  "	"Educate America on healthy lifestyle choices, then step aside and let them be personally accountable for their health care.  Dissolve the governments involvement in American Health Care.  I realize that this will be a painful process for many (including the many administrative jobs financed through the government), but our health care system will improve."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	3/10/06 1:57 PM
9481	"It is iniquitous.  The ""emergency"" cover for people, including pregnant women, is fractured, incomplete and inefficient.  I have seen people sent home from an ER with bullets still in them (to be removed in a Free Clinic) after having an X-Ray to determine that no vital structures have been hit. Women who have delivered a baby (and got Medicaid cover) and return to the ER with a seizure can not have appropriate follow-up with a Neurologist because there is no-one interested in taking uninsured patients. Young women can't get surgery for their cervical cancer, but are given radiation treatment instead.  The stories go on and on.  I have worked in Australia, the UK and now America - there is the very best of health care here, but also the worst, and it is shameful that a country which has produced the Ethicists it has is prepared to ALLOW such a chaotic and unjust system to persist."	"Get employment out of the equation. It is an accident of history that medical insurance is attached to the place of employment, only to be lost or changed if jobs change or are lost. It is absurd that the average length of time an individual stays with a doctor is 2 years - this is inefficient in terms of duplication of tests and services and does not lead to continuity of care.    Use PCPs as ""gate-keepers"".   Re-consider screening recommendations.  For example, women here have been told for years they need annual Paps, yet the Dutch get by with 5-yearly Paps, most European countries with 2-3 yearly screening and UNIVERSAL coverage of most women, instead of the huge gaps that exist here in Pap coverage.  "	"Very few.  Everyone wants MORE, and the common cry is ""I did well out my Health Insurance"", or ""This is unfair"".  You can't have a just system where some people waste huge resources on non-essential medications and investigations, and others get nothing.  The American public needs to decide (as in Oregon) what it is willing to pay for on behalf of everyone.  At present, it enjoys the luxury of blaming government, HMO, someone else for the perceived inability to get the ""care"" it wants, and millions of others get incomplete or no care at all.   "	"Make insurance compulsory.  Many of those 44 million uninsured choose to be uninsured - they make rational decisions about their age, likelihood of becoming ill and chances of being OK until Medicare covers them.  The administrative costs involved in telephoning, writing, recording, arguing with people in the health insurance industry could be used to provide universal health coverage tomorrow.  Even Milton Friedman agrees that Health cannot be viewed in the same terms as other ""free market"" commodities - there will always need to be some government intervention as well as competition between institutions.  It could be done with a lot more sense of compassion and social justice than is currently seen.  Before I came to America I would read about things in medical journals and think how amazing the pathology here was, no doubt due to the huge population and variety of peoples.  Since working here I realize that much of the pathology which is seen is because the illness is not dealt with appropriately in time - it's not seen in other countries of the developed world because there are mechanisms for prevention or resolution long before it gets to be a serious problem.  If people felt that they could get medical care without being ignored, penalized or turned away (where is the ethics in saying ""We don't take your insurance""?), individual and ultimately public health would be much better here than it is."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	3/10/06 2:33 PM
9484	That not all children and elderly have health care access	I think that the doctors in general should help pay also or lower their fee.	I believe the american public would be willing to work for healthier life if they have access to affordable health care. Now a days i see(as medicaid specialist) in my line of work that hardly anyone can afford health care monthly fee. That is why when they end up in a hospital medicaid has to pay. 	An affordable health care system for all	female	45 to 64	Yes	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/10/06 3:07 PM
9492	qUALITY OF CARE; COVERAGE FOR ALL DESPITE ABILITY TO PAY; EASE OF ACCESS TO CARE	PRO-RATED CARE ACCORDING TO INCOME	I THINK THE AMERICAN PUBLIC WILL FIGHT HARD FOR EQUITABLE QUALITY CARE	SINGLE PAYER PROGRAMS	female	Over 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	3/10/06 5:48 PM
9493	People wanting to retire are finding it harder to do because of high cost of health care. They work longer than they want to or spend their savings to pay for it.	"Start a National health care program ( if Canada can do it why can't the USA ) Charge every employer with over 15 employees $2000 a year per employee ( including part-time ). Charge employees a health tax of $100 a month, and quit sending trillions of tax payer money to other countries."	I think the average worker would pay a little more in taxes to get free health care.	Kick the lobbyist for the hospitals and insurance companys out of Washington so a National health plan could pass. 	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	3/10/06 5:51 PM
9497	"HMOs and insurance companies can discriminate against those with medical problems, such as a cancer history, by declining coverage."	Many of us fall through the cracks and lack eligibility for coverage via any of these systems. Every American should have access to health insurance.	"Co-pays by ALL, to eliminate abuse of the varous systems."	Some of the people who need health care most do not have access to it. Refusal of coverage for so-called high-risk individuals must not be permitted to continue.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	3/10/06 9:13 PM
9504	"The uninsured and underinsured.  Over 18,000 Americans die prematurely each year because they have no health insurance.  Access is determined by financial status.  I believe the first question at an emergency room should be, what's the problem, instead of, do you have insurance?"	"Government must set price controls.  This is more easily accomplished if the Government pays for healthcare.  The inefficiencies created by insurance filing, billing, etc. could be eliminated.    "	"What trade-offs is the healthcare system willing to make to provide affordable, high quality healthcare?  Everyone agrees rising healthcare costs are a problem, but we seem to be working around the problem.  The question should be, what's causing the soaring healthcare costs, instead of how should we pay for rising healthcare costs?  Let's fix the root problem first, soaring healthcare costs.     "	"Remove profit from healthcare.  Profiting from those in need of medical attention is immoral and there should be protections against it.  How much of the 1.8 trillion dollars we spend annually on healthcare is profit?  By profit, I'm referring to financial gain above and beyond operating expenses.   "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/11/06 7:51 AM
9511	"Affordability. Exclusivity. It is cheaper to pay for universal health care via my taxes than it is to try and come up with thousands of dollars for medical care. I believe that the current system is top heavy, politically and corporate driven and certainly not equitable or moral for a rich country. The current system does not benefit all citizens. A universal system, care of all people universally, would lower administration rates, provide better service, increase life expectancy, eliminate a high percentage of bankruptcies and so on. A universal system works around the world and there is no reason it will not work here."	"Basic universal health care paid for by the government should be implemented. There are too many plans and barriers - look to Canada, Australia, NZ, Sweden, GB and a whole pile of other countries to see what they do. Canada is a great example despite the fear mongering that is fed to people here in the USA by media. In Canada, you get sick, you go and see your doctor. Your annual visits are paid for. If you need an operation - you have it done. All through your tax dollars. Health cards with photo ID are issued. Your basic health care is paid for so that you aren't afraid to get help because you don't have money. Early medical attention to small problems, eliminates bigger problems. Evaluate bankruptcies around the world and see how many people have to declare massive financial losses because of health care - the USA is probably highest. There would be billions of dollars saved in administration fees alone if there was a universal plan. "	"I think most Americans would be willing to pay increased taxes if they knew they didn't have to constantly worry about the money they need for health care. This will only happen with Universal health care. There are already too many bits and pieces out there and it's way to confusing - you should be able to go to a doctor of your choice, build up a relationship with them and not worry about 15 men in the middle telling you who you are allowed to see, when you are allowed to see them, tell you what they are going to pay and so on. "	Going to a universal system for basic health care for all Americans.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Decline to answer	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/11/06 11:34 AM
9518	I believe the crisis of the health care in the U.S. requires big re-vamping and it won't come  until we have true financial campaign reform.  the pharmacueitcal and insurance companies have the money to buy any legislation they want.	"The environment contributes to the malaise of the health in this country.  We can make a difference by assuring our children aren't playing in lead, drinking flouride, eating plastic, offering sugar in school lunches....  obesity could be addressed by resuming walking to school, pumping our lymphatic fluids, saving on gasoline--a non-renewable resource."	a great deal.	campaign finance reform	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/11/06 4:42 PM
9526	it's expensive and inadequate	there should be more competition in the health insurance sphere.  we are paying way too much.  there should be no such thing as HMO.  Everyone should be able to have the best medical care available.  Everyone should also be able to choose their own doctors with every brand and type of insurance.  	"i think giving wealthy america tax cuts is part of the problem.  America needs to immediately begin making solar-powered vehicles or something of that nature.  we won't spend so much money abroad and we will stimulate the economy by having more people buy american cars, also we will be creating jobs in the u.s."	"insurance rate are far too high.  We need to improve costs.  Also, all insurance plans should cover any and all types of care the patient may need.  we all deserve the same quality healthcare."	female	Under 25	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	3/11/06 11:19 PM
9534	"For 50 million people, there is no healthcare coverage in America.  For 50 million people, this is a non-question."	"Allow alternative models to provide primary care and prevention - something these modalities are inherently suited to do - and use the huge expenditures on end-stage, palliative care for prevention and primary care instead."	"The trade-offs are not for the American public to consider.  It is a better question to ask what trade-offs the drug companies and HMO's would be willong to make in order to see a heathy population.  Until there is an acknowledgement that healthcare is not a business, how can anything improve?  There is more value to keeping people ill in the current set up; and in an economic system where money is the predominant factor, there is no financial incentive to keep people well."	"Include other healing systems in the current model - and allow insurance to pay for them.  Traditional Chinese Medicine has an enormous amount to contribute to the well-being of the people of this country becasue it is inherently suited to the types of conditions that people in the U.S. now suffer from: namely, chronic disease."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/12/06 1:17 PM
9536	I think health care should be national and provided by our tax money. 	I think alot of employers are ignoring older employees because of higher premiums. I had to pay for my medical as a single woman $40 wk and a girl 22 with a 3 year old child paid nothing!.	NULL	National Health care for All.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/12/06 1:35 PM
9539	"Fragmentation, a focus on profit combined with (for the most part) indifference to cost, and all the people who are left out or suffer enormous anxiety about their health, health care and economic well-being related to health and health care owing to the current (non-)system"	"Given my values, I would choose a single payer system, but I recognize that others do not necessarily share my values and so I think other approaches should be considered"	"I think most people would be willing to make modest trade-offs out of concern for others and enlightened self-interest, but we have not emphasized the value of solidarity in this country and many citizens are distrustful of the government and of large, risky projects (although the ""New Deal"" shows that given the right circumstances and inspirational leadership much can be accomplished)"	"Recognize, as the group does, that everything is interconnected and that the problems are complex, and yet continually strive for simplicity (e.g., appeal to a few strongly held, common values to ground efforts at reform, and frame the big policy issues/choices in terms  people can readily understand -- AARP, for example, does this very well when they undertake policy initiatives)"	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	3/12/06 3:48 PM
9548	"The strong influence of the drug companies, the insurance companies, and the HMOs on what happens, instead of allowing a free flowing decision making process between medical provider and consumer/patient."	"I favor a single payer universal health care plan that focuses on prevention and education rather than reacting to problems after they occur.  Employers should be taken out of the loop, as it doesn't involve them."	Research has shown that universal health care of the sort used by ALL other developed countries will SAVE money while providing better overall care to everyone.  Our medical costs/capita are now double the next country's costs.	"Learn from the other countries who have a 120 year history of UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE!  Phase it in to allow retraining of people whose(expensive to us)work will be no longer needed: excess administrators, insurance people, lobbyists."	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	3/12/06 6:04 PM
9551	"Inequity of care, rampant inefficiency of care and an absurd level of administrative overhead costs"	"Scrap that system except as a backup to a universal coverage, single payer plan "	"In the current model, none. There is no belief that the current model will deliver effective health care in a reliable manner, and any ""trade off"" will just ultimately get eaten up by the system"	"Establish and implement a universal coverage single payer plan that provides basic care and catastrophic care to all Americans. Anything less will NOT be for ALL Americans, no matter how you try to package it."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/12/06 6:40 PM
9557	"Cost of insurance, antiquated record keeping systems, lack of coordination between physicians serving the same patients, and insurance company driven health care choices (doctors and patients)   "	Health care administration should not be a government run system. Just look at Medicare and Social Security.  Government is not the most efficeint or progressive purveyor of service.    	"I'm willing to trade high cost one-person group insurance coverage for higher deductible coverage, but its not available in my market. On the financing side, tax deductible medical expenses without income limitaions would also be helpful.  The AMT and other income limitations are unfair -- everyone gets sick and needs medical care.  "	"Eliminate redundant administrative costs resulting from current system via insurance companies forcing choices on doctors and patients, and medical e&o insurance. "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/13/06 8:21 AM
9559	We spend far too much money on end of life procedures instead of health education and primary care health services which encourage prevention.	Every American should have basic health care coverage.	Higher co-pays.	"Move away from the medical model of providing health care which is ""disease oriented"" and move toward a more prevention-oriented system. This includes expanding the roles, responsibilities, and pay for registered nurses & advanced practice nurses."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	3/13/06 8:53 AM
9562	"We have the finest health care system the world has ever known and my concern is that it will go the way of Canada's or Ireland's - both are horrible - by accepting/instituting socialized medicine. Americans must start taking responsibility for their own health - by their lifestyle choices. I'm sick of paying for smokers, drug addicts, alcoholics, criminals, illegal immigrants and all other people who engage in activities that can cause serious health problems. I understand ""accidents"" - I don't understand irresponsibility.   "	"How about health care savings accounts?  What you don't use - you get after ""X"" number of years. Something similar to TSB plans and offer to everyone but it's ongoing as a retirement plan would be."	"Quality and accessibility should be priority.  I don't know if Americans are willing to trade anything - we are so used to blaming someone else for our problems and ""having our cake and eating it too"". "	"FORCE AMERICANS TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR LIFESTYLE CHOICES AND THE CHOICES OF THEIR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18 - REGARDLESS OF THE EVENTUAL OUTCOME OF THESE CHOICES FOR THE INDIVIDUAL OR THEIR FAMILIES (i.e., if my child has a baby out of wedlock - I should have to pay for it or figure out how it will be paid for; if my child engages in behavior that is illegal and gets hurt, I should have to pay for it or figure out how it will be paid for.  My neighbor should not have their taxes or insurance premiums increased to pay for my families' problems!)"	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/13/06 9:43 AM
9563	not having it	no	The American public should be presented with options and depending on personal circumstances will go on to considering the trade off particular to the circumstances they are in	make it plain text simple	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	3/13/06 10:16 AM
9573	"Health care in America is expensive, difficult to access, inefficient, and inadequate. Providers are being asked to see more and more patients. The threat of litigation makes health care much less attractive as a career."	"I think it is time to go to a one payor system. Medicare is one of the most successful health insurance systems out there. We need to expand it to include all of our citizens. This should be done gradually, by decreasing the age at which our citizens are eligible for Medicare. From the other side, all children should have access to health insurance. FQHCs do a good job of providing this care. In the middle age range, employers should be more responsible for providing insurance coverage until Medicare ends up lowering the age limit enough to cover all our citizens."	"I don't know what the American public is willing to do. Fairly uncontroversial would be to expand access to FQHCs to more individuals by increasing the income limits which qualify them for services. This woud mean increasing funding for the centers. Since much of their emphasis is on primary care and prevention services, they help keep people out of the ER and hospitals, which are expensive venues in which to provide care. Therefore the funding increase would more than be offset by cost savings.   "	"Improve the funding for the education of Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) and Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners, as well as encouraging their practice in FQHCs and in private practice. Childbirth is an expensive health care event. Good prenatal care has been shown to be very cost effective. Preventing just one preterm birth saves thousands of dollars. Research shows CNMs to have excellent outcomes with low ceserean rates. The trend toward increasing CS rates drains dollars from the health care system that could be better spent elsewhere. ARNPs also provide cost efficient, high quality care in collaboration with their physician partners.   "	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/13/06 12:20 PM
9581	"My concern is my cost of insurance for my family continues to rise every year about 30% and we have had only common illness claims such as strep throat, etc.  "	"People NEED to be accountable and responsible.  I know people who go to the emergency room for things such as Strep throat, ear infections simply because ""insurance pays for it""  when in reality we are ALL paying for it in our premiums. There should be some ""limitations"" to what is considered a valid ER visit."	"I believe that we should be responsible for basic day to day medical costs such as basic Dr. visits, prescriptions, and use insurance as I believe it was intended for....Major medical problems or procedures.  Too many people take advantage of insurance, thus the costs continue to rise."	"It's time we take care of ourselves, not always relying on others or the government to do it.  Insurance is supposed to be a ""safety net"" NOT a way to pay for the everyday mishaps or sicknesses!"	female	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	3/13/06 1:34 PM
9594	Lack of accessibility. Huge and increasing cost. Lack of public health component with goal of maintaining good health through education and prevention.	"Roles need to be changed.Initial access to healthcare must be available to all. Government is best placed to ensure this and to sponsor and encourage education and wellness programs. Catastrophic care must be available. Employers may continue to collect patient payments but their contribution should not push them into bankruptcy. Large employers could be involved in providing health education, maintenance, monitoring and first aid and referral through on-ground clinics. Patients need to take more responsibility for electives and non-emergency treatments. Everyone should have access to large group care and the lower costs this provides. Attention must be paid to the fact that most healthcare costs are incurred in the last decade of life and could be lessened by provision of social network and community based services which would be cheaper. We must restrict emergency room use to real emergencies; it should not be the entry point to healthcare for those who have no insurance. There should be NOONE without coverage, however limited this may need to be."	I don't know.The public has already adjusted to limitations imposed by the HMOs but these have not proved any more affordable. I believe that more attention needs to be paid to the location and distribution of services including hospital beds.	Access for all at least for assessment and in emergency.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/13/06 5:05 PM
9596	"The rising costs of premiums, co-pays and high deductables."	"The whole system needs an overhaul.  It's really sad when families have to decide whether to pay their mortgage payments, grocery and electric bill over their health insurance premuims."	"I think you will see more Americans go ""overseas"" for much lower cost treatment.  For the 1st time in 25 years I will be without health insurance because I am self employed with a ""conversion policy"" with a premium that was just raised to $760 per month.  This does not include my 3 other family members."	Reduce the massive profits the health insurance companies are making & place caps on hospital/ doctor/lab charges.  I'm sure those in Washington are lining their pockets at the expense of hard working Americans who are just trying to do the right thing!!	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/13/06 5:23 PM
9597	The over-reliance on drugs	There should be a universal health care system that is not dependent on employment status or wealth.	NULL	"There needs to more emphasis on preventative care, ie more emphasis on dietary education (for doctors and nurses as well as young people), exercise, healthy lifestyle.  This also includes a more inclusive attitude towards alternative forms of healthcare, such as acupuncture/herbology, which emphasize prevention and maintenance of health, without reliance on dangerous pharmaceuticals."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/13/06 5:24 PM
9603	The industry is broken and no one dares to change it before the baby boomer retirement and an increasingly overweight public destroys the current system. 	It should be entirely up to the individual to choose there healthcare from insurance companies competing for the individual consumer.  As apposed to employee provided healthcare that doesn't address the individuals unhealthy lifestyle or particular insurance needs/wants.  	I think they'd be happy to get rid of the current system for a personally financed one if they were adequately explained the benefits of people picking their own health insurance in the free market.  Such as every other American good or service that works well.  	"Change the tax code, public funding, or anything else necessary to gradually move the country to paying for its own healthcare.  "	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ND	3/13/06 10:18 PM
9606	"Working poor cannot afford insurance. Employers would like to provide great coverage, but they can't afford it either. COBRA coverage is too expensive.  Pre-existing conditions result in no afforable coverage. US manufacturers have a serious disadvantage in the new global economy."	"We need a single-payer system without income limitations. The cost of ""means tests"" is prohibitive and coverage should be univeral. I would like to see additional coverage available for everyone to purchase if they want it and can afford it, with no limitations for pre-existing conditions.  Something like medicare would work if the pool included everyone - "	We're already paying - wages are lower so employers can provide coverage.  Taxes are higher to pay for medicaid.  Something like FICA deductions for 10% of income - or possibly a National Sales Tax for funding.  	Univeral coverage with a single payer.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/14/06 6:01 AM
9612	"Age discrimination for patients in their 60's and older. My father just died due to misdiagnosis and gross mistreatment by TWO hospitals. None of the doctors treated his illness as an emergency and so the proper care lagged for weeks until they had fulfilled their own prophesy and my father died. Not from cancer as they were guessing all along, but by an allergic reaction to antibiotics that gradually shut down his kidneys and liver. I can't imagine anyone of our members in congress accepting this type of treatment for themselves or others( and most of them are over 60)."	Organizations ans associations should be allowed to negotiate health care on same par as large business. After all large businesses no longer employ the majority of our citizens. Most companies are small businesses receiving little to no incentives to help give most employees affordable health care.	"Cut back on our taxes to provide lifetime pension and health benefits to all our polititians. Most are millionaires who can very well support their own medical care. After all they are supposed to be our public ""servants"".Let them have the same access the rest of us have."	Let associations negotiate on the same par as big businesses for affordable health care.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/14/06 9:24 AM
9616	Those of us who can afford the health insurance premiums and cant find insurance due to age and or health history	NULL	NULL	authorizes the creation of fully-insured small business health plans (SBHPs) by trade associations	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/14/06 11:17 AM
9621	"What concerns me most is that health care is not readily available. I had to wait 3 months for an appointment with a physician to get treatment for a vaginal infection. THREE MONTHS-despite calling repeatedly--and calling more than one doctor. We need many more doctors! We must reform  our medical school programs. (Whatcom County, Washington.)"	"No, but more physicians are needed to bring down costs."	None.	Educate more doctors to bring down the cost of medical care and provide more expedient treatment.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	3/14/06 1:41 PM
9624	Too many people don't have coverage- even with two people working in a family and even people who have owrked all their lives and find themsleves retired or laid off in their 50's and early 60's and they are devasted by the high costs of medical insurance. Employers cannot afford to provide health insurance for their employees. Business cannot compete globally with other nations who do provide health care for all. 	"There are too many plans. Doctors have to keep many empoloyees just to keep up with the paperwork. When you're ill, the doctor has to know what plan you're on so that a recommednation can be made for your care. It's too complicated and costly to keep it the way it is.  I would rather pay taxes to the govt. and have it run by the govt as long as there was free choice to doctors and medical facilities ( as do the Japanases)"	"I think that if the American people understnad what the current system is ALREADY costing them then they will not back off from paying more taxes. People currently belive that if they have an employer paid plan, that's it free but there are costs because  health insurance companies are profit oriented."	It needs to be a simple plan as is free education to all American children- health care is basic human right. I think that we should join the rest of the countries who provide for their citizens in this manner.	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	3/14/06 2:54 PM
9629	Lack of care for a significant portion of the population	"Yes.  We must go to an 'everybody in and nobody  out"" system and get out of the employment based system."	I believe most would accept increase in taxes with some trade off of lesser insurance costs and direct payments.	Develop a single payer system with everybody in.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	3/14/06 3:22 PM
9658	it costs so much and lower income people aren't being treated and certainly aren't getting prevention services.	NULL	NULL	"I think prescription drugs have seen the biggest price increase and believe this is all due to one thing:  companies being allowed to advertise!!! Pick up any magazine and count the number of Rx ads, watch TV and count the spots for medicines.  I understand that some of the money needs to fund the companies' research, but funding these billions of dollars in advertising is ridiculous.  Unfortunately I am probably naive in thinking that this will change because they support political candidates and politicians won't stop this advertising."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/15/06 9:33 AM
9661	"Why do individuals have to pay such a larger fee?As an independent contractor I am not part of a larger group plan. I don't understand why not. NAR or even CAR could be a very large ""group"". "	NULL	"Higher deductable and payment for ""minor"" Dr. visits. Leave the ""big stuff"" for the insurance and pay your own way for the ""quick visit"". In this way people may stop running to the Dr. for every little thing."	Group plans if that is what it takes to make it more affordable.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/15/06 10:15 AM
9666	The over-charging to Medicare of medical devices such as the TENS unit I recently received. It will cost Medicare $600 when it should be about $100.  	The medical savings plan might be a good idea.  Everyone is alloted a certain amount per year.  He/she can either use it for health care or roll over the unused amount for the next year.  I don't see how it could work for seniors though.  	NULL	Clean up the over-charging and find a way to limit the cost of drugs.	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/15/06 10:38 AM
9667	"We're paying more and more and getting less and less. We have the best health care available in the world, but most people can't afford it."	"Yes! We tried ""for profit"" educational, police, and fire protection systems in the past. They didn't work out. They are now ""public"" responsibilities. Basic Health care should be a public responsibility and right."	We pay one of the lowest tax rates in the world. We should raise taxes to pay for universal basic health care.	"Get the many hands open for a ""piece of the action (profits)"" out of the basic health care business. Basic health care should be in the same category as police, fire, and educational services PAID FOR BY TAXES!!    This -- of course -- will never happen because the ""bottom line"" is the final authority for any proposed program and no one in congress has the balls to stand up and say that we need to increase taxes to provide basic health care for everyone because it's the right thing to do!"	male	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SC	3/15/06 10:49 AM
9668	"That our present health care system is costly, ineffective, and inefficient."	"I believe we should stop treating health care as a commodity, eliminate costly duplication, and develop some form of universal governmentally funded coverage, the cost of which would be borne by progressive taxation, which should also include increasing the availability of trained health care professionals."	"Unfortunately, I don't know that the majority of Americans are realistic about this, but they must accept that improvement will only come with change, some of which they may not like, such as waits for or the unavailability of some services. "	"We need to redesign our health care system.  Unavailability of coverage is not the problem, but only a symptom of a dysfunctional system. "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	3/15/06 10:50 AM
9673	"Lack of insurance delays more cost effective, preventive care.  Lack of integration: ex. between prevention of obesity and the unhealthy, high fat dairy and sugar laden lunch governmental subsidies for school lunch programs or lack of physical activity in society and loss of physical education funding in our public schools."	"All contribute via taxes to universal system with Dr. choice.  If all workers compensation, uninsured motorist, health insurance policy premiums, etc.  were combined to eliminate duplication of administration cost and delay in fragmented care from multiple providers we could cover all, for less and emphasize prevention."	"Medicare for all with negotiated price controls on visits, drugs, hospital care and durable medical supplies is achievable.  Evidence based quality of care guidelines have been proven effective.  Electronic medical records could free up funds from record duplication, billing and appeal processes. "	"Educate and reward exercise, healthy social behaviors,screen for cholesteral, diabetes, hypertension, cancer and fund programs and testing for same."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/15/06 11:48 AM
9674	"The cost and inavailability.  The fact that providing good healthcare is a major business with big money involved, where having a healthy America should be a national goal covered by tax payers for all citizens."	"Yes, our tax dollars should cover all expenses for all medical purposes for all people."	More taxes can be taken in return for total coverage by the government.	"Provide health care for all Americans.  The government is of the people, for the people, and by the people.  We should provide health care the same way."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	3/15/06 11:54 AM
9685	"that there is no mechanism for charities to provide the care that the poor cannot pay for, that is't even an option in todays healthcare arena when, historically it has been charitable groups that have been the vhicke for positive reform in the field (florence nightengale, dorthy dix, etc)"	"yes, there are to be a way for charities and professions who wish to volunteer services for direct care to those who cannot pay. as an RN at county general in L.A., appauled by the uncaring professionals harsh judgements, greed motivation, and negligent care of the poor, i quit and volunteer my services.  was told that the facilty couldn't accept bvolunteer service. this needs to be changed "	"i don't think trade offs are needed. i think with true reform of healthcare, not just healthcare financing, people ccan affordably get the care they need. the problem is thatwe are paying top dollar and getting very little for our money. i personally know a lot of RN who have left the field or been chased out of it becuase of the focus on business models and money rather than creating institutional environments conducive to allowing those who truly care to do their jobs. my documentation is lousy because i spend more time with patients. RNs who do nothing but fill in all the forms right are the RNs praised and retained by facilities. "	re-establish charitable care and allow nurses to pracice independently in community clinics that deal with non-acute healthcare concerns. create a new 'gatekeeper' model for healthcare that doesn't require so much excessive use of ERs because everyone is doing more CYA than caring about people. allow that the models used by nurses (take a look at our NANDA diagnosis) lends itself to being the new gatekeeping to healthcare and dispense with the hierarchial minimization of nursing care that overburdens doctors and ties the hands of nurses.  	female	45 to 64	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/15/06 1:52 PM
9694	"That insurance companies dictate care that should be in the hands of a patient and a caring, committed, knowledgeable physician."	NULL	NULL	Caring physicians that respond to the needs of their patients and not the dictates of insurance companies.	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	3/15/06 2:40 PM
9695	"The number of people who are unable to afford it, choose not to purchase it because of the high cost, rising premiums, and the number of peoples credit that is ruined due to medical claims"	"Yes I beieve it should remain a private system.  With the government stepping in to mandate basic coverage for all americans and requiring both employers and individuals to contribute to premiums.  Premiums should be tiered based on what grade of coverage you want to recieve, say levels 1-4.  These premiums should automatically be deducted from every american's paycheck just like taxes.  "	"I think when you look at the overall cost of medicaide, medicare, the publics healthcare premiums, employers healthcare contributions, and excess borrowing costs caused by medical collections and bankruptcies, we have to be able to put together a unified system that would cost far less then what we are currently paying."	"regulate the costs as americans we pay the world research and development costs, make the world share in those costs."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	3/15/06 2:53 PM
9699	"Costs are excessive: Too much money is being made off the health problems of others, whether it be through doctors, drug companies, lawyers, insurance companies, or our bureaucratic government officials and their dynasties! Also, a person should be able to go to the doctor of their choice, not restricted the way many plans are today that make for inconvenience and wasted time for the individual...and sometimes reduced quality of care."	"Do whatever would reduce the bureaucracy; particularly at the government levels. Also, increasing sales tax could help to defray overall costs that are passed on to the indiviual; like hospital expenses, drugs, etc and set lower limits on law suits!"	"The indiviual should pay on a graduated scale based upon the lifestyle they lead; why should a non-smoker pay for a smoker's problems, why should a person who is careful about sexual activity pay for the person whose lifestyle leads to sexual diseases, HIV, etc; why should a person who is careful about his/her consumption of alcohol pay the same as one who is excessive in this area; and there are other areas like obesity, extreme sports, etc. People lead very different lifestyles in their personal lives that have costly consequences for them...and for others.   I also think if the deductible were higher people would go to the doctor less...reducing costs."	Have a graduated payment scale based on the lifestyle of the indiviual. Check out   www.medi-share.org...low costs are based on living a healthy lifestyle.     	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	3/15/06 3:27 PM
9701	The lack of affordable health care for everyone	We need a single payer system (with continued private care provision).	"I think Americans would be willing to support a broad base of financing, e.g. through a combination of employee, employer and other subsidies."	Single payer system	female	45 to 64	No	NULL	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	3/15/06 3:29 PM
9714	The lack of personal responsibility in obtaining and maintaining health insurance.	"All individuals should be rquired to have private health insurance, thus getting rid of a federal beauraucracy, stopping cost shifting and stopping costs to local governments for incarcerated pesons.  A stipend cold be made available to low income folks.  Rebates could be made to those who have lower than average use over a 3-5 year period (due to lifestyle changes: exercise, stop smoking, etc)"	"If ALL were reqired to have a policy, and ALL insurers required to accept ALL applicants, the public would have to accept a tiered system with BASIC care required and optional higher levels of care availalbe for additional premiums.  The HSA system should be expanded to include a replacement system for Medicare."	"Require ALL insurers to accept All applicants, and Require ALL individuals to carry a basic policy (thus replacing Medicare, Medicaid and their federal beauraucracies)."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WY	3/15/06 6:00 PM
9716	"the lack of it for many americans, i am 58 years old and work part time, no insurance. i have many health problems from heart disease to barretts esophagus (pre-cancerous)and depression to name a few. i did not qualify for medicaid, but it do get foot stamps. I need help! "	"If a company can only hire you for a job, that is part time, that individual still needs healthcare.  For myself my health is not good, but i am able to do my part time job duties, but because of my health i cannot go out and do many full time jobs duties.  Now I'm penalized with no options for insurance."	"Get out of the War Business, is one, take care of our own citizens first, then help out the rest of the world as needed. "	"Either creat a universal insurance program for all, with a sliding pay scale, for all.  Or at least expand the Medicaid Program to include all in need.  I feel let down by the system myself, I'm in between poverty and Medicare and I'm helpless.  I pay a reduced fee at my local dr office, it goes on my income, and they give me sample medicine.  But with my health problems I need more care, tests, etc.  I worry! "	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/15/06 6:04 PM
9717	"I am faced with the price I need to pay so my family stays healthy.  It's beyond my understandin how the price of health care escaletes yearly.  It's obvious that a healthy work force will only help our country and our economy so it's time we get some support for our hard working, enthusiastic, self-employed work force.   "	I don't mind paying a portion but not the outragious amounts. 	NULL	NULL	female	25 to 44	Yes	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/15/06 6:31 PM
9723	"There are myriad things that bug me but the two main ones are as follows: there must be some individual patient responsibility for your health care and   the congressmen and women should pay for their care just like we average people do. if they paid for their care and did not get total care that is gratis at our expense, they would ""get it."" there is not enough space here to totally expand on what i think would work, but i would love to get involved more in some way. i currently am employed as a surgical tech at Beaumont hospital and am currently pursuing nursing at a local college. i believe that i could contribute to any forum that may be needing attendance. pls reply to my e-mail if you need another opinion.    thx and hope to hear from you    "	not enough space here either	"lots, but not enough space here either."	have congress pay just like we do and they would get it.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/15/06 8:36 PM
9724	"It is so short sighted! Lack of emphasis on and financial support for preventative care. Too much emphasis on expensive, invasive hospital based treatment especially in Obstetrics. The right to midwife attended home birth in RI now please! We need a new look at the safety issues for eyes not blinkered by those who make vast amounts of money from hospital birth be it the medical establishment or opinions lobbied for by the manufacturers of hospital equipment."	The contributors may remain the same but the amount of money paid to insurance companies must be reduced	Minaly the public need to know exactly where their money is going and to feel assured that they will get the help they need when they need it. For that they would be willing to pay what they could.	Start early - before birth! Aim to maintain well being by promoting health education and a sense of responsibility for the self. If we eat properly and don't smoke it might just save enough to give the best treatment to those who need it when they need it.	female	25 to 44	No	Other	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	RI	3/15/06 8:42 PM
9729	"1. that if you are sick, you cannot buy it.  2. should be available to all as MANDATORY purchase, paid same as income tax."	"too many systems, duplications.  Use the VA or medicare models.  About 50% of the couintry is covered by one govt program or another.  Make it 100%."	"It should not cost more, if ALL HAVE to pay for it.  But not EVERYTHING should be available - there are linmits to treatment.  "	"Limit it to legal residents, and be a mandatory system"	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	3/15/06 8:58 PM
9737	The fact that people cannot change jobs because of loosing their health insurance coverage and not being able to afford an individual policy because of the current high cost of health insurance and not being able to get a job with a company that doesn't have health insurance.  You are basically trapped into a bad situation that affects your quality of life simply because of health insurance.  This is especially true if you have any health problems.    	Businesses need to be removed from the decision making process of what health care to offer to their employees and simply pay an employee tax to a government run program (structured similar to Medicare benefits).  These tax dollars should be combined with a nationwide sales tax that will fund all medical care for everyone.  The employee tax could therefore probably be much less than they are currently paying for their employees and would be required for all businesses (even those who are not now furnishing coverage).	This national plan would be for basic coverage only and those who wished expanded coverage could purchase those benefits structured as the current Medicare supplements.	The same basic benefits for all Americans funded by taxes.  No matter how much the taxes are it will be worth it.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	3/16/06 8:10 AM
9745	"The distinct lack of attention to the underlying cause of health problems in Americans today. We could eliminate the current problems such as, the high cost of health care, insurance coverage, and the problems of poor treatment outcomes and overall poor health. An ambitious education plan reaching young children up through the elderly teaching the tremendous benefits to be had with significantly increased fruit, nut, and vegetable consumption coupled with significant decreases in animal based foods and snacks could change everything in a very short time."	Individuals should be responsible for health care costs. This is the only way Americans will take ownership of their health habits. Emergency care should be provided to anyone in accidents and in acute illness despite coverage.	"What Americans are willing to do is beside the point. I believe in a democratic government (which it seems we have less of these days) but leadership should not necessitate caving into the public's wants. The public need is better health, not more health insurance. If Congress were to take a real leadership position in moving more to the prevention side of health care through proper nutrition and exercise instead of high priced high tech care of dubious overall value, we could solve this problem within 10 years."	"Go to the root of the problem. Teach Americans to be healthy. It is a crime that Americans should suffer from completely preventable diseases like Alzheimer's, Cancer, Macular Degeneration, Parkinson's, arthritis and others. The research has made a clear connection between these ""diseases of aging"" and diet. The government has caved into special interests and lobbyists and in doing so has traded the American people's health. This is probably a waste of time, to expect some honesty and integrity from out government, but I had to write."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	3/16/06 10:26 AM
9752	"The growing disparity in access to needed services.  We continue to provide greater and greater high end, technologically sophisticated care, while more and more individuals and families struggle to go to a doctor for primary and preventive care."	"It is fine, but doesn't cover everyone.  We have to get away from an employer based health insurance system.  Employers should contribute, but the coverage should be about the individual, not where they work or if they work.  It should be coverage that follows the individual regardless of where they work or if they work.  It should be continuous from birth."	"I would be happy to pay more in taxes if it meant truly overhauling the system and creating affordable, accessible  health care for everyone."	"Create a system that seamlessly covers individuals from birth to death.  Health care is about the individual, not whether they work, or have a disability, or fall within a certain age range.  We keep everything in this country piecemeal and segregated by false categorization and because of that ensure a fragmented system with lots of individuals falling through the cracks.  Get rid of the fractured system based on the private market.  It doesn't work.  It is costly and creates too many gaps in care."	female	45 to 64	Yes	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	3/16/06 11:00 AM
9754	That there are so many individuals with inadequate coverage and that procedures are priced way too high. 	"It isn't working for many poorer people and it is very inequitable.  If we put just a portion of the war money into healthcare, everyone could have wonderful coverage.  It is a disgrace for a wealthy nation to not care for all its citizens.   Stop the war and build health, peace, and education."	There needs to be a ceiling on health care costs.  Then everyone would have accessability to basic services. 	Support doctors by putting a ceiling on mal-practice and clean up fraud in that area.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	3/16/06 11:07 AM
9763	"First and foremost - prescription drug costs.  My Mother paid for her high blood pressure medication in August 2005 with insurance $30.00.  She received notice that her insurance would be changing at the end of October 2005.  In September her medication price for the same prescription - was $125.00 out of pocket cost.  In October - before the change of insurance providers her medication cost out of pocket was 230.00.  The same prescription and the same count in pills provided under the same carrier in 3 months time.      Second - Why are hospitals and doctor offices charging the least among us the highest price?  This is a Sadistic practice.  My insurer pays the least amount, but if I become unemployed, I would pay the highest price and it would vary from one doctor or hospital to another.  There is no ballpark in pricing and no way to know what the charges will be.  I have a particular issue with this practice."	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	45 to 64	No	Black or African American	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	3/16/06 12:22 PM
9774	"We employed professionals have excellent access and low cost insurance, while the poor often do not.  However, it is the poor, generally, who participate in the most high risk activities (poor diet, smoking, no exercise), often over or under use the system, and believe they are entitled to care.  Perhaps a level playing field would be best.  "	"It pains me to see how much of my tax dollars go into paying for Medicade in my county.  I would be willing to forego the breadth of covered services I enjoy so that basic, preventive health services are available to Medicade clients. "	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/16/06 1:52 PM
9775	The high cost for the quality of care that one gets in America is most concerning problem to me.	"Yes, as recommended by the National Academy of Science, Institute of Medicine, this country should have National Health Insurance for every citizen, it should be a right and not an option."	"Coverage for basic health and preventive care should be available to all citizens, just like the government should provides roads and let citizens to walk on, to ride bicycles on, to drive a car on, dependent on each citizen's ability and willingness to pay for the transportation. "	To provide basic national health coverage for every citizens in United States of America. 	male	45 to 64	No	Asian	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	3/16/06 1:56 PM
9781	"Many things concern me about health care today.  I am worried about the increasing reliance on emergency care rather than preventive care for those without health insurance.  I think our current health care structure encourages those entering the medical profession to chose specialties that do not match our needs.  I think there is too much focus on developing a medication for everything, rather than a healthy lifestyle.  I think alot of our dollars are going to administration, not care.  "	"Our current way of paying for health care does include payments by these three groups; however, these payments do not go directly to providers.  A high portion of these payments seem to go to the administration of the payment structure, either to insurance companies or to administrative staff at doctors' offices and hospitals to code, bill, track, organize billing.  I wonder what portion of total health care spending is consumed by overhead costs that are a result of our current complex system.  "	"I believe that the American public is willing to forgo access to expensive prescription drugs and opt out of certain end-of-life care that produces minimal quality of life improvement in order to ensure access to affordable, high quality health care."	"Make it a universal benefit, like the public school system."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	3/16/06 2:35 PM
9782	"There are too many people who do not get routine, preventive care to keep them healthy. Too many don't have it through an employer and do not qualify for state funded coverage but do not earn enough to afford personal coverage.  They don't pay their bills when they do use a provider and that raises the costs for all.  If all had coverage it would drive costs down because the bills would be paid."	"Everyone should have basic, preventive health care coverage and then privately could upgrade."	"I really think if all were covered, the cost would come down by itself and there wouldn't have to be trade offs.  The rise in costs are people using the health care providers and not paying for them."	Basic and Preventive care for all.	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/16/06 2:36 PM
9786	it is crippling our economy.if we had health care we would have more jobs.you would not have to look for jobs with beneifits.the economy would grow giving a bigger tax base to paid for health care.	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/16/06 2:54 PM
9793	"Health care is a necessity. It is required just like food, water, shelter and clothing. I think ANY hardworking individual, whether they work for a corporation or for themselves should be entitled to quality health care. Healthy individuals GUARANTEE future generations. I pray the government will pass the Small Business Health Care Plan. I really do."	"Yes, make it affordable. I am not asking for the services to be free. Just afforable and of good quality."	"Well, I am not sure. Personally, I would consider paying a little more in medications to make sure I see a good doctor at a reasonable price."	"Again, make it affordable and available to all those that work hard to have health care for themselvs and their families."	female	25 to 44	No	Black or African American	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	3/16/06 4:29 PM
9802	The rising cost in healthcare is due to the extremely large salaries top executives are paid.  Those dependent on coverage and services are funding salaries rather than healthcare services.	When high six figure salaries of top executives are eleminated millions of dollars will be realized.  	"American citizens are beconing correct, moral and ethical positions from elected personel.  American citizes are already paying and funding healthcare.  We are emploring elected officals to better manage funds.  "	"Better spending, ethics and moral character of our elected public personel. "	female	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	3/16/06 6:12 PM
9814	"As a type 1 diabetic for 43 years, I worry immensely whether I will have enough money in the future to take care of myself.  Right now my health is good, but retirement age is coming quickly.  Also, my inlaws who need medical care very much, will they be able to pay for care there income is very limited.  "	"Right now the employer, especially small businesses, are being bombarded by the highcost of healthcare for there employees.  My husband gets our insurance thru his work and he is very concerned whether his employer will be able to continue to do so, unless there is a big change."	"For myself, I and my husband would be willing to pay higher taxes and have universal healthcare for all citizen's of these United States of America."	"That healthcare coverage be fair for all citizens whether they are black or white, poor or rich, work or retired or unable, last but not least sick meaning having a medical condition or not.  "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	3/16/06 9:37 PM
9828	"Lack of affordable coverage for the self employed.  I was fired THE DAY BEFORE my kidney transplant evaluation.  Oddly, by the same organization that will do the transplant.  I am COMPLETELY unable to obtain individual coverage. Now a self employed Realtor - am fortunate enough to be with a company that even provides coverage.  $367/mo premium and max $7500 out of pocket. With dialysis a certainty and transplant a probability - I am looking at monsterous bills.  I don't think insurers should be able to pick and choose which people they insure.  Skimming the cream is not fair to those of us with preexistings."	I don't mind paying premiums and out of pockets personally.  But I'm very realistically looking at $15K a year in health care expense.  It BURNS ME that Medicaid recipients get the same health care I do - and I am spending the money I WORKED FOR - spending my retirement dollars - when they get it for free.  It is NOT fair!!!	"Somehow limiting services to government paid programs.  I don't think it's fair that incarerated people be eligible for high cost procedures, same with gov't care recipients.  Someone please explain to me why Medicaid patients can now get gastrics.  I would have to pay out of pocket for that!!!  Recipients of government aid should have to do SOMETHING to repay or offset the drain they put on the system."	Somehow taking the power from the insurance companies.  They have the ability to reject really any claim they want.  They have the ability to change the rules - all while making a very healthy margin.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NE	3/17/06 12:35 PM
9835	Barriers to care.  45 million without healthcare.	"Yes, Universal Health Care paid for my the government. Single Payer or Medicare for All is what is needed."	"Not sure, but most Americans under a Single Payer system will realize the benefit immediately."	"The system has to be moved to a non-profit system. Private providers of care, but completely paid for (financed) by the government thru payroll taxes."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/17/06 1:09 PM
9847	"As a physician I am most troubled by the inequities in the current system--the 45 million uninsured and the great range of coverages, from ""bare bones"" to ""Cadillac"" among those who do have insurance. Most physicians resent working in a system which forces them to provide different levels of care depending on the insurance status of their patients. They would much prefer practicing in a system which frees them to practice medicine as they imagined it would be when they first dreamed of being doctors."	"Yes. I think the cost should be shared by taxpayers, according to their ability to pay."	Most Americans who pay for health insurance through their employer's plan now would be willing to be taxed (at an affordable rate) in the future if they knew that this would: a)simplify interactions with health care providers b)slow down health care cost inflation c)establish a plan whose costs and benefits could be critiqued by the public.  	"Move to  a national health insurance plan--tax-supported with a ""single payer"" (exclude private  health insurers from providing plans to cover the basic benefit package offered by the single payer.) "	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/17/06 2:48 PM
9863	Corparate GREED!	"I think that 25% of the current military budget be redirected to a national health care plan. That way, there would not be a need for any new taxes to support the new system. Employers are whining about uncontrolled health care costs. They would save a ton of money and pay higher dividends to their shareholders or use it for R & D or debt reduction."	"I think that 25% of the current military budget be redirected to a national health care plan. That way, there would not be a need for any new taxes to support the new system."	"Force the members of the House and Senate to use Medicare as their only insurer for Health Care and Prescription Drug Coverage for themselves, spouses and dependent children.  Failure to comply would be considered a voluntary resignation from office."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/17/06 4:15 PM
9874	"prices are out of control, impossible to afford without insurance, and a significant number of people are without insurance"	I want a single payer system. All the money wasted by drug and insurance companies should be used to provide services. Pharmaceutical advertisements should be banned. Insurance companies should all pay a standard fee to providers for services.   	"slight reduction in scope of benefits--infertility and ED should not be covered, but contraception should.   higher deductible for rare but expensive services such as hospitalization.  low or no deductible for preventive or routine care.  higher premiums and copayments for smokers and obese people--sorry, but they are asking for more health problems."	"single payer system, with equal basic benefits for all  consumers can pay extra if extra services are desired"	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/17/06 5:36 PM
9875	that we do not have coverage for all our citizens	the costs of health care should be weighted as to the ability of people of businesses to pay. A realisted portion of our taxes should be designated to take up the slack where it is determined to be needed assuring all of our citizens receive health care.	We are willing to trade off the boondoggles and excesses our elected officials provide for themselves at our expense.  We are willing to mandate the lessening of wasteful electric used to light up the night sky far beyond the practical.  We are willing to see a more ecuitable tax formula devised that would designate a proportion of revenue to be used to ensure medical care for all of our citizens.	That our food and drug agency regulate the costs of prescription drugs to reflect a realistic profit for the major drug companies that presently are exempt and are protected by the  same agency charged with assuring that price gouging does not occur.	female	Over 64	NULL	Decline to answer	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/17/06 5:36 PM
9881	I am most concerned that there are people in our country who do not have access to quality health care simply because they do not have enough money to afford it.	I think that all taxpayers should be ask to contribute a fair share to insure that the government can provide health care for all uninsured or underinsured people in this country.	I think the American people would be willing to pay a larger share of their health care costs if they aren't already overburdened by the current costs.  I think they would also be willing to forego some convenience to ensure that all people have access to quality healthcare when they need it.	Government should provide basic preventative care to every American who doesn't have access to this care through a private insurer.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MT	3/17/06 6:42 PM
9887	"I am concerned about the almost 46 million people who do not have health insurance. I am concerned about the inefficiency of our health care system. There is tremendous waste i.e. hundreds of billions of dollars spent on paper work-much of it by the insurance industry designed to deny payment to providers and make patients who are sick pay even though they are insured. I am concerned about the 40% of bankruptcies attributed to medical expenses. In short, I am concerned about the failure of our health care system to provide adequate health care for all Americans, as is the case in the rest of the industrialized world."	"I would like to see a single-payer system like Medicare implemented for all Americans, not just for the elderly."	"There is no need for trade-offs if a single-payer system is implemented. The administrative costs would be a fraction of what they are now, and those savings would finance health care for all."	Implement a single-payer system in the U.S.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/17/06 7:36 PM
9892	"I think our cost for health care services is to expensive I think we need to put a cap on what doctors and hosiptals can charge for services.  As an example I was just in for my yearly check-up.  I am a diabetic and 64.  I wasn't with the doctor more than 20 minutes and all he did was do a pap, breast exam, and go over my lab, and tests that I had.  My bill was $108.  "	"I also beleive that there should be a cap on what insurance companies should be able to charge for their plans.  And I think the cost of paying for insurance plans should be paid by everyone after all it is supposed to be for everyone.  And I think their should be one plan, not a bunch of different plans for those who have more money it should be equal for everyone."	I think all Americans would be willing to pay more through taxes but I would want Congress to take away the good health care they give themselves and be covered the way everyone else had to be.	"Put caps on what everyone can charge including insurance companies, doctors and hospitals.  Along with Congress, and all goverment agencies, everyone should be made to take cuts, and everyone should be covered by the same health care."	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/17/06 8:13 PM
9899	"I am very concerned about the uninsured and underinsured, and the fact that many people do not have access, or have limited access to health care."	"I believe that we should have a universal health care system, similar to Medicare where there is a basic package of services available to all.  This would assure shared risk, and give everyone a stake in assuring quality care."	I beleive that people are willing to pay for health coverage if they can be assured that it will be available for all - they already are doing so.	Universal health coverage for all Americans.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/18/06 2:42 AM
9905	"The inconsistancy of coverage, the hundreds of different plans, all covering different services; the physicians have decide how to care for you based on what your plan covers. Most of all, so many people are not covered at all."	"I think it should be income-based, and taken out of your payroll. If unemployed, be able to sign up for a basic healthcare plan like Medicare."	"Using more generic drugs; low-cost clinics where patients can go in their communities, that don't have long wait period for appointments."	"Use the plans of other countries and use the ideas that work the best for them, build on that. Other countries buy meds in bulk, have both public and privately-run hospitals, and all children are covered, regardless of status."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	3/18/06 10:35 AM
9910	need universal coverage without interferrence by insurance companies and controls on prescription drug companies.	"One system, all in it.    Could have individual option, if gov't paid for most, like Medicare."	Need individual option in plans with main plan provided by government.	Get rid of Republicans.  Build politcal power	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DC	3/18/06 12:44 PM
9915	The 45 million uninsured people and millions more who are underinsured	"yes, I believe that a government run single payer system, supported by taxes is the fairest and best way to go."	"Based on experiences in other countries, I believe Americans would be willing to reduce the overuse of high tech and expensive diagnostic tools. I also feel that if probably explained most Americans are willing to pay higher taxes in lieu of insurance premiums"	"Institute universal healthcare that is affordable, accessible and includes long term care and prescription drugs."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/18/06 1:03 PM
9916	"That,despite being the wealthiest nation in history, we do not provide good, basic health care services to all Americans as a matter of right."	"There should be a ""single-payer"" system that covers all American citizens, administered by the federal government."	"A special tax, separate from the general income tax, could be used to fund the universal health-care system."	To learn about and follow good health practices and diets.	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	3/18/06 1:09 PM
9919	Every one is not covered  especially young adults just turning 18  in college not working or just gettin out of college. Also the middle classs  not rich enough for high cost and not poor enough for government help. Elderly although this is being addressed	Savings system?  Universal set up something like medicare?	NULL	Offer affordable way for young adult to have coverage and a savings way starting young	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	3/18/06 1:22 PM
9920	"Affordability, inequality, immorality, inefficiency."	"Cut out unnecesary middlemen and utilze economy of scale.  If for-profit health insurers' portion of what we spend were used for delivering care instead of unnecessary administrative overhead, CEO pay and profits, if they had to make money in ways that don't kill, bankrupt and disable Americans, then as a nation we would have more than enough resources to cover everyone for all necessary health care needs, including prescription, dental, and long-term care."	"The trade-off would be cutting out insurance corporations' grotesque profits at the people's expense and using them to deliver needed care with hundreds of millions of dollars left over to stimulate the economy over a broader spectrum: a win-win for the people (more accessible, equitable, higher quality care at lower prices).  Good studies estimate $300 BILLION could easily be saved while it would only cost $60-100 billion to cover everyone for everything, not counting what we would save from preventable illnesses, disabilities, deaths and bankruptcies."	HR676: Medicare for All.  All Americans need to be in one big risk group for the best coverage at the lowest prices with the greatest transparency.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/18/06 1:22 PM
9922	"Make rich people pay for their services so that poor people will have access at a reduced rate.  The system where insurance pays causes people not to look for the best services, it makes doctors do unnecessary tests and procedures because ""insurance will pay"". If consumers had to pay, they'd ask questions.  Reserve insurance for the rich for catastrophic situations. Other than that, they should pay out of pocket."	Consumers should pay if they have the money. Government should pay for the poor.	the public probably isn't willing to pay anything. That is the problem.	make the rich pay more.  encourage consumers ask more questions of their providers.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	3/18/06 1:25 PM
9923	Access to health care for all.	"Yes. A single payer system would be the best, morally, financially, administratively, and deliverability of services. The regulatory procedures would focus on quality of care and cost of procedures and treatments."	"I think most Americans want universal access to health care for all. I think they'd accept that those with more money will be able to get more and on occasion, better services and treatments."	Single payer health care system.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/18/06 1:30 PM
9925	Everyone should be able to have insurance coverage. Some companies today don't have insurance coverage for their retirees which isn't right!	"I believe there should be 1 health care system provided by the government, one which allows quality health care for everone."	I wouldn't mind paying a little more inorder to get quality care. I should be able to see any doctor I want and not be dictated who I have to see.	That everyone in America has insurance thru 1 health care symstem controled by the government.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/18/06 1:40 PM
9928	Not everybody has access to health care.	"Yes, insurance should not be tied to employment."	Wait longer for non essential treatment.	Health care for all Americans.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	3/18/06 1:43 PM
9931	"There are over 45 million people without insurance in America, and probably just as many who don't have adequate coverage.  This situation undermines the health of our country and presents an ethical question about our priorities.  I beleive Americans want UNIVERSAL health care that is equitable, comprehensive and high quality.  "	"America spends so much money now on our health care system, that if we simplified it and cut out the waste, everyone could be covered and we would spend LESS!  Get a single payer national health system that would have a budget, use bulk purchasing to lower drug costs, and plan for the resources needed to provide comprehensive health care to every citizen.  Funding would come from federal money currently spent on Medicare and Medicaid and the VA, state money for state health programs, a contribution from employers, and individual taxes that would replace the out-of-pocket expenses that we all pay now.  "	I believe that the American public is willing to pay higher taxes if they can have access to comprehensive universal equitable health care run by a governmental agency.	"Get a single payer health care system that doesn't rely on the for-profit commercial insurance companies that try to boost their profits by avoiding taking care of the sick, waste huge amounts of money on non-medical expences such as lobbying, marketing, claims disputes, high CEO salaries, enormous profits."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	3/18/06 2:15 PM
9933	44 million + uninsured	"universal care, single payer"	NULL	universal care for EVERYONE	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	HI	3/18/06 2:21 PM
9940	It is shameful that health care is neither affordable or available to everyone. The wasted taxpayer money at our administrations discretion is deplorable. There is absolutely no excuse for it!	The trillions of dollars being wasted to fund Mr Bush's war could have by far greater benefited the funding of a much needed national health care system.	"There should be no trade-offs. The U.S. needs to start making it,s citizens first and foremost before spending money helping  and/or destroying other countries."	A one percent tax to each and every citizen able to work. This along with federal subsidies should be used for national health care.	female	25 to 44	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/18/06 3:37 PM
9943	The costs of insruacne and medical care	I think we should publicly finance health care just like we do our police and fire protection. We should keep it privatley delivered however. 	I think people are willing to trade rising health unsruacne premiums with predictable taxes. 	We need to establish a health care system that is publicly financed and gives everybody coverage. In other words-take the insurance companies out of the equation.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VT	3/18/06 3:42 PM
9945	"That, if you don't have insurance, you risk going into the kind of debt that keeps you down the rest of your life, and, because insurance premiums are so high, those with lower incomes can't ever get ahead if they want to be protected from catastrophic medical bills.  This also then limits their willingness to take chances - if riding a bike will keep you healthy but you're afraid of getting hurt on it and not being able to pay the emergency room bills, then you will be less likely to ride your bike, which means you exercise less, which means you have a higher risk of diseases related to inactivity."	"The government should provide health care to everyone.  It shouldn't be on the shoulders of businesses, because, especially for small businesses, they often can't afford it.  This makes it harder for small businesses to survive, and, in my opinion, it is the small businesses that are the backbone of our communities.  Private insurance is dangerous.  I simply believe private corporate greed prevents them from being a real service to people.  Something that really needs to be looked at is why medical care costs so much in American in the first place.  It's not just about who pays for it, but how we can lower costs overall, and that may mean dealing with the litiginous nature of our country, and, perhaps, even limiting lawsuits.  If we had more small local clinics where doctors were a part of the community, this tendency to sue would be greatly reduced, I believe.  Whatever it is, we have to look at why it's so expensive, and reduce THAT as well.  Streamlining, whatever.  I lived in Taiwan, and there, even if you didn't have insurance, the prices weren't out of control.  Major procedures seemed priced reasonably.  Though, they also have a national health insurance program - it covered both ""western"" medicine and local Chinese medicine - and every ""visit"" cost about US $2.00 (at least when I was there a few years back).  Other procedures cost more, but not the ridiculously greater costs found in America.  You should check out how their system is working.  And one final point:  the pharmeceutical industry needs to be reigned in.  They have too much power, and, well, there's a sense that they want people to be sick, so that they can get rich.  One chemical company, I believe, Novartis, makes a pesticide (that raises yeilds only 1.24%) that is likely carcinogenic as well as a chemotherapy agent - what kind of conflict of interest is that?  Get people sick so they can make money off their sickness?  Scary.  Look up Tyrone Hayes (biologist) for more info on this."	"Waiting time for certain non-urgent procedures can be greater.  I would even be willing to pay for my own visits, if they were reasonably priced.  It's the catastrophic stuff that scares me, as well as obviously overpriced nature of basic services.  Emergency rooms should be able to refuse service to non-emergencies.  Preventative care needs to be a major focus.  "	"Figure out how to reduce health care costs in the first place, and then cover everyone."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/18/06 3:45 PM
9947	"Affordability.  Health care premiums are way too high--they have been rising at an alarming rate.  I recently resigned from a job and in order to get family coverage through COBRA, I would have had to pay almost $2,000. per month.  This is ridiculous!  How much profit is the insurance industry making?  Certainly, the profits are NOT going to the healthcare providers."	"I think employers should be taken out of the equation.  Why should someone's healthcare be attached to employment?  This makes no sense, particularly when there are so many more people starting their own businesses and looking for non-traditional kinds of employment, often with no insurance.  Given that employers are using more contract personnel rather that actual employees, there is often no healthcare coverage provided.  This is a VERY bad system."	"Take the determination of care away from the insurers--their goal is to make money not to provide healthcare to their members--they want to limit the quantity and cost of healthcare.  If basic healthcare were provided to all, those who chose to purchase additional care (for say, cosmetic surgery or other non-basic care, could do so.  Everyone deserves to have basic healthcare-it is a human right."	"Healthcare coverage must be expanded to all.  Healthcare is a right, not a luxury.  It is time that the government and its agents recognize this and buy into the framework.  With that done, there would be a greater commitment to resolving our pitiful healthcare ""system"".  Healthcare must be provided to all."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/18/06 3:51 PM
9950	The cost.	We should use a single-payer system similar to that of Canada. 	"No trade-offs are necessary. We just need a more efficient system, like most of the rest of the industrialized world."	We should use a single-payer system similar to that of Canada. 	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	3/18/06 4:08 PM
9952	 Some of us should not be able to get the extra help--we can afford to pay more of our own costs.	  tighten up on the requirements 	"  Better watch dogs,cut out the fact of each hospital must have all of the latest equipment--start to share mor."	 Private organizations can be better manage--less Gov't red tape	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	3/18/06 4:26 PM
9955	"My biggest concern is that the wealthier get better health care than the non-rich; that we live and die, are well or sick, largely by the size of our pocket books."	I think it should all come from our federal govt taxes - general revenue.	"Taxes being higher, at least in some tax brackets."	Eliminate the middle men--the insurance companies.	female	45 to 64	No	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/18/06 4:40 PM
9959	"The fact that U.S. health care is mediocre for its citizens according to a study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine recently despite the technology and dollars that are available.  Obviously there is a lot of waste and not enough oversight for best practices type of care.  The AMA doesn't hold its practitioners accountable for mistakes nor does the industry either which causes undo harm and cost.  By many accounts, we have an inept and broken system."	Most definitely.  Our greatest hope is if we go to a single payor system.	We're already settling for mediocre care.  If we go to a single payor system we would save enough that we wouldn't need to compromise much.  There's a lot of political will that will need to come about to make it happen though. 	Songle payor health care delivery system.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AK	3/18/06 5:03 PM
9960	That people aren't getting coverage and can't afford to go see a doctor for even the simplest things like sore throats or colds.  Our kids in college aren't covered and parents can't afford to pay for them anymore.  Elderly have to choose between pills or food and housing bills.	"I think our insurance companyies are rapping their customers.  We pay our premiums but when it comes for them to pay our bills they are slow in payments, they make it complicated to see other doctors, they put riders on our policies or they drop us."	NULL	To have Universal Health Care.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	3/18/06 5:20 PM
9964	"There are not enough doctors, nurses, phamacists, therapists etc. to give the care."	Get rid of HMO's	don't know	Provide it for all regardless of income or work status.	female	45 to 64	NULL	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	3/18/06 6:13 PM
9967	Health is about wealth.  If I have wealth I have better access to care.  Without a healthy workforce our country falls behind those who provide health Care to all its workers.  Our ecomomy is seriously lacking in providing healthcare access to ALL.  It is a national disgrace	"Our government is ranked 37th in the world for health care.  WE who have such advances in health cannot afford to access our own health care without loss of family, and daily sustainess as we try to balance health and other basic needs of food, Rx's or rent."	I already pay so many co-pays and deductibles that I am willing to pay a tax that will pay for all my health care for peace of mind that I will not lose everything for my family and compromise my familys health	National Health Care	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	3/18/06 6:49 PM
9970	"It is woefully unjust, clinically and economically. It has become a huge profit center for corporations and we are all paying for this exploitation.  The health care systems has grown willy nilly for over 50 years with little centralized direction; therefore it has become highly inefficient and with the growth of more powerful surgeries and drugs, more dangerous.  The whole system needs greater coordination, quality improvement, and electronic modernization.  Just extending greater coverage to the uninsured, however beneign this may be, simply pours more money into a dysfunctional and economically exploitive system. "	"There should be a single system of financing that more fairly distributes the burden of cost amongst all citizens and that utilizes standardized insurance were everyboy plays by the same rules, not multiple rules that are horribly unfair and hugely expensive to administer.  Our financing is way out of control and must be simplified and set up as a public system---like a public utility.  "	"I believe if Americans see that financing is more fair (rich paying more than the poor, the young contributing to the care of the elderly, the healthy paying for the sick)and all according to their level of income, this would be the first step in Americans accepting financial tradeoffs.  It the financing is not transparent and fair, there will be perpetual resistance.  Secondly I believe there must be set up a public infrastructure for setting standards of coverage and the availability of services that we are willing to fund.  Such a public commission would include both citizens and representatives of all health care professions meeting apart from state or federal government.  Such Commission governance should be on the state, not federal, level so that local management is undergirding the system.  Health resource management is local.  When American citizens see that a public entity is taking the time and expertise to decide transparently what should and will be covered according to some stated ethic and philosophy of health care goals, tradeoffs become more easily acceptable because the public in involved (not private corporations or remote federal agencies making such decisions).  And finally, the public and local health care professionals should have the right and access to express their opinions and desires to such a public commission.  There is a decision-making infrastructure that carries real authority and control but that is also permeable and open to citizen and professional input.  Again, tradeoffs then become more palatable when citizens and professionals feel there is transparency in decision-making, an ethic of fairness to everyone as best as can be achieved with limited resources, and opportunity to express objections, opinions and recommendations coming from the public.  Finally, whatever financing and distribution of health care resources is determined should always be open to ""Sunset Review"" so no decisions are locked in cement and beyond alteration.  Technology and population needs will change; whatever public decision-making infrastructure is established must be pliable and able to adjust to changing circumstances over time.  "	Single payer financing and public commission for managing health care resources locally. 	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	3/18/06 7:53 PM
9974	That so few have adequate health insurance and many of America's poor are without health care entirely.  	Equal access should be available for all.  	Decrease payment to military initiatiaves to increase adequate health care for all.  	Stop funding aggressive wars and start funding programs to bring the poor out of poverty.  	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	3/18/06 8:15 PM
9975	"That it is not available to all USA citizens and it is out of control on the rising costs just to see a doctor let alone go to the hospital,every American should have the RIGHT to get medical care in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA PERIOD!"	yes make it affordable for everyone that is a US citizen! We are the greatest country in the world and we have allowed our healthcare providers to increase the cost of healthcare out of this world! It should not cost this much to get medical attention if it is needed.We should be ashamed of this crisis!!!!!!!!!	I don't think there should be any trade offs of any kind!! We have so many low income Americans in this country that are maxed out of anykind of increase in anything. Have you ever made $6.60 an hour and tried to pay for anything other than the needs of keeping a roof over your families heads! We should be ashamed to even think that we should have any type of tradeoffs for this kind of coverage!  	"Bring done the cost that providers charge for services to start with. Why should they charge these insane prices anyway, so they can live in a couple million dollar home and drive an expensive car! They should be ashamed of themselves at the cost of human suffering that can't afford to even think of going to the dr. let alone hospital! It's just a shame!!! "	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/18/06 8:25 PM
9978	The fact that our health care system is operated for the profit of wealthy corporations instead of for the beneifit of Americans as it should be.	"Single payer, universal health care for all.  One card covers all medical services and extended health care for everyone."	"I think the majority of Americans want a single payer (preferably government operated), universal health care sytem for all Americans."	A single payer (preferably government operated) system of universal health care for all Americans.	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	3/18/06 9:05 PM
9981	People like my wife and I are losing our life savings paying for medical treatments for life threatening illnesses. She is on disability and our out of pocket each year uses two thirds of my pension. Five more years and we'll be homeless and unable to pay the premiums on our healthcare insurance. Then we'll die.	For individuals with very high medical costs eliminate the 7.5% medical deduction deductible. These expenses are not discretionary and some help is needed or we'll end up costing the governemnet even more once we're on medicaid and other programs for the poor.	Don't know.	"I believe people should have a choice in selecting and paying for their healthcare. However, I believe the government should provide catastropic coverage for all people. It will pay for itself in reduced neglect and dependency on government welfare and other programs."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	3/18/06 9:43 PM
9982	We need universal care now.	Single payer either national or state	have up to 5% taken out of paycheck for universal care	Staqnd up to the drug industry and set national rates for single payer	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/18/06 9:51 PM
9983	"Unequal access to care among different populations.  Escalation of costs increasingly driven by new drugs and technologies that bring enormous profits to the few without actually improving our national overall health.  The emphasis on these drugs and technologies as central components of health care instead of an emphasis on nutrition and healthy life styles is a significant concern. An example is the costs of caring for premature babies as described in your report. All industrialized countries that use midwives as the primary maternity care providers for the majority of the population have significantly fewer complications for both mothers and babies and have much better infant mortality and morbidity statistics than we do in the US.  In this example, midwives provide care at a lower cost and produce better outcomes for both mothers and babies than our system where physicians/surgeons care for most mothers and babies. "	I support some form of a single-payer system.  It seems apparent that this complex system increases costs and fails to provide equal access care.  	"I think that Americans would be willing to participate in a system of providing care that provided for all Americans a basic package of services where premiums were based on the ability to pay.  I personally would be willing to pay more in taxes for health care if I believed that I was paying into a system that was effeciently managed and that covered everyone and that was not unfairly enriching insurance companies and drug and medical technology companies, and I think many Americans would feel the same.  I recently heard that Canada has some sort of system that funds research by giving money to institutions and companies to do research into cures and treatments for disease, if the resulting research findings are made available to everyone.  I would gladly support a system with increased taxes that was similarly fair and innovative."	"Take the decisions for delivering health care out of the hands of profit-driven companies.  I believe that the delivery of health care should provide fair and adequate compensation for doctors and other licensed health care providers, but I do not believe that the delivery of health care should be the means of enriching certain segments of the population, such as insurance companies and drug companies, at the expense of depriving so many Americans of basic health care.  The present piecemeal system does not seem to be able to be reformed in a piecemeal way, but needs basic restructuring along the lines of a single payer system. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VT	3/18/06 9:56 PM
9987	"Inequality in coverages, inequality in financing/costs/payments, significant gaps in coverage, significnt gaps in eligibility, complexity in choices of plans and coverages (e.g. prescription drugs).  Health care in America, as a system, is broken and neeeds to be replaced."	"MEDICARE, MEDICAID – A DEAD END    Public health, health disparities, and patient safety and quality of care must include equal access to health care.  Therefore, the problem of insurance coverage and administration is of paramount importance. As a former systems analyst at IBM and involved for a time in their insurance industry division I've given the problem much thought and believe the following is a better approach than any I've yet seen proposed.  As no other program I have seen, it addresses all the major concerns of the public, the providers, and government:     The widely felt concerns about the skyrocketing costs of Medicaid, Medicare and private health insurance, as well as the waning effectiveness of our health care system under these programs, is gaining new expression every day.       The most common discussions, and the only proposals for ""reform"", seem to focus on tinkering at the edges of the problem.  We are  being offered only band-aid solutions.  Not one of the fundamental issues is being addressed.  These health coverage ""reforms"" tried in individual states or proposed by Washington are dead ends.       All we hear are variations on: ""Increase Medicaid funding!""  ""Add coverage to Medicare!""  ""Cap insurance premium increases!""  ""Share the costs!""  But NO - I am not suggesting a broad-based government-run ""solution"" that is unworkable and has been rejected in the past.  What I am suggesting is a program that gives everyone something they can support.     Medicaid does not exist in an insurance vacuum.  For one, it is an integral part of the severe problems facing Medicare.  The high cost of private health insurance, in part, reflects the low reimbursement rates of Medicare and Medicaid.  Each of these programs is in some way related to the other two. I suggest the following medical coverage program that addresses the full range of concerns expressed by virtually everyone:     Covering everyone      Maintaining private competition      Keeping costs in check     Simplifying administration     While I describe a countrywide solution, it is possible to adapt this program to each state until such time as the problem is taken up by all the other states and by the President and the Congress.     Consider the following -- the unsuccessful attempts over the past twenty years both by governments and private industry to bring health insurance coverage in the United States to everyone while at the same time maintaining private competition -- is proof that tinkering at parts of the ""system"" is the wrong way to attack the problem.      Like today's IRS Tax Code, it's more complicated than most people can deal with.  And, truly, it is impossible to understand the full effects of proposed modifications to one or another of its parts.     That's why I propose the following replacement of today's patchwork health insurance system, including Medicare and Medicaid and the thousands of private-coverage ""groups"":     EVERYONE IS COVERED, ALL INSURANCE IS PRIVATE, COMPETITION IS RETAINED WHILE BOTH GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC OVERSIGHT IS MAINTAINED, AND NEEDLESS PAPERWORK IS ELIMINATED.     (1) EVERYONE IS COVERED (no one can be excluded - the choice to join is theirs alone - or the program might be made both universal and mandatory)     Several population-equal geographic health districts within the country will be defined, based on the official U.S. census, and redefined after every new census, as necessary.         Each health district will be a minimum of one state and no health district may contain non-contiguous states. This keeps the number of ""groups"" manageably small and allows the law of large numbers to work.  In this way there is no possibility of adverse selection since each group is large and diverse and all-inclusive, with a healthy and normal mix of heavy and light users.     While population is primary, consideration will be taken of the varying costs of health care in different regions of the country as much as is p"	"Americans who can't aford quality private care hate the clinic ""system"".  Middle-income Americans won't trade broader, better care for the growing financing costs which they are already experiencing. In general, they also won't trade poorer coverage for significantly lower costs. Americans who can really afford anything won't be affected by an increase of $2,000 or $5,000 a year to maintain the best coverage they can already afford.  And nobody likes the paperwork and unintelligible ""explanation of benefits"" statements.  We need a new medical financing and delivery system that works for the first two groups."	"See my sugestion for changing the way we finance our health care: MEDICARE, MEDICAID – A DEAD END"	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/18/06 10:18 PM
9988	"The fact that it is run as a business rather than a human right.  The uncontrolled, rising costs of care and medicines and the drastic increase in the number of people unable to access care or pay for their own medications.  In addition, there is no emphasis and insufficient resources put into prevention and treatment programs.  Also, many Title VII Programs are being cut that recruit, prepare, and retain health professionals.  "	We should pool all resources into one government run universal health care system where everyone has equal access.  At a smaller scale this is already occurring with Medicare for seniors and the Veterans Administration for vets.  This clearly shows that it can be done much more cost efficiently than our current system (or lack thereof).	"Americans would be willing to pay a flat fee (i.e. 4-6% or their income) that would ensure coverage for everyone. They might even be more willing if the government could put a cap on the costs of specialized care, pharmaceutical products, and liability/medical malpractice insurance.   "	Creation of a system where everyone has equal access to comprehensive care regardless of ability to pay.  That is every American's God-given right!	male	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	3/18/06 10:47 PM
9992	It isn't working.	"Slingle Payer, Universal Health Care is the only realistic solution."	NULL	"Single Payer, preferably by expansion of Medicare. I have found that very efficient."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/19/06 2:11 AM
9996	"It is unjust that health care is unavailable to all Americans; health care is a human right of every person.  Health care must cover every person; it must be a universal health care coverage that includes basic prevention education from birth; it must cover all medical expenses.  Without a national universal health care system, health care in the U.S. will continue to decline and become untenable, perhaps among the worst in the world - a third world scenerio.  "	"Yes - there needs to be a national non-profit, single-payer system to reduce costs; there needs to be an individual health card that contains digitalized health ID and health data and can be used by that person in any location in any legitimate medical assessment or care situation.  National non-profit medical referees should determine the procedures to be covered, instead of private HMOs or PPOs, and other private systems.  "	We are willing to give up a large portion of the American military budget; we are willing to give up tax breaks to wealthy Americans; we are willing to accept a 90% reduction in the salaries and benefits of executives of HMOs and pharmaceutical companies; we are willing to forego the sales costs of pharmaceutical advertizing and promotions; we are willing to spend more time in line to ensure that every person will have health care coverage.	Create a national universal health care system and abolish all private health care infrastructure systems - to provide health care as a human right to all Americans.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	3/19/06 10:08 AM
9997	"People are not seeking care because they know the costs will be overbearing, so they continue living, working until their problem becomes a crisis, and end up in ER's which eventually places more financial strain on they and their families."	NULL	"I believe there would be less fear and anxiety with the American Public. I'm sure if health care insurance was affordable, families would be willing to make sacrifices in order to have their family covered by a Univ. Health care system."	"Prevention Education in community centers, churches, multi-lingual education/"	female	45 to 64	Yes	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	3/19/06 10:15 AM
10003	"I thought your questionnaire put too much emphasis on insurance as opposed to care.  I believe that protecting the health of Americans is a public good. Prevention of disease and disability is good for everyone. It increases the chance that others will not be infected, increases productivity, and helps people live a decent life.  Disease isn't something that is chosen like choosing a car.  Shopping for health care is most often not possible.   I believe that health care should be provided through taxes by the government to all Americans.  "	"Currently, or at least in the recent past, many large employers have afforded a much better quality of health care than that enjoyed by the general population.  Such employers could be asked to contribute similar amounts to the government to help pay for universal coverage."	"If necessary, there can be limitations such as extraordinary care for radical beginning of life and end of life treatments.  "	Research and disease prevention should become higher priorities.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/19/06 11:57 AM
10005	The rising cost of health insurance premiums.	The reins need to be put on the health care costs.  If the government does this then they can have control of costs and thus better control and understanding of who pays for what.  Today it's out of control. 	I willing to put the health care crisis in the hands of government.  This is obviously a big sacrifice.	Lawsuits against medical professions need to get under control.  This is one of the many causes for the rising health care costs.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	3/19/06 12:14 PM
10008	Health care in America is a luxury provided to the wealthy by the wealthy.  Medical care should be a social service and not a free-market enterprise that enriches the service providers for catering to well-healed customers.	We need a single-payer system that eliminates the redundancy in administrative costs.  Health care can be provided to all Americans at the current level of income taxation if the waste is eliminated.	"The top 5% of income-earners and wealth-owners are not willing to make any trade-offs, which is true to form.  45 million Americans have already traded their access to health care in return for food in their bellies.  The balance of the population would like to see their tax dollars working for them in the form of universal health care services instead of in the form of pork projects."	"Single-payer, universal health care."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/19/06 12:26 PM
10011	"Unavailability of health insurance for early retirees, the self employed and those with health conditions.  Insurance companies ""cherry pick"" people who represent the lowest health care risks leaving those with health problems and older adults to fend for themselves.  We seem to have this rather peculiar health care system that actually shuns those in need of need health care."	"I favor universal health insurance.  A ""medicare for all"" approach."	"I suspect that those who are currently well covered through employment are not inclined to make any trade-offs at all.  But, as employer-sponsored insurance continues to unravel, more and more Americhans will be willing to entertain the notion of some sort or tax payment that would relieve them of the horrendous cost they're now encurring for health insurance. "	Implement universal health insurance.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	3/19/06 1:35 PM
10017	The fact that there are millions of Americans not covered by health insurance while we tolerate unwarrented preemptive wars and tax reductions.	There does not seem to be any mechanism to help control medical costs other than just denying part of the charges to insured individuals.	I think it is time to reconsider some form of socialized medicine! There is ample evidence that relying on cost reduction by competition is just a pipe dream.	Tax those that can afford it and don't depend on market forces to hold down costs.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	3/19/06 2:54 PM
10019	The fact that more and more private companies are unable to afford medical coverage for their employees.  	" i think that since we use income tax to pay medical coverage for our federal,state, city,and county employees. We should also use income tax monies to pay for coverage for those poor that have no coverage and private employees that have no coverage.                                "	NULL	As stated above get coverage for every american citizen	male	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	3/19/06 3:11 PM
10031	Lack of health care insurance for so many Americans of limited means.	The portion of the populace that has in recent years become super-wealthy should pick up more of the tab.	"Not sure. I'd be willing to pay more than I do currently for health insurance to make health care available to all, but I mean really all."	"Mkae it be for ALL Americans, even if it means rationing non-essential services for some of us."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/19/06 4:54 PM
10032	"as both a patient and a practioner, I realize that our current health care system is irretrievable broken.  It is groaning under the weight of managed care executives salaries and managed care profits.  No other business in America has such a high overhead.  We need a new system - something like that of Canada and Australia with features from other countries."	Get rid of everything except a universal health care system that is either govenment or single payer run.  Our current hodgepoge costs tremendous amounts of totally inefficient money to run.  By going to a single payer system we could cover 100% or our citizen's health care costs for the current amount.  	We can both cover everyone and reduce individual costs by going to a single payer system that does not reduce quality.  Citizens need to hear about this and they will buy it.	Get rid of managed care as we know it today.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	3/19/06 4:54 PM
10034	Its high cost	We should have a single payer plan	NULL	Make it happen now. We have gotten to the moon and othe places in outer space. Many other countries have health  care for all there citizens  lets do it for all americans	male	Over 64	No	Black or African American	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VT	3/19/06 5:12 PM
10035	The high cost and the poor administration.	I believe that our government can come up with an affordable health care system that does not allow the insurance companies to dictate costs and coverages. 	Trade-offs would be higher taxes for those who are not poverty stricken and perhaps a consistent monthly fee for health care.	Monitor health insurance companies for price gouging. 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	3/19/06 5:21 PM
10038	The 46 million Americans who have no health insurance	"Skip health insurance to save administrative costs, and simply provide health care with expanded funds (if necessary) from current sources."	I prefer paying more to sacrificing benefits and hope that would be true of others.	We need single payer universal health care.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/19/06 5:47 PM
10040	"Our multi-payer, inequitable, expensive, for-profit insurance based system rates very low in quality using public health indicators. And even worse, excludes a large population of adults and children from having any access. We are the only country in the UN that has not adopted universal health care as a right of citizenship."	"We should have a single payer universal health care system, eliminating for-profit industries that are crippling our country, and fund it with a fair, progressive income tax. Health care costs should not be the sole responsibility of employers and people who work."	Americans need to shed the blood-sucking for-profit bureaucracies and focus on affordable high quality health care for all. Only the most despicably selfish people believe they deserve better health care than others strictly due to their own elevated socio-economic status.	Get rid of insurance companies and adopt a Canadian-style single payer health care system.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	3/19/06 6:12 PM
10041	Health care is not available to everyone; rising costs exclude many from access to health care. 	"The cost of health care insurance should not be a business expense.  If we removed this cost from business, higher minimum wages would be possible and small businesses could remain economically viable. We should implement a simplified administration system using available technology.  This would be less costly, more transparent and productive.  The development of national practice standards consistently applied will give us improved safety, improved access, would allow portability of patient records, and move the delivery of health care into a future of improved health for all Americans. "	Patience is required during a period of extensive reform.  Some anxiety will be experienced until the public senses a real determination on the part of political leaders to work together.	"Universality with national standards on provision, on access, on costs, on safety and on quality."	female	Over 64	No	White	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	3/19/06 6:18 PM
10044	It is utterly disgraceful and immoral that the USA is the only developed country in the world that has not recognized that it a moral imperative and a human right tht all persons have access to affordable health care without regard to their financial status.	Our present system costly and wasteful.  A seamless single payer system could provide health care for all for less cost than we are currently spending on health care.  Our largely employer-based system developed almost accidently and imposes an impossible competitive disadvantage on employers.	Our current tax policies of cuts for the extremely well-to-do and reckless over the top expenditures for the military industrial complex and continued irresponsible deficit spending must be curtailed.	Replace the broken current system with a single payer system to stop the the mistaken concept that adequate health care can be a for profit business. 	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	3/19/06 7:06 PM
10046	Lack of health care for 46 million people in United States and inadequate health care for many more while at the same time we are spending almost twice as much as the other industrialized   nations in the country who cover everyone.	We should change this system to a single payer system with the government being the payer through income tax or payroll tax it should not be tied to employment or individuals paying high premiums.	"The American public does not have to make any trade offs - we are already paying enough in hidden taxes, premiums, payroll taxes and property taxes to ensure affordable, high quality health care-we need to have a Single Payer."	"Put everyone in one risk pool and have a publicly financed, privately delivered system instead of paying high administrative costs for private insurance companies.  Medicare should be able to negotiate the prices of drugs and the new Prescription drug program should be under the auspices of Medicare instead of a multitude of private drug companies."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/19/06 7:36 PM
10051	Many Americans like myself do not have access to to health care insurance due to the lack of available group policies or because of pre-existing conditions or not elegible for   insurance for ongoing problems.  Private  insurance is cost prohibitive. 	"We need a single pay system that would be   available to everyone.  It would save millions of   dollars for health care providers, individuals  and the government."	"Wasteful high military contracts expenditures, pork barrell projects (bridges that go nowhere,  pet government financed projects that benefit  few people or private enterprise such as big   sports complexes, etc.), extremely high wages   and retirement plans for government officials,   and other extremely wasteful expenditures made   by our government (federal, state, and local)  "	"Put a cap on profits for drug companies, revamp   the way not-for-profit health care providers can  spend their monies to remain not-for-profit."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	3/19/06 9:19 PM
10052	"Too many people do not have adequate access to health care.  No one in this country should have to file bankruptcy because of heath care bills incured.  Finally,  health care should not be coupled with work or employer.  We chould all have health care regardless if we are employed or not."	"All of the above mentioned should contribute to heath care in this country.  However, health care should not be coupled to being employed.  Many times individuals and families need heath care when they are in between jobs."	Neither. No trade offs are required.  We can have the best health care system and still be the most efficient.  Take the profit out of heath care while fairly compensating the professionls who provide the care.  No more CEOs in health care.  One national health care company.	"We should have one helath care company in this country.  Every citizen would share ownership.  Each citizen, corporation and goverment should contribute premiums.  This contribution should be mandatory.  If someone wants to purchase a health plan on their own they can do so.      When you are in between jobs you do not have to contribute a premium, but you deep the same coverage as when you were working.  "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	3/19/06 9:21 PM
10054	Those who can not afford medical care	government needs to offer universal program.  Wholesale prescription drug/medical supply access instead of the current system of many middle money makers.	I don't think the American public is willing to make the sacrifices needed particularily those making profits off health care.	Make health the priority not profit	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ME	3/19/06 9:26 PM
10058	There are 45 million people in our country without healt care.  This is a disgrace for our nation.	I believe there should be universal health care.	I don't know	To see that all citizens have some form of affordable coverage if not universal health care	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	3/19/06 10:31 PM
10060	"Prenatal and birth care by physicians in this country is horrible--the number of c-sections is ridiculously high and our infant mortality rate is not the greatest.  The ""medical model"" of care has no business in birth unless a pregnancy is high-risk, which most are not.  "	"If individuals could afford to make the payments that would be desirable, then insurance companies wouldn't be making so much money off people and giving them inadequate or poor coverage.  "	"Personally, I'd be willing to pay a bit more for insurance that paid for alternative treatments by other-than-doctor professionals.  "	"For medical professionals and insurance companies to wholly embrace, pay for and use other alternative treatments, including but not limited to, massage, acupuncture, herbs, and homeopathics.  Home-birth or birth with midwives giving primary care should be encouraged, as well as breastfeeding.  "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	3/19/06 11:20 PM
10063	1. scarcity of primary care physicians.  2. un-affordability  3. futile end-of-life care  4. increasing bureaucracy  	1. place a cap on the profitability of private health care insurers.  2. allow Americans and employers to buy into Medicare or Medicaid.	None. They justifiably feel that they are already paying 50% more than any other developed country and receiving mediocre care. Nor is the American public able to comprehend the complexity of the health care system and certain intrinsic costs.	create universal access	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/19/06 11:51 PM
10069	"There are two major concerns I have with health care in America today.  The first is the number of uninsured Americans, of which a great number are children.  The second concern is the high cost of medical insurance. "	I think we need a nationalized system of health care delivery.  The statistics I have seen indicate that the United States in most indicators of quality of health care lag behind every other industrialized nation that has nationalized health care. 	"If the entire country could be guaranteed a certain level of health care through a nationalized delivery system, I beleive that some extremely high cost services/procedured would be given up willingly in exchange.  That being said, I do not think we would need to do this.  Americans pay more for medical insurance that any other nation on earth.  "	We need a nationalized health care system to provide medical insurance for all Americans.  	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	3/20/06 8:33 AM
10072	"The double-digit annual increases in cost; the growing number of uninsured, and the bureaucratic waste of health insurance companies."	I would think a system of national health insurance could lower costs significantly.	"I think the American public is fair minded and would support any plan that offers coverage for all people, even if there is a wait for elective health procedures."	Government needs to take a lead role in advocating for the public rather than serving the vested interests of insurance and medical practicioners.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	3/20/06 9:24 AM
10080	"economic, geographic, racial, and ethnic disparities in access to coverage."	We need a single-payer healthcare system.	"If the spending of our tax dollars were appropriately prioritized, the American public may be able to see that taxes contribute to a common wealth that is there to support us all and I believe would be willing to see a tax increase, the end result of which could be a more affordable health care system for all."	See above.	female	Under 25	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	3/20/06 10:06 AM
10081	the health care system needs to be taken out of the hands of employers.  They don't offer good health care but yet they say they do offer insurance- it just isn't very good.  There should be a national health care system such as buying into medicare or what federal employees can buy.	I think that health care should be bought by individuals-- not through employers.  Employers are getting the best deal from this through tax write-offs and also you can't roll-over a HSA if it is bought through an employer.	I would not have health insurance bought through an employer.  They continue to offer less coverage at a higher cost -  and they ususally cover things that I don't want- maternity-  obesity surgery- mental health care- which all costs more.	"Take it out of the hands of employers.  Offer a national health care to people that they pay for in taxes. Offer diferent packages - if I don't need maternity etc.  I don't pay for that coverage. Have tax credits for premiums.  Also HSA are a good idea. Also use HSA""s as a tax credit-- not deductable"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	3/20/06 10:09 AM
10086	"1. The costs of health insurance are unaffordable for the individuals who do not have employee healthcare benefits. It is also becoming more and more of a burden on small businesses, school districts, etc. to provide coverage.     2. The quality of care within our system is poor. Physicians do not take/have the time to provide holistic, preventive care that involves developing a relationship with and education of the patient. Drugs and technology are used excessively and unnecessarily.     3.Underlying lifestyle issues that are responsible for most of the healthcare problems are not dealt with, so the patient becomes dependant on medical care to relieve symptoms that could be dealt with permanently with lifestyle changes.    4. A culture of dependance on medical personelle is rampant. Individuals and families no longer take responsibility for much of their basic healthcare. We spend way more on per capita healthcare in this country than in most other developed countries. People are not educated or don't educate themselves on the routine care for common illnesses. People want relief from all symptoms and see doctors for even the most benign illnesses-- especially children. Healthcare personelle could do a lot to empower their patients to be able to deal with their simple healthcare needs outside of the medical system, reducing the overall costs of healthcare in this country.    5. Our healthcare system is top heavy. We use specialists when primary physicians would do; we use physicians when nurse practitioners could provide less expensive and better care."	"I think everyone should at a minimum have coverage for unexpected large medical expenses. I think this should be a national plan that is progressive (those who have more, pay more). "	I think with a universal plan the trade off will be choice and convenience for accessibility for all. People may need to wait longer for certain services and lower level providers would be utilized before specialists; but everyone would be able to receive care. People who desired more choice of provider could pay out of pocket if it was important enough to them. I think people would be willing to make this trade-off if it were presented accurately to them-- if they saw the big picture benefits.    	Universal coverage combined with an effort to change the culture of healthcare to be less dependant on higher level providers and overused technology.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ME	3/20/06 10:37 AM
10087	The prospect of further government encroachment on the medical industries.  	"Disengage government entirely.  Restrict federal involvement to limits prescribed by an originalist reading of the Interstate Commerce Clause.  This means, effectively, no fed involvement.  No employers should be required to participate in insurance programs under any circumstances."	Too goddam many.  	Read Milton Friedman's _Capitalism and Freedom_	male	25 to 44	Yes	Black or African American	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	3/20/06 10:37 AM
10090	It is fundamentally wrong that 1/5 of the population does not have access to affordable health coverage. It is unfair for business to assume this burden. 	"Taxes should pay for health care. Hefty monthly premiums paid to insurance premiums should be eliminated and individuals should instead be taxed according to income. Some would end up paying more, others paying less, but everyone would be covered. Children would immediately be covered as they are provided public education."	Higher taxes in lieu of premium payments in exchange for guaranteed health coverage.	"Americans should assume more responsibility for their state of health. Diet, exercise, civic engagement, and environmental awareness should be improved."	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	3/20/06 11:20 AM
10093	"excessive cost, low quality, and disparity"	should be a single-payer system	I think most people now recognize the need for a single-payer system and perhaps a modest reduction in choice.	Expand Medicare or FEHB to include everyone	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	3/20/06 11:25 AM
10094	The cost of health insurance.  And Health Savings Accounts with high deductibles.	"I am not sure, someone has to pay the premiums.  I would like to see the cost of medical procedures and doctors fees be brought in line with the economy"	The american public is already making trade-offs.  Their salary is now going to pay a bigger portion of premiums if not all premiums.  That leaves less money to even consider these higher deductible plans.	Cap the profits of insurance companies and medical expenses	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/20/06 11:28 AM
10096	It has become a commodity. Income should not have any connection to everyone's need and right for adequate health care.	WE need a single payer. Medicare for all. Easy.	No trade offs are needed. Stop tax cuts for the wealthy and stop invading other countries and there's plenty of money to go around.	Single payer system.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/20/06 11:35 AM
10104	"The inefficiency of our present system is the major problem, along with the fact that it doesn't serve the citizens who either do not have the money to pay high premiums or do not have employment where insurance is available ."	The government and individuals who are able should fund a national health plan.  Providing insurance through employment has proved to be a part of the problem.  It has worked in the past but not for all and presently we are seeing a decline in insurance plans through employers.	There are trade-offs that can be made.  For those who can pay for insurance the cost may be less if we have a national plan in place.  Just like with Medicare there will be limits in the level of health care we receive.  Those are problems that can be solved.  If most of the countries of Europe and the Americas have worked out a plan I think the United States can do so.	A health plan that provides for preventive care first and then has plans for dealing with chronic and genetic diseases.	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	3/20/06 12:28 PM
10111	"Not having Health insurance is changing my life for the worst. I had a Triple bypass March in 2005 NO INSURANCE, I have Type 2 Diabetes and I am losing all felling in both feet because I have no INSURANCE I pay over $500 a month on perscriptions that some times I get If I have enough Money to pay for because I have no INSURANCE my health gets worst everyday That I do Not have INSURANCE I am told I could lose my feet or legs one day if I do not have the proper care needed to help me But I can only pay so much with out Health INSURANCE I would pay for it if I could get it but no one covers Pre Existing conditions. we can spend money to save all parts of the world but we can not help our own Hear at Home (USA). what a shame"	People deserve good health coverage and I am sure they would do what it takes to get the proper coverage. Why can't we take care of our own?Deduct from Employees and empolyers our add it in our taxes  	Ever what it takes you ask someone with preexisting conditions what they would do to get health Insurance and they will tell you what ever it takes we need it. 	Stop spending so much money in other countries and take care of the peopleat home first who work to make this a better country.	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/20/06 1:39 PM
10113	"The health care system today has too many people who are covered with insurance paying for too much health care.  Most people take what is offered to them from their place of work.  Many times, this coverage is more than if they received compensation and then paid for the health insurance on their own."	"I would make our health insurance system like car insurance.  Everyone pays for the insurance on their own.  Companies would be required to raise the compensation to their employees the amount currently spent on the employee's behalf for health care premiums.  The employees then would choose their own plan, based on their health, deductible amount, etc.  With a high deductible and lower premiums, an HSA would fill the gap for out of pocket expenses.  The unique feature of a high deductible policy is the insurance company will help get the least expensive health care coverage because the insurance company does not want the insured to meet he annual insurance deductible.    The way to get to a ""car insurance"" system is to allow individuals to expense all costs on their taxes, but not allow businesses to expense health care expenses.  Business quickly will expense this money as ""salary"" if it can not be expensed as ""health insurance premiums."""	"If the American public knew that generally they have more health care coverage than what they need, they would be willing to take higher salary in exchange for higher deductible coverage."	"Make sure that people know the truth about the cost of health care coverage.  Most people work in companies that provide coverage with very little co-pay by the employees.  If employees knew that on average $450 to $600 per month was paid for their low deductible, family coverage, they may care more about the health care system.  Bottomline is that there are many people who think the sytem is just fine because their company provides great coverage and they really don't know the true cost of coverage."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	3/20/06 1:46 PM
10117	"Licensed practioners such as MIDWIVES should be included as covered services.  Worldwide, midwifery is advocated as a safe & cost-effective means of giving birth.  I had to pay out of pocket for delivering a baby at home because the HMO refused to pay for a delivery by a licensed midwife HOWEVER they were willing to pay hospital costs for up to 4X as much as the midwife planned to charge.  I AM STILL OUTRAGED AT THE BUREAUCRACY. "	The current way of paying for health care is not working if you consider the number of indivuals and families that remain uninsured.  We all pay for the uninsured in some way or the other.  It needs to be equitable & a government-run plan is one way of providing coverage to all.	I would be willing to pay more for less than what I am receiving now through my HMO if it meant that all people had equal access to health care.  A graduate payment plan should be available to those who want to pay more for added benefits.	Healthcare coverage for all.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	3/20/06 2:01 PM
10125	The fact that so many people can't afford health insurance & the state & federal government is cutting back on health care assistance to low income people.	" A non-profit single payer system that covered everyone would be the best solution. This would save billions in the total cost of health care in America. This plan could buy drugs with huge bulk discounts like Medicare & congressional, & veterans plans do.                                              I am willing to trade our wasteful military system for real financial and health security.  Trade the high profits made by drug companies for cost effective prescriptions like other nations have.                             What is your single most important recommendation to make to improve health care for all Americans?             Set up a united non-profit cooperative to receive funds and pay all health care costs. Local elected directors could manage of this cooperative and negotiate the benefits and services  "	"I am willing to trade our wasteful military system for real financial and health security.  Trade the high profits made by drug companies, HMOs & other corporations for cost effective health care, and the outlandish salaries of CEOs for worker wages to buy better health care.  "	A single payer health plan for everyone comparable to those in Eurpoe & Canada.  Then our industries could be competitive & keep good paying jobs in the USA.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	3/20/06 2:47 PM
10126	The high cost.  Families cannot even afford to have many children because of the cost of each dependent.   The health care system is very family-unfriendly.  	"Yes, health care should be available at a low cost to ALL people.  Health care is a right, not a privilege.  "	"I'm not sure what others are willing to do.  I personally am willing to pay more taxes to fund a universal health care system, especially since I'm sure those extra taxes would not be as much as my family currently pays in premiums and deductibles."	Stop the profit-driven system as it stands today.  Companies SHOULD NOT be profiting from charging people exorbitant prices for health care!  	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	3/20/06 2:49 PM
10130	That so many people can not afford it or have been driven into bankruptcy by it	"Yes, businesses should not be expected to shoulder this...it is anti-competitive.  As a group we should establish a way to provide coverage to all, i.e., our government should come up with a coverage plan that benefitsa all the people and not just the corporations"	We already pay an exhorbitant amount for a plan full of holes...it needs to be redesigned to solve the problem of caring for all of us.  A single payer system seems to work well.  Longer waits for non-emergency services are ok...there's always some form of rationing.	"That it be universal and mandatory:  health care for the poor tends to be poor health care,"	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	3/20/06 3:01 PM
10132	"That it is not universal and not funded by the government as a basic human right, as it should be. Right now it is rationed and privileges the insured and/or employed."	All payments should be made by government in a single-payer system. This is most efficient and covers everyone.  	"Longer waits for doc visits, less fancy high-end and end-of life care."	The gov't must ensure this basic human right for all who live here.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	3/20/06 3:08 PM
10136	The increasing number of people who do not have access to health care	A single payer system should be adopted -- other devekoped countries that have single payer systmes provide bettter coverage for their citizen's at less cost. We should do the same	"In order that everyone could have access to the care they need, I would accept (a) waiting longer for routine appointments; (b) a modest increase in the cost of my coverage."	adopt a single payer system	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	3/20/06 3:15 PM
10138	"The increasing cost and the less service and care we get and the whole principle of ""managed care."""	"Yes.  The Medicare system of one set of premiums, co-pays, deductibles for a fee-for-service health system as opposed to the managed care concept.  "	A reasonable increase in Medicare contributions with the comprehensive coverage Medicare offers... perhaps a combination of employer-employee contribution plus a reasonable co-pay of 10% of Medicare approved cost.	"Let us not re-invent the wheel.  Medicare is a good, solid, and efficient health system with only 3% of cost going to administrative expenses.  Extend Medicare and make it available to all.  Let Medicare be the standard for all private insurance companies follow which will leave Americans to make their choice."	female	45 to 64	No	Asian	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/20/06 3:20 PM
10142	the fact that many are left out; health related messages are not reaching those who need information the most	"for those who can pay, pay a higher percentage of costs"	"neighborhood clinics, visiting nurses, wellness programs paid for partly by customers, partly by the goverment and partly by industry"	get out and MOVE!	female	Over 64	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	3/20/06 3:26 PM
10143	the high cost	"Make premiums cheaper and co-pays higher, so that those that see doctors the most will pay the most. "	Why should we believe that there have to be trade-offs?  The richest nation in the owrld ought to be able to insure access to high-quality health care to all its citizens	cost controls for insurance carriers	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/20/06 3:28 PM
10145	"The fact that millions of people do not have any health care at all. Sadly they are the people that need it most. These people have poor diets because nutritious, low-fat foods are the most expensive foods, which leads to heart disease and high blookd pressure, diabetes, and many other illnesses.  It also concerns me that so many children do not have healthcare. Regardless of what his/her parents are like, it is not the fault of the child that the parent can't get health insurance. All children under 18 should have healthcare. It also concerns me that many preventative care measures are not covered under health insurance."	"I think all taxpayers should pay higher taxes so that all American citizens, and children under 18 regardless of national origin, have healthcare."	"I think most Amercians do not want to pay higher taxes. I think that the more you make, the more taxes you should pay for healthcare. Also, low-fat food (fruits & vegetables and other nutritious foods) should be cheaper and high-fat foods with limited nutritional value should be heavily taxed. So that it becomes cheaper to make a good meal at home then it is to go to McDonald's."	Promote healthy lifesyles for everyone by making fitness facility memerships cheaper with tax cuts and by making good food affordable.	female	Under 25	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	3/20/06 3:46 PM
10150	lack of universal comprehensive quality coverage for all people	"single payer national health insurance systemt with comprehensive benefits (not s'skinny' basics) that controls costs through bulk purchases, admin efficient, global and negiotiated budgets - not by rationing"	drop employer based system for a national health insurance plan. Americans would be willing to drop insurer choice for provider choice	cupport HR 676 - national health insurance for all	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	3/20/06 4:05 PM
10153	"The rigid criteria to allow someone to ""qualify for care"". Mental Health is treated as a very distinct stigmatized issue that dioes not share the same importance as heart disease or cancer when in fact it has a greater impact on the health of society than either of the two.  Poor, the elderly and children all seem to eb the ones to bear the cost of  care cuts. The elderly at least have Medicare. But what od the kids have? Why d they have to pay the price for their parents lack of judgement?     "	UNsure at this point if there is one good solution to this issue. I am sure someone with all the brain power we have in this country can figure out a method that is fair to all. 	"The ability to receive good health care is dependant upon what your dea of good health care is and what you have been accustomed to in the past. The people that are used to the  high dollar  quality will be less willing to settle for anything less, while the people who have to wait 3 months for an appoitnmnet for basic care will like see anything  that gets them seen quicker as a positive. Look at the overuse of emergency rooms as a result."	"Implement  cost sharing with the upper postion of society that can readily afford to pay  thousands of dollars for an appointment. Help the children in our country have a fighting chance of being educated and being healthy enough to make it into productive members of society.   The working poor are getting the shaft most times. Government entitlement programs need to look at what they are paying for. Viagra is not a medicaly necessary drug, though very expensive to provide. I am sure there are other examples but that one is the first one that comes to mind.   "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	3/20/06 4:28 PM
10157	"Death of middle class, only the wealthy receive quality healthcare. I can get better care in most other 1st tier (e.g., Spain, Italy) countries and many 2nd tier countries (e.g., Peru, Argentina). "	"Seriously consider socialized medicine, models which follow the Scandinavian countries. Can be scaled, and can work. How about rob from the rich to help the poor?!"	"Few trade-offs needed if dollars are redistributed. Ask Greenspan, he'll show you the numbers and the money. "	"Move to a socialized medicine model, scaled to US populations and epidemiology. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	3/20/06 4:44 PM
10158	My husband has changed jobs twice in the last 6 years and each time the health insurance is drastically more expensive. If he loses his job I'm concerned we cannot afford to self insure or pay for cobra.	"I think there should be one, efficient system. I don't care if it's national health insurance system using the existing carriers and providers. Everyone should be covered because it is more expensive when everyone is not."	"I'd be willing to pay more for everyday care if critical perscriptions (diabetes, cancer, etc) were reasonable and important, necessary surgeries were covered for everyone."	"Eveyone should be covered by a plan that provides preventative care, critical care and perscription coverage"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/20/06 4:48 PM
10160	"Historically, we have separated physical and mental health care whereas we now know that at least some, and perhaps all, mental illnesses are caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, an organ of the body just like the heart or liver.  We should treat the body as a whole.  There is still considerable stigma attached to mental illnesses and treatment is sorely lacking which contributes to addictions, unemployment, homelessness and too many persons with mental illnesses in prison with little or no treatment"	"I support a singly-payer system of universal health care.  We have this with Medicare by which our seniors have been a priority in our health care public policy since the legislation was passed in the 1960s.  We are gradually including children through the SCHIPs program.  MEDICARE has been a successful program with low administrative costs.  We need to get rid of the inflated prices for certain kinds of equipment, etc. and work out negotiated costs for drugs.  But there is way too much administrative cost in our system today for all the paper-pushing and doctors and their staffs are wasting too much time on it."	"Are physicians going to have to accept lower salaries than they now receive??  I would hope that the system could move toward a balance where costs for medical education could be advanced or paid off, doctors' work hours would give them ""a life"" in addition to their work, and they could really cultivate a relationship with their patients.  I would hope that would be worth something to them; it might also mean a different type of person would be attracted to the profession -- smart but also humanitarian.  On the other hand, it this means fewer doctors, then there would be longer waits for services which would affect patients."	Every person should have access to health care and there should be a strong emphasis on preventive health care.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WV	3/20/06 4:51 PM
10167	Inequities in access to needed health care; amount of $$ diverted to administrative costs; costs associated with defensive medicine; loss of personal control over private medical records.	"We need universal coverage with a single payor; as things stand now, it is far too easy to lose one's health care coverage through no fault of one's own. I think everyone should have to pay into the system."	very few	"Universal coverage without regard for ""pre-existing"" conditions, funded through mandatory payments to a state or federal agency."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	3/20/06 5:13 PM
10174	"The number of people without basic care, who develop expensive illnesses that could have been treated earlier; the possibility that anyone could be financially devastated by a severe illness."	"single payer-use Medicare as a model, a group of providers, govt and consumers to decide basic fees, people would be free to pay more to doctors who charge more, or buy ""extra"" insurance to cover more expensive fees."	 I'D ALSO PAY MORE TAXES FOR POOR PEOPLE TO GET DECENT MEDICAL CARE.	"get rid of the insurance company bureaucracies-in fact, get rid of the insurance companies,since it looks like they run the country. I'll trade that cost for coverage for the poor any day."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	3/20/06 5:39 PM
10189	"Lack of resources for the indigent, which puts a very heavy burden on ER's, driving costs and premiums higher for all"	"Need more funding, more non-profit resources"	"Well, as much as we spent on the war could have funded health care for decades."	Make non-emergency services more accessible so that the emergency services arent' abused so mcuh.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	3/20/06 7:20 PM
10191	"I think the health financing system no longer works well for the poor nor the middle class.  Too many people are left out of the system and many others are just a job away from being out of the system.  If a person is lucky enough to have insurance, a major illness will create enormous stress in the paperwork and uncovered expenses that a family must face.  There is way too much bureaucracy in the financing system and too much effort by the private insurance system to avoid paying the cost of care.  "	"I think the financing system should be shared by all - individuals, employers and government.  However, we must find a better way to manage the cost sharing and assure that individuals are not left with bills that cause them to declare bankruptcy or otherwise create severe economic hardship.  "	I'm not sure the public is willing to face the trade-offs.  The true cost of care should be shared equitably across the entire population.  Health care should be considered a public good.  The system should not try to wring true costs out of the very sick.  Aggressive care for the the aged and dying should be limited.	Universal covererage with the cost shared by all through a progressive tax system.  	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WV	3/20/06 7:27 PM
10195	"Sometimes I wonder if it is ""health care"" vs. ""who cares"". The entire issue makes politicians cringe because of their allegences with corporate America. Get past the greed issue...that's my major concern about health care in America today. "	"Perhaps some of the profits made by the health care related corporations should go toward offsetting the expenses of at least the poor in our society. The auto insurance business lowers your rates if you don't have any accidents for a prolonged period of time. Why can't our health care premiums be lowered if we keep ourselves healthy and out of the doctors' offices. Why not lower may rates because I've been going to a gym for over twenty years in order to ""keep ahead"" of my arthritis. Reward us for taking care of ourselves by lowering our premiums."	Perhaps limiting our choices regarding the doctors we see and the health care facilities we use. 	Have the politicians get out and speak directly with their constituencies about health care. They are too distant from us and most of us don't have the sense that they really care about our health. 	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/20/06 8:07 PM
10204	"First, that so many Americans lack adiquate health care.  Second, that health insurance costs are being used as a wedge to attack unions."	"First, I believe that there should be a basic level of health care available to everyone in the country through a federally funded plan.  Defining what is included in that ""basic plan"" is a serious problem to which I don't have an answer.  Beyond that basic plan, individuals and employers should be free to purchase additional coverage (the employer coverage being subject to union negotiation). "	"First, I think its a little silly to ask people to speak for ""Americans"" in general.  As for myself, this is a difficult question because ""healthcare"" includes such a broad range of services and people's needs change over the course of ones life.  For instance, as a basically healthy youngish person I would be willing to forgo a personal doctor and rapid service for access to free or cheap preventative and emergency care.  If I had a chronic illness or were older or had childern, I think that a peronal doctor would become far more important."	"I'll use this box to say what I think is missing from what is otherwise an excellent discussion.  One of the first things needed in the national discussion of health care is a careful dissection of where the money is currently going.  We constantly here about soaring healthcare costs and are told that we must make sacrifices to meet them.  However, we are rarely presented with information on where all of the money goes.  How can we talk about what kind of sacrifices we need to make if we don't even know where all of the money is going right now (including who may be making a killing at the expense of the rest of us)?"	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	3/20/06 10:39 PM
10205	"I am most concerned by the fact that many people cannot afford health insurance due to inadequate income levels, partial disabilities that limit income, or for whatever reason are unable to access adequate health care."	"I think that the government will have to play a more active role in the future.  There is simply no one else who can solve this crisis.  Basically, I think health care should be financed by a progressive tax that would encompass all individual income, no matter how high, but not tax the poorest."	"I am not sure that there would have to be any trade-offs, except that the rich would have to pay much more in order to ensure a just system in which all our people are cared for."	We have to ensure universal health care for our citizens.  Anything less is shameful for a country as rich as America.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NE	3/20/06 10:57 PM
10208	The fact that every citizen does not have basic health care insurance provided on a national level and those with chronic illness cannot obtain or afford insurance of any kind and do not qualify for medicare or medicaid until their condition is in the last stages.	"There should be a single payer national health insurance system that covers preventative and basic medical care and prescriptions for every citizen and which includes complete coverage for chronic conditions like diabetes, mental illness, etc. "	"Provide coverage for everyone by removing the responsibilty from corporations and private insurance. Pool all health care dollars from corporations, state and federal govt., eliminate the need for dealing with many plans and have only one. Allow citizens to purchase supplemental coverage beyond the basic package. Americans would be willing to give up corporate and private plans for a well run single payer plan that would be there no matter where they work.  "	"Provide basic preventative care for everyone through a single national plan-no matter what the income,health or marital status."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	3/20/06 11:48 PM
10209	"The fact that it is not availible to people who would benefit from it most-the underemployed, working poor families,and the uneducated."	I need more information about how this actually works and options outside of the current system to suggest change.	Higher taxes and fewer tax loopholes for the wealthy to help provide lower middle class and working class people healthcare that is as strong as what the upper middle class and rich have.    A change in political priorities that primarily privilege the wealthy at the expense of everyone.    Make large corporations accountable for finding ways to cover their employess.	Access to affordable and effective health insurance.	male	45 to 64	No	Black or African American	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/20/06 11:56 PM
10226	Both cost and mediocre quality	"Private, for-profit health insurance does not add one scintilla of value to our healthcare system, but it siphons off huge $'s for ""administrative"" costs, leaving only 50 cents of every dollar that are actually paid to providers. Further, in their quest for profits, they are often an obstacle to receiving NEEDED medical care. They make every effort to limit utilization of expensive services, EVEN WHEN THEY ARE CLEARLY NECESSARY. We need SINGLE-PAYER NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE, financed by an income tax, payroll tax, luxury tax, or some combination. "	"SEE ABOVE. Under single-payer most people would pay less than they are currently paying, and would not have to battle their managed care company in order to receive needed medications and services"	"Get rid of for-profit health insurance that has every financial incentive to avoid the sick, and block their utilization of expensive services. Implement single-payer national health insurance, MEDICARE FOR ALL."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	3/21/06 9:55 AM
10229	It is outrageous that a country as rich as the U.S. cannot provide basic health care for 40 million of it's poorer citizens.  Many people cannot even afford to go to a doctor at all.  Outrageous is not strong enough a word.	"Yes.  A one-payer system would be cheaper, easier, and work better.  "	Get out of the bloody Illegal war business and there will be plenty of money for social programs.	"End the ""war"" and divert that money to healthcare, education, etc."	female	45 to 64	No	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 10:10 AM
10230	It is tremendously expensive and if you are a small business owner it is out of your reach to pay for it. Often you dont make as much in a month as it cost you.	It helps when the government can regulate it..like in Canada it is free.	not sure what we collectively would approve	MAKE IT AFFORDABLE FOR EVERY ONE ESPECIALLY TO SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS AND THE WORKING POOR CLASSES AND FAMILIES!	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 10:11 AM
10237	"It's neither affordable nor available to all Americans.  Also insurance companies are rip-offs and discriminate against people, based on pre-existing conditions that are ridiculous.  Many Americans are paying huge premiums to feed insurance companies' bank accounts, not coverage for themselves."	I believe it's time to have a national healthcare plan that's available to all Americans.	Whatever it takes - we should be embarrassed that this country has so many uninsured citizens.	It must be available and affordable for ALL Americans.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 10:23 AM
10239	the cost is too high for most people exspecially if you have a pre exsisting condition you either get deneied or have to pay outrageous prices or ind up with scam arist who lie to get you to take their over priced ins. that isn't worth a plug nickel	yes i think as the richest nation we should be able to give health care to all like canada does	not sure	for our goverment to step in and say enough is enough these companies our getting rich off the poor. it's time our goververment worked for the poor to make sure every american has health ins. just like know kid left behind program and to bring down the cost off the medicade spend down so people wont have to choose between eating and paying for spend downs	female	45 to 64	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 10:40 AM
10243	My only income is Social Security and I can't afford the Medicare premiums let alone the back-up coverage such as Blue Cross.  The result is that I have no health coverage at all and I'm very worried about what I would do if I became seriously ill.  This becomes more and more of a real threat as I get older.  There seems to be no place in the system for me although I have worked for most of my life and earned a good income.	I think that all people should have health care.  Too many of us are left out of the current system.	I think it is time that the government concentrated more on providing what we need here at home with our tax money instead of wasting it on constant wars that we have no business getting involved in.  They do nothing to keep us safer and only act to decimate our resources.  I made a good income when I was working and a lot of it was paid out in taxes; I didn't do this to benefit foreign countries.  We have the money we need to run this country properly without requiring any more sacritfices from citizens like myself who already have been forced into a drastically lowered standard of living in order to pay for wars we don't want and that do nothing for us.	The health care industry should be thoroughly investigated by an independent commission that has no ties to health care.  Costs are too high and the quality of care is too low while more and more of us get no care at all.  It is obvious that profiteering is going on and has been going on for too long in American health care.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 10:49 AM
10247	"The fact that so many of us who are ""middle class""  are seeing that lifestyle slaughtered by the high  cost of health care.  Or if you are self-employed  as my husband is, you find the cost almost prohibitive.  It cost us more than our house payment.  Then you have so many people who have had to get by on part-time work, as our 22 yr old  son is having to do, and as a result, has no health coverage at all.  He is afraid to get sick.  What will he do?  If he misses work, he could be let go, etc."	"I think we should have a single payer system.  And a system that would provide health care for all.  I think it is a form of robbery, that the costs of hospitals are forced on the backs of people who do not have insurance.  I saw this reported on a 60 minutes segment 2 weeks ago.  A man in TN was charged $41,000.00 for a 2 stent procedure for the heart.  A person with insurance   would only have had to pay $13,000.  This is not   right."	I would rather see my taxes used in this way than to subsidize a war that is becoming a VietNam copy.	Find a way to make it available to all.  Young and old alike.  Poor and middle class alike.  Rein  in the excess costs of the hospitals.   Do they really have to keep building to look like hotels.  Most of us aren't allowed to stay in the hospital  but 1-2 days on average anyway.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 11:15 AM
10253	"too many damn ""relaxation"" drugs people don't need trhat cost a fortune.  forget the Xanax adn Prozacs of the world and just legalize marijuana already!"	too vague a question.	"no idea.  change will need to be imposed, people are going to get bent out of shape no matter what."	allow the free market to WORK so that we aren't paying more for drugs that we subsidize than they do in Canada or overseas!	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 11:25 AM
10254	"As an old duffer who has Medicare as well as a Univ.(really the state of IL) health care system, my main concern is with perscriptions. We have a drug program, but the copays are high and the selection of drugs limited."	"In line with the above, I would like to see a drug program financed by, but not necessarily operated by, the federal govt."	"Personally, I would be happy to make a trade-off of a large slice of our defense budget.  "	"Govt. financed health care for everyone, as well as a govt. perscription plan."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 11:25 AM
10257	That the insurance companies are making so much money and we have so many people without insurance.   The working poor who make to much to qualify for medicaide and not enough to pay insurance premiums are the ones being left out of the loop of health care	I think that we should be able to pay for health care from one source.  Take the middle men out of the process and make the process fair to patients and providers	I don't think the American public is willing to make any tradeoff's.  Those with insurance don't see it as a problem and those that are under/uninsured don't think they have a say.	Make it universal and take it out of the hands of the insurance industry who have such a strong lobbying hold on our elected officials.  Have our elected officials live without insurance for 3 months and see how fast it changes.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/21/06 11:38 AM
10258	That there are 8.5 million children with no access to health care.	It all starts with the government. Raise taxes to help cover the costs. Employers are having problems covering the costs and are forced to drop their insurance plans. Individuals obviously can't cover the costs which is why 45 million Americans don't have health insurance.	I think Americans would be willing to wait a little longer to receive health care if they knew that everyone had access. 	Keep the private sector open for those rich enough to afford it. That is one gig against Canada's system. That citizens wait too long to see a physician. If the private sector is still there than there is another option.	male	Under 25	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 11:41 AM
10260	"My husband will retire soon with Teamsters. He is a veteran, so he can go on with the VA free.  I had Tyroid Cancer last year, so to try to get insurance just for me will be astronomical."	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 11:54 AM
10262	That all citizens have adequate health care.  That all citizens have the drugs they need without having to deny themselves of food.  That you stop giving pharmaceutical carte blanch about what they want to do and do what is best for the American people.  That you give the FDA and CDC the right to make decisions that are best for the American people without persuations from you.  Take care of us.	That you not allow lobbyist for insurance companies decide to raise the costs of drugs that are passed on to us.  That you not allow HMO's and Medicare decide what is allowed for patients regarless of what doctors need to treat them.  Medicare rejected a test that would have confirmed or rejected whehter or not I had cancer.  If I had cancer that cost would far exceed the cost of the test.	To be able to pay doctors what they deserve for services.  The way to do that is stop litigation from giving such high rewards to patients who allegly have not had good care.  That litgation causes the high cost of medical insurance forces some doctors to go out of business because they can not afford it.  We meed these doctors and we need caps on malpractice case.	TO NOT ALLOW LOBYIST TO MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT ALTH CARE.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 11:59 AM
10264	"People who can't afford good health insurance jsut aren't getting health care, or else they aren't getting good health care.  It bothers me that health care is seen as a privilege instead of a right in this country.  Also, private health insurance companies aren't very good.  They often force people to go to a particular clinic, even if they believe they would get better care somewhere else.  Prescription drug companies have too much free reign.  Doctors are more concerned with prescribing certain drugs than they are with helpign patients.  This should not be allowed."	"I think the government should take the bulk of the costs.  The people are being forced to pay for too much.  Some people can afford it, but most people can't really afford to pay what they are paying.  "	"I can't speak for other Americans, but I know i am willing to pay higher taxes if it means better health care for everyone.  "	"I don't want our options taken away.  Whatever happens, people should be able to choose their doctors and hospitals without losing coverage.  "	female	Under 25	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 12:05 PM
10266	Access.  Lack of preventive care.  Money siphoned off to executives and managed care whose profits increase if less health care is given.  Damper on entrepreneurs who fear starting their own business for fear of bankrupting themselves and their families if a healthcare crisis occurs in their family.	Government administered universal coverage health care.  No convoluted systems like the drug and insurance industry wrote for Part D of Medicare.  We should jettison Part D and start over.	I'm quite sure the people with money to sway public opinion will attempt to brainwash the public to their way of thinking.  Their needs to be an explanation of the current waste of money and concurrent lack of health care for many Americans.	Single payer universal health care administered by the Federal Government.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 12:12 PM
10267	"that not everyone in has access to health care, through some type of insurance."	We should have a national health care system like Canada.	I feel that americans would pay some tax so we could all have good health care. I would be willing to.	NULL	male	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 12:14 PM
10270	"That so many people are restricted from access to it because of a lack of insurance, public or private."	"This should be a government spending priority. Ahead of weapons and tax cuts. Private money should be put into a government funded health care system, similar to Social Security. Pharma companies should be profit-limited and windfall profits should be put in this fund or traded for free product."	"The American public might be willing to pay a standard co-pay, say $10 to $25-- based on ability to pay-- to fund comprehensive preventive care for all. This will insure a healthier populace and save millions in treating catastrophies in the Emergency room that could have been easily prevented in the doctor's office."	Less weapons and more health care. It is shameful that a rich country like ours does not care for all.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 12:19 PM
10271	There are people that work that do not have health insurance through employment and cannot afford to purchase a plan.	"I see that drug companies could curtail spending by restricting luncheons, etc. the perks to physicians, and medical personel.  Spending oversight"	"I think Americans would be willing to pay more for all to be insured if there were some changes in the current system.  Restrict Medicaid users at ER's when other options are avaialable, drug company expenditures."	"Consumers would decide their providers,not insurance companies."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	3/21/06 12:22 PM
10273	"     Poor quality for so many, especially the uninsured.       Infant mortality rate, worse than Cuba"	"     Get rid of private companies such as HMOs, PPOs, etc. and have a single provider for everyone."	     I can't speak for the American public.  I'm sure many would be willing to go to a single payer.	     Single payer.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/21/06 12:25 PM
10275	"The control by the pharmaceutical industry and the insurance industry to the detriment of the citizenry evidenced by their pressure for beneficial legislation to protect their interests at the expense of the consumer.  Also their control and influence of the FDA which is not an advocate for their concerns, not the voter and taxpayer.      ALSO, the educational system's mutual decisions to severely limit the training of medical physicians so as not to saturate the field and create extreme competition amongst physicians, but we pay physicians from other countries to come to the United States to ""fill the gap"" of insufficient physicians in this country, thereby depleting foreign quality of health care in the countries of origin of some of these physicians, and denying many rejected applicants from attaining their dream to practice medicine.    AND there is the insanity that pervades our allopathic medical establishment that the medicine that they teach is the only valid treatment or the only true education, denying validity to alternative medical treatments, some of which have been successful in health care for hundreds of years, even thousands of years in many cases.  The tendency of the AMA and most medical schools is to denigrate such treatment even as they adjust their form of medicine (which has been accepted as the norm less than 150 years) to grudgingly accept and incorporate alternative treatments as they are found to be effective and helpful.  All of the forms of alternative medical treatments should be respected and coordinated in the allopathic treatment philosophy as is becoming the norm in most other highly developed countries."	"I think that the government and the insurance industry should NOT be the ones to determine the validity of treatment.  That usually has been used to deny necessary treatment (a woman who had half of her skull not reattached after brain surgery for most of a year while the insurance company tried to evade the responsibility of coverage, thereby endangering her life while the battle continued, only to lose and to have to pay for the completion of the brain surgery closure.) and the many many instances of incompetent coverage determination by ""bean counters"" and not a valid medical board, independent of the insurance/government/employers system.  The tragedy of decisions made will never be known to the full extent.  There was an expose on national television some years back that uneducated people with no training in any form of medical care were hired by many insurance companies and were the decisions makers as to whether treatment would be provided or not.  They were provided with guidelines that would not accept additional treatment, lifesaving or otherwise, and the decision was made not to provide the coverage that was supposed to be made available.  The reason was cost. Have things changed?  Not at all."	"I think the public is willing to have the insurance industry be overhauled and many of benefits they have successfully ""encouraged"" legislatures to make to improve their profit at the expense of the original intent of their industry, and to the detriment of the public's access to health care, would have to be reversed.    Also that follows for the pharmaeutical industry who have corrupted the FDA and discouraged the research for better medical treatment by only manufacturing what will provide the most profit to the exclusion of lesser known & suffered diseases and their corruption of the patenting process to allow them to repatent the same medication by changing sometimes just the color of the pill to avoid the medication to be manufactured by others and marketed for less cost.      Also, the public will welcome more accessible access by the applicants to present medical schools for doctoral programs, and for more universities to offer medical schools so to improve availability of medical professionals that are home grown, and eliminate the international searches for physicians to work here in the U.S.      And the public will be delighted to allow them to access alternative medical practitioners and treatments and to have them covered by insurance and government programs, and to have them accepted and respected and incorporated into the full medical treatments offered by the AMA, medical schools and hospitals and the current medical community.  At present, physicians who never study nutrition denigrate those who are trained in nutrition.  Most medical schools just train their students in pharmacology (an endorsement of the drug industry's products) without any training in other forms of treatment.  "	"I think that the American public wants to maintain their health and are anxious to be able to participate in wellness care to avoid as much as possible deteriorating conditions which would entail disability and costly treatments.  More wellness clinics, alternative practitioners, nutritional education and availability of herbal, vitamin, etc. in the mainstream will allow people to become more self educated and empowered to help themselves remain healthier.  A stronger physical education program in the public schools will be highly effective in instilling these concerns in the younger generation and thereby create life style changes which will help to create a healthier people. "	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 12:31 PM
10276	The expense!  Too many people are forgoing medical treatment simply because they cannot afford it.	"I think the government really could do more for the people.  Employers can help, but they cannot be expected to take on the whole burden of health care for their employees."	I'm not really sure what there is to 'trade off'.  People who are making minimum wage are already scraping the bottom of the barrel and they are expected to feel lucky.  	"Health care should be free for everyone who needs it, but we could perhaps do a sliding scale for fees."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 12:31 PM
10287	"the medical community has become a puppet of the drug companies. they have abandoned nutritional remedies for a ""drugs are the only cure"" mentality. the insurance companies have made health care unaffordable to people with low incomes."	"health care should be provided by the government for free to all (every man, woman, and child) in the united states and its territories."	"we could bring home our troops, and the money saved could be put into the health care system. also, we could forgo ratifying the expirimental weather modification bill (us senate bill 517 and house bill 2995). the funds proposed for this bill are ten million dollars a year. that money could also go to health care for us."	"stop letting our food be poisoned. ""the thing that bugs me the most is that the people think is protecting them.  It isn't.  What the FDA is doing and what the people think its doing are as different as night and day.""  quote from Herbert Lay, MD, Former FDA Commissioner."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	3/21/06 1:11 PM
10289	Cost.	"Plan D should be run by Medicare, not around it."	NULL	Eliminate means testing.	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 1:24 PM
10292	1.  Lack of health care coverage for everyone.  2.  Disparity of payment for services between those with insurance Vs. those without insurance who are generally charged more for the same service if they do not wualify for free care.	I think all employers should be required to carry insurance.  It was my understanding that the State of Hawaii required this of every employer and it has a high score for good health of its population.  	"Probably a combination of both.  But if I had to choose one or the other, I would choose to pay a little more rather than reduce my benefits.  In fact, I have done so in purchasing my own insurance coverage.  "	Make care available for all and focus on prevention.  That is be penny wise:  provide services that will prevent disease with early intervention.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/21/06 1:30 PM
10293	"Fincancial lack of access to health care for about a third of the country. Many indigent, the working poor and the fully emloyed are excluded from our health system."	"National single payor system with universal coverage.  Payments can continue to be a combination of individual, employer and government."	"We can give up redundant administrative costs and unevenly distributed excessive profits. We can also cover simple preventitive care, early intervention and education in preference to tertiary, emergency and extravagent end of life care."	Universal Single Payor Health Plan	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 1:35 PM
10295	"It concerns me that millions of people have no access to quality care because of a lack of affordable insurance.   Considering the cost, no one gets eally good health care unless he is the President.  The system is based on profit; it should be based on service.  Health care should be a right, not something to be purchased."	"Everyone should have access to quality health care--poor, wealthy, employed, unemployed, young, old.  Tax individuals on a sliding scale.  Rich people should pay more."	"I don't know.  The question is what should people have, not what they should expect.  We spend billions to kill people  (i.e. unnecessary wars), but we can't afford to provide necessary health services for everyone."	Establish a single payer health care system!!!	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 1:39 PM
10297	"Affordability, acessibility to specialists, availability of preventative health screeing and support"	"Establish a government-run indemnity-type insurance system, similar to the way France does it.  Get rid of the private health insurance industry"	There shouldn't be any - the money being made by the private insurers should be plowed back into the system	Get rid fo the provate insurance industry	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 1:43 PM
10303	"Cost, availability"	SINGLE-PAYER SYSTEM	Don't know...	SINGLE-PAYER SYSTEM	male	45 to 64	No	Other	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 2:01 PM
10304	NULL	SINGLE PAYER!!!  No private corporate insurance company contols on my health!!!!!	NULL	SINGLE PAYER SYSTEM  Corporate hands off my health care!	female	Over 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/21/06 2:01 PM
10312	"Cost that insurance companies take to cover adm costs.  Lack of access to specialty care for the uninsured  The fact that our current system is tied to employment - so if in this global economy someone looses their job, they are double penialized, loosing their health insurance too."	Go to a one payer system - cut the adm costs of delivering care from 30% down to 5-6 %.	I think Americans will always demand a 2 tirred system.  Those with $ will want to pay extra for extra services.  But we need to cover all with some basics	Everyone's health care will improve if we cover more people.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	3/21/06 2:28 PM
10313	The fact that SO many are without it	Basic health care should be provided to ALL Americans	"Willing is a tough word for me to speculate about.  I think there should be longer waiting times for some elective procedures, the rich should help subsidize the poor (through higher premiums or taxes) and we should look carefully at the expense of extending life for the sake of extending it."	Do away with privatized managed care.  It's a crime that people get rich from other's misfortune.  	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 2:32 PM
10315	Many people have no health care at all.	Unemployed people have no benefits. Part-timers have no benefits. Helath care should be available for all. 	People are willing to pay something for health care. I think most people wuld be willing to visit the doctor on duty in a government-funded clinic	The government must take a more active role in providing health care for all	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 2:39 PM
10318	"1)One thing that I think is outrageous about our current system:  medical providers charge people with no insurance a great deal more than they charge the insurance companies.  This is obscene!!    2) Any plan MUST include mental health benefits.   Since former Governor Engler closed Michigan’s psychiatric hospitals, citizens have been left with next to no recourse. I know two families with children needing psychiatric treatment who had a terrible time getting any help.      In one case, the Easter Seal Society finally came through - but for several years had refused because the mom could not transport child, by this time the size of an adult. and paranoid schizophrenic,  to their facility.  (After the police had taken him to a psychiatric ward, the Easter Seal people came to him.)  The other family, whose child is less seriouly afflicted (bi-polar & sometimes suicidal), never did get any help or support.    I used to teach in the Birmingham school district.  I know of at least 4 teachers or administrators who had their children in a special school in Minnesota for children with psychiatric disorders.  They obviously would have prefered to keep their children in Michigan - but there were (and are) no such facilities.  This school was quite expensive - and of course travel expenses only added to the cost.  "	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/21/06 2:43 PM
10326	The fact that deductables keep getting higher and covering less.  	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 3:08 PM
10328	Cuts that have been made to benefit wealthy people and take medical care away from the working poor and disabled peopl are my biggest concerns.	I would like to see our government put more of our taxes to health care.	"The people with whom I have spoken want more money for social serice, including health care, than for war."	NULL	female	45 to 64	No	Other	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 3:14 PM
10335	"More costly!  Less Benefits! No Prescription Coverage!  No Coverage For Any ""Pre-Existing Conditions""!  My wife is disabled and cannot get Disability from S.Sec. because hours worked fall short of S.Sec. ""requirements""."	FREE Universal Health/Dental Care for ALL U.S. Citizens. 	"A ""percentage"", according to income level, taken in Federal or State Taxes. The higher an individual or family income is - the higher the percentage of medical cost paid - since those with higher incomes can ""sacrifice"" more - yet still have the same equal health benefits as everyone else. But EVERYONE who needs medical/dental care will have it available to them WITHOUT ANY PRE-CONDITIONS. This should be a RIGHT OF CITIZENSHIP! NO ONE SHOULD BE ""Penalized"" FOR DEVELOPING AN ILLNESS - And there should be PREVENTIVE CARE - INCLUDED."	MAKE QUALITY HEALTH CARE / DISABILITY INSURANCE READILY AVAILABLE TO ALL WITHOUT PRE-CONDITION PENALTIES - AND MAKE IT AFFORDABLE TO ALL.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 3:49 PM
10336	The 40 million uninsured	It should not be employer funded. Why not put everyone in Medicare?	Taxes will need to be increased	Check out the Australian system which is a mix of government funding and private insurance.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	3/21/06 3:50 PM
10341	Raising cost of care and   drugs and companies ddropping health care for employees	System should include all members of society under full coverage. I have coverage under FEHP thru federal service which should be the model and standard for all plans 	Increase taxes to insure coverage for everyone	Health savings accounts are not the answer since we are poor savers of money to begin with from Joe Blow all the way up to the President. We need a universal group coverage for all citizens to be covered by us all thru taxes and solid government overview unlike the current drug benefit under medicare being run by drug companies for there profit.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 4:08 PM
10348	The out of control Drug costs and the screwy Medicare D plan that would cost me more than I currently pay.	"Nope, but it should cover all USA residents."	NULL	"We need a decent affordable universal health care program and the right to buy drugs through specified foreign countries i.e. Canada, England.  "	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 5:05 PM
10349	"That when we get older and corporate americia does not want to pay for any benefits or employ older people we will loose what little we have managed to have with wages being flat for 20 years ,jobs being outsourced to CHEAP LABOR COUNTRIES.Or we will all get some horrible infection because of GOVERNMENT NOT PAYING ATTETION."	"Yes  The richest people have the best insurance and lest likely to loose employment-Companies really do not want to pay for this any longer. Free medical is available for the poorest of poor but a person who has worked gets sick,disabled they have to loose everything to qulify for medical benefits.so if you get sick you get screwed you can not afford COBRA-Some basic form of medical funded by taxes across the board and the rich people can well aford basic medical for all by eliminating waste-fraud and greed. Proactive prevenitive program taught in school and a nationwide program for HEALTHY LIFESTYLE .Stop drinking ,smoking,excessive junk food -Combat stress force the use of Public transportation and WALKING CARPOOLING ---Really get rid of drugs and guns .Train people not jail people."	"We know what we need to do everyone has to give a little.We do need Leadership to say we as a nation have to work together to live healther lifestyles ,quit looking for a pill for everything. The mind set of the well off is I got mine screw the rest of you. If millions of people get some terrible virus your money is going to help you."	"Lifestyle changes from grammar school up not just lip service. Social pressure loosened up to spreed excessive life style Drinking,smoking ,drugs,out of controll sex ect. People not getting married-try to stay married >Social pressure should Tighten up."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 5:08 PM
10350	That it is not available to all.  That the insurance companies and management companies are getting too big a cut of the $'s that should be spent on care.  Drug costs are way out of control.  	Universal single payer system available to all not covered by employer or government plans.	I believe it can pay for itself.  All that don't have insurance must be taken care of one way or another.  And the costs get passed on to those that do pay. I am not sure there would need to be any trade offs. 	"Stop letting hospitals charge with 2 different sets of prices, one for those that are insured and one for those that are not."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 5:18 PM
10353	"a kind of health progme which bring down the cost of quality care and cost ofprescrip drug benifit for all people i,e citizenes and legally living people working or not.This is the right of the people who worked in FREE country."	"Yes, it can best be handle by UNIVERSAL H.C prog for all and the cost be Freezed for five yrs by administring health care insurance cos and federl govt"	My view is 10% to 12% of the take homepay one shouldnot spend eachmonth on health care.	"Hospitalcare be free for all with lab.Office visit 20%,drug at 20% all,insurance cost be froze for 5yrs."	male	45 to 64	No	Asian	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 5:28 PM
10356	The fact that its cost has become prohibitive and therefore excludes many middle class people. 	"Universal healthcare, even if it has to be supported by higher taxes.  "	"People would wait longer for service if it was known that it would come with certainty, and at an affordable price.  "	Forcing private businesses to offer healthcare coverage as a benefit; whilst having the government cover the cost of catastrophic healthcare so that businesses do not have their costs warped.  	male	25 to 44	Yes	NULL	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 6:20 PM
10365	"it's tooooooooo expensive, and an old antique too many doctors, and not enough education om what they are doing."	"cradle to grave payments 100% by our bloated government for """""""" all """""" taxpayers. just like in sweden , and holland. and denmark !!! if they can do it , we should be ashamed that we don't try to do it also."	"no trade-offs, whatsoever,we demand health care, or we should not go and vote for any of those criminals into officce. we want the same health care that those thiefs in washington have,like all our congressman, senators, vice president, and of course the president himself,  we want the same indentical care, nothig less."	"have congress go to western ,and study their health care system, it should be mandatory , before running for officce. also educate our public on tv ,on radio, in the newspapers on the health care system that is offerred in denmark, sweden,norway, finland, germany, france, belgium, and spain and portugal. give them an insight as to what other countries offer their public. this way they will have a better understanding on how to vote when they are at the poles. !!!!"	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 7:21 PM
10370	The rising costs	Yes Goverment should get out of health care. The waste I keep hearing about in Medicare and Medicaid is unbelieveable. And the regulations placed on hospitals and doctors is also running up the cost of health care.   	None. How can you have high quality health care with trade-offs?	Get government out of health care. The big mess you made with the last update of Medicare and the confusion that it caused with millions of seniors should tell you that you should not be write insurance policies . 	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	3/21/06 7:42 PM
10375	I think that everyone regardless of income or medical condition should be entitled by law to have adequate health care. There are so many people who are currently unable to work because of a medical condition. Without any health benefits these people cannot seek the treatment to make them well. Once well they would be able to contribute to society.	"Healthcare should not be priced out of an individual's ability to pay. The payment should be based on income. For example, someone who makes $100,000 or more per year should have to pay a higher percentage of income than someone who only makes $10,000 per year.  Employers should expect to make payments large enough to keep their employees healthy.  The employer should be held responsible for insuring the health of their own workforce."	Higher taxes to insure health benefits would be acceptable with the elimination of insurance premiums.	"DO NOT ALLOW PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES,INSURANCE COMPANIES, ETC.TO LOBBY FOR LEGISLATION THAT PREVENTS THE GENERAL PUBLIC FROM FAIR PRICING AND ACCESS."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/21/06 8:13 PM
10376	"Lack of nutritional education for school children and elderly citizens that are not being taught natural law or natural hygienic information.  Humans are frugivores by nature, not omnivores as our special interest food groups keep convincing the Federal government. This causes a lot of disease and expense to the healtcare system and government.  To reduce expenses, teach people to eat simply, healthy, fresh raw foods. It is as simple as that."	"I think government should offer grants to people who want to start health sanitariums to fast poor people back to health, rather than just drug them to early graves. While that may seem profitable to the big drug corporations, who is paying for all this drugging?  The governments and taxpayers of course.  We can no longer afford it.  Government and employers should offer time off for fasting days to prevent more serious disease down the line. Time off should be for pay, or subsidized by government."	none	Dietary education & local food production education.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	3/21/06 8:22 PM
10384	"We don't have health care: we have medical care.  If we had health care, we'd have food produced in a health promoting manner, clean air and water and be as concerned about human life (beyond the fetal stage) and well being as we are about corporate income, stock prices and CEO salaries."	We need a national health care policy that supports affordable preventive and complementary health care which would lower the cost of medical care.	I already pay for my health care and save M'care a lot of money in doing so.	Have affordable health (not just medical) care.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	3/21/06 9:13 PM
10386	that many people are excluded from it for lack of insurance.  Insurance does not equal health care.	"Yes, we should stop paying a wasteful MIDDLEMAN, called health INSURANCE.  All monies currently paid to Insurance companies should be paid directly to health care providers."	"I don't think that we need to give up anything to have a viable health care providing system.  Every other industrial society manages to have a health CARE system, and we are certainly paying for it with 14% of GDP, but we aren't getting it!"	SINGLE PAYER.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	3/21/06 9:57 PM
10390	"The profits made by HMO's & MCO's from health insurance premiums, money that should be spent on healthcare for all Americans.    Also, that health insurance is tied to employment; it should be a right of all citizens paid for my the government.    The number of uninsured and the number of people with insurance who cannot get the care they need."	"Yes, health care should be a paid for out of our taxes and there should be universal coverage for all Americans. There should be no HMO's or MCO's involved.  A system like traditional Medicare for all would be best."	"Americans would pay more taxes to fund a health care plan if the system was fair and equitable...one plan for all including congress and the President.  There needs to be basic coverage for medical, dental, mental health, substance abuse tx, and such.  Prevention and education are also important. Trade-offs might be less money spent on other areas of the federal budget such as defense or pork barrel projects."	"Develop one comprehensive plan that covers all, financed through tax dollars without HMO's or MCO's, not tied to employment, similar to traditional Medicare, and spend less in other areas of the federal budget such as defense. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/21/06 10:31 PM
10393	"The doctors often seem just not to want to be bothered with a patient, especiall if it is something unusual and will need time to ""figure out""  "	"Like Social Security deductions, let there be deductions for health care and limited visits so it is not taken advantage of."	More self care and information available	"If an older person cannot get cured, cannot afford care, let us die, help make it possible.  We will die anyway, why linger?  Make suicide legal.  Make necessary ""pills"" available.  "	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 11:07 PM
10395	Every American should have guaranteed health care.  No one should have to go without health care.  We should be on some type of single payer system.	Take employers out of the system.  Institute universal care.	"Get the for profit insurance companies out of health care.  Do away with HMOs, employer paid health care, premiums based on age, preexisting conditions sex,etc. "	"Institute universal health care similar to other developed countries in Europe, Asia, and the Americas."	male	Over 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	3/21/06 11:27 PM
10397	my concer is that is POOR health care.   Doctors are not trying to cure our deases and problem  in most cases they just drug us and treat the sympthoms.	They ask way to much for the poor care we receve.    If Doctores are in this profession for the money I would like them to choose other careers.	None  The care is inferior already.	Train our Doctors and nurses better.  I do not like the use of chemicles Its the first thing out of ther mouths here some Drugs for you.. lets use comom scence.	female	45 to 64	No Response	Other	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/21/06 11:39 PM
10412	"High costs--four times defense spending, declining coverage, and mediocre quality.  U.S. health care is addicted to more money for business as usual.  And rising costs mean fewer businesses and workers--and governments--can afford to finance coverage."	Insurance doesn't work in health care.  Pool all the current financing in one pool and use it to pay for coverage for everyone.  	"How do I know what the public thinks?  More important, why do you think trade-offs are necessary?  Framing the problem this way seems to beg the question.  Instead, why don't we work to cut the one-half of health care spending that's now wasted, and use the savings to expand coverage?  "	"Enlist doctors in the fight to cut waste and cover everyone.  Doctors know where most of the waste is, since they make the decisions about care.  We need to negotiate a deal with doctors.  We should end malpractice (and therefore wasted defensive medicine) and end their paperwork.  In exchange, they agree to work within budgets to take care of all of us well.  With #2.2 trillion available this year, it's shameful that we are making so little progress."	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	3/22/06 8:18 AM
10413	people not going for medical/dental care because its to expensive and then when they finally do have to go the problem has become a major thing therefore costing even more which in turn causes excess stress	some employers do not even offer insurance or if they do its the bare minimum because its too expensive for them which in  turn means the individual once again has to pay out of pocket and leads to people not going for the care they may need	some program like they use in canada? 	"if doctors, dentists,hospitals,etc would let people make payments it would help I know that could lead to more expense on their part if peopl do not pay,but......"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/22/06 8:19 AM
10417	I am getting close to retirement age and I am concerned I won't have money when on a fixed income for my health care and medications.	I don't know?	"If we have to trade anything off, then we will not be getting high quality health care."	"Make health care available for everyone, even those who cannot pay."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/22/06 8:40 AM
10421	"coverage is needed by nearly one half of my  office of realtors.  we struggle month to   month with short term plans, or costly full  pkgs until funds are exhausted.  Pls consider  us, we are voters in need."	"A Group Plan for Small Businesses/Realtors,  Independent Contractors."	Paying reasonable individual premiums formed  from a group.	Coverage for all.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/22/06 9:18 AM
10422	Affordability; preexisting coverage under a  group plan.	Group plan available for independent contractors.	Higher Premiums for better coverage.	An Affordable Group Plan for Realtors.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/22/06 9:23 AM
10429	"Affordability  must include everyone, not just wealthy  Straightening out the mess in the Medicare D drug plan"	I feel we should have single payer coverage for everyone	Possibly immediate care when a surgery or serious illness occurs. Some surgeries can be post poned- cosmetic surgery.  More primary care doctors and less specialists in high- cost fields	"Coverage for all people, including immigrants."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	3/22/06 9:59 AM
10430	Rising costs and numbers of uninsured. 	"I think we should go to a single payer system, modeled on Medicare."	"If the majority trully understood why the present system is broken, there would be little opposition to ""socialized"" medicine."	Every citizen must have coverage.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/22/06 10:01 AM
10437	We need a universal single payer system that will protect all citizens.  If we can afford tax breaks for the richest 1% of Americans - then we can afford to provide healthcare the the other 99% of us.	"Single pay universal coverage.  Pay for it by stopping the war ON Iraq and taxing everyone with an income over $200,000 an additional 1%"	Most of the public would be willing to consider some sort of no-fault malpractice plan.  Also a switch to generic drugs whenever possible.	"Take it off the bargaining table and make it a right - just like voting.  If you are an American citizen - you got - no ifs, ands, or buts."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/22/06 10:47 AM
10438	"The vast number of uninsured, particularly children. It hurts our productivity and we pay for it in many other ways, as a society. "	"Consolidating the decision-making of three payors into one, with incentives for behavior change."	"With increased decision-making on the public's level, I think more would be willing to decide on their own trade-offs. Different people need different facets of the health care system. "	Increase education and incentives for healthy behavior. 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/22/06 10:47 AM
10442	That it will become unaffordable to get medical treatment for middle class families.	"There should be some standardization of payments, deductibles, and coverage."	More taxes.	More accessable and affordable care.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	3/22/06 11:00 AM
10443	No personal patient accountability for own health or cost of care. Frivolous and excessive malpractice lawsuits.	More accountability for personal health choices.  More choices for health care and visibility of costs.	"There should be no trade-offs. There is enough inefficieny and corruption in the system that when fixed others can afford their own care or a ""safety net."""	Require all Americans to choose a health care option and allow health care choices.  Then let the free market reduce the costs.  The default option is a free Medicaid type program that only provides emergency and preventative care.	NULL	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/22/06 11:02 AM
10452	"The expensive cost of having health care for those who can't AFFORD it. Having no coverage to cover prescriptions for Diabetics, since Diabetes is now a concern. "	"Yes, AFFORDABLE PREMIUMS. Don't cancel on individual plans if I can't make a certain month's premium especially for those unemployed for so long. Give us a break, will ya. I've been without job for 3 yrs; having a hard time paying for insurance. I'm going BROKE.  "	"I don't understand trade-offs. U mean, giving up one for another? Sacrificing the higher premiums for higher service. I just want to be taken care of; not having to give them a leg, arm, brain to do so. "	"Give us a break. Both ways - Doctors, Insurance Cos. Without patients, doctors; Insurance Cos. wouldn't be in business. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/22/06 11:23 AM
10453	"The costs keep rising. A lot of people do not have decent insurance plans. Insurance is tied to the work place, if you don't have a job - do you have insurance ? If you are sick and need insurance, but can't work - what do you do ?  "	"We need to change this, I know other countries have failed, and even when they have a national health, insurance plans exist to ensure the payee gets the care they want.  Can't we figure this out, somehow. The baby boomers are going to develop health problems as we age- is anyone ready for this ?"	"We can't trade off quality care. We need to plan some way of financing this.  Raise taxes -spread money around , pay for health care."	"Raise taxes. Offer education to people pursuing medical careers, in exchange for ""some time"" of future service. Educate everyone so that keeping ones health is their personal responsibility, as much as that is possible. Not in a punitive way, not penalizing anyone for ill health."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/22/06 11:26 AM
10456	"lack of affordability for even the MIDDLE class. lack of any method to connect the various componenets of care. Compartmentalized systems, procedures. Those who live healthier lifestyles are paying large premiums for those who don't. Not enough organization/attention to patient safety issues."	"allow lower rates/lower copays, other perks for people who demonstrate healthier behaviors. Health Insurance in general needs a complete overhaul."	"enrolling in healthier lifestyle programs (smoking cessation, bp monitoring, etc) Fewer choices re: physicians/hospitals. "	"use above suggestions to reign in costs. Probably needs to be a single-payer approach, unfortunately."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	3/22/06 11:35 AM
10458	Unequal access to health care coverage and resulting overcrowding/poor quality of care in emergency rooms	Absolutely.  Everyone should have AT LEAST the equivalent of the FEHP coverage that congress members have.  Government subsidies to small employers (rather than paying for wars)	Immediate Exit strategy in Iraq would free up dollars for affordable health care coverage for all Americans	Make program like FEHP accessible to all Americans either through direct payment of premiums with government subsidies and/or to small employers	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	3/22/06 11:36 AM
10460	"The lack of access to health care by many americans, within walking distance of the finest medical care system in the world.  Shame on us!"	"The single most important change we could make is to get the insurance companies out of the health care business.  Enormous amounts of health care dollars go into the pockets of these companies, who provide no health care whatsoever."	"I don't think trade-offs are necessary.  If we eliminate the wasteful spending presently going into insurance premiums, that sum alone would take us a long way to providing high quality health care for all Americans."	"Choose one (or a few) states and begin a demonstration project to provide health care for all.  I recommend New Mexico, where dedicated citizens have been working for years to lay the groundwork and have a bill before the legislature (it narrowly missed becoming law in this year's session of the legislature) to study the feasability of various proposals.  After three years of study, one plan would be chosen.  The American people have been brainwashed for more than a half century to believe that there is something evil about universal health care that it will take much hard work to educate them."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	3/22/06 11:41 AM
10465	I got hurt on my job 2 years ago. I had insurance until then. Now I have no job and no insurance. We live on my husbands SSI Disability check. I can not afford the pills I need. I can not afford the test the Dr. want me to take. And can't get hired after 2 years of looking. What is a person suppose to do?	"I think that every American Citizen should have  national insurance coverage. If all of the Money that is wasted by our goverment could be spent on insurance, people who have no insurance dont go to Dr. or hospitals, and things get out of hand. Why is it only people who are rich or work in a good place have it. Take care of your own, before any one else. I have worked since I was 14 yrs old, at very little pay, but I have earned some respect. Every one puts there pants on the same way and should be given the same respect. Some people have no idea what it is like to struggle. Insurance should not only be for the rich, they are no better. Its people like me who have made them rich."	"I am not sure because people don't much think of others any more. It's too much me, me me. I do think that some of the stupid things money is spent on could be used in better ways. And I think that some of the studies being done are a total waste of time and if they want to do it go out and earn your own money to do it."	Give every American insurance. Just because you have money doesn't mean you should have better care than any one else. I also think that our goverment shouldn't not get any better deal that some one like me.	female	45 to 64	No Response	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/22/06 11:49 AM
10475	"National health programs exist in all industrial countries except the US, or the only industrial country that puts profiteering ahead of the welfare of its people. Until this policy changes to one more humane, the health of all but its wealthy and fully insured citizens is doomed."	"Yes, a common health care tax should be implimented to guarantee the health care of every citizen without the risk of bankruptcy; thus putting an end to the outrageous fees charged by hospitals, medical doctors,insurance companies, and pharmaceutical companies."	I think the AMerican public is willing to pay a higher social security tax to cover the cost of this improved health care for everyone.	"National health will improve the health care of all Americans in general, without interfering with the luxurious health care of the super-rich, or the two-tier system that exists in most countries with national health."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/22/06 12:02 PM
10481	INSURANCE COMPANIES MAKING DECISIONS ABOUT HEALTH CARE AND TREATMENTS. WE NEED UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE	GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTIONS NEED TO GO UP. TAX DEDUCTIONS FOR PEOPLE WHO PAY HIGH PREMIUMS FOR THEIR HEALTHCARE INSURANCE	PAY MORE TAXES FOR UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE FOR ALL AMERICANS.	TO STOP ALLOWING PRIVATE HOSPITALS TO WORK AS A MONEY MAKING BUISENESS.	female	45 to 64	Yes	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	3/22/06 12:09 PM
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10486	Elderly doing without health care and medication.  It's a national shame. 	"It works fine for me, I work for an employer who provides health insurance at a minimal cost to me.  How can anyone make $7.25 an hour or even $17.00 and hour and pay $900.00 a month for Medical Insurance?  Why does someone without insurance pay $200.00 for a service and an insurance company pay $60.00 for the same service?  Something is way wrong with the system.  I think everyone should be covered under a federal plan.  But it certainly needs to be run better then our government services are run currently, we will be pay $1,000. for an office call.  "	"The American public does not accept 'trade offs' very well.  So, I assume it would depend on what was ask.  Higher taxes would be acceptable, everyone going to a clinic probably not."	"It can't just be a giveaway.  People have to take some responsability for there health.  We certainly don't need another welfare system, I can't support many more people.  "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	3/22/06 12:12 PM
10490	"Huge profits for private health providers (hospitals, insurance conglomerates, etc.) while more people struggle to afford health insurance.  This is immoral."	Depends on what other changes are made	Higher prices for greater choice of providers.  But not longer wait times!	"Set price limits on drugs, equipment, etc."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/22/06 12:24 PM
10495	"I think that we need a health care that covers everyone.  It would be more economical if everyone is covered instead on certain ones.  The middle income group is being left out and they are the ones out there that can't afford insurance.  They are the ones that are raising our little ones. they are the ones with the most bills and responsibilities so the need help in the health field, and they have been the ones that has been left out the most."	It should be under one plan.  I know a lot of people that don't have any insurance and they let their health go and it will cost more in the long run	I think that the American public would be willing to pay more taxes if their health would be made important.  Now there is more taxes and their health insurance has gone down the tubes.	Have health care for everyone so the workers will stay in better health.	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/22/06 12:31 PM
10496	"The cost, that so many people do not have coverage, that the American people are not generally more healthy despite our wealth (compared to the rest of the developed world). Arrogance of the US- ignoring other country's research or alternative or complementary medicine."	"I think it needs to be simplified. One payer with perhaps all sectors contributing. Concentration on low cost, effective therapies, community based programs. eg. Instead of more technology for mothers of possible low birth weight babies make sure they can get healthy food and know how to prepare it. More health education mentoring in communities. ""Barefoot doctor"" idea."	I think we need to have basic access to wellness promoting services and a certain level of coverage for accidents and sickness. We cannot cover everything. Perhaps there could be an optional insurance for more expensive treatments.	Pay people a livable wage. Turn off the TV! Education and wellness incentives for consumers and practitioners.	female	45 to 64	No	Asian	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VT	3/22/06 12:35 PM
10501	Not available to many low-income Americans?  Too expensive even when patient has insurance.	"Too much money is spent by health insurance companies and HMO's on administration, advertising, claims processing.  A singlel-payer system (like Medicare) would free up billions of dollars to care for the currently uninsured"	NULL	Single-payor.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	3/22/06 12:45 PM
10507	Its costing more for less coverage.	Socialized Health Care everyone gets same care.	Use what we are now paying for health care insurance while receiving the highest of health care that should be provided to everyone. People wouldnt mind paying a little more for better coverage 	Health care for everyone.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/22/06 1:05 PM
10511	"The 45 million uninsured.  The decreasing Medicare payment to primar care physicians that is driving many to be unable to afford to take on Medicare patients.  The current focus on high tech, costly tertiary care and the attitude of most Americans of entitlement to all and sundry options whether proven remedies or not."	Basic healthcare for all US citizens should be the model to developed. This would help free up our beleagured emergency departments from their current dilemma of being the only real choice for the uninsured who are not eligable for Medicaid.	"Apparently very few, since the attitude of entitlement is endemic. Larger co-pays and deductables (much as exist in homeowners and auto insurance)for health care insurance programs as well as other efforts to impose some sense of accountability would be helpful in the longer term."	"Continue to expand the awareness of individual responsibility for enhancing their own health --- not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, only moderate alcohol consumption and the like.    Also -- pay MDs and other health care providers for teaching and supporting such efforts instead of pouring all the $$$ into the pockets of surgical and other interventional sub-specialists.    "	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/22/06 1:18 PM
10514	"Spending way too much on end of life care for people when others get little or no help for basic care to help them function in society.  Also more prevention must be emphasized , including personal responsibility.  This includes the media which often slants reality and does nothing to emphasize eating fight and exercising."	"Preventable risk factors should be included in who pays how much for what, like smokers have often been made to do. "	I believe that if people were more informed of living wills and the actual chances of an indepen-dent and active life after  medical proceedures and like many would make different decisions.	No heroic measures on people who are very ill with multiple co-morbidities. 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/22/06 1:28 PM
10518	Not enough people have health insurance.  We need to have something affordable for all people.	I think that it should be more affordable for those of us who have to pay.  I can't afford to add my husband to my policy.  I also think that it should go by the individual's income and not total household income whether people qualify for  government programs.	I am willing to pay a little more in taxes to make sure that all American's are able to obtain health care when needed.  	Allow all American's to be able to obtain health care at reasonable rates.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/22/06 1:37 PM
10519	It is not affordable - less and less so every year.	"I strongly believe that health care should not be a ""for profit"" enterprise - especially when the profit is being made by the insurance companies."	"I really do not know.  The ""fat"" has already been cut out of most health insurance policies.  Necessary care is what is left - and it is costing more and more.  by attempting to limit health care by raising the cost, more and more Americans are foregoing care.   we dont have a choice."	limit the profit insurance companies can make- as well as there expenses.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/22/06 1:38 PM
10520	Rising costs to those that cannot afford insurance  and need continued care due to pre-existing conditions.	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	3/22/06 1:39 PM
10528	Unequal coverage for Americans. Elected officials from the president on down should not have better health care than most Americans. The current administration has not helped even with prescription drug cost. Drug companies should not make millions on the back of people who need to take the drugs prescribed by the medical profession.	Everyone would get charged the same -affordable amount for everyone. No private companies -I am  in favor of socialized health care. Too many people have made too much money on the ills of others.	"We can still have quality health care that is affordable. There is no need for trade-offs reduce paper work -all use the same forms, speak the same language and have the same requirements.  Health care should be operated as a non-profit not to make money."	Equal health care for all Americans!	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/22/06 1:51 PM
10540	My biggest concern is the large numbers of people who have no coverage.	"I think we should have a single payer, national health care system. Basic health care is a right, not a priviledge."	"I'm willing to shift my health insurance premium to pay into a national system, even if it requires up to $300 more per year."	"Health Care in American needs to be non-profit! It is immoral to make money on other people's pain. A national system, run by the government, while it will have its own problems, will at least not profit-driven."	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/22/06 2:21 PM
10541	Issues of access to appropriate healthcare for many people because they do not have the ability to pay for any kind of healthcare coverage.  Many people are working but still can not afford to coverage.  Many times an individual makes to much to qualify for public healthcare assistance but not enough to buy coverage.	"I would like to see a system of some kind of Universal Coverage where employers and individuals would pay something-depending on income, into a universal system of coverage.  "	I am not convinced that the American Public is willing to make trade-offs.  I think that we need a system where basic coverage is provided for all and if immediate access is what someone wants then they must purchase additiona coverage for that access.	I would like to see a system designed for universal coverage at an affordable cost for those without health insurance through employers.  HSA are not the answer for everyone because they are not affordable.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	3/22/06 2:22 PM
10550	The fact that millions of working people can't go see a doctor if they think they have a health problem while at the same time CEO's of hospitals and insurance and drug companies make record profits and receive huge salaries every year.      It also bothers me that these companies that profit off of people's illnesses are allowed to give large campaign contributions to our elected officials.	"Take out the profit motive.  Individuals, employers and the government should not spending healthcare dollars that go towards profit margins, not care.      "	"The American public doesn't have to trade anything off.  The only people that have to trade-off any of their benefits are people like Larry Glasscock, the CEO of Anthem, who makes over 40 million dollars in bonuses alone each year.     It is a myth to say that we don't have enough resources to provide healthcare for all Americans.  We spend more than any other industrialized nation and at the same time we receive less care.  A reason why we don't have equal access to coverage is that people perpetuate the myth that there is only so much to go around and that we will have to give things up in order to have affordable, high quality care.    The truth is the only people that have to give anything up are the people making a fortune running insurance companies."	"Adopt a single-payer universal healthcare system that focuses on provided preventative medicine, like a mammogram, instead of letting that person get so sick they wind up in the emergency room."	male	Under 25	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ME	3/22/06 2:47 PM
10551	Health care is a function of one's employment (or lack of) with far too many inequities. It also places a burden on employers that hinders the creation of new jobs and businesses. It also leaves too many people uninsured mostly because they cannot qafford to pay their own premiums.	A cap should be placed on how much an individual should be required to pay  for health insurance (5% to 7.5% of AGI may work) with the remainder of the premium being government subsidized or paid by the employer. Employers should be required to pay a minimum for health insurance for employees or pay into a state fund to cover the cost of subsidized premiums.	"Americans want to have their cake and be able to eat it too. They will not be willing to sacrifice much in benefits to receive lower cost or increased accessability. What Americans want is options and choices, to be able to awitch plans and carriers if cost becomes too high, benefits are cut too much or claims aren't paid as they feel they should be paid."	SEPERATE HEALTH CARE FROM EMPLOPYMENT! 	male	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	3/22/06 2:48 PM
10553	The exorbitant and ever-rising costs which are significantly less in foreign countries.  Extreme expenses in the final years of life and no emphasis on self-efficacy and prevention.	"I'm sorry, but medical care should be a public or social service related to compassion, not a for-profit enterprise.  It's a money-making business that is killing everyone financially and not impacting preventable disease and disability."	I think the American public is tired of paying bloated profits to drug and medical industries.  How about price regulation?  How about investing in public health campaigns that empower people and teach them to take care of themselves?	Socialize medicine and improve health education.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/22/06 2:52 PM
10560	"My concerns are w/health care costs. As a community advocate, patients bring bills to me that are very high and most cannot afford to pay out of pocket for many of these costs. Even if their insurance has paid. Co-pays and deductibles are still large amounts."	"I believe a national health plan would be helpful. A system where individuals pay into the system based on a sliding scale type system. I believe most people are willing to contribute, but at a rate that doesn't deplete them for taking care of their financial obligations."	I think most Americans are willing to follow guidelines or a system that will limit medical services. I believe Americans need to learn a new system; whereby medical necessity is a major consideration. The same holds true for medical providers. I think many times medical testing and other services are duplicated or are ordered without looking into the patient's history and review of their care. Testing or services may have been obtained a month or even a week ago and yet the patient is asked or informed that they must obtain the same service again.   	"Develop a health care system that is efficent and economically sound. Contributions need to come from all aspects of health care in order to establish standards of care, standards of cost and that these standards are easily understood by the people. Health plans should not be so complicated that they are a total turn off to the public."	female	45 to 64	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	3/22/06 3:07 PM
10565	"Government pandering to large drug companies and health care providers with bills that give them a monopoly to charge ever rising rediculous prices, three to four times the rate of inflation, while real wages remain relatively stagnant."	"Big business has the clout to negotiate and price insurance benefits on a large scale.  If all the employers do is pass on the costs to the employee in the form of higher copays, higher prescription costs and less coverage, what do they care? The individual has no clout to negotiate these costs on their own. There needs to be more competition to lower prices."	"Americans shouldn't have any trade-offs.  Any government that doesn't take care of it's elderly is rotten. If billions of dollars weren't being wasted in the middle east on a people that hate our guts, we'd probably have enough to take care of our own.  The day Palestine and Israel come together is the day we'll ""win"" the war in Iraq."	"  In West Virginia and in many poor parts of the nation, by the time an individual goes to a doctor, in many cases it's too late.  A breast cancer that could have easily been cured in the first stages if preventative medicine was practiced. Instead the person dies in the last stages and the cost is ten fold.  If all we could get in the way of socialized medicine was an anual physical, OB/GYN for women's health and your life check ups- colonoscopy at age 50 prostate at 55 etc.  These preventative steps would probably save a lot of lives and money. A person that sees the dentist once a year for cleaning and X-rays never really has a chance for his teeth to get out of control.  Why wouldn't we have the same good medical treatment?"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	3/22/06 3:23 PM
10568	"Health care in America today, like everything else,is increasing about the ""haves and the havenots"".  Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid are detrimental to the health of millions of poor, elderly and disabled Americans. In order to control spiraling healthcare costs, our country needs to move from a sickness model to a wellness model and move to a one-payor system.  Universal healthcare should be the right of all Americans, guaranteed to us as a part of our right to ""life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."""	Yes.  Our current system is broken beyond repair.  Moving from this patchwork system to a one-payor system would simplify matters and save billions of dollars in administrative costs.  It would also be more equitable.	I believe that most Americans would be willing to be higher taxes  in order to be guaranteed health coverage.  Knowing that a health emergency wouldn't bankrupt them would be a tremendous relieve to many Americans.	"Universal Healthcare for all of our citizens.  Short of that, standardizing claim forms and processing would be advantagous."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SC	3/22/06 3:31 PM
10577	"Group Health Insurance for the Middle class. I am willing to pay for my own but no one will except us due to Husband had heart attack last year had three stints. Make to much for dhs they gave us a 22oo amonth spin down you have to meet that to get the benifits. Why can,t Illinois come up with a system that lets you pay monthly like insurance and if there is a health problem that disqualify you them they should give you insurance to cover all else and dhs picks up the cost or part of the cost of the excisting health conditions. That way the family is still paying and still have a insurance and still get relief and some security. I am at the stage do I quit to go on dhs do I get a job that has insurance and risk still no covarage do I go part time to get dhs but risk the extra income to support the families other needs. What do you do? I,m at a lost. Move to Canada? I want a life of security and independence and not have to watch every pennie or fear dhs will penalize because I worked extra hours or got a good deal on a vehicle and don,t have to drive a junker because they don,t believe people on their assisstence should deserve such pleasure. There are people out there that work hours and hours to support their families for a decent life but can,t get the help they need to support their health needs that in one second can be gone.  Does any of this make since to you. I don,t want anything free I want to pay my own way but there are times when that is impossible.  Thank you for your time.  "	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	45 to 64	Yes	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/22/06 4:19 PM
10580	Government involvement	Reduce involvement of employers and government	"We received one letter that predicts health-care expenses will consume 30 cents of every dollar within the next decade. ICFTF predicts that within the next decade, federal, state and local (direct) taxes will reach 67 cents on every dollar. This won't leave much for people to trade off will it?"	"Get everyone out of the picture except medical professionals, hospitals, patients and (if the patients wish) commercial insurers."	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/22/06 4:29 PM
10582	"The rising cost of insurance and prescription drugs, and the fact that it is more difficult to get private insurance, unless you are completely healthy. I am in my mid-twenties and can only get insurance from my empoloyer becuase of a disease I was born with. I do not want to spend the rest of my life worried about whether or not my employer can afford to provide insurance for me and I don't deserve to. "	"Yes, we need to support HR 676, the expanded Medicare Bill. Rising Health Care cost will sink small business owners and we will pay for employer-provided health care with increased costs for goods and services. I would rather pay higher takes that allow the government to negotiate with health care providers and directly offset the costs of health care. "	"Increase tax cuts if we are assured that it will be used to support a universal health care system that gauruntees coverage for all citizens, whether employed or not, or in a union or not. "	Support and pass HR 676. 	female	25 to 44	No	Black or African American	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	3/22/06 4:42 PM
10587	"3 things:  1) the escalating cost of medical providers  2) the manner in which doctors, drug companies and hospitals use $ as their bottom line, not human care  3) the lack of effective gov't oversight of medical practices and products - the FDA and the AMA can be bought!"	"Yes, there should be a cradle to grave single payer system of health care."	"heatlth care needs to be provided as a percentage of income, or free to those with 0 income.  It needs to be paid for by increasing percentages of tax on rising incomes."	It needs to be single payer system available to all regardless of employment.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/22/06 4:56 PM
10591	"A vast majority of youngsters and also adults over the age of 65 have health care coverage.  There are millions of employed individuals, married and single, who are not covered by health insurance of any type because they cannot afford it.  They can neither afford routine health care or prescription drugs."	Can the threshhold for Medicaid be raised to include many more lower income individuals?	Premiums for bare-bone insurance coverage is a possibility.	Universal single-payer health insurance coverage similar to the federal Medicare system for older adults	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	3/22/06 5:19 PM
10602	The obesity epidemic.	"Yes, universal coverage is a MUST. The barriers to implementing it are great, but can be overcome."	"I think that the public would willingly submit to arbitration in cases of malpractice. The biggest adjustment needs to come from Corporate America, namely drug companies, as well as physicians, who must be willing to give up astronomical salaries."	Education.	female	25 to 44	Yes	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/22/06 6:02 PM
10603	"Quality, access, and cost.  Many Americans cannot access or afford healthcare and when they actually do the quality of healthcare they reveive if not optimal."	I think it is ok for all these parties to pay for some portion of healthcare if they can afford to.  The changes that need to be made are turning the system into a system where EVERYONE has access to healthcare.	"The concern is not the changes that the public are willing to make, but the changes that the represented officals will support, that is who is making the decisions about healthcare delivery.  "	Socialized medicine.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	3/22/06 6:02 PM
10607	Lack of competition.  Lack of National providers.  Insurance coverage shackled to businesses.    Too much regulation.  Lack of national standards.  	"1)Companies and organizations should be allowed and encourged to form national ""HPO's""...Healtcare Purchasing Organizations.  HPO's could respresent 10's of millions of consumers and could obtain the best pricing and the best range of care options for their members from insurance companies or directly from health care providers.  The roles of companies should be to provide matching funds (similar to 401k's) to help finance their employee's health care coverage as a part of overall compensation.  2) The laws impacting health care providers should be modified to encourge the vertical integration of hospitals,clinics,tesing facilities and doctors.  3) Tort reform is essential.  4) The FDA must be re-missioned  Consumers must be given final choice and responsibility for the medications and treatments they select...not the FDA or anyone else.  The role of the FDA should be to provide information, evaluation and rating services for consumers."	"With a market based system as detailed in the second question, prices would be lower and services would improve.  It is a win-win option."	"Scrap all current federal and state law regarding healthcare, and build a body of law from scratch that supports MARKET based health infrastructure."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/22/06 6:08 PM
10619	The ability to afford it!!	"I think the government needs to do something to make sure that who ever has to pay, can afford to do so."	NULL	NULL	female	45 to 64	NULL	Black or African American	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	3/22/06 6:53 PM
10630	"I am a doctor and am concerned about how many people don't have access to any care, have to make decisions to defer or delay care b/c they can't afford copayments or treatments, or don't seek care for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes b/c they can't afford it."	"I think we need a single payer system that covers everyone in this country. The amount of time I spend struggling with private insurance paperwork, formularies, authorizations and other forms is an outrage. It could all be the same, and all that effort could go into providing health care!"	"I believe people would accept single payer care if it meant access for all. We could shift some defense spending to health care and wouldn't even need higher taxes! We would end up w/a two tier system b/c the wealthy would purchase extra benefits, but all would have basic care of chronic diseases."	"Health care should be provided without question to everyone. Single payer, along with statewide, or even county wide information systems would be a huge benefit."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	3/22/06 7:30 PM
10635	"Limited access to health care, the change to Health Care Savings Plans, lack of mental health care..and its accessability."	"if you are not employed, or have the monitory resources you basically cannot get coverage.  We need to make health care universal for all Americans."	"I think Americans may be able to pay a bit more, or have the government pay to get high care quality health care.  We need a way that people can get thier prescriptions so they dont have to make a choice between food and medications.  Everyone needs the medication that the doctors prescribe for them....and they need access to health care services."	make universal coverage available to the public...with a high quality..not limited...and this has to include mental health care too.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	3/22/06 7:35 PM
10642	High cost inequitable care	Universal Coverage paid through taxes	End the war	Universal Care based on health promotion	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/22/06 7:38 PM
10646	That all Americans have health insurance.	There should be a temporary plan to prevent people from falling through the cracks.	NULL	"I really dont have the solution.  I just think,somehow,all cirizens need health care.  The government wastes alot of money."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/22/06 7:39 PM
10688	Inequality and injustice	"Everyone should get involved in public health issues.I believe public health would reduce a lot of crises.Also, insurance companies should be eliminated in our systems.They are doing most of us no good.  "	Basic knowledge about health promotion	Basis health affordability for all Americans	female	25 to 44	No	Black or African American	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	3/22/06 8:22 PM
10696	Many people no longer have access to health care while we spend billions in IRAQ.  The people with less means are dieing due to lack of affordable health care.	Universal health care for all - you pay perhaps based upon your income - get rid of the middlemen such as insurance companies.	I think all are willing to pay but the cost has to be affordable to each individual or family based upon their means	Get rid of all the greedy middlemen - insurance companies - get rid of the wasteful government spending and use the monies for health care.  The current U.S. medical system is a disgrace.  Some day their will be another civil war if the problem is not resolved soon.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DE	3/22/06 8:34 PM
10697	"The costs are spiraling out of control which is hurting, and will eventually cripple, our economy.  The health insurance industry is  the main beneficiary of health care dollars."	I believe we should adopt a single-payer system like that of Canada.  There Medicare covers everyone.  The whole national program was set up in a simple 13 page document.	"If our Medicare system were expanded to include everyone like it does in Canada, I think people would be willing to pay a small premium and/or higher taxes."	We need a single-payer system like that of Canada.  This could be achieved by expanding Medicare to include all Americans of every age.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	3/22/06 8:34 PM
10699	"Number of uninsured and access problems.  Large amounts spent on end of life care while so many youth have unmet health needs interfering with chances to become their healthiest and most productive potentials. Lack of coordinated focus on supporting healthy schools, communities and culture. Spiralling out of control health care costs.  "	"There should be a basic health care package available for all through government taxes.  Employers, and the like can offer coverage additions but everyone should be treated the same in terms whether or not money spent on supplamental coverage (employer benefit or out of pocket by retirees)have the same tax status be pre or post-tax dollars."	"The public needs to realize that health care premiums will continue to increase &/or benefits decrease for sure over the next several year, even if we make good changes today as it takes time for the system to turn around.  That said, I think a basic benefit package available to all and a graduated increase in premiums based on ability to pay.  But this needs to be transparent and fair.  There needs to be a critical examination of money spent during the first year of life and for end of life care, as well as the large percentage of health care dollars spent in marketing competing insurance companies and health systems"	"Coordinated School-Based Health Care with both School-Based Health Clinics and School nurses in all schools. If we walk our talk and show youth that we value health over disease by actually making quality health services easily available for our youth,  then we may have a shot at raising a next generation who values their own health and helps to move this country to a new culture where healthy lifestyles are the norm and where students and families can learn about, access, and personally experience some of the many types of health care/promotion/prevention modalitites be it primary care, mental health counseling, acupunture, naturopathy, etc, while the youth are growing up and attending school. The major health costs incurred for youth outside of the first year of life are due to life-style choices and left unchecked lead to the costs of chronic disease in later years.  "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	3/22/06 8:36 PM
10701	There currently are many Americans who have no health coverage.  This includes legislation currently in process in many jurisdictions that will prevent undocumented immigrants from receiving care.  Citizens and legislators need to understand that all residents need to have access to care. Just because a person is undocumented does not make him any less contagious if he gets an illness.  There are no easy answers to all persons accessing health care.  Part of the problem is education of clients in accessing the best health care.  	Our current method of paying for health care is a hodge podge. There is no central process.  We tend to look at payment for illness with little to no emphasis on preventative care.	NULL	We need to make access to care universal. No person should have to limited access to care. No one should need to decide whether they eat or received needed health care.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/22/06 8:40 PM
10708	"The health insurance ""system"" for people under age 65 - which is high cost, discriminatory, anti-service (i.e. paying medical costs is avoided whenever possible), inequitable, and operated behind closed doors using hidden databanks that record & share among insurers the medical problems of citizens so that other insurers avoid ""risks"".  It also creates enormous administrative burdens for doctors, hospitals and citizens."	"Yes, absolutely.  Enact a Medicare system for all, or cover every person at the same benefit level as people in Congress."	"They will accept taxation.  They will accept expectations (or financial penalties) for lifestyle choices such as smoking & weight management & exercise.  Include not wearing helmut when motorcycling, etc."	"Every American should be able to acquire Medicare coverage for some affordable premium, NOW, rather than in 5 or 10 years.  We need to move forward on this as a country.  Both political parties are failing us.  Congress & the President seem constrained by their own agendas & interests, such that nothing is moving forward on this critical issue.  Stop talking & tweaking the current system.  Overhaul the ideas & simplify health care for all, by using the Medicare infrastructure, excluding Part D (for Prescription Disaster)."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	3/22/06 8:56 PM
10711	1.Everyone needs health care coverage.  2. Drug companies are ripping us off mercilessly. This must be changed. 	"We need a single payer plan, where everyone is covered by the government."	None needed if taxes are raised on the wealthist individuals and corporations.	"Our federal government must provide medical, hospital, doctor and prescription coverage for everyone. Anything less is unconscionable.  "	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	3/22/06 9:04 PM
10718	"What concerns me most about health care in America today is the lack of health care.  I currently pay $1200 per month, under COBRA, for my family of four.  I can get in to see a Dr. quickly but when I get a referral to a specialist it can take three or four months to get in.  Then after all of the waiting, nothing is done except maybe physical therapy, which didn't work.  But I guess this saved the insurance money.  That seems to be the only concern the insurance companies have."	My current way of paying for health insurance is that I pay all of it.  I would like good medical care for what I pay for.  Instead I get mediocre care at best.	I can't speak for the rest of the American public but for the $12oo per month that I pay< i would like high quality health care.	Make the insurance companies actually provide health care.  Get the bean counters out of the health care decisions.  	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/22/06 9:21 PM
10735	"That the consumers (us) are not in the driver's seat when it comes to the care we need.   We are driver like cattle by the insurance companies, the government, companies, and the health care industry.   "	"We need real Medical Insurance not Health Care services.   We need a way to also put away money to cover non-emergency care such as office visits, regular tests, etc.   We also need to get our employers out of the picture.   Once they are they can increase what they pay us so we will have more money to put aside for medical care.   "	We need to cover most of our own medical expenses so that the high cost items can be covered by the medical insurance.   	Make fees for medical care available to the consumers and educate the population on how to use the information.  	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/22/06 10:25 PM
10742	"That nearly half of all Americans will never have affordable health care until the government provides it to everyone, financed by tax dollars."	The government should pay for all health care.	"Higher taxes, especially on the rich."	Nationalize the health industry.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/22/06 11:09 PM
10749	The rising costs of health care that make it hard or impossible for many middle and low income families to obtain proper health care.	"Yes, obviously our current system is failing to do a proper job of providing health care for everyone."	"First, I think the administrative costs of health care is way out of line.  Medical care and pharmaceuticals have become a big moneymaking industries.  Medical care should be a service, not a business."	Make it universal for everyone.	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	3/23/06 1:19 AM
10754	"To cover all citizens  ""citizens!"""	"Employers should pay for a Universal coverage,  their taxes would be less then the present way  of waisting on Insurance Companies.  Cut out the middle Man!!!!"	"If the Insurance Companies are eliminated,  and direct Health Care is used as a ""Universal  Health Care"", I think there is room for many  Companies give payroll raise to their employes."	Cut out the Middle Man!!!  Build Hospitals and NOT  INSURANCE EMPIRES!!!!!!	male	45 to 64	No	Other	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	3/23/06 2:53 AM
10755	One of the things that bothers me most about health care in America is the unbelievably high patient load most doctors carry. The average person spends a good amount of time in their primary care physician's waiting area only to see them for maybe 5 to 10 minutes. If we could reduce the amount of paperwork doctor's are responsible for maybe they could spend more time actually interacting with their patients. This may decrease the liklihood of them missing a potential diagnosis as well. 	Currently I don't see a way to change this portion of the system.	"I don't believe the American public needs to make any trade offs. Read the Harvard Business Journal article ""Redefining Competition in Health Care."" It is ludicrous to look at health care and realize that every year we as a nation spend more and more and yet the quality is not improving. Any other area of our economy that includes competition traditionally sees costs decrease over time and quality increase. If we made insurance companies and doctors responsible and let patients make informed decisions on which doctor they wished to see, insurance and physician quality would begin to rise and cost would fall, making health care accessible for many more people."	Begin standardizing the system. The current system is far to fragmented and disjointed. A good start would be to make all records electronic. This would ensure that no matter which doctor you see they are always kept up to date on what's going on in your life (medically speaking). This would also cut down on the ammount of actual paperwork doctors would have to do and probably decrease the number of mistakes made. 	male	Under 25	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	3/23/06 4:37 AM
10757	Affordability	Universal healthcare as a birthright	"Evidence suggests Universal top quality care will cost less, not more, than we pay today."	Availability to all	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	3/23/06 5:48 AM
10761	The inequity of access to good healthcare and the almost total disregard for healthcare for those suffering from mental illness. Is it even included in this discussion?	"The system is about broken. As the boomers age, it will collapse. Our country, with 45 million uninsured, seems to be losing its concept of ""public good."" Universal healthcare should be public policy in the U.S., administered by the federal government."	Probably none.	"Make all legislators, federal and state, and the president of the United States, use the same healthcare plan that average Americans do. They shouldn't be isolated from the healthcare realities facing the rest of the country."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/23/06 7:32 AM
10764	"Unafforadbility of health insurance; many employers refuse to cover- designate workers as part-time (39 1/2 hrs per wk), adjunct or contract empoloyees, companies fight to deny payment."	"Single-payer, govt. insurance only way this will work. National shame we have 50 million uninsured!"	"Higher taxes ok as long as system is fair, and everyone is covered, as with Medicare."	"National Health Care.  Why should your neighbor lose his home if his child gets leukemia, so the ceo of his co. can pay himself millions?"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	3/23/06 8:29 AM
10765	"You have to be rich.  It disrespects people.  The lack of choice, particularly in alternative therapies."	I generally assume the government could be more efficient as taxes are so high anyway.	I think the American public is already paying through the nose and the trade-offs need to come from a more efficient bureaucracy and government.	Improve the quality of food in the United States and stop allowing the dumping of things like high fructose corn syrups into our food supply.	female	25 to 44	Yes	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	3/23/06 8:51 AM
10767	"The fact that there are people who are working or have worked hard their entire life and when a catastropic diseae occurs (Breast caner, and the likes)those people either are underinsured for one of several reasons or lose good insurance coverage."	Provide a coverage like our government workers and members of Congress enjoy.	"I think people would be willing to devote a fixed percentage of their income to high quality health care, if it was administered fairly."	Have Congress get serious and fix the problem.  Get rid of the special lobbyist groups and do the RIGHT thing.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/23/06 9:09 AM
10774	COST.	Single Payer is the only solution in reducing cost	Humans are not toothpaste or soap etc. Affordable health care is not a commodity traded on Wall Street. Poll after poll indicates that the American Public wants some sort of single payer plan.	A single paye plan.	male	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	3/23/06 9:46 AM
10791	skyrocketing premiums	"Basic coverage but Fed Gov, expandable for those with means"	NULL	"universal coverage for all as a baseline.  we are already paying for a large number of uninsured, but not all, and their care is substandard."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/23/06 11:07 AM
10792	The inaccessability of it for too many	We need better accountability for the services and more so the quality of services being paid for with state and federal dollars.There are organizations reaping many dollars and delivering less than standard care to those most vulnerable.	"For those able, I think many are willing to pay per service for such things as flu shots, podiatry care and those smaller ""wellness"" type services Medicare is so willing to put out dollars to."	Rebuild the leadership in those areas most affecting health care and make the leadership accountable for the hi's and low's of their agencies.	female	45 to 64	No	NULL	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/23/06 11:08 AM
10793	"Absolute disgrace in healthcare in our country, possibly too many areas to go into.    As we get older, we've given our all to our country, the very least we should be able to count on is good health care, not just for the rich. The average American has had it, but our Govt really doesn't care, I truly believe that."	"Too bad our wealthy companies don't want to offer health care anymore, or decrease it. Well, how do they expect people to work for them as that's a very important issue? Canada had a good system, but no one was left without care. Maybe we should take a better look at that, see how it can be improved upon for our country."	"I don't think we should have to have trade-offs!! Why, we pay such high taxes on everything, from food, states, real estate, everything, I wouldn't be willing to trade-off on anything. Up to May of each yr., we don't start making a living as our pay goes to taxes, to Gov't????? Disgrace, there's got to be some decent people to run our country, there just has to be, the wealthy run it, wrong, wrong!! They don't care!!"	"Get w/ it and set up a system which will not deny anyone from needed care, AND GOOD care, it should be equal, not who or what you are. You screwed up in Miss., other disaster areas, I really don't have much faith in our gov't doing anything right. Where is all that money, so much of it was given by us, the people!"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/23/06 11:09 AM
10794	"That healthcare is so expensive and therefore unaffordable to a large majority of people.  Also, for what we pay - we receive very few benefits"	1.  Small employers should be able to write-off all insurances as expenses.  2.  Employers should have the option to join groups to reduce insurance costs (at this time - manufacturing is unable to do this).  	I believe most people are willing to make less wages to have good health care.	People should be able to purchase their prescription drugs wherever they want to - be it another state or another country. Especially if it is less expensive - example being Canada.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/23/06 11:09 AM
10795	1)good health care should be available to all regardless of income and should be treated as a citizen's RIGHT.    2.People are being forced out of hospitals too soon and without consideration for their ability to care for themselves at home    3. Medicaire D is a disaster!!!!  This hits me personally; I used to pay about $150 a year through a medication assistance program for my meds.  Under Medicaire D's lowest cost plan for me I will pay $4000 a year (in addition to the $3500 a year I already pay for a Medicaire supp plan.  On a $16000 a year income I cannot afford this ..and therefore am dropping all meds except those that I MUST have to live.  I've written already my senators and congressmen and got back either no reply or standard unhelpful unsupportive letters that didn't even address the problem.	"I think that, like every other civilized country in the world, we should have national health care."	The people who already can afford such care will be unwilling to trade anything off.	1)short term: fix the gaps in Medicaire D and also raise the limit for help considerably.    2)midterm...institute a national health care system    	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/23/06 11:11 AM
10798	The thing that concerns me the most is that the people we vote into government get the best medical insurance for free and they and their spouse are covered for life while most Americans   ( other that welfare and illegal aliens) have to go with out.	We pay alot of taxes to the federal government and see very little put back into our inferstructure as well as health insurance. Instead of wasting money on third world countries the government should take care of our own...period	As I stated above...too much money is wasted on other countries etc...and that money should be kept home...We the people should not have to give up more!!!	Make it available to all legal citizens of the U.S. and have our government foot the bill....Way too much waste...I am not impressed!!!!	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/23/06 11:13 AM
10801	"I feel that health care should be available for all US citizens, not just the few who can afford to pay for it.  The kind/type of health care you receive should not be based on your ability to pay or not pay for the care.  Uninsured or underinsured individuals DO NOT receive the same care as an individual without health care coverage."	Maybe it is time to look more closely at other countries who provide health care for their citizens and create our own using the best of their systems.	Why do not you come with a prosposal and see what the US citizens are willing to do---ask all of us not just a few chosen ones.	Make health care available to every US citizen and just a watered down revision.	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	3/23/06 11:21 AM
10803	I am most concerned by the distortions and lack of freedom and innovation resulting from too much government involvement in medical care and medical financing.	"I think individuals and families should buy our own health insurance, as we do life insurance and auto insurance. I think its purpose should be to protect us from financial ruin in the event of a major illness or accident. I think we need a new paradigm that shifts us away from expecting some other dude to pay for our health care."	"I think the American public is mostly unwilling to assume the repsonsibility for paying for their own health care, but they want the best they can get as long as some other dude pays for it. This attitude disgusts me."	"Get the government out of it - entirely. Eliminate health insurance benefits from employment compensation packages, too. Make health care financing a responsibility of individuals, in cooperation and trade with their doctors and insurers."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ME	3/23/06 11:26 AM
10810	Unaffordability	We have to switch to a single-payer system.	"Higher taxes, we need to consume less anyway, why not spend our bucks on staying healthy?"	"We must break the monopoly that allopathic systems have concerning insurance.  Drugs can't fix everything, surgery can't fix everything, catch-all terms like stress, a virus, it will go away after a while can't alleviate every condition.  We MUST institute a system, like other ""enlightened"" communities have that INCORPORATES alternative methods to help heal.  AND these methods MUST be recognized by the medical community & be compensated by the insurance companies.  These alternatives have kept older & wiser cultures healthy for years.  The fact that they are not given a national platform is positively barbaric and backward."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/23/06 11:35 AM
10815	"There is no way to control costs, or any incentive to, when someone else is paying the bill. Currently, there is no readily available way for health care consumers to find out what medical care will cost them and what are other lower cost alternatives. Unless consumers are given the ability to ""shop around"" for health care and are forced to bear a greater portion of the costs associated with it, our expenditures on health care will continue to spiral out of control.  I would offer as an example my mother who is on Medicare. She visits the doctor for every minor complaint (real or imagined) that she has without a thought because in her words ""it doesn't cost me anything because Medicare pays for it"".  She has had two knee replacement surgeries at government expense, and is still complaining about her knees hurting !  I have insurance through my employer, with a high deductible, so I am concious of what expenses I have to pay, but when I go to my doctor and ask what this or that is going to cost, all I get is an indignant look or that they don't really know.  I also get the response about what tremendous overhead expenses doctors have (malpractice insurance, equipment,employees, etc.), yet in the parking lot I see the expensive sports car and get to hear about their latest vacation to some exotic locale."	"Yes - take the burden of paying for health care off the back of employers. As an owner of a small business, paying for group health insurance is one of our biggest expenditures. We have refrained from asking them to contribute to the cost because it would mean a de facto pay cut.  My opinion is that responsibility for health care payments should be at the individual level, except in cases of disability or poverty, where government should play a role.  American businesses are facing extreme pricing pressures from foreign competitors who do not have to factor providing health care into their price structure. The result is that businesses will be forced to drop or reduce health care just to stay in business.  Simply substituting one payor for another will do nothing to reduce the overall cost of health care in this country, which is so out of line with what other nations incur. The only way to make any significant headway into controlling costs is to make the costs of health care transparent to the consumer and let them spend accordingly. We woulnd't buy a house, a car or anything else without knowing up front what it was going to cost and how you were going to pay for it."	"Probably nothing. We have been too spoiled for too long by allowing someone else to pay for our health care (employer or government).  Personally, I would welcome the opportunity to take control of my own health care by purchasing at what level I want in free and open competition."	"First, one of the biggest areas in cost increases have been in prescription drugs. I believe there is a direct correlation between this and the amount of advertising drug companies aim at the typical consumer. I believe that doctors need to be educated about drug uses, but the average consumer is in no position to make an informed judgement   In summary, we need to make the individual responsible for all aspects of their health care."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/23/06 11:49 AM
10818	"It is not afforable to all, health care providers charge more to those without insurance, many have few incentives to economize, which is partly due to the fact that it is hard to get competitive prices and many pay virtually nothing out of pocket."	"The government should make sure that everyone has affordable coverage, with fair incentives to providers and the insured to not waste money.  Non-profit hospitals should provide real subsidized services and not just ""write-off"" inflated bills to the underinsured as a publicity stunt."	"We must be prepared to pay some percentage of our income (aside from taxes) for health care, so that we have an incentive to save.  We must even come to the philosophical conclustion that we cannot have everything - it is just too expensive.  At some point food will be more important than health care."	"The government must provide health care to everyone - with incentives to conserve, BUT NO ONE SHOULD HAVE THEIR LIFE'S OPPORTUNITIES RESTRICTED BECAUSE OF AN INABILITY TO  PAY FOR BASIC COVERAGE."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/23/06 11:54 AM
10824	"My biggest concern is how easy it is to be without health insurance. It's so easy to fall between the cracks, especially when you're at an income level where you can't afford the premiums that insurance companies charge, even for high deductible policies, and your employer can't or won't cover you, and you make too much to get coverage through government programs."	"Yes -- Get the for-profit health insurance companies out of the mix. They're not doing anything to help the whole healthcare system. They aren’t moving to cover more uninsured, they aren’t keeping health-care costs down, they are not improving our overall health picture, and they seem to be doing a good job of shifting costs to others, especially the government, while making “healthy” profits. In fact, they’re adding substantial administrative costs to hospitals, health-care providers and premium payers. If you’re afraid of another big bureaucracy, what the heck do you think an insurance company is? It’s a bureaucracy dedicated to making a profit for shareholders - not providing health care."	"I don't think we need to make any ""trade-offs"", at least not in overall costs. We're all paying already enough to cover everybody, since everybody who needs health care can get it at the emergency room, if nowhere else. What we haven't figured out is an equitable way for every one to share the cost. I think that affordability must be defined by how much any individual can afford to contribute from his or her income to pay for full coverage (no deductibles, no co-pays -- nothing that keeps people from getting necessary care at the right time)."	"Let's just do Medicare for everyone. And establish a universal standard of electronic record keeping. Then everybody can go to the doctor of their choice, when they need to, and nobody falls through the cracks. And our health care system can focus on getting the right treatment to people the best way, and the healthcare database can track what treatments works best for whom, in the most cost effective way.  Until we have a system that guarantees universal, complete coverage, we will never be able to track what basic, effective health care  really costs or establish mechanisms --or even rationing (which I don't think we need)-- that does what is best for all.  "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/23/06 12:10 PM
10825	"We have a crushing health care system, because the general public does not have the knowledge of maintaining their health.  We need to educate people on self-care.  This would reduce the cost and make health care for everyone more affordable."	"All health care professionals should be covered by insurances of all kind.  Natural remedies should be used first.  They are less expensive, and much less damaging to the body."	"A large amount of money is spent in the last couple of years of life. Making an elderly person comfortable is needed.  However, aggressive, expensive treatment for a person nearing the end of their life, is not called for.  "	We need universal coverage.  We also need to emphasize education on health maintenance.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/23/06 12:11 PM
10826	This country has the worst system about haelthcare and pension sustem compared to the whole civilized world.First get rid of all the insurance companies(they dont have them in the civilized world	"In the civilized world the employee pays halve and the company pays the other halve for healthcare and pension to the Goverment.You change jobs, get unemployed, sick.Your haelthcare and pension will continue.Therefore no people living below the poverty line and no homeless people.This country is a disgrace to have two and a halve million homeless people 48 milion people bolow the poverty line,36000 die every year because of no healhcare. But acordingly to Forbes there are 736 Bilionairs.After 1975 this country became a Two-Tier labour forge."	 Change to the system.	" Get rid of the American system. IT WILL NEVER IMPROVE, IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE."	male	Over 64	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/23/06 12:15 PM
10828	"Lack of affordable coverage for most families, especially families who have a family member with a disability."	"Less reliance on individuals paying for the difference. Maybe implement more of a ""sliding scale"" system for what amount individuals pay."	"For me, the quality of the benefits outweighs the cost of care."	"More affordable. For people who have a long-term disability, the removal of the ""life-time"" limit from insurance policies. Even with Medicaid coverage to supplement the insurance, the life-time limit is often reached a lot quicker. Then the entire cost goes to Medicaid. Insurance companies should continue to pay for the life-time of the individual. This would save money for the government and the Medicaid program."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	3/23/06 12:33 PM
10842	The uninsured.  Insurance company profits.	Universal coverage based sliding scale regarding total wealth not just income.	"Greater waiting time, Higher deductables for elective services, espanding role physician expanders, Nure Practictioners and Physician Asst."	"Get everyone covered , esp our children!!!"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/23/06 1:15 PM
10845	"It is a disgrace of epic proportions that we do not have a national health insurance program to guarantee access to comprehensive, affordable health care for our people. Instead, our elected leaders who set public policy have allowed the development, over time, of an increasingly market-driven and profit-driven system of health care in the U.S. that leaves millions without any insurance at all and millions more with inadequate coverage.  To add insult to the injury of this situation, we, as individuals, families, businesses and in our tax-funded public budgets pay  more for our shoddy health care system than any other country in the world.  It is one of the biggest rip-offs of the American people that has ever existed and is happening because Congress and the President have abandoned their obligation to address the needs of American citizens who elect them and pay their salaries.  We deserve the same health insurance and health security that Congress and the President guarantee that they are entitled to."	"Yes, we should create a national health insurance program where everyone pays in a fair share--individuals, families, and businesses.  We need to create the most common-sense and fiscally responsible financing mechanism to pay equitably and efficiently for health care, often called single-payer financing."	"The American people should not be required to make trade-offs but the corporate entities should be required to make trade-offs and return all profits made in our health care system back into the provision of quality care for everyone and to reduce what is spent on administration and marketing.  We are already spending more than enough money on health care in the U.S. to provide comprehensive, high quality care to all.  In fact, if Congress and the Presidnet would require that health care dollars are only spent on health care than we could all pay less and get more for it."	Establish a single-payer type financing mechanism to fund the creation of a National Health Insurance (NHI) Program that guarantees everyone access to comprehensive high quality care.  Do not allow for-profit corporations to participate in our NHI program where they would divert our hard-earned dollars away from needed care and into the bank accounts of private investors.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	3/23/06 1:36 PM
10847	Access to health care is my biggest concern. Non-access goes hand in hand with racism and classim. Non-access alludes to some persyns life are valued higher--and are worth more-- than others. This is wrong. All of us have the same value and worth. We all have the RIGHT to health care.	"Health care should be goverment funded. Period. Lets end wealth care, immediately. "	None. 	"Access to healthier foods, nutrianists to teach us how to eat well, health clubs and mental health services. Obedisty has so many interconnected strands that none can be treated in a vaccuum. "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/23/06 1:49 PM
10855	"If we do not have a full time position with group coverages for the company we work for then we basically have no coverage at all, because the cost of obtaining health insurance for a 62 year old with issues like type 2 diabeties and high blood pressure and high cholesteral and the cost of the medications to keep these conditions in order is greater than the income we can earn when we are employed! It's really frightening.   I am currently out of work and will end up taking a position way below my potential simply to obtain group benefits. That's horrid!"	"Yes: Let the employer and the government carry the total cost. If the cost is too much for a company, we the employees would rather receive a lower salary than have money taken out of our check. It just seems that we take a job for a particular salary and then between taxes, social security, medicare and then health benefits there's only 50% left!"	"I live in Louisville Kentucky. The city is talking about building an arena for sports that will cost millions and millions of dollars. WE DON""T NEED THAT. We need jobs and excellent health care!"	"!. No individual in our country should be without health care, whether they are working or not. It should be a given that we all have excellent coverage. The cost of taking care of those who have no insurance is so much greater than covering everyone and allowing all individuals to be taken care of with preventive medicine that it's criminal.     If we have enough money to spent, I think it's been about 400 billion dollars in Iraq, I think we have to have enough money to take care of each and every individual in these United States of America with outstanding health coverage.    Raise our taxes if you want, but provide free health care for each citizen of the United states, and NO MORE CO PAYS. It's ridiculous! My co pays alone for medicine is over 150 dollars a month, and that's using almost all generic drugs.    Dental work should be covered for each citizen as well. Teeth and gums affect the rest of our bodies. It's pathetic that teeth are not considered part of healthcare!    Eye care should be considered part of health care as well.     Cobra should be made illegal. Charging a single person 415 a month when they are out of work is disgusting, and I have been told that in May the cost will probably go up. Again, NO PERSON IN THESE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA SHOULD BE WITHOUT HEALTH CARE. We waste sooooooo much money on garbage like building sports arenas. Put that money into Bicycle trails to keep us in good shape and provide health care for each and every one of us. We pay our taxes in good faith and then the money is thrown to the wolves!"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	3/23/06 2:49 PM
10858	My number one concern is that millions of americans do not have health care.	I think the United States should have a universal health care system.	Higher taxes in order to equally cover everyone in the US. 	Time to vote in Democrats.	female	Under 25	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/23/06 3:16 PM
10862	lack of affordable health care for basic care-medical and dental.	socialised health care system so everyone can get the care they need.	"none, there are enough taxes being payed as it is.  The government needs to eliminate useless money-siphoning programs, etc. that do not benefit the American population."	make it affordable.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/23/06 3:36 PM
10868	"Cost and lack of availability for all.  As a health care worker, I don't understand why costs are so high and climb by large amounts each year."	"If the government could do it,I would be in favor of government sponsored health care but our government doesn't seem to able to do much right so I wouldn't have much faith."	"No trade offs in benefits, we already pay alot."	Affordable and available to all.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/23/06 4:04 PM
10873	Affordability and access.  All people must be covered to eliminate cost shifting.  People who now have coverage will be priced out of the market if cost shifting is not eliminated.	"I think that a system of payment similar to medicare is the most efficient way to provide health care coverage.  The government could provide for those people unable to work and contribute to their own coverage, as it presently does through medicaid."	I think that people would be willing to wait to receive care for low priority health care issues as long as high priority health care was accessible.	A single payer system similar to medicare is the only logical way to provide complete access and affordablity.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/23/06 4:13 PM
10874	Single payer system would lower health care costs and allow every person to have access to health care. 	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/23/06 4:16 PM
10878	"We are wasting hundreds of billions of dollars in administrative costs, overlapping services, and payment determinations because we do not have a coordinated health care system.  Incrementalism makes this worse.  A major impact of the jumble is the near impossibility of doing rational health care planning.    "	We should fund the overwhelming majority of health care costs through the federal government with some funds set aside for innovative and experimental service delivery and a strong support for planning and coordination.  	"I believe the most efficient and the most fair way to pay for health care is through taxes, particularly individual and corporte income taxes.  Everyone would have to pay their share through progressive tax brackets."	Return to the basic principles and practices of traditional Medicare (A and B) and expand access to services and populations.  The funding for Medicaid should be full federal opening up paths to integrating Medicare and Medicaid into a single understandable system as the skeleton for all the rest of the changes that are needed.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	3/23/06 4:26 PM
10888	The cost of healthcare has gone beyond unreasonable and so has the cost of insurance.	The government should be regulating the costs of care and medications and get more involved in healthcare.  At the rate of increase very few people will be able to afford insurance.  All so doctors and pharmaceutical people can live in fancy houses and drive fancy cars. Big companies should be paying more than they are now.  Rich people and big companies should not have so many tax exemptions so the government can pay more	"We shouldn't have to make any trade-offs to get high quality health care.  The individuals involved have forgotten the oaths they took when they became doctors and so forth.  It's all about how much money they can make now, not about the quality of the care that they give."	The people with the money should be paying a bigger share of health care costs. Instead of tax exemption they should be paying their fair share so the government can put more money into health care.	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/23/06 5:05 PM
10890	"The difference in the availability of good health care for everyone, not just those who have insurance or those who receive free care.  Some of our hardest working citizens do not have the luxury of affordable good coverage."	Personally I don't think employers should be penalized for not offering health insurance to their employees.  They should receive a tax credit.  The better the coverage offered the bigger the tax credit.  I also think people who have to pay for their health insurance even partly should get a tax credit for it.  Not any amount of medical expenses that are 7.5% aboveadjusted gross income. Middle class Americans are being driven into the ground with the cost of health insurance or worse still into bankruptcy for medical expenses.	"I think if the politicians would cut the crap and say this type of coverage  xyz for individuals is this much $$$; for a couple this much $$$$ and for a family $$$$$, but not going to happen in my lifetime, everyone wants to feather his/her nest."	"Cut the salaries of the CEOs of health plans.  When I am paying roughly 1/3 of my disposable income for dr. visits and medicines monthly, and I have fairly good insurance, CEO'S salaries of upwards of 4 to 5 million a year make me want to throw up. They make more than the president, even though somedays he earns way too much also."	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/23/06 5:10 PM
10891	COST AND QUALITY	"Yes, a national health plan paid for through our taxes.  A country as rich as ours that can spend billions on a needless war is surely able to afford health care for all its citizens. There is absolutely no reason why we should not have access and quality care available for all."	None.  This should be a right and should be budgeted.  Cut the billions for war.  We are going to pay for the Iraqi citizens health care under their new consitution!  Why can't our government pay for ours?	"Have Congress authorize a national health program that gives replicates the health care plan available to all US congressmen and senators.  If it is available to them, it should be available to all citizens.  They only work less than 100 days a year and have full paid health coverage."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/23/06 5:10 PM
10894	cost cost cost. The system is broken. Indiviuals and corperations are making large profits at the expense of others For example many Catholic and other religious based healthcare organizations provide most of the charity care while organizations such a Columbia and humana and Kiaser profit 	There should be a basic level of care for all americans (Not legal or illegal alliens) bejond this the indiviual and employer such choose the added level of care.	Healthcare administrative overhead accounts for 20 to 25 % of all healthcare costs. I single payer system can reduse thiis greatly. In addition hospital administrators need to redused in numkber and salarie.	single payer system...... In insurance with several levels of service that can be bought. eliminating all insurance co. 	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	3/23/06 5:26 PM
10896	"Individual citizens cannot afford a decent policy, this includes self employed, small business owners, unemployed etc. This hits hard for a 60 and 63 year old couple, expensive health insurance, too young for medicare etc. "	"The SINGLE PAYER system should be tried in each state as that would spread the risk out evenly. Citizens could volunteer to join up, we would as we are currently un insured."	Non. Just run the SINGLE PAY System honestly. 	SINGLE PAYER SYSTEM  OR  let the uninsured join up with state employee health care system or federal one. We don't want anything free just fair.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/23/06 5:30 PM
10901	"Insurance companies should be required by law to insure, at the same rate, all applicants without regard to the applicant's health, age or income, as long as the insured is able to pay the premiums. Insurance companies now cherry-pick to get only the healthiest customers so their risk is smaller and their profits higher. They have the opportunity to make billions of dollars, so they should be willing to take on more risk."	NULL	NULL	"Require insurance companies to insure, at the same rate, everyone who applies and is able to pay."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/23/06 6:04 PM
10902	"that insurance co. put Doctors into abondage situation and dictate how they should practice by limiting necessary test needed to dx for treatment of disease and curtail perscription dr ugs needed to treat.  Nurses are spending to much time doing clerical work for preauthorizing medication for the various insurance plans that patients are under to secure proper treatment which means less time with the patient!!!! Took many years and studying to be an RN and now i am being replaced by a Medical assistant to administer medication to patients in N.H. who have a bare 6 weeks course of education.  They wonder why so many medication errors!!!!  They do not have the education about anatomy and interactions that can occur with body systems, they cannot assess !!!!"	Yes I work in elderly healthcare.  I believe in maximizing Independence in elderly care supplying needed rehabilitation therapies for patients to return to community and independence but the current system is flawed.  In order for reimbursement from government an elderly resident must have ### hours of therapy to remain skilled medicare or they are cut .  Some take longer to progress. Also some therapies given are abused by some facilities for reimbursement by government eg. speech therapies not needed. 	I believe if families were to pay for their elderly  care they would not mandate such elaborate interventions such as cats scans for an already dx alzheimers disease patient to see why she is having seizures this is an expected effect of a detiorating neurological disease!!! there is a lot of waste in some tx.  And to reapproach a demented resident 2 and 3 times to ensure they take there medication after they have spit out eg cholestorol medication crestor to reduce heart attack in an end stage alzheimers disease????	Laws to mandate families to pay for elderly care if they request extensive testing for end stage dieases such as alzheimer's i believe in confort at this stage of life .  To much unnecessary testing is spent .  If families were mandated to pay out of their pocket they would think twice!!!! we are in a catch twenty two if we don't provide the service eg test the lawyer is right up the MD ass or facility to sue!!!	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/23/06 6:12 PM
10906	"The fact that even though I have an employer-paid health insurance policy for myself, I cannot afford to go to the doctor because the rates are too high for my income, and my insurance barely ever pays for anything.  Also, I cannot afford the premiums to add any dependents to my insurance policy."	Yes.  Insurance companies should not be allowed to increase premiums and reduce benefits every year as they now do.  Insurance companies seem to be interested in maximizing their profits instead of providing coverage for their policy-holders.  I do not trust them at all.	"The government needs to monitor and restrict the ability of insurance companies to control health care costs by raising their premiums, reducing the amounts they will pay to health-care providers, and reducing the types of medical care they will pay for at all.  The government should set caps on the amounts of annual premium increase the insurance industry can impose, the amounts of decrease in payments to medical providers they can impose, and the number of medical procedures they can exclude from coverage.  The private insurance industry has proven itself to be a greedy monster."	Rein in the insurance companies' greed by regulation and offer a government insurance at an affordable rate for working people who cannot afford medical care otherwise.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/23/06 6:25 PM
10909	Affordability and Prescription Cost	Monitor and improve healthcare for all Americans	Higher co-pays	Stop Talking and take action 	male	25 to 44	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/23/06 6:46 PM
10910	"Our disgraceful neglect of persons who suffer from brain disorders that have been labeled ""mental illness"" but are truly brain dysfunctions - diseases of the brain - just like Parkinsons or Huntingtons.  The government and all insurors discriminate against them.  We know what works to treat them, but it is rarely provided.  Millions are mis-spent on ineffective care.  Less than half seek care and most of those do not get good care.  We have criminalized people simply because they are ill.  History will not look back favorably on what our affluent society has done to the mentally ill."	"There are always ways to improve any system, but having the basic structure of employers and workers sharing the cost of medical care for the nation's workforce and the government helping those who cannot help themselves is a good structure.  The worst mistake we ever made was having a one-payer (i.e., Medicare) system for everybody over 65. When people have to pay part of the cost, they spend more wisely. There are too many people making money by processing the paperwork between the provider and the patient. Doctors are restricted from giving patients the care they need because they have to follow too many mandatory guidelines by Medicare/Medicaid and insurors.  The result is often higher costs and poorer care."	I've been amazed that the public has permitted the insurance industry to take away so much of the freedom of choice we once had in selecting our doctors and giving them permission to do what they think is best for us.  I think there is no more room for sacrifice on those points.  The public does not want to be accountable for either making wise choices about healthy lifestyles or paying for care.  That will only lead to poorer care.  We have to educate the public that neither good health nor good healthcare is an entitlement.  They have to work for both.	"Education about the poor choices people are making regarding nutrition.  We have made smoking politically incorrect, now we have to do the same with obesity.  The nation is eating itself to death."	female	45 to 64	No Response	Black or African American	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	3/23/06 6:50 PM
10913	"INEQUALITY!!!  Everyone should have the same quality of health care, from the President of the USA to all the people on Welfare.  I've read several articles on our health care in the USA, it ranks #1 for cost, and #37 for quality, and we call ourselves a superpower?  this is disgraceful!!!!"	Personally I feel the USA should go to Fairtax and incorporate the cost through that.  Fairtax could also solve our Social Security funding problem.  Eliminate all payroll tax and go to Fairtax.  Check it all out at fairtax.org.	"If we are already #1 in cost, we should be #1 in quality.  No trade-offs, give us what we are paying for!!!"	EQUALITY!!!  In the USA all people are supposed to be equal. When will that start????  We have all these rich selfish greedy people that think they deserve better in everything than anyone else!!!	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	3/23/06 7:04 PM
10914	"Spiraling cost with poor value.  System is chaotic, inefficient, and does not yield results: we still rank 27th in infant mortality in the developed world!  "	"Health care should not be linked to employement. If we can have an organized public education system, surely we can design a public health system in the richest country on earth.  Most (poorer)nations are doing better than we are!"	"With effective and accurate public information campaigns, I would think that most Americans would prefer publically financed (taxes) health care, compared to what we have now!"	Basic re-organization of health care financing will enable a more sane system of care.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	3/23/06 7:06 PM
10915	"Way too many people are unable to pay for their own healthcare, but make a little bit too much to qualify for govenment programs. this is a VERY serous concern.  I am also extremely concerned about those of us who are disabled and finally have Medicare;the two year waiting period literally just about killed me since I was uninsurable through any program other than Medicare.  It was impossible for me to recieve and pay for badly needed medical care during those two years, becuse I made $500 a yer over the Medical limit."	I do not see why all of us cannot have access to the same insurance plan that is given to our congressmen.	"Well, since it has recently come to light that only about 50% of us, even those who can pay as much as necessary, get even adequate health care, my suggestion is, that before asking any of us to make ""trade offs"", something be done about the poor quality of health care in the USA. "	"I'd say the msot urgent problem would be to get the 62% of obese folks in this ocuntry on a workable diet, thus alleviating a HUGE poriton of the money involved in health care today."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/23/06 7:11 PM
10921	"equal benefits and opportunity to benefits to all citizens;including the members of Congress and the House.  I feel our elected members, representing all citizens, should share the same benefits as their citizens that they represent.  No special benefits for our ELECTED represenatives , that they are now receiving at no cost to them, but at a cost to the citizens that they are elected by.  If our elected represenatives were treated the same as those that they represent then we,the Electorate, would be treated as equals to those who represent us. Let our represenatives experience what we, The voting public, must experience every day. Not to share personally in the every day to day concerns for health care and maintenance can only result in an unrealistic approach to this very real and life threating and frightening  situation."	Yes. Our represenatives should insist on being treated as the citizens they represent are treated and give up their SPECIAL treatment status.  All it takes is a VOTE by our represenatives to equalize them with the citizens who elected them.	I do not see a tradeoff for quality care to maintain a human life.  I know I don't want a tradeoff when it comes to the health of my loved ones or myself.	Let our elected represenatives be in the same boat as we the voters are if we are talking about democracy and fair and equal representation and government.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ME	3/23/06 7:36 PM
10922	affordabilit and accessibility. Mental health care is fragmented and inadequate.	"Yes, go to single pay like Europe and Canada, with more government subsidies."	Will they trade in their SUVs?	Make it accessible to all	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/23/06 7:38 PM
10927	"Too many people are uninsured, health insurance plans are too expensive, and a huge amount of money is wasted in administrative costs associated with private insurance."	We need a Canadian-style SINGLE PAYOR SYSTEM!	No trade-offs are needed; a progressive tax to pay for universal health care will be offset by the end of co-pays and deductions for employer-based health insurance.	"As above, a SINGLE PAYOR SYSTEM."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	3/23/06 7:51 PM
10928	"The lack of it. Insurance companies play God and we need to get rid of the insursnce industeries having anything to do with our health care. Doctors,Nurses and health professionals, and hospitals should helps with our care. Insurance companies should not have any input into what my doctor and I think is best for me .Get them out of the Plan D which is a partnership of the insurance and pharmasudical companies to make large profits off the backs of the consumer especially the elderly.  Telling doctors what test they can order for diagnosis and what treatment plans they may instutite,---hospitals how long they may keep a patient and that they must discharge when the insurance company says to. Precertification for hospitalization or certain medications all dictated by non medical people in a board room telling me and my mediacl professional what we can and cannot do is  morally and I would think legally worng."	No individual insurance companies. 	I'm willing to trade the insurance companies down the river.	Health Care for all no matter what. 	female	Over 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/23/06 7:59 PM
10934	1)insurance interference and cost shifting  2)  inaccessibility	simplification:  Fewer payors 	"Sadly, wealthy Americans will make no trade OFFS IN MY OPINION, BECAUSE THAY CAN BUY WHAT THEY NEED."	NULL	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/23/06 8:52 PM
10943	Medicare 2 year waiting period should be eliminated.  Totally disabled people on Social Security should have immediate Medicare coverage.  Eliminate the Donut Hole in the Medicare Part D & fix the mess our Government created.     	We should not pay one dime for healthcare services for illegal aliens.  Make their country of origin foot the bill.	The American public is willing to remove all the earmarks & pork projects from the Budget so there will be ample funding for healthcare! 	All politicians who are up for re-election--vote them out of office!	female	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	3/23/06 9:44 PM
10947	The Cost.	Why can't we be like Canada and Europe countries...they can take care of their people.	I don't think that we should have to compromise when it comes to our health care.	We all should have it without having to beg for it.  These places that one can go to based on their income is for the birds because the paper work is outrages..every six months!	female	25 to 44	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/23/06 10:55 PM
10952	The fact that there are still almost 50 million people in this country without adequate healthcare.	It would be best if there were one payer and that should be the state or federal government.  That's why I'm supporting California Senator Kuehl's bill which would bring health care to every resident of California.	"Why should we make any tradeoffs when we in this country pay more for healthcare than anyone else in the world and get much less than those whose government provides universal healthcare?  We wast so much money on administrative costs because of the insurance companies' CEO salaries, imagine what could be saved if those salaries were not being paid for by all of us.  The costs would be reduced considerably. Let the government use those CEO salaries to provide healthcare for the 50 million who don't have it now!    "	I recommend we institute in this nation a single=payer health care system.	female	Over 64	No	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/24/06 3:04 AM
10953	COST	Government shold pay not business	Stop the War	Stop spending BILLIONS on a Stupid war and bases all over the world. Stop the Empire buildiong machine.	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/24/06 4:08 AM
10954	The cost	"We should move to a one-payer system, with full power to negitiate prices for drugs and devices."	I feel no trade-offs are needed. We must improve care and its accessibility.	Nationalize it.	male	Over 64	No Response	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/24/06 5:25 AM
10957	"The whole system has simply got too expensive.  Hospital fees are ridiculous, Doctors fees are ridiculous, pharmaceutical costs are too expensive, and the insurance is through the roof.  We have created a situation where if one requires long term health care they can potentially lose everything."	"Socialize medical care, with private care available to those who can afford it."	They are making the trade offs already.	First take our Legislators and Senators off of the FREE military health care and put them all in a more traditional plan.  Right now they don't have any idea what medical insurance and medicare are like.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/24/06 7:03 AM
10960	"The politicizing of the problem.  We have allowed the problem to exist by allowing companies to ""cherry pick"" groups to the detriment of non-group insureds. The costs forcing these folks out of the system is what has caused the problem to become what it now is!"	"Yes. A federal law should be passed, mandating that all employers provide basic health insurance. This cures all the problems. By forcing enrollment in a competetive system, rates would drop. It would likely require a sunsetted subsidy for small business as well as a mandated minimum coverage and maximum cost. The federal government would purchase policies for the unemployed, welfare recipients, etc.  This is a no-brainer, as it eliminates all the problems with the present system, including profit taking, yet it betters the system through competition."	None	"See my second comment, above"	male	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/24/06 7:53 AM
10962	The affordability and other issues. Also ALL American citizens should be able to have good quality health care.	"I think EACH & EVERY American citizen should contribute to an insurance plan, as well as employers. I'm undecided if I want the Federal Government involved. i.e. Like the state of FLA, we created an insurance fund that all who have hurricane ins in the state, a portion of that ins goes to a general fund. ALL American citizens contributing to the same plan will have the same goal, health insurance for one and all. "	Higher co-pays....MAYBE premiums would be based on income....but don't want the rich to be able to 'buy' themselves special privileges....	Every American citizen contribute to health ins for coverage for EVERY AMERICAN CITIZEN.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/24/06 8:23 AM
10963	That people can not retire when they are reday today because of health insurance issues. My wife is working today only because her job provides the healthcare. If we had some kind of national healthcare she would not be working.	I once read that Medicare is the most cost efficent health delivery system in America today. Why can't we open this up to everyone in America.	I believe middle class Americans would support National Healthcare either with taxes or premiums.	Some form of National Health Care!!!!!!	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/24/06 8:23 AM
10971	"The high cost of comprehensive health care insurance.  I've elected early retirement but am concerned that I may need to return to work, just to pay for health insurance???"	I think that retired employees should be allowed to participate in employer-sponsored health insurance plans.	I'd be willing to pay higher federal income tax.	"Make access to health care affordable to all, not just full/part-time employees (ie. retirees)."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/24/06 9:16 AM
10980	Discrimination and inequality. All Americans should have affordable access to health care. Medical Insurance companies should NOT be allowed to discriminate against individual people via very high premiums. 	Scrap the private insurance system. National health care like Denmark and western Europe would be cheaper and provide care for all Americans.	The current system is broken. Americans are ready for a dramatic change.	Stop discrimination by health insurance companies and doctors. Uninsure/underinsured people should be charged the same amount as insured patients. Why should uninsured/underinsured people be charged a huge premium for services? What logical explanation supports this discrimination?	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Not sure	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	3/24/06 10:35 AM
10984	Health care in the U.S. is totally uneven with a high percentage of people covered only thru emergency hospital service.  This is totally unfair since the hospitals transfer those costs to everone else.  Private health care coverage is totally mired in expensive unnecessary bureaucratic overhead.	"Our son lives in Australia.  The government provides basic public health care which our son has used.  It was fine.  Over an income threshold there is a surcharge or else private coverage, which costs a fraction of equivalent U.S. coverage.  Employers do not have the big burden and most everyone is covered"	"A significant percentage of U.S. public wants and needs care at all, example the working poor since many jobs do not meet poverty standards.  Straightforward dependable understandable health care is worth the support of the U.S. citizens."	"Single payer health coverage as done in other countries such as Australia has proven to have much less overhead and does not have to pay profits to stockholders, and removes a big burden from businesses.  The Medicare prescription drug coverage is an expensive example of what NOT to do."	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/24/06 10:58 AM
10988	"It's unavailability to the entire population.  The non transferability of insurance with the individual,i.e. if you loose your job, you loose the insurance coverage too at the same rate.  The lack of choice people have for their physicians.  The fact that complementary and alternative approaches to health are not included as well as preventative medicine even though research demonstrates that this would save both insurance and business millions of dollars."	"The insurance should go with you not the business you work for. People loose their insurance when they loose their job and if they developed a medical condition while holding thier previous plan, they are closed out of new plans for their insurance. SOmeone I know developed HIV while he had insurance wiht his kob. When he lost his job, he lost his insurance and could not find any affordabel insurance plan that would accept him wiht this condition. It doesn't seem fair after he paid into his previous plan and his employer paid into it for so many years. "	Not much. The biggest issue is the cost of health care that is inflated by insurance and pharmasuiticals.	Make it affordable by curbing pharmasuiticals.  Include CAM	female	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	3/24/06 11:17 AM
10991	Extremely high hospital and associated costs when hospitalized.  Extremely high health insurance costs when retired and not yet eligible for Medicare.	"We should have a government negotiated, price fixed, health care system for everyone to join.  The individual has no leverage to negotiate health care costs onhis own."	"I dn't know if themajority of Americans are educated enough on this issue to realize how dire the situation really is.  We should all be wiling to accept a governemtn sponsored health care system for the good of everyone with reasonable costs held in check by governement oversight.  The individual now is at the mercy of the health care system with its unjustifiably high costs for services provided.  For example charging $21,000 for a routine appendectomy, as I wsas this past year, is inexcusable for 36 hours of hospitalization."	Have a government sponsored and price negotiated health care system open to all Americans with fair and reasonable costs to be covered.	male	45 to 64	NULL	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/24/06 11:50 AM
10997	"The fact that a large portion on the population does not have health insurance, and the lack of regulation of prices. If there was a way to control the rising costs of prescription drugs and health care services I think that would be a major step in the right direction to making health care affordable.   "	"Taxes placed on certain items related to unhealthy behaviors.  Increase taxes on tobacco products (some more), and use that money to help either decrease costs or put it towards a national health care plan.  There could also be taxes on certain categories of food. It is my understanding (I should pay more attention when i look at my receipts) that food is not taxed, but if there was a small tax on 'junk' foods - foods that are not a necessity - that could be a big source of funding for health care. "	"Unfortunately the answer isn't cut and dry.  Some people are willing to pay more taxes, some may be more willing to have a longer waiting period for non-essential care.  I think people may be willing to sacrifice choice of physician/hospital to healp increase care, but only if there would state/federal guidelines that all hospitals/physicians have to meet in order to ensure that we are getting an acceptable level of care."	"A non-mandatory, semi-private semi-government run health insurance/free(or at least affordable, possibly based on income levels) health care program to everyone in the country. A health care program completely run by the government wouldn't work, but neither would one that was privately run - something comparable in theory to the FEHBP. And it should be either free service (paid for by taxes) for the patron, or be priced according to income and possibly 'risky' behaviors. I hope that makes some sense "	male	Under 25	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	3/24/06 12:14 PM
11005	"The total cost of health care is excessive. We need effective controls on prices, utilization, advertising (which distorts demand for services) and capital investment."	"We need to eliminate competition among private insurance providers. Eliminate employer based insurance. Establish a single payer, tax supported financing system. Establish effective accountability for funding the system.       Providers must be prohibited from billing outside the single payer system for services covered by the single payer system."	"Not sure. Most would favor a tax supported basic health system with universal access, but with the option to purchase other services directly or through insurance. "	"Establish stable primary care relationships for all patients, with universal access to secure electronic records (Use the VA system)."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	3/24/06 12:48 PM
11008	"exhorbitant costs that drive proper, safe health care out of reach for the majority of Americans"	Socialize medicine	Withdraw from Iraq	Make it affordable	female	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/24/06 1:13 PM
11009	"The failure to provide comprehensive, high quality health care services for everyone when we are already spending enough to do so."	"We should replace our highly inefficient, fragmented method of funding health care with a single, public system of social insurance."	"Since we are already spending enough, we don't have to exclude reasonable, beneficial services from coverage. The primary trade-off for a public insurance program is that we would have to be diligent in preventing perverse political attacks on the system."	Adopt a single-payer system of national health insurance.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/24/06 1:26 PM
11014	NULL	"We need to have a universal single payor system that frees administrative dollars to actually increase spending on health, cover everyone including the millions of currently uninsured, and imporve health outcomes."	NULL	Single payor Canadian-style health system	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/24/06 1:40 PM
11015	"No safety net for people above the poverty line but who can afford the $400 - $700 a month for insurance for family.  Easy to handle small emergencies, but a simple hospital stay or long term illness would completely wipe us out."	"Yes in the ratios, government to provide what it does today plus a safety net (for catastrophic); consumers to be more responsible for their health (HSA plans); larger employers as today.  Payments by individuals need to be on a sliding scale, for lower income but above poverty people $500 a month is too much to accomodate."	I don't know that they want to make any trade-offs up front; generally people want it all.   I think a comprehensive and decisive plan(s) will need to be developed and then people can democratically chose and compare the options.	Help control rising costs and provide some safety net for all for catastophic care.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	3/24/06 1:41 PM
11016	"There are so many things, it is hard to choose one.  The most pressing are:  1) The number of people without health care who really need it for prescriptions/health conditions and can't afford it  2) The number of people with psychiatric disabilities who cannot receive counseling because they have no insurance/their insurance doesn't cover it/they can't afford it  3) The astronomical cost of prescriptions, even for many of those with insurance coverage  4) The prescription-driven nature of health care (i.e. every health/mood complaint results in a prescription rather than really determining what's going on)  5) The fact that people need to make decisions that are not best for them or their family in order to have insurance coverage (i.e. working fulltime with small children/ill family members at home; attending college fulltime when a smaller courseload would make them more successful; continuing to work when their health is at stake; choosing a job they hate with good benefits over a job that offers less but would satisfy them more)  "	"The more I talk to people who fall into the categories described above , the more I believe in a national health care system!!  Canada is able to do it with excellent care and low cost prescriptions, why can't we??"	"I think individuals in America are, unfortunately, largely greedy and in it for themselves and those they know.  We can be very giving for short-term disasters, but shy away from more difficult decisions/policies that can have long-standing benefits for those less fortunate than ourselves.  For this reason, I believe huge issues such as health care must be mandated...a national system covered by taxes could provide this. Let's stop taking tax cuts for ourselves when there are so many who can not get proper care for themselves or their families!!"	National Health Care	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/24/06 1:41 PM
11024	"The uninsured, now estimated at 46 million, are increasing while healthcare insurance coverage is pricing itself out of the market for business. The loss administrative costs for private sector insurance are many times the costs of Medicare and Medicaid.  Aetna most recently posted a 76% loss ratio, versus something like 96% for Medicare.  We can no longer afford the luxury of a private health insurance system.  "	We need a single-payer system with universal coverage.  Providers should remain private sector.	"I think people will be willing to pay higher taxes to gain the operational efficiencies of a single-payer system if the numbers are presented to them fairly and accurately.  If the presentation and discussion continues to be dominated by private-sector-uber alles demagogues, we'll continue to do nothing and watch the impending train wreck kill Americans (eg. the IOM report, 18,000 die each year due to lack of health insurance) while insurance and pharma profits soar. "	"No doubt about it. Adopt a tax-supported, single-payer system to provide universal coverage for all Americans. "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/24/06 2:01 PM
11025	"The failure to provide comprehensive, high quality health care   services for everyone when we are already spending enough to do so.  "	"We should replace our highly inefficient, fragmented method of   funding health care with a single, public system of social insurance.  "	"Since we are already spending enough, we don't have to exclude   reasonable, beneficial services from coverage. The primary trade-off for a   public insurance program is that we would have to be diligent in preventing   perverse political attacks on the system.  "	Adopt a single-payer system of national health insurance	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/24/06 2:02 PM
11032	Being forced to live in a nation thatignores 46 million people while spending twice as much as other countries. Corporatew greed has no place in Health Care and contributes to ovewr 18000 unecessary eaths every year	"Go to a single payor - medicare for all system immediately. Include every man , woman and child in America , stop the corporate greed and waste and destruction of the noble profession of medicine"	Tell the American people the truth - where the money goes! That one third of it is wasted in complicity of systems and unacceptable management costs.  Tell them they can have health care for all with no increased health care expenditures.Single payor is trhe answer.	Single payor system - stop the waste and privatwe competition and screening out ofg the sick. Stop misleading the public with shams like HSAs and health care ownership that there is sence to support and plenty of evidence that it is a hoax helping the wealthy.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DC	3/24/06 2:08 PM
11033	"The fact that we do not provide health insurance to every citizen, but that we pay more than enough to do so. The fact that people must forgoe care that no otherwise reasonable person (with the means) would deem appropriate to sacrifice."	"I believe the government should be the sole payer for health care in America, guaranteeing equal access to everyone, no matter what."	"I believe they will accept a government-centered plan to provide health care if they understant how the current system works, and are made aware of the negative consequences it actually has for the sick, the uninsured, and everyone else."	"Guarantee care for everyone, regardless of the cost (but costs would likely be reduced by doing so), through federal legislation."	male	Under 25	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	3/24/06 2:13 PM
11035	"The fact that we spend more than any other (developed) nation on earth, yet pathetically poor quality of medical care. "	"Of course! The market model is inefficient. Furthermore, it is not ""free"". The notorious benefits that corporations get out of our pseudo free market are known to anybody. Why would Medicare have been forbideen BY LAW to use its purchasing power to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies?  The current fragmentation needs to be replaced by a publicly financed, and accountable, system of payment, where the purchasing power of citizens can be pooled (as well as their ""individual risks"") to get better care for our dollar. "	"The question of ""trade offs"" is already loaded, I'm sorry to say. There is nothing here to trade off. We pay the most, and get the worse. Unless, of course, you are a gazzillionaire, in which case paying for medical care would not be a problem in the first place. Some people will be required ""trade offs"": for example, the health insurance and pharmaceutical industries will have to make their moneys in alternative ways. We don't need a middle man to finance health care, and we certainly should not allow the pharmaceutical industry to price its ""goods"" depending on their ""life-enhancing value"" (e.g. the case of cancer drugs)."	"Adopt a single payer, publicly financed, health care  system. Pool everybody's risk, finance it with taxes, as every civilized nation on earth has already figured out. Stop reinventing the wheel. We Americans are no more ""special"" than everybody else than Japanese, Canadians, the French, and so forth. There is nothing further to researched. These questions have been researched to death already, and more analysis only means more paralysis. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/24/06 2:22 PM
11036	The number of uninsured in the USA	One system for paying for health care either modeled like Medicare or expanding Medicare as the universal payor.          	"I think Americans have no loyalty to a particular financing such as private ins., federal ins. they want coverage.  I think they would agree to a basic coverage such as Medicare A and B.  "	"A universal basic coverage for everyone regardless of whether they are employed, retired, or unemployed.   "	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	3/24/06 2:22 PM
11040	"The failure to provide comprehensive, high quality health care services for everyone when we are already spending enough to do so."	"We should replace our highly inefficient, fragmented method of funding health care with a single, public system of social insurance."	"Since we are already spending enough, we don't have to exclude reasonable, beneficial services from coverage. The primary trade-off for a   public insurance program is that we would have to be diligent in preventing perverse political attacks on the system."	Adopt a single-payer system of national health insurance.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/24/06 2:28 PM
11042	"The fact that it is too fragmented and costly, and too controlled by groups that have a vested interest in keeping costs high (drug companies, insurance companies, employers, etc.) in order to keep their own costs low and their profits high.   More and more, the costs are unfairly being passed on to those least able to afford them, i.e. the worker/taxpayer who has only a limited ability to pay these costs on their own, given their limited wages and increasing tax burdens at all levels.   More and more workers cannot afford to maintain - or purchase - their own health insurance for themselves and their families AND keep up with ever rising deductibles, co-pays, out-of-pocket costs, taxes, fuel costs,   etc.   "	"Yes.   Reinforce the ""shared"" nature of our health care system, which shares both the costs and the risks:  Require employers to live up to their obligation to offer/provide health benefits to their employees, and not allow them to ignore or to walk away from these obligations (e.g. by not offering benefits or by filing for bankruptcy just so they can walk away from these /or their pension obligations, and then re-emerge without these obligations).   Prevent/penalize companies who recruit/hire undocumented/uninsured workers UNLESS they can show that there are no US citizens able and willing to do the work AND are willing to provide health benefits AND pay at least minimum wage.   Restrict entry into this country only to those who: a) either already have health care coverage able to cover them if they are, or should become, ill; or b) have the promise of a job with a company that has agreed - in writing - to provide health benefits, and which will be fined the monthly cost of these benefits if they fail to provide them.  No company should be allowed to ""pass on"" these costs to the American taxpayer (via government programs) while making their profits off of the backs of such workers.   Allow government programs like Medicare and State Medicaid programs, as well as government employers to negotiate prescription drug and other health care costs for their members, to help keep down costs."	"I don't think that most Americans would mind paying more toward their health care benefits - either in the form of higher premiums and deductibles and co-pays, or in the form of higher payroll taxes for Medicare, IF they were assured that EVERYONE was paying their ""fair share"" (i.e. workers AND CEO's; government AND employers AND members of Congress, etc.).   No one should get a ""free ride"" at taxpayer expense, particularly those who can more readily afford to pay their share than those with less income.   However, if you expect - even require - that workers pay a greater share of either employer-sponsored or government-sponsored health care, then you had damn well better ""guarantee"" that those benefits will be there when they are needed."	"Eliminate waste, ""profiteering"", and unsuppor- table ""drains"" on the current fragmented system by: a) allowing Medicare, State Medicaid Programs, large government and private employers (and associations of smaller employers) to negotiate prices for their members for things like prescription drugs and other medical services; b) requiring employers to offer affordable health care to their employees; c) increasing the payroll tax base income to help pay for anticipated increased costs in programs like Medicare/Medicaid; d) close the borders to anyone who does not already have health care coverage - or the promise of a job that will provide such coverage (or of family financial support to pay for same, purchased privately BEFORE the person is allowed in) so that such ""visitors"" do not become a burden to the taxpayers; e) restrict access to Federal/State assistance programs, such as SSI/SSD/Food Stamps, and Medicare and Medicaid to prevent people who come here illegally, or who over-stay their visitor status, from taking advantage of these programs, ESPECIALLY if they are NOT employed and have not been paying into such programs thru payroll and other taxes. "	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	3/24/06 2:30 PM
11047	The fragmented financing that creates profit motive incentives for insurance companies and providers at the cost of equitable delivery of health care services to the people.	We must go to a nonprofit federal single payer financing system to cover health care for everyone.	Our total health care spending is adequate to cover everyone if we move to a nonprofit single payer system comparable to Medicare.  The public would accept that if they were fairly informed by a neutral information campaign devoid of special interest financial incentives.  (Do not ask the self-serving insurance companies and pharmaceutical industry what is best for the people.)	Change to nonprofit single payer national health care for everyone.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/24/06 2:55 PM
11050	1. the quality of health care - our doctor's should not be controlled by health care companies and pharmaceutical companies should not be able to influence doctors to the degree that they do - we need to let our doctors and nurses do what they were trained to do and not tie their hands w/ all the bureacratic red tape that they have to deal w/    the cost of health care is just leaving more and more people behind    I would like to see more done in the lines of preventative care and not crisis care - this would also save money for insurance companies     I'd like to see insurance cover the cost for people who are trying to quit smoking and birthcontrol for low income families that cannot afford both of these items =	"this is a tough one - i think socialized medicine would be great, even if there is some sort of co-pay to help offset the costs"	I'm not sure what people would be willing to accept - one thing always discussed about contries providing health care is the length of time it takes to get an appt - this would be a key issue in providing universal health care	quality health care for all citizens	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/24/06 3:08 PM
11052	"the cost, the availability, the rising number of people who get infections while in the hospital - the growing number of both Dr's and Nurses who are leaving the profession"	Universal care - possibly w/ some type of co-pay plan	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/24/06 3:11 PM
11054	"I am a physician assistant who has worked in Native Health Services and community health centers for the past 17 years. I am concerned about the high number of people in our country who do not get basic health care services, and cannot pay for studies, specialists or hospitals, due to a lack of any health insurance. The most difficult patients for me to care for as a health care provider, are the ones with no insurance who now have a serious health problem, such as a possible malignancy or coronary artery disease, that really needs urgent evaluation and treatment to prevent morbidity and disability, but doesnt' get that evaluation or treatment because specialists will not see a patient who has no money or insurance.  I am also very concerned about the escalating costs of health care, medications and health insurance."	"I think that we should have a National health care system that pays at least for major medical expenses, and supports the sliding fee scales that are used in public and community health centers to offer preventive and primary health services.  I realize that it is not possible to pay for everything for everyone, and I would prefer to see insurance companies, particular Medicaid, Medicare and other state and national programs, cover proven, efficient tests, medications and treatments, with case management to reduce costs.       For example: I do not mind being told (as a medical provider) that a patient needs to be given a cheaper generic medication, as opposed to the newer brand name medicine because of costs to an insurer. I also think it is ok to tell an elderly or terminally ill patient that hospice is recommended, rather than another $50,000 worth of treatments, specialists or studies, that will not improve their quality or length of life.      I think in our current system, people do have better access to preventative health and primary care because of the community health center systems, that allow for sliding fees to care for the uninsured patients. I do think this could be applied to private practices and hospitals as well as community health centers in the future, if there were a way to monitor quality and efficiency of care in the private sector.     For example: If part of the government's support for healthcare was to offer a surgeon or gastroenterologist financial co-pays to support doing colonoscopies on appropriate, non-insured patients, this could increase colon cancer screening and prevention, through removal of polyps. Costs would be less, because these patients would not end up with metastatic colon cancer, off work, on Medicaid, needing chemotherapy, surgeries, and dying."	"I don't know about the whole general American public, but I do think a lot of the public is more comfortable with making their own decisions about the extent of terminal disease treatment and evaluations of Possible problems, than the medical community thinks they are. In other words, we need to allow patients more rights to make informed decisions about their own care, and help cut their own costs for care.   I think the majority of Americans would be willing to pay some more taxes to ensure ""basic"" health coverage for all Americans.  I think Americans are willing to receive health care that is more managed than it used to be, with guidelines on medications and pre-authorization for expensive procedures, and second opinions for expensive surgeries. However, I think people want their own choice of physicians as much as possible"	"Have a government major medical plan (for major illness or trauma), and government support for proven preventive health services that definately reduce morbidity and mortality that covers all Americans.(vaccines, paps, mammograms, etc)."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AK	3/24/06 3:16 PM
11062	"The rapid and steady deterioration of the Quality of Health Care in America; the escalating costs of Health Insurance and Health Care specially for the hard working middle class, that many times, ends up in despair and bankruptcy. There are about 50 million americans who lack health insurance and 50 people die everyday because of lack of Health Insurance.  USA is last among industrialized countries in providing comprehensive Health Care and uses twice as much money per capita to provide ""quasi case"" to its citizens as compared to other industrialized countries.  The infant mortality rate in USA is higher than Cuba and the World Health Organization has USA among the worts in providing comprehensive Health Care to its citizens, UNLESS you have a lot of money.  USA is the only country in the world and the richest country in the world where just (Health Insurance Industry) a few, get rich from illness  and despair of having to pay exhorbitant medical bills. USA the only industrialized country in the world where Health Care is a commmodity and, once again, a fwe get filthy rich from illness and medical bills. "	"We must have a National Social Universal Health Insurance and Care System, funded by the Government and Privately Delivered, before the current fragmented , inneficient and CRUEL system collapses and implodes.  The USA has the best infrastructure for such system :   Single Payer System!!  Lets get rid of the Private Health Insurance System, that is an embarrasment to the Humanitarian Foundations of this country."	"Moderate tax increase; period of adjustment; more responsibility for own well being; no deductibles, no copayments, no coinsurance, no bankruptcy because of medical bills; peace of mind knowing that Health Care is available regardless of how much money you have in your pocket. "	"Urgent Legislation by the US Congress to adopt, as fast as possible, a Single Payer Health  System for Delivery  of Health Care to every citizen of this country that calls itself christian and religious. "	male	Over 64	Yes	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	3/24/06 3:49 PM
11066	High cost and unfairness.  I've been self employed all my life and carried my own insurance. After I had cancer my premiums went up so that I could not afford them.  I dropped Blue Cross only to find that if you have the misfortune of getting sick in the US you become an untouchable.  No one will cover you.  	"Get insurance off the backs of employers.  My daughter is an adjunct teacher.  She is only allowed to teach 2 classes per district so that the colleges don't have to give her health insurance. In So California, districts are huge.  She drives over 100 miles a day to make a living.  She's a gifted teacher.  She spend money she might spend on healthcare on gas instead.  Is this the way we treat our teachers.  Universities are following suit. How can you build a dept. with a high overturn.  Adjuncts don't stick around.  We must have a universal healthcare system.  "	"I would gladly trade premiums, deductables, copayments and out of pocket expenses for a single payer universal healthcare tax premium.  "	"We must have a single payer universal healthcare system.  What we have now is broken. If it continues as it is, more and more individuals will become uninsured and we will lose any ability to compete globally."	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/24/06 4:10 PM
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11069	"I think that it is simply unacceptable to have 45 million people uninsured with the modern health care system that we have.  As a physician, I have seen and heard personally many of the horror stories of financial difficulties and going without necessary care because of cost.  This happens to honest, hard-working people."	"I think that ""free market"" solutions to health care have had their chance, with HMO's and larger health plans failiing to control costs over the last 10-15 years.  The multitude of insurance companies and other third parties make an incredibly inefficient system. "	"I think most Americans would be willing to go to a governement insured plans, such as Medicare for all.  People are beginning to understand that the cost of health care is spread amongst us through labor costs and higher insurance premiums already, and that having everyone insured through a single payer would reduce our overall costs without compromising patient care."	Single payer health care.  It's our best hope.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	3/24/06 4:12 PM
11077	"More and more people, particularly children and old people, are losing access to the health care system because of high costs.  Everyone should have access to high quality health care."	Everyone should have insurance and access to quality health care.  Investments in electronic medical records will cause greater efficienies in the system--government should invest its $$ in making sure that the electronic medical record is set up.  Employers like Walmart should be mandated to offer their employees health insurance.	Insurance and pharmaceutial companies have too much lobbying power over Congress and the state legislatures.  It seems to me that some types of companies are getting all of the money while people are losing out on quality health care.	Provide more school-based health services that will teach children the best way to use the heatlh care system and to prevent behaviors that are causing most of our medical problems today	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	3/24/06 4:29 PM
11078	The terrible waste and confusion in reimbursement. 	"We need a single payor, universal health care system with Medicare (withe drugs and LTC) for all. "	Some less choice among similar drugs and less  unnecessary diagnostic imaging.  	We need to let our elected officials know how bad the current system is. 	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/24/06 4:33 PM
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11080	"I just looked at the survey, and I really can't answer it, because it has forced choice items that don't let me pick all options. I believe we should have health care for everyone--everyday expenses, major medical, you name it. It should be a constitutional right (the life part of the life, liberty and pursuit of happiness). "	"It should all be paid for by a single payer, preferably the government. "	I think a majority of Americans want our government to take charge on this issue. The only reason it hasn't is the ability of drug and insurance companies to legally bribe public officials through campaign donations and lobbying perks. 	Campaign finance reform--publically funded elections to get the healthcare industry out of the political process.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/24/06 4:39 PM
11084	"People without insurance wait until there is an emergency or they are seriously ill to seek care; using the Emergency Room is less efficient and more expensive--both in dollars and in human suffering--than getting regular medical care, and the cost is often passed on to other patients.  If everyone had insurance and easy access to healthcare, we could do more prevention and early intervention (less costly, more likely to have a positive outcome for the patient and his/her family).  We also need to provide information about the cost of services and the credentials of healthcare providers, so that people can make informed choices about where they seek care."	There should be incentives for businesses that provide healthcare for their employees and employees' family members.  Small businesses should be able to form groups to purchase affordable healthcare.  Unemployed persons should be able to get medical and Rx drug coverage through Medicare and/or Medicaid.	"I think most people would be willing to pay a little more in taxes to ensure that everyone can access healthcare before they are in crisis, especially if they are aware that preventive care is more effective and less costly than crisis/emergency care.  "	"Ensure that everyone has access to affordable, quality healthcare."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	3/24/06 5:17 PM
11088	We have none - millions of people without - we need Single Payer	Adopt Single Payer - we would save money!	We wouldn't have to trade off if it was done right!	Adopt a Single Payer System.	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	3/24/06 5:24 PM
11091	"There are a lot of uninsured, and underinsured people, with lots of money being spent inefficiently."	Yes. Our current system is complicated and inefficient. I would support a single payer system.	We are spending more than enough already. The trade-off is that we will need to find alternative employment for the many people currently working in the insurance industry after we change over to a single-payer system.	Switch to a single payer system that provides adequate health coverage for everyone.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/24/06 5:57 PM
11092	It is not equally available to all. It is oriented to provide expensive procedures for the well-off rather than to provide preventive public health care.  	Yes! Basic and necessary care through a universal system that covers everything from visits to a 'gatekeeper' primary care provider to visiting nurse care would provide improved care and save money.	"Americans will welcome a healthcare system where money goes to Americans' health, rather than to insurance administrators and pharmaceutical companies."	"A single federal universal healthcare system, like Medicare but with strong managed care components. "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/24/06 6:04 PM
11095	"The inequality of health caare availability based on economic status, the tremendous waste in the health care bureucracy, the obscene profits of the insurance and pharmaceutical industry, cost shifting, the waste in ""defensive medicine"" parctice to ""CYA"" for potential lawsuits. "	"It should be all done by Medicare for all. The current payment ksystem wastes over 30% of the health care dollar on insurance compoany profits, overhead, and unnecessary bureucracy."	"Elimintae the insurance companies from the equation, and no further sacrifices have to be made."	Single party payor.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/24/06 6:28 PM
11097	We as Realtors need a good helth plan.	We as independent contractors need a group rate to use for better more affordable premiums.	Trade offs not necessary...More enrollment will spread cost over several million people instead of average household of 3 only.	Nationalize it... will spread out cost over entire country... Inseead of a FEW RESPONSIBLE soles...	female	Decline to answer	No Response	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	3/24/06 6:39 PM
11100	"The amount of time wasted in waiting rooms, which is then followed by a 5 min. secion with doctor who does not no the first thing about health. But does know little about the drugs perscriptions the stuff paients with. Doctors should be caring about their paitients and not their drug companies.  Drug companies should be caring about the people not their pockets. People need education to help them to heal not chemicals."	 Health care need to be avaible to all. There should be a health care system set up that is funded by taxes. Although it is ran independently by health care leaders and people. 	Tax the wealthy and charge more to people who drive or fly considerable amount of miles. Tax people who have SUVs. This tax money is a fee for the pollution that is causing childern to develop asthma and cancer. Taxes should be high for all who are CEOs of corpoations and gas companies for the obesity and mass production of garbage in this nation. Tax televsion companies besides educational for TV and all the advertizing that is helping americans keep on the extra weight and constant desires. 	"Provide insentives to americans for not driving their cars. Provide insentive for them to uppgrade thier yards. Provide incentive for americans who are keep a good state of health. Encourgage family values, bicycling, eating healthy and Jesus."	female	Under 25	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	3/24/06 7:07 PM
11105	Not everyone is covered even though we spend enough money to cover everyone.	YES!!!  Single payer system.	"Restructuring of health care will necessitate the public keep vigilant so the special interest groups don't have power and that the politicians enact what we want.  We get confused easily with all the contradictory ""facts"" and don't have a long attention span.  The public will have to stay engaged.  We must do this because the alternatives are horrible."	change to a single payer system that covers every American-national health insurance	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	3/24/06 7:56 PM
11106	The Insurance companies are pricing themselves out of reach of the everyday worker.  Along with the drug companies.	I believe that the government should establish a fee schedule that is based on the persons income.  This would be on a percentage basis.  Those with more income to pay a higher percentage and those with a low income a lower percentage.  	I believe the average person understands the high cost of health insurance.  Those people who are required to use a maintenance drug or to see their doctors on a regular timetable should not be forced to decide between their medications or food and shelter.  Their medications and regular doctor visitations should be at a reduced rate.  This would enable the doctors to monitor their health and quite possibly prevent the lengthy hospital stays or the more costly treatments later on.  	"I believe that there should be a government sponsored healthcare plan for all citizens and/ or worker in this country.  If the person doesn't want nor like the sponsored plan, they may take out a private plan.  I also think that the larger employers must be mandated to pay a percentage of there income to cover quality healthcare coverage for all employees and their families."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NE	3/24/06 7:56 PM
11112	"that access is difficult, quality is uneven,the system if broken."	"Yes. I would like to see a single payor plan that covers everyone in this country, providing complete coverage for all medical care including drugs."	increased taxes.	eliminate insurance companies.	female	Over 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/24/06 8:27 PM
11120	"I am concerned about the 45 million who do not have access to health care, and that more are being added to that number."	"We should change to a single payer system.  That way everyone who can will pay for it, and we will all have coverage and play by the same rules.  I think it will help the economy since health care will not be the responsibility just of employers."	"I am not sure of the answer to this, but individuals and businesses are becoming increasingly discontent with the current system.  Everyone knows that changes are necessary to improve on what we have, so they have to be willing to see ths sytem operate differently in order to achieve better results."	Single payer.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	3/24/06 8:52 PM
11127	"The cost, which is skyrocketing out of control and making basic health care unaffordable not only to the poor, but more and more to all but the very wealthy. We supposedly have the best health care in the world, but what difference does that make when it only serves the rich?"	"There should be a single payor system that ensures adequate coverage for all in this country. Much like in the UK, a single payor insurance could negotiate with all providers of health care for a fair price to the public and the health care industry while preventing those in the health care industry (particularly the pharmaceutacal and imaging industries) from pulling windfall profits from the suffering of those in need of health care services. Enormous efficiencies could be created by cutting out all the middle men in the insuracne/PBM industries who all take a cut of each health care dollar."	"Those lucky enough to have decent health care insurance today are already living under a rationing system. No trade offs would be necessary and all would have access to health care. If people with too much money on their hands want health care with ""umbrella drinks and massages"", they can pay for it out of their own pocket."	"Have Medicare/Medicade take over as the health insurance for all. It has proven over the decades that it is by far the most effecient, cost effective organization in the health insurance field. All those in the private health insurance business can find other fields to work in or work for CMS."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/24/06 10:08 PM
11133	"Two things:    1. Lack of access to health care for so many due to inadequate health insurance.  2. Wasteful practices that result in unnecessary tests, medications and interventions.  This is exacerbated by pharmaceutical companies that spend millions of dollars (including federal grant money) on ""me-too"" drugs that are identical to other, effective drugs, as well as insurance companies that reimburse non-evidence based therapies.  Why is this happening?  We could use this money for so many other areas of health care."	"A single, public health insurance program would be the best solution to our currently fragmented, inefficient system."	"I think that many Americans are currently misinformed about what ""high quality health care"" means.  We have been conditioned to believe that more technology, more specialization is better health care, when there is no evidence that this is the case.  Health services research has consistently shown that provision of primary care results in better health outcomes than specialized, technologized care.  Thus, I think most Americans with health insurance are not willing to make many trade-offs because they believe that access to any specialist at any time, with all possible technology at their disposal, is good health care.  I think that this perception can change with committed education efforts as well as efforts to establish primary care providers for all Americans."	"Establish a single-payer, national health insurance program. "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	3/24/06 10:39 PM
11134	"The failure to provide comprehensive, high quality health care services for everyone when we are already spending enough to do so.  "	"Replace our highly inefficient, fragmented method of funding health care with a single, public system of social insurance to optimise public health and keep our industries operating.    "	There is no need for tradeoffs given the current costs incurred and the example of Canada's single payer health insurance at half the cost of America.	Change public attitude to the benefits of a single payer system and adopt such a sytem to provide just coverage for all Americans. 	NULL	Decline to answer	No Response	American Indian or Alaska Native	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/24/06 10:44 PM
11137	That one of the richest countries in the world chooses not to provide adquate health care services to all of its citizens.	"We should eleminate our costly, inefficient, fragmented system and replace it with a universal, single-payer system funded by taxes.     "	"I don't know that any trade-offs would be necessary that would reduce access to high quality health care under a single-payer system.  American individuals and businesses need to understand that they would probably be paying less in taxes under a single-payer system than they pay now in health insurance premiums and that we would be able to provide decent health care to everyone, not just those privileged to have health care provided by employers or who are wealthy enough to pay the exhorbitant premiums insurance companies charge individuals.    "	Adopt a national single payer system 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	3/24/06 11:35 PM
11138	I'm most concerned about the fact that not everyone is covered. We are the most wealthy and advanced country in the world and the only one that does not have a way to guarantee health insurance to all citizens. 	"I do not believe the best way to achieve complete coverage is to rely on employers to provide insurance - that ties people's job with their health care ( and the two have nothing to do with each other ) I think there should be a coordination with government in the form of payroll and or other types of tax to collect from everyone a percentage based upon their income level to create a pool of funds for which everyone can use to buy insurance. This pool would be available to any resident of the U.S. who has paid into it via taxes or their children.  Regardless of that person's income or employment status, they should be able to draw from this pool to purchase insurance. The cost of Basic insurance coverage should be regulated and that amount should be made available to everyone drawing from the pool."	Higher taxes in exchange for more regulated insurance policies. Conversion of group employer sponsored insurance to one large group consisting of 300 million individuals for maximum bargaining power where all policies are individual policies. A government run system of paying for everyone's basic  insurance policy.	"I think taxes should be increased to create a central funding pool that everyone can use to pay for a basic health insurance policy.  Basic policies should be something like an HMO, where doctors and hospitals are limited.  If an individual wished to have a more open policy, they could pay an additional amount to their insurance company to expand their basic coverage into something like a PPO."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	3/24/06 11:39 PM
11143	"Many people have no health insurance, and most of us are at risk of severe financial hardship in the event of a serious illness."	"We should all pay into a single risk pool/system, and all providers should be paid out of this fund. This is the only efficient way of organizing health care financing."	We already spend enough money to pay for all beneficial services for everyone. The only trade-off we have to make is to accept getting the same opportunities as everyone else instead of wanting special privileges for ourselves.	"An expanded Medicare program that would include all residents of the country, within which we would work to improve quality."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/25/06 12:08 AM
11148	"Our current system of health care is fragmented, the most expensive in the world per person and one of the least effective systems in terms of the actual health of our citizens as compared with other industrialized nations in the world."	"Yes, it should become a single payer. The government would become the collector and payer. The health care system would continue with the variety of health providers both private and governmental."	I think it is the current health corporations and pharmaceutical companies that would have to forgo their plundering profits. The public is being fleeced by this unfair system of privitizing our health care.	"Implement single payer/universal health care in America for every citizen. And with the same dollars we now spend, we could afford to insure every American with basic, comprehensive health care. ie.  bulk buying of medical supplies and prescription drugs, reducing one third or more of every health dollar being spent for administrative costs and profits of the private health companies to less than 4 or 5 per cent using the successful model of Medi-Care a government health program that works. Of course it has to be adequately funded."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/25/06 1:34 AM
11153	I am most concerned that healthcare's cost acts as a deterrent to the overall health of our citizens and helps to create a society in which one's financial status determines the quality of healthcare one can expect to receive.	"I believe equitable payments by these groups are fine, but the money should be used to provide healthcare, not profit for insurance companies.  I believe that healthcare, like other basic society needs, should not be subject to the forces of profit-making entities, but considered a basic human right of U.S. citizenship."	"I believe the American public wouild forego the reputed ""freedom of the marketplace"" for a guarantee of basic healthcare coverage, even if it means higher taxes."	"I recommend single-payer, government run national health insurance for all Americans."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/25/06 8:32 AM
11154	"It is a disgrace when one considers we spend Billions for the Political agendas, and can""t provide for our own"	Socialize Medicine	Why trade anything?	Quit electing people to Congress whose objective appears to serve as PIMPS for the CORPORATE WHORE'S	male	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/25/06 8:35 AM
11165	Lack of basic health care for everyone.  Wastefulness of defensive medicine including the high cost of liability insurance.	"I think each individual with income under $x should be given a voucher to buy health insurance from one of 3 or 4 insurers per market.  People with higher incomes would pay a graduated rate for the same insurance.  Supplemental insurance for the wealthy would be allowed that would cover things not covered in the basic plan, like plastic surgery or experimental treatments."	Fewer law suits to bring down the cost of care for eveyrone.	"We need to do away with employer-financed health care - now that people do not stay with a given employer all their life, and small companies are more important than large ones, that system has self-destructed.  Must be government sponsored, but with choice of insurance company / doctor."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/25/06 9:54 AM
11168	Out of control cost increases.	"We need to remove private insurance companies from the health care system, and provide universal coverage paid for by all individuals, the business community and government."	Willing to accept a national health care system administered by the federal government.	"We need to remove private insurance companies from the health care system, and provide universal coverage paid for by individuals, the business community and government."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	3/25/06 10:36 AM
11170	"The extraordiary waste and inefficiency, where we pay so much (2.1 trillion) yet get so little protection."	We need a single payor system.  the current system is maintained to protect the financial interests of a few wealthy and powerful industries.	"No financial trade-off is needed.  If we create a single payor system, the savings from insurance inefficiency, and the buying power, would pay for universal coverage."	Single payor national health insurance.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	3/25/06 12:31 PM
11172	It is not available nor affordable to all.	What is wrong with social medicine funded my our govt?	Choosing own doctors would be a problem for some.  People want PERSONAL feeling at the doctor's office.	STOP abuse by people using public aid.  They go to the doctor or hospital with NO CONCERn for how much it will cost the taxpayers.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/25/06 12:36 PM
11179	"Everyone should be able to get basic health care, and our society should do more to protect the public against health risks in the environment.  We could pay for a lot of that simply by reorganizing how we pay for health care."	"Single-payer government insurance is essential.  Even the biggest private employers are going broke trying to compete with foreign companies where the government pays for health care. And profit-seeking competing private insurers waste huge amounts of money on duplicating paperwork, advertising, etc. that could go to providing care."	First get rid of the inefficiency of competing private profit-seeking insurance.  That will provide enough money and time to consider whether and what trade-offs we need.	"Single-payer government health insurance, with the savings put into public health protection."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/25/06 2:21 PM
11183	high cost.  every citizen should have the same care as our congress..	we need one system for all  equal for all	"we dont need trade off's but curb the excess waste in paperwork, excess profits and advertising of drug companies and drug stores"	go to one health care system...	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/25/06 2:43 PM
11189	"Two things:     (1) That it encourages the uninsured/underinsured to either wait until their medical conditions are critical before seeking care, if they seek care at all.  I feel awful, especially, when I think about children showing up at the emergency room with conditions that are life-threatening or will permanently debilitate them, when they could have been treated effectively if only they had been seen months earlier. There is no excuse for this in a society as ""advanced"" as ours.    (2) The private insurance system, as it is set up now, encourages the rising cost of medical care. There is no incentive on the part of providers to conserve costs when it comes to patients who have insurance. (Doctors and hospitals feel okay about ordering expensive treatments and medicines for their insured patients, knowing insurance companies will foot the cost).  "	"I think it is important for the government to give employers tax incentives to offer insurance to their employees.  I also think that individuals below a certain income level should be given major tax incentives to purchase their own health insurance if it is not available from employers.    Government-run insurance programs should cover only those who have no other way of getting insurance--a ""safety net"" policy.    The money to fund these incentives should come from progressive tax levies, which is to say that people with the highest incomes should contribute the most to giving government the capability to offer low cost insurance to people with low incomes.  It is in everybody's best interests to make sure everyone is covered, just like it is in everyone's best interests to make sure everyone gets an adequate education.    In terms of the money the government spends on health care, other than providing safety-net policies for those who have no other option, it would be a good idea to offer incentive programs to insurance companies who offer the highest quality care for the lowest premiums--reward efficiency.  Plus, of course, invest in research in preventative care and new treatments."	"I really believe that most Americans, rich and poor, would be willing to pay some amount more in taxes if they knew that money was going toward insuring the uninsured.  I don't think they are cold-hearted on that score.  I doubt there are many people who condone the current situation, under which uninsured people get sick and die due to inadequate care.    In addition, I think most of us would agree to wait a little bit longer for elective procedures and very low-priority care if it would mean paying less.     I think we would most definitely choose lower-cost procedures if given the choice between several procedures that were equally effective, even if that meant travelling some reasonable distance to receive the care.  I would very willingly drive 100 miles to another city to have a lower-cost effective procedure if I would pay a lower copayment or deductible.  Insurance companies should offer their customers these choices, with the financial incentives to encourage them to choose the lowest cost good quality care.    I have always thought that the most important function of insurance is to cover catastrophic costs.  I think Americans would be willing to pay higher copayments for standard everyday care if they knew they were protected against a lifetime of debt resulting from one hospitalization."	"I think financial and tax incentive programs are the most effective way to encourage caregivers, insurance companies, and patients to keep costs down while ensuring that everyone gets adequate care.  Implement financial incentives wherever possible, and you will see costs go down with maximum coverage."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/25/06 3:27 PM
11190	Senior citizens being forced to pay outrageous prices for medications. The drug companies setting their own prices witout government control	"The government should pay for All health care as in other countries,even in Libya it's free,Canada is almost free."	No tradeoffs. This is the richest country that ever existed with the worst managed health care system on record. 	"Same as above,let the Government control our medicare and medicaide and drugs and get the price gougers out of the system"	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	3/25/06 3:31 PM
11191	The health care system today is run by the insurance companies and the government legislation that is promoted by the most influential lobbyists and is geared to protect the funds of the insurance companies rather than the quality of health care that they are required to provide by the people that pay high premiums that support their companies.  It should be illegal to terminate ANYONES coverage while they are sick.  	"Yes.  I think all government officials, whether elected or employed, should be made to use the same health care system, i.e. medicare and medi-gap or pay for at least a portion of their care just like the rest of us.  There should also NOT be an ""adjusted amount"" paid bu the big insurance companies and a higher bill paid by the poor individual who has no insurance.  The middle Americans who have to pay out of picket should be the ones who get an adjusted amount since they certainly are less able to pay more.  If the insurance companies whine too much about that, make EVERYONE pay the same amount for the same services."	"This is a good question.  If most people felt they were charged fairly for medicine and services, I think most people would be willing to pay for a larger portion of the premiums or have a higher deductible.  "	Make all insurance companies accountable for validating their premiums and the bonus systems for denying claims illegal. Also make it illegal for companies to increase premiums beyond people's means to make it unaffordable when  people are sick. 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/25/06 3:43 PM
11195	An incredible waste of resources.  Exorbitant cost; unfair access.	I think health care should be provided to all by a government that serves us all.	"Paying a ""health"" tax would be more than offset by savings in private insurance premiums, out-of-pocket expenses, and the skyrocketing cost to employers of providing private health insurance."	"A universal, single-payer health care system - accountable to all citizens."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	3/25/06 4:50 PM
11196	"The extrordinary costs for simple appointments where patients get very little information from health care providers and have to go through more high cost appointments to get a diagnosis.  Also the hight cost of medications being handed out to suppress symptoms, but not to fix the problem."	"I would like to see the government provide health care for the people.  Employers should not even be part of the quotient.  Health care should be a right, such as a right to education."	"I think Americans are looking for a change.  I don't believe that uninsured or under insured can find any high quality medical care now.  I don't believe because medical care would be a right, then it would be low quality.  "	"Stop the pocket padders.  They need to be sought out and regulated.  With the high cost of medical care, someone is making money.  Maybe the government needs to look close to home and own up to their corruptedness."	female	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AK	3/25/06 5:14 PM
11198	the number of uninsured  lack of systematic methods of ensuring compliance	"I would like to see universal health insurance, preferably single paye"	I do not know whether the public is willing to make any concession	systematized qulaity assurance	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	3/25/06 5:37 PM
11200	Access to health care (too much management from managed care).  Too many uninsured.  Equal access and equivalent pay for mental health.	We are paying too much money for administrative costs of managed care.	Increased taxes for higher income people.	Universal health care.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/25/06 6:17 PM
11203	"That 45 million or more Americans have no coverage at all, including my self, in the world's richest nation, with the added insult that we have movements proclaiming the ""culture of life,"" which apparently doesn't include those outside the womb."	"We need a single payer, universal health care system, along the lines specified by HR 676, which has 68 sponsors.  Those who want to buy additional benefits, like cosmetic surgery, should be able to do so by paying for it privately, as in Canada.  After all, the most affluent Americans, whose financial power and lobbyists, assure that they often get what they want in Congress, should not be made to unduely suffer just so those of us who don't have any coverage get helped."	"There will be some rationing of high cost measures to prolong life over a certain age, and I think the American people will see the moral wisdom of not spending $10 million to prolong an 85 year old's life if it means that 1 million poor go without emergency room or preventative care.  This is in the spirit of my interpretation of what ""Jesus meant"" by Chritianity."	"It is an ethical and moral obligation to provide universal health care, a basic human right according to the social teachings of the Catholic Church - see the Bishops Pastoral Letter on the Economy, 1986 (""Economic Justice for All"" - www.osjspm.org/cst/eja.htm)."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	3/25/06 6:33 PM
11206	"The US spends two to three times as much per capita on health care as any other developed nation, yet we have 46,000,000 with no insurance!  Approximately 50% of every health care dollar goes for something other than health care: mutimillion dollar salaries for CEOs of health plans, profit for share holders, advertising, mountains of paperwork, and endless hassles for doctors and patients, alike.  If we got the insurance industry out of health care and had a single payer system, we could provice health care for all our citizens and still spend less than we are currently spending.  "	"Yes, get the insurance industry out of health care and have a single payer system!"	"If we had a single payer system, we'd all be getting more for less.  The only people to lose would be the CEOs of the health plans!  The rest of us wouldn't miss our premiums and deductibles.  Doctors wouldn't miss the endless hassles and paperwork."	Get the insurance industry out of health care and create a single payer system!	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/25/06 6:57 PM
11212	"It is too fragmented and disorganized. Stress for the user can be enormous, on top of the health problem. There is too much paperwork for the consumer, even when there is coverage. Medical records need to be in a computer database to minimize errors. "	"A publically financed system should be phased in covering Americans in four basic areas of health care: Preventive Medicine, Emergency Care, Catastrophic Illness or Accident and Chronic Illness. Each of these essential areas of coverage can be financially debilitating. Health care outside these areas (for example, prolonged attempts at a diagnosis or alternative treatments) should be covered by supplemental private insurance until Americans are ready to fund all health care."	"Americans will be more willing to pay for public health care when they see a direct link between what they pay for and what they get. This means streamlining the billing process, making the quality and efficiency of a given health provider more transparent, and maintaining accountability in the health care system. Accountability to the consumer is extremely important if you want the public to buy into a new system. "	"Phase it in. Universalize a small sector of health care -- for example, preventive care -- before trying to redo the entire system. If the public learns to trust a small sector of tax-financed health care, it will be more open to greater change."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	3/25/06 8:42 PM
11218	We have NO system for health care - no guarantee that health care is a right.  Too many Americans live sicker and die younger than people who live in 20 other industrialized nations.	The administrative costs of collecting funds are lowest if we use existing individual and business income tax structure to collect funds to pay for health care.	NULL	"Stop focusing on the newest expensive drug, the newest expensive surgery, the newest expensive test like an MRI, to concentrate on making sure everyone has good health promotion services and primary care."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/25/06 10:07 PM
11220	"The failure to provide comprehensive, high quality health care services for all when we are already spending enough to accomplish this. It is outrageous that there are more than 45 million Americans with no health insurance.  "	"WE should eliminate the fragmented private-public system that benefits insurance companies, and cover everyone with a ""Medicare for all."""	"There is no need to frame this as an either-or scenario. Eliminate the administrative waste of the current private system, and everyone can benefit from affordable high quality insurance -- for no more than we are currently spending."	Adopt a single-payer system of national health insurance.  	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/25/06 11:01 PM
11223	"That every person, no matter what age, income, housing situation be covered with affordable medical insurance."	We may need to have socialized medicine like Canadians have. We need to keep the drug companies from gouging the people who can't afford medical insurance.	"I don't know about the rest of the public, but I'd support socializing medicine."	"To start allowing us to purchase prescription drugs, if necessary, in other countries where the cost is considerably less. I wish more people would research complimentary methods in Alternative medicine."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/25/06 11:55 PM
11229	"Americans pay more for care than any other citizenry, but get less quality and access."	"60% of the revenues in health care are taxes.  We should find ways to bring all health care revenues into the public domain, use them more efficiently, and cover all for medically necessary care."	"For $6600 per person per year, universal access to medically necessary care of high quality is already affordable if we trade off the highly inefficient commercial insurance system."	Public funding at current per capita rates for private health care delivery.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	3/26/06 1:02 AM
11231	That we are the only industrialized nation in the world that does not have guaranteed health care for its citizens. It is cruel and inhumane. It diminishes our ability to compete globally. It stifles innovation because people are locked into jobs when they might go with an innovative start-up or start a business of their own.	"Yes. I would create a system that is funded by a national sales tax on non-essential goods and services, such as second (third, etc.) homes, boats, jewelry, entertainment (such as movies, videos and computer game rentals),liquor, gambling, non-WIC foods, as well as a national sales tax on essential goods over a certain amount, such as a tax on any single clothing item over $100."	"I cannot speak for the American public, but I can speak for myself. I am willing to forgo spending great amounts of money on senseless wars that make our country and our people more vulnerable and hated worldwide in order to ensure health care for all citizens here at home."	Stop spending so much money on war so that we will have more money to spend on caring for ourselves here at home and others worldwide.	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	3/26/06 8:54 AM
11234	Our nation should provide comprehensive and high quality health care to all residents.	We should have a single payer system. The federal government should manage this system with tax revenue as the income source.	We need to be sure that profit oriented interest groups (such as the insurance and pharmaceutical industries) are not allowed to sabotage the effectiveness of a singe payer system.	"Single payer, federal goverment managed universal health care system."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	3/26/06 9:12 AM
11237	It is the most expensive healthcare in the industrialized world and yet leaves us 54th in healthcare statistics with millions uninsured and tremendous beauracracy	We should adopt social insurance paid out of taxes that covers everyone like Canada.	I don't think it is necessary to make any tradeoffs in benefits or quality.  There is enough public money in the system already to provide high quality caomprehensive care to all. 	Confront the private health insurance industry that is preventing progress in this arena.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	3/26/06 9:20 AM
11240	Money rules...power corrupts...and millions of folks slip between the cracks!	"Yes, but I am not an economist who can suggest clear solutions...if there are any!  Certainly improvement is needed...we are the 'richest' nation, yet so lop-sided and 'removed' from seeing/knowing what actually happens to the have-nots!"	I'd be more interested in what tradeoffs [esp in taxes] that the so very rich would be willing to 'trade-off' to contribute to this health-care crisis than average taxpayer...they are struggling as it is!	Make it AVAILABLE to all citizens!    Cut costs for average Americans...who are struggling to keep a roof and food etc !	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/26/06 9:41 AM
11241	"I, like many others cannot afford health care, not to mention health insurance. That also means that you are often denied health care.    "	I would rather pay higher taxes and have access to health care.	"I think that most Americans, like the current administration, are out for themselves and could care less about people that don't have access to health care."	Come up with a good national health insurance.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/26/06 9:41 AM
11246	Very high costs which make health care prohibitive for tens of millions of Americans and bankrupt many unfortunate enough to need expensive procedures and care.	A single-payer system which includes everyone.  We already spend enough dollars on health care to provide coverage for all.  	"Don't reduce benefits.  Instead, make those who can afford higher taxes or premiums pay more into the pool.    "	"The federal government needs to take the responsibility of devising a single-payer, comprehensive plan that includes everyone, thereby eliminating private insurance companies, reducing waste, controlling costs."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/26/06 10:34 AM
11251	Health care is so unequal and there are 46 million americans without health insurance	we should have a single payer medicare for all type system for all Americans	higher taxes.	eliminate private insurance and for profit health organization and get single payer universal health care.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/26/06 12:14 PM
11255	"The cost and there being no control over this situation.  Corporations, drug companies, are all allowed to increase benefits at the expense of general america and no one is stopping them....that is not okay."	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Not sure	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/26/06 1:07 PM
11259	"The failure to provide comprehensive, high quality health care services for everyone when we are already spending enough to do so.  "	"We should replace our highly inefficient, fragmented method of funding health care with a single, public system of social insurance.  "	"Since we are already spending enough, we don't have to exclude reasonable, beneficial services from coverage. The primary trade-off for a   public insurance program is that we would have to be diligent in preventing perverse political attacks on the system.  "	Adopt a single-payer system of national health insurance.  	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	3/26/06 2:27 PM
11267	Health care is lacking for millions of Americans	"System should be run by one entity, funded by one tax or ""premium."" Private insurance premiums should be abolished; co-pays and other separate fees should be abolished"	"Uniformity, no special treatment"	Make it universal	female	Over 64	No	White	NULL	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	3/26/06 3:56 PM
11274	At its best the possibilities of health care in America today are quite remarkable..    40 million of my fellow citizens having no health insurance is acceptable however.    The escalating costs of health care out of control.	"Changes - a bipartisan political will    An example that appears to be working - e.g. worked over time, worked for bipartisan belief systems, worked for a cross section of america and americans ----high level of participant satisfaction:  Our Congressional Health Care Package "	Pay higher taxes    Increase number of nurse practicioners and physician assistants 	"Just do it!  (and lucky us, all insurance companies reimburse for the pill to ""help us rise to the occassion""."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/26/06 5:39 PM
11284	The costs of coverages for the uninsured	"We need a national health care system, especially for the elderly who are no longer able to work and cannot afford the involded Medicare/Aid costs."	What are the alternatives?	A federally funded national health care program	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	3/26/06 7:49 PM
11289	"The lack of access of health care services, the extreme inefficiency and waste related to private, for-profit, and many so-called ""nonm-profit"" insurers.  We do not value all people in the US as in other countries.  We all have a human right to health care.  Currently, health care is an unethical privilege for those fortunate to have coverage. "	"Health care should be administered through a government program as a form of social insurance, contributed by one's ability to pay and supported by taxes on individuals and businesses.  How we can have fire departments to protect property (and life), but not health insurance is one of the obsenities of our ""advanced"" civilization.  Our politicians and policy makers should be ashamed of themselves for not having the courage to radically change our health insurance system to one of social insurance."	"Surveys that are done in an objective, un-biased manner show that the American people are willing to pay for comprehensive health care services.  We already are paying but it is grossly inequitable.  Politicians should not be able to opt out of such a new system, but they and their families need to be invested in this system for all.  We all have to make it work and keep special interests out of the equation."	"Develop a single payer, social insurance model for universal health care."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/26/06 8:53 PM
11292	"People who need health care the most don't have it (children, the elderly, and those truly disabled). People who are not truly disabled and addicts are draining the medical systems."	"Require all applicants, for medicaid or medicare, under age 62, to take a drug test weekly.  Have phyicians answer to medicare and medicaid the way they have to answer to managed care.  Let doctors absorb the cost of unnecessary testing and procedures rather than the hospitals."	"We are willing to help those who want to help themselves and those who can't help themselves, not those who are looking for a free ride.  "	MANAGED CARE AMONG GOVERNMENT SPONSORED HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS.	NULL	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/26/06 9:16 PM
11293	"Lack of education and wellness programs. Our citizens need to know that they have choices, and should be encouraged to make choices that promote wellness. Americans think that we can continue unhealthy habits and ""the doctors will fix us"". We must stop enabling our citizens to choose disease-causing habits and lifestyles. High-tech and expensive treatments must be last resorts. Let's start with low-tech, common sense, lower cost methods of care. "	"Individuals need to be held responsible for their health care somehow, but not necessarily financially. There must be incentives to staying well. A person who smokes and is obese should have to pay more for their healthcare than a non-smoker who exercises daily. Employers, government and taxpayers should not have to pay for healthcare of a person who doesn't demonstrate interest in disease prevention. Government should pay for ALL preventive care and health education programs, and offer communities, employers and agencies big incentives for sucessful wellness promotion programs."	Maybe paying in to a national health fund each year. I would be willing to pay if I knew that there was a limit to what a provider could charge for a specific service and my money wouldn't be wasted on treating people who won't do their part in taking care of themselves.	PLEASE educate the public on how to be well. Give incentives-- Americans will become mentally healthier as we become physically healthier. Utilize wellness-based models of care and increase their accessibility! Promote the practice of Midwives-- we educate and empower women and require that they make healthy choices for themselves and their families...Women love midwives because we educate. The most important time to make decisions that will affect life-long health is during pregnancy and early childhood.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	3/26/06 9:29 PM
11299	Why are we paying more then any other counrty in the world and have one of the worst health care records of all the developed countries	On-going paying system banking.  where you would pay monthly into an account and then draw when necessary.	"The American public will constantly expect more then they can afford and request everything the media has trained us well to ""have the very best"" even when it is not needed or required. ""just in case'"	That Nurse practioneers be allowed to set up clinics and practices to assist those who do not have a private physician and/ or to assist a physician in his practice	female	Over 64	Yes	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	3/26/06 10:45 PM
11300	1. The large nubmer of uninsured people.  2. The complicated form-filled insurance hurdles which drive costs up while expanding insurance company profits.	We should have an equitable single-payer system.	"With the money we currently spend, we can provide high quality health care to cover 90% of situations. Most of us would, I believe,  agree to stress palliative care rather than efforts to prolong lives of those with no hope of resuming a satisfactory life."	Single payer national health insurance.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/26/06 10:54 PM
11307	tHAT OUR HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE AND STILL SUB-STANDARD AND CONTINUING TO not COVER A NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT WILL SOON INCREASE TO 50 MILLION.  GET PROFIT OUT OF HEALTH CARE.	wE NEED mEDICARE fOR aLL OR A UNIVERSAL /SINGLE PAYER SYSTEM WITH CONTROLS AND EFFICIENCIES THAT ONLY GOVERNMENT CAN PROVIDE. GET PROFIT OUT OF HEALTH CARE.	The public is willing to pay higher taxes in exchange care health care for all and controls on corporate health care robberies and fraud.  The public is already standing in lines even with insurance and is well-informed that care is rationed by insurance companies and their needs for unconscionable profit and frequent fraud.  See Frist's HCA family frauds.  People are ust tired of being cheated in general but in cases of life and death in particular. 	"Universal health care/single payer that includes preventive care, community medicine, information systems that work, mental health care, long-term care, acute care, chronic care, dental and eye care and some integrative medicines."	female	45 to 64	Yes	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WV	3/27/06 12:44 AM
11311	Lack of education about what's covered among our population.  Lack of incentives for individuals to do the right things.	I wish more accountability fell on the individual and less on the government/taxpayer.	"I think the American public thinks that the cost of care and insurance is too high today, and won't have much tolerance for higher costs in order to cover those who are uninsured."	Let free markets work.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/27/06 6:24 AM
11319	High costs and inefficienties in the health care system. Utilize more evening and night visits for doctor appointments and health care services.	Tax oil and gasoline and prohibit President Bush and Congress from spending Billions of dollars on reconstruction of Iraq and foreign aid to other contries instead spend the money on health care for US citizens. Take care of United States's legal citizens first.	Increase in affordable taxes on gasoline(3-10cents a gallon to pay specificly for health care	"Require Doctors and Hospitals to provide care in the evening and night, up to 10pm, for normal scheduled visits, i.e. in addition to normal work hours."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/27/06 7:45 AM
11321	"The current system only wants to insure people who never go to a doctor.  Instead of encouraging people to seek treatment for symptoms----even if the symptom turn out to be nothing serious, it discourages tham for fear that they will be turned down by insurance companies if the need to seek insurance in the future.   As healthcare costs have risen, quality of the care has decreased.  It is appalling that most doctors don't have office hours that suits the needs of the working people.  In my entire adult life, I've had to take off from work in order to see a doctor.  The caring, compassionate doctor that values loyalty and service to his or her patients seems to no longer exist."	"I think we need to take a lesson from our Canadian neighbors and provide healthcare to all our citizens.  Too bad if it cuts into the profits of doctors and drug companies.  I think many medical professionals have lost sight of why one should become a doctor.  It's not enirely their fault, the insurance industry has also  made it hard for them to keep their practices profitable.  This country seems to have plenty of money when it comes to heloping other countries with their problems."	There should be no trade-offs.  Quality healthcare should be a right.	Make qualit healthcare affordable and available to everyone.  	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/27/06 8:12 AM
11324	"The rising cost of Health Insurance... I am a 62 year old....under managed health care...my husband and I pay over $1200 per month for coverage...  when we try to pay less by increasing our deductibles...the coverage goes down...we have a cap of $2,000,000 life time coverage which would be wiped out with a catastrophic illness....    All Americans should have basic health care and pay for it through their place of business..as in ""Medicare""  OUr country can and should afford it...    Many Americans and illegal aliens live day to day without coverage...we the people are indirectly paying for them anyway...    Long term care is out of control....    Health care is a disgrace to our nation...."	"Yes, add an extra cost to the Medicare and give us all health care...call it National Health Care..I never met an unhappy Canadian yet...    The cost of health care is discriminatory...it goes up with age...no one wants to keep on an employeed who is costing them twice as much for health care as a younger person..."	"We should not have to make any trade-offs...the insurance companies, doctors, and hospitals would like to make you think a trade off is necessary.."	"Make health care available to ALL AMERICANS...    2. Cap the Insurance Companies, Doctors and Hospitals for the outrageous costs they send on to us..."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/27/06 8:29 AM
11329	"The ability of health insurance companies and drug providers to control costs is most concerning. Currently there are no regulations or controls by which insurance contracts with medical providers (i.e. doctors, hospitals, clinics) are governered, outlined. An insurance company contracts with a provider at an inflated fee, negotiating s discounted payment to be received at a later date. In the past, many insurance companies would terminate a contract with a health care provider which would honor a discounted payment to a self pay cash client. If this still holds true is that not restraint of trade violation? And the necessity for keeping cash flow in accounts receivable for the health care providers encourages this practice due to the necessity of the health care provider to pay their bills in a timely fashion.  Payment at time of service is needed for the business to conduct business and even billings are seen as credit lines/revenue .  It is difficult for the provider to ignore the opportunity for immediate revenue for those creditors (employees, insurance companies, utilities) which need immediate payment.  My concern has been ""whatever the market can bear"" mentality which is breaking the back of the health care system.  A serious look at history might actually see the trend changing within the years of government deregulation on many powerful business and the beginnings of insurance companies expanding and diversifying their investment holdings."	"Government historically has difficulty in providing services. The medical profession has been fighting socialized medicine for years. The insurance companies will not allow socialized medicine to occur. Individuals should be responsible for their lifestyle and health care decisions and finances.  Programs that have been in place to assist the lower income health poor are working only to a degree and some very successful public health programs have worked so well that they became a threat to competition. Kaiser worked for many years. Throughout the nations HMO's were working but the key has been the lack of discounts to cash paying customers and the contracts being made with other insurers.  Perhaps another aspect to consider is the greed/lack of foresight of the American consumer. In speaking with several persons who are invested in insurance company stocks, they don't want to lose that profit margin on their investment. One elderly woman I talked with was furious that her supplemental insurance company refused to cover the cost of the drug Enbrel ($6000 a year for the regime) yet, she owned stock in that insurance company and refused to sell the amount of stock to cover the cost of the treatment because she might need the money some day!  "	"I think most of the American public is so concerned in gettting what they consider their fair share that they will grasp at the quick fix and not really think about the future consequence. Because we have tried to pay cash for service, because we have failed to get discount we as a family and small business have been forced to purchase an affordable limited, larger deductible HMO plan which is very difficult to use out of the area, out of the state of Florida."	"Government reorganization of existing programs such as medicare/medicaid with a renewed look at past trade regulatory controls exaiming restraint of trade issues, cash discounts, price inflation and companies diversifying a losing profit margins into other areas.  One notable American with his statement of ... it depends on what your definition of is, is....(forgive the possible paraphrase).  The problem might lie in the definition of cost...whose cost, what cost, at what cost factor does profit become cost?"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/27/06 8:53 AM
11333	"There are so many people without health care.  It seems as though we spend more time and money fixing the rest of the worlds problems and over look the people in our own country that are suffering or just struggling to get the basic things in life.  This country is supposed to be the best place to live, but we're really just average."	"Some employers only offer insurance to the employee (not to the family of the employee) then to insure the family, you have to pay extra for insurance for them.  There's no savings for anyone in this instance.  Those that do offer insurance to the family of the employee have such high payments it's hard to see the benefit of getting insurance from your employer.  Government funded insurance has such a low income cut off that only people living well under the poverty line qualify.  What about those that are barely able to scrape by?  Do they not need to have insurance?  Do you just over look the people that are trying to give their families a decent life but can't afford health insurance because paying rent is more important!?"	"I honestly don't think the public is willing to trade.  It will probably take an increase in taxes, but the cost of buying insurance would still have to come down.  I don't think that most people would be able to afford health insurance the way that it is even if it were partially funded by the government."	Make it less of a business and more about treating the people.  It's important to remember that health care is about treating a patient not treating their wallet!	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/27/06 9:15 AM
11346	"The fact that ALL Americans do not have access to good preventitive health care. We pay so much for our premiums ($1,333.00 per month) with only coverage for my mamagrams for preventitive care; Therefore, we can't afford to have any other procedures to prevent medical problems from developing. It seems to me that is defeating the purpose of keeping our national health costs down."	I would pay more taxes to make sure that ALL americans have health care.	I think most Americans would be willing to pay taxes to fund enough money to have the care we all need. I don't think we need to make such a decision.	Wheel in the outrageous salaries of the corporate heads. This is including both hospitals and insurance providers. They make sure they are covered while bleeding the ordinary citizen.	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/27/06 10:51 AM
11357	The costs for health care are increasing too much.  People can not afford to get sick and see a doctor.  Costs of insurance plans have sky rocketted.  People do not get health insurance because they cannot afford it.	I think that it could still remain the same if costs for insurance and medical care was reduced than all could afford it.	higher deductibles to make the premiums lower.	make it more affordable.  	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	3/27/06 11:45 AM
11360	"That the health care system is seemingly ignorant and mindless.  It should be cost-effective by recognizing the affordable costs of prevention, but it does not. Alcoholic women who have given birth to a child with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder are 75% at risk to give birth to a second one.  If she gets into rehabilitation and recovery, you could save the lifetime costs of raising a second child; $2 million per Chuck Lupton of the SAMHSA FASD Center for Excellence.  Rehab is cost effective.  It keeps women off the street and out of homeless shelters and returns them to the workplace, and prevents a second occurrence of FASD, the leading preventable cause of mental retardation."	unsure	"They will be willing to pay more for access to quality care, and flexibility and choices of physicians and hospitals and treatment programs."	Provide cost-effective funding for preventative treatment programs rather than waiting till expensive surgeries are required.  Pay for holistic practitioners and nutritional supplementation.	female	45 to 64	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/27/06 12:05 PM
11364	The rising costs of health care and the number of poeple being denied treatment or adequate treatment due to no coverage and lack of personal resources.	"More people should be covered by government programs, employers should all pay their fair share (I'm not including small businesses here), there should be more controls on pricing, drugs and teatments, etc.Our profit-making health care system is bankrupting many families. "	"Most people would be willing to make co-pays,maybe pay more deductibles IF there were cost controls on the industry.  "	"A universal single-payer program that covers ALL americans, would reduce administrative costs and help to get costs under control.  America is moving in the wrong direction on health care, the Medicare Part D program is an example of that, more private insurers reaping the benefits NOT the seniors.  "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/27/06 12:22 PM
11374	The cost of providing health care	"I believe we should require all invividuals to purchase health insurance with government assistance to those who cannot afford the premium.  In this way, there should be no uninsured.  "	"There should be a basic level of healthcare guaranteed to all. Those with the financial capability to  do so, should be able to purchase upgrades to this basic level if they choose to  do so.  "	We can not afford to provide exceptional health care for everyone. We should look at basic healthcare programs provided by single payer systems in other countries and use that level of  care as a guideline for establishing a basic level of care here.	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	3/27/06 1:54 PM
11378	It is too expensive.  It is too confusing.  It is very poor quality care because of mistakes and general failure to treat whole human beings instead of body parts or illnesses.   Too many people don't get care.  	Health care should be a government service -  like public water supplies.   Insurance companies should be abolished.  They add no value to the system and consume precious resources.   	"The American public would be willing to pay more taxes in return for reduced health care premiums, reduced paperwork, and reduced confusion in access to care.   The truth is that a single payer system would be less expensive and better quality than what the vast majority of Americans suffer through right now. It the facts were presented honestly rather than through the filters of the insurance companies who stand to gain so much from the status quo, this would not even be an issue."	"Single payer, universal health care provided by the government."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	3/27/06 2:17 PM
11382	Corporations are running our health care and are raping the America people with our goverments blessings. 	"We need(we deserve health care, it should be a right)it to be paid for thru our taxes."	They will not have to. Put the money that is curently being paid for health care into a Single Payor system. Take out the middleman(Insurance Companys)and there will be plenty to cover every America.	Single Payor System (Canadian Style)	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	3/27/06 2:35 PM
11392	"That consumers of health care do not know the cost of receiving medical services before they receive them. We need to know what Doctors, providers, suppliers and Hospitals will charge us so we can decide what services we are willing to pay for."	"I prefer the free market system. As soon as we make laws mandating certain things, then we may as well mandate that the American People cannot be more the 50 pounds overwieght, that you cannot drink alcohol, that you cannot use tobacco, that you cannot abuse drugs, that you cannot be violent, that you cannot be permiscuos. All of which would be good things to not do so that we are healthier and utilize health care services less."	"High Quality care is possible, but affordable is a relative term. There are no trade offs to procure ""affordable"" high quality care. That sort of thing costs money and alot of it. The only way for health care to be affordable is for the providers to charge less money for their services and I do not think they will want to do that! The costs are what they are so affordable is a relative term. That is why the consumer needs more information about the cost of receiving health care so they can decide which provider they are willing to pay for a particular service."	"WE as Americans basically want the best health care and we want it yesterday and we want someone else to pay for it. Therefore, Americans are going to have to change their behavior. Americans need to change their lifestyle. We need to live healthier lifestyles. Eat a proper diet, get proper excersize, get proper sleep. Reduce indulgences and be more sensible. Obesity in this country is a major problem and needs our attention, people need to quit abusing drugs, tobacco, alcohol, and extreme behaviors. Americans need to be less violent, less promiscuos. As long as Americans maintain their current behaviors we are going to have problems with the cost of healthcare. So, the American people better wake up and take better care of themselves or they will have to pay for it!"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	3/27/06 3:00 PM
11396	"It is obvious that health care in the U.S. is in crisis.  Much of the reason that alternative medicine modalities have staged an upsurge over the last 20 years is that the current medical model is failing much of its public responsibility.  It is clear that a change is needed, but the question is what is the best way to do that and how does naturopathy fit into that picture?     My solution begins by looking at the factors that have contributed to high health care costs and low quality care, the introduction of insurance programs and managed care.  What inevitably happens when two parties engage in an exchange of services or goods and the actual costs and payment are insulated from both parties is the inherent value of the service or goods become fuzzy.  Although it is not without its problems, the free-market has been the one engine of humanity that has fueled the most innovation and wide spread prosperity.  Of course inequities do and will always exist.  Such is life.  But it is the reward of prosperity from ambition and hard work that serves as the catalyst for raising mankind out of the mire.  Most of the poverty and suffering that continues worldwide is due to political instability, religious conflict and a lack of free market forces, a reflection of the current capacity and will of the populace.   Any new health care system will not be perfect, but it must be one that results in quality care and an efficient use of resources.  Except for the small resurgence of cash practices, most of the health services are now very removed from the free market and as such have lost the innate controls of cost and quality.  The principles of individual responsibility and individual reward for effort are what play to the basic human reward neurochemistry, the basic survival instincts.  Those who need or want an available service will be inclined to reward conscientious care with their health care dollars, but only if those dollars are tangible in the exchange. Getting something for nothing, or at least being well insulated from its actual cost, will nearly always cause a subconscious undervaluing of that something.  It is interesting to notice that even the less affluent find the means to get the things that they really value.  Just drive through a low-income neighborhood and see how many of these folks not only have televisions, but have satellite or cable.  If we sell our services based on intrinsic value rather than it being just another entitlement, we will be blessed with willing patients and ones who inspire us to do our best for their hard earned dollars.  It is a win-win situation.  A compliant and satisfied patient is one that will likely send more patients your way, and one who if restrained by finances would be worthy of a sliding scale.    As anecdotal evidence there is the testimony of the handful of practicing naturopaths that I’ve encountered.  Of those who are most successful, nearly every one runs a cash business.  Of those who have a large patient base with insurance coverage of naturopathy, I have yet to hear that it is helping them be successful; often it is quite the opposite.  It is also interesting that many of these doctors note that insurance patients are often the most demanding and least compliant.  The problem with health insurance programs can be demonstrated by analogizing them to automobile insurance.  Imagine if everyone had insurance to cover all automobile ailments for a $10 copay.  With every ding, every thud, and every oil change we’d be lining up outside the shop waiting to get our 50-point maintenance.  The point is that everyone would take advantage of the benefit and begin to loose sight of the costs behind the services.  There would be less personal responsibility to take care of one’s car to prevent costly repairs.  Imagine what automobile crisis we’d find ourselves under.  With the loss of the free-market prices would escalate and quality of service would decline.    Insurance should be "	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	3/27/06 3:34 PM
11418	"we pay too much for tests and too little for cognitive medicine.  This will result in a decrease of specialties such as child neurology, psychiatry, primary care."	Our care is rationed so that the sick do not get care and the money paid in by the healthy goes to the profit of the private insurance companies.  Excess profits should be controlled	NULL	Control unfair behavior by the insurance companies.  Work to prevent a health insurance monpoly	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/27/06 5:03 PM
11430	So many people lack coverageand so much ofthe money goes into administration and profits.	This is OK in some ways however many employers pay nothing.  I believe that every employer should pay a percentage of their payroll expense into an insurance fund to go with employee and government funds.	I am not the American public.  I am a low income senior who pays almost 11% of my income for health coverage.	"Uniform coverage, emphasis on preventive care and a focus on meeting the needs of very sick, high need individuals."	male	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	3/27/06 6:46 PM
11436	Health Care Costs	Universal Health Care	None - The government should provide coverage.	Uviversal Health Care	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ME	3/27/06 7:17 PM
11439	Administrative costs combined with private insurance company profits are causing the US to spend excessive amounts of money on worsening quality of care.	I believe that private health-insurance should be done away with. Health care is a right which all   Americans should have access to. The federal government is capable of doing a better job and is already taking care of the most expensive problems while the insurance companies gain wealth and reduce benefits. Our nation ranks very poorly in quality of care (based on child mortality rates and average life span to name just two) despite paying considerably more per person than those countries which do better (and have national health care systems).	I believe that the American public is willing to wait for non-critical care in order to provide health insurance to all.  I believe that the American public is willing to pay higher taxes in order to have continued care throughout life.  I believe that the American public is willing to limit the use of expensive and unproven treatments in the face of end-of-life care in order to increase palliative care and decrease spending.	"Institute a federal health care system which includes all Americans, sets costs, and does away with the private health insurance industry as we know it."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	3/27/06 7:34 PM
11441	"Lack of coverage for poor, children, elderly, unemployed."	"there should be a basic level of wellness/preventive healthcare available to every citizen of the country regardless of ability to pay, with prophylactic coverage for illegals to prevent outbreaks of preventible disease"	"less emphasis on high-technology for diagnoses, less determination by insurance companies about medical needs, more recognition of preventive & wellness health practices & support, less money diverted into trying to manage other countries' affairs"	Wellness/preventive healthcare clinics available to every person in the country regardless of ability to pay or demonstrate citizenship.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	3/27/06 8:07 PM
11447	"That it is unaffordable.  That preventitive medicine is not covered as much as it should be by insurance companies, and it is the insurance companies that are dictating the healthcare system.  "	"If individuals have to pay out of pocket because they cannot afford health insurance, they should not have to have it affect the rest of their lives financially.  Everyone has a right to healthcare.  We have the right to have it be affordable.  How can someone who makes $20,000 a year afford an operation that cost then $10,000.  You couldn't imagine the impact it has!  Especially if they have no resources that can help them.  "	"Trade-offs?  Like giving up some of our freedom?!!?  I believe that we pay enough in taxes that it should cover health care.  I get one third of my paycheck taken away; money I worked for, just so I can live in this country.  And that doesn't allow me access to reasonable health care?  When that is one of my rights as a U.S. citizen?  I am willing to give up funding for us to be in Eastern countries because of 'our' (but not mine) greed for oil.  "	"Why does health care have to be sooooo expensive??  I know there are costs of running a health care facility, and it costs doctors to become doctors.  But now doctors are making absorbitant amounts of money and teachers aren't!  The health care system needs to become real again.  It can't maintain this inflated ego that it has.  It needs to be affordable and allow people without extra money to have access to health care.  Otherwise these people are not taking care of themselves and then later down the road the U.S. citizens are paying for it anyway as they are older and sicker and certainly can't pay for anything themselves.  I recommend that we put more effort into creating a working and affordable health care system instead of pumping billions of dollars into the dead end route of oil hunger.  "	female	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	3/27/06 8:45 PM
11448	The fact that medical/health insurance is only for the so-called healthy.  The fact that I have virtually no control over what doctors I see.  The fact that insurance premiums are ridiculously high.	"I think EVERYONE in this country should contribute monetarily to the health care system, just not at the current rates."	"Frankly, I'm not sure the American public is willing to make any trade-offs - as a general whole everyone complains that taxes are too high - have they ever seen the taxes for a country such as Germany - their taxes are 60% percent.  I have no faith that, as a general whole, Americans would be willing to make any sacrifices or compromises."	Make it affordable and available to everyone.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	3/27/06 8:57 PM
11450	I believe that any AMERICAN who has 20 years or more in social security and is 59yrs or over should be allowed to purchase a government backed form of health insurance for a reasonable fee of say $35.00/month until they reach medicare eligable age of 65 or 66.  The party that understands this will control America for years.  Will it be the Republican or Democratic Party?	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/27/06 9:44 PM
11453	"The system is collapsing.  Too many unisured, too many underinsured.  Too much cost hurting business and state and local governments."	Only a government run system of universal coverage can solve the problem.	"We are already spending enough money, but too much is wasted, especially in insurance company overhead and billing inefficiency.  The trade of is that we need government  to run the social insurance part and get rid of the private insurance industry."	"Adopt a system of Medicare for all, national health insurance."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/27/06 10:10 PM
11455	several things.  non-profits selling to for-profit corporations or acting like for-profit corps  salaries are enormous for ceo's while essential care gets denied for citizens.  healthcare being tied to a job.  healthcare not available to everyone.  health care is a right.  we have the highest healthcare costs out of all the industrialized coultries by an enormous margin.  yet we have 40+ million peole still not receiving healthcare or at least not covered by health insurance.  the emergency room are a terrible mess because of this and are unable to provide the care they were designed to.	"let everyone have the same healthcare that congress enjoys, or at least some level of care that is at least adequate, but perhaps stellar.  perhaps we should all have medicare.  that would necessitate all of us paying higher medicare premiums.  i think that studies such as the one proposed in new mexico to look at funding and how such a system would work, and what would be the most efficient way to provide healthcare for everyone."	"paying a higher premium for medicare.  i think that costs to the individual could actually go down if there is perhaps a one party payor sustem.  it would take all the middle men, and mangers out of it, and greatly reduce the cost.  i do not know the figures, but i understand that medicare has phenomenally low admintrative costs.  it is very efficient. there is no reason why this could not also work on a larger scale."	"have all americans have access to affordable, adequate, high quality healthcare."	male	45 to 64	No	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	3/27/06 11:15 PM
11460	"1.  Lack of access for everyone  2.  Insurance companies run amuck!  They are all making money, but reducing benefits to their insureds and reducing reimbursements to their providers.  It's a huge misplacement of priorities and a huge failing of capitalism in America to have health insurance be a profit-driven enterprise.  3.  Maternity care (with the exception of midwifery care) is for the most part based on zero medical evidence and does not treat women with respect.  Rising C sections really concern me."	"Universal healthcare via a government plan.  See Canada, Sweden, other countries with excellent healthcare and benefits for their citizens."	"They will have to pay taxes to afford this system.  However, the total savings to the economy will actually be a net benefit because people will not become homeless and lose everything if they have an unexpected illness."	Accept nothing less than universal healthcare (including health education and preventative care) for every citizen.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	3/28/06 12:57 AM
11461	"The biggest concern I have about health care in America today is the fact that ""health"" insurance is really only ""disease"" insurance and pays big dollars to try and ""fix"" people who are sick, but won't pay for visits to doctors who try to keep people well, such as naturopaths and Chinese medicine practitioners."	"I think that employer provided plans should require employees to participate in a ""wellness program."" Not just in name, but providing serious financial incentives to employees that take part in regular exercise programs and visit a ""wellness"" doctor, such as a licensed ND, at least twice a year. Also, employees should be given a ""supplement allowance"" as part of thier wellness program, to help them keep well instead of trying to fix them after they get sick. Standard Process is a company and employer who uses such a plan sucessfully, and from which a beginning model might be drawn. Please note that I am not, nor have I ever been, a Standard Process employee.   "	"Of greatest concern are the people who simply do not have enough funds to pay for health insurance, and therefore, certainly cannot pay out of pocket expenses for large deductibles. Big deductibles only work for people who have adequate funds set aside to pay for their own medical expenses. Everyone else just waits until they are so sick they have no choice but to seek care through emergency, quick fix medicine, which is very expensive. I don't think this has to be a trade off. Most people could live much healthier lives if they were properly educated about nutrition and lifestyle, (ditto employers!) and if drug companies were prohibited from advertising their toxic wares on national television. "	"Put a banner on the evening news every night telling Americans the truth, which is that the leading cause of death in America is toxic drug reactions. Ban advertising by drug companies! (The Little Purple Pill, indeed!) "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	3/28/06 1:17 AM
11465	"I am most concerned about the medical paradigm we are stuck in.  A century ago, with the success of antibiotic treatment of acute infectious disease, we developed a paradigm of:  go to the doctor, get a pill, take it, be cured.  This paradigm does not work for chronic illness.  Pills don't address the cause of our chronic diseases, and they have many side affects, and are expensive.  We need to address the way doctors and patients manage our health."	"     We need to reduce the reliance on health insurance.  Insurance companies #1 priority is not providing good health care to its consumers, but rather to yield a profit.  We need to run our health care program with quality and availability of care to all people as our #1 priority."	"     We are willing to eliminate the expensive interventions that occur in the last two years of our lives.  Something like 98% of the money that is spent on our health is spent in these last two years.  By focusing on prevention, healthy diets and lifestyles, adequate hydration, and regular ""wellness"" visits, we could create a much more efficient, effective, and afordable system."	"     Shift our paradigm.  Make health a priority.  Actively pursue health, rather than managing disease.  See the big picture.  "	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	3/28/06 3:26 AM
11482	I am most concerned by the need of health professionals to think early (sometimes first) about how to protect themselves from litigation.  Then they can think about what is the best other medicine to practice.  This is a very expensive way to practice and costs us all.	"Government picks up a lot of medical expenses that people could pay for if they were not choosing to purchase beyond their means....driving newer cars and having cable TV, new furniture, etc.  We require drivers to have car insurance.  Requiring medical savings plans or enabling more people to have group health insurance would be a more efficient than having the government in control of so much of our health care.  We used to provide good medical care for indigent citizens at government supported medical school hospitals and clinics.  Now private and not for profit medical facilities must also ""eat"" the bills for anybody who chooses to darken their doors.  This is going backwards and does nothing to encourage people to take responsibility for their own actions financially or medically.  Private health care suffers and government funding is spread thinner, partially because it has to go so many different places."	"Many just want free care without responsibility.  However, many of us would be quite happy to work with the money saved if we had limits on malpractice awards."	Limit malpractice liability awards.	female	Over 64	No Response	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	3/28/06 10:02 AM
11486	"The fact that it reflects an obscenely widening income gap among Americans, leading to TRIAGE health care based on income and social status.  Health care is a human RIGHT and a government, [NOT insurance co. or HMO], RESPONSIBILITY. Government OWES all citizens and residents health care through a national health service into which we each pay a premium.  Health care should NEVER, NEVER be a for-profit undertaking.  It's immoral that HMO & insurance co. executives get paid indecently high salaries, plus stock options, bonuses, & others perquisites, for maximizing  profits by denying health care to those who need it.  "	"Payments by individuals and employers should be made to GOVERNMENT, as premiums.  I want a single-payer funding system, with government as the single payer for universal health care."	"STRESS PREVENTION!!!!!!  Eating right, taking vitamins (especially because pharmaceutical companies make no mega-profits on them), MOVING ABOUT {aka exercisiing) daily, AVOIDing the products of the pharmaceutical industry - particularly the most heavily advertised ones;  getting involved in the mainstream rather than marginalising oneself [e.g., get into local politics], continuing to LEARN about a subject that is of interest to oneself, doing one's housework as a form of self-respect, working with groups with whose goals one agrees"	ABOLISH HMO's. Get insurance companies TOTALLY OUT OF insuring health care.  Establish a national health service.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	3/28/06 10:10 AM
11491	"The pharmaceutical companies have too much power.  They are making money from disease and have no stake in preventing it. Every person in America should be able to have health care, especially preventive care.  "	"Our taxes should be used for the health and welfare of the people of America and not for stupid projects some Congress person wants for his constituents.  The only thing wrong with the current system is that it excludes people who work in low-paying jobs that do not provide insurance.  The government should cover the health care of such people who are serving us all as cab drivers, clerks in stores, waiters and waitresses, etc."	"Probably none.  If Congress and the President handled the budget responsibly, instead of using our taxes to finance wars and the corporations needed to run wars, there would be enough money to finance health care."	"Make pharmaceutical companies non-profit organizations, subsidized by the government. Let government regulate costs, but let there be a civilian group to watch over what is going on."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/28/06 10:19 AM
11495	"The need for catastropic health care for citizens that are terminally ill and lose their insurance because they can not work, Cobra is a joke, it can cost hundreds of dollars a month, when your ill and can't work how are you able to afford cobra?  Just a outrage."	"Yes for the terminally ill and catastrophic illnesses there should be an easier way for the ill to get the medical attention they need, regardless of the cost $$$$$$$$$"	I believe that we pay enough taxes to enable all americans to have high quality health care provided by our government.  If you take just what we spend on all our other pork projects alone.	"If someone is terminally ill or has a catastrophic illness they should be taken care of with HIGH quality health care and not have to worry about where there medication and doctor bills, hospital bills will be paid."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	3/28/06 10:31 AM
11501	"That citizens do not have the basic right to health care.  Even people who work -- many over 40 hours/week -- do not have health care.  People are forced to forego or delay treatment, and wind up being sicker. "	"Taxes should be levied for the public good -- just like we tax for education and roads.  why not health care, with universal access?"	"I am very willing to trade-off inefficiency in the current system.  Too much of the health care dollar goes to ""administration"" -- overhead.  the private sector is much worse than programs like Medicare."	"Develop a coordinated system through the government that assures access for all, including focusing on preventive care.  Health care should be regulated -- like utilities are regulated.  The private sector system is not working for the US.  Every other developed country has figured out a system; why can't we?"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/28/06 11:26 AM
11507	Individual cost of health care and the number of americans who have no health care at all.	 Health care needs to be a government obligation with some possible individual and employer co pay at a minimal level.	???????	Allocate some defense spending to a national health care program.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	3/28/06 11:52 AM
11512	The large number of people with no access to quality care.	We desperately need a single payer system that removes insurance companies from the middle and removes the burden of insurance from employers.	"I believe that Americans would be very willing to trade off high insurance premiums and deductions for higher taxes to pay for a comprehensive, single payer system."	Single payer as soon as possible!	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	3/28/06 12:55 PM
11513	"I'm, afraid the 11 million illegal aliens already in this country are sapping the health care system.  We are over 58 and 62 years of age and have to pay over $1200 per MONTH for our health insurance.  We use the system very little and are afraid when the time comes to use it we'll be left without affordable insurance and unable to pay for and get proper care."	"I've heard about those who don't carry health insurance and get care for ""free"" when they could in fact pay for some of their care.  What if everyone started doing the same thing?  What about providers who charge paying recipients more that those who claim they have no insurance? I now believe there should be National Health Care for every citizen as in other ""developed"" countries.   "	"Now is the time to establish National Health Care. The few can no longer support the many ""without coverage""."	National Health Care for all citizens.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/28/06 12:56 PM
11516	"ignorance, there is no attempt to educate people on how to stay healthy and away from the downhill ride on medicine today that ends in illness, debility and death"	"you left out the legal mafia, insurance.  which eats up more than half of every health care dollar and has cost us our health care. it is now insurance care and that means bigger paychecks for executives and bigger buildings for the insurance companies and nothing left over for health care. eliminate insurance as the middle man, put all that money into a medical savings account and have only the less expensive insurance that would cover large expenses such as hospitalizations and surgeries and cancers."	i don't know that they are.  they are too used to the idea that someone else should pay for things for them.	ELIMINATE INSURANCE MIDDLEMAN!!!!!	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	3/28/06 1:19 PM
11521	Lack of access.	It should be greatly simplified. Employer-based health insurance should be eliminated -- unpredictable health costs are driving many employers out of business. It also results in people losing their insurance just when they need it. When they're too sick to work.	"Fire the medical billing specialists, and other useless administrative staff. Simplify payment systems so that even an MD can understand them.    If that ain't enough increase premiums. It's not like they aren't going to skyrocket anyway."	Simplify billig systems. It'll save money which can be used to improve care.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/28/06 2:09 PM
11522	"The fact that as a result of the vast improvements in treatment options, we are expending too much time and money to keep persons marginally alive.  I, for one, would not want to make a decision to limit or stop treatment options, but we seem to spend extrordinary amounts of resources on a few to the overall detriment of the many."	"All of the recipients of health care should, when at all possible, pay something toward their treatment.  When people are ""given"" anything without having to contribute toward the payment or result, they do not appreciate or possibly even understand that there is a cost involved.  "	A combination of:   1) willingness for everyone including UNIONS & CORPORATE EXECUTIVES to pay toward premiums and/or co-pays  2) willingness to forgo extrordinary treatments when true improvements are not likely	"Preventative treatment - require each person who is covered by health insurance/Medicare to visit a primary care doctor once a year with the goal of identifying/treating illness & disease before it has escalated to a point requiring more intensive/expensive care.  This visit should be a basic checkup with basic blood screen, nothing more."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/28/06 2:29 PM
11528	My greatest concern is that we do not provide timely high quality care to everyone even though we are paying more than enough to do it.	We should change this fragmented system which bankrupts many families and is now threatening to bankrupt General Motors with a single efficient Medicare system for everyone.	"The trade-off would be in finding other employment for the vast bureaucracy of persons in the HMOs and insurance companies whose job is to ""just say no"" and shift the cost of health care to individuals or government. There are also large numbers of people employed to challenge the unwarranted denials. They could be better employed providing care."	Medicare for all.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/28/06 3:10 PM
11544	"The system is falling apart due to too much fragmentation created by our pitifully ineffective and wasteful patchwork called the health care safety net.  The truth is that if you are not wealth today in America, all it takes is one serious or catastrophic illness to destroy one's life; both financially and emotionally.  Too many decisions about care are being made by people who are not qualified medical professionals.  There are too many middlemen taking a bite out of the great big pie that is our healthcare budget.  We really could save a lot of money if we just eliminated all of the paper work and bureaucracies entailed in today's healthcare system.  Something is seriously wrong when providers invest more resources in claims processing and pushing paper than patient care.  There needs to be a greater emphasis on wellness and preventative healthcare which most plans including my individual Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida do not provide.  This only makes sense from a strategic planning public health perspective.  "	Scrap the whole thing and go to a single payor system.  I think Minnesota has a very successful model in guaranteeing access to all of its residents that could be replicated on a national or state level over time a defined time period in order to transition to a national single payor system.	"Eliminate access to health care as an employer provided fringe benefit.  America cannot compete in today's global marketplace against nations that provide their citizens national health insurance.  With the efficiencies realized by eliminating all of the middlemen, I don't think we face the dire predictions that are spouted ad nauseum by politicians and others for whom the current system works.  Transformative efficiencies such as those realized by the Veteran's Administration over the past decade have made it among the best in customer satisfaction from those for who they provide care as well as an incredible increase in quality based outcomes."	A Single payor system with a massive investment in information technology that provides universal access to patients as well as providers.	male	45 to 64	Yes	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/28/06 5:40 PM
11549	"Healthcare premiums. Not being able to afford premiums which continue to esculate. Healthcare premiums for a family of 4 even with high deductable is 7-10 times higher then my house payment in the 60's 40 million Americans cannot afford health insurance, another 40 million underinsured or more"	"Government of the people by the people and for the people.Draft a program through the government that shows true leadership by the inclusion of government (state and fereral)Employers and Individuals to cover all of the people.You have to start with basic healthcare services only (define it)elective procedulresmust be put at a premium. The poor needing some of the elective procedures can be taken care of by alocal care pool of doctors,government and drug companies"	"The American public will be willing to do whatever is fair for all citizens.Make note of this comment.  In the 60,s dad worked, mom raised the kids, starting in the late 80's as it is now, for the middle class to maintain that same 60s standard, mom now has to work, the working poor the husband in addition to the wife working has two jobs. To keep it going, credit card debt is at epic proportion. The working poor and the middle class are standing on the edge of a cliff "	Lead by congress a compreshensive package including participation of all branches of government (state and local)employers and citizens to provide a bare bones healthcare system for all. Premium services should be elective at additional cost	male	Over 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	3/28/06 6:27 PM
11552	"I am concerned that there are people in this country that do not have the ability to access health care due to not qualifying for insurance, being cut from Medicaid/Medicare due to eligibility criteria changing etc.  I also hope that we continue to push for preventive health care and putting more money into investing in the health of our children.  I am concerned about foster children who are on Medicaid and not being able to access services such as mental health and other specialists due to providers not accepting Medicaid.  I think that an exception for foster children should be made to continue counseling/therapeutic relationship with their mental health provider (once established) despite the fact that they may be moved from home to home--continuity in all facets of care is important!"	Think about a single payor system!!!!	I think if we made the strong case that there are certain things every American should have a right to (certain set of basic health care)--re-organize the system so that more people have access/insurance coverage--  As more people are faced with having to pay more for health care (since employers are cost-sharing the expenses) some working folks are now not able to purchase viable health plans! We are increasing the gap and making health care inaccessible to more and more people.  	Re-thinking the system as it currently stands.  Medical insurance should not be based on risk--everyone should invest in the system and recognize that some folk are going to use the system more--but that everyone has a basic right to receive some standard health care.	female	25 to 44	No	Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	3/28/06 7:07 PM
11555	"Lack of sufficient physicians available to rural communities.  Even with rural community health centers, not all are reached and served.  The elderly who are on fixed income are my main concern."	"Yes, more agressive oversight of persons on disability who are capable of working ie those who are ""disabled"" yet capable of hard physical work when hunting or fishing!  There are many who actually need support such as elderly and single moms and don't receive.  "	"We should not have to ""trade off"" in the U.S. We can all work together to achieve adequate, quality health care for all our citizens.  To have a strong country we need to have a healthy country enabling all our citizens to be able to work up to their potential with dignity.  I believe the amount of dollars that go to support wars could be more productively used to support education (including health ed), medical research, nutrition programs, and health needs."	The above.	female	Over 64	No	White	NULL	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ID	3/28/06 7:44 PM
11558	"Equal qualtity health care access to all of society without limitations to race, income, or ethnicity.  The fact that one person with cancer (ie) does not get quality care because of financial situations is not acceptable.  All people have equal value and worth in our society."	"I believe that until the government is willing to give the general population a cost of living increase to offset the costs of health care and daily living expenses, that we will continue to have this battle.  We all want to do our part to contribute to our own health care. However, when we have to choose between health care, and putting food on the table, paying the rent, or having heat, it is obvious that the responsible parent will forgo health care for themselves."	I am not sure at this point in time.  	"I believe that we should seriously investigate the current health care situations in other countries, and work to adopt what works best."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/28/06 8:39 PM
11565	"That older Americans are having to pick between life-saving medications because they can't afford them. Or worse, going without, because food and shelter seem more important."	"Yes, employers should be made to ensure health coverage for all employees, not just full-time ones. The government should provide some basic primary and hospital care, to decrease costs. The system is backward, mismanaged, and failing."	"I think the American public is willing to make many sacrifices financially or otherwise if it meant that a more reality-based fiscally reponsible, universal plan was available. "	"Listen to nurses, in the hospital, in primary care, and elsewhere. The 'hands-on' is with nurses and without their input and support, any new plans will surely flounder. "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	3/28/06 10:46 PM
11571	"Rising costs, fragmented care, 46 million citizens without health insurance, disparities in health services for minorities, lack of preventive services, too much spent on administrative costs."	We should go to a single payer system with universal coverage.	"People will be willing to wait for non-urgent care -- most of us already do. I have employment related health insurance, for which my employer and I share the cost of premiums.  I routinely wait 3 months for a routine gyn visit, 6 months for dermatology."	We need universal access to health care for all.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	3/28/06 11:52 PM
11573	Pretty much everything about the current system of health care insurance. 	Yes. I strongly believe we should go to a single payer universal health care system using Medicare and the VA as a model. 	"That's a skewed question. With a single payer system there's no ""trade-off"", but there is the enormous gain of universal health coverage for the American people at less cost. I see no ""trade-off"" for the American public. Perhaps the health insurance industry may experience a few ""trade-offs"". It's a win/win for the American people, for the American economy, for American industry. American business, which has born the economic brunt of providing health care to its employees, becomes more competitive internationally (as all other industrialized countries have national health care). Rather than spending a huge proportion of administrative costs on disparate and scattered health insurance carriers,the single payer system could run on the well established, efficient model of the national Medicare system. The medical profession could return to the business of providing care to their patients rather than acting as an arbitrator between the insurance industry and their patients, hospitals would no longer be forced to inflate their fees to compensate for providing ""free care"" to the uninsured, and a national health care system who can negotiate the cost of pharmaceuticals is far preferable to what we now have in place. So to answer your question, (1) there are no trade-offs in patient benefits and (2) there is reduced cost for high quality health care with a national health care single payer system.  "	Do not allow the health insurance industry and the pharmaceutical industry to continue to write our legislation. Medicare D should be ample warning for anyone sincerely interested in solving our health care crisis.	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	3/29/06 1:17 AM
11576	The fact that so many people are not able to get decent health care because they can't pay for insurance or for services.	Everyone should be able to get some form of health care coverage. It shouldn't be rationed according to how much money you have.	"There wouldn't really be any trade-offs, as far as I can see, except that the paper-pushers in the insurance companies and billing departments would have to find other jobs if there were a better system. We already wait, if we don't have insurance, either a long time or never go."	Have everyone covered so they can get preventative and basic care.	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	3/29/06 4:27 AM
11588	"Taxpayers are paying for welfare recipients/SSDI people to get glasses three times a year, free Zyrtek perscriptions, (when mine as an insured person went up 700% thanks to our PA state officials and bureaucrat union hacks).  Entitlement and illegal immigrants get better health care than working Americans do - that is dishearting!"	We need to go back to fee for service and eliminate the bureaucracy of insurance companies.  Let people opt into them.  If your disease doesn't kill you - the bill snafus will. 	"Eliminating bureaucracy!  That's the only way and I'm trusting we'll survive without it.  I work for the government and I can tell you, there are bureacrats and there are civil servants.  Bureaucrats don't want progress.  Civil servants do. "	Eliminate bureaucracy! Pepole are so accustomed to not working now a days because their needs are met.  Give them insentive to want to work.  Stop doing sex transforming operations and other frivolous surgeries covering them by insurance.  Encouarge wellness! 	female	25 to 44	No Response	Other	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	3/29/06 10:03 AM
11596	"Universal national health care is the best answer. The evidence from the Scandinavian countries, Cuba, and eslewhere demonstrates that universal national health care can be the most effective and least expensive means of health care--much less expensive than our present system, which rests on the sometimes lawless greed of private providers such as the corporation founded by Senator Bill Frist's family."	Universal health care paid for by a progressive income tax system under which corporations and the wealthy truly pay their taxes and the health of poor people is protected.	"Get private corporations, such as insurance companies, with their high administrative costs, out of the health care business and focus on the true maintenance of the health of U.S. citizens, particularly through preventive activities that can be made available through adequately staffed neighborhood public health clinics."	"Universal national health care NOW, including reproductive health care."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	3/29/06 11:13 AM
11602	"The rampant costs, the rate of escalation of those costs, and the lack of controls (quality, cost, safety) on a sector of the econcomy that comprises almost 16% GDP. We want to treat it like a free market, but all want WalMart pricing when we are th payer. We want to promote innovation, but without the risks and costs. Putting in place rational ""thermacouples"" is necessary, or our appetite for the best, newest, and quick fix will outstrip our ability as a nation to pay for it."	"Step One:  A guaranteed BASIC coverage package for every resident (whether citizen or guest resident) what has a sliding scale copayment system based on family makeup/income (FPL).  Step Two:  A ramped up community health center system that provides FREE care to low-income eligibles.  Step Three: ""Buy up"" options into a national health plan market - not FEHBP - keep that insanity for the feds. Maybe NHP - contracted like FEHBP is, but much more streamlined, with mandatory acceptance of the reimbursement levels, full transparency of the NHP pricing for services.  Step Four:  A national Catastrophic Coverage High Risk Pool - where the NHP carriers can designate high cost cases (e.g. >750K/yr) - in order to keep the costs/rates for the majority of NHP plan participants reasonable.    "	"Higher cost-sharing for more routine services, provided the public knows they are protected from catastrophic costs and unaffordable premiums."	"All must work together, including the professional provider community and the pharmaceutical industry, the insurance industry, in accepting some ""downsizing"" in income, in order to assure affordability for all."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	3/29/06 11:58 AM
11604	giving away to much for free	"yes, less goverment"	hopefully none	stop giving away the store	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	3/29/06 12:24 PM
11606	"Increased out of pocket expense (co-pays, deductibles) PLUS the increase in premiums.  After meeting premiums and perhaps a mininum office visit fee - $5.00, everything should be reimbursed 100%  Also stop the amount of money we are spending on illegal immigrants that have not put money into our system yet are getting privleges that some of our poorer Americans are not."	"To be able to pick not only your Doctor of choice, but a specilaist AND the hospital you wish to go to.  Why do those have to be divided?  Coverage should be coast-to-coast.  Who is really making the money?  Perhaps reevaluating the insurance companies and HMO's is where we need to start to save $.  I do not mind paying a premium, what I do mind is the increase in cost and the spread at which it continues."	"Your question about having the higher paid salary worker pay more for insurance was a shocker.  As far as I know the higher paid salary worker gets his insurance benefits from the company they work for.  It is not out of their own pocket!  Also, a hospital should not be used as a clinic.  How do we get the poorer public to go to the correct health care facility when it is not an emergency?  Are there not enough other clinic-type facilites besides the hospitals?"	Have the government on the same insurance plan as the public.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/29/06 1:21 PM
11609	So many millions (46) lack access and it is becoming unaffordable to the rest of us.	I would like to see a single payor system with a uniform coverage for all in the US.Employer contributions and taxes would finance it. There would be fewer gaps in coverage. It should be means tested as to its financing.	I think Americans will be willing to bear their fair share in taxes to finance a comprehensive coverage. Employers might save on their current costs.	"Not to listen to the insurance industry lobbyists, but to enact a single payer comprehensive health care program."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/29/06 2:08 PM
11612	"I believe we need what used to be called ""socialized medicine"".  I believe that everyone that needs it should have access to medical care and when necessary surgical care. I wish we could have far more health education, so that people would know what it is to make healthy choices."	I think there should be a sliding scale for medical costs with adjustments for those who have little and those that need expensive treatments.	"While I think the American public is willing to help, I think the insurance copmanies and the pharmaceutical companies would do their utmost to stop changes."	Move to a system like they have in England.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	3/29/06 2:18 PM
11613	single payer universal    www.pnhp.org	get rid of private insurance companies  go single payer	single payer    I am a member of Physicians for a National Health Program    	NULL	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/29/06 2:21 PM
11617	"People who need basic healthcare, prenatal screening, and emergency care cannot get the care they need in a timely fashion so as to prevent further problems. "	"I think the governmengt should put more emphasis on taking care of its people, especially the eldery and children. We don't need more money going into war and defense strategies, for all we are defending is a sick nation. "	"Good question....military spending! Tax cuts for the rich...what good do those do? Those people have plenty of money, lets make an effort to even out our country's financial variability. "	NULL	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	3/29/06 2:53 PM
11618	"The lack of comprehensive coverage for adequate and appropriate care among employee sponsored plans, the  social cost of uninsured individuals, along with the enormous out of pocket costs for individuals with a serious or chronic disease, regardless of insurance carrier."	"Tying health insurance directly to employment complicates and burdens every sector of health care from its funding to the delivery and reimbursement. People change jobs. Employers go out of business. New business is suppressed for lack of coverage. Medicare's administration cost is significantly less than that in the private sector. A restructuring of the funding by individuals, employers, and government is necessary so that funds are available for those most in need. The chronically ill are treated like ""charity"" cases and especially among the working, taxpaying, chronically ill, this represents cruel action. Adequate money is present in the current system, it just needs to be reallocated more efficiently and more humanely. The plan for federal employees could be fine-tuned to create a national, comprehensive, and universal plan. The federal plan does not tolerate usury or exploitation of its members on the part of providers and suppliers and such protection should be extended to the entire citizenry. Eliminating state administered high-risk insurance pools that merely allow insurance carriers to shift the cost of care onto sick individuals and states would instead incorporate those ""high-risk"" subscribers into a national plan large enough to buffer potentially high cost of care.    "	"Given that there exists so many billions of dollars in the ineffective current system, the only trade-off that should be required is one that requires the government to efficiently produce an effective funding model that includes a fair share on the part of the wealthiest entities that currently benefit from a high-quality, reasonably- priced health care system."	"Converting to a non-profit model for the care delivery sector by eliminating a corporate entity's ability to ""opt out"" of ERISA and instead require health ""reserve"" dollars (similar to a bank's required reserve) paid into national and state accounts, while combining those dollars with ""premiums"" collected by a nominal tax on every entity that participates in the US economy. The nominal tax should increase slightly for the top 3% of earners and increase significantly for the top 1% of earners. Consequently, the market environment could evolve into a truly ""free"" market for the medical supply products industry so that the MOST effective, life-saving, cost-containing products are the ones that ""rise to the top"" and actually become implemented by providers.     "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	3/29/06 2:54 PM
11621	"What concerns me most about the state of America's health care system is the rapidly rising costs in conjunction with an apparent decline in high quality care. I am also concerned about access and availability of healthcare, especially since the numbers of uninsured and underinsured continue to rise. The health of the individual is vital to health of the country."	"I believe that the system should be changed by replacing the highly inefficient and fragmented of health care funding with a single, public system of social insurance. Too much money is wasted on administration and overpriced services (premiums, deductibles, co-pays, lab tests, hospital stays, and prescription drugs). I also believe that the intelligence and ingenuity of people in the United States would create a system of universal healthcare that is an improvement on the already successful systems seen in other countries."	"I do not think that Americans should have to choose between health care benefits and affordability/access. The United States already spends billions of dollars in healthcare and no matter how you try to obscure those numbers, there is no reason why reasonable and beneficial services should be excluded or inaccessible. A universal healthcare system that works as a publicly-funded insurance program would enable everyone to have access to high quality care as long as we remained diligent in preventing waste and/or perverse political attacks on the system.  "	"The most important recommendation I have to improve health care for ALL Americancs is to adopt a single-payer system of national health insurance which would ensure healthcare for ALL Americans. Again, with the fortitude of the United States, there is no reason why it would not be possible for everyone to have access to high quality healthcare under such a system.  "	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/29/06 3:17 PM
11625	"There is not adequate health care coverage for families with insurance and a child with special health care needs. As a parent of a special needs child, I am fully aware that the coverage is VERY limited. We pay dearly for health coverage and still pay very large hospital/Doctor bills. I had to take my son to a specialist out of state for treatment. It cost me and my husband in excess of $10,000.00 out of pocket cost. My insurance company after many appeals only reluctantly paid around $1,000.00. It is very frustrating to see illegal aliens obtaining free health care when the citizens of this country work hard to get ahead and never get ahead. We WORK for the little bit we have, and get nothing in return. I am tired of illegals being treated as if they have political immunity status. Can you blame them for coming? Everything is free for them.  "	"I pay for my whole family for insurance coverage. It doesn't make any sense to pay for coverage and then pay again when the bills come in. Insurance has too much power and delegates what they think a patient should or should not get. I am a Nurse and have been a nurse for 23 years. Let me tell you, I have seen lots of changes in health care. None of them rarely benefits the patients.  "	National health care plan where everyone has equal access. I think you need to be able to prove you are an actual citizen of this country for at least one year before you are eligible to apply for national health care plan.( This is my plan)  	Make it accessable and most of all afordable for all. It seems the working class has the burden of paying for health care for others but are unable to secure adequate health care for their own family.  	female	45 to 64	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	3/29/06 3:45 PM
11630	The fact that we are using high-tech medicine to treat disease instead of spending money to address the cause of the disease.  It gives people a way out of taking responsibility for their health.  What we need to focus on is educating and giving the responsibility back to the patient so that they start to make the lifestyle changes necessary to improve their health.  	NULL	NULL	"Provide access to more alternative practitioners so that they can get educated about how to live a healthy lifestyle suited to their unique and individual body, mind, and spirit. "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	3/29/06 4:10 PM
11634	"Everything. Adequate healthcare is unavailable to many who fall trough the cracks, In my experience especially seniors. Alyhogh my income is well below Medical levels I am refused it because I have a small trust which I live off the income from, my Social Security being just over $400 a month. I am 77 years old and have Parkinsons and a heart condition, as well as other problems requiring prescription drugs, The new Medicare  prescription plan also does not help me because,   due to the failure to bargain with drug companies for lower prices as th Vets program does the hugely inflated costs are still unaffordable compared to those from Canada. "	A single payer health care program such has worked in other countries.	it's not the public it's the present administration which is more concerned with protecting pharmaaceutical companies huge profits than actually cutting costs for people which needs to change.	Single payer health care and more flexible rules for eligibility for low income programs. 	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/29/06 4:51 PM
11637	The fact that more than 44 million people are are under insured or have no insurance at all.	"A single payer universal health care system that would eliminate the duplication of administrative costs, would require all employers over a certain size to contribute, would allow for bulk purchasing of medication, etc..."	"The American public would be willing to pay more taxes IF they would be assured that they had access to affordable, high quality health care rather than a piece meal system that lines the pockets of pharmaceutical and insurance companies."	A single payer universal health care system that covers every dog gone one of us should do the trick.	female	45 to 64	No Response	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	3/29/06 5:16 PM
11641	"The focus on treating disease with expensive drugs, surgery and hospitalizations rather than on restoring health by helping patients live healthier lives. "	"Increase medical savings accounts, especially for younger people, to encourage personal responsibility for their own health care while protecting them from catastrophic loses. "	NULL	"Lessen the monopoly MDs have on health care, recognize licensed ""alternative"" providers as legitimate members of the health care community (i.e. chiropractors, naturopaths, acupuncturists) to provide patients opitions that are often less expensive and more effective."	female	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	3/29/06 6:04 PM
11650	I can not aford out of pocket.	No	Do Not know.	Mandatory physicals yearly	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	3/29/06 7:47 PM
11651	"I am a pediatric nurse practitioner working in public health.The huge and growing number of working, uninsured and underinsured Americans who cannot afford highly overpriced health insurance greatly concerns me, and the fact that for all the money we spend on specialty care, our infant mortality rate and other health indices fall far below those of other developed nations."	"We should change soon as possible to a one-payor system of national universal health care. Private health insurers are making a killing, while we get less for our money. Employers and employees alike cannot afford this, and it must be stopped."	"Polls show that the majority of Americans want national health care similar to that of Sweden, Norway or Canada. Persons with resources could still buy supplemental health insurance."	"Provide preventative care to all Americans (i.e. adult and pediatric immunizations, preventive screenings, etc.) without it being employer-based. All persons are entitled to health."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	3/29/06 8:01 PM
11657	Those who cannot receive healthcare due to cost.  Reaching people who just don't know what they need to know.	"Find a way to license agencies without all the red tape to decrease cost.  Speaking from experience of 20 + years, it takes the same or more time to comply with the paper work as to do the actual hands on care."	They shouldn't make trade offs if the government would cut the red tape--cut the paper work requirements & other extraneous rules & let the staff provide care.	Prevention.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	3/29/06 10:45 PM
11665	The lack of access and the fact that health care is a benefit of employment. If you are not employed you are forced into the most expensive place on earth to get health care; crowded and overutilized Emergency Departments. 	Take employers out of the mix. I would like to see some form of single payor. At least create as system where the pool is large enough to cover all. 	"Americans have been trained to want it fast, free and friendly and would be hard pressed to give up anything. On the other hand they can be reasonable if they understand so would be willing to make the financial trade-off if they understand it. "	Disconnect health care from employment and make it accessible to all. 	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	3/29/06 11:57 PM
11669	People are not being listened to.  The older person is considered to take too much time with their perceived problems.  Our society pays by the minute and the HMO's do not allow enough time for a patient consultation.	"The system needs help. In the beginning I thought health insurance was a good thing, and it is for the young families.  It insures that chidren will have proper immunizations and health care, but it mandates what can be done in a given area.  ( Physicals only once a year, and having people pay for exrra copies of exams for school records etc. Theinformation is not always available to the patient, you must pay for copies of your lab work etc.  It does not allow for good interdisciplianary cooperative planning."	"People woud not mind paying for coverage if the industry would be more honest in its dealings.  Health Care should be accessible to all no matter what the cost is. We donate time, money, and skills to help children in other nations, but some of our own children and older adults go without satisfactory care.  Private pay and government sources are needed. "	Control the power of the insurance companies in regulating our health care.  They limit the access to good health care all too frequently.	female	Over 64	NULL	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	3/30/06 7:38 AM
11671	"Sadly, it has become the rule that, if you have money, you get the best healthcare. Health costs are so outrageous, only adopting a whole new system, similar to Canada, will make medical care available to everyone."	"The whole health care system should be funded, and operated by a Cabinet-level Department, with funding coming through taxes."	"A loss of expensive, ""cosmetic surgeries"" and other medical care used only for vanity.  I think most Americans would be willing to pay significantly higher taxes with the trade-off being healthcare on demand, based on need."	"Nationalizing healthcare, creating a Cabinet-level department to oversee and operate the system."	male	45 to 64	No	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	3/30/06 8:32 AM
11679	First let me say that I think the poll I just finished on your site was very biased toward insurance companies and will tell you nothing of the real picture of American healthcare. I think what we need most is a prevention directed primary care system not a fixit medical hospital system.  This primary prevention oriented care should be for all.    	"WE are already paying for much of the nations' health care through our own insurance coverage, medicare payments of the past and present and for persons employed in our school, city, county, state and federal governments as well as employees who work for the companies whose products we buy such as the $ in the cost of a car in the news lately.  "	I don't think we'd need to make ANY tradeoffs if all the dollars we already spend as productive persons in our society were directed at healthcare for all.  We could have the BEST healthcare in the world not one behind the rest of the industrialized world!!	"If we can go to the moon, we CAN get the best folks together to get the BEST healthcare too. And within the scope of currently spent dollars and the Institute of Medicine guidelines. This is a whole country need not a political party one.  "	female	Over 64	No	NULL	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	3/30/06 10:56 AM
11681	The ever growing lack of access to health care for many Americans--insured and uninsured.  This while we pay a stagering price.	Clearly the data is there to demonstrate the only way to do this right is a national health insurance single-payor program covering all Americans equally with comprehensive evidence-based health care.	At the current spending level in our nation we could provide comprehensive care for all of us by eliminalting the waste--benefits would only improve generally.  	"Access for all to a primary care home, preventative services, and coverage for evidence-based medical needs."	male	45 to 64	Yes	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/30/06 11:18 AM
11684	That not everyone has it. Not everyone can afford it. 	Think there should be a program where everyone can get quality health care without charge.Other countries provide quality health care and education free.WHY CAN'T WE? AFTER ALL WE ARE THE BEST.	Maybe a set tax for all so every American is covered by a {good quality}health care plan.            	My recommendation is for you guys in Wahington to put your heads together and come up with a plan thats what we pay you far.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Elementary (grades 1 to 8)	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	3/30/06 11:23 AM
11694	Excessive use of unnecessary services without proven effectiveness.	All Health Care Providers should be required to publish price lists prior to service and provide receipts on the same day of service as all other industries.  Those without and with insurance need a real understanding of the actual cost of health care.	NULL	"Abolish health insurance plans and create a single payer basic and catastrophic plan provided by the federal government.  Then, unnecessary services will not be performed and billed later."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	3/30/06 1:27 PM
11696	The cost of meds and finding doctors who accept new medicare patients. Those who are ate the lower end of the earning scale cannot afford health care and often do not qualify for assistance.  We need a universal health care system.	"Yes, health care should be provided for those who need it not based on their ability to pay.  Over the years plans have been proposed to provided everyone with medical care, one of them should be adopted immediately.  "	If we would simply put all of the members of congress on the Social Security System and do away with their current retirement benefits we would have more than enough money to pay for health care for most of the population.	Make the Rev. Jean Denton head of a national Health Care System.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	3/30/06 1:57 PM
11697	"Its astounding administrative costs that provide no better health care than countries that report much less expenditure, much better access, and much lower consumer costs."	"A single payer system, such as Medicare, would be a huge improvement, and we would have some assurance of the quality of care received.Currently it all seems to be driven by business interests only--not the interests of the consumers of health care and certainly not the interests of the providers of health care."	"I am willing to forego entirely the idea of multiple entitites competing for my health insurance dollars, especially since my coverage is shrinking even when employers share the expense.    A single payer system could not possibly be worse."	Seriously analyze why Americans' health status is so deficient in comparison to the countries in which there is a single payer system.	female	45 to 64	NULL	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	3/30/06 2:12 PM
11739	The lack of affordable health care for so many  The fact that employers manage health care by hiring so many people just below the number of hours necessary to receive health care  Such difficult access to dental care  The fact that the health care insurance companies run the show instead of it being led by peoples  The impact of the lack of health care on all of society	"I strongly believe there should be universal health care, available to everyone"	"If the public is properly educated, I do not think it will see access to affordable, high quality health care as a trade-off--its the lack of such health care that is the trade off in costs, well-being, employment, etc."	Provide universal health care	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/30/06 11:11 PM
11758	"The strident differences concerning who can afford health Care  and the escalating prescription drugs cost.   The presentation of the new Drug Program being implemented when it is difficult to understand the programs offered.  One could drive to Mexico quicker for prescriptions drugs, then one can obtain them at the nearest pharmacy! This plan reminds me of Kafka's book The Trial. "	"Yes, the Big Drug makers should be a cooperative partner in the mix. I do not have employee or a Health system support. I am on my own, on a limited pension, it is less expensive for me to not to buy into anything, and focus on staying healthy, and adding quality of my years, but may be not quantity."	"Reward persons who take responsibilty for healthy living.  For individuals who go less to Doctors, who use health support, with over the counter drugs, for persons who walk, watch food intake, take responsibility for their life style."	"Reward System the less drugs, doctors one uses,the less one is obligated to pay into an already Emphazize Healthy Life Styles"	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	3/31/06 10:05 AM
11760	"I am most concerned about the commonly accepted belief that any new drug/device released is better than an existing treatment.  Consumers are conned through direct-to-consumer advertising into believing that a patented drug is the best drug available, providers are forced through financial incentives into making choices for using treatments/procedures that aren't proven to be any more effective than less expensive alternatives, and everyone pays more for health care in taxes, insurance premiums, and out-of-pocket charges as a result.  Instead of investing so much money in biomedical research, the US should be investing in clinical and health services research to figure out what works and what is expensive excessiveness.  There are too many inexpensive interventions with proven effectiveness that are overshadowed by expensive versions of dubious benefit."	"Our current system is a Byzantine mess.  Health care is paid for by a fragmented payment system that is a stress on employers, a confusion to consumers, and too constrained and complicated for Medicaid to adequately pay for the health needs of the poor.  Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity!  Health care delivery should be structured much like the VA system in this country:  centrally funded (though the government alone shouldn't pay for everything in an overall new system in the US), integrated and coordinated care between providers, and computerized medical records."	"A bulk of health care financing in this country could be easily paid for by pooling all Americans into one insurance pool and taking out taxes, akin to how Medicare/Medicaid is paid for now.  The government could contract with insurance companies--again, as is done with existing government health care programs--that could offer some standard number of health plans--but no more than a dozen--that provide a degree of choice in health plan coverage.  Affordable co-pays should be implemented to curb moral hazard and offset some of the costs.  Only effective treatments should be paid for, and fully informed patient preferences for treatment in the face of medical decisions with no clear ""correct"" treatment option should be honored.  Americans will need to be shown that everything can be easily paid for by re-organizing a system that is collectively structured and efficiently run."	"Focus on financial incentives that have the biggest effect in terms of restraining costs and inefficiency:  chronic illness management/treatment.  Chronic illnesses (diabetes, CHF, asthma, etc.) are responsible for the lion's share of health care costs, so financial incentives for providers and patients need to be aligned with low-cost preventive and primary care interventions, rather than high-cost hospitalizations."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/31/06 10:28 AM
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11769	"Increasing costs of health care due to:     - Increasing bureaucracy of the health care system, which increases the number of salaries paid to people that aren't actually providing health care.   - Increasing malpractice insurance premiums that health care professionals and organizations have to carry because our society has gone lawsuit-happy.    - The trend of the American public towards believing they should be able to feel like 20-year olds for their entire life, and the health care system trying to pander to this desire. "	The primary cost of health care should be borne by individuals and employers. Individuals should consider their health care needs and evaluate the coverage their employer or potential employer provides as part of their compensation package when deciding who they work for and whether to seek a different employer or career. 	"Do you want to know what I am willing to trade, or what I think the American Public is willing to trade? Since I can't read the mind of the American Public, I'll tell you what I'm willing to trade to make better health care more affordable.    - Getting all of the latest high-tech treatments and new wonder drugs from a system that can't keep up with the changes.    - An administrative system that results in too high a ratio of administrators to care providers.   - Trying to provide ""first-class"" health care to everyone at little or no cost.    - Going to an emergency room for urgent minor medical issues. "	"Stay away from socialized health care.    - Some countries that have used it for years (eg Sweden) have considered significantly changing their program.    - In other countries (eg Canada) the citizens go to other countries (eg the US) to get the medical care they want/need.    - The US military has what amounts to socialized medicine, and is the butt of numerous jokes by many people who have been or are currently under its care.   I saw some of the abuses inherent in such systems while stationed in Germany.    - My landlady complained about which spa they were sending her to (free of charge) to help clear out her lungs, but wouldn't stop smoking.    - The system forced an employer to pay for psychological treatment of an employee after the employee was informed that they were being let go because they were not performing (after numerous counseling sessions).    - A sergeant I worked with had a medical file over 2"" thick with less than 8 years of military service - he didn't have serious health problems, but was a hypochondriac.    I hear enough about abuse of current government programs to be convinced that there will be significant abuses of a socialized health care program also. "	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	3/31/06 11:09 AM
11777	Cost	A national health plan with equal coverage for all!! Paid equally by all according to income say a 1% flat rate tax on gross income matched by employers similar to the FICA and Medicare Tax!!	"Higher taxes if there is a National Health plan with over site by all parties involved in health care, from consumers to the government and anyone in between"	A National health plan!!!!!	male	Over 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	3/31/06 12:09 PM
11785	Premiums are far too high which makes health care unattainable for too many people.	Reduce costs so that employer's can continue to provide affordable health care.  More government assistance for small businesses and low wage earners.	"Reduce unnecessary procedures and pick up more of the premium, commensurate with wages."	"Reduce waste, cut costs."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	3/31/06 1:46 PM
11789	The exspense and lack of coverage for that expense.	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/31/06 2:10 PM
11790	The lack of basic health care for every American.  It is morally wrong for the national government not to guarantee this service.	"I would like us to join other technologically advanced countries, like Britain and Canada, and offer a national health care plan."	The wealthy should go back to paying more taxes.	Work toward a national health care plan.  I am a Christian and know that it is my duty to care for my neighbor.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	3/31/06 2:17 PM
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11794	"High costs (such as premiums,deductables, etc.)and not enough coverage. America has the best yet the worse health care system in the world. If a person is wealthy enough to afford good health insurance-they are taken care of right away. If a person is not able to afford health insurance, or is with a government-controlled health care, they are more likely NOT to get the respected care every person deserves to have. America has the best technology but most Americans cannot afford it. "	"Lower the high cost that doctors, hospitals, government, employers, etc. tend to think is a ""fair"" price for their services. Lower the cost the government AND Insurance companies charge for health care coverage. "	"The American Public is already being forced to take trade-offs for affordable, high quality health care without having a say in the matter. There shouldn't be ANY trade off's to health care period. Health care should not mean losing your life over an illness because the insurance company won't cover or because the doctor or hospital does not participate with a certain provider. Don't punish doctors OR patients because of government regualations or insurance companies policies."	"Make health care more affordable without having to compromise any more than it already has!!! Lower costs all around whether it is a doctor, a insurance company, a healthcare facility government, Mal-practice premiums. "	female	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	3/31/06 2:19 PM
11810	"At this very moment, what concerns me most is what is happening with Medicare D and what the long term implications are for the Medicare program if the current structure of Medicare D remains the same."	NULL	NULL	"Medicare is an entitlement program and therefore the program should provide equal and easy access to all of its benefits.  This is not the case with Part D. In addition to private plans offering a medication benefit, Medicare (like they do for A&B) should also administer the benefit."	female	Over 64	NULL	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	3/31/06 3:39 PM
11816	Americas hospitals are under tremendous strain to provide medical services to all Amercicans as well as the uninsured.   Let's allocate more tax dollars for Heath Care in this country and less on programs that yield little benefit.   The health of our citizens should be priority one.	Create a system of socialized medicine that provides a basic level (safety net) of health care to all citizens. OR Require that the private insurers find a means to cover all Americans with basic coverage.	The trade off should be less government spending on programs that don't work.  Higher taxes may be necessary.  	Support the healthcare providers and hospitals which are currently working hard to keep our nations citizens healthy inspite of our government's feeble attempts to cover all its citizens.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	3/31/06 4:04 PM
11817	The health care plans afforded US congressmen and all levels of govenment employees to be open to the general public (american citizens) wheather employeed or unemployed.   People who are not citizens receiving free medical care. 	 	All plans private or goverment should be partially paid by individual and should have a resonable deductable.	"All individuals shouild be able to buy pooled affordable insurance. For example,  corporations and goverment should open their health care insurance to US citizens. "	NULL	45 to 64	Yes	NULL	NULL	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	3/31/06 4:06 PM
11819	"It is not available to too many people, the multiple administrative systems created by all the providers, hospitals, and insurers add way to much to the cost and we rely on market forces far too much to control cost and qualitly which isn't working."	"I think we should all--depending on our income--pay more taxes to insure everyone, employers shoud be required to make some contribution towards health care for their employees and we should use a single payer system to reduce costs."	I think they will be willing to pay more taxes and support the government playing a stronger role in price controls over drugs and health care.	We need to come to a position where it is no longer acceptable to have any individuals without access to health care.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	3/31/06 4:18 PM
11824	"The health care system in the US is fundamentally unjust and inefficient when it permits 45 million persons to be uninsured, forces poorer persons to pay a higher percentage of their incomes for health care than wealthier persons, and delivers evidence-based medicine only 55% of the time to persons with health insurance.   It is an economic, medical and moral tragedy that we permit these outcomes when we are already spending enough as a society to provide comprehensive high quality health care services for everyone. "	"Health care financing should be progressively financed through taxes in a publicly accountable social insurance model, not based on insurance premiums that reflect the size of one’s employer or one’s health status."	"Rationing benefits or rationing people to ensure access to affordable, high quality health care for everyone is unacceptable as long as inefficiencies exist in the health care system.  Policy recommendations for system change should be based on reducing inefficiencies in the structure of health care financing and delivery based on the experience of National Health Insurance in other countries as well as efficient programs in the US like the Veterans Administration program."	"Enact a single payer system of national health insurance with national standards and a global budget in which inequalities in health care delivery would be monitored and reported by race, ethnicity, income, and disability status at the state and community levels to identify inefficiencies that could be reduced by incorporating nondiscrimination standards into the regulatory structure at the federal and state levels."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DC	3/31/06 4:56 PM
11831	The fact that people who need medical care cannot get it because they lack the funds needed.  I volunteered as a Counselor at Cancer Care and found that young women diagnosed with cancer were not elegible for Medicaid because their income was over $352.25 per month at a time when you could not obtain a one room apt. for under $500.090. 	Yes because the present system is not working at all with over 45 million uninsured.  Medicare is working very well.  The govwernment pays and the individual pays a small amount and has a choice of d0ctors.  Therefore I believe Medicare for everybody would be the way to go.	"They would be happy to pay a premium like the elderly to do obtain medicare and be able to choose their own physician instead of Managed Care which prohbits them from choosing their own doctor and having to go through ""a gate keeper.""Also the doctor would be happier instead of having a bookkeeper looking over his shoulder and finding that they are taking too much time with any patient."	Institute medicare for all and have the governmenmt pay the entire fee and not just 80% so people have to get a supplementery policy.  I am sure that everyone would be a lot happier like every other industrial coountry.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/31/06 6:44 PM
11835	Soon we won't have Health ins. Doctors are being pushed out.  Insurance company ceo's make more money every year  It's not the Doctors it is the insurance  company's that hurt us.  We can't get the treatment we need because it is to burdonson for the doctors to order it or it isn't approved and we can't afford to pay for it. so we don't have it done. 	Stop the government regulation.  Don't allow the insurance companies to over regulate or over charge the insured. 	"  Why should we make trade offs Have the ins. company not make as much profits.  We have already made plenty of trade offs.  We lost the choice of Doctors, hospitals, Medications, and pharm. We pay a high prime., coinsuranc and deduct. and the ceo's of insurance comapnaies make more in yearly bonus then me and 4 of my friends put together. "	Get rid of the insurance company ceo's	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	3/31/06 7:30 PM
11838	My husband & I are currently paying $1200.00 Plus per month for my husband & myself.  What a scarry thing when one is over 70 & the other over 60 years of age.  The future of not working will never happen.  We are both self-employed.  I have a daughter & her husband who have Child Health plus for their 5 children & have NO INSURANCE FOR THEMSELVES AS THEY CANNOT AFFORD IT & ARE JUST OVER THE GUIDELINES.	THERE SHOULD BE A NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM FOR ALL AMERICANS!!!  EUROPE & CANADA HAVE MUCH BETTER HEALTH CARE FOR THEIR CITIZENS.	I DO NOT KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN BY TRADE OFFS!!  THERE SHOULD BE SOME FORM OF EQUITABLE SOURCES TO PAY FOR THE INSURANCE SO THAT THE PEOPLE SHOULD PAY ACCORDING TO THEIR INCOME & HAVE A CHOICE OF PRIVATE INSURANCE OR A COBINATION OF NATIONAL & PRIVATE INSURANCE AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE!!	"TO MAKE REALISTIC GUIDELINES FOR INCOME.  WE IN NEW YORK HAVE MUCH HIGHER FUEL COSTS, HIGHER GAS PRICES WHICH ALWAYS GO UP IN THE SUMMER FOR TRAVELERS.  THEY SHOULD CONSIDER NUMBER OF DEPENDENTS, FOOD COSTS, UTILITY COSTS & THE TAXES ADED TO THEM ARE HORRIBLE FOR MOST PEOPLE.  I AS A REALTOR WORK 7 DAYS PER WEEK!!  THE INCOME IS GOOD, BUT, THERE IS NO SAVINGS WITH PAYING ALL OF THE BILLS.  MEDICAL IS A BIG PART OF EXPENSES!! "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	3/31/06 9:35 PM
11839	"Dear Sirs,            Fix our Healthcare & quick!  In my lifetime , no sooner in a year!  National Healthcare plan...Nothing less!  Care about your own countrymen  as other countries like.....England, Canada, France does about its own!!  Quit wasting Money in other countries and with illegal immigrates FREE Healthcare!  They get but not me!!  Why!!! For God's sake fix it!  How can you sleep at night...I couldn't & I can't.  A friend of mine died of lung cancer within 10 months &  left behind a Million Dollar bill!!   ridiculous"	National Heathcare Plan	Healthcare tax	National Healthcare	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	3/31/06 9:47 PM
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11844	Every American deserves Health Care Coverage	"We need to guarentee that everyone, employed or not, can have access to quality heath care."	Higher taxes.	Make it universal.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	4/1/06 12:20 AM
11862	"My greatest concern is the rise in use of corrective health care procedures (e.g., emergency room visits, major surgery) and the decrease in preventive care (regular checkups, healthy lifestyle).  Because the costs of preventive care are prohibitively high for large populations of the uninsured or underinsured, many do not seek care until stricken by a major health crisis.  Overall costs and medical debt in these situations soar."	"We need a single-payer health system!  The combination of self-pay, employer-paid insurance, and government health plans allows many people to fall between the cracks.  Underfunding the government care options further deteriorates the safety net, and employer-paid insurance hinders continuity of care in the event of a job change."	"We must acknowledge these facts: health care must be paid for, some treatment approaches are significantly more expensive than others, and placement of costs on the shoulders of individual users worsens socioeconomic disparities to the ultimate detriment of society as a whole.  Considering these, we must at some point be willing to pay in taxes for healthcare for all, with those who are able to contribute more based on their income levels doing so."	single payer health care system.	male	25 to 44	No	Black or African American	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/1/06 2:54 PM
11864	Hospitals bankrupted by being forced to care for non citizens.	"The system can work if everyone pays their fair share and we are not required to pay for care for illegals. Additionally, care for those who are incarcerated should be limited to basic life support.  they do not deserve better care on death row than the average taxpayer can afford."	None are really required if services are only provided to tax paying citizens	Deport anyone who is not in our country legally	female	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	4/1/06 3:27 PM
11875	"I have a wife, dad, and two kids under my roof. I have a masters, high GPA, excellent work credentials. My company failed and I am out of work. I made $100,000 per year, but because they had to cut our pay, I used up almost all savings by the time the company closed. COBRA will be $1459 per month for my family. I have NOTHING now for my family and have no idea what, if anything, our government offers me. I doubt anything. We will have no health care until and unless I am employed again. Unemployment pay is $300 per week. "	"I am so heartily glad to pay when I am employed. My premiums were extremely high when I was employed. I just cannot pay the $1,459 COBRA that I would be required to pay once I'm unemployed. I'm heartbroken and have a very different opinion about health care now that I'm in this sad position. "	"If I were employed, I would pay more tax to help others. "	"Single most: Provide good reasonable care to all of us. Our system is so wrong - a doctor's office bills my insurance company $7000; the ins. co rejects, the doc rebills at $5000; the ins co rejects, the doc rebills at $3000 and the ins then pays. What's up with that? That haggling business is wrong. My chiropractor got a fax from a lawyer saying that the chiropractor needed to raise his costs higher so that the lawyer could charge the other side more money, and the lawyer offered to pay the chiropractor more if he'd do that. This is legal? Yep, and that's why health care is expensive. This is where the problem lies....I think - I'm no expert on this topic. "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	4/1/06 6:09 PM
11878	"Waste. I understand that end of life is a difficult question. But the number of people who will never return to any acceptable level of existence but are kept alive on machines and in high tech(cost) areas is staggering. Physicians refuse to be realistic about what can and/or should be done. There is always something else they can try. They take orders for care from family members instead of doing the job they are trained for simply because they are so afraid of lawsuits. Of course some of them just dont have what it takes to be honest and tell the families the hard truth. How much preventive care could be provided for the cost of the weeks an elderly (or not) debilitated person with multi organ failure who is not even able to participate in his own care and remains under the most expensive care on life support indefinitely? These are questions of basic humanity, especially when you see the suffering these same peopole go through because their families are dictating how they should be cared for instead of a physician. It is plain WRONG."	"This system does not work. We need health care for EVERYONE ALL OF THE TIME. That means whether or not they are working, going to school, early retired: i.e. cradle to grave."	"remember, all Americans, even given the opportunity, will not seek health care. There are many reasons for this. Some is cultural. Some is that immature certainty that nothing will ever happen to them. Some are plain in denial. Some are so disillusioned by family and social stories of incompetency by health care providers, that they just avoid anything to do with health care. These folks, however take a huge toll on our system. They resist preventive care and come for help only at advanced stages of disease and reinforce their poor opinions of medicine when we can no longer save them. Financing will fall to tax payers ultimately and whether or not they avail themselves of health care services, it must be done at all costs. The benefits far outweigh the costs. Young people today no longer appreciate the herd mentality that previous generations used to overcome debilitating and contagios diseases. Public Health must be strngthened to keep our country strong. Public Health Departments need to provide basic services cradle to grave and they need to be able to respond to disasters efficiently. Today they are woefully inadequate. Yes, it will take our money. But if we are no longer burdened by either the costs of insurance or the bankruptcies of no insurance and we manage to maintain a quality system of health care, how far behind will we really be financially? What would medicine be like if we no longer practised C.Y.A. medicine, and care decisions were made by the people who spent a fortune and many years learning to care for sick people? Is the hope of honest medical practise free of these burdens too unreal?  "	"Maybe if I could take people on a guided tour of any ICU, they could understand a little better. If there was less waste, maybe there would be more care for EVERYONE."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	4/1/06 7:53 PM
11883	too many people not geting appropriate health care because they can't afford it.    the nursing shortage	"I think that everyone should have healthcare coverage.  The government could provide for those who decline or are not offered insurance, but they should be required to work and pay a premium of a % fo their earnings.  It's far too easy to collect welfare and get it all for nothing, but more people would work because they wouldn't lose their health coverage.      I also think that a fixed percent tax for all would help finance the insurance, but there could be no exceptions to who pays the tax.    I think that our elected officials sould be required to use the same insurance plans that the rest of americans use.  That would free up some $$.     I think that our elected officials should only make as much income as their average constituant.  Again, freeing up millions of $$ for national healthcare funding.    And finally, I believe that our elected officials should have the same retirement benifits as their average constituant.  Voila!! more $$ to spend on health care."	I think the American public is not willing to incure any more of the cost than they already do.  See above question as to where to get the $$.	"listen to nurses, and as above."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	4/1/06 9:45 PM
11890	"rising costs, increasing uninsured population, increasing lack of coverage fromprivate insurers for prevention issues"	"basic coverage provided by the government,"	NULL	having it accessable and afordable to all	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MT	4/1/06 11:26 PM
11895	1. Cost  2. Cost  3. Cost	"No individual should have to pay unfair, irrational prices for basic health care.  Illness and injury should not bankrupt ordinary citizens.  Fear of being uninsured should not make us slaves to our employers"	Pay more for basic care in exchange for assurance that major illness or injury will be covered.  Make palliative care and home-based care more available.	Drive down the price and regulate quality.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SC	4/2/06 10:42 AM
11910	"Inacessibility to / unavailability of needed care -- especially expensive care -- unless you have insurance (and even then it's 'iffy'), unless you are willing to go into debt for the rest of your life"	"Less tax money going to corporate bailouts and corporate welfare, more to citizens' health care and wellness promotion; this will not be easy because of power structure/economics"	Wait for local access to care (one currently does that anyway); maybe self-pay (on sliding scale) for small or occasional expenses if guaranteed coverage for larger or ongoing expenses	"Redo rather than raise tax disbursement to cover health care, shifting from benefits to corporations and investors seeking profit to benefits to taxpayers themselves."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	4/2/06 2:31 PM
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11912	"It is unaffordable, inefficient, inaccessible."	"It should be a single-payer, universal coverage, with no means test."	"We are already paying taxes for medicaid and medicare, as well as government employees state and federal, teachers, postal employees, tax subsidies,etc. for the health care in those population, but we all don't have coverage for our own care.  Progressive taxation is in order, hence if I am earning a million per annum, I expect to pay a bigger tax to cover all Americans.  "	"Implementation of single-payer universal health insurance as embodied in the HR 676 ""United States National Health Insurance Act"".  Everybody in, nobody out."	female	45 to 64	No	Asian	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	4/2/06 2:36 PM
11920	"With the rising costs of benefits, the exportation of truly ""good paying jobs"", that being well above the poverty level, the hiring of employees on a part time or casual basis to avoid paying benefits leaves health care organizations and professionals scrambling to recieve reimbursement critical to maintining equipment, bringing in new technology, providing training for staff to correctly prevent, identify and treat critical illneesses. Charitible care is provided as directed by the federal government to those organizations recieving federal funding (medicare). Often families do not participate in preventative care, but seek treatment for illnesses that consume exorbitant amounts of resources and the operational dollars available"	"I believe that the health savings plan is a good idea, however, the method of execution needs to be reviewed and  detailed. One issue is those who do not have any preventative care. Those americans who practice preventitive care such as annual physicals and health screenings (Mamograms, PSA testing, colonscopy, etc) should recieve decreased premium rates. The Veterans Administration system was once a fledging organization, not profitable and a drain on our resources. They have made tremendous strides and operate using an efficient care delivery model. "	"Unfortunately, most Americans, in my opinion have an entitlement issue, it is their belief that our government must take care of them, for it is their ""right."" As a result, I am inclined to believe that our nations leaders will be between a rock and a hard place so to speak with any type of changes or trade offs. The poor want it handed to them, the rich feel they should have the best. Being in the middle of the road, I too want it all, but realize we all must make a sacrifice.  One trade off I would be willing to see is increasing the deductible for my insurance plan."	"We all must take responsibility of our health, welfare and our future. Preventative medicine, I believe is key to controlling medical costs. When a diagnosis is made early in the stages of a disease the treatment plan is much more likely to have a positive return"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/2/06 7:54 PM
11923	Too much is spent on administrative overhead.  	We should have a universal health care system similar to medicare.	I don't know about others but I would be willing to pay 20% more for the cost of medicare if it could be made universally available.	We should all have a plan with the same benefits that federal personnel receive and at the same cost.	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	4/2/06 10:25 PM
11924	"My biggest concern is to turn health care over completely to the Government.  It will end up costing us more with a big increase in taxes and the quality of care will go down.  We should take a look at Canada and other nations who have tried it.  In the end no one profits, not the person needing help nor the Dr. who has no finanacial incentive.  "	"Give incentives to individuals, employers to be responsibile but let the government give them tax credits for taking more financial responsiblility for their health not the government managing healthcare, which will more likely lead to fraud."	Financial Tax credits on their Income Tax.	Taking more responsibility for our own lives instead of expecting the government to take care of us.	female	Over 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	4/2/06 10:31 PM
11929	Persons without insurance being charged more than those with insurance.	"Disabled, poor, homeless people should automatically have a way to get free health care."	We shouldnt have to trade anything.  Doctors fees are ridiculous. Hospital fees are ridiculous.  There needs to be a ceiling on the amount they can charge.	"Reduce costs for health care.  Have a ratio allowed cost of goods versus profit made on charges.  Example, hospital charged 8 dollars for two Tylenol.  Unbelievable they can get away with charging this way.  Five minutes with a doctor costing over 100 dollars is ludicrous. ETC ETC ETC"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	4/3/06 4:28 AM
11940	It is unavailable to all Americans.  Insurance companies are running the health care system.  Large numbers of middle income Americans do without or scrimp on their health care and/or medications because of their insurance plans or lack of insurance.	We might as well have nationalized health care - at least then we'd all be able to get care regardless of our economic or insurance status.	"I doubt that the large amount of Americans who are wealthy or who currently have insurance are willing to make any trade offs, until a personal health care crisis hits them or their family they will not realize that socialized medicine is better than the system currently in place.  Let's not take the next 50 years to come up with a solution to this everworsening problem."	That it should be available to all Americans regardless of economic or insurance status.  Let's stop pandering to the insurance companies.	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	4/3/06 9:27 AM
11967	"Lack of cost controls, high overhead costs (private insurance), high level of administrivia for doctors and other medical professionals, inability to know the cost of care up front."	Move to a single national heathcare program to eliminate waste and reduce costs.	"Cover everyone for essential life preserving treatment, don't cover optional areas such as cosmetic surgery."	A single national healthcare plan for everyone.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/3/06 1:27 PM
11968	"high costs to patients, high administriva imposed on doctors and healthcare professionals, lack of coordination of care leading to waste, high overhead costs, overly complex healthcare system for consumers to navigate, inability to know the cost before treatment."	A single national healthcare program.	"cover life-preserving treatment, don't cover cosmetic and other optional treatments unless medically necessary."	A single national healthcare program.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/3/06 1:32 PM
11974	"The trade-offs we make in order to get it: i.e. waiting until we're sure we're sick enough to go to the doctor, putting off health care until we can afford it.  I'm waiting until next year to have necessary surgery, and I have insurance!  I don't go to the doctor until I'm really sick, in case it's a virus, and I have insurance!  Everyone I know, WITH INSURANCE, makes these same decisions."	We need a single payer health care system which takes insurance company profit out of the mix and significantly reduces administrative waste.  It is imparative we act proactively and not wait until we are in a more serious crisis.	None are necessary.  A national health service can be funded for 1% less than we now pay for better benefits.  All you have to do is take the insurance companies out.	"NATIONAL, SINGLE-PAYER HEALTH CARE!  The question isn't if, it's when.  And the longer we wait, the more disasterous the consequences."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	4/3/06 1:47 PM
11975	As a small business owner the increasing cost is incredible. 	NULL	NULL	Need to eliminate pre-existing condition exclusion. The insurance companies can pick and choose who they want to cover. If you have a mild condition like allergies you are labeled as having a pre-existing condition.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	4/3/06 1:58 PM
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11985	"We spend more than any other country, but we leave many without coverage and more with coverage that costs too much for both business and the individual."	"Yes, require some form of universal coverage."	"Costs are trading off choice already.  Higher premiums, fewer provider choices, fewer offered coverage.  Competitiveness is also affected.  Let's take a hard look at the for-profit motivations in health care."	Mandatory participation by individuals and employers with govt pooling of risks.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	4/3/06 2:51 PM
11994	"A lack of access to quality care by all Americans.  My second concern is that we focus more on treatment than on prevention. If our health care provided not only screening, but smoking cessation, physical fitness, education about nutrition, etc. many of the more costly medications, treatments, etc. would not be necessary."	"I believe that it is no longer fair or prudent to ask employers to pay for health care. Health care should be a basic right of every American, and each individual should participate in paying for health care based on his/her ability. I believe most employers would be thrilled to pay a tax to help with the cost of insurance rather than carrying the burden of health care insurance. "	"The only real trade-offs will be for those who currently have good, employer paid health care insurance, and there is nothing that they will want to trade. Unfortunately, they are the people with a voice in this country. Those of us with high premium, high deductibles will be thrilled to have the access to health care that others TAKE FOR GRANTED."	"When we look at the health care system in this country, we need to look at all the ways we pay for health care. We pay for health care in our car insurance, our health care insurance, our liability insurance...the list goes on and on. If we provide health care for ALL Americans, there would be no need to continue to pay for it in these various ways. That would help to finance health care without increasing what is currently being paid. It would then just be paid to one source instead of to many sources."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	4/3/06 3:32 PM
11995	we have thousands of american people that have no insurance to cover them if they get sick. when the go to the doctor office or hospital they can get treatment but as uninsured and that way they are still responsable for the bill even though they have no way of paying. then the unpayed bill goes to a collection agency which will kill their credit 	"many countries all over the world have a national health program in which all their people are covered from the time they are born until they die.and from what i have heard about canada's program is that it works 100% more smoothly than the mess that the u.s. has going for us.you would think in one of the richest and powerful contries in the world that we could do more to care for our people. you have the insurance companies,doctors,hospitals,and pharmicutical companies ripping off the people by continually raising the prices because the owner's or chairmen want more profits. then you have the employer's not providing health care to the people that work for them because it's more profitable.the u.s. government wastes enough $$$$ every year to pay for the health cost of every person needing help."	"you see the goverment will pay through the nose to have studies done to provide health care to every person, by independent parties. when they already are paying someone smart enough to do this thru their payroll. the bottom line on whatever happen is that the poor can pay no more and the new poor class[ what used to be the middle class]can only pay so much. and the rich will find a way not to pay so good luck finding a way to fund this"	ask canada how to set up a program like theirs they have had one for 30 to 35 years so i guess by now they have gotton the bugs worked out	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MS	4/3/06 3:32 PM
12001	"The lack of national health insurance.  The United States is the only developed nation, except South Africa that does not have a national health care system."	"Yes.  Employers with a large number of employees, such as Wal-Mart, should be required to provide medical insurance for their employees and their families, instead of these people getting Medicaid coverage because their wages are so low.  The AMA has fought national health insurance for decades.  In the '50's it sponsored a campaign against national health insurance describing it as 'socialized medicine' and claiming people would not be able to choose their doctors.  Today, many people get their health care coverage through HMO's where they cannot choose their doctors."	"Affordable, high quality health care probably cannot be obtained without the input of the major health care providers, including insurers and the AMA.  This was the major problem the Clinton Administration encountered when it proposed a national health care system during the early '90's.  Input must be provided by the health care profession, health care insurers, and health care malpractice insurers before the American public can obtain affordable, high quality health care."	People should not be denied essential health care because their insurance carrier is unwilling to pay for it.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	4/3/06 4:15 PM
12004	"That a basic healthcare package be provided everyone in the country.   We provide public education, police protection, fire protection."	A single PAYER (and thus collector of funding) would be most efficient.  Cf our Medicare Part D losses - spread over so many plans.	Wide of choice  Need to beef up prevention   Everyone have top-of-the-line services	Make it available to everyone as a basic right.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	4/3/06 4:42 PM
12018	"Lack of affordable, accessible care for large segment of population - this should be top priority for a civilized nation!"	"Government, with all its problems and inefficiencies, should take responsibility for care for all currently uninsured."	Getting indigents with runny noses out of emergency rooms and into proper care will save a fortune. Applying preventive public health policies - particularly for obesity - will also pay off big time.	"Provide universal health insurance for all citizens. Create an adequate public health system, including hospitals, local clinics, and preventive programs. Tax the wealthy and large companies to pay for the luxuries they enjoy!"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	4/3/06 5:41 PM
12023	Availability for every citizen.  It should not be available only to those who can pay for it.	"Yes.  I believe that the worst influence on our system is the insurance industry.  It is they who are determining costs and types of services, rather than the doctors and their patients."	"Limits on the number of office visits per person per year.  Limits on the number of, and types of specialties that are covered under a basic plan.  "	"Remove the insurance industry from the equation.  Allow medicine to create the plans and payment systems, i.e., ""medical savings plans""  or prepaid plans as well as fee-for-service."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	4/3/06 6:27 PM
12024	"I am concerned about the high cost of prescription drugs. If one is on a limited income wihth little or no insurance,then medications that are frequently or daily needed quickly become unaffordable. "	NULL	"The trade-offs that Americans should make are to  use less comforts at work such as company luncheons, only take sick days when absolutely necessary, and take fewer personal days. (Also if Americans choose to have vices that cause illness such as smoking and drinking then they should be charged more for their health care insurance.)"	The cost of in-hospital stays should be lower.  The profit margin of medicines and technologies should be lowered so that these costs are not passed onto the consumer.	female	25 to 44	No	Black or African American	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/3/06 6:29 PM
12026	"I,am a senior women on Medicare,Since I retired I have discovered quite a few routine test are not covered,the men have PSA screening,women need a test also,it is called CA-125,it is a tumor marker,it would have saved Mrs.Kings life had she had it done as a routine test,it is very important it gets added for women,Thank You."	No	"Pay for your own ,or get a good job that has health benefits."	"Make people work for what they get,I paid half for years."	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SD	4/3/06 6:47 PM
12032	The high cost of insurance and precriptions.  I do have a good insurance plan but I still cannot afford the medication that I need to help me get better.  I would still have to pay $1500 out of my pocket to cover the medication and I just can't afford it.	"Make the insurance more affordable for everyone, employers too.  The coverage is ridiculously high that they can't or don't want to pay it and the employees suffer from it then."	"Not that anyone wants higher taxes, but I think that if we all paid higher taxes that we could all be covered."	"Make health care service prices cheaper.  If someone doesn't have insurance and they need an expensive treatment, medication, testing etc.  The price is so high it would take forever to pay something like that off.  If it were more affordable, people would be more likely to pay off hospital bills and be able to get the treatments that they need.  "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/3/06 7:33 PM
12034	The increasing cost.	I don't think that employers should be involved with paying for healthcare.	"I think we should be willing to pay more taxes for a more efficient, coordinated, easy to understand, healthcare system."	"I think that we should aim to make the health care computer systems fully integrated and standardized.      A better system would make it easier for: patients to choose healthcare providers; doctors to record services and billing and verify coverage.  A more integrated and efficient computer system should reduce costs and enable accurate reporting on where the costs are and where the money is going.  The government could drive the standards and still enable some form of market driven healthcare.  However, I believe that a system where the government can pool our money to gain bargaining power would be beneficial.  Some form of tax based and individual contributor based system."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	4/3/06 8:37 PM
12042	The High Cost	We should have the Federal Governmant pay all costs and initiate a new tax to pay for health care.	no trade offs -- increase benefits	Eliminate the fragmentation in the health care delivery system	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	4/3/06 9:15 PM
12044	"It is probably too late by now, but my mother and I are about to lose everything we have left due to our beloved healthcare system. There has been an ongoing chain of events that has led us into this situation. My biggest concern?? If and when I get older will our government be there for me in my time of need? I doubt it."	"Yes. Our healthcare system is so expensive, it would be cheaper to die. And the sad thing about that statment, is that I am willing to bet 75% of americans would agree with me."	"I am sure most americans are doing everything in thier power to keep whatever healthcare benefits they have by going even further into debt, so I would say they are willing to offer a shorter life span to be taken care of now."	I think we should pull our troops back home first. Then cut military spending by at least half and use that money and put it towards our own people's livleyhoods. Such as healthcare and education.	male	25 to 44	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	4/3/06 9:18 PM
12051	"There is no catastrophic coverage for individuals. My husband has chronic Hepatitis C. If he needs a liver transplant, it could bankrupt us. If someone like Christopher Reeve had trouble meeting his medical bills, how can the average American possibly manage?"	"Employers should be given tax incentives to cover their workers. Medicare works for Senior Citizens (except for the new prescription coverage, which is way too complicated). I would like to see universal coverage and I am willing to pay more in taxes to ensure all Americans have health benefits, as long as I am paying for health care and not bureaucracy."	"I would like to see the government work to limit what doctors can charge for treatments. I know they work hard and have medical school loans to pay for, but to allow doctors to charge what the market will bear leads to spiraling costs which are out of control. What is the point of Americans having the best medical system in the world if we don't have access because we can't pay for it?"	We need catastrophic coverage for individuals and group rates for all Americans to give everyone access to health care.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/3/06 10:30 PM
12058	The lack of availability and affordability of coverage.  The number of people unable to obtain coverage.	The government needs to offer government controlled nationalised health care with opportunities to 	They are probably willing to pay higher taxes.	"There needs to be better oversight of insurance and health provider charges; health care coverage must be provided fro all including those with pre-existing conditions.  There needs  to be price control over physician bills, hospital bills. insurance premiums and most of all drug prices."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/4/06 1:24 AM
12060	There is too much government interference in the health care field today.	Get government out of the health care business.	NULL	Get government interference out of the health care field.	male	45 to 64	No Response	American Indian or Alaska Native	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/4/06 1:32 AM
12070	"Even those of us with insurance have to make decisions about whether to seek medical care based on our ability to pay.  Insurance coverage gets worse every year; co-pays go up, coverage goes down, more and more appeals are necessary to get coverage we are entitled to.  The system is a disaster.  The only people who aren't having problems with insurance companies are insurance companies."	WE MUST SWITCH OVER TO A SINGLE-PAYER SYSTEM!!!  Healthcare MUST NOT be a for-profit endeavor for insurance companies.  We can provide far superior coverage for every American at 1% less than we spend in premiums right now if we remove insurance profits and cut administrative costs to Medicare levels.	The only trade-offs that are necessary are removing the insurance companies from the equation.  Americans will have better healthcare and we as a nation will save money.	"A NATIONAL, SINGLE-PAYER HEALTH SERVICE!!!!!"	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	4/4/06 9:38 AM
12077	"The cost of health insurance, the cost of prescription drugs and the fact that health insurance is often tied to a job and that individuals and small businesses cannot access the group rates that larger corporations can"	"I think employers should be taken out of the equation, individual states or the federal government could arrange buying pools or cooperatives to get lower group rates and government could assist low income people to pay the premiums."	"Pay higher deductible or copays in exchange for lower premiums.  Inform the public about how to lower drug costs, ie generics,cutting larger size pills in half, how to shop around for the best price, ie discount pharmacies."	Make sure everyone has health coverage and that getting access to primary and preventive care is affordable	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	4/4/06 10:49 AM
12096	   The more than 46 million who are not insured.	   We need a single-payer plan (with a single risk pool) that covers every person in the U.S.	"   When people are educated to realize that affordable care for all can be had for half the amount we now spend, they will be eager to par- ticipate!"	   Expand the Medicare program to include   everyone.  Health care should not be connected to employment.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	4/4/06 1:16 PM
12099	"Rising costs, the lack of proper use of current system by consumers, over use of emergency services,lack of preventive care, insurance companies inability to streamline their own business, lack of public understanding of a national healthcare program (Clinton Plan as an example for it was not socialized medicine as the public perceived)."	Yes.  Cover all citizens and pay with a surtax at end of year to cover any losses by the industries involved in providing the services and the insurance.	The public is just not astute enough to understand so trade-offs would be foolish to even consider.	Get a National Healthcare Program initiated.  We are at a critical stage and MUST ACT NOW.  We are a crisis oriented society BUT cannot afford for this crisis to get any worse before acting.	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	4/4/06 1:26 PM
12106	"Rising costs, lack of universal access, lack of preventative care for all, avoidable errors and complications, inefficiencies in so many areas, the cost of drug advertising which could be spent on R&D instead, profits of health insurance companies."	Scrap it completely.  Go to a universal one-payer system with the option to upgrade for those who choose to do so.  Take the employer out of the healthcare system.  Take the insurance companies out of the system.	"I think people need to be educated to the fact that a one-payer system would decrease administrative costs, which would change the way they pay for care, rather than increase costs."	A one-payer system without the layers of bureaucracy.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/4/06 1:55 PM
12107	"Health care is not a right; health care is availalbe only if on fits into an appropriate category (employer-based coverage, Medicaid, Medicare, etc.)  The health care system is neither organized or coordinated.  Too much time and attention is spent duplicating administrative activities (completion of same of similar forms multiple times).  The system is too complicated with the coordination of various types of coverage from various sources with insurance companies, rather than the medical professional making health care decisions."	I think we need to work toward a universal health care through a single payer system.	"I think the American public is willing to participate in major changes, including tax increases to insure all Americans have access to affordable, high-quality care.  I believe it is Congress and State legislators who are too tied to health care lobbyists who do not want to see change,and insurance companies who do not want to lose their power."	"Affirdable, accessible health care is a human right and should be provided through a universal, single payer system."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	4/4/06 1:59 PM
12113	The unnevenness of access and quality.	"Yes, I'd like to see one card for everyone, paid for by a fair federal tax. It is a monkey on the backs of our businesses, and sin for so much public and private money to go to the overhead in the system of multiple insurances."	Cut back on elective treatments to make well-tested interventions accessible to everyone.	"More emphasis on primary care and hospital nursing, quantity and quality."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	4/4/06 2:35 PM
12115	 Part D Medicare is a scam designed to garner votes while enriching insurance companies and pharmaceutical manufacturers in the process.  There should be a $50-$100 monthly deductible and no doughnut hole.  This program is subsidizing voters who dont really need help without actually helping those who really do.	Very difficult since this country has gone from one nation under God to one nation under government/greed. I dont have the answers. Does anyone?	Higher annual deductibles	Fully fund research for expensive chronic diseases	female	Over 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/4/06 2:49 PM
12120	"The tie between our lawmakers and the health industry inevitably disrupts the process creating a functional healthcare system that provides for the people who need it.  The lack of immediate action when 44 million are uninsured and 100 million people are underinsured.  The immediate reaction of individuals (both the general public and legislators) to the phrase ""socialized"" or ""universal"" healthcare without the true understanding of both is strengths and faults."	NULL	NULL	Insure all Americans.	female	Under 25	No	Asian	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/4/06 3:28 PM
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12127	"The free loaders who clog up the emergency rooms and don't pay.  They go to the ER's for the most ridiculous things.  Most are caused from Smoking or over eating or medical non compliance.  I get tired of hearing ""I couldn't buy the baby's medicine because I didn't have the money"" when I can see a pack of cigarettes sticking out of their pocket."	No	"let the triage nurses stop the unnecessary er visits at the door and refer them to a public clinic. crack down on the misuse of medicare by the non-compliant pts. (smokers, drinkers, over eaters, those who don't take their meds.)"	Figure out a way to stop this non-sensical clogging of ER's by the freeloaders.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	4/4/06 4:20 PM
12137	"As a nurse, I want all my patients to receive health care whether or not they can pay.  There are too many disenfranchised people in this country who have no health insurance and no way to access care."	"I have never been a proponent of National Health Insurance.  This could create a monster as some other countries have discovered.  However, there are ways to set up resources that would be a combination of our current system and another system that would provide for all.  There are some such plans already in place such as free mammograms for those without insurance.  These plans need better publicity.  The drug companies are currently one of the major thorns in the side of health care in this country. For example, a tiny bottle of vigamox, an important antibiotic eye drop costs about $70. Yes!  Research and development are critical, but who gets rich on this?"	"I don't really have any idea.  However, if you continue to poll the American people You will probably find some important common threads.  For myself, see below."	"Stop the war in Iraq.  I'm sorry -- I recognize that this is an absurd oversimplication of all our troubles in this country.  However, how can we justify spending billions on war when we do not feed, properly educate or provide health care to thousands of our children and in fact much of our population.  "	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	4/4/06 5:40 PM
12142	Access to health care financing.	"Access to health care financing (i.e. insurance) should not be employer based. I lost my job at ten AM due to ""lack of work"". My insurance ended at midnight.    HSAs are a joke. Don't believe your own press releases because they are not accessible to early boomers.  Twice I tried to sign up for them. In the most recent occurrence, one of us was denied coverage under a policy with a $10,000 deductible because of hypertension and cholestrerol which are both controlled by medication. If we cannot get access to an HSA when we are willing and financially able to assume a $10,000 deductible, then who can get coverage?"	"I am willing to have a high deductible linked with an HSA, but only an insurer cannot deny me because there are pre-exisiting conditions normally associated with aging.     Insurance should not be available on a state by state basis, because this enables insurers (the financiers) to cherry pick where and who they underright."	Improve access to health care financing.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	4/4/06 6:48 PM
12148	"First, I am concerned about people with no insurance or inadequate insurance who do not receive appropriate care because they cannot pay for it.  Second, I am concerned that we do not provide preventive care, basic health care, and health education to everyone.  The incentives to provides is to do high tech procedures because that is what gets reimbursed.  We need to reward good basic care to improve the health of this nation.health care is a human right"	I think that we should all - individuals and employers - pay taxes to a dedicated fund that is used to reimburse providers for approved care.  Medicare for all.  Taxes should be based on income and payroll size.  I would be willing to pay such taxes.  This is the only way to eliminate the waste in our profit based system.	"Polls show that Americans support universal care. I think that they need to be educated about the advantages of a single payer national system.  if that is done, I think they will support it, because too many are suffering under the current system."	Ensure care is available to all.  I don't think that is possible to achieve without a national tax support system.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/4/06 8:05 PM
12160	"I am most concerned about the commonly accepted belief that any new drug/device released is better than an existing treatment.  Consumers are conned through direct-to-consumer advertising into believing that a patented drug is the best drug available, providers are forced through financial incentives into making choices for using treatments/procedures that aren't proven to be any more effective than less expensive alternatives, and everyone pays more for health care in taxes, insurance premiums, and out-of-pocket charges as a result.  Instead of investing so much money in biomedical research, the US should be investing in clinical and health services research to figure out what works and what is expensive excessiveness.  There are too many inexpensive interventions with proven effectiveness that are overshadowed by expensive versions of dubious benefit."	"Our current system is a Byzantine mess.  Health care is paid for by a fragmented payment system that is a stress on employers, a confusion to consumers, and too constrained and complicated for Medicaid to adequately pay for the health needs of the poor.  Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity!  Health care delivery should be structured much like the VA system in this country:  centrally funded (though the government alone shouldn't pay for everything in an overall new system in the US), integrated and coordinated care between providers, and computerized medical records."	"A bulk of health care financing in this country could be easily paid for by pooling all Americans into one insurance pool and taking out taxes, akin to how Medicare/Medicaid is paid for now.  The government could contract with insurance companies--again, as is done with existing government health care programs--that could offer some standard number of health plans--but no more than a dozen--that provide a degree of choice in health plan coverage.  Affordable co-pays should be implemented to curb moral hazard and offset some of the costs.  Only effective treatments should be paid for, and fully informed patient preferences for treatment in the face of medical decisions with no clear ""correct"" treatment option should be honored.  Americans will need to be shown that everything can be easily paid for by re-organizing a system that is collectively structured and efficiently run."	"Focus on financial incentives that have the biggest effect in terms of restraining costs and inefficiency:  chronic illness management/treatment.  Chronic illnesses (diabetes, CHF, asthma, etc.) are responsible for the lion's share of health care costs, so financial incentives for providers and patients need to be aligned with low-cost preventive and primary care interventions, rather than high-cost hospitalizations."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	4/4/06 9:45 PM
12165	that access to quality general and dental health care is sorely lacking for an enormous part of our population.	we are an incredibly interdependent community and everyone should contribute in some sense. Businesses complain that they are hurt by contributing but if every single one of them did to some extent then there would be no economic disadvantage. Businesses profit on poorer people and there should be no tax breaks for any industry when it comes to contributing for health and education. 	"if we were to convert to a single payer system then the elimination of duplicative administrations, forms, etc would save considerable amounts. I think using a formulary of meds and services would help to contain cost, and certain extreme procedures would have to be cost-shared by individuals. Basic services must be available to ALL Americans, rather than have some avail of rediculously expensive interventions."	universal health care through a single-payer system. I know some will use a private pay system but they must still contribute into the general system that supports the people creating their wealth (the poor and middle class).	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	4/4/06 9:52 PM
12173	"UNAFFFORDABLE INSURANCE PREIMIUMS  taxpayers paying for healthcare for NON_AMERICANS  Mandatory prescription plans( Only tend to jack up prices and make drug companies RICH!)  Advertizing of hospitals and prescription med.on t.v. and radio, those MIllions of dollars could be spent lowering prices instead of making drug co. rich on humane misery! Why do hospitals need to advertise????????  axpayers paying healthcare for NON-AMERIC"	"Yes, get rid of insurance companies!  Also, employers OF LARGE companies should be REQUIRED to give health insurance coverage immidiatly upon employment so as to assure NO laps in coverage. That is the new game for insurance co. now so they get out of paying for existing conditions. Also, companies like Wal-Mart pay so little and schedule employees with such disrecard to home life that the person quits before even getting on the insurance. THIs is how large companies get out of paying for health insurance cooverage for many who would otherwise be covered.  GEt rid of ""red tape"" and use common sense!!!!!!!"	??????????	STOP giving FREE health care to NON-AMericans so WE can afford to take care of ourselves!!!!!!!!	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/4/06 10:33 PM
12179	Cost!!! 	No	"Why not ask what trade-offs drug companies, lobbyists, etc. will make to benefit the health care system?"	Let our congressmen divest themselves of their health coverage and join the public! When they are truly aware of the inadequacies of the system they will make changes!	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	4/4/06 10:59 PM
12190	"I most concerned that in America today one's access to health care is largely determined by one's wealth, quality of job, income, or income of  one's parents. In a modern country it is shameful that health care is increasingly made up of the ""have and have nots"". Health care is not trivial, after all without it an individual's life-span decreases, it should be a human right, not a tool to make money from. At the least, no child should be without health care. Surely, politicians of all parties should agree to that.  The following quote by former President Dwight Eisenhower made this observation about America in 1965 that is appropriate for solving problems we all share: “It is only common sense to recognize that the great bulk of Americans, whether Republican or Democrat, face many common problems and agree on a number of basic objectives.” In this light we all should work together and make our health care system more fair, thereby making   America more fair."	"Establish a national health care system.  Republicans and conservatives should be for it b/c what else would support life, and healthy lifestyles? One example would be support for pre-natal care which would lessen miscarages, & death of pregnant women from unnecessary complications from lack of health care.  Democrats & liberals should support such system to  establish more equality, where one's health and therefore lifespan is not based on one's wealth, job, background or race"	"When the public is made aware of the significants costs to quality of life and life-span,  and the benefits of improved health care by making busnesses more stable/competitive (ex. GM is spending $1,500 of each car’s costs on worker health-care and obligations to retiree health benefits exceeded $63 billion.), enable workers to enjoy more take home pay, improve the health and well-being particularily of the least among us, the American public would glady pay $1,000 to $1,5000 through a health tax.  After all, on average Americans now spend more than $6,000 per capita each year on health care, & a family of four spends, on average, more than $10,000 a year on health-insurance premiums, "	"The single most important recommendation would be to establish a national, universal single-payer health care system thus enabling all Americans to obtain health care which would be accomplished most efficiently and fairly by pooling all Americans together where the risks of high costs are shared collectively instead of leaving those with a condition or disability to pay unaffordably high premiumsm"	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	4/5/06 12:26 AM
12196	"I am concerned about the increasing number of persons in this wealthy country who have no health care  insurance and no means to obtain healthcare insurance at a reasonable cost. And without insurance they are in a poor position for negotiation of the cost of healthcare.  When I go to the doctor the cost to my insurance company and the cost to me is pre-negotiated.  It is considerably lower than that paid by an individual with no health insurance.  I have personal knowledge of this because my daughter has no health insurance coverage.  When she reached the age of 22 she was dropped from my health insurance despite the fact that she still had a year left in college.  Her part-time position did not offer coverage.  When she went to the doctor we paid the full amount with no reimbursement.  That was not a problem for us for a short period of time.  however, she is now 29 and has yet to have any job that offers health insurance coverage.  The cost to buy insurance exceeds her monthly rental.  She at least has a job.  There are many worse off than she - they don't have a reasonable paying job to even buy coverage.  I don't know what they do when they have a serious illness.  "	"Yes. The universal health care proposal that President Clinton proposed woulld have at least evened the playing field by providing minimum coverage for all.  However, the Clinton's made a mistake by having Hillary lead the development of that proposal. Our country was not ready for a strong woman to do that. She became a lightening rod for every person in the country who is against women in leadership roles.  Second mistake made was underestimating the powerful lobby of the insurance industry who realized such a proposal would reduce their profits!"	"Higher deductibles, higher co-pays would allow coverage to be extended to more"	Coverage for all persons in this coverage - at least minimal coverage to ensure basic health care needs are met.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	4/5/06 5:51 AM
12209	"Due to the nature of health care, it is not realistic or practical to treat it as a commodity for which consumers can shop around for the best price. If your child is seriously sick, you take him or her to the nearest doctor because you have to. There is often not time to shop around. If a doctor orders a test, most of the time you have to trust that the doctor knows best what you need (after all, they go to school for many years and have diplomas on the wall). Most citizens do not have the knowledge needed to contradict a doctor's orders. The doctors are the experts. This is the way our current system works and the costs are out of control because there cannot be true competitiveness at the consumer/patient level. Competitiveness has to come at the buyer level, and it is too easy for the buyers to just increase premiums rather than pool resources to get costs down. It's a lose/lose situation."	"As a self-employed person with a few long-term medical issues on my record, I cannot freely change insurance plans as I would be denied or premiums would be too high. Therefore, any attempts at ""consumer-driven competitiveness"" are unavailable to me. Health care cannot be treated as a commodity like buying a car or other goods because it is 1) necessary and 2) most needed at a time when ""shopping"" isn't an option, like during an emergency or serious illness. Therefore, offering an open plan similar to Medicare or federal insurance plans at group rates to all Americans would be a better system. Requiring it of all citizens through tax payments would make the most sense because imagine the buying power you'd have with 300 million subscribers! In addition, in a country with our resources, it is immoral to let people suffer and die because they can't afford care."	"I'd accept closer scrutiny as to whether a particular drug or treatment provides the best cost/benefits. For example, my husband is on lipitor, but there are cheaper drugs that do the same thing. There needs to be the right balance of need versus cost. "	Get the drug and insurance companies out of our representative's pockets. Stop all lobbying. Stop drug commercials. Our representatives need to make decisions based on the desires and needs of their constituents rather than pressure from the companies that benefit most from our insane system. Our representatives need to get ethical.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	4/5/06 9:24 AM
12210	"Many people cannot affortd healthcare.  Many seniors cannot afford to purchase medications.  I'm close to retirement - my employers currently offers healthcare coverage to retirees however, the premiums and copays continue to increase for employees and even more for retirees.  Will heathcare be affordable 10 years from now?  Our healthcare system is an embarassment.  The US is a wealthy country but with all the issues facing us (oil dependency, social security, taxes, etc) something is broken.  I strongly believe our elected officials are not severing the citizens of the US - they are out to get what they can for themselves.  For this simple reason, I support term limits for all elected officials."	We need a system that insures everyone - I believe such a system would work if it were structured properly to avoid wasteful and frivilous spending.  Most government run systems cost too much and place a hugh burden on the tax payers.  A private company may be the best option.  	Americans would welcome a tax increase if healthcare was affordable to every citizen (exluding illegal immigrants).	Tax increase - one that's equitable and affordable.  	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/5/06 9:25 AM
12233	lack of basis coverage for all americans	provide a basic medical paln for all americans paid for by the taxpayers of this country on an equal basis without tax credits deductions for anyone . with the wealthy and high income to super impose on the basic plan as desired 	public to not enter in to the decision .. the responsibility for making the decision is up to the leaders of the congress for the benefit of all the citizens on an equal basis 	"almost 50 years of experience in selling , servicing paying claims  on health insurance both group and individual coverage"	male	Decline to answer	No Response	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	4/5/06 10:37 AM
12261	"There are many concerns.  There is the cost, the difficulties negotiating the insurance system, and the lack of coverage for people with low incomes or who lack jobs that provide insurance. It is certainly a mess the way it is . . ."	"I believe that universal coverage, perhaps through the government as in Canada, of everyone is an answer that  has definite merit."	I think people are willing to consider universal health care similar to Medicare . . . or the VA System.	To extend coverage and simplify the inusrance system that governs it.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	4/5/06 12:16 PM
12280	"I resent the following:  1- Being stampeded into a program that is far from complete.  2- In a free market I resent that Medicare is not allowed to negotiate for the best price on drugs.  3- When a drug is taken off the list by the insurer shouldn't the insured have the right to move to another provider and not wait for the anniversary date of the policy.  4- I believe that the best way to administer this program is to have the legislators, federal cmployees and all the members of the society be subject to the rules that the legislators mandate for the average citizen."	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	4/5/06 1:28 PM
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12289	"What most concerns me is the millions of people in this country who go without health insurance.  This is not just a problem for poor people, but it is beginning to affect the middle classes whose health insurance costs are rising at a staggering rate.  However, the lack of healthcare does tend to affect poor people the most, including children.  Millions of poor children go without preventative care and regular check-ups because their parents cannot afford to pay the doctor.  Even more poor people and also seniors have to make the terrible decision of choosing between food and prescription drugs.  Lack of healthcare in this country has become an epidemic in itself and we must move to cure it before the entire system crashes and our healthcare system, even for those who can afford to pay for it, is structually damaged."	"I think there needs to be a universal healthcare system that would provide standard medical coverage to all Americans.  I don't think good medical care should only be available to those who can afford to pay for it.  Medicare is the most successful social service program in the nation's history.  I favor a system where the entire country can enroll in Medicare, eliminating the staggering profits reported by the insurance industry.  Our taxes and health care premiums should go to pay for actualy healthcare, not to line the pockets of insurance CEOs.  I think there should be universal healthcare funded by a designated tax, payed by individuals and employers."	"I think that once the market sees how a competitive medical industry is, and how costs drop when insurance companies are no longer reporting record profits, there will be very little to trade off.  I think we will need more physicians, but I don't see why a system as developed as the United States can't provide quality health care without long waiting periods, once doctors are actually being paid whatn they earn and insurance companies are reigned in.  I am willing to pay higher taxes as well.  I know that's not a popular notion in this country, but I believe we all pay for our share of a safety net, and it should be a universal safety net.  "	"The first step is to get healthcare to the millions who do not have it now - who have to go to the emergency room, driving up prices, because they have no where else to go.  Make sure the poor, the children, and senior, essentially the uninsured, have care before trying to deal with the rest of us.  It is too urgent to wait!"	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	4/5/06 1:58 PM
12299	The most pressing concern is the increasing number of uninsured and underinsured Americans and the effect this is having on access.	I think there should be a universal health care coverage at some basic level that covers everyone funded by the government and private investment.	I think Americans would be willing to wait longer for care and would be willing to incur higher taxes.	"Focus on preventative care for all and health education in the schools.  Take health care to where the people are...churches, neighborhoods, work places."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	4/5/06 2:26 PM
12350	"Costs for health care, "	"The system the govt. came out wit isn't worth 15 cents, and they are spending billions on it. I think they should cut Doctors and Hospital fees way down. alspo drug companys. CEOs in teh Medical field making way too much money."	I would like top see them charge each induvidal at least $50 a month and add 10 cents a gallon to fuel to help pay for it.	If it wasn't for the war in Irac they would have enough money to pay for decent health care for all of us.	male	Over 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	4/5/06 6:02 PM
12385	one of the problems with the health care system that i haven't heard addressed is the out of control litagation and malpractice premiums that the doctors must pay.	"i attempted to purchase insurance, but was denied by the insurers in my state, the hippa insurance premiums were so outrageous, there was no way i could afford them, make them more affordable."	americans must take another look at litagation	cut down the duplication of machinery at doctor's offices... i.e. CT machines at every facility while the same machine at the hospital sits idle	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	4/5/06 8:31 PM
12390	"There are way too many people without access to any health care because they do not have insurance which, in my opinion, has not one thing to do with health care except dictate who can get any.In other words, we need to provide ""health care"" to citizens and cut out the money gouging insurance industry. ""health insurance"" and ""health care"" should no longer be wed together as meaning the same thing."	"The government should take over the entire responsibilty for the health of all its citizens. I do not know when it became the sole province of employers to provide some expensive insurance plan for people's health. This is not only an unfair burden on all employers, large and small, but also leaves out a very large segment of the population who are unemployed for whatever reasons. The health of the populace is one of those responsibilities of the government as most civilized countries have discovered long ago."	"One trade-off I'm sure they wouldn't mind would be dumping their expensive, tenuous private plans for a small increase in general taxes. The peace of mind that would come from making life decisions based on criteria other than worrying about health care would make for a much more productive, relaxed population. Needless to say-healthier."	"Look at any other civilized, industrial country in the world and copy their plan of government financed health care.Dump the concept of private insurance companies making huge profits while dictating who does and does not get treatment. Being sick is not an option that people can choose and no one should live in fear of losing all they have ever worked for because they get sick. We already have the example here of Medicare and by golly it works!! Copy it. Use our tax dollars for good deeds instead of wasting it killing people half a world away."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ID	4/5/06 8:51 PM
12394	Cost	Single payer	Increased taxes	Equal healthcare for all	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VT	4/5/06 9:52 PM
12407	"Today the most important thing to me is that Urban Indian Health Clinics continue to serve the many urban Indians in our cities.  Most American Indians live off the reservations.  Health care was promised as part of the treaties and these centers serve as a way to help the most marginalized peoples in America to access healthcare, behavioral health, and other services.  President Bush's proposal to cut these programs seems obscene and I would hope that this would be fought by the Congress. "	"Everyone should have access to adequate healthcare in this rich nation.  In the end providing the healthcare would mean saving dollars through reduced use of emergency rooms, reduced bankruptcies, and fewer acute health care problems.  Prevention should be paid for as part of this, including health clubs and allowing tax right offs for healthy choices. "	Less money for wars	Provide health care for all.  	female	45 to 64	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	4/5/06 11:46 PM
12413	Too focused upone access to medications	reduce the profit motive in for-proffit health insurance companies    the salaries of the for-profit insurance execs are excessive	reduce the profit margin on health insurance execs    reduce the expenses on gimmicks and gadgets such as those motorized wheel chairs and implanted defibrillators	higher taxes on tobacco cigarettes and any tobacco products	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	4/6/06 1:41 AM
12420	High health care costs are primarily driven by out of control medical law suits.  These unnecessary cases limit the availability to quality health care for the masses by chasing good doctors away and driving up the costs for the rest.	"Using the current system, allow groups to agrigate pools across state lines as corporations do."	not sure	Drive costs for health care down by implementing agressive tort reform.  Real tort reform.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	4/6/06 8:36 AM
12432	The lack of universal health care coverage.	We should have a universal health care system and eliminate private insurers.  	Higher taxes to pay for a universal system.	"Get control of the system.  That is, get it out of the hands of private insurers and physicians and into state or federal universal coverage systems. It needs to come off the back of business if our industries are to be competitive in the world. "	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	4/6/06 10:46 AM
12437	"High risk health behaviors like morbid obesity,  smoking,and illegal drug use are not penalized by higher insurance rates nor healthy preventative behaviors are not rewarded by insurance price reductions.  We get a discount on auto insurance if we are a B student with no wrecks.  We get no discount on health insurance if we exercise regularly, don't smoke, and aren't obese. "	"I like Mass.'s Action of requiring every citizen who can afford health insurance to buy it or face income tax penalties, converting state money into subsidies to help low income persons buy insurance, and creating ways for businesses and individuals to save on insurance by using pretax dollars."	I don't think the universal Hillary care is the answer given that Canadians flock to the US for care and Brits who can afford it all get private insurance to supplement the national health care plan.  Also their high tax rates don't make health care free.  I do not want to give up choice. I want to get citizens health insurance without getting a government takeover.	Improve clinic access to decrease unnecessary expensive emergency room use	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	4/6/06 11:08 AM
12459	too many uninsured which create a burden  of higher premium for the working class.	"everyone weather on disability or ss should contribute toward their health care even if it is $10.00.  With such a large population of disabled and those on ss, it would add up"	NULL	"encourage small businesses to contribute to health care and also their workers - no matter how small, because it eventually adds up"	female	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	na	4/6/06 1:08 PM
12462	uninsured and underinsured individuals having less access to care than others	A single payor source 	"Most feel health care is a right, so they are not willing to make trade-offs. "	Increase access to nurse practitioners who are willing to work in areas traditionally underserved	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	4/6/06 1:14 PM
12468	"1.  The number of uninsured people.    2.  The inefficiency of the system, including the lack of wellness incentives."	"Definitely, everyone should have insurance coverage.  There should be more personal responsibility.  And, the government should us it's purchasing power especially with respect to prescription drugs."	"Most people understand that our patchwork syste, is disfunctional and would be willing to pay for quality health services, IF they thought the delivery system was reasonably efficient."	Uninsured coverage!	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	4/6/06 1:30 PM
12469	That most people can't afford it and the gov't is not doing enough to cover all citizens.	Possibly legalize marijuana and use those funds for people who cannot afford health care.	How about we trade off new nuclear weapons and wars for healthcare in our own country?	Take tax money going into war and put that into helping sustain life for all Americans.	female	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VT	4/6/06 1:36 PM
12471	"THAT THE MIDDLE CLASSES PAY FOR EVERYONE ELSE THAT GETS FREE, LOW COST, CARE AND PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.  ILLEGALS SHOULD GET NO FREE MEDICAL CARE IN THIS COUNTRY.  THAT THE PEOPLE THAT PAY THE MOST (MIDDLE CLASS) SHOULD PAY THE SAME LOW CO-PAYS THAT THE MEDICAID PATIENTS PAY FOR DRUGS AND EQUIPMENT AND MEDICAL CARE. ONE GROUP SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR ALL OTHER GROUPS.  IF YOU DO NOT TAKE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS YOU SHOULD NOT BE FORCED TO BUY PART D UNTIL YOU NEED IT. "	PART D SHOULD BE PAID FOR THE SAME AS MEDICARE IS PAID FOR AND SERVICE BILLED THE SAME WAY.  EVERYONE PAYS THE SAME.	NO FREE MEDICAL CARE FOR ILLEGALS.  NO TRADE OFFS.	MAKE MEDICARE PAYMENTS AND PART D PAYMENTS THE SAME FOR ALL AMERICANS. THEN LOWER THE COST OF BOTH.  DRS AND DRUG COMPANIES HAVE NO RIGHT TO PROFIT FROM THE ILL.	female	Over 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	4/6/06 1:48 PM
12488	expensive can't afford it therefore I get no care.	"Yes, we need National Health Insurance."	not sure.	National Health Insurance.	female	25 to 44	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	4/6/06 3:13 PM
12490	"The costs of insurance and medical care are getting out of hand.  Insurance should cover only catastropic events, not every day office visits."	Employees should be able to get any kind of insurance they want and not have to rely on their employer.	We will pay for office visits in exchange for lower insurance premiums.	"Offer insurance to everyone, regardless of age, class, employer, but only at the catastrophic level."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	4/6/06 3:21 PM
12491	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Offer insurance to all Americans, regardless of age, race, gender, health, employer, but only on a catastrophic level."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	4/6/06 3:22 PM
12496	It is reactive vs. proactive	Strong advocate for CDHPs.  HSA and HRA funding mechanisms.  	"We have to become smarter about our own health and at least learn as much about health as we do taking care of our yard, car or fantasy sports leagues."	Invest in a healthy lifestyle	male	45 to 64	No	NULL	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WV	4/6/06 4:16 PM
12497	"That we don't have universal health care, preferably managed by Medicare. This would not include non-citizens."	see above- general tax revenues.	higher taxes	"stop politicising the issue & do the right thing for the citizens. all the scary stories will fall away, & we will join the more advanced nations of the world."	male	Over 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	4/6/06 4:16 PM
12499	"It isn't health CARE. It's health REPAIR. Because we do not understand, as a nation, that our diet is wildly toxic, and the powerful interests of meat and dairy want to keep it that way. Health CARE should be preventive. If we made reasonable changes in what we eat we could easily halve the cost."	"Incentives, and heavy federal investment in advertising to us to eat right."	Is a better diet a trade-off?	"Publicize the writings of T. Colin Campbell (The China Study) Dr. Neil Barnard, Dr. John McDougall, John Robbins, Michio Kushi"	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	4/6/06 4:23 PM
12518	I am concerned about the number of Americans without health care.  I am concerned about health care costs and allocations-especially the high dollars spent inappropriately on end of life care	"I feel that Americans emplyed by government agencies and large employers have adequate coverage but that smaller employers need help in keeping the employee portion of costs down.  Many employees cannot pay the high premiums charged by insurance companies. For the under, unemployed and disabled and elderly, basic health coverage including doctor visits, hospitalization and prescriptions need to be provided. There needs to be a ceiling placed on the cost of prescription drugs that prevent people from having to choose between eating or paying rent and filling their prescriptions"	"I don't know that all Americans want to pay for these changes, but we must. There needs to be lower profits for the pharmaceutical and insurance industries.  Some high cost benefits may need to be limited or eliminated in order to provide a wider range of covered serices"	make it universal	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	4/6/06 7:55 PM
12525	The costs of good health care is going beyond the reach of most Americans and will continue to get worse.  A drastic change is needed to change this trend.	"It should be required that ALL employers provide a specific amount of health care, just like the minimum wage; OR we have a national health care system covering everyone that all people and employers pay into, especially employers."	We would pay higher taxes and higher prices because all employers are now going to HAVE TO pay into the national health care system.	A national health care system that covers everyone and everything except for elective procedures.  The government would control the costs of each health procedure or product to make sure we are not ripped off as is currently the case for drugs in this country. 	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	4/6/06 9:05 PM
12534	Lack of preventive health care.  	"I suggest a pay for performance system, in which providers are reimbursed at a higher rate if guidelines are met.  Include nurse practitioners as health care providers and reimburse at same rate as physicians.    I also recommend that incentives be made by insurers for individuals who accept personal responsibility for their health (e.g. wt loss, smoking cessation, attending diabetes education classes)"	NULL	Encourage personal responsibility by giving health care incentives.    Incentives for quality health care providers.  Include nurse practitioners as primary care providers and offer the same incentives as physicians.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	4/6/06 11:39 PM
12537	"I have no way to earn enough to buy it myself, when hired by the State it was paid automatically and extra's had low payments to join but I was ganged up on by 2 diff groups and pushed out of my job so lost the income and the health benefits.  Discrimination is too strong in the State system."	I had 4 abbsesses at the same time and no regular doctor would perform the work needed as I had no job so could not pay.  I was not able to get Medicare and my age was too young to qualify for other government programs so I went home to die.  My family networking at the time was gone and my children living with their dad and too young to help.    By amazing Grace and basic medical I survived.....their should have been some sort of basic dental care place for single women.  Forcing us to have sex to insure a person to pay for this is barbaric and creates an undertow of prostitution within the government systems.  Single people should be allowed good medical care without the abuse.	Less fluff.  More basics to more people	"Anyone (single, married, etc and no age barrier)can join at a very low rate.  Then can purchase more on their own thru work etc if they want to add to this basic care. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MS	4/6/06 11:51 PM
12539	"1. The unchecked rising cost of insurance, service, procedures, and related products (ex. drugs).  2. The lack of information and ability for conscienouse consumer to select providers and services due to insufficient uniform and detailed information about education, experience, complaints, care philosophy, etc."	"Not sure, but it's not working."	"Higher but predictable costs - right now the costs are rising dramatically without an end in sight, not just for patients but for employers and government too. Perhaps longer wait for specialists or procedures, but more predictable than vast difference between immediate access to unknown, inexperienced, or incompetent doctors and  3-6+ months wait for the well-known specialists."	"If consumer is to be given more control through health-savings plans, then there needs to be a way to make more information available so the consumer can make educated choices. At the moment, it sometimes takes a minimum of one office visit (at the cost of $80-150) to figure out that a  doctor on the generic referral list is not very skilled."	female	25 to 44	No	Asian	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	4/7/06 12:08 AM
12541	"healthcare being given to none members of our country and being paid for by americans. it drives up our costs,and lets them remain here to take jobs that we should get.if they are not here by invitation they should go back home unless its an emergency."	"mandatory employer coverage by all. that way it puts them at no compettative disadvantage.government should stop spending moneys put aside ae:social security,medicare.they should also stop spending our money so stupidly, such as the last part d fiasco.individuals will have to be taxed, this should also stop employers from hireing non americans and paying them less with no benefits which is at a real source of the problem.if you are part of the problem you should be part of the solution. "	"it is a question of fairness. it is an almost and impossible task,because of the money involved. i am not only talking about what we pay,but what the providers are willing to give up. it is a no brainer that the attempt of the provider industry to control cost is not that effective,without some kind of restrictions."	"a set of rules that are good for all.we need providers,we need to be treated fairly, our employers need to do the same thing to all employees and not get by with less.get on the same page or its not going to work anyway."	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	4/7/06 12:42 AM
12544	The current system is woefully inefficient. Comparing prices is as ridiculous as trying to figure out the price of a new car at a dealership. Because I own a business as a sole proprietor I get a huge discount over someone who works for a company that does not offer health insurance to its employees.	"Single payer system administered by the government. Medicare has problems, but administrative costs are low."	"Most people with insurance are unaware of actual costs and many overuse the system because it's ""free"". Education is necessary to progress."	"Make employer-paid health insurance a taxable benefit, and make individual-paid health insurance tax-deductable. Level the playing field by making rates uniform without giving volume discounts."	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	4/7/06 1:14 AM
12552	1) That is being run as a business instead of as a public service.  2) That it is unaffordable for many people. Privately bought insurance is particularly unaffordable.  3) That it discriminates against those with chronic illnesses  4) That the system has few incentives to encourage preventive care  5) That we spend more per capita than any other developed country but still have so many people uninsured or underinsured.	Yes. The federal government should insure us all in a single-payer system that covers basic services. Small deductibles and co-pays will keep people from grossly overusing the system.  People can purchase additional insurance to cover other services.	"If we have a national single-payer plan, initially the money saved by cutting out the middlemen (insurance companies and their administrative costs) means that Americans will not have to sacrifice benefits for the same price they pay now. Eventually we'll all have to find a way to contain costs...for instance people can purchase private insurance to cover more expensive services that are not in the basic federal plan."	"The federal governement needs to insure all of us together.  What's good for business is not good for patients and for public health, and it's time for the government to put people before business."	female	25 to 44	No	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/7/06 9:00 AM
12556	"1) That there are children, high risk groups without coverage.  2) That the focus is on ""sick care"" and not on true ""health care""  3) Don't make our system like Europe/Canada.  That will take away the incentives for innovation and new discoveries from the medical communities in the US."	"People who systematically abuse their bodies should pay more for health care -- OR people who are making better choices should get a tax credit.  Example, childhood obesity is on the rise. If we can curtail that rise, or put the focus on making healthier choices, ALL OF US WILL BENEFIT. Don't make the focus on ""sick care"" but on ""preventive care"" and true ""health care""."	"I already pay $80K/year in TAXES alone. I do not think that the people who went to school for many years (and have school loans that they can't deduct) should be paying for everyone's health care.  However, when it comes to making sure CHILDREN and the ELDERLY are covered, I would pay for that.  I know of middle-aged people who call themselves disabled getting health care (since they smoked their whole lives and need oxygen) - which is WRONG.  They are taking money away from the kids/elderly who really deserve it.  I would pay more if it ensured the right groups would get coverage."	"Give tax credits for Americans who are making good health choices (no smoking, wearing seat belts, not overweight). The burden ($$) on society for these preventable issues would decrease if a SIGNIFICANT credit is given to those Americans making better decisions on their health."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	4/7/06 9:23 AM
12559	"We have an entire group of people that are continuously forgotten.  They are the people who earn between $20-100,000.00 a year and have horrible insurance or no insurance.  They have deductibles that are $5-10,000.00, plus they are paying premiums of several hundred dollars a year.  They do not get health care because they can't afford their deductible or they just don't have the insurance to come in.  It is frustrating that every time they talk about changing health care they talk about Medicaid.  These people don't qualify.  Stop forgetting about them!  They fall out of them not getting regular health care is a snowball effect.  They don't take their medications, so their disease states progress and they end up with days off work, possible hospitalization, spending more money on medications to fix the current dilemma."	The whole system needs to be overhauled.  You need to quit bandaiding the problems.	I think a slight increase in taxes to help fund coverage for everyone would in the end actually save dollars towards health care.  It would give people access to health care and preventative care.	Let health care providers provide preventative care and treat patients according to each individuals needs.  Care should not be one size fits all.  Government and insurance companies should not be able to dictate to health care providers what is important for the health of a patient that the provider is talking to face to face.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	4/7/06 9:28 AM
12562	government interfereuse all interference	use the government waste to pay health care	none	cut the waste of money in the health care system	male	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	4/7/06 10:04 AM
12568	"I am very concerned about the cost of health insurance.  My husband and I both work and we have decided to take the risk of not having health insurance.  To insure both of us in a very low-grade policy it would be around $500/month.  In our situation it boils down to a choice between having money available for home repair, saving for retirement and perhaps having a little bit of fun or paying for health insurance that we feel we get little to no benefit from.  Our income would classify us as middle class.  I think that it's sad that for us in the 'middle' insurance is a luxury that we cannot afford.  "	I don't think that the problem is necessarily who is paying for the system the cost is still there and the end result is that the public will be bearing the burden.  If employers are forced to offer health insurance at the costs today they may not hire as many people or the cost for insurance gets taken from the employee's check.  Many individuals can't afford the cost.  If the governement picks it up taxes get raised and the public pays - just in a different way.  Finding a way to treat people in a more cost effective way is the only way to really make a change.  Perhaps the government could regulate what a hospital can charge for a certain proceedure or promote ways for healthcare providers to cut costs for patients.  	"Americans are never excited about paying more for anything.  They are just as reluctant to give up anything.  As the American public ages through the baby boom generation I think that end of life issues are going to become a big problem.  Long Term Care and nursing homes are already in short supply.  Promoting Home Health Care for elderly individuals, assited care and adult daycare could help offset some of the huge cost associated with nursing home care.  I also think that Americans could pay a small percentage more in federal taxes to fund a national healthcare system.  "	"Think outside of what is currently on the books.  Look at all alternatives.  For so many years it has been standard to just add another law to the books.  Instead of trying to fix what is obviously broken maybe it's time to start with something new.  Medicare part D is a good example.  The system is confusing to everyone and from those that I've talked to it isn't going to make that much of a difference in the bottom line.  While the sentiment was a good idea it is cumbersome and  filled with restrictions.  My advice, scrap it all and start fresh."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ND	4/7/06 10:32 AM
12574	The cost of Health Insurance for senior citizens and the poor!!!!!!!!!	Less national defense spending in return for more Federal participation in Health care funding.	"The dissatisfaction with the War in Iraq, the expected peace dividend resulting from the end of the Cold War, should offer the trade offs needed to better fund Health Care."	Exercise.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/7/06 10:47 AM
12575	Our current system is rationed by health & wealth. Moderate & low income families can't afford the premiums & people with any existing medical condition are denied or priced out. The cost of health insurance is a huge deterent for the development of small businesses.	I would like to see the federal government open up their health care plans to individuals & businesses. Why shouldn't a self employed farmer or a teacher have the same health care coverage as a senator? Premiums could be based on the wealth of the company or the individual. Private insurance companies could still exist & offer plans.	"Hospitals & clinics with more plain decor. Waiting period for non urgent surgery or care. Fewer heroic measures at the end of life. So much money is spent on care for the uninsured (hospitals, public health & free clinics financed by hospitals) & paying for the middleman (insuance companies) that there may not be the need for trade offs."	Affordable health insurance that does not deny care to people with existing conditions.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	4/7/06 10:56 AM
12593	The chief concern is the spiraling cost of health care while more and more Americans are without access.  We provide very expensive treatments to keep people alive longer (but for how long and at what cost)driving the cost up past affordability for most of us	"I am not against payments by various parties but I think that coverage should be standardized with standardized co-pays, deductibles (at a high enough level to encourage efficient utilization)and treatment options"	My guess is that most people are not willing to make any trade-offs.  I would be willing to limit benefits (particularly costly high-technology options)and I believe that we should increase each consumers financial stake in each use of the health care system	Provide incentives for people to use health care efficiently (higher deductibles and co-pays)and limit the use of costly high-technology options at the expense of basic care for all.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	4/7/06 11:39 AM
12600	It is important that every American receive quality healthcare regardless of income or ability to pay.  This is a goal that should be accomplished sooner rather than later.	"It is going to take a combination of resources to achieve affordable healthcare.  It would seem that the government could and should set limitations as far as pricing of pharmaceuticals/medical services/equipment and offer incentives for reasonable pricing, which would certainly bring down insurance premiums.  People here in the U.S. should not have to go out of the country to purchase prescription drugs and medical services."	"I believe that most Americans would make a tradeoff with slightly higher taxes, higher premiums."	It will take public and private sector management and government regulation.	female	45 to 64	No	Black or African American	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/7/06 11:58 AM
12602	It is a shame that too many americans do not have medical insurance coverage. Even the one that have insurance from their employer has to lives in fear of getting sick to lose his job and no onger have health insurance.. 	Establish a national basic health insurance to cover everyone. The fund should comes from individual taxing system collecting by goverment and administer through a private insurance bidding process.	Define the minimum national basic health care coverage specially for coverage that provides minimal beneficial to prolong the life at the end of life.	Establish a nationalize health insurance for basic coverage to eliminate any uninsurer.	male	45 to 64	No	Asian	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/7/06 11:59 AM
12606	Lack of universal coverage for those who are mentally ill or poor	I would love to see a system that could disseminate care to all those in need without unfair costs to those who cannot afford to pay.	Why do wee have to trade off benefits or lose benefits in order to receive quality care?  I think it is possible to reallocate funds and still managed to maintain access and quality mental and medical health services.	"Improve the quality and availability of family mental and medical health care by increasing access, decreasing costs to individuals, and changing health care policy to ensure universal coverage for all."	female	25 to 44	No	Black or African American	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	4/7/06 12:41 PM
12607	"that ALL Citizens of the USA have every right to have good, quality and free health care coverage. "	America needs a national healthcare prgram.	NULL	"I stongly feel that our parents who do not have  health coverage should be able to be covered under thier childrens' insurance. A insurance company will cover gay and lesbains, but they will not cover parents that have reaised you for 18 years or more??? That is so not right!!!"	female	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/7/06 12:44 PM
12614	"Every person should have access to health care in a country as wealthy as USA. There is NO excuse! This is not the Middle ages !Trillions on military, fund a universal plan with our tax $$$ !!"	"Gov't should pay all, then be re-imbursed accordingly."	"Higher taxes, personal and corporate. Excemptions for all over 65 years old.They have been paying taxes all of their lives, care should be 100% FREE for our elderly citizens !"	Free care/prescriptions/equipment to All over 65.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/7/06 1:10 PM
12619	Coverage for all	none	tax	Increase efficiency and limit law suit	female	45 to 64	No	Asian	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/7/06 1:32 PM
12624	We are spending to much money prolonging the death process.	NULL	NULL	Do a better job explaining the fruitless pursuit of prolonging death....provide families with Hospice care.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	4/7/06 1:48 PM
12636	That it is insurance company driven instead of consumer driven and that not everyone can afford to have health care of any kind due to their personal economics.	"I think we should have a federally run national health care plan.  Everyone pays a percentage of their income into it, so that everyone contributes and gets assisted by this same system. In reality, even businesses and the government are made up of individuals, so we all will pay into one system and benefit from it being run very efficiently."	Perhaps if people can not pay in money they can do time trades or give of their skills or services.  This would make it more complicated to manage but it will be worth the effort for more people to be healthy.	"Focus on the basics - clean water, clean organic food, clean air and restful sleep.  Shut down the pesticide companies.  Create national clean-up work programs so we all can be personally involved in making ourselves healthier - this creates a cleaner country and jobs!"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	4/7/06 3:00 PM
12641	The disparities in health care between those who can afford to pay for health care and health care insurance and those who cannot	The Medicare system should be expanded and improved upon so that all Americans have access to the same health care	"I think most Americans would be willing to pay higher taxes to ensure that all Americans are covered. If the individual and employer payroll tax on Medicare were increased even a little and private insurance companies were bought out by the govenment,there would be more than enough to pay for everyone to have health care. "	"a single payer,publicly funded comprehensive and universal health care system that covers all Americans,regardless of income,health status,or age"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	4/7/06 3:19 PM
12643	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Some college	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	4/7/06 3:22 PM
12648	The lack of price information by doctors and hospitals so consumers can see the cost before treatment.	"Yes, individuals should be more involved in the purchasing decisions."	"If we can empower consumers with knowledge of prices and outcome data, the amazing power of the American consumer will solve the cost problem. Governments roll should be limited to issues of accessability (which it basically handled under HIPAA)."	Move everyone into Health Savings Accounts and give them accurate price and quality comparisons. Then get out of the way as prices fall. (Witness what happenned to Lasik Surgery - it was outside of the insurance coverage. Prices were advertized in the newspaper. Now it costs less than 1/2 of what it cost when it first came out. 	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	4/7/06 3:48 PM
12657	"nO COMPENSATION FOR CHILDREN INFECTED W DISEASES SUCH AS JUVENILE DIABETES, ETC. HIGH COST OF BASIC TOOLS NEEDED TO KEEP SOMEONE ALIVE. INSURANCE NOT PAYING FOR TREATMENTS IN VISION SUCH AS GLAUCOMA, CORNEAL DYSTROPHY, ETC."	"YES, IF A PAT HAS A CHRONIC DISEASE REQUIRING THE SAME MONTHLY MEDS (INSULIN, ETC) THEY SHOULD AFTER A CERTAIN POINT RECEIVE THOSE MEDS FREE."	"NOT SURE, BUT ONE THING SHOULD BE CONSIDERED, MEDICAID SHOULD BE RECLASSIFIED UNDER SOME SORT OF TWO YR PROGRAM WHERE PARENTS WHO WERE RECEIVING IT FOR FREE HEALTH CARE SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO GAIN SOME SORT OF EMPLOYMENT IF THEY ARE PHYSICALLY ABLE TO WORK."	LOWER OUT OF POCKET PREMIUMS FOR MEDS AND TREATMENTS WITHOUT RAISING PREMIUMS  	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	4/7/06 4:30 PM
12663	Lack of access to affordable quality healthcare for middle and working class families due to high insurance costs and high service/drug/product costs.	"I think the system should be a single payor system.  I think there is incredible waste and expense in having hundreds of insurance companies making up their own policies, payment levels, etc...  All of this is confusing and time wasting for health care providers and patients."	"I think people will be willing to pay more in taxes and deductibles to know that no matter who they work for or how much money they earn, that they can always afford access to healthcare."	"The government needs to clamp down on excessive drug and medical equipment costs.  Many sales representatives of these companies make more than $200,000 per year and the companies spend more than $44 million per year in lobbying and many more millions in advertising.  Everyone could afford their medical supplies if this was not allowed to happen!!!"	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	4/7/06 4:43 PM
12666	"The fact that so many people don't have access and that number keeps growing as more employers can't afford the outrageous cost of private health insurance coverage for their employees. At the same time some very wealthy employers like Walmart, through their employees on the public roles because they are to cheap to pay for their health insurance."	The change is a very simple one.  Single payer universal healthcare.  It is very clear that the country already spends enough money to provide health care for all but now a lot of it goes to private insurance companies for overhead and profit.  By contrast Medicare has very low overhead and should be the model.  Medicare for all but to pay 100% of costs not 80 %.  I for instance am in the FEHB and I am tired of hearing about how we should use this system as a model.  I pay about $130.00 a month and still have a lot of copays and deductibles.  This is NOT the model to use. If all the money that goes for healthcare were directly spent to provide universal care it would not cost a lot more.  Employers could pay an addtional payroll tax to help cover their employees and most could pay less than they pay now and still cover the costs when you add in what the government already pays.	"As per the discussion above I don't the evidence shows a need for a lot of ""tradeoffs"".  That is the problem with your questions in the first section.  They all had only choices I don't think describe realtity.  None of your choices pointed to publicly financed universal healthcare."	"Again this is simple. Universal single payer health care paid by government, employer tax and some employee tax which would then cover all health care and of course also fund more preventive medicine to hold down the costs of they system in general."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	4/7/06 4:52 PM
12677	Run away cost and uninsured people	All health care should be paid by individuals	Control the price of health care!	Control the cost of health care!	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	4/7/06 5:19 PM
12682	The inequity of care. We have a two-tiered system that is not working well for the upper tier and is failing the lower tier.	"Scrap it. Universal coverage, universal access, supported outside of the employment system, is more functional and rational. The Canadian system has a great deal to consider as a model of heuristic federal support for provincial/regional (state) specific programs."	"The progressive tax system could and should be used to spread the risk among all the citizens, tapping the wealthiest the most for the sake of the social community."	"Move to a universal coverage, single payer plan."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	4/7/06 5:40 PM
12683	All Americans should be ashamed that we are the only major industrialized nation in the world  without a government-run universal health care system. That thousands (millions?) of people in the richest country in the world cannot access America's outstanding health care providers because of cost reflects extremely negatively on us as a country.	"No business should have to take care of the health care of its employees. That, as any rocket scientist will tell you, is THE main reason why more and more American companies are becoming less and less competitive, why they are outsourcing more of their work and why so many companies (GM for example) are in such trouble. "	"No American should have to make any trade-off of any kind in order to access high quality health care, period. "	"A universal, government-run system is the ONLY equitable answer. If Canada, Japan, Australia, most of industrialized Europe, etc. can do it, why can't the United States of America? We could send our best and brightest researchers to all these places to thoroughly study their systems of health care and then come back and create a hybrid American system that works best for us. But it must be a taxpayer supported system, like Social Security, that covers everybody. It CAN be done. The will, sadly, is not there at present. "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	4/7/06 5:45 PM
12692	That the government will take over and our well trained health care providers will be trapped in a system that delivers all the compassionate and efficient service that we saw after Hurricane Katrina.  	"Forcing employers to pay drives costs up.  Increasing government's subsidizing also drives costs up. Individuals need more freedom to buy cheap, basic insurance, if they are healthy and well, and unlikely to need to use it.   "	"I would be very unwilling to trade the current freedoms I now enjoy for a better ""everyone is covered"" system. "	"Secure the Southern border. Illegal immigrants don't pay taxes, yet they cost border states billions of dollars in health care. A universal coverage health care system will bankrupt this country faster than you can say ""La Raza."" "	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/7/06 8:16 PM
12693	We are either a United States or a divided states.  We need a national health care policy in order to compare to the most humane and industrialized countries.	"At the end of the day, the consumer pays for the cost.  The justification of a one policy program is less administration and incomprehensive insurance codes from a hundred different insurance companies."	Simplicity and the ability to understand what I am being treated and paid for would be the best solution.  	"Make the billing and procedures understandable by using common language terms.  One case listed a mucouse recovery system, which was a box of kleenex.  The keep it simple solution is what all medical terminology should strive to achieve."	male	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	4/7/06 8:17 PM
12697	"That the government (who can afford to pay for their own insurance), gets the best for OUR tax dollars!"	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/7/06 9:25 PM
12702	"People like us who retire at 62, will be paying at least $8,000 a year for medical coverage until we reach 65. We need something affordable to fill in this gap..."	"Both employers and government should be providing excellent health care for Americans, paid for through taxation, according to income."	"As long as we can choose our own physicians, Americans would be willing to pay higher taxes to insure their health care is covered."	The government needs to put a ceiling on all medical fees and help doctors in some way to lower malpractice insurance premiums.  	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	4/7/06 10:30 PM
12704	"The lack of coverage for all Americans, THe inefficiencies, the huge variation in quality."	THis question is stupid. These are the only three sources. What we must do is rearrande how each sector contributes.	Many. People are wanting change. They are certainly wanting to trade the lack of quality for something better.	Change the financing system.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	4/7/06 10:41 PM
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12707	That it would be much simpler for everyone if we all paid into a system for national health care.  I've experienced the UK's system and it was fantastic.	"Single payer system-everyone who can pays taxes to insure every single person in the US, and visitors, too, in emergencies, at least the first visit."	"I do not know what other Americans are willing to do, but we are willing to pay into a national healthcare system."	Access by all.	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	4/7/06 11:07 PM
12720	The fact that insurance is dictating everyones quality of medical care and cost. They are not losing money and are a very lucrative business. More income tax incentives for medical expenses is one very positive remedy. 	If you work some kind of health care needs to be offered at affordable rates with government subsidy to employers. One should not be able to make profits without being responsible to the employees.	"We have always paid part of our premiums and chose Group Health Insurance. But, we have been denied some medications the doctors have prescribed.People have to make choices that fit their budgets but we need to curb free medical."	Income tax breaks for employees and employers that cover medical expenses and premium price regulations.	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	4/8/06 4:03 AM
12753	"That there are people who are not covered,and that even if you have health care the out of pocket expense is to high for most of us."	Every employer should pay to provide health care for all their employees   	"Longer wait for non critical proceders, contributions from every employed person with no cap on the amount you make per year."	Every American should have access to afordable and quality Health Care	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	4/8/06 1:25 PM
12756	"I'm most concerned about the spiraling costs of medical care. Hospitals are getting less reimbursement, yet expected to give the same quality of care. Belt tightening is occuring for hospitals to even exist, further driving down the quality of care. The first thing that goes is labor, especially nurses. "	"Do we want socialized medicine? That is a double-edged sword. If you have looked at the systems in Canada and the United Kingdom, I'm not sure that is the way to go. Millions are waiting for medical care far too long, decreasing their quality of life. We do need to evaluate the costs and see where the profit is being made."	"We need to emphasize wellness care and promoting healthy habits. That will pay for itself in the long run. Most Americans, myself included, have settled for treating the illnesses brought about by our poor living habits. Perhaps putting funds in medical accounts for healthy habits might be an incentive."	"Physical fitness. We all need to get up and move. This would help prevent diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and many other degenerative diseases.  We also need to examine how the money in the system is being spent. Someone is getting wealthy off of it, and as a nurse, it isn't me. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	4/8/06 1:47 PM
12771	"Cost, quality, and access. Also the perception that the full realm of health care is a perceived ""right.""  That's the wrong road--it should be viewed as a benefit of productive citizenship.  We need national coverage for family practice type outpatient care--including basic ancillary services and preventive care.  Then a system accessed through private insurance or gov't coverage.  A complete national health system modeled on the public health service and the VA/military health care system would be of value but extremely difficult to enact.  As it is now, a person WILL receive care (access) when it becomes an emergency situation regardless of coverage.  There is NO incentive (and a lack of programs)for many to provide coverage for themselves or family.  What if AAA gave you free gas every time your tank was empty?  Cost and user expectation are another very important issue.  The determinates of health care are varied but intertwined.  Without user contribution (through employment or cost-shares)on some level there is no incentive in regards to utilization.  Without government regulation in other areas there is no incentive in regards to cost control.  Also those with costly chronic conditions could be better case-managed for quality and care concerns.             "	"The national family practice system and gov't systems should be financed throught a combination of business, sales, and income taxes.     The rest through employer provided coverage or personal contribution (self employed, etc.)through an insurance ""pool"" similar to Medicare Rx plan D (insurers compete for business).      Also need to seriously consider a ""health tax"" on health and fitness related products similar to the ""sin"" tax on alcohol and tobacco to help fund the system.  This is an important and overlooked source of revenue in my opinion.  Since we're consumed with health and fitness now we live longer which places an additional cost of health care (Medicare/caid), not to mention social security escalation.  FICA caps should be lifted.  There may be increased costs of physical therapy and such stemming from sports/fitness related activities.     "	"There is a need for a defined benefit coverage system that is tiered so that all are aware of the cause and effect of their individual contributions until Medicare or coverage eligible. In some instances the Medicaid/state program eligibles have better health care coverage with lower personal cost than a working individual or their family.  With a national defined basic package that would be evened.  There may be more incentive to seek employment to expand your coverage.  Medicare/Medicaid, VA and gov't programs would not have to be affected much and the truely needy will still have coverage.  The public and employers may be more receptive to a shared system which offers beneficiary choice based on need after the basics are covered.  Similar to once eligible for Medicare do you want ""gap"" coverage, and if so what are you wiling to do to receive it.          "	Develop a basic national health care plan first.  Then tailor access to other components based on best business practices and personal incentive where possible.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	4/8/06 5:31 PM
12780	"For those who are self-employed or unemployed, or whose employer does not offer health insurance, health insurance is unaffordable.  "	I think it is unconscionable that doctors and hospitals charge the uninsured many times what they charge other patients and their insurers.  Providers should charge all patients the same rate. 	"Many people argue that national health care means people won't be able to choose their doctors.  To a great extent this is already true.  Those who are covered by HMOs choose from a limited group of doctors.  Those who are free to choose any doctor, but cannot afford treatment, would be happy to make that tradeoff.    Another trade-off many would be happy to make is higher taxes.  Health insurance premiums for my husband and me this year will be close to $24,000, even though we are reasonably healthy and have a high deductible.  Because I am self-employed, we can deduct the premiums, but deductions and tax credits do little for those who do not make enough to pay for health insurance in the first place.    Most people can take care of routine medical expenses.  It is the cost of unexpected and catastrophic illness that keeps us awake at night."	"Everyone should have health insurance.  Whether this is a government plan, or a system of private insurance, the key to affordability is universal coverage."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	4/8/06 7:28 PM
12783	"THe rising cost of health care, especially to retirees with a limited retirement income. THe costs are such that many people will face the situation where they will not be able to afford the insurance premiums and the high deductibles.."	Look at setting up a fund and a system  effeciently administered to provide and to pay for the cost of health care. People would have an account that would be the basis for tracking and paying medical care expenses.	"Increase wait times; More balanced distribution of expenses per medical treatment history; maintenance versus life threatening treatment alternatives,rates, delivery of services. "	"Eliminate fraud, excessive claims, unnecessary treatments. The impact of such actions might be to help reduce medical costs, insurance premiums/rates."	male	45 to 64	No Response	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	4/8/06 7:49 PM
12785	"Health care is steadily becoming too costly, inadeduate, and inaccessable."	Yes.  Finance health care totally by taxpayers so that no one in America will have to pay out-of-pocket expenses to receive high-quality health care.	"Shift our tax dollars from the Iraq War to ensure access to affordable, high-quality health care."	"Do away with private health care that cannot be controlled and create one national health plan for all Americans, totally financed by America's taxpayers."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ID	4/8/06 8:06 PM
12793	"My concern is the total absence of any incentive to stay well and healthy.  For those who live healthy lifestyles and, as a result, generate few, if any, medical expenses, there needs to be a corresponding reduction in health care premiums.  Without such incentives, most Americans will not diet and exercise.  Indeed, many will make a hobby of going to their doctors with minor problems that could better be solved with a couple of asprin and a day of bed rest."	A carefully designed incentive program could save substantial amounts of money for both organizations and individuals.	"Individuals would be more inclined to take care of themselves if they gained financially from doing so.  Make health a ""pocketbook issue,"" and people will begin to pay attention."	"Build in an incentive for wellness.  Generate fewer doctor bills this year, and you pay lower premiums next year."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	4/8/06 9:09 PM
12796	The lack of universal coverage of All Americans and residents of the U.S.Over 40 million have no coverage. This shifts the costs to those who do have coverage.  	I like the Canadian system. You choose your doctor and hospital. The providers submit the bills for your care to the government and the government pays them. I'm perfectly willing to pay higher taxes to have such a system.	I'm not sure. But I'm willing to pay higher taxes to get universal coverage. I would also be willing to limit payments for some conditions and procedures which doctors and citizens think are less essential in maintaining health.	"Universal health care paid for by a single payer, the Federal or if that is not possible State governments"	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	4/8/06 9:33 PM
12820	"The system is patchwork, with lots of expensive duplication and inefficiency, with new programs added without careful thought about implementation.  (Medicare D implementation is an example of this.)  It seems to be designed to maximize the number of private entities (corporations, partnerships, individuals) that profit from the system, rather than maximize health outcomes.  And there is an excessive amout of administrivia involved in even the most minor involvement with the system."	"First of all, every American should be enrolled in the Medicare system, or the Federal employees system.  There is no need to develop a ""new"" system, since there are already two successfully functioning models that can be utilized.  The tax exemptions that companies receive for providing health care insurance and health care plans should be abolished.  All employers (including partnerships and proprietorships) must pay a health care tax (which IS deductible) into the system (Medicare of Fed employees) that is a percentage of employee income, with no salary cap, and all forms of compensation must be included--even deferred income and stock options--to prevent, for example, executives who takes away $80,000,000 upon being fired will pay a rightful percentage of this into the healthcare system.  And the system should coveer payments for services not only here in the USA, but also abroad, particularly as such services provided abroad are often cheaper (and higher quality) than those in the USA.  Finally, this system will maximize its power to negotiate reasonable costs for products and services from the nation's pharmaceutical and medical prducts companies.  It is time that poor and middle-class Americans stopped subsidizing the drug costs of prosperous Europeans, by paying more for drugs developed and tested with our own tax dollars so that Swiss, German, and Italian citizens can buy the cheaply.  If their governments can protect their citizens by negotiating with these companies for reasonable pricing, why can't our country's government protect us as well?    (Another source of funding would be the cost reductions gained when the USA brings an end to a foreign policy that is based on our providing police and military services for the world, often at our own cost.  And the billions in foreign aid we pay to other countries make us look like fools--especially when we've reached a point were we can't afford to pay to aid our own people, for example, in New Orleans...)"	"A major trade-off would be that access to quality health care services could not be used to help justify and maintain socioeconomic disadvantages.  (I realize that this is not the type of answer you were seeking, but it is worth considering.)  People would encourage their kids to become become doctors and nurses because they want to help others and be healers for the sick and injured--not to get rich.  Tuition at medical schools would be paid for by the health care system (so doctors don't begin their careers with $200,000 of education debt--and a need to charge high fees with a rapid turnover per hour just to amortize the debt), and physicians in group practices would be favored over those in solitary practices."	"Scrap the deductibility of money paid for health care plans for employers.  If that were to happen, the system would be forced to change for the better, and fast."	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	4/9/06 7:27 AM
12823	High cost of services...AND high cost of insurance	A National Health Plan....One that is nationwide and not based on geographic location...	It's the providers of service and the insurance companies that need to make the trade-offs....Not the American public....!!!	Place caps on all provider services (including rx)and insurance rates...	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DE	4/9/06 7:52 AM
12826	cost and quality of care	we should have the hospital organizations be their own insurer. what i mean is the hospital organizations collcet the premiums and provide the care. new jersey has many diffirent health care hospital groups. atlantic health care is one. it compromises overlook hospital and morristown morrialhospital. this group signs up the people it will provide care to at a fixed monthly fee or rate i mean top to bottom care these health care systems already have all that is neededto provide forcare.  the premiums go directly to the health care system there by elininating the insurance companies.  why pay the insurance company to pay the hospitals. when we can pay the hospitals direct. they allready have doctors on staff plus all the suff.  then we have competition between the diffirent heath care organizations in any given county state and country. if a health car organization doesent have what a patient needs they can cpontrct with each other for care.  also wealthey people like bill gates or fidelity investments could buy a health care systrm and provide care.  fidelity investments has thousands of employees it could have health care facilities in aqll the cities it operates in paying itself for the care of its workers. we eliminate the middle ma the insurance or at least make them compete for health care dollars	NULL	eliminate the insurance companies and have priiems sent directly to a major health care organization. we are all in this together doctors need health care and so do hospital administrators so lets do a little socialized medicine. let us recognie the need to stop making sick people a means to make a profit	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	4/9/06 8:27 AM
12830	The influence of the insurance and pharmaceutical industry.  Health care decisions that should be made by my physician are more and more being dictated by these powerful lobbies.	Absolutely.  We need a tax-funded (progressive) National Health Plan.  Currently a big chunk (39 cents or more?) of the health care dollar does not go to direct services.  We need to remove the adminisrative overhead.  Have bulk purchase of pharmaceuticals.  We could have Medicare for All with the amount now spent if we eliminate the bureaucracy.   And I'm talking about High-Quality medical care! 	See my previous response.  We need to use the money we currenty spend differently.  I'm one of the fortunate - I can afford the `best' this country has to offer but my research shows me that the U.S. does not compare well to other industrial countries.  That is unacceptible.  And I worry about my adult children.  	Eliminate employer-based insurance.   Establish a progressive income tax to provide quality insurance for all residents.  	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	4/9/06 9:29 AM
12831	That not all citzens are covered the same as Senators and congressman.	"Yes Tax all gross income, including bonuses, governmnet wages.  Why do we have to be so greeding.   Why should Shag pay 10tenths of percent when people making $100,000 or less pay 7%.  Does that seem fair. "	I don't believe we have a problem if every one is paying the same. Multiply 14% x gross income.  Do we have a problem?	VIP centers that allow Physcian Assistance and nurse practioners to provide health care independent of Doctors.  In other words let them be independent.	male	Over 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	4/9/06 10:10 AM
12834	The poor don't have it.	Single payer system	No cuts are necessary. Just get your priorities straight.	"Get rid of the tax cuts for the wealthy, cut Brown & Root subsidies and fund it."	female	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	4/9/06 10:20 AM
12843	Affording insurance.  We buy our own insurance and it's almost impossible to find a company to pick you up and then to afford the premiums that have tripled for us in 4 years.	Make it all even.  People that are poor get better health coverage than people like us who buy our own policies because we don't have work coverage.  Have a national policy everyone can buy into.  I want the same coverage senators have.	"We shouldn't have to make trade-offs.  I pay so much now for our insurance policy that if I paid that into a government plan, I should have excellent coverage at no additional cost to me."	Have a national policy that people can buy into.  It's hard to get picked up by a company when you buy your own insurance when you're in your 50's.  And terribly expensive and they still don't cover anything.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	4/9/06 12:46 PM
12851	"People are frustrated with the highly impersonal nature of the care they receive, the lack of communication and follow through from providers, and the exorbitant cost.  The insurance companies have way too  much power in terms of making decisions of what should be covered and the rates.  The reimbursement systems and paperwork they use is also way too complicated formost folks to understand.  Pharmaceutical companies also have unchecked power and make too much profit for what they are providing."	"I think a balance between the 3 is reasonable for most people.  However, unemployed and low income individuals shouldn't be denied access."	"I think most individuals would be willing to pay a bit more and be satisfied with more ""basic"" services if they were ensured access to high quality care with a provider of their choice or one that would listen and communicate. "	"I think listening to citizens is a great start rather than focusing on the government or the insurance company perspective.  It is time to hear what individuals want and need.  (However, low income and minorities don't get to be a part of the process because many don't have access to computers, etc.)  To improve health care for all, we need to provide universal access."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MT	4/9/06 1:39 PM
12852	"I am concerned that some areas do not have enough doctors and that incentives could be offered to have doctors in those under-served areas. I am also concerned about lack of pricacy of medical records etc in this electronic age though ""they"" keep assuring us electronic records will do the opposite - I have my doubts. I am concerned that medicine is becoming so high tech it's become impersonal and that doctors have lost or are losing the human touch - some seem like robots, if you ask me. I am concerned about costs of healthcare for illegal aliens that citizens have to pay for. I don't mind helping out citizens in some way, but not illegals. I don't want socialized medicine  - in NO way."	"Whenever possible, government should be more concerned with the overall picture like protecting from epidemics, curing disease, terrorism,  - not with giving out benefits to everyone esp. illegals and those who are able-bodied but will not work. I don't mind those who are disabled getting help but I dislike money going to the lazy, women having babies out of wedlock all the time, and things like that. I'm fed up with that."	"Get the deadbeats off the rolls, the illegals, and I'm willing to help in some reasonable way if there is a decent plan so long as it's not socialized medicine."	"Every community needs a system similar to what we have for people who can't afford legal counsel yet need a lawyer. We need to make each doctor take a certain no. of PRO BONO (so to speak) persons to care for..... and offer incentives to doctors willing to go to underserved areas, such as knocking off a certain amount of their medical debts for education for each year willing to serve in under-served areas. I Live in an under-served area. There is ONE doctor in this town of over 5000 persons near DC. One pediatric doctor. A couple dentists. And that's about it. It's ridiculous. No walk-in clinics. No other doctors and no specialists within town limits. When we came here in the 1970s there were doctors but they LEFT and went where they could make more money. Doctors today do that."	female	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	4/9/06 1:41 PM
12856	That only the wealthy people can afford to have adequate health care andf the poor or some middle class have none or the minimal care ad required by their insurance provider.	"I think if possible we should adopt some type of health care program that is used by some of the Scandanivian countries that provide complete health care even if it costs ""too much"" for our society. If a poor uneducated person can take FEMA money and but a $600.00 purse and not have the common sense to buy the necessities of a disaster then her money should be allotted to health care due to her inability to priortize. In other words for those uneducated or unable to prioritize we must be the benovelent dictator in the health care case."	financing and I cannot explain why - I just think that would be the best choice.	Have healthcare providers that are excellent in in health care triage (such as the VA clinics)  clinics in the underserved communities and treat them accordingly. SOme can be treated with a bandaide and neosporin and others need a fast trip to the ER due to an heart attack while the person is in d enial. Anything is better than we have. 	female	45 to 64	No Response	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	4/9/06 1:55 PM
12859	"When I was a girl, I recall a much more active public health service.  I remember public health nurses visit homes helping new mothers, for example, and neiborhood clinics that offered essential immunizations. These services were offered to everyone, not just the poor. (we were 'working class).  This seems to have disappeared.  We are, therefore, not addressing prevention and wellness as we should, nor are we prepared for a public health threat such as the pending bird flu.  "	"I think basic wellness and prevention services should be universal.  Some combination of government and private industry could finance this, e.g. tax credits to businesses who offer some sort of health related coverage.  Make better use of resources such as advanced practice nurses!  Plenty of research exists supporting the effectiveness and efficiency of these practitioners--stop letting the medical and insurance lobbies prevent this beneficial and cost effective step.  By the by, it's lot's cheaper to help educate advance practice nurses than it is to go to Medical School!  Reward wellness--make wellness possible--may cost more initially but save big bucks in the future.  Educate! Educate! Educate!  Start a campaign in the media, schools, etc about wellness measures. Give tax breaks to people who invest in wellness measure, e.g. smoking cessation programs, exercise and diet treatments and programs."	"It is always difficult to convince the public to do anything, particularly more taxes especially when the deficit is growing, government is spending and the burdens for the working class in particular seem to be increasing.  Education and measure to convince people of the benefits of the trade-offs, giving some input to the public in regard to those trade-offs, may make any future sacrifices more palatable."	"Improve the Public Health service for basic wellness, prevention and care by utilizing advance practice nurses in neighborhood settings.  Educate.  Build in some choice when considering trade-offs, changes, and redesign."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	4/9/06 2:11 PM
12862	"What concerns me the most is that everyone understand the program.  Most people, even college graduates, cannot understand the gyrations of the programs out there.  Why do we have a ""doughnut hole"" is this program.  Why can't we have a copay for everything on a straight line basis.  We pay so much co-pay and the government or who ever pay the balance for the entire year.  No more fool deductibles that benefit only the insurance companies.  I suppose this is like what Great Britain has in socialized medicine.  It would seem fairer and be less complicated.  Those that can afford to pay for extras would pay for the extras.  "	"Yes.  The employers, individuals and government agencies would pay the government for the employees they now pay for.  If they do not have health plans, then they would pay little or nothing depending on their size."	I don't know.  What trade-offs are there other then no insurance?	I don't know.	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/9/06 2:24 PM
12865	It was perverted. From a basic human right it was turned into a product.  	Employers should be out of the equation. Health care should not be a french benefit.  	"The presumption made in this question is false.   The fact is, the American public is being forced to pay premium and ever increasing price for mediocre services, solely for the benefit of medical insurance industry. That's the real trade-off, choosing between a health care system with the primary objective of providing health care for the public, or business opportunity for private interests.   "	"The American public is sorely uninformed, or worse, misinformed by special interests. What is needed is political will to put public interest first.   "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	4/9/06 3:19 PM
12869	"Since I have Medicare and Medicaid my personal concern in not with lack of coverage. My personal concern is with the lack of time doctors have to devote to quality care and also the limited education and the arrogance of many, many doctors. Of course the government system does not allow me to go outside the system to more enlightened physicians, so I would like a system that allows me to go to any doctor I choose."	What other choices are there?	"There are all different segments of the ""American Public"". Some are willing to make some sacrifice, other are not able to. We can't lump them all together. Health care should be a right, just like clean air and water. We are supposed to have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It is not possible to pursue much happiness when you are ill or impoverished. "	Give everyone Medicare. Pay for it by many small taxes here and there.	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	4/9/06 3:37 PM
12875	"AVAILABILITY, AFFORDABILITY, SIMPLICITY"	UNIVERSAL GOVERNMENT COVERAGE IS THE ONLY WAY. COST WOULD BE A TINY FRACTION OF WHAT PRESENT NON-SYSTEM COSTS. THIS WOULD HELP BUSINESSES BE MORE COMPETITIVE AND SAVE THE SANITY AND PHYSICAL HEALTH OF TAXPAYERS.	"FOLLOW OREGON EXAMPLE OF PROVIDING BASIC HEALTH CARE AND PRIORITIZING EXCEPTIONAL ADDITIONAL CARE. CUT COST OF LAST YEAR'S CARE RADICALLY, AND MAKE COMFORT & HOSPICE CARE MUCH MORE GENEROUS."	UNIVERSAL PUBLICLY-FUNDED HEALTH CARE!!!!!!!	female	Over 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	4/9/06 4:16 PM
12887	"Healthy citizens equal healthy communities;  I feel that we can do better to keep America's citizens healthy.  Private insurance is too inefficient, and too many Americans are sick of being told that a government-run system wouldn't work.  Their materials are garbage and their arguments are sunk.    Americans deserve at least a basic level of health care coverage."	"I believe that the government should not act as a provider to some who are in need, yet allow many in need go untreated.  Medicaid, being the most efficient insurance program in America, ought to be expanded to cover all Americans.  We must allow for competition between private insurance and government benefits.    In the meantime, empolyers and citizens ought to each pitch in at a fair rate.  Once we know exactly what that rate is, the burden of cost ought to be split as fairly as possible."	"I believe that Americans are ready to give government a chance.  The American people understand that at the current rate, insurance will be unaffordable for far too many, and far too soon.    I believe that a 'Medicaid for All' or 'Universal System' is in order."	"Increase preventative care, bring down costs, eliminate confusion, allow for an increase in doctors' influence and give the American people a fighting chance:  Establish a national health care plan."	male	Under 25	No	White	Some college	Not sure	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	4/9/06 7:02 PM
12891	"That so many tens if not hundreds of millions of Americans live their daily lives knowing that if they or a loved one gets sick it will in all likelihood make them destitute. That we seem to care so little about truly seeking to maximize health, and instead focus on the ""business"" of health care"" -- in other words we have a system where the money to be made from the provision of ""health care services"" is more important than actually providing services that promote and maximize health. And our priorities show. Health care is tremendously profitable, and shockingly inefficient and inequitable."	"There must be basic health care coverage available to all. This can only be accomplished by government involvement, either by legislative action and much tighter control over insurance practices, or government entry into the provision of national health insurance or publicly funded clinics and health centers.   "	Right now health insurance premiums are insane. I think most people would rather pay that money (and maybe even a bit more) to the government if it meant that everyone in America would have access to necessary medical care.	"The way to reduce health care costs is to make people healthier. Our current system is not designed to promote and maintain the health of its participants. Change the focus from the commoditization of health care services, and incentivize the provision of health to all Americans."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	4/9/06 7:36 PM
12905	That many people who most need lowcost and quality care are not able to afford it and don't have access. 	"Yes. A universal, single-payer system should be put in place. "	"Don't know, but they certainly should be willing to trade off significantly to get universal, high quality care. "	"Establish a universal, single-payer system.  "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	4/9/06 10:21 PM
12910	The inequity of coverage and the higher costs associated with multiple coverage plans. The lack of available resources to all Americans who need health care.	"Use a national single payor plan to provide basic health coverage and preventive services.  If someone wanted more than the basic, they could then pay for it on their own or through employee benefits, etc."	"If everyone had the same costs for health care coverage for the basics and could use the coverage anywhere in the US, most would be willing to accept a reduction in some benefits or an increase in costs to give a level playing field. I also think coverage that includes preventive methods rather than a focus on diagnosis/illness would reduce costs."	Use a single payor plan that includes preventive measures and uses a variety of health care professionals such as nurse practitioners and general practice physicians. 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	4/9/06 11:18 PM
12911	The ever increasing costs of health care. Should those that may not qualify for insurance due to high risk go bankrupt just to pay for health care or die because they have no money to pay for  its high cost.	"Absolutely. Provisions for people that fall into gaps like students that can no longer be on parents health care policies, or those, like myself, that fall into high risk categories and are not old enough for Medicare or COBRA about to run out. "	I don't feel that where I work or don't work ought to be the determining factor about whether I have insurance or not. Insurance ought to be mandatory and equitable for everyone. 	Insuring that families and individuals do not get bankrupt just to obtain medical care.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	4/9/06 11:34 PM
12922	The availability of affordable health insurance for everyone.  There are too many different kinds of plans...we should narrow down the choice to 3 or 4 plans with a range of deductibles that could be afforded by different levels of income. 	I think there should be just a few government plans that adapt to different income levels. What we have now is mass confusion and uneven coverge depending on what insurance you have.	"I am willing to pay for doctor visits if they were price controlled and would be willing to pay for drugs if they were all generic prices. I think most of our coverage should be for hospital care, testing and other high-cost items that most families cannot afford."	"Personally I would like to be able to ""BUY"" into Medicare since I am retired, but not yet 65.  I think Senior Citizens over 65 on Medicare get the best care of all and doctors seem to take better care of those on Medicare because they know Medicare will pay all the bills. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MS	4/10/06 1:49 AM
12929	"Healthcare is unaffordable because of the for-profit insurance companies that regulate payment to providers.  The continued focus on doctors and hospitals as the cause of the problem is wrong.  Insurance companies prescibe care plans based on their bottom line, not patient need.  The low percentage of payment by insurance, coupled with hospitals' high bad debt and charity care components, necessitates that those who can pay, bear more of the burden.  "	"I believe that a national health program - putting the burden on government rather than employers - could keep more healthcare dollars in the system, not in the pockets of highly paid health insurance executives."	"Choice of providers has already been taken away.  I think people could be enticed to take more advantage of preventive care if it were less expensive, and be dissuaded from using preventable emergency and reactionary care via penalties.  Reward those who take responsibility.  Although how do you get a diabetic to lose weight and exercise?  Better education and convenient support groups - maybe including mental health support - funded by the government could be a start."	Regulate or eliminate health insurance carriers.  	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	4/10/06 8:16 AM
12944	"The cost of health care, which includes the cost of services as well as the cost of health insurance premiums."	NULL	"Americans would be willing to pay a little more in taxes to help insure the availability of health care.  However,if health care is provided to all, there must be some accountability for the most efficient use of health care services.   "	More efficient use of health services.  The cost of prescription drugs must be controlled.   $500/month for 1 prescription is a travesty.  	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	4/10/06 9:25 AM
12949	"That too many inidviduals are without access to medical care which increases the risk to everyone to have diseases run rampant throughout the US.  The focus of medical care is projected as a medical insurance issue not a medical provision issue.  The provision of cost effective medical care needs to be the focus.  Limit the amount of money health care providers, HMO executives etc can make.  When nurses make  50 K, doctors 500 K and HMO execs 2 million we can hardly reasonably talk about cost effective health care. "	"Employers should provide for or support the provision of health care.  The fast food industry particularly has been permitted to structure itself to have milliions of workers, low pay and no benefits. It is time that profits are directed toward basic medical services.   Fee structure has to be uniform and known prior to service.  Indivduals with insurance will pay a significantly reduced fee due as oppposed to an indivdual paying for the same service out-of-pocket.  The price should be reasonable and fixed. Discounts to individuals rather than insurance companies.  "	A small adjustment to income tax structure could generate significant resources to provide for medical care services.   	change the laws that permitted the AMA to put a  strangle hold on health care.  Medical doctors are not the only resource available for medical care.  	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/10/06 9:52 AM
12970	"The rising cost. I hear that publicly funded health care is approx. 40% (plus or minus) of health care and that is 10, or so years, that figure will be 60%. So basically, 40% of the population will be paying for health care for 100% of the population, either by paying for it by their taxes or by paying for it themselves. We almost already have a national health plan. I don't think it would be that much more expensive to include 100% in a NHP.  I think the GAO should be put to task to do estimates on what it would cost, taking into consideration what the government is currently paying, whether thru direct taxpayer funds or loss of taxes due to taxpayer credits for HSA's, etc. The GAO should do projections on the costs as the baby boomers begin collecting medicare. It also concerns me that the current system we have is that the low income have affordable insurance by the taxpayers. The high income can afford whatever coverage they could possibly dream of.  The current system leaves the large middle class to fend for themselves.  It even effects my views on the immigration issue.  How can we possibly incorporate 11-12 million new citizens into our health care system, when we can't take care of the people we already have as citizens? We promise illegal immigrants the ""american dream"", when we have not yet given it to the people that are already here."	"See above, AND make it affordable for all americans. Something that is not based on how much people can afford or where they work. But it should be a ""right"" that everyone should have, not something based on their social status.  I also don't see the advantage of spending billions or maybe trillions of dollars on research, when the product of that research is unattainable by the population because it is unaffordable."	"Elective surgeries, procedures, or in other words, ""the fluff""."	"Get the general accouting office involved in making projections on the costs of a national health care plan. Everyone says it will be expensive, but I have not seen any figures to support that. Maybe if all the current tax costs, credits, etc. are considered, maybe it's not as expensive as everyone thinks. Then let the public decide"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	4/10/06 10:35 AM
12993	My greatest concern is that people perceived the problem as people not having health insurance.  That's not the problem.  It is the cost of health care.  Consumerism MUST be introduced into the formula to start to correct this thing.	I do not feel that employers (or the government) should be paying for health insurance or care.  Make the premiums deductible to all who carry the insurance.  Make the insurers enroll who apply.	They aren't willing to accept trade-offs.  We are a society of demanding the best in care - immediately - but we don't want to pay for it.  We are spoiled - we have to realize the stuff costs money - lots of it!!!	Introduce an element of competition in health care.  Will only come about by consumer directed plans.  Require that people have basic coverage.	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	4/10/06 10:42 AM
12998	"The system is disorganized, out of date in many areas. The individual rights of people seemed to be getting lost in the milue of issues trying to be addressed in a national system. The disconnect with the needs of the individual and country. The total lack of understanding by our legislators of the real issues. They are still being pushed around by interest groups."	Better coordination between the three.	That is the problem. We are talking about trade off for LIFE!!! (and I am not talking about abortion). The concept is rediculous.	Get out of the business of a one way works approach. Different things work for different people and we need to respect the diversity in serving the mulitude of people in this country.    PS. Your survey choices for male/female is out of date!!!	female	25 to 44	No	Black or African American	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	4/10/06 10:45 AM
13052	"The rising cost, which puts more citizens on the uninsured list, and the lack of the elected government to tackle the ""real issues"" that will help. Medical Malpratice Reform and others are listed in the following questions."	"Turn all the current government health run plans over to the private sector while keeping oversight within the government. The private sector has always proven to be more cost efficent.   Those currently paying for thier own health care are paying ""three times"". Once in the cost of thier premiums, again in thier taxes (at least those who pay taxes), and again in the increased cost of care passed on by providers for those who are uninsured. This has got to be changed!"	"Reguire all employers to provide ""basic"" health insurance to its employees such as we now require employers to have workmans comp. insurance and unemployement insurance.  Require all citizens to ""BUY"" at least basic health insurance who are above certain income levels (you can't give a 25 year old the option of paying for health insurance or going to the Bahamas twice a year)."	"Help to stem the tide of rising cost by enacting Federal Medical Malpractice Reform and investigating how presciption drugs are brought to market, the promotion of drugs by use of TV and media commericals (doctors should recommed drugs, NOT Commericals), and STOP allowing every hospital and out patient facility to operate MRI's, CAT scan, PET scan, etc., these need to be regionalized by population and proximity to each other. All this WILL LOWER rising cost. "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	4/10/06 11:13 AM
13062	"There is not a Health Care crisis, there is a crisis of Health.  Too much of our society believes they are entitled to most items rather than be willing to earn them (I want the best health care money can buy as long as someone else pays for it)  To much of our society is greedy and over consuming (I've got to do unto others before they do unto me...)"	"I don't disagree with the single-payor advocates that we should have ""everybody in, nobody out"".  I disagree that the taxpayors should fund it directly.  The truly needy get free insurance; the working poor get vouchers/refundable tax credit/subsidies to purchase private insurance; the uninsured who can afford it are incentivized (or forced) to participate in the system; the super-rich are encouraged to be more charitable."	"I'm afraid the American public will not get enough of the whole story (or won't listen to the whole story) to make an educated decision.  Then, the politicians and single-payor special interest groups will make stupid decisions based on ""what they think is best"".  "	"There is no ""silver bullet"" to solving all the health care issues.  It will take a lot of time, education, discussion to change all the things that need to be changed.  We need to make sure we don't do more harm than good when making the changes."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	4/10/06 11:18 AM
13070	Affordability- Extreme prices caused by defensive medicine and over use of technologies. Additional inneficiencies caused by extensive paperwork as well as fraud and cost shifting.	All employers having five or more employees and being in business over three years should have to implement a basic health plan unless they can prove it would create a severe hardship to their business.	NULL	Accountability of quality. A regional system of information is needed for consumers to make informewd choices about care and providers for their individual circumstances.	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ID	4/10/06 11:24 AM
13073	"Many uninsured are offered health insurance through their employer at low cost (25%) of total premium, but refuse the coverage.  This way we all pay for their coverage."	Allow individuals that pay for their own coverage to deduct the cost of that coverage on their income tax.	"Take away ""first dollar coverage"" - no more copays. Make all benefits subject to a deductible - including prescription drugs.  Make people that go to an emergency room for a non-emergency issue to for that visit in full."	Make it impossible for Americans that are offered health care through their employers to get services if they are not enrolled on their employer plan. Do not allow them to go on Medicaid.	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	4/10/06 11:25 AM
13075	"For the few, priveleged, wealthy, it is available; for the poor, it is an overwhelming and unavailable maze.  Well-educated people who are willing to practice health maintenance and prevention of practices that bring on illness are better off, but can be penalized by having to pay greater insurance premiums to cover the cost of treating those who don't."	"Those who are too ill or disabled to work are too often left out of the system.  It is as if they are invisible, and expected to remain so, to just disappear altogether, because they are scarey and inconvenient."	Not much.	"Exercise!  Eat a healthful, balanced diet!  Take better care of your bodies!  Don't expect medical science to be able to fix everything that we fail to take care of in our lives, and there may be sufficient resources available to address the rest of the health care problems out there.  We all have to die; we don't have to be in such a big hurry to die at our own hands, by our lifestyles."	female	45 to 64	Yes	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	4/10/06 11:26 AM
13080	That many people are not receiving adequate health care.	"Some system should be developed, similar to Social Security, where everyone participates and pays a percentage of income.  Payments for healthcare would be made directly to the provider from this fund with no need for insurance companies."	Longer waits for non-emergency care.	Creation of a national healthcare fund similar to Social Security.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	4/10/06 11:28 AM
13088	Americans are living unhealthy lifestyles and it is putting more pressure on the health care system.	No.  How we pay is not the problem. Nor is how many people are covered.  It's about the high cost of health care.  Get the underlying costs down and we can deal with who pays.	The American public isn't willing at this time to make any trade-offs.  They want someone else to pay for their health care and they don't want to take responsibility for their own health.	"Make people more financially responsible for their own health and cost of health care.  If health care is so expensive, why don't we buy less of it?  Also, quit worrying about the percent of GDP we spend relative to other countries.  The amount of money we spend is a reflection of a society that has evolved to a very high level when it has this much money to spend on the health of its citizens.  We have more to spend on health because we spend so much less as a percent of our incomes on such things as food than our ancestors did."	male	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OK	4/10/06 11:34 AM
13122	"That doctors, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies can charge whatever they like and pass on the cost to the insurance companies. We need to control costs at the lower levels.  Isn't it a shame that in America, most people, if they did not have health insurance would not be able to visit a doctor or go to the hospital. The medical insdustry is getting rich off the health insurance companies and government."	Government should step aside from health insurance and let a free market determine how insurance is paid for. Voluntary programs are best. To remain competitive employers will offer health insurance to their employees. Employer and Employee should voluntarily split the cost. 	"I believe most Americans would be willing to pay more out of pocket if the monthly insurance costs would be reduced. Right now you have high cost policies with high deductibles (which is really equivalent to no insurce). The proper balance has not yet been found. Costs by medical doctors, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies are out of control thereby increasing the cost of insurance. The costs at the base levels need to be controlled. The problem is not insurance, the problem is the providers of health care."	Make every insurance company offer at least one limited benefit policy to cover basic needs and catastrophic events at a reasonable cost. It should be voluntary.  	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/10/06 11:58 AM
13126	"That the normal rules of traditional supply and demand economics does not ""fit"" our current health care systerm."	"Perhaps more tax incentives such as tax credits to employers and employees to have coverage.      A system where employers and employees are required to show ""proof"" of coverage or pay tax penalties might also work."	"I think most Americans should be ok with eliminating all the rich first dollar coverage benefits in lieu of all having excellent coverage and access when they really get sick and have a high dollar claim.  We should all get more involved in knowing what the services we utilize ""cost"".  We could do this by all having a high dollar deductible plan where we fund the first, say, $2000 of annual expenses for healthcare. "	Consumer Driven Healthcare. Employees and participants need to know how much the health services they are utilizing cost and be responsible for payment for all services under a high dollar deductible that is tax favored.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	4/10/06 12:02 PM
13130	We currently have a nationwide epidemic of chlamydia and gonorrhea among adolescents. More needs to be done to screen male and female adolescents for these diseases before complications cause permanent damage.	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	4/10/06 12:05 PM
13154	A broken health care system caused by government intrusion into the private sector and into the freedom of all Americans to chose.	No tax deductions for high earners.  A refundable tax credit for low income people to buy a basic policy.  Community health clinics for the indigent.  NO GOVERNMENT MANDATES ON INSURERS!	America is bifurcated between those who love freedom like me and those who love socialism despite the fact it has been proven over and over again that socialism doesn't work.	Let the private sector work.  Let freedom prevail.	male	Over 64	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	4/10/06 12:25 PM
13160	Shortage of medical providers.  There should not be a limit on the enrollment of individuals that wish to enter the medical profession.  More providers will create more competition for the healthcare dollars being spent.	No.	Higher deductibles and out-of-pocket limitations with tax deductibile amounts being lower than 7.5% of AGI.	Allow more medical school expansion to increase the number of physicians which should lead to more competition between physicians.	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	4/10/06 12:33 PM
13173	People who do NOT see value in having insurance until it is too late and then conplain about the cost of care.  Everyone should be required to have coverage with the government helping only those in the lowest socioeconomic strata <250% of poverty.	Indiviudals need to be more aware of the cost of the healthcare they consume.  All oloicies should have a deductible and percentage of cost share so that consumers can be more aware of the costs associated with their treatment.	None.  americans are spoiled and want as much healthcare as someone else is willing to pay for. Those who currently do not pay taxes (other than employment taxes) are happy to tax those above them but not share in the responsibility themselves - even when they make over $50k per year - 	Stop going to the dr. ofr every runny nose and return health insurance to insurance - cover catastrophic care that can't be paid for out of pocket but return the small epxenses to the consumer.  Create more clinics for the impoverished to get basic medical care.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/10/06 12:45 PM
13174	"HIPPA should be applicable for not only employer sponsored group plans but for individual policies. If an individual moves out of a Blue Cross geographical territory, they are required to reapply and be medically underwritten. If that individual currently has a policy, they should be allowed to make a ""Blue to Blue"" transfer with no ""pre-existing"" conditon exclusions. "	NULL	Americans would be willing to pay more taxes if health care were available to them at an affordable cost.	"Individuals of ""pre-medicare"" age (50-65) should be able to access the Medicare program if they are no longer coverered by a group program."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/10/06 12:45 PM
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13198	"What concerns me most is that the public feels health insurance should pay for everything. Insurance is obtained to manage risk and not to pay bills, Health Insurance should be purchases just like auto insurance. Auto insurance does not pay for oil change, tune ups, tires, etc., but once you get in a car accident, you pay your deductible and the insurance compnay fixes the car and gets you on your. individuals should purchase high deductible health insurance plans and pay for the basic item themselves, but when they end up in a hospital they pay the deductible, and the plan pays for everything else. High deductible plans are extremely affordable and the amount they save in premium can pay for most of the basic services they render over the year. HSA's are a great example. "	"I think the government should require all individuals to purchase basic health coverage, such as a Hospital only plan. This would get rid of the government having to pay for medical care of individuals that can obtain health insurance and chosse not to do so. The savings would provide tax incentives or subsidies for lower income individuls to purchase health insurance. "	"If they are willing to make trade-offs, why not just pay for insurance. I rather decide on my own what I want my healthcare coverage to do, so I rather purchase the plan I want with the benefits I need on the free market. If they did the research they would find that health insurance is affordable if purchhased correclty. "	Stop the advertising of medications. Educate the masses on how insurance works. Force healthcare providers and hospitals to advertise their rates so the consumer can make the best decision on how to spend their healthcare dollars.	male	25 to 44	No	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/10/06 1:08 PM
13217	"Two things:  1. Affordability  2. Lack of responsibility of those that can afford coverage, who choose not to pay for it."	"Yes, maintain the same methods of payments, but add ways for the working poor to help them pay for private health care through Refundable Tax Credits.    Also, create a code of financial responsibility, regarding health care.  With this code, one is responsible for health care coverage by utilizing existing methods and adding high risk pools to include the employer and individual market.  One can opt our of the system for a fee (much like the uninsured motorist fee in Virginia) and when one opts out they risk losing all of their assets, including their home."	"This is the big problem, I don't feel that the American Public has any idea of the true cost of Health Care.  They currently associate the cost of a doctor visit with their doctor co-pay.  They associate the cost of their drugs with their drug card co-pay. They associate their premium with the amount that there employer passes through to them, not the full amount."	"Allow for Refundable Income Tax Credits for the working poor and create a form of a code of financial responsibility, put personal assets at risk for people who have the ability to acquire coverage, but fail to do so."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	4/10/06 1:33 PM
13226	"What concerns me the most is that I and so many millions of Americans cannot afford insurance, cannot afford to go to the doctor, cannot afford to have medical tests done, and cannot afford medicine. We are hard-working; tax paying Americans, born and raised here! Have too much of an income to get assistance, but not enough income to pay for our own medical care!  We need help! "	"The government should step in and make health care available to EVERYONE. Not just the drug users, non working welfare recipients, and illegal aliens! "	I don't think the American public has anything to trade. Maybe a pile of credit cards!!!!!!!!                                                                                                                                              	I recommend that the government make benefits available to everyone.  	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	4/10/06 1:40 PM
13236	"In my state coverage is automatically given to children and parents of those children through Badgercare. But what about those of us who don't have children and can't afford $200 dollars a month to have health insurance? I make enough to qualify for a little assistance, but having a roommate eliminates me from qualification. My room mate cannot provide coverage for himself either."	Premiums are way too high. Considering a person in my job area probably makes less than 25k per year combined with the cost of living. A cost of 150 to 300 dollars per month just isn't reasonable.	"With the state of things in the government today, I do not think that the American public is willing to make much of a sacrifice for healthcare coverage at all."	I think that the government should step in and control costs across the board for everything medical related. I also think that Americans should have a standard healthcare payment percentage. A standard percentage for everyone.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	4/10/06 1:51 PM
13244	"It is not comprehensive, affordable, and available for everyone as a basic human right."	We should pool all monies for healthcare into a non-profit entity.  Health care should be paid for by a progressive income tax.	No trade-offs are needed.  We already spend enough to provide it.  Get the insurance companies out of health care and there will be more than enough money.	We should go to a nation wide single payer system immediately.  Health care delivery has to be non-profit.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	4/10/06 2:04 PM
13254	"The biggest problem with health care today is the lack of ability for those with health issues to get individual health coverage.  Guaranteed issue health coverage for individuals would reduce the rolls of the uninsured by a lot.  On the flip side, individuals who do not take health coverage since they are healthty but then use services when they are sick make it unattractive for the carriers to allow for guaranteed issue.  So, guaranteed issue for health care would have to be side by side with laws that require coverage for health care (financial, not criminal penalties) just like we have laws that require auto insurance if you are driving.  The bottom line - insurance only works if all are playing.  Goverment involvement would only increase black market healthcare, and reduce healthcare quality and choice."	"I think that covering those who need help - children, the poor, the elderly - is correct.   Those who can afford it but chose not to should be penalized, by some sort of tax consequence that makes it unappealing to forgo health insurance."	"There is no such thing as affordable health care.  It is 15% of the economy - $6700 per person.  That is $25000 for a family of 4.  Those costs are not going away.  The only way that you get people to understand that is show them how much each item they get costs.  That is, eliminate copay plans, give everyone a plan that costs them 10 - 20%  of each item that they consume.  All of a sudden, that $500 emergency room visit is not such a bargain anymore when you have to pay $100.   To get to that level, you need to have better information and education out there.  That is what congress should be focusing on."	"Mandate employers and indivuals buy coverage, and mandate guaranteed issue in the individual marketplace."	male	25 to 44	No	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/10/06 2:25 PM
13269	My concern is that quality or for that matter any type of healthcare is becoming less and less accessible to more and more people due to the outrageous rising costs and cutbacks in public support.  Health care in this country despite all evidence indicating the importance of preventive care is largely offered only on a reactive basis and even at that it is selectively offered.  I have always believed that health is a right not a priviledge however the direction that we are going in surely indicates otherwise.	I am aware that the currect reimbursement system cannot handle the upward spiraling costs and some alternative needs to be developed.  Our entire health care delivery system with regard to its cost needs overhauling	I believe our people are a  giid and generous people who feel that public monies ought to assure access to health care for all citizens.  Monies spent on foreign wars and aid to other countries as well as the pork that is included in each years budget can be targeted toward health care costs.  I believe that an effective system would be worth an increase in taxes.  However that is not to once again emphasis the need for significant reform in the health care systm and its costs	Improve access to comprehensive health care services for all Americans	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/10/06 3:00 PM
13281	"I have too many concerns to pick out one - The sense of entitlement among Americans rather than paying one's own way, that politicians play partisan games rather than sitting down and hammering out biparitisan solutions, I am concerned that the media publicizes only the negative and that this may result in the baby getting thrown out with the bath water, that our non-automated system of record keeping and prescribing is more expensive and dangerous than needed, that privacy efforts have stiffled critical innovation - a neurotic unintended consequence, that people who can afford a premium can opt out of paying their fair share and then claim bankruptcy, that there is a critical need to address public health issues such as obesity and heart disease and a system of incentives, with both carrots and sticks, must be built in to affect lifestyle change or our country will be bankrupted under the cost of the medical crisis, that the good kernals in managed care were thrown out by a sense of entitlement, that we have a system that has incentives in the wrong places, "	"I believe a private market system, encouraging competition and innovation is critical, but there must be standards and requirements set and monitored by the government. I don't like rate setting but believe that a strongly regulated environment is necessary. The government must have real penalties to apply for those stakeholders that don't play by the rules. I believe that a coverage mandate is a necessary evil. I think that malpractice and tort reform must occur. I believe that employers must be able to continue to attract and retain employees through coverage (perhaps via contributions and added benefits) but that a choice-filled individual-based system providing continuity has merit. My concern is that many people would prefer to have someone delve into the details on their behalf and make informed decisions for them. An individual based system would lead to a need to educate all persons in a way that would be extraordinarily time consuming and would possibly end up being a fiasco. From that perspective I like the employer based system, where the employer has that role, provided the employer allows employees choice to buy up or down. Employers should have good incentives to maintain or establish their plans, to compensate them for their overhead in operting them and meeting their regulatory requirements."	"I think that once the whole scenario is explained to Americans, that first dollar benefits can go by the wayside, provided the individual can access services at the wholesale rather than retail cost negotiated by their carrier. This needs to be indexed to take into the considerations of low income households."	"Thorough reform is imperative, it is a moral outrage that we have uncovered Americans, but do not go with a single payor system. Keep it outsourced to the private sector, incentivize yankee ingenuity, set up the rules and ride herd on the stakeholders."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/10/06 3:25 PM
13285	Rising costs. We have the best heathcare delivery system in the world. Out problem is not the quality but the cost of the system.	"Yes. Improvements in effciency must be made - i.e. electronic claim filing required for ALL providers -  and also a premium penalty imposed on thsoe who lead unhealthy lifestyles - i.e smokers, fatties, boozers. "	"We already have access. What is needed is ""AFFORDABLE"" access. "	We are the most obese country on the face of the earth. This contributes an astronomical amount to our  heath care costs. We have to institute guidleines where if you CHOOSE to lead an unhealthy lifestyle then you'll pay more for your healthcare coverage. 	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	4/10/06 3:31 PM
13298	that everyone is not able to get proper coverage.  itseems to me that our very intelligent representatives in washington could have figured out a way to attain this ! SHAME ON THEM !	I THINK PAYMENTS SHOULD BE BASED ON INCOME---PEOPLE WITH MORE WEALTH SHOULD PAY MORE ..	i think the average american would be willing to pay a fair amount of a premium ----we all do not want something for nothing.	have the politicians put aside their personal agendas and concentrate on this very important matter---iam sure they can and should come up with something better than what we have seen.COME UP WITH A FAIR AND EQUITABLE PLAN FOR ALL !!!	female	Over 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	4/10/06 3:56 PM
13318	Affordability	"No, but I think that a national health care plan should be implemented to cover health care for all Americans."	I think a little more in taxes.	"Implement national health care. I think this would cut costs and take the burden off of employers and employees. In the end, I think it will save money."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	4/10/06 4:39 PM
13338	"Rising Costs, Universal availabity "	All three must continue. Medicare has been reasponsable slowing the rise in medical costs and has been much more efficient than it is given credit for. The insurance indusrty profit motive has on the whole been negative.	Very few. Eveybody wants everything. Strong potitical leadership :(HA!) is needed.	"A nation wide version of Medicare-Medicade that envolves monetary participation by everyone. There are many possible permutations involving individuals, employers, governments and drug compnaies.  "	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	4/10/06 5:25 PM
13342	The move toward total federal control	I should be allowed to Voluntarily (which the federal government has not allowed me to do!) purchase my own insurance at a cost and for coverage that serves my needs without intimidation or fear tactics.	We have high quality medical care.  What we do not have is necessarily affordable medical care. I don't think the public is willing to do either.  Our costs are already high enough and many live on fixed incomes.  Look to the insurance companies and the pharaceutical companies to cut their profit margins!	Get the feds out of the business and let the states work it out.	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	4/10/06 5:29 PM
13365	"Free riders!  There are those that struggle to pay the bills and those, mostly illegal immigrants that expect and get the best health care America has to offer, come with phoney ID , and never pay a dime. They make no attempt to integrate into this society, speak the language, and yet they are on their 3rd+ kid and get it all for free.  The system needs to be set up so that it is properly reimbursed.  Indigent care is a reality but at the least, people should pay into the system to get something from the system."	"Absolutely. All viable, and perhaps out of the box, options should be explored in several forums across the country over a specified timeframe. There are stateds that have instituted economical plans, which have managed to maintain equity and quality.  Take the best of the best and improve on that. "	"Limiting legal recourse.  There are many small suggestions.  But in principle, I believe we must look at what the Japanese have done in the auto industry, what Trader Joe's has done in the supermarket industry, what Costco has done for mass merchandizing.  I believe, as I think most Americans do, if we are smart, we need not sacrifice quality for affordability.  We can have both."	"Have regulators of nursing homes, hospitals,etc., make more operational practical sense.  Some of the ridiculous and expensive hoops institutions have to jump thru are, not always, but often, causing more excess and unnecessary expense. There obviously need to be standards, but I believe, the focus could be more reality based. Well, this is only one small, contributing factor to the mess."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	4/10/06 7:00 PM
13372	"that insurance plans dont, cover alot and some people live with no insurance"	yes employers should pay more toward employees insurance	more taxes	make it a law that the goverment should provide for all americans health care becasue we make sure we send health care to other needy countries	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/10/06 7:29 PM
13379	"the high cost, and cannot afford medical insurance."	"federal, state, and local governments should bear a greater portion of health care costs."	I think every one could pay a little more in their taxes to pay for this.	It should be equally available to all American citizens with out regard to financial status.	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/10/06 8:26 PM
13387	"cost of rx and insurance to low income families.your(government) scale is to low. because my daughter is on disablity and has a son and is a widow, and makes $2000 . a month she does not qualify for insurance or rx reduced, her rx is $1000. a month and her son is bipolar.   living costs are not reduced,"	"how do you think people pay for everything and high premiums on insurance, ? if I leave my job to move out of state ,cobra will be $1000. a month,, is'nt that just ridiculus. people shoud pay but be able to afford it,"	"friviolous lawsuits not allowed, generic drugs, more access to doctors would reduce er visits."	"make rx available to all who need it,  tax income all the way not just a certain level like social security, "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	4/10/06 9:20 PM
13407	That not every single citizen can access health care and not avoid doing so for lack of money to pay for it.	"Yes, I think monies that are sent abroad for foreign aid should be cut and the funds from that be used to provide health care for American citizens. We should be taking care of our own citizens FIRST! After all, it is OUR tax money that is being spent."	I don't think we should have to make any trade-offs. The money is already there and just needs to be redirected and channeled into a National Health Care program.	Start NOW to see that the necessary funds are set aside and begin coming available within the next few years. I would like to see all Americans receiving adequate health care and preventative care before I die.	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	4/10/06 11:13 PM
13410	Lack of universal access to quality health care	"Move quickly to a single payer system, but enable care providers to choose between working in a public or private facility.  "	"Most Americans would be willing to finance a universal, single-payer system because it will afford better health care for all at a lower cost than we now spend.  In other words, we are now spending too much money on a wasteful, confusing mix of private and public insurance.  "	Get rid of private health insurance and sever the relationship between employment and access to health care.  	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	4/10/06 11:33 PM
13420	"THE MEDICARE PLAN D STINKS. MY EXPENSE FOR MY MEDICINE WAS $177.00 A YR. THANKS TO OUR CONGRESS AND BUSH, MY MEDS. WENT TO $1'117 A YR. GIVE ME BACK MY MEDICARE DISCOUNT CARD. AS OF 5/15/06 IT CANCELLED.WHY CANCEL THEM? NOT ENOUGH MONEY GOING INTO THE GOV. I GUESS. THIS WAY THEY GET $250.00 DEDUCTIBLE OFF EVERY PERSON WHO SIGNS UP {BEING FORCED TO OR HAVE NOTHING} PLUS $30.00 A PRESCRIPTION PLUS A MONTHLY PREMIUM. MY CARD COST ME NOTHING, THIS PROGRAM REALLY SUCKS AND THE THREE STOOGES COULD OF DONE A BETTER JOB THAN OUR CONGRESS. ONE WOMANS COUMADIN COPAY WENT FROM $20.00 TO $60.00 AND HER HUSBANDS INHALER COPAY WENT FROM $25.00 TO $55.00. YOU TELL ME THIS IS A FAIR SYSTEM. THERE'S TOO MANY OUT THERE USING THE FREE THAT DON'T NEED TO BE AND WE NEED TO CLAMP DOWN ON ABUSERS. THANKS.  KAY EMMONS. OH BY THE WAY I HAVE GOT ANOTHER PLACE TO GET MY MEDICINE FOR $244.00 A YEAR AND THE GOVERNMENT ISN'T GETTING A DIME OF MY MONEY FOR THIS SO CALLED PLAN D. THERE'S OTHER SOLUTIONS TO GET AROUND THIS AND AM LETTING PEOPLE KNOW."	YES. CLAMP DOWN ON THE LEECHES USING THE FREEBIES WHEN THEY'RE NOT ENTITLED TO THEM. I SEE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE THAT DON'T WORK THAT CAN JUST SO THEY CAN GET A FREE HANDOUT. THE KATRINA THING HAS JUST GOT OUT OF CONTROLL AS WITH THE ILLEGALS WE'RE DOLLING OUT FREE MEDICAL. I WORK AND I'M AM A SR. CITIZEN. I HAVE TO TO PAY FOR MY MEDICAL BUT THESE YOUNG HEALTHY HAVING BABY AFTER BABY AND WON'T WORK JUST MAKE ME PUKE. I'M TALKING MINORITIES AND CAUCASIAN BOTH. THERE'S JOBS FOR EVERYONE BUT THE WELFARE SYSTEM HAS RUINED OUR COUNTRY. THINK PRES. FOX WOULD GIVE ME ALL THE FREEBIES WE GIVE THE ILLEGALS IF I WENT TO MEXICO? HELL NO. THEN WHY SHOULD WE? ENOUGH SAID. I'VE GOT MY POINT ACCROSS AND SPEAKING FOR MILLIONS MORE EXCEPT THE FREELOADERS. 	THERE ISN'T ANY TRADEOFFS. QUIT GIVING THE FREEBIES TO THE ABUSERS OF THE SYSTEM. THE RICH DON'T HAVE ANY WORRIES AS DOES OUR POLITICIANS AS THERY'RE SET FOR LIFE. THE POLITICIANS SHOULD HAVE TO PAY PREMIUMS 5 TIMES HIGHER THAN WE DO. THAT WOULD PUT SOME MONEY INTO THE BROKEN DOWN SYSTEM WHICH IS NEVER GOING TO IMPROVE WHILE I'M ALIVE. MEDICARE IS IN SUCH A MESS IT WILL NEVER GET STRAIGHTENED OUT. WELFARE THE SAME. I THINK WE NEED TO ALL MOVE TO ANOTHER COUNTRY LIKE THE BAHAMAS OR CANADA.	MAKE THE POLITICIANS PAY STEEP PREMIUMS [lord knows they can afford it} and clamp down on giving free medical care to those who abuse the system. it's the same with social security. disability is a joke when it comes to soc. sec. millions riding the system who are able to work. tell me a guy climbing trees using a chain saw is disabled? it's a crock.	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	4/11/06 6:10 AM
13422	"The lack of knowledge regarding the cost of services in the general public and overutilization of benefits, especially pharmacy."	No	The public should accept that leading an unhealthly life style leads to higher medical costs.  Healthy Americans pay a high price to shelter people from the consequences of poor health habits.	Encouraging participation in programs like HSAs or enable lower premiums for those who make wise health choices.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	4/11/06 7:07 AM
13432	"The fact that insurance is a racket. People are sick & dying & instead of doing what's right to ensure people are given the right medical care, making a dollar seems more important than life!"	"The scale used to determine how much individuals pay shouldd be adjusted. When I was unemployed I was paying close to $300/mo to Blue Cross Blue Shield, until finally I had to terminate my policy. I should mention this did not include prescriptions."	I can't think of anything right now.	Find a way to give the owners of these insurance companies a heart!	female	25 to 44	No	Black or African American	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/11/06 8:56 AM
13446	"Cost is going up, efficiency is going down. We need more preventitive care!!! Especially for low income and disabled, elderly citizens."	"It is more the cost, than the method of paying. Payment differs dependent upon what type of insurance you have. Medical care should have standardized limits, ex. medical equipement to cost the same no matter what kind of insurance is paying for it. I was quoted three prices 600, 900, or 1200 $ for same CPAP machine, depending on insurance type."	"I don't think we shoulf make trade offs! We currently pay more for  less health care than any other country in the world! Better regulation of drug companies, insurance companies and medical supply chains would save big bucks!"	"Use the power of social pressure and preventative  health initiatives to decrease preventable disease such as cardiac and diabetes 2. It's working for smoking, now lets get on with obesity and substance abuse. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	4/11/06 10:02 AM
13447	We are paying high premium and still has to pay for copayment which is a lot and we could not afford to pay thousands of dollars just even for copay	NULL	"The hospitals, doctors and companies should not charge a lot overhead"	socializing health care	female	45 to 64	No	Asian	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	4/11/06 10:05 AM
13448	Health Insurance increase every year. Its too expensive health insurance	"Lower the prices of insurance, doctors fee medicines and hospital fees"	Lower all prices of maintenance medicines	NULL	female	45 to 64	No	Asian	Bachelor's Degree	Not sure	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	4/11/06 10:08 AM
13449	out of control medical inflation	gov't programs should be means tested	"none, the public is addicted to the proverbial ""free lunch"" and Congress is addicted to providing it. The private sector is already adjusting."	Continued expansion of HSA and other tax favored accounts that encourage self funding of medical expenses below some ceiling. 	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NE	4/11/06 10:09 AM
13450	very expensive medicine cost	Lower doctors fee and give bigger disconts to senior citizens  Medicine bills	NULL	Lower prices on medicines especially those thata are for maintenance	male	45 to 64	No	Asian	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	4/11/06 10:10 AM
13453	"The middle class is the working hard, supporting the rich and the poor and the rich and poor have more access to the health care."	Health care for everybody	NULL	Socialize medicine	female	45 to 64	No	Asian	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	4/11/06 10:14 AM
13457	"Access   medical compliance to those who have access,  Litigation  "	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	25 to 44	No	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	4/11/06 10:20 AM
13459	"People expect the employer to cover the cost and still want a copay type plan, instead of the HSA plan.  The reason health insurance is expensive is because health care is expensive."	"More public awareness on the HSA program as it is a huge benefit in the long run, for not only making consumers more aware of health care costs but allowing them the opportunity to put money aside to pay for their future health care costs.  "	Low premiums with HSA type plans.	"Have federal mandates versus state mandates as to what is covered by the insurance company.  MN is the second largest mandated state, resulting in higher health insurance costs."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	4/11/06 10:26 AM
13461	The cost of health care and the legal environment that causes too many physicians to leave particular states as the result of medical malpractice costs/threats.	"Ultimately, we should move away from the employer-paid system to an individual-paid system through the re-structuring of tax incentives, changes in insurance laws permitting the flexibility/portability necessary and expansion of the HSA tax advantages coupled with minimum coverage requirements for all people if they're to avoid financial penalties."	"The American public needs to be weened from its reliance upon being ""entitled"" before it will be willing to engage in meaningful trade-offs.  The public needs to be made to understand the true personal costs borne by each person due to various causitive factors artificially created by government regulation, cost-shifting, entitlement programs, ER coverage of the uninsured, etc., etc.  Once that has been largely made known, then the public will be able to make intelligent decisions as to trade-offs."	"We need to force people to acquire private coverage in a basic form at the age of adulthood with the assurance that they will be covered from that point forward IF they maintain their coverage.  The private sector needs to be empowered through regulatory change to provide the programs required, the public needs to have access to cost and quality information and providers need to be reimbursed based upon efficiency and efficacy."	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	4/11/06 10:27 AM
13464	"Economic status decides who lives and who dies. US America's poor behavioral health system is ignoring millions, who's quality of life or lack thereof is effecting our relationships as human beings. "	Health care funds should be set aside from money received from penality fees by corporations who violate the environment. 	"Higher taxes; however, most of these taxes should come directly from industries that have any effect on the environment. "	Improve behavioral health services 	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/11/06 10:46 AM
13467	Long term care.	No.	Forego unnecessary diagnostic procedures which are ordered by doctors only to protect themselves from malpractice lawsuits. 	Impose national price guidelines.	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	4/11/06 11:05 AM
13472	"That Government - even if ostensibly ""well intentioned"" - will make the current system even worse by adding more mandates to the existing health insurance programs available"	"Tax-code neutrality (i.e., permitting individuals the same deduction as those avavialable to businesses) should be created to ""level the playing field"" among health insurance purchasers"	"Americans will NOT accept any rationing of care - even if provided under the guise of ""universal"" health care"	Eliminating the culture of entitlement - and encouraging personal responsibility for the financing of health care expenses - would decrease the inflationary pressure on health insurance premiums  	male	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	4/11/06 11:13 AM
13476	Cost - Too many people are w/o health care. They use the emergency for non-critical issues. That drives up the cost for the rest of us. 	I'd provide additional tax incentives (possibly even greater than a $1/$1 write-off) for employers to pay a larger portion of the healthcare premiums and any portion paid by the employee would be deductible. 	"The question could be turned around: ""what trade offs is government willing to make?"" - Government should be willing to take less in taxes to accomplish these goals. "	"Keep the ""big government bureaucracy"" out of health care. We do not need another social program. "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	4/11/06 11:28 AM
13479	Vast numbers of people who have low incomes do not have access to quality health care.  This means that a person's income determines their right and access to health and well-being.  Such a situation is morally wrong. 	"Large employers, like Wal-Mart, should be held accountable to do their fair share in paying for health coverage for their employees, rather than abdicating their responsibilities and leaving all other taxpayers to shoulder this burden."	"If our taxes are used to fund a social safety net for all Americans, and we can make our voices heard through the democratic process, we will feel proud to contribute to this individually, knowing that we and our neighbors are reaping the benefits."	"Have the federal government make and enforce policies guaranteeing the right to health care for all Americans.  Do not leave this in the hands of businesses, insurers, or the market.  Keeping this issue in the hands of the government fosters the practice of democracy, because we as citizens can voice our opinions to our elected representatives, who should act in our interests.  Democracy suffers when things are left in the hands of corporations, who have no accountability to the American people and who have profit as their primary goal."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/11/06 11:32 AM
13482	"That there are so many people uninsured, and who have no acess or availability to health care.  Also the tremendous waste caused by paper work, bureaucracy, etc. and the outrageous profits made by drug and private insurance companies"	I think that the government should pay for health care with money from progressive taxes.  There are excellent models for universal health care in European and even developing countries.  We are a rich country but our healthcare system is the worst.	"I think they should first be educated about the benefits of health to society as a whole.  Then they might be willing to pay for a national health care system to benefit everyone.  Also, they might be willing to forego unnessary, useless treatments."	National health care funded by progressive income tax.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	4/11/06 11:37 AM
13494	My biggest concern about health care situation in America is that we are providing health care to illegal aliens and their families who are not covered by any insurance plan.  This obviously puts the burden of paying for illegal alien health care on me and my fellow Americans. !!!!!  	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	4/11/06 12:34 PM
13503	"Consumers feeling of entitlement to highest level of healthcare available, without regard for cost.  No consumer accountablity for lifestyle choices that impact their health."	Consumers with unhealthy lifestyles should pay more.	NULL	Make cigarettes illegal and enforce it.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	4/11/06 12:57 PM
13508	It is being run by big business and not by individuals interested in the health and well being of the people seeking it.	I think affordable health care should be available to individuals who cannot get insurance through employers.  I think uninsured individuals should not be made to pay for cost reductions available to the insured.  	I think the public should be willing to have trained nurses administer health screenings and follow-ups to allow doctors to have more time for problem patients.  I think insurance cost should be based on ability to pay within reason but that all who are physically able should in some way bear the cost of our health care - even if it means keeping the grounds and cleaning the floors in health care establishments.  	Get health care out of the hands of the insurance companies and the drug companies and allow alternative practitioners who practice without drugs to be paid by insurance.  Stop the practice of drug companies advertising to the public.   	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	4/11/06 1:06 PM
13510	"My concerns like many others, are the inaffordability and ineffectiveness of our current healthcare. My husband and I are a young married couple who have not had health insurance for about 3 years. It is just not affordable or helpful to us because we are not interested in painkillers, anti-inflammatories, or surgeries. Doctors are trained by pharmaceutical textbooks and have little to no training in nutrition or health. No wonder they can only prescribe toxic chemicals and pull out the scalpel!   We are in interested in REAL long term health. And we refuse to pay for the Pepsi drinker who needs two knee replacements, has severe allergies and is suffering of arthritis!   However, if we fall off a ladder one day, our life plans could be shattered..."	"We need to take the power away from the HMO's and insurance; they are killing us!   I am a healthcare worker/business owner and I refuse to take insurance. My colleagues spend half their working hours arguing and kowtowing to these complanies. Insurance companies have driven healthcare prices through the roof and are the sole reason that chiropractors need to hire 3 receptionists... red tape!!!     A patient's treatment is not decided by the doctor, but by the insurance company. Insurance uses dollar signs to designate the amount time the doctor can spend and what treatment. This is so backward! And oftentimes, they don't get reimbursed at all!I want to do what best for my patients: not what insurance tells me I can do!      Socialized medicine is not the answer since it also includes red tape and over regulation.          The answer is to educate the public to the Health Savings Plans and to reward preventative and alterative healthcare. Also,to bring school health education up to date! The nutritional RDA's are completely antiquated! We need a healthy educated public that will not need dialysis, knee replacements, back surgery and other unnecessary costly treatments. "	"Quality must be maintained and improved if we are to survive on a private level.    We cannot Socialize. My husband is French and we have both experienced the downfalls of socialized medicine. His mother is a doctor in France and has less than 15 minutes to spend with each patient a day, half of which are coming to see her for stomach flus, colds, and other silly things. The quality for everyone goes down. The cancer patient, like the flu patient each get 15 minutes. French doctors are leaving in droves because the taxation and renumeration are not worth it. The hospitals are low budget and the personnel cold. I don't want to see this ""USSR"" style healthcare to set foot on US soil.       The tradeoff that will be necessary to avoid this is to require people to EARN better healthcare benefits, by getting check-ups, preventative care and assessments to see that they are taking care of themselves. People who are obese, drug abusers,  WWF wrestlers should be paying more. This is the trade-off ACCOUNTABILITY for your own health. "	"HSA's are a good solution provided we start heavy public education. Personnal Accountability for your healthcare costs: Reward healthy living by encouraging alternative and preventative healthcare. Taxpayers should not be paying for triple digit surgeries and emergency care that could have easily been avoided through a few visits to the family doctor.      State and Federal health programs should be providing alternative healthcare options to avoid these costly treatment. It is well proven that wholistic healthcare is not only effetive, but incredibly cost saving!"	female	25 to 44	No	Asian	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	4/11/06 1:13 PM
13514	"USA is only country in civilized world without Universal Govt Healthcare & this is wrong! The fight for UHC should be greatest cause in this country since civil rights in the 60s BUT sadly, our leaders are bought and paid for by AMA & DrugCo lobbyists. "	"Yes; We should have a Universal Govt Healthcare plan (Which was promised to us in 1992 by Presidential candidate Bill Clinton but once elected, he failed to deliver) ASAP!"	End foreign aid & other useless wastes of our tax dollars & a Universal Healthcare Plan would be easily funded.	Universal Healthcare for all Americans NOW!	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	4/11/06 1:25 PM
13521	The cost is too high.	"Not really, but it could be made more effective with good cost & quality info available."	Pay more up front for care if we have good cost & quality info.	Frame a national discussion among all players about what is driving the cost increase(it's not just one player) and create cost & quality transparency throughout.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	4/11/06 1:56 PM
13524	The influence that lobbyists hired by special interest groups have on effecting health care policy in this country. 	"No.  The division of the costs however, should be more equitable.        "	"I think this question would be better posed to; the Government, the American Medical Association, employers and pharmaceutical manufacturers.    "	"Cap the related costs of hospital care, medical procedures and pharmaceutical drugs.   "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	4/11/06 2:05 PM
13560	Many people who need insurance are not aware of the various public programs available.	I think it woprks efficiently.	"Americans need to become more responsible for their health, ie, eating right , exercising, etc."	See above response.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	4/11/06 4:08 PM
13565	"Profit margins amongst industry participants.  Mainly hospitals, DME providers, pharma, technology producers i.e. MRI, CT machines retail v. mfg cost."	"wider coverage of technology that gives more health care providers, standards and best practices at their fingertips.  Will produce better efficiencies and outcomes."	"American's must be more accountable for their own healthcare by adjusting and prioritizing their lifestyles and behaviors.  The healthcare system exists today due to our inability to be conscious of, accountable for and responsible for ourselves and our health.  Until that occurs then Americans should have do something most haven't done in 25 years, budget for out-of-pocket expenses."	"take the plans back 25-30 years, place more financial accountability on the consumers and make the costs of healthcare from all providers and facilities, easily to obtain so they can compete for the business of the informed consumer."	male	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	4/11/06 4:16 PM
13567	Rising costs; lack of access; politicization of access issues and ill-informed rhetoric; unwillingness to understand that we cannot afford Cadillac care for all citizens: choices have to be made -- we must move away from a system in which some have everything and some have nothing.	"Find alternatives in which all three might pay into one coverage plan so the burden does not fall on just one part of the system. Also, coverage needs to be not only affordable, but portable."	"Don't think they understand the trade-offs necessary. Needs to be greater public discussion about this. They are willing to make trade-offs in theory, but when it comes down to their own family, they are unwilling to make trade-offs."	Make access universal.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	4/11/06 4:24 PM
13573	"Being able to pay for quality healthcare and knowing I can trust a particular diagnosis or perscribed plan at a cost that benefits my wallet not the provider (example:  my wife needs a rx for my son and the doctor perscribes a $150 antibotic...hard lesson to learn..when she could have asked and only paid $9 for amoxicilin).  The face of the consumer is not going to be the insurance carrier anymore..ie $10 copay and I and my family do not want to be taken advantage of.  I had another friend told two diffent ways of approaching a lump in her breast after a preventative exam revealed this...1st doctor said with not any empathy..full masectomy..2nd doctor approached better, empathy wise, recommended simple biopcy..revealed cancer free..but, still said she should have chemo treatment...finaly after the patient said why do I need chemo if I am cancer free..the doctor said a few days later..you are right and don't need chemo and glad you asked/questioned me!!!  This is scary and not the only problems...patient had the money for chemo, but because the deductible was high and the doctors office feared they would not be able to pay the doctor wanted to send the patient to the hospital, ""they would be able to better handle a non-payment""...It is time for us to take responsibility for our health and ensure we are paying for the best health care at an appropriate cost."	"The shifting of dollars paid to individuals first, before the insurance companies, will have a more positive effect on getting individuals involved mentally in health care vs. just physically.  I know someone who uses employer dollars paid to her under an HSA to help her care/treatment of MS...she is much more involved and is always telling me about the new things she is discovering/helping/researching in the managment of her disease.  Before it was a copay and back in the old routine.  When it is potential money she can have at the end of the year there has been a more positive effect on her health.  Getting there was not easy..but, with good education and support/tools it has worked."	As long as we have quality providers/information and resources...Americans would be better to spend more of the dollars out of their pockets that employers are now giving to the insurance carriers first.	"People need to take responsiblity for their health and understand the benefits/cost reward of staying healthy (save dollars for the unexpected and know something may occur but, do things know to help prevent/identify early)."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	4/11/06 4:40 PM
13592	"The fact that too much of the care delivered is unnecessary, causes more problems, or results in errors.  If we can increase evidence based medicine and deliver only necessary care that will improve a person's health, we could immediate cut cost.  "	The cost shift from Govt plans to the private sector is a major reason costs in the private sector are so high.  The govt is so inefficient in administerring medicare and and medicaid that it is broken.	"The public is not willing to make trade offs and that is the problem.  Those that buy health insurance do not want to be taxed more, those that don't have coverage want those that can afford to pay.  "	"Instead of the Fed Govt funding health care, they should fund PREMIUMS via tax credits or vouchers, that allow low income people to assign those dollars to carriers.  Keeps everyone in the private sector.  "	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	4/11/06 5:50 PM
13617	"The rising cost and the attitudes of entitlement that many Americans have today.  Also, the fact that the RX companies are not regulated when it comes to direct to market advertising and cost."	"Yes, all Americans should have to purchase health insurance just like they have to buy car insurance.  "	Higher deductibles and more out of pocket for the routine care to maintain coverage for the big things.	"Continue to education Americans about the true cost of healthcare and encourage them to ""shop"" for care.  It worked for Walmart."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OK	4/11/06 9:34 PM
13619	affordability	There is a deduction of 7.5 of gross income before a person can deduct medical expenses on income tax return.    With expenses so high for health ins./care the 7.5% needs to be eliminated.	There should'nt be any trade offs for a need this great.	initiate a system like Canada has	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Not sure	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NE	4/11/06 10:30 PM
13626	"Without a doubt my biggest concern is the cost, which includes high premiums $684 (2 retirees) for gap to augment our Medicare; the cost of medications, and the cost of technical services such as tests."	There should be a cap on all charges WITHOUT lowering quality. Reduce medications and let the gov't fund research perhaps with incentives and not the drug companies to prevent repackaging of similar products.	"People could switch to generic medications and doctors should ""push"" generics rather than brand name drugs that are overpriced.  People should have preventative clinics or tests to avoid costly treatments after illness sets in."	"For everybody to have health care, I would like to see limits on costs, especially drug costs, and caps on various services such as the ones Medicare has.  If necessary, have those that make more, pay more but not to the point of punishing them for planning ahead if they are retired."	female	45 to 64	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	4/11/06 11:13 PM
13632	The lack of preventative care especially for those who have no health care except the emergency departments.	Some way has to be made so that everyone who wants health insurance can affortd it.  	Someone is going to have to have to think outside of the box to find a solution. But preventive medicine is less expensive in the end.	"Most need help with healthy habits, ie weight control, drinking and smoking cessation, etc          "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	4/12/06 12:15 AM
13641	Cost	"Everyone should pay, according to their income."	"Stop fighting wars, and use the money to improve health care. As far as national security, there is always going to be some nut somewhere, that is going to bomb something."	"A price list from health care professional, so we know up front when we're being ripped off."	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	4/12/06 6:31 AM
13665	"Lack of coverage for the elderly, disabled, and low income citizens who do not qualify for government programs."	No.	Less incentives should be given to providers who offer expensive medical tests to those who don't need it.  	Stop allowing drug companies to advertise their products on television so that more could be spent on research into new drugs and incentives to people who cannot afford prescription drugs.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	4/12/06 10:16 AM
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13667	"I am very concerned about equity in health care coverage. I know that there are ""working poor"" who do not qualify for Medicare, Medicaid, etc. and I am concerned about them, both their ongoing access to health care, and the resulting crisis management of health problems that arise from not having routine medical care. The equity issue also applies to health insurance coverage of treatments. "	I've heard recently about some smaller employers grouping together to purchase health care coverage. I think this idea should be facilitated and eventually use as part of mandated health care coverage for everyone.	"The idea of trade-offs will not really apply to the citizens who need affordable, high quality health care--those working people in jobs with pay that is too high for them to qualify for government health programs, yet too low for them to afford private individual/family health insurance. They don't really have anything to ""trade-off"" compared with other income levels that reap the benefits from Bush's tax advantages for the wealthy or the corporations he seems so determined to protect. I think that the middle-income citizens have done all they can and it is time for the upper income citizens to do their part. Eliminate upper income tax breaks and use that money for health care for the working poor. "	"I think it would help to mandate that each member of the House and of the Senate meet individually with real people in their home districts (away from cameras and reporters) who are struggling to afford health care. Since the House and Senate have taxpayer coverage of their medical expenses, I do not think they have a clue about the choices that their constituents have to make: groceries or medicine; surgery and time off work or a paycheck for time worked; risk increased pain and debilitation or risk unaffordable emergency department care.  Maybe the Houses of Congress could talk to their own family members, but I doubt they have anyone on Medicaid, Medicare, or other government programs, and they probably don't have ""working poor"" in their families, either."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	4/12/06 10:24 AM
13671	Health care quality and cost are influenced far too much by the insurance and drug industries. the majority of unfairness in the system is a result of greed based actions by these two industries.	Eliminate the unfair payment system in all three.	"Equal treatment, based on payment ability on the finantial side. Fair care based on need."	Eliminate complex programs which always favor the drug and insurance industries.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	4/12/06 10:49 AM
13675	"The misconception that American's feel it is a right, as an American, to have health insurance coverage and pay nothing for it.  I agree we need to insure all American's.  If everyone enrolled in private healthcare from birth and pay into the system, then we would also coverage a population of younger healthier people which could inturn, bring down premiums from insurers.    Another big concern, is that we do not pass the R&D Cost to other countries from our Prescription Drug manufacturers.  While DTC advertising is a small component of the overall cost of drugs, it is very impactive.  We also need to manage the providers on how they prescribe medications - using Nexium for heartburn is insanity and a provider should not prescribe that strong of a medication for something that can be treated with OTC medication.    Another concern is the hydraulic method of cost shifting.  I believe transparency can narrow the margins in provider cost shifting.    The cost of care is the issue, not the cost of the insurance."	"1.)Tax incentives to Individuals, employees and Employers for purchasing healthcare coverage.  While using Sec.125 will work for employers, we should also allow tax credits for individuals and families who purchase insurance on their own.    2.) Tort Reform - medical liability and malpractice is getting out of hand.  Only the lawyers win in the end.  The cost of malpractice insurance is forcing providers to increase their costs.    3.) Transparency is important so consumers can be better shoppers on were to get health care services.    4.)  Expand HSA coverage options.   Increase the amount allowed to put into an HSA - equal to your deductible and/or out of pocket expense.  Increase the maximum out of pocket limit - let the consumer choose a higher out of pocket if they want to.  Removing the ceiling can reduce the cost plans.  5.) "	Elimination of state mandated benefits to reduce cost.  Leave it up to the insurers to provide the menu of covered services and compete with other insurers.  	Tax credit incentives for Americans who purchase health insurance.  	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	4/12/06 11:09 AM
13683	"I am concerned that rural and inner city areas are not being served with a sufficient number of health care providers and that many people including many,many children are not getting adequate care."	" I think that there should be a basic insurance policy available to all Americans. This policy needs to include- Annual check-ups and preventive maintence (including cancer screenings, blood pressure, chloresterol, obesity counseling, stop smoking assistance, etc), Emergency Care, Critical care, Hospital charges, Hospice and home care, Nursing homes (long term care), Labs, Imaging (Xray, MRI, CT etc, Dental care, vision care, and prescription drugs (brands and Generics).  Limited co-pays- $5-10 dollars on drugs and perhaps 2 1/2 to 5 percent on services would be appropriate for those with the money to pay.      My reasoning for the preventive maintence is simple-- preventive maintenance will do just that. It will prevent or catch in its earliest stages disease that can be more easily and less expensively treated if caught early.    The home care and hospice care are often much less expensive and much more effective than a nursing home-- though sometimes a nursing home is the appropriate option for a patient.    "	"As noted above, I believe that basic health care should be available to all Americans. The necesary trade off might be highly experimental treatments not being fully covered (perhaps much higher co-pays- in the range of 20-30 percent)or a graduated co-pay for different income groups Ranging from zero for those who are the poorest amoung us to perhaps 20% on services -- and zero to perhaps 20 dollars on perscriptions. Or perhaps a requirement to establish (If one is working) the currently existing Health Savings accounts. "	"Get adequate coverage in the inner cities and rural areas. These areas are in most need of primary care physicians, physician's assistants, nurse practitioners and/or nurse midwives.  Programs such as those in place to ""forgive"" student loans for those who would practice in these areas for a minimum of six years (that would ensure that the health care provider would have the opportunity to intergrate into the community as well and be less likely to leave the area as soon as his or her ""community service"" is commplete."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	4/12/06 11:45 AM
13689	"The physician hegemony and the innovation-stifling environment that exists within healht care, today."	"I support the consumer-driven model. Individuals should bear more of the responsibility for managing their helth care purchases. Breaking the current tax-subsidized, employer-managed scheme must be a priority."	"I think the general public is loathe to change the current system. We're addicted to ""free"" health care. Breaking this addiction may be as challenging as breaking our addiction to oil. But, it must be done, if we hope to have both innovative and affordable health care in America."	"Break the physician hegemony through state regulations that allow/encourage health care innovation. This can be done by better defining the scope of physician extenders and addressing tort reform around medical malpractice. Also, supporting research into bioinformatics that lead to health care innovation is needed."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	4/12/06 12:04 PM
13692	Medicare part D is a rip off to make us stop using Canadian drugs.  My drug bill goes up when I have to join.	None	None	To delay joining Part D without penalty so many will not have to pay more for drugs.	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	4/12/06 12:16 PM
13699	Rising costs 	Surcharge on consumer goods	Generic drugs versus name brand presciptions	"Everyone contributes to the cost of healthcare, not just he working class."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	4/12/06 12:30 PM
13702	"There should be equality for everyone. Rich people have a better chance of staying alive than poor ones when certain cancer fighting drugs are $8000 per month and the insurance company won't pay for them or sets the copay so high that people still can't get them. Also, when doctors order a specific drug or procedure, the patient cannot always get it because the insurance company will not pay or the provider is not on their list. Pharmaceutical companies change their formularies arbitrarily several times each year. Both insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies are too powerful in this country. They dictate what care patients can get, not the doctors."	"Employers offer widely diverse plans. Most are very costly with limited benefits. Employers should not provide medical insurance coverage for employees. The money they get from the federal government to do this should be put back in to the system to provide coverage for everyone. Patients and their families should not have their hands tied by the government. The gap in Medicare Part D will cause many disabled and older people to stop taking their medicines and will probably result in many deaths for which the federal government will never be held accountable. People who have $3600 to pay for the gap are not sick or disabled or on a limited income. This law was poorly researched and poorly executed and the ramifications may be severe and more costly to the American people in the long run. Health care legislation must help, not hurt."	"There should be NO trade-off within the health care industry itself. The trade-off should come from eliminating vast amounts of ridiculous federal grants for studying the mating habits of Tibetan moths, etc. We don't need to finance the building of bridges where there are no people to use them. Foreign aid can and must be cut to enable us to take care of the people who live in America and pay taxes to support all these programs FIRST."	"Create a national health care system that is affordable and equitable to all. Limit the power of insurance and pharmaceutical companies. Eliminate pork barrel spending, riders to bills that have nothing to do with the bill, but cost everyone money, drastically cut back on foreign aid to fund the new system. Amend the Medicare Part D law YESTERDAY."	female	45 to 64	NULL	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	4/12/06 12:50 PM
13708	Affordability. Costs must come down. Eliminate the bureaucracy and elaborate and complicated insurance.  	"Eliminate health insurance. Let everyone pay for their treatment as needed. This will cut down on the number of un-necessary doctor visits. Encourage pharmacies such as Wallgreens, CVS, WallMart, etc. to set up free clinics for low income people. The establishments would benefit from increased traffic to their establisahments.  "	"Eliminate costly litigation for alleged medical malpractice and in effect eliminate costly medical liability insurance. The percent of malpractice is low. If it does occur, it should simply be considered as ""TOUGH LUCK"". Doctors should have their record made available with alleged incidents of malpractice shown. If their record is bad, people won't visit them. I think people can live with this if costs are substantially reduced."	"De-Regulate it! Healthcare is probably one of the most regulated industries in the country. State and Federal rules and regulations have been added for decades by various special interest groups, AMA, drug companies, etc. A University should be offered a grant to attempt to categorize all of the Federal and State rules and regulations, tax incentives and dis-incentives related to health care. Trade-offs should be established for these various rules. I feel the vast majority of these regulations should be eliminated. I have lived overseas for many years where most drugs with the exception of ""Controlled"" substances are available over the counter from a pharmacy. An individual can ask a Pharmicist to prescribe medication for an ailment. Doctor's prescriptions can be filled and renewed without the written prescription from the doctor. Lab tests can be requested and results received by an individual without a doctor's order. If you need a shot or series of shots, you buy a number of disposable syringes and the medication from the Pharmacy. Either the Pharmacists or the ""Nice Lady"" across the street with medical experience can administer the shots. You don't have to go to the clinic. Medical liability laws would have to be changed to allow Pharmacists to prescribe without fear of recrimination.  "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	4/12/06 1:21 PM
13709	The most important thing to me is that we do not have a health plan that covers everyone.  I am lucky to be on Medicare and wish my children and everyone could have the same benefits that I recieve.	"Yes, we should have a National Medical Plan that gives everyone the same benefits that Congressmen, Senators and other government officials have."	I believe that Americans would like to have a National health plan like Medicare for everyone and would be willing to pay higher taxes to get it.	"Get coverage for everyone and add Prescription, Dental and Hearing Aid coverage."	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/12/06 1:21 PM
13713	"As a healthcare provider, I see that most health problems are related to personal choices. There is no incentive in America for the insured or uninsured to make healthy choices since there is free care in emergencies in all states. The Emergency room is the system that the uninsured use while the insured get more specialist and more prescriptions to aleviate their self imposed symptoms and medicaid recipients use the ER for a PCP."	"Self responsibility is the key. Benefits should be awarded to those who contribute: 1.to their health (maintain weight, exercise, compliant with treatment regimes in unavoidable disease states); 2. Companies who offer health care coverage, time off to see your doctor (within reason); 3. States through legislation who require those who receive free care to shoulder some of the responsibility via payments (sliding scale), behavior (healthy behaviors i.e. low use of the ER, socially responsible behaviors-having children up to your ability to care, use of birth control and not abortions or live births you can not pay for or support)"	"Those who work full time are probably not willing to make any more sacrifices for those who don't. Private charities are underestimated but the worker already gives so much in taxes, health insurance, FICA etc they are not moved by conscience to give any more. They already gave at work and may not ever benefit from social security, medicare, social programs like food stamps, WIC, housing etc and are tired of seeing others benefit."	"Eliminate systems that are easily abused and add systems that require personal responsibility: Veterans Hospital System-privatize; examine SSI determination process and the qualifying diagnosis i.e. ADD is not a disability, it requires accomodation in learning; examine the benefits awarded to illegal aliens infants born in the US-they receive medicaid, WIC, food stamps with no responsibility from the parents; reward medicaid users who use responsibly, reward healthy behaviors in all individuals through incentives. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	4/12/06 1:36 PM
13719	upside down emphasis on acute care rather than preventive health	I'm unsure.  Very interested in the new Massachusetts plan...seems to be well thought out	hardly any.	"Is it possible to de-regulate systems in medical supply chains to decrease costs?  I am a nurse--it seems to me the costs of our supplies, equipment & medications in the hospital setting are ridiculous and that we should learn from Wal-Mart.  "	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	4/12/06 1:45 PM
13721	"Why don't you communicate with the uninsured and underinsured with questions understandable to them?  Why don't you come to Cleveland, Ohio with our great poverty level and meet with people in emergency rooms, the Free Clinic, Care Alliance (homeless), at shelters."	"We need to have a single payor, universal health care program!"	Those of us who can afford more taxes should pay more. Medicine prices should be controlled as should the prices of medical services.	"Talk with the people who are suffering from the lack of health care--the homeless, the under-employed, unemployed, underinsured, uninsured  and recognize their/our RIGHT to health care in this richest of all nations.   Prioritize spending for health care, not for unsanctioned wars."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	4/12/06 1:53 PM
13727	"Quality, cost, respect for patients time and resources."	I think every citizen should have the identical coverage as our Congressmen.	I would like to see a single premium regulated for all paying citizens to cover identical costs for identical healthcare.  Hospitals being private and competitive have not led to better healthcare in the communities I have lived in.  I think hospitals should be provided in all communities based on population and they should all provide the same level of care.  I think I would be willing to pay a separate premium for healthcare for myself and my family in addition to current taxes that provide Medicaid for disabled citizens.  	Stop treating illegal immigrants with taxpayer monies.  Send them home.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	4/12/06 2:26 PM
13749	people being allowed to die for no other reason than they can't access our health care system	"I think the level of investment can stay the same for all parties, but we have to have one pool with rates based on average risk -- cutting out insurance companies if possible since they don't actually provide any health care.  And it must be mandatory to stop cost-shifting."	"In poll after poll, Americans indicate they would be willing to pay higher taxes if it meant everyone could access health care as long as the qaulity of their care and their choice of docs is not affected/"	We must include everyone.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	4/12/06 4:06 PM
13762	I am most concerned by the spiraling costs for health care which drive up the cost of health care coverage.	We need to provide tax incentives for the uninsured to purchase coverage.  This would reduce the cost sharing imposed on those insured.	We need to stop passing new mandates for special interest groups which drive up health care coverage premiums and reduce the number of Americans that can afford any coverage.	Education.  We need to educate people to take charge of their health and health care.  We could reduce significant cost by improving our lifestyles.  The education needs to start early.  We also need to educate people about what health care coverage is and why it is vitaly important even if you are currently healthy.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	4/12/06 4:46 PM
13767	"Half the population doesn't have health insurance, raising the cost for everyone.  Government employees have better coverage than the people who pay them."	Put everyone under an expanded Medicate program (which is administratively effecient) and reduce the administration costs and the hodgepodge of coverage the US taxpayers currently have	"American public probably wants it all!  But from a practical standpoint, they aren't going to get it."	Provide the same coverage for EVERYONE	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	4/12/06 5:00 PM
13768	The cost.  My insurance has risen over 150% in less than 2 years while my insurer has had the highest profits ever.  For an individual in good health at 60yo I pay almost $9000 a year!!	Government sponsored group plans with sliding scale payments.	There could be longer wait times for non emergency treatments.	Stop the rampant competition.  The free market place is not working to keep prices down--it is increasing prices as profit ventures cherry pick and hospitals and communities have higher average costs because of lack of acuity dilution.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	4/12/06 5:01 PM
13772	"A variety of issues which are interrelated.  Ultimately, the lack of quality health care available to all Americans.  I am concerned about the shift from doctor-patient focused care to health care dominated by government and business and insurance interests.  I am concerned about uninsured Americans who cannot get even basic health needs met, rising health care costs, fragmented care, malpractice crises, and a failing medical system per the Institute of Medicine (IOM)."	"I agree that individuals, businesses, and government should continue to all contribute to health care.  How it is done is a more detailed question."	"Benefits - I would support a tiered medical system where basic quality care is a right, and additional coverage can be purchased if desired.  The focus should be on preventive and well care, and emergencies.  Financing should be tax-free with medical savings accounts not being drained at the end of every year (but carries over), with higher individual contributions leading to lower annual insurance rates.  Everyone contributes, but if someone is too poor or unable to contribute, then we as a nation should cover that for them - we ned a ""safety net"" to cover the most vulnerable among us."	"Requiring all health care and health care related comanies to be nonprofits with staff at any facility (physicians, insurance executies, malpractice lawyers, et cetera) reimbursed fairly for time, expertise, and the quality of what they do.  I do not believe that for-profit motives and compassionate health care can, in general, coexist - one always trumps the other."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	4/12/06 5:15 PM
13775	"Affordable access to health care for all citizens, the working citizens the farmer w/ 6 children that does not ""qualify"" for state assisted care.  We need to reform the legal system to limit awards to people who cry ""malpractice"".  Physicians in our rural areas are unable to practice medicine in specialty areas, as they can not afford malpractice insurance.  Everyone in rural areas are using the ER to access care and we are all paying for that."	"We should require that all employers sponsor a group medical plan for their employees, part time or full time.  Contribution would vary if employee has other coverage, is pt or ft or over 65."	"Increasing contributions for items such as $5 copays for office visits. Generic drugs included at lower cost / brand name drugs are paid for out of consumers pockets in full.  ER Room copays at $250, and higher deductibles.  "	"We need to provide employer based health insurance at an affordable rate.  We need torte reform NOW, prescription drug companies should not have so much power to create legislation that benefits them."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	4/12/06 5:27 PM
13782	"More and more citizens are losing healthcare benefits and retirement benefits.  The middle class is disappearing and this leaves a huge burden on the federal government.  The middle class is what makes are nation strong and different from most other countries. The government must provide more incentives for businesses and corporations to provide for healthcare and retirement benefits for all workers. All workers are willing to contribute their share, but we need the government to help protect our benefits from dishonest and greedy corporate executives and business owners.  A national healthcare program where 'all' contribute and insurance companies and their CEOs are limited to how much they can profit at the misfortune of the sick needs to be addressed. It is time to put a stop to the insurance industries 'fleecing of America.'  The money spent by the federal government is not making down to the individual person needing healthcare.  Most of these funds are sitting in insurance company assets and the personal assets of the insurance company CEOs.  "	"I would like to see an incentive program for people who keep physically fit and maintain good health.  Parents who promote healthy living for their children, providing preventive care for their children, immunizations, exercise and normal weight for their children could qualify for insurance incentives.  This would keep costs down."	Seeing advanced practice nurses (nurse practicianer or clinical nurse specialist) first before an MD for annual checkups and routine visits.	Universal health care with incentives for healthy living developed.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/12/06 6:55 PM
13791	The cost has risen way too far too fast.	"I would look at the lack of funding for Medicare. The allowances under Medicare are so low that changes need to be made. The cause for the ris in medical costs has been the managed care systems, if everyone paid the same, lower costs would result."	The public is going to have to accept higher Medicare taxes.	"Do away wth HMO's, PPO's and all forms of discounted plans, including Medicare fixed allowances. Return to a market-based insurance plan. Remember, managed care was the primary reason 90% of the insurance companies stopped writing health insurance. "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	4/12/06 8:53 PM
13800	"American health care system is viewed as an ideological issue. It is viewed an and INSURANCE ISSUE. Under this concept advocates of Universal Health Care are labeled ""socialists"" or ""communist"". In reality it is a HEALTH and ECONOMICS issue. Advocates of Universal Health Care should stress the fact that our business can NO LONGER compete globaly with Universaly Medically covered countries. GM and Ford considering bancrupcy is a good Example. The MAIN POINT: Universal Health Care is beneficial for our business - It will create millions of new businessess, since the enterpreneurs would no longer need to cover employees. It will create millions of new jobs and new revenue. UHC is beneficial for citizens since it is liberation from employers' ""give or don't give"" healthcare benefits. Mandatory private healthcare insurance is a new form of enslavement of citizens which will bring even greater rises in the prices of insurance, same way it happens with Auto Insurance. It is good only for emloyers and bad for the citizens who are employees."	We have now a MONOPOLY of Private Healthcare. What we need is COMPETITION between Private and Universal Healthcare. ALL the CITIZENS should be covered under UHC. Those citizens who want to have their private options MUST have it as ADDITIONAL to UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE. 	TRADE-OFFS that make COMMON SENSE. Citizens will benefit from UHC since millions of new jobs and businessess will be created as a result of introduction of UHC in USA	"COMPETITION beetween UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE and and PRIVATE Health CARe. GET RID OF THE  MIDDLE MAN, the INSURANCE. HEALTH care is  a MEDICAL and ECONOMICAL issue - it is not an IDEOLOGICAL issue"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	4/12/06 10:43 PM
13812	"The American lifestyles that are creating a demand for healthcare.  Our society is not healthy.  Our air is polluted which is causing most to have allergies.  Our food is processed and does not have enough nutritien.  We eat too much of the wrong food and we are obese.  We have don't have enough common everyday chores that force us to get exercise (drive everywhere, don't cut our own lawns, everything is remote controlled).  Our medical professionals focus on treating only the symtoms of an illness usally with a prescription.  They don't even bother to try to identify the cause.  We have a pill for everything.  I would like them to find out more about how someone lives, their environment and suggest lifestyle changes to correct the problems first.  I could go on an on."	"Yes,  Healthcare should not be an employer responsibility.  Our culture today is that people change jobs more frequently than in the past and having making them change healthcare is inefficient.  In addition, there are many people that are only working in order to have access to healthcare.  We need to change to a system that allows individuals to chose and pay for their own healthcare. This would allow them to chose the type of plan that they want and not have to change if they change jobs.  They would take more ownership of their health and healthcare descisions.  The insurance should continue to be through private companies, but put they would not be able to decline coverage to those who with health conditions.  we are moving to a world economy; to compete our employers should not be burdened with providing healthcare."	"Eliminate mandates such as infertility treatments and Mental Health and Chiropractic from benefits.  Encourage alternative medicines.  Teach people how to go back to chicken soup and rest for cold, rather than a prescription drug.  Force people to lose 20 lbs and eat right rather than all the heart medications.    "	"Improve Americans health.  Cleaner air and water, eating healthy and getting exercise will reduce our need for healthcare.  Secondary is to remove the limitless spending in keeping our elderly alive in the final stages of life."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/13/06 8:49 AM
13817	"I am most concerned about the commonly accepted belief that any new drug/device released is better than an existing treatment.  Consumers are conned through direct-to-consumer advertising into believing that a patented drug is the best drug available, providers are forced through financial incentives into making choices for using treatments/procedures that aren't proven to be any more effective than less expensive alternatives, and everyone pays more for health care in taxes, insurance premiums, and out-of-pocket charges as a result.  Instead of investing so much money in biomedical research, the US should be investing in clinical and health services research to figure out what works and what is expensive excessiveness.  There are too many inexpensive interventions with proven effectiveness that are overshadowed by expensive versions of dubious benefit."	"Our current system is a Byzantine mess.  Health care is paid for by a fragmented payment system that is a stress on employers, a confusion to consumers, and too constrained and complicated for Medicaid to adequately pay for the health needs of the poor.  Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity!  Health care delivery should be structured much like the VA system in this country:  centrally funded (though the government alone shouldn't pay for everything in an overall new system in the US), integrated and coordinated care between providers, and computerized medical records."	"A bulk of health care financing in this country could be easily paid for by pooling all Americans into one insurance pool and taking out taxes, akin to how Medicare/Medicaid is paid for now.  The government could contract with insurance companies--again, as is done with existing government health care programs--that could offer some standard number of health plans--but no more than a dozen--that provide a degree of choice in health plan coverage.  Affordable co-pays should be implemented to curb moral hazard and offset some of the costs.  Only effective treatments should be paid for, and fully informed patient preferences for treatment in the face of medical decisions with no clear ""correct"" treatment option should be honored.  Americans will need to be shown that everything can be easily paid for by re-organizing a system that is collectively structured and efficiently run."	"Focus on financial incentives that have the biggest effect in terms of restraining costs and inefficiency:  chronic illness management/treatment.  Chronic illnesses (diabetes, CHF, asthma, etc.) are responsible for the lion's share of health care costs, so financial incentives for providers and patients need to be aligned with low-cost preventive and primary care interventions, rather than high-cost hospitalizations."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	4/13/06 9:38 AM
13828	Many cannot afford it without a financial disaster.	I believe in federally funded health care for all citizens.  	Make small office and hospital co-payments if federally funded health care.	Provide federally funded health care that lets Americans choose their physician and hospitals.	female	45 to 64	NULL	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	4/13/06 10:44 AM
13832	"The pricing system is bogus and designed to rip off the little guy.  Sunshine is the best disinfectant, so I would compel health care providers and pharmaceutical manufacturers, not just pharmacists, to publish wholesale and retail prices.  I also think health care providers should be rewarded for outcomes rather than procedures, because they game the system and sometimes do unnecessary work or the wrong work, just because it can be reimbursed.  However, you also need to make it worthwhile for people to practice medicine."	"I think we should use the new Massachusetts bi-partisan plan as a role model, a test case, to be rolled out nationwide as the inevitable kinks are discovered and worked out."	"I think people will pay higher co-pays and deductibles.  I think they would go for the Medicare Part D example of using a generic drug first to see if it works and get the brand name one only if the generics don't work.  I think we should happily all forgo insurance reimbursement for sexual potency enhancements and other discretionary lifestyle enhancement items.  I think people should be compelled to get a physical and other screening exams, even if they have to pay for part of the cost, as a condition of getting some insurance subsidy...This to avoid people showing up with advanced illnesses that could have been nipped in the bud had they been detected earlier."	"Require all Americans to obtain health insurance, help those who cannot afford it (on a sliding scale) and penalize those who don't get it."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	4/13/06 11:01 AM
13848	"Cost, Fraud, Abuse and Waste."	100% Above the line tax-deductions for everyone that purchases health insurance plans of all types.	"Becoming more involved in their decisions to buy the ""health insurance"" that's right for the ""health care"" they need."	"As a health insurance advocate, It is necessary for all of us to obviously live healthier lifestyles.  And we must educate ourselves to become proactive in buying our ""health care"" like we would other products.  That's where I can assist Americans in choosing the right ""health insurance"" for their individual needs.  When money comes out of your own pocket, you are more responsible for buying ""health care""!"	male	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/13/06 12:28 PM
13849	"Not all Americans receive health coverage, which if preventive care and other health necessities were covered might reduce the cost of health care in general. "	Yes - universal healthcare provided through a government program with elective procedures included with a waiting period.	"Higher taxes to fund a government program to include the healthy and those with medical problems. If individuals wish to have a higher level of medical care, they should be able to purchase it privately."	Universal health care run through a government agency.	NULL	Over 64	No Response	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	4/13/06 12:30 PM
13850	"I'm an emergency RN and see a huge amount of wasted health care in the form of expensive testing and duplication of testing. Because of liability issues, doctors no longer practice the art of medicine by listening to the patient and applying their knowledge and experience. Instead, they diagnose by throwing a lot of tests at the problem and ""ruling out."" This has led American's to expect an unnecessary and wasteful level of care. As a people, we expect this speedy high tech care and then complain when it lacks compassion and understanding."	It is still too difficult to obtain affordable coverage as an individual.  What would be wrong with creating a pool for individuals willing or needing to pay for their own insurance?	"My experience as an ER nurse leads me to think the answer is NONE. We have become a country of whiney, selfish children. They want it all now, without being inconvenienced. And they want it free."	"Define the level of care we can reasonably afford for all. Understand the real cost of our current liability system - a built in ""lottery system"" for the unhappy and dishonest, unnecessary testing and costfor the rest of us."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	4/13/06 12:31 PM
13870	that it is not available to everyone	i think there should be tax incentives and credits to pay for health care for everyone	"i think the american pu blic has already made trade-offs -- losing their teeth, eyesight, health and homes to a system that awards those with enough money to pay and gives little to the working poor or disabled or unemployed who can no longer afford health care. too many people are caught in limbo, afraid to seek health care because of the costs. "	insurance companies should be regulated and none should be for-profit. even the non-profits gather obscene reserves while increases premiums.  health care should be a right. no one should be sick and afraid of what the cost will be to get well.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/13/06 3:10 PM
13882	"Too many people confuse insurance coverage with pre-paid health care. I'm tired of people saying ""once I was sick and Needed Insurance, I couldn't get it"".  They Needed Insurance before they were sick, but were unwilling to subsidize anyone else's care (pay premiums), and shouldn't whine afterwards."	"Too many people are not covered because they work on a part-time basis. They are often cashiers, stock clerks, burger flippers.  These people have to work 2 or 3 jobs, and group coverage is not avaiable, and individual coverage is unaffordable.  Large, national companies who provide health care to full-time employees should have to offer coverage to part-time employees at the same subsidization as full-time employees."	"I think we would give up benefits sooner than pay for coverage. Everyone wants a $200 deductible and coverage for hypochondriac services, all for $100 per month premium."	"See above comment about part-time employees. Also, if we started charging increased premiums for lifestyle related issues, maybe we'd be healthier as a nation. (For instance, morbidly obese people with Type 2 diabetes contributed to their own disease, and should pay more than people withour diabetes. Likewise, smokers should pay more for coverage than non-smokers.) These people might change their lifestyles if it hits their pocketbook, although since I hear so many people whining about the cost of health care for these issues, I rather doubt it.(sigh)"	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	4/13/06 4:54 PM
13890	Our current system treats sick people after the fact. There needs to be a lot more emphasis on education and prevention. We need to prevent the chronic health conditions that go on to cost so much money to treat.	"Health insurance should not be tied to employers. This is a burden on the employers, and consequently on the economy. It also shackles people to jobs that may no be in their best interest. "	"High-tech medicine is great, but many expensive tests, such as MRIs, are passed out like candy. We need to be more discriminate in our use of the wonderful technology we have. People need to be aware of the cost of the services they receive, and be realistic in what they expect of the system. People need to be responsible for their own health, and then work together with providers to maintain it. As a nation we need to learn to be aware of the cost and be willing to pay it."	"Campaign to make every American aware that ""health care begins with you."" Preventive health care is the cheapest and most effective."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	4/13/06 5:44 PM
13893	"The number of people who do not have health insurance coverage.  A secondary (but also big) concern is the lack of funding for prevention and the emphasis on high-cost, technologically advanced care."	"YES!  I believe we need to have a one-payer system that individuals, small businesses, municipal governments, corportations, etc. could buy and people who are unable to afford the cost could be eligible for a sliding fee scale and that it would be provided freefor people who couldn't afford it at all."	I believe that Americans would be willing to pay more in taxes if health care was made available for everyone.  The information about how taxes would pay for it would need to be made very clear.	"A nationalized, single-payer system."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	4/13/06 5:56 PM
13902	"I am concerned about the coverage of healthcare for all Americans. We are the richest country in the world and it is a pity we cannot even afford to provide healthcare for our citizens. Yet, our government provides monies to other countries in the millions of dollars for thier healthcare which does not benefit the American public in any way.   Also, we have spent BILLIONS on the war in Iraq and now that we have a country that is posing a threat (Iran), we do not have the money nor the manpower to stop them and let them know WE won't be bullied."	"I feel the whole system should be revamped. Having been a nurse for over 25 yrs before becoming disabled, I saw many many flaws to the system.   Poorer citizens didn't get the same quality of care that was given to the ""priviledged"" or those who could afford insurance. What a tragedy this is to have this happening in America in 2006.   All Americans should get the same quality, quantity, and expect the same care as others who have insurance. We should have a National Health Care program in this country. Not only to benefit the sick or dying, but for preventative medicines and care that will not drain the budgets of the states who are now carrying the burden.  Citizens are expected to pay for healthcare twice. Once with their taxes and then again when they have out of pocket expenses that are not covered by insurance that receive monies from the government (which we as citizens have provided)."	"I don't think Americans should have to make a ""trade-off"". We already pay enough to receive these benefits~why we do not have them is because government ""fatcats"", insurance companies, health care providers, and health related providers are all getting rich off of our tax dollar. Why should we as citizens have to make a trade off?"	"Have a National Health Care program and at a certain time, let Medicare take over and direct health care for the elderly, retired, and disabled. Centralized medicine has been proven to work for ANY of the countries that have it and there is no ""suffering"" because of it."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	4/13/06 7:02 PM
13911	Lacking transportation how to get to my appointments?	Yes have one program that covers all . . .	zero!	"Have the government do it intead of middle man companies, that are all fouled-up with the programs we need done."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	4/13/06 9:15 PM
13919	NULL	NULL	NULL	Cut the red tape. Make paperwork and forms more easier to understand. Keep it simple.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	4/13/06 10:50 PM
13921	"Eliminating disincentives for people with high health costs and/or disabilities to have to leave the workforce in order to eventually qualify for Medicare and Medicaid.    Having to underbid wages to SGA ($860 per month) in order to maintain Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits.  The Ticket to Work program created a whole new class of Medicaid slaves."	"Yes.  Everyone should qualify for decent health insurance no matter where they work and for how many hours they work.  Eliminate the waiting period for picking up new insurance from an employer.    I actually would like to see health insurance decoupled from employment.  If employers need incentives to get a big enough pool to hire people, increase wages or offer to pay off their education loans."	"There are a lot of me-too drugs and obvious patent-extending drugs on the market (e.g., Ambien CR).  There should be formularies that are fairly strict to offer the most clinically appropriate choices but do allow the grandfathering of some drugs people are currently taking and the option of people to try nonpreferred drugs if the preferred have been tried and are not working.    Patients should be able to present a first prescription for any long-term medication with a ""trial"" indicator at no cost.  There is a definite  conflict of interest in the patient only wanting to pay one copay a month or less and the risk an expensive drug will not work (like psych and neuro meds) and will just be thrown away.  This rule should especially apply to patients forced to try something new to comply with a formulary."	Insurance for all decoupled from employment status.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VT	4/13/06 11:26 PM
13929	"Rising costs of premiums, copays, prescriptions, and other out of pocket expenses not covered or required by an insurance plan holder.  "	"Put a cap on the salaries of executive and upper management positions of insurance companies, health care companies, hospitals, medical health care corporations, or any human service type business.  The health care system today in America is not about taking care of people, it is about making those types of corporations and individual business owners wealthy.  Money and profit is the bottom line.  When profit is not enough, prices go up for the person being treated, while the people in management receive the same return.  "	"Let businesses who care about helping people manage healthcare.  A ""for profit"" health care organization  exists for one purpopse.  To make money and as much of it as they can.  Give incentives for ""non-profit"" types of health care organizations and providers to step up and provide the American people with quality and affordable health care.  As long as Corporations rule the health management of our countries citizens, our people will only continue to suffer greater financial burdons from day to day.  "	Eliminate the million dollar plus salaries of upper management corporate executives in health care companies today.  Replace them with motivated people who care about the people they are providing for.  Such a position should not be surrounded with greed and the possibilities of bonuses and incentives.  There are quality people out there with the right skills just waiting to fill those shoes for a fair salary.  	male	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	4/14/06 12:43 AM
13930	"In a nutshell so to speak. Health care costs are out of control! They are skyrocketing with the excuse of the high cost of education. Here is the wake up call for all of us. Many low and mid level workers are losing their jobs while high level executives are receiving pay increases. How does anyone expect the jobless to pay for healthcare costs or anything else. The United States as a whole needs to look at how greedy and out of control we have all become. Do we really need solid gold silverware, large houses with as many bedrooms and bathrooms as a hotel, etc.? High costs and exhorbitantly ridiculous high wages will be the breakdown of America as a whole if something isn't done soon. Healthcare providers cannot make a living if no one can afford their fees. Even low cost items that are made in other countries will not save us. If there are no jobs here, we won't be buying. Wake up America. "	"Yes, a complete overhaul of the system. If something isn't done soon. Healthcare providers who are committed to serving humankind according to the hippocratic oath will be able to look forward to ways of the past for payment of services, ie eggs and milk from the farmer's livestock, car repairs from the mechanic etc. Others who chose the healthcare provider field will find themselves making undesirable choices and may have to change careers or become jobless themselves. "	"I am not sure. The only trade off I can see that could possibly work is that we must realize compassion and concern for our fellow man. We must put aside our obsessions with ""things"". Then perhaps we can look at trade offs. "	"Everyone, please put aside your greed for ""things"". Put your love of life and mankind to the forefront and then sit down to come up with a plan that will work for everyone. Use the compassion that has been used in the past for recent catastrophes. Never forget that life is priceless. Things can be replaced. Life lost is gone from us and makes possessions worthless. It takes away freedom of any worth."	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	4/14/06 12:57 AM
13942	Not being able to afford medical care including prescriptions.	None that I can think of.	Some combination of both	We must include the public and industry to make decisions and not lawyers. I'm paying more for my prescriptions with Part D than I did before. 	male	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	4/14/06 8:47 AM
13943	That people who are self-employed or work for a small employer cannot get health insurance.	"Eliminate payments by individuals, other than as part of premium payments made through employer health insurance."	There is so much waste in Congress of our tax dollars that I believe there is more than enough money to finance or ensure access by everyone to high quality health care.	Demand that Congress make better choices when spending our tax dollars!	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	4/14/06 8:53 AM
13949	"My greatest concern about health care in America today is that for the millions of uninsured, care is conducted chiefly in a reactive mode, often late in the course of an illness, or not at all. Every citizen should have free access to preventive and timely health care. Then the question of who will pay need never be a hindrance to care."	"I particularly like the approach proposed by Donald Bartlett and James Steele, the NY Times investigative reporters who wrote ""Critical Condition,"" a book about the health care crisis in America. They propose paying for health care with just two taxes: A gross-receipts levy on businesses and a flat tax similar to the current Medicare tax on all individual income, not just wages. They say this would not be an additional expense to society, but would replace existing taxes and write-offs."	"I feel that conscientious Americans would be willing to fund universal health care for themselves and all Americans if they had confidence that their money would be used efficiently and effectively. Authors Bartlett and Steele propose the creation of a U.S Council on Health Care similar in structure to the Federal Reserve system. The president and senate would appoint members for long terms. They would set an overall policy for health care and influence its direction by controlling federal spending. It would be entirely funded by taxpayers. As with the Federal Reserve, political tampering would be at a minimum."	"I believe that going to universal health care by means of such a council would be the best way to go. This approach would go a long way toward assuaging concerns that the federal government should not be directly involved in health care. It would introduce efficiencies that would enable effective universal care without excessive cost. As the authors point out, it is the private market that has created a massive bureaucracy that has dwarfed the size and costs of Medicare."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	4/14/06 10:11 AM
13974	"The system is broken. A physician makes less money if he/she cures someone than if they continue with tests, more office visits, and medication. The physician needs to have an incentive to cure a patient rather than string them along."	See my previous answer...I don't think it matters who is paying as long as they are paying for a cure as opposed to prolonged treatment.	"I think the American public is tired of trade-off's. I think it's time for the insurance companies, the drug companies, and the doctors to make some trade-off's. Look at doctors, insurance executives, and pharmaceutical company executives...as a whole, they are better off than the rest of the ""American public."""	"Fix the system so that a doctor makes more for curing a sick or injured person than he/she would make by conducting more tests, trying a different medication, etc. Fix the system so that insurance companies let the doctor and the patient know in advance that they might not pay if the treatment or procedure isn't neccessary. Fix the system where the pharmaceutical companies have to turn excess profits back to a fund to help pay for health care costs for people who need them. Having an elderly person choose between taking their medication or eating a hot meal while insurance executives, pharmaceutical executives and doctors have to choose what color their new mercedes is, is WRONG!"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	4/14/06 2:56 PM
13978	Autism is not covered by health care insurance.	Employers should bear more of the burden.	"None, other than on-site health care facilities."	Bring the cost down and make it on site at employers.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	4/14/06 3:36 PM
13986	Biggest concern is that insurers may refuse to insure people who have high medical bills.  High medical bills ARE WHAT INSURANCE IS FOR.  NO person should have to file for bankruptcy because insurers refuse to pay for care.	"Government should stop making all decisions for the benefit of the insurance industry.  Individual patients should be the single point of concern when payment is discussed.  If the bottom line of insurers weren't uppermost on the agenda, solutions would be found that would help everyone -- except maybe insurers.  "	"Find some other word for ""rationing.""  Rationing IS REASONABLE in certain circumstances.  It makes no sense to spend huge amounts of money for end-of-life treatment.  Neither does it make sense to spend huge amounts of money for newborn infants who are so debilitaated by birth defects that their entire lives and the lives of those around them will be one struggle after another.  New parentsw will just have to learn to adjust, as so many parents have since the beginning of time."	REMOVE tort reform from ALL discussion.  Tort reform ONLY helps insurers.  Tort reform ONLY punishes patients who have already been injured by providers.  Imposing caps injures patients again by requiring them to live the rest of their lives trying to pay for health care which would not be necessary but for the negligence of providers in the first place.    	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	4/14/06 4:38 PM
13989	"There are not enough health care providers. That is why costs are so high. As a result, we have an expensive two-tier health care system. The wealthy have great, but expensive care. So do those who qualify for Medicaid or Medicare. If we had more physicians and providers, there would be competition, and costs would drop.     More and more of the rest of us cannot afford to get sick. We can't afford to visit a doctor for preventive care and we use medical books and the internet to avoid an expensive doctor visit. We purchase illegal painkillers so we can cope with the pain of passing a kidney stone at home. The health insurance that we do have does not pay for so much of the costs, that we still cannot afford to see a doctor.  As a result, we ignore our high blood pressure, and try to control our blood sugar by diet because it takes a expensive doctor visits to get a prescription. (Why does it take a prescription anyway? It doesn't in Mexico. Why can't a nurse write a prescription for such drugs?)"	"I think that we should go to a national health care system, like Canada's.     "	"I think that the American public is willing to pay more to insure access to high quality health care by all. But I doubt that it would actually be that much more because treating the uninsured now cost so much, and the cost of delaying medical care until expensive treatments are needed would be reduced. "	"I think that the number of medical school graduates should be increased, at least doubled. More doctors and health care providers will result in competition. Competition will reduce costs and increase quality.    "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	4/14/06 5:05 PM
13990	The cost of health care coverage.	I think that everyone of these entities needs to participate to some degree - either directly or indirectly.	"I think that there are duplications of expensive medical equipment that are unnessesary.  There are some types of equipment that run $500,000 to a $1,000,000 or more.  There should be a guideline on how many are needed per capita, and then hospitals can acquire them through an application process of some sort.  Once they have a piece of equipment, that locks others out from obtaining the equipment for a specified period of time (like a patent).  After that period expires someone else can apply for a more recent model, etc.  "	"I think that something needs to be done regarding medical malpractice law suits, which drive the cost of the malpractice insurance, which in turn drives the cost of health care.  For a suit to even be heard, I think that it should pass muster through an appropriate unbiased panel.  Once it is approved to be heard by the panel, then it can go to court.  Any settlement should be tied to the actual damages sustained, and there should be a limit on claims for so called ""pain and suffering.""  "	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	4/14/06 5:08 PM
13995	"It costs too much, there is too much spent on administration, not all people have it."	"The Gov. should be the single payer of ALL health care. Thus, we need to pay for health carethrough taxes."	Pay more in taxes asnd wasit for elective procedures.	Get it out of the hands of private industry.	male	Over 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/14/06 6:13 PM
14002	Escalating costs for care and medicine; the high number of uninsured; and shrinking reimbursements from Medicaid and Medicare to rural providers	I think we all must pay something but we must also provide for those who cannot pay.  We should be emphasizing prevention and promoting healthy lifestyles.  Keeping people healthy would greatly reduce healthcare costs	The whole system needs revision.  The American public will support a fair and reasonable system that provides high quality care at a reasonable cost.  	reimbursements to providers shold be made on the basis of actual cost AND the cost of prescription drugs in the US should not be higher than it is in other countries	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	4/14/06 7:07 PM
14005	"We as a nation take little if any self-responsibility when it comes to our health.  The American public expects a ""quick cure in a bottle"" and demands a ridiculous amount of technology that is often not beneficial.  We need to focus on prevention.  Way too much money is spent on people in the last 6 months of their lives (government funded medicare mainly)leaving  too little to be spent on younger more and uninsured citizens.  "	"There is so much fraud and overcharging in these systems, we need to find another alternative to minimize this.  I have seen the salaries MD's make dwindle over the years, while salaries of administrators of health care systems skyrocket.  Now most of our MD's are foreign trained where they can afford to get educated and not be saddled with outrageous student loans it takes years to repay.  We also need to make it more difficult for foreigners to get government subsidies.  The hospital I work in is next to an International Airport and it is amazing how many ""sick"" relatives arrive through our doors just in time to need heart surgery or major cancer treatment."	"We need to educate people about how their money is being spent: ie: dialysis on dementia patients (all medicare funded), ICU stays weeks long for brain dead people (costs all or mainly eaten by the facility) because we have become so frightened of being sued we go along with family demands.  4th tenant if Bioethics:  distributive justice.  People should have a share of cost (bigger co-pays) - when did we decide health care should be free?"	"Stop spending the appalling amount of money we spend on ""futile care"" at the end of life.  I have worked in a hospital 35 years and have seen the cart get before the horse - unrealistic family members demand care that is incredibly costly and useless and the health care system just goes along with it to the detriment of everyone.  We could fix medicare in 10 minutes if we set limits on care and offered ""futile care"" only if the patient and family agree to pay for it out of their own pockets."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/14/06 8:53 PM
14024	"That many, many Americans do not have the health care that they need because it is not affordable or accessible. This includes anyone from college students, to working people, older people who have had their jobs outsourced, families, children, homeless etc. Many businesses who employ low-income workers avoid the benefits of health and dental care all together or they rely on scheduling fewer hours and a high turnover rate in order to make it seem like they have these benefits, but they really avoid caring for the majority of their workers. When someone has a serious health problem, whether it is dental, mental, accidental, they should be able to get treatment. Just because they are in a situation where they cannot afford treatment, does not mean that not everyone deserves to be healthy and be provided with adequate health care."	"There are many people who do not fall under these categories, this is what needs to be changed.  Businesses need to provide healthcare for ALL of their employees, even part-time workers and there needs to be an extension of benefits given by the government to those who do not make enough money to pay for private insurance, do not get insurancce from work, and do not fall under the categories that now define who receives government  health care."	"I think that if everyone paid a small tax, of which the amount would be based on income categories eg. under a certain income bracket would pay little or none, and those with higher incomes could pay more, or a tax equally distributed to everyone, then a new government system could be created which would make sure that everyone had access to health care when they need it. This should not just include emergency but also preventative care. Paying a little more each year to know that you or your family and friends and even everyone in America, even those in harder circumstances are able to afford health care."	"Make healthcare available to ALL Americans. We are the most prosperous and powerful country in the world, there is no reason that people in this country should not have adequate health coverage."	female	Under 25	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/15/06 3:02 AM
14026	We don't have a national helth care system like Canada & Europe	"Yes! Expand Medicare to everyone, like they do in Canada & Europe. Require everyone to pay a fair premiun equal to what seniors pay on Medicare from their Social Security. Subsidize premiums for low income or welfare. Pay amy aditional costs needed to fund program from general tax revenue. This should be a federal program that extends Midicare parts A&B to everyone. Why re invent the wheel when the Medicare program works well?"	Get out of Iraq & stop involvement in any wars unless requested to to so by the UN.	Expand the current Medicare Program to everyone in this country & to tourests or other visitors whose countries offrer reciprocial care to Americans such as the UK.	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/15/06 4:52 AM
14034	I am most concerned with the rising costs of prescriptions and hospital stays.  I am also very dismayed that the health insurers have all the power to dictate who I go to and what services I get.  If my husband's insurance changes we could lose the wonderful doctors we have been with for years and have to choos unknown doctors.  Our health care system is a total failure and only the rich can afford some treatments.	"I think we need a single payer system to cut back on the paperwork that is partly responsible for the ridiculous cost of health care in this country.  I don't care if it is a combination of government and insurance companies, but it must be overseen by government agencies.  I feel that the cost for the insurance should be based on income and those on disability or retired with no large amount of pension or income coming in should have to pay little or nothing for their care.  The doctors need to be fairly compensated and should have more say in what treatments or meds are needed for each patient."	I think the cost you pay for insurance should be based on the money you have coming in.  I do not believe in huge deductibles or copays because I know how hard it is when a typical middle class family like mine to have a maximum out of pocket of over $3000 and our insurance is better than most! I would also endorse a tax that would be just for health care and could not be touched for anything else.  I don't feel we should have to give up homes and a decent life style to afford health care!	YOU MUST CONTROL THE COST OF DRUGS!  Our country must bargain to lower costs like Canada and the European countries do who have much better health care coverage than we do.  And I do not but the lie that lowering the cost of drugs would lessen research- that is the pharmacuetical lobby trying scare tactics and the majority of Americans feel that these big companies have the politicans in their hip pockets and are sick and tired of it.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	4/15/06 9:26 AM
14037	"People who are not covered, how expensive medical care is, the need for family planning services for all Americans, the cost of medical care at the end of life for elderly Americans, the poor health habits of Americans that lead to expensive chronic disease treatments."	"Yes, we are going to have to have a basic health care system for all Americans and companies should probably get out of offereing health care as a employee benefit because it is a very uneven system with some people receiving excellant health insurance and some people receiving none.  Doctors and other health care providers need to be able to be respected in theri jobs again without constant presure to treat as many people as possible every day.  Americans need to be accountable for the way they use the health care system, more responsible for taking care of their own health, we have poor health for a country that has good sanitation, adequte food and shelter for most, etc.  Family planning and responsible treatment for STD's must be available to every person in this country.  We must make realistic decisions about end of life treatment, no heart transplants for 85 year old patients."	"Not sure, I am not to impressed with the American public's willingness to change but it doesn't matter at this point, change is necessary.  I think we must insist patients are as well informed as possible and responsible for compliance, we can't afford to give medical care to prople who won't take care of themselves.  Prescription drugs need to be carefully monitored and people need to use diet and exercise to improve health as well as medical treatment and medication.  Medical providers need more time to establish a relationship with patients to encourage personal responsibility.  We need to continue to pass laws that force people to reduce chance of injury such as seat belt and helmet laws, harsh drunk driving laws.  We need reform on immigration laws to discourage illegal aliens from using the public health care system in this country and we need to encourage responsible procreation.  We need to better address the high cost of substance abuse from alcohol, illegal drugs and prescription drugs.  There have been some steps toward realizing the diet of Americans contributes to poor health but much more needs to be done, I was in Switzerland two years ago and there are few vending machines anywhere with soda for sell, just an example of the difference between our culture and one with a healthier population.  "	People be more responsible for maintaining good health and than if they need treatment it be available to all citizens.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/15/06 9:43 AM
14038	"Affordable healthcare for all,including those with pre-existing diseases.  Now....not later, or working on...NOW!!!  We are facing a healthcare crisis through a catastrophic illnes.  My husband is going on disability and we have insurance through the company for 6 months and then COBRA for another 2 years.  My fear is that we will not be able to afford the health insurance after that that my husband needs to stay alive.  I'm afraid he will die because we cannot afford, or cannot get due to pre-existing condition.  "	"A person has to know that affordable healthcare is available to them, with cost shared by the person, employee and government if necessary.  We have to have a way that everyone can afford whatever health resources are available..not just the wealthy."	"Unfortunately I don't believe anyone is willing to give up much, unless you've had to use your healthcare.  People who have never experience a real health emergency, crisis, or catastrophic illness, just assume what they have is sufficient.  We need better education for the public to realize that it's not just the poor or working poor who are experiencing a healthcare crisis.  Healthcare should be everyone's responsibility.  You are lucky if you never have to use it."	"I don't know the answer, but maybe starting with affordable healthcare for those who don't have health insurance, those who lose their health insurance due to loss of job, would be a start.  Frankly, I'd just be happy to know that something is started.  I'd like to see a fact finding tour done at one of the major health centers, such as xxxxxxxx in Houston, done by the Senators and Congressman.  It would make me feel like we were as important as the crisis in Iraq."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	4/15/06 10:26 AM
14044	The number of poeple who lack access to health care.	I favor a single payer system of health care insurance which eliminates much of the current administrative costs and provides coverage to all.	"I don't think the American public in general is willing to make any trade-offs. We are a culture of greed and immediate gratification. Nevertheless, I believe the trade-offs most palatible to the public would be higher out-of-pocket costs for higher income individuals and longer waits for non-critical services."	Develop a single-payer system.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/15/06 11:18 AM
14046	"Lack of good health care coverage is forcing many Americans to make poor choices, such as staying in jobs they are not well suited for to keep health coverage, or being unable to retire to a different state because of health coverage territory limitations."	"I'd love to see employers out of this (no tax incentive for them), and funding be split between individuals and government.  Employment should be about work, period."	I do think Americans would be willing to pay more out-of-pocket for many non-essential treatments.  I also think they would be willing to pay more taxes if they saw the system worked.	"The biggest immediate savings would be to eliminate money waste on unnecessary paperwork, which I am told is 30% of the cost today.  A good solution will accomplish that goal."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/15/06 11:37 AM
14053	"Higher insurance premiums.  The high cost of malpractice suits causing physicians to be less diagnosticians and rely heavily on tests that may not be necessary just to ""rule out"" all possibilities"	NULL	NULL	"I believe Medicaid is over used and abused. Many m-caid users use the Emergency Departments, the most expensive care, as their primary care.  Often times its because its convenient, easy and requires no co-pay. I work in an ED, we have one patient that has been seen 39 times in 6 months, often times taking the ambulance to get there.  They are seen for everything from sprained ankles to possible blood clots.  There needs to be control and consequences for theses cases.  I'd bet that if there were more accessible health care systems and that M-caid patients were required to pay (?decrease in other benefits -- food stamps) that we could actually have more people of federal assistance with no added cost from the amount of money that was saved on emergency visits."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MT	4/15/06 12:29 PM
14060	That the costs are becoming too expensive even for the middle class.	The government needs to limit its health care costs to persons legally in this country.  We have to stop paying for everyone who comes to this country illegally.	I think most Americans want to see health care limited to citizens and legal aliens.	Transfer the costs of entitlements to health care; we spend way too much for welfare on able-bodied individuals who refuse to contribute to society.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/15/06 1:30 PM
14061	high cost of medications  	yes it should all be the same cost  	NULL	NULL	female	Over 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	4/15/06 1:36 PM
14062	That it is becoming way too expensive for the middle class.	Government should stop funding health care for illegal aliens.	Cut the costs of entitlements for people who are capable of working and contributing to society.	"Cut the requirements for citizens eligible for health care and reduce the paperwork required, as this is a major cost of health care."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/15/06 1:37 PM
14063	Cost!  Business pays about 8% of the total tax revenue.  While John Q. public pays about 73%.  Maybe we could add 1% to business tax and pay for the system?	NULL	"Control drug costs by outsourcing and capping physiians salaries at $250,000.00; also CEO salaries."	Destroy fast food operations.	male	Over 64	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	4/15/06 1:39 PM
14070	"I am concerned that by not covering all Americans, we pay a higher price for health care in terms of decreased productivity, shorter life span, increased emergency room visits.  We need to emphasize more wellness programs and pre-emptive medicine."	I would not be averse to the government taking over responsibility for all health care with the idea that individuals would be repsonsible for paying some of the costs depending on their ability to pay.  Such a change might also influence more companies to remain in the U. S. as their health care costs would be reduced.	"I think we need to survey all Americans as to what should be part of a national health care program similar to what Oregon did several years ago.  Thus, we would have a say as to what should and should not be covered by a basic plan.  I also believe that those wealthier individuals should contribute more to the plan that more destitute folks."	Sacrifice what we need to sacrifice at the high end of the health care spectrum to make basic health care available to all.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ID	4/15/06 3:15 PM
14072	Lack of universal coverage	A single payer system would eliminate redundant paperwork	We might have to wait longer for elective surgery	Universal health care would be much more efficent than the current system	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/15/06 3:33 PM
14077	"Two things: the system is SO complex it's ridiculous, both for consumers and providers. We need providers to be able to re-focus on providing quality, patient-centered healthcare rather than juggling paperwork. Secondly, it's embarrassing that such a great country as this doesn't provide health coverage to all its citizens."	"I would love to see universal health care for all, with the option of add-on coverage if people want priority treatment for non-essential services."	"I fear that the public is unwilling to make the trade-offs needed. The main thing the public needs to change is simply to stop seeking high-end medical care for minor conditions, whether it's a sore throat or a normal pregnancy."	Provide health care for all	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	4/15/06 4:48 PM
14082	I want health care for all.	I want greater efficiency. There always seems to be errors and hassles associated with my health insurance benefits. It wastes my time and it must be expensive for providers.	Fewer choices of providers -- though I believe universal coverage will require few trade-offs. 	separate health insurance / health care from employment.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	4/15/06 5:53 PM
14100	"I work for a living and have insurance, and I get frustrated with seeing adults who have never hit a lick at a snake come into my facility with Medicaid.  They are as able-bodied as I am, yet they get a free ride with health care.  Then we have those who try to work and take care of their families, but have to go without health care because they can't afford the premiums.  Sure we have programs in Georgia like PeachCare.  That's fine, but what are we going to do with the children when the parents get sick and die because they have no health insurance and do not seek care?"	"For these folks who are getting Medicaid and are able-bodied, they should have to pay some premiums or something.  We also need to put some of the burden on the shoulders of the family/parents who have children who become parents.  It's like we pay them to get pregnant.  I'm not just talking about the parents/families of the girls.  She didn't do it by herself!  Slap some burden on those boys' parents/families, too."	"I would be more in favor of paying a little more taxes if it didn't go to pork-barrel spending.  If it goes to the financing of healthcare, I would be willing."	"One thing that would help is to allow Advanced Practice Nurses more leeway in taking care of the people...especially in the rural and inner city areas.  Doctors do not want to go there, but most APNs are willing to go to these places because they truly care about the people with whom they work."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	4/15/06 10:14 PM
14105	lack of preventive care; limited mental health and substance abuse care; unavailabililty of health care because of lack of insurance and lack of providers in rural areas	several. incentives to companies that provide complete health care including mental health; more public provisions for others and even tax increase etc to help for it.	I think increase in taxes is needed based on income; not age etc.	make it more available for everyone including mental health care and substance abuse treatment	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	4/16/06 12:28 AM
14110	"The health care premiums are so high and rising at a rate that will soon make it impossible for me to have insurance. EXAMPLE: My COBRA group policy for my wife and I was $750/month. The conversion policy offered after the COBRA expiration (next month) was $1740/month and the cheapest HIPPA policy was over $2000/month with PacifCare insurance company. Shopping around produced an insurance policy (non group) with a premium of $771/month with no drug benefit and much higher co-pays (2.5x) than my already inflated group rate policy.   In the mean time PacifCare was bought out by United Health Group, The top man at Pacificare received a $160,000,000 dollar package for the deal. It appears that alot of money from the increased premiums charged by the insurance companies (12 to 19% anual increase)is going to the bottom line profit and take overs."	Employer and individual premiums should NOT be tax deductable.  National lottery can be used to raise money for affordable health insurance for all.  Taxes from the sale of all comsumable products that degrades a persons health should be directed to affordable health care for all individuals.  All individuals 55 to 64 years of age should be able to obtain a Medicare policy part A B and D by paying a monthly premium to the Federal goverment.	National sales tax of 2% on all non food and non medical items.	The quality of health care is not the issue.  Getting the already excellant health care to all individuals at an affordabe price is the issue.    Health care at an affordable price should be a right for all Americans and all Americans should pay for this through a National sales tax.  	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/16/06 2:37 AM
14123	The amount of people who have no insurance at all.	no	do not know	make some form of insurance available to the poor working class with no children. 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	4/16/06 12:43 PM
14134	"We spend much more on health care per capita than any other country, yet our health results, in terms of infant mortality, life expectancy, and overall population health is mediocre, compared to other advanced countries such as France, Japan, and Canada.  Insured patients with good, no or low deductible, coverage get too much specialty care, while uninsured patients get very limited, episodic care.  We could spend less money, and everyone would get better care, if we concentrated on providing good evidence-based primary care to all our citizens. Extremely profitable pharmaceutical companies wine and dine doctors and advertise to patients so that we overuse drugs (Vioxx, Trovan, Rezulin etc.) which turn out to be dangerous. Wealthy patients should pay for unproven, probably unnecessary care out of pocket."	"Yes.  Medical care should not be treated as a business, because patients frankly do not know enough to make good decisions about what care is necessary.  They are driven by anxiety, fear and ignorance, and at the mercy of their doctors, most of whom have a big financial incentive to do expensive tests and surgery of unproven value.  We need to change to a system of global budgeting to large medical groups to care for large numbers of patients.  Doctors should be salaried rather than spend a lot of their time filling out billing forms. "	"Unfortunately, I'm afraid many Americans are unwilling to give up anything or pay extra for universal health coverage.  I think we can provide good, basic primary-care-based coverage for every American citizen for much less than we spend now on health care, covering only 85% of our citizens.  Patients who want to pay for plastic surgery, growth hormone for idiopathic short stature, chiropractic treatments etc., may do so out of pocket.  Unfortunately, we probably will need to wait until even more Americans are without health insurance until we'll have enough political support for a major change like this.  "	"Government and industry need to confer to set up good, basic primary-care based health care for all American citizens, with citizens given the option of paying for more expensive care if they choos, either out-of-pocket or in the form of governemtn-regulated supplemental health insurance.  A government panel composed of leading, nationally-respected doctors, experts in their fields could decide what expensive treatments and surgeries should be covered.  "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	4/16/06 3:31 PM
14147	Those medical and dental services that are considered essential are defined in an arbitrary and capricious manner.	"Payments such as premiums, copays, coinsurance etc, should be based on an ability to pay.  The very poor should have the least to pay for their coverage and those who can afford it should pick up a bigger burden."	"This is impossible to answer since the ""American public"" is not a homogeneous group.  Different sectors have different priorities."	"To make the available healthcare for all Americans consistant, regardless of ability to pay."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OK	4/16/06 6:03 PM
14154	"Lack of universal coverage, rising costs, deteriorating service."	"We need national,single-payer health insurance for everyone, funded by taxpayers."	Higher taxes.	A national health insurance plan for everyone.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/16/06 6:37 PM
14157	"It is unaffordable and inaccessable. It is absurd for citizens to be holding bake sales to attempt to fund our neighbors cancer, heart, accident, etc. care. No person in this country should have to worry about access to care!!"	There shouls be a federally mandated basic health care system for every single person in the USA.	"I think we would be willing to make very expensive care for a fragile individual (i.e. heart transplants or surgery) paid for privately. A team of citizens and medical staff could come up with a list of essential care, i.e. like the state of Oregon did some years ago."	"Cover everyone, by the federal government."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	4/16/06 7:22 PM
14159	"I work in a pediatric office. Parents bring their children in for very minor concerns. I don't think they would come in for those concerns if they had to pay more of the cost. However, they perceive the visit as necessary. Why not use more nurse practitioners and physician assistants to see these people rather than an expensive physician. The doctor earns 5 times more than the nurse practitioner and sees 80% of the same patients. "	NULL	NULL	"Save the expensive, highly educated physicians for the really serious problems and use midlevel providers more. In our office we have 12 pediatricians and 3 nurse practitioners. We could reverse the ratio and provide the same level of care. "	female	45 to 64	NULL	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	4/16/06 7:28 PM
14166	Lack of insurance for too many people.	NULL	NULL	Until we open up the competition and allow negotiations to be held between insurers and pharmaceutical companies for drugs we will continue to be compelled to pay whatever price they want.  Why does Canada and Europe have cheaper drugs?  Competition.	female	Over 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	4/16/06 8:38 PM
14170	44million uninsured when we can have single payer niversal health care like so many countries	a single payer system as we have in Social Security would significantly lower health costs.  House Resolution 676 (The United States National Health Insurance Act) introduced by Rep. john Conyers (Michigan)provides for this.  	I think all of us would be willing to pay for universal health care through our taxes just as we pay for Social Security. I the long run it woul cost us less than the profiteering present system  with all its exclusions and costs 	Congress should seriously consider single payer universal health care fitted to our needs and including all who live here . Everybody in and nobody out	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	4/16/06 9:18 PM
14174	"I am concerned about how insurance companies dominate, direct, and control our health care system. What medical service is being provided by a private, for-profit industry?  Why are we so wedded to the idea of health insurance vs healthcare?"	"I think we should have a single payer system operated much like the Veterans' healthcare network.  The government could easily reimburse private providers, hospitals, health centers, etc.The system could be funded by employer contributions (based on gross income or earnings) , by employee payroll deduction-all working individuals could be assessed 3-5% or gross income, and any other income producing entities or trusts, etc could be taxed 3-5% of their income.  This would allow every citizen to have full medical coverage for basic and essential care.  A huge savings in increased efficiencies due to the elimination of paperwork would be experienced at all levels.  The insurance companies would be free to develop  coverage plans for elective or non-essential services.  Everyone would benefit by not having to worry about the costs of basic, essential health care. "	I think people would really welcome having hassle free medical care.  Why would there have to be trade-offs?  Why would quality diminish?	Eliminate private insurers from our healthcare system--focus on health care not health insurance. 	female	45 to 64	No	Black or African American	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	4/16/06 9:54 PM
14179	Either having insurance and having it taken away or not having any insurance at all.	"If all these are indeed paying (after all, what group pays the most?), then why is health care so expensive to the common work servant such as myself? I pay alot for very little, what a shame. There's room for change right there."	"Trade-off?!? Goos health care for all should not have a ""trade-off"" but more of the incentive that all are given the right to be healthy and cared for when sick."	Lower the darn costs.Period.	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	4/16/06 10:49 PM
14182	"It is grossly ununiform with far too many gaps in coverage for citizens of all ages particuarly those in low to medium income brackets.  Private insurance isn't working. It's time to fashion a plan at least equal or better than the current best medical plan enjoyed by a Western democracy. The new pharmaceutical drug Medicare Plan D is a case in point. Complicated. Too many options. Correct this by allowing Medicare to negotiate pricing is the first option. Secopnd, roll it into a National Medical coverage plan."	"There should be a system where the financing of such a comprehensive plan is drawn from government and individuals dependent upon their age and financial ability.  We should look hard at plans now in force in Europe, Australia, &Canada."	Allow private medecine with priovate insurance backing for those who can afford it. For the rest cut down on surgical option. Concentrate on prescription drug and primary care treatment.	"Establish a National Health Scheme.  NOTE: while I only have some college, I have been the CEO of a nationwide reinsurance intermediary."	male	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	4/17/06 12:28 AM
14188	The fact that so many people don't have health care coverage in the first place. We are the wealthiest country in the world. There is no excuse for the lack of basic health care for all. I'd willingly pay higher taxes to see a single-payer government program.	"I think all for-profit insurance companies and HMOs should be scrapped. If the government isn't willing to move to a government-run program, then only non-profit organizations should be allowed in the insurance industry.  "	"Basic preventative and acute care should be provided to everyone. High-tech, expensive, possibly unnecessary care should be restricted to those willing to pay for it. If Joe Blow gets sick, he should be able to see a doctor. If Joe Blow needs his eyelids lifted or wants to see a chiropractor, he should have to pay for it himself."	"Scrap the insurance system we have today. That's where the real costs come in. These vultures limit care and impede doctors' abilities to treat patients, then reimburse them horribly, while making a profit off of sick people."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	4/17/06 1:09 AM
14192	The cost	Employers should offer better coverage. 	NULL	control the costs. 	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	4/17/06 3:06 AM
14194	"1) too much treatment, too little prevention  2) very unequal access  3) hubris of trying to conquer death  4) not enough cheap and effective public health measures  "	YES.  Government should have a much larger share -- that's the only way to ensure universal access.	"Can't speak for ""the American public.""  But wealthier people need to pay more, and borderline/frivolous/cosmetic procedures should be discouraged more strongly."	Stop control by mega-corporations!  1) Eliminate or drastically reduce the role of private insurance companies; 2) regulate drug companies much more stringently.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	4/17/06 6:07 AM
14200	"I am disabled and unable to work since May 2004. I receive Social Security Disability payments for my supportl. The Federal policy is a disable person must wait two years and five months before being enrolled in Medicare insurance. the logic escapes me. If a person is medically disabled why would they need to wait so long for medical care? I buy my prescription from Canada to save money. I do not see a medical doctor if I can help it. It would have to be a true emergency. By the time I get Medicare insurance in October my physical crippling and another newly discovered kidney disease will be in an urgent state which will, in the long run, probably cost more to fix or at least releave with surgery. I view it as a kind of punishment of the disabled."	"I think the paperwork reporting needs to be re-examined. After the reduction of paperwork act doctor's offices are having to do more work, hire special people just to keep up with paperwork. My current physician refuses to do any paperwork in regard to reporting my disability situation. A policy of his office which puts me in a terrible financial bind with regard to my school loans, which I cannot pay and cannot receive a deferrment with the medical reports. There's no money it in for him. Of course, when I get on Medicare and can have a primary physician, I will seek another doctor. I am ""on hold"" medically while disabled."	"I cannot speak for ""the American public"" if there is such a group. "	"Fully funded, regular, annual thorough health check ups as part of preventive health care."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	4/17/06 10:30 AM
	Duplicate																						na	
14215	Cost of individual and small corp group plans by BCBCof NC	"Group coverage through trade organizations, eliminate illegal aliens from coverage until they learn English and become citizens"	begin with catastrophic coverage then add hospitalization and Rx coverage at a reasonable cost.	Allow trade organizations to be groups	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	4/17/06 12:34 PM
14243	"rising cost of insurance premiums. Cost of care.  not enough focus on prevention.      The # of baby boomers living and their increasing ages, decreasing health.    "	"Health Care should remain in the Private sector!  FHIAP is wonderful, make more government subisidies available for private insurance."	No increase in Taxes.  Less benefits for high tech test/ proceedures.       Utilization of benefits should decrease.      	 Better (more) screening process for patients possibly needing high cost proceedure. Increase peer review for MDs keep track of costs the MDs are authorizing.      Too many meds.. get rid of direct marketing for name brand Rx.  	female	25 to 44	No Response	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	4/17/06 2:53 PM
14259	"We just keep looking for ways to pay for it instead of ways to control the cost of it. There does have to be some incentive, I realize, to companies to come up with cures, machines, etc. but once invented or once a Dr. has paid off his education, etc. COSTS MUST BE CONTROLLED.  Every bill should have a detailed itemization of cost and there should be a set pay scale for medical personnel. There should be a nation-wide cost sheet for every procedure, Dr. visit, pill, etc.  Costs for these things cannot keep going up. But care and quality will have to be monitored so just because Dr.'s, etc. cannot make whatever they want, they would still be expected to do their best. Any payments at all to them would be cut off, if found to not be practicing quality healthcare. "	NULL	NULL	Cost controls. 	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	4/17/06 5:20 PM
14272	"That the high and continually rising cost of healthcare is attributable to the allopathic monopoly over true healthcare, making it instead disease care for some not all.  The US spends more than any other country on healthcare, but our health status is nowhere near the top."	"Again, the US is relatively alone in making healthcare available through employment, and we are seeing every day that businesses (large corporate and small) are closing from the cost of healthcare."	"I don't know if I speak for the public, but if the public was less bombarded with ads that encourage reliance on pharmaceuticals, and more education and choice on other healthcare modalities was more common, both our health and economy would be better."	"Make many more integrative healthcare modalities (nursing, acupuncture, chiropractic, midwifery, wellness etc) available to all segments of the population, and address restrictive scope of practice laws which limit that access and reimbursement."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	4/17/06 8:31 PM
14274	"The high cost of health care and the amount of it that goes for administration, advertising, CEO salaries, profit, duplication of services, etc.  I'm concerned because so many people don't have health insurance or are underinsured.  Also, most people don't have choice of doctor or hospital.  Many people can't afford prescription drugs that are necessary for their health.  Everyone is entitled to health care."	"Too much is paid for by individuals.  I favor a public system where everything is paid for by the government.  Of course, the money must still come from individuals and businesses, but it can be more equitable."	"Enough money is already being spent that it is not necessary to have any trade-offs.  With a public single payer system we would save enough from reduced administrative costs, advertising, profit, etc. that we could pay for everything.  If necessary, people would be willing to pay more in taxes if they knew they wouldn't have to pay anythihg for health care."	"Make a universal single payer health care system with all funds paid into and out of a public trust, but with private providers and public or private not-for-profit hospitals and health centers."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	4/17/06 8:40 PM
14286	Lack of affordabke health care for evry one	Use the medicare model for everyone	NULL	single payer system	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	4/17/06 10:07 PM
14288	"Our present health care system treats health care as a commodity that is based on the ability to pay.  So if you have enough money you can buy decent (although not comprehensive) health insurance, but if you are poor, even though you may work full time you may not be able to afford reasonable insurance coverage. Our system is unfair, and does not guarantee access to health care for everyone.  This diminishes us as a humane society and causes individuals, families, and the larger community to suffer financial and general health losses.  (See the IOM's book ""Insuring America's Health"").  "	"The question ISN'T about the SOURCE of income for health care since there are basically only two possible sources, what individuals pay through their taxes and their health premiums and what employers contribute. (Government funding comes from our tax dollars). The REAL question is how is the money SPENT?  If you follow the money trail we waste as much as 30% of our health care dollars on unnecessary administrative expenses due to multiple insurance carriers each with its own bureaucracy, eligibility requirements, claims denials, marketing and lobbying costs, and huge CEO salaries and stock options.  This fragmented dysfunctinal system is unable to control costs or cover all citizens with comprehensive health insurance despite spending twice as much on health care than what most of the industrialized countries spend. The goal of the health insurance industry is to make profits for their stockholders and maintain their expensive bureaucracy, so their incentive is to avoid spending money on the sick and to try to enroll the healthy in their plans.  This is a perverse system and we as Americans should be ashamed to allow it to continue.  We need a Government-run National Single Payer health care system which gives everyone comprehensive benefits and eliminates the waste and greed of the insurance industry."	" WE DON'T NEED TO MAKE TRADE-OFFS.  We already spend enough money to cover everyone, because up to 30% is wasted on corporate health insurance administration and profit.  I believe that the majority of American citizens want a government-run National Health system which would eliminate much of the waste so that EVERYONE could have the same comprehensive health benefits.  That would mean that individual taxes would rise, but I believe that Americans are willing to pay higher taxes instead of paying double digit increases in their health care premiums and out-of-pocket expenses IF they can get comprehensive health coverage for EVERYONE.  I also believe that businesses must also contriubte toward health care in the form of a payroll tax (based on size and type of company), at least initially so that taxes won't rise precipitously.  "	"WE NEED A NATIONAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM!  This would provide universal health care access, continuous care, and affordable coverage for the individual that is financially sustainable for society for the long term.  It would also be patient-centered so that the focus of the system is to prevent illness, treat the sick, and promote a healthy life for individuals, families, and the community.   "	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	4/17/06 10:36 PM
14289	"The large number of uninsured and underinsured Americans, and the micromanagement of health care by beancounters."	"Individuals and employers should contribute to one single payer fund, making health care comprehensive, universal, portable and accessible.  It should be publicly financed and privately delivered."	"Bogus question.  No tradeoffs are necessary.  Eliminate private insurance administration, cherry picking of risks and obscene CEO salaries, and we could have a gold-plated system for what we are now spending.  We are already paying for universal health care; we just aren't getting it."	Replace private insurance with public single payer health care for all.  Everybody in; nobody out.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	4/17/06 10:41 PM
14292	Cost.  Drug companies have too much influence on government policy.	We need socialized medicine.  Kaiser is a good model for delivering health care.  I was a Kaiser member nearly 40 years.  It is efficient and reasonably priced comapred to other medical insurance and fragmented deliveries of health care.	Choice of doctors and facilities.	See my comments on Kaiser	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/17/06 10:57 PM
14308	The enormous waste and unfairness of the health care industry.  There is plenty of $ to cover everyone adequately but we throw it away on HMO and others administrative costs. 	I think should be the responsibility of a government to provide health care for its citizens. We need a single payer system.	"I don't know that any tradeoffs are required, except in trading the insurance industry waste and greediness with a single payer system for everyone."	We need A SINGLE PAYER HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	4/18/06 8:30 AM
14309	The enormous waste and unfairness of the health care industry.  There is plenty of $ to cover everyone adequately but we throw it away on HMO and others administrative costs. 	I think should be the responsibility of a government to provide health care for its citizens. We need a single payer system.	"I don't know that any tradeoffs are required, except in trading the insurance industry waste and greediness with a single payer system for everyone."	We need A SINGLE PAYER HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	4/18/06 8:31 AM
14325	NA Test for redirect to Tell A Friend	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	4/18/06 10:46 AM
14332	The lack of funding support going to hospitals who provide the actual care be it inpatient or outpatient. Profit margins are dangerously small especially in rural America.	"Get a better handle on physician orders. How many procedures/tests are ordered by a physician that hospitals ends up paying for? Help/get physicians be/get more efficient for their patients when ordering drugs, diagnostics, hospital stays etc.  "	"I think for many they either don't care who pays, or feel they are due the care they receive. It is the hospital and providers who are required to give the care, eat the expenses, and remain profitable. Maybe the government should consider reimbursing hospitals/care givers for the ""free care"" they give to the under and un-insured."	Help hospitals and providers by assisting/reimbursing them with funds to pay for those who can not pay for themselves. Reimburse those who give the care to those who can't pay for the care. Who actually delivers health care? That is where thought should be given. Develope some accountability for doctors. 	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	4/18/06 10:58 AM
14336	"That everyone does not have access to quality health care, and anyone's health status can affect my health."	Health care is a human right and should not depend on ability to pay.  We should have a national system that provides care for everyone living in the country.	"At this time, none.  I think the U.S. public has to be educated to the absolute right to health care, and then we will see that we must do everything possible to assure quality health care for all."	"A national system that has quality and cost control built in, not based on the individual's ability to pay or employment."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	4/18/06 11:26 AM
14341	"That the kind of health care I most often turn to, homeopathy, is not recognized as the legitimate healthcare option it is, and insurance does not cover it. I would like to see the Health Freedom Act endorsed at the national and state levels, allowing people to choose the kind of care we want and enabling competent practitioners to work without fear of reprisal or incarceration."	There are countries where universal health care is the national system. We ought to study what those countries have done to make universal healthcare coverage work and consider adapting a successful model. We must also have leverage against the pharmaceutical industry because their astronomical profits are unjustifiable. 	"It has to be acknowledged that the current system is insane and out of control. Everyone--the American people, the politicians, the medical professions, the pharmaceutical industry--, the legal profession--all have to set aside purely selfish motives and work together for the greater good of all."	Educating the public about what Health Freedom means and having an informed public debate about the importance of the Health Freedom Act.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	4/18/06 11:59 AM
14344	The number of people who can't afford it.  The government exists to protect its citizens and it has abandoned its responsibility in this regard.	"Yes, we need national, single payor (gov't) health care.  No more ""middle men"" such as insurance companies to hijack the system in order to line their own pockets with mega-profits."	"If it were explained to people that the combination of a flat tax and a single payor health care system would enable all Americans to get health care, they would support it whole-heartedly.  Of course that means that corporations and the highest income individuals would have to start paying their fair share of taxes."	"We need a national, single payor health care system run by the government.  Now."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	4/18/06 12:05 PM
14350	That the insurance companies run the entire healthcare system.  The grossly overpaid CEO's of this insurance companies have taken the side of profit and are draining dollars which should be spent to pay for physicians services and instead are enrich themselves and their shareholders.  The only way to fix this system is to take the profit away by force them to give back 96% of all healthcare premiums collected.	The health care system needs to be made into a national universal health system without insurance companies trying to make profits.  The system should be modeled to some degree after Medicare.	"None.  There are too many high powered individuals, companies and politicians that will stand in the way of ever correcting the problems and that the American public has been brain-washed into thinking that a goverment run health system would be a mistake"	Ban insurance companies from selling health insurance and create a quasi-goverment run health system that is paid with a dedicated tax on all ( higher taxes for the wealthy) and fairly pay physicians for services.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	4/18/06 12:55 PM
14353	NA Test Redirect	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	4/18/06 1:22 PM
14400	"That everyone doesn't have it.  The people that do have it are paying more and more in terms of not covered perscriptions or services, copays AND premiums."	"No system should ever be developed that leaves financial contribution from employers out.  Individuals could contribute via a sliding tax based on income.  Government needs to be part of the solution also, but not at the whim of congressional budgets.  Like a standing fixed formula based on inflation and population."	"I think that if we don't make trade offs and everyone is covered, costs will go down.  Now people skip medications because they can't afford the copay and get sicker.  People with no access go to the emergency room.  I'm willing to limit the salories of health insurance CEOs.  I believe they are the biggest reason for rising costs!"	Make it a non-profit system.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	4/18/06 5:01 PM
14403	The number of people without health care coverage is rising as the cost of coverage continues to rise.  	I think our government should take on a heavier burden of the payments.  	I think the American public would welcome a budget cut in military spending to take care of their own at home and quit sending our children to death in foreign countries.	"I think that it should be outlawed for drug companies to market drugs to consumers.  By cutting out the advertising to consumers - we are cutting a major cost for the drug companies, and lowering the price of medications.  "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	4/18/06 5:21 PM
14420	"There isn't any for anyone who can NOT afford it, or who's employer does NOT offer it!!!!!!!!"	Yes like the state of MA is doing.	I do NOT know.	"Put health care, & most importantly insurance co's on a budget, & make them responsible for their own cost overruns"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	4/18/06 9:05 PM
14421	1. Rationing of health care according to ability to pay.    2. Inequality of health care. Wealthiest get superb care; the poor get substandard care or none at all.	Health care should be a right of citizenship paid for by a progressive income tax whereby everyone can pay his or her fair share of the burden to bring health care for all.	"They don't get affordable, high quality health care now, so what would they be sacrificing?"	"A universal,single payer system immediately would not be too soon."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	4/18/06 9:10 PM
14432	    A solution to budget concerns for national health care can be found in a reduction in war spending. In addition it is time for salary cuts   for the people in the top end of the tax bracket  instead of those on the middle or bottom.	"     Employers and government must be mandated to pay for health coverage, not consumers."	     Taking my other responses to heart there need not be any tradeoffs for the american public. 	     A serious reduction in corruption and blatent profitteering on behalf of our government will begin  improvement of health care and other issues for all americans...	male	25 to 44	No Response	Other	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	4/19/06 12:09 AM
14439	"That health care is now in the hands of the insurance industry.  These companies are powerfully motivated to restrict their “costs” (including health care delivery) to maximize operating revenue and profit.  The managed care movement succeeded in effecting an enormous transfer of wealth to the insurance industry, turned health care professionals into closely monitored employees, given up patient privacy, and interposed the insuror between health care professionals and their patients as the arbiter of medical as well as financial decisions. We as a nation appear to have forgotten that there is any other way to organize the health care system; we have sacrificed the curative relationship between professionals and their patients in favor of cookbook, technologically-based, minimalist treatment, primarily for the benefit of the insurance industry and its shareholders.   "	"Health care is a fundamental service to our people, like public safety and protection of the nation from aggression. The federal government alone should administer the financing of health care, and the insurance and ""managed care"" industries should get into another business altogether. "	"The public would be willing for the majority of the cost of health care to be included in the taxes they pay.  In addition, they would be willing to pay out of pocket for part of the services they receive."	Establish a single-payer system like Medicare for everyone.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	4/19/06 10:04 AM
14441	1. High premiums. I am a psychotherapist with private insurance. In a year or two the premiums may go up beyond the point of my ability to pay. 2.I do not want an insurance company deciding what care I can get or need. That is up to my doctors. 3. Non-parity for mental health care. 4. The large number of citizens who do not have health insurance. 5. Benefits being cut for Medicare and Medicaid. 6. The outrageous amounts of money being made by pharmaceutical companies.	"Yes, many. We need to have universal coverage, on the line of European counties. And healthcare policy makers need to change their attitude of ""give them an inch they'll take a mile"" as regards premiums and benefits. The research doesn't support the Calvinist idea that making more affordable care available with abusing that care."	I don't know.	Change to government supported system. One that will be responsible and flexible. Fat chance in our country!!!!!	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DC	4/19/06 10:06 AM
14455	"Illegal immigrants taking a toll on our hospitals and health system and due to EMTALA although they are unable to pay our private sector businesses are forced to provide services for no cost or reimbursement.  If they don't pay taxes, they should not be entitled to free medical care!  The middle class of this country is carrying everyone on its collective back!  The Federal Government also should not be paying for those who are using the systems in this country without paying into them, i.e., roads, schools, hospitals, etc."	Cap the insurance companies and drug companies profits!  There quarterly earnings continue to rise while everything else is the system is going under.  Employers health care premiums are going up 20% per year for the last decade.  Pretty soon the business economics in this country are going to be bankrupt!  Every other commercial on television is for a new pill!  Fund the R & D for new technologies but CAP the insurance and drug profits before it is too late!	"The American people have suffered enough!  Put this on the backs of those that are getting rich, the insurance and drug companies!"	"Take care of illegal immigration that is taxing our American way of life!  Place more of the burden on the insurance and drug companies to provide more pro bono services to those that can't afford them.  I personally am tired as a middle class American of working myself to death to see those who don't work prosper!  THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN, SO PLEASE FIX IT!"	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	4/19/06 11:22 AM
14458	The profit mongering corporate insurance companies are killing our health care system!	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	4/19/06 11:39 AM
14467	Cost	There should be a single payer. Funds should be provided by taxing employers and the self employed.	NULL	Eliminate public advertisemeant for drugs and medical facilities.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	4/19/06 12:34 PM
14469	I am most concerned about the lack of access to health care for the uninsured.	"I favor universal health care similar to other developed nations.  However, I believe Massachusetts' recent health care law, mandating the purchase of health insurance for all who can afford it and insuring those who can't, is a politically feasible approach that encourages universal coverage and preserves most of the benefits of the private system."	"The American public would support funding to create a national health care IT system, so that patients' records would be readily available at any health care location.  The current system, where records are not not shared in a national, computerized database, creates enormous losses in efficiency and quality."	Make Massachusetts' health care law a model for the nation.	NULL	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	4/19/06 12:56 PM
14474	That not everyone in the US has Health Insurance and that no one is controlling health care costs.	"Yes, it should be provided by the government - either through higher tax revenues or trimming the fat that congress adds to every bill they vote on.    I also think that Congress should get the same benefits that they provide for our lowest income residents - maybe then they will fix this problem.  Same with Social Security - if the politicians had to rely on it - they would fix it faster!"	"higher taxes - not co-pays, it isn't fair that the Dr's get more money per procedures/visits- its important that we get everyone covered for basic health care, medications, vision, dental and hospitalization."	Make elected officials live with the health care plans that they vote in/develop for the lowest income residents AND make them live on Social Security!	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/19/06 1:34 PM
14478	"First, it's only good in your home state. Heaven help you if you live in two places or travel. Needs to be national.   Questionnaires like the one on this website where my only answer, not provided, is ""none of the above""."	Massachusetts seems to have an excellent idea. Would it work nationally?  Inequality of charges. I can no longer afford to go to a doctor without insurance. Prices charged to individuals are many times what is charged to insurance companies. The entire system is corrupt and full of lies and misinformation. There is no cost control.	None. But there must be some.   Limiting elective procedures is the first and most just.	Use technology as other industries have to create more efficiency and accuracy. And make it national coverage.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	4/19/06 1:56 PM
14488	"In extreme rural Kansas, America, it is difficult to finance replacement of vital capital equipment in critical access hospitals to provide adequate medical care for us to stabilize critical emergency patients until they can be airlifted to a major hospital.  For example, our hospital is reimbursed LESS by insurance companies for each x-ray service performed because we don't pay as much for the physical plant that houses the x-ray machine as do metropolitan hospitals.  However, x-ray machines become obsolete and have to be replaced, or things go wrong with them and they have to be repaired or replaced.  Our facility needs to be reimbursed the same as larger hospitals, based on replacement and update costs of equipment.  Larger hospitals could make up the larger cost of their physical environment through the sheer volume of x-ray services done at their facilities. If an American citizen is located 100 to 150 miles away from a hospital that provides intensive care, shouldn't he have access to up-to-date technology to stabilize him within the Golden Hour at the closest Critical Access Hospital?  Inner cities in American have more federal grant dollars available to them to update equipment than do extreme rural areas.  In rural America, we are no less financially challenged than inner city communities.  Simply put, either pay more for the food we produce in our rural farming community so we are able to pay for expensive medical equipment or help us out and make federal grant money available to us so we can replace vital medical equipment."	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	4/19/06 2:44 PM
14500	"that it is not equal,wether you have insurance or not and if not you do not you are treated like you are lower then life.as a ""moral country""everyone should have medical courage."	"first we should all be cover by medicare it would be cheaper,and I think most people would paid a little more taxes for something like this.business could benefit from this the burden is crippling economy.with jobs being lost."	"I think we as people understand we need to do something we spend billions of dollars in wars,and other countries,shift some of this tax money to health care"	"give to everyone across the board canada has it I have talked to people in canada and it works. we here it does not but thats a scar tactic.the critics say it takes to long for appointments,it does here too."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	4/19/06 4:08 PM
14511	"The fact that your health care depends on your job. Got a good job, you got good insurance, and good health caremost likely.  I think this is wrong, and antiquated.  We do not need insurance companies in the loop.  My insurance company takes 14cents on the dollar out of the money for coverage.  As a group all their customers give them a dollar to buy health coverage. They take 14cents out for salaries, commissions, adm. and profits. The insurance company =They return 86cents to the customers in payments for medical costs. Social Security/Medicare has an overhead of 2percent.  Let them run the system - the insurance company is too inefficent.  Why should people do without health care so we can pay commissions?"	Yes  Everyone pays toward coverage for all. The government takes it out like they do Income tax and Social Security. Payments would go down because no insurance company in the loop.	"Paying high prices for prescription meds. Let our government negotiate prices with the drug companies like France, Sweden, and Canada do.  Their people obtain cheap prescriptions, are our people less deserving of a cheap price than these foreigners?"	"Get the insurance companies out of the loop-they are fine for car and death benefits insurances, but waste money in the health care side of things."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	4/19/06 4:51 PM
14524	the inequality in care and access	"Yes, All big bussiness ( such as WalMart and ExxonMobile) , regardless of country of origin ,  should pay a flat percentage, based on profits , to fund a universal , one payer healthcare system. "	"Americans already make too many trade offs, big bussiness and the people who profit from them should stop being so greedy and start paying their share and then some ,the haves need to start sharing with the have nots, not creating more of them"	universal care with a one payer system	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/19/06 5:38 PM
14535	That there is not one set governing body over Doctors and hospitals. 	"YES, I think that Health insurance priceing should be standerdized like it is for medicare people."	I think Insurnace companies are doing just that. They tell you what they will pay on each kind of  treatment. I think Doctors and hosptals should do there part and have set fees acroos the country. 	Put limits on what Doctors and Hospitals can charge for servies.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some high school	Not sure	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MT	4/19/06 6:37 PM
14548	Too many people are underinsured or uninsured because health insurance is too expensive.	Limit the maximum that must be paid for health insurance.	Limits to maximum awards for malpractice suits.   Traveling to approved centers for specialty services.	Mandatory minimum coverage for all Americans.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	4/19/06 7:40 PM
14560	"I am a 72 year old woman. I do not want to live forever.We have created a conundrum- Doctors insist on tests that are outreageously expensive which result in being treated for something that may help you live another year, WHY???"	NULL	NULL	Stop spending all this money on testing. I am 72. The Dr. orders a mamogram for me every year which Medicare pays for. Why don't I have one every other year- there is no breast cancer in my family. Even if it were found- I am not sure I would go for treatment.	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	4/19/06 10:18 PM
	Test																						na	
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14706	"#1 Cost, #2 Insurance"	NULL	none	make available to all as universal coverage	female	25 to 44	No	NULL	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/21/06 11:14 AM
14708	The fact that so many other things appear to be more important to include in budget; everyone should have access to health care.	Indeed not- unless they woll format plan to be able to not have to decide between health care and personal need eg food and housing.	none	create ways to insure that everyone is covered with health insurance- especially to Americans	female	45 to 64	No Response	NULL	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/21/06 11:22 AM
14709	The fact that it is not avialable to everyone	no	NULL	Make sure everyone's covered with health insurance. It should be accesible to all Americans	female	45 to 64	No	Black or African American	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/21/06 11:24 AM
14711	Accessibility and costs.	Yes the government should be responsive for all citizens	none!	Accessible for all patients regardless of socio-economic status	female	45 to 64	No	Black or African American	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/21/06 11:27 AM
14715	"For me, a widow and single parent, I have to pay almost $500. monthly for insurance with a $1000. deductable for each of us. Affordability is a huge issue. Access is limited, and now because of emergencies, I have hospitals threatening to take me to collections. Insurance is slow to pay reimbursements. I have been waiting a year for a ambulance reimbursement. This is unacceptable. Many poor are denied operations and procedures and are on waiting lists for gall bladder operations, etc. which eventually leads to other complications that require more emergency care. There is NO dental coverage for adults who are poor, so some people get infections, lose their teeth, which makes them less desirable for hire, less able to eat and leads to further complications. WE NEED TO PRIORITIZE HEALTHCARE AND MAKE THE CONSUMER IMPORTANT! THE CONSUMER (THE PATIENT)."	"We need to restrain growth costs. Healthcare has become dispraportionately high. Malpractice insurance has contributed to this, as the lawyers get fat off lawsuits. Profit driven institutions seem to be running the show, and pharmaceutical companies drive the market. When does the patient become priority? Small employers have problems purchasing quality healthcare insurance for their employees. It should not rest entirely on them to provide health care. WE NEED REFORM. THE MONEY IS THERE....USE IT ON THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE, NOT FOREIGN WARS!!!!!"	"We have already been forced into the ultimate trade off, health for budget cuts. We have already traded off our basic needs for security and health for what? for what? REFORM IS NECESSARY - REFORM THAT PROVIDES HEALTHCARE FOR EVERY AMERICAN. Have congress cut the fat and do their share for AMERICANS not to protect corporate giants with tax cuts or benefits, but their share of building Americans. This then will build America. Healthcare is a BASIC HUMAN RIGHT AND NEED! WE ALREADY PAID THE TRADE OFF."	"A healthcare system that provides equal coverage for all, accessable and affordable healthcare for every American. Look at other countires and learn what had worked for them perhaps socialized medicine is not such a bad idea. Health care coverage should not be limited to general health. It needs to keep in account the need for dental and psychiatric healthcare needs. We need a comprehensive healthcare program for everyone in America!"	female	45 to 64	Yes	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	4/21/06 11:56 AM
14718	1. Cost  2. Availability  3. Accessibility  4. Dependable  5. Honesty  6. Trust  7. Confidentiality	1. Manage waste.  2. Channel the money received in the right direction.  3. Purchasing dependable material so that you don't have to continue purchasing the same item over and over agin because of inferior material.  4. Adequate supplies for employee to perform duties.  5. Making employee accountable.  6. Justify spending - Only the necessary thing to get done.  7. Stop purcahsing inferior material - Low bid is waste to the City it promote.  Why not buy the best from the beginning and you don't have to replace it as often.  	"I must pay my fair share, insurance, carfare and I don't make half the money that those in power do. Yet they have so many freebee. I believe it is the little persons that shoulder the greater responibitlies of the City, while those in power make the most money and rule the City. They make laws to benefit thenselves and pass the cost on to the hurting public. They know all the legal ramification, loop hole and have the inside information. To give them the greater advantage. They network consequently they miss a lot of the problems that the common person have to face every day.  It would be nice, let's forget about being fair, if all of us could share our repsonsibility of the City equal then the burden would not be great on a select group.  I wonder if they had to trade places with the average struggling public would they be willing to let things remain the same or would they be fighting for a quick change?"	To treat each patient as of thry are your dear family member. Be dedicated and show genuine interest in helping America maintain wellness before it become it become a serious problem. Once it become a serious then the cost escalate. What would cost $300.00 now because a serious then the cost $3000.00 Why not do something about the problem when it first appear?	female	45 to 64	No Response	Black or African American	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/21/06 12:06 PM
14719	That people who need it the most can't get!	Of course I think a lot of changes are necessary but I don't know where to say we should begin	I think the american public would be willing to end this costly war so the money can go towards health care in the US.	Ask again in three years when George W Bush is out of office.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/21/06 12:11 PM
14723	It seems that the continually increasing costs associared with healthcare are routinely passed onto the consumers. The increases appear to be disproportionate to the movement of salaries for people like myself.   My other concern is the quality of existing health care and the apparent disprities that seem to exist with regards to race and other social factors.	"I would like there to be a federal fund that is set aside to abdorb the costs associated with healthcare in this country, however, I think the absorption should be at 75%, with employers paying rhe additional 25% of costs. At the end of each year, the US government should afford employers specific tax breaks to off-set any potential set-backs associated with year long pay-ins into the federal healthcare system.  For those who have no health care, there should be 100% coverage by the federal government. I know that this presents a possible strain on the fiduciary status of the USA, but if America can invest billions on wars, I believe it should consider making an equal investment in the health care staus of our nation."	"I'm not sure I see a need for any kind of trade-off when it comes to the universal well-being of the nation. However, if the American public would be willing to risk its standing as the number-one Super Power in favor of the numbreone universal Health Care Provider, a paradigm shift in the thinking and actions and well being of America and its citizens is a viable probility."	"I recommend exahausting all possible means to facilitate a universal healthcare system in the USA. I believe that by employing the great minds of the world as architects for this system could afford the USA unimgainable benifits, in the long run."	male	25 to 44	No	Black or African American	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/21/06 12:36 PM
14724	"I know for a fact that there would be more people starting their own businesses, and more free-lance independent contractors, if they didn't have to worry about health insurance. This would free up jobs for other people, and create new jobs. The only reason I'm able to be self-employed is because I'm married to someone who is an employee with health care. We are both musicians - when we were in grad school, we knew fellow students who went back to school because of ""benefits"". Because of ""benefits"", there are people who are employees who would be out on their own. And because they are employees, they are taking jobs from other people. I do not recall hearing anything in the media about this. It's all focused on corporate jobs. Look into this - please. "	Government paid.	"We have paid $300 - $400 per month for OUR share of health insurance premiums when we were employees. What if that money went straight to the government instead of to insurance companies' profits? Right now, we pay only $50 a month, but the employer is paying $1,000. Maybe our salary would go up, too?"	"Get insurance companies out of the business. Profits have ruined the health care system. People who are insured are already paying lots of money out-of-pocket. I'd rather that money go to the government, so that the profit is taken out. How about a total non-profit system? Overhead is far too high with private insurance, yet Medicare has low overhead. AND, we don't want a bill like the ridiculous prescription plan that just went into effect. Get private insurance out completely. Please. "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	4/21/06 12:39 PM
14746	The fact that those that have power use it against the public.  There are many fine groups of physicians that have created national health coverage programs that would cut costs and cover everyone.  They are experts.  Washington does not listen.  The states taking matters into their own hands by requiring insurance are merely pushing an agenda that the White House likes for business.  Everyone has their hand in the till.  No one in Washington is doing the right thing for the people.  There is an enormous ethical crisis regarding the needs of our nation on all fronts.	NULL	NULL	"Seperate the pharmaceutical companies from the FDA as the British have done.  Get honesty back into the department that is suppose to protect American citizens, not the business interests of Big Business.  In recent years the F.D.A. has demonstrated a too-cozy relationship with the pharmaceutical industry and an attitude of shielding rather than disclosing information,"" said Senator Charles E. Grassley, Republican of Iowa and chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.      http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200405/cmselect/cmhealth/42/42.pdf     The Department of Health has not only to promote the inerests of the pharmaceutical industry but also the health of the public and the effectiveness of the National Health Service..  There is a dilemma here which cannot be readily glossed over.  The Secretary of State for Health cannot serve two masters.  The Department seems unable to prioritise the interests of patients and public health over the interests of the pharmaceutical industry.  We therefore recommend that sponsorship of the industry pass from the Department of Health to the Department of Trade and Industry.     The UK pharmaceutical industry is in many ways outstanding.  We trust that our recommendations will not only protect health but also help the industry.  It is not in the long term interests of the industry for prescribers and the public to lose faith in it.  We need an industry which is led by the values of its scientists not those of its marketing force.  In making our recommendations we were very impressed by the comments of Sir Richard Sykes:     ""Today the industry has got a very bad name.  This is very unfortunate for an indusry that we should look up to and believe in, and that we should be supporting.  I think there have to be some big changes.""  "	female	Over 64	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	4/21/06 2:02 PM
14750	"Health care is not  insurance!   Government's #1 responsibility is the HEALTH of its citizens. We need ""MEDICARE for ALL""  Differentiate Health from Medicine (the dual use of the word is intentional). We are a drug addicted society, Medication is not Health. The confusing combination in the 2003 Medicare Reform Bill was intentional and must be dropped. Government is the only agency able to control the cost of drugs."	"General taxes as for military, police, prisons, Congresspeople etc.   We pay twice as much for medical care (17-20% of GDP) as any other industrialized country. We would save money and have better health. Insurance companies are getting richer on private and government health money."	Change of attitude towards sharing with the government their own responsibility for health!!!	"We need ""MEDICARE for ALL"". Medicare is a proven success for 40 years, has a record of experience, data, an office,  The theory of insurance is to spread the risk - Medicare includes those over 65, disabled and children, the most expensive group - now include everybody and we'll have a ""win-win"", save money and have better health"	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	4/21/06 2:07 PM
14759	Too many uninsured people;  costs too high  in regard to administrative complexity; private insurance often limits services; preventive care does not get priority in the system. 	"The system should be ""Medicare for all"". Automatic enrollment, simplified administration, elimination of middlemen. NOT Medicare part D"	I don't think trade-offs would be necessary to any great extent if the system were financed rationally. 	"Pass a single-payer, Medicare like system. Get profit making entities out of the business."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	4/21/06 2:17 PM
14774	cost 	I would like to see a national single payer system that provides health care for all Americans.  A good model for what this system would look like can be found in California Senate Bill 840--which is currently working its way through the California legislature.  I'd like to see this kind of coverage and system on a nationwide level.	higher taxes	Get rid of insurance companies and switch to a single payer system to reduce administrative costs. 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/21/06 3:14 PM
14811	1. The number of people who can not afford adequate health care.    2.  The suicidal burden that our employer-based health-care system places on American Industry.    3.  The domination of the health care system by pharmacuetical companies.	Yes.  See below	NULL	"Employer-based healoth insurandce3 place3s American companies at an incredible disadvantage with respect to global economics.  It adds $1500 to each car produced by GM!  Industries in other industrialized countries do not operate under such a burden.    In addition, it places prohibitive burdens on small business, and worse burdens on their employees.  It is time to stop rationing health care, so that only tghe well-off (including me) get adequate care.    A single-payer system or its equivalent is what I would vote for."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	4/21/06 6:14 PM
14812	I am most distressed that there are so many who are uninsured.  We are the only developed country that does not have some form of universal single payor health coverage  We are held hostage by the insurance companies.	"Absolutely!  Medicare has the least administrative costs of any insurance plan.  we need to expand it to include everyone.    Pharmaceutical companies should lower their prices, and shorten patents."	Waiting a little for elective surgery   Public financing single payor system.  	Cover everyone - no exceptions.  	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	4/21/06 6:18 PM
14856	There must be Universal Health Care for all - it is a disgrace - and I think criminal - that 48 Milliion are uninsured ( many more underinsured) - in the richest country in the world. The tens of thousands of deaths and untold suffering caused by this inhumane situation is totally unacceptable.	Yes - the most cost effective would be a  single payer system like Medicare.	I don't think the public has to make any trade offs - government has to have the courage to stand up to the insurance industry.	Federal single payer Universal Health Coverage.	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	4/22/06 7:17 AM
14885	"Accessibility, universality, affordability, public control"	scrap it. privatization in health care has been a demonstrable failure	we will pay taxes to ensure medical care	universal coverage single payer system. Copying the Canadian example of a generalized set of federal guidelines implemented on a state-by-state basis would be fine. Experimentation and interstate competition could produce a very vibrant system.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	4/22/06 9:51 AM
14891	"Cost, cost, cost"	Socialized medicine	time vs. cost	"Stop smoking, lose weight so you are not jacking up my insurance costs to pay for your bad choices that YOU can choose not to do."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	4/22/06 9:57 AM
14912	Get Ins. Co. out of the picture. They only drive up the costs with having to make a proffit	only have one plan	 financing	get rid of ins. co.	male	Over 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	4/22/06 11:22 AM
14916	"Ever since my husbands last layoff 2 days before Christmas 3 years ago we have been w/out insurance.  The children have ky medicaid but we have nothing and since have went into business for ourselves.  I now have two businesses but still cannot afford 800 mo for health.  Its house or health ?????I am always stressed over if something happens to one of us.  Min. wage is a joke while all of capital hill and people like exxon mobile with all of the profits at our expense.  Jesus said ""It is easier for a rich man to go thru the eye of a needle then to get into heaven."" I now understand  How pathetic. "	Everything	NONE	Equal???? not rich at one doctor and poor at inner city clinics	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	4/22/06 11:42 AM
14930	religious discrimination against providing spousal health care coverage to the spouses of gays and lesbians.	we need national health insurance that is not tied to employment	restriction of some benefits	national health insurance	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	4/22/06 12:52 PM
14944	too much spent on end of life issues and not enough spent on education and prevention and health screening.  Not enough FDA controls on the herbal med industry.	NULL	NULL	" health education yearly all through school K-12 made mandatory  ""Education  keeps you healthy"""	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	4/22/06 2:28 PM
14945	Cost and Availability of Quality Insurance  Choice of Doctor and Facilities	"The federal government should outsource health insurance as it does for medicare for all people ( based on federal accepted charges)  using a graduated policy payment system based on age not to exceed $400.00 dollars per month using the federal cost savings as the subsidy to the private insurence companies chosen buy consumers, with tax exempent profits not to exceed 6% above inflation with the balance of profit used for additional benifits for consumers.  EXAMPLE:  65+ years = $88 medicare fee per month  60-65 Years = $200 cash per month  0- 60 Years = $400 cash per month    "	Generic Drugs When Possible  Co-pay on doctor visits (Standard for all)  Deductable on hospital stays (Standard for all)  Co-pay on assited living and elder care based on consumers assets	Cost and Availability of Quality CARE	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	4/22/06 2:32 PM
14949	trial lawyers	less goverment	NULL	"cap law suiets to 250,000 or so"	male	Over 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	4/22/06 3:15 PM
14950	"being ablr to afford it, even with medicare part d my social secutity will be used mostly for medication,what am i supposed to live on. at 67 i am still working to afford medication that is given to welfare recipiants free, we are paying for that.some of those could do at least communtiy service to continue on welfare'''''"	"after we have worked to this age why do we not deserve at least the medication provided to those who have never worked,not because they can't,but because they would lose benifits if they had worked"	it makes no difference what we want or need the goverment will do as they please	The welfare systen shoule be screened more closely to prevent waste.	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	4/22/06 3:18 PM
14972	It costs too much and vast numbers of Americans have no or little care.	"Yes, get insurance companies and their administration costs out of the picture. Institute a single-payer system -- like Medicare -- for everyone. There is no reason to spend vast sums of money to prevent people from having healthcare. Offer it to everyone and then you don't have to spend a lot of money deciding who does and does not get care and having everyone fill out a lot of stupid forms."	"We are all happy to have the insurance companies and other care gatekeepers removed from the process -- they provide virtually no value. By removing their admilnsitrative costs, we would have enough money to pay for decent care for everyone."	"Institute a single-payer healthcare system like Medicare, but make it available to everyone."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	4/22/06 6:40 PM
14982	The failure to cover all. Health care should not be for profit and Insurance companies should not be determining what kind of care and medication people get - doctors should.	"We need a single payer, public system of social insurance. Universal health care's time has come. It will even benefit corporations like GM. It's the only right thing to do."	"If health care is not for profit and we have a single payer system, then administration costs will go down. I don't think it will cost Americans more and health care would be better."	We need a single payer system of national health care. 	female	45 to 64	NULL	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/22/06 7:24 PM
15026	"The sole focus on who pays for what. There is no focus on the health care delivery system, which is a mess, the costs of delivering services, particularly drugs, hospital capital costs, and technology. "	"No, the changes that should be made are to the reimbursement of providers. Pay the PCP's (FP's, Ped's) the best, internists and OBs next, Specialist next. The cut the hospital's and drug companies dramatically."	"None. They are like sheep. They want what they want, at the lowest price and best (marketed) quality."	Change the health care delivery system to focus on primary care physicians. 	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	4/23/06 1:45 PM
15030	   EXPECTING EMPLOYERS TO FURNISH HEALTH CARE WHICH LEAVES MANY CITIZENS WITHOUT HEALTH CARE.	   WE SHOULD DO AWAY WITH ALL HEALTH CARE PROGRAMS AND HAVE A BASCIC NATIONAL HEALTH CARE POLICY.	   QUIT RELYING ON EMPLOYERS TO FURNISH HEALTH CARE AND REPLACE THE CURRENT SYSTEM WITH A NATIONAL HEALTH CARE POLICY. 	"REPLACE ALL CURRENT PROGRAMS WITH A NATIONAL BASIC POLICY THAT IS PAID FOR BY THE INDIVIDULAL BASED ON THIER FAMILY SIZE AND INCOME. SOLICIT BIDS FOR THE POLICY FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANIES AND SUBSIDIZE THE PREMIUM FOR LOW INCOME INDIVIDUALS/FAMILIES WITH TAXPAYER MONEY. USE THE GOVERNMENT TO SET THE POLICY AND THE INSURANCE COMPANIES TO ADMINISTER THE POLICY SIMILAR TO THE NEW MEDICARE POLICY. IF INDIVIDUALS/FAMILIES CHOOSE TO UPGRADE THIER POLICY BY PAYING MORE PREMIUMS THEY CAN CHOOSE TO DO SO BY USING MONEY THEY WOULD HAVE SPENT ON SOMETHING ELSE FOR INCREASED PREMIUMS. (IN OTHER WORDS IF THEIR PRIORITY IS HEALTH CARE OVER AN ANNUAL VACATION OR NEW CAR, ETC THEY CAN CHOOSE TO USE THAT MONEY FOR HEALTH CARE TO UPGRADE THEIR POLICY).    WE NEED A NATIONAL HEALTH CARE POLICY NOT MORE GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS.    "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	4/23/06 2:02 PM
15033	"That many Americans are NOT covered.  We have tried to let private enterprise and competition take care of the issue; however, this has only led to more people being left out.  I am also concerned about the lack of mental health benefits.  So many people are suffering, we must also include good mental health benefits. "	I think that more should be considered with a total government system.  If we care for all Americans with one system we could save a lot of money.	NULL	"Make one system, with governmental controls.  This is the way that we can help control run away systems.  If we can not control rabid capitalism, then we will never control health care costs. "	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	4/23/06 2:27 PM
15037	Medicare Part D is too complicated.  Make it more simple!  Limit number of lobbyists rich groups like the pharmaceutical companies can have	NULL	NULL	Help for nursing home living for those who are too old to afford insurance and who would lose everything they have saved all all their lives	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	4/23/06 2:55 PM
15056	high cost of all insurance and medical services	We must have universal healthcare	slighly higher taxes and stop the damn wars which eat up all our monies	elect officials who care about the United States with a one person/one vote  program and with public financing. 	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	4/23/06 6:42 PM
15058	"Obviously, the increasing level of unaffordability for large and small businesses as well as employees is my main concern. Premiums have increased by 10-15% over the last 5 years and there does not appear to be any relief in sight due in part to the increasing proportion of the high utilizing baby boomer demographic. Rapidly escalating healthcare costs in the U.S. reduce our competitiveness globally. When the U.S. economy emerged from the last recession, I recall many articles in the L.A. Times and on the internet describing a ""jobless recovery"". The primary reason cited for the lack of substantial hiring during that recovery was the high cost of employee benefits (primarily healthcare). Unless there is a consensus among the elected leaders in Washington D.C. in the near future, the problem will only become worse. The U.S. economy will become less competitive globally, fewer people will have adequate access to basic healthcare, wage/salary increases will continue to decrease and unemployment will be more severe during future recessions. "	"There should be, at a minimum, a basic universal government subsidized system that protects all Americans from the financial effects of chronic/catastrophic diseases. In addition, there should also be some form of coverage to provide for routine doctor/clinic visits as well as preventitive care. This would be financed through fees (taxes) on all corporations based on the number of employees. To make this proposal more appealing to businesses, the proponents would have to prove that the taxes required to provide government health coverage would be less than (on average) the premiums that they had paid previously under the private insurance scheme. Also, I would recommend that employees take some responsibility by being required to place some of their money in a tax deferred account similar to the HSAs that were recently implemented. This would help to allocate some of the cost to the individual and would allow the individual to ""shop"" for the best services at the most reasonable prices. The amount required by individuals to save in these accounts would be indexed to their annual level of income. However, the majority (80-90%) of the overall national healthcare costs would be borne by the government subsidized plan. The bottom line is this: by eliminating the chaotic and inefficient system of private employer based health insurance, the savings in administrative costs alone (more than $200 billion annually) will be more than enough to provide basic healthcare to those who are uninsured. "	"Those who are concerned about taxes being increased to subsidize care for the uninsured should wake up and smell the coffee!!! Currently, 46% of healthcare spending (Medicare, Medicaid,etc.) in the U.S. is already government financed. Any additional taxes will be used to replace the private health insurance premiums, possibly at a lower overall cost because of the substantial reduction in administrative costs previously incurred under the private system. Also, another selling point would be the resulting reduction in cost increases in the future, as evidenced by most, if not all of the industrialized nations with a nationalized healthcare system."	"A nationalized sytem similar to the on that I had described above will produce the most favorable results in the future. While the financing of healthcare in the U.S. would be public, the delivery by practitioners, hospitals etc. should remain privatized. By doing so, the government could provide strong financial incentives to those providers/hospitals that provide high quality, cost efficient services and disincentives to those that do not.   The American people and large and small businesses must be ""sold"" on this idea as a viable solution to the current and projected future problems of healthcare finance in the U.S. One major (but not insurmountable ) obstacle is the lobbying by health insurance companies and the pharmaceutical industry to maintain the status quo. Fortunately, the concerns expressed by most American individuals and businesses will eventually have a greater effect and reform will inevitably occur. "	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/23/06 6:54 PM
15068	I am most concerned that health care is not available to all of our citizens.	"Yes. For example, the poor should not be paying for lack of access; the middle class should not be paying for limited access and the federal government should make sure that everyone who lives in the US can receive quality health care at a reasonable price.  A good starting point for making change would be to eliminate convoluted coverage pathways that lead through programs (Medicare, Medicaid, private, SCHIP, State initiatives, etc.) that are overlapping, insufficient, inflexible, inaccessible and perpetuate unnecessary layers of bureaucracy.  Just make it easy. Everybody gets access, the federal government pays for all non-elective care and use the money saved by eliminating the excess to pay for the additional people and services."	"I don't know what the American public is willing to trade off to enable access to affordable, high quality health care.  What I am willing to do is to have a kind of rationing system to identify really high-tech, high-cost procedures and limit the coverage for those items. Oregon did this some time ago and I know struggled at first, but I think they finally settled into an approach that was at least better than what we have now."	Just do it.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ME	4/23/06 8:37 PM
15076	"Health care in this country is rapidly deteriorating.  I am employed full time and have health insurance but it is getting more and more difficult to use this insurance because of restrictions and cost.  Frequently our health insurance provider refuses to pay for routine health care services until the care providers are forced to take my family to a collection agency.  When we complain loud enough and long enough the insurance company will finally pay.  It is very time consuming and annoying.  This is not a cheap health care plan it is very, very expensive. "	I want a health care system that works just like the prograsm that serves the members of Congress.  Every American should have equal and free access to this kind of health care. 	I am willing to pay more taxes to get an efficiently run system.  Make it work just like medicare except that it is for everyone.  We would pay far less because we would not be paying for the obscene profits insurance companies make on every health care plan they sell and service.	Get insurance companies out of health care.  They are destroying our country's ability to take of itself.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	4/23/06 9:47 PM
15091	"Too much money and resources being spent on non-productive healthcare;i.e. open heart surgery on 80-90 yr olds, prolonging death rather than life with pointless life preserving on terminal patients: critical care with massive inotropes, ventilator support, etc. Physician's inability due to our litigioius society to say ""we HAVE done all we can"" and move to keep patient comfortable in the dying process rather than trying against all odds to keep the patient""alive"". Should be able to triage care in emergency rooms better than be restricted by law to give full work-up to everyone who appears rather than send them home and suggest the local drug store for antipyretics or laxitives for some of the chronic ER abusers and leave Er care for the truly sick. "	"Reduced payments for abuses to the system (as in unnecessary ER visits, etc)Or no payment at all..bill to the individual, or expect payment in full up front if the person insists on repeated abuses of the system"	"I don't think the public is willing to trade off anything. I think the public wants any and all of the possible care available in the system at little or no cost whether or not the care is warranted, useful or justified. Our society has been trained to believe that we can abuse our bodies to the nth degree and then go see a doctor who can administer a med, procedure or a treatment and fix everything..and that those medical interventions should be available on demand whether one can afford them or not. The public will have to be told that this is the way its going to be...we have limited resources and they need to be used for the greater good (which means not always for the good of the individual)."	"Begin with changing laws to free physicians and other healthcare providers to render care where it is most useful and will serve the greater good, rather than at the demands of individuals. Then we can evaluate how far our resources will stretch when so much is not being wasted. Empower doctors to limit care to the terminal...focus on quality of care and life, rather than doctors doing whatever just because they can, whether it will benefit the patient in the long run or not. Restrict criteria for extensive invasive procedures. Ex: terminal CA patients with highly invasive cancers should not be put through massive surgeries to do tumor debulking when the outcome is poor.83 yr old pateints should not be undergoing CABG and MAZE procedures which leave them bleeding profusely for days, emptying out the local blood bank for transfusions when they have no hope for recovery and never even awaken from surgery, but then end up on IABP and CRRT therapy for days until their body dies (and then we go on treating the pacer spikes as a heart rhythm and the IABP pressure as a BP until the body finally just gives out. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/24/06 8:49 AM
15122	Affordability: the cost of health care in America is too high.  Access: many low income and minority individuals as well as those without health insurance do not have equal (or any) access to health care in America.	"I would like to see universal health insurance for all Americans sponsored by the federal government. This would take the burden off of employers to provide health insurance, and it would allow equal access to health care for all. "	"Whereas I believe that trade-offs are unnecessary if the administration would improve fiscal responsibility, I think the American public would be willing to pay higher taxes in exchange for universal health care coverage."	"Stop privatizing health care! While I am glad that Medicare is finally covering prescription drugs, signing up for a Part D plan is overly complicated due to privatization. Also, when for-profit companies are in charge, priorities shift from care for the consumer to profit margins. The interests and well-being of the consumer get lost in the mix. Make one plan available and make it one that covers the needs of everyone. Stop with the ""donut hole/coverage gap"" and get a plan in place that makes sense. Make private companies compete with each other for federal contracts, and let the federal government distribute fair and affordable benefits to ALL Americans. Universal health care coverage is crucial, but it can only be achieved if and when the federal government takes charge to ensure fair and affordable access for everyone.   "	female	Under 25	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	4/24/06 12:27 PM
15151	Poor people have little or no access to decent health care. Probably none to preventative care.	" A universal health care program for all people in our country would probably be cheaper than the bizarre  way we pay for it now which includes hospitals that pick up the tab for the indigent, medi care prgrams and private insurance."	Fewer unnecesary tests	full universal care for all!	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/24/06 3:50 PM
15153	"The fact that there are so many millions of our fellow citizens who have no health care and no means of aquiring it for themselves and their children.  Our government has money to pay for destroying another country, but no money to provide for its own citizens."	Something needs to be done to make the system include all people and to make it more equitable.	I don't know.	Get our priorities in line so that basic needs are provided for.  	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	4/24/06 3:52 PM
15159	High cost of insurance/healthcare.	"Of course, the current system is about paying insurance companies,not health care. Our government should be the insurace company, pooling the risk and resources, providing healthcare to all."	"This question is fallacious. I am paying $400 a month for insurance for me and my child, my wife is uninsured, I paid considerable taxes last year. I  don't think there has to be any trade offs, just a coherent system that uses the resource I am already putting forth.   "	Universal health care.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AK	4/24/06 4:03 PM
15164	"For 40+ million Americans, access to Health Care Services does not exist. This fact places a huge burden on the economy and the American way of life. All Americans have a right to access to Health Care. America, as a whole, pays twice as much for its health care, compared to most other developed nations of the world, yet measured by some very basic measures our national health status is considerably worse. America needs to stop talking about ""Private Health Insurance Solutions"" and move rapidly to a single payer system, similar to the Canadian System."	"There should be a single payer system which is paid into by all sources (individuals, employers, government and employees) that pays all bills and regulates all health care services and negiotates all service rates. "	Most people would be willing to pay higher taxes and pay higher deductables. The give aways to private companies (especially drug companies in the new Medicare Drug Benefit Plan where the government is prohibited from negiotiating the price of medications) turns people off to government management. This is not a management issue but a political issue.	Have a single payer system financed by all sectors of America.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	4/24/06 4:16 PM
15181	"We have confused health INSURANCE with health CARE.  Insurance or coverage is not the same as health care.    Private health insurance is in business to make a profit for shareholders.  Public health insurance is a waste of government resources.  And all insurance discourages individual responsibility.    The only industry that is in the business of caring for health is the health care industry:  hospitals, clinics, providers, etc.      To summarize: my two concerns are the confusion of insurance instead of care and the loss of individual responsibility."	Yes.  Individuals and only individuals should pay directly for health care.  Health insurance should be illegal.	"Sadly, I think Americans are willing to exchange all independence and pay taxes to finance a complicated health insurance system."	Make health insurance illegal.	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	4/24/06 5:08 PM
15255	That it is not affordable for a great number of people in this country.  Putting off taking care of health needs results in even more expense because a person gets sicker and their illness gets more complicated when not taken care of early.	"I believe it is Minnesota that has just put into effect a health care system that includes all citizens.  When that is evaluated and perhaps improved, let that be a model to the nation."	Confidentiality does not need to be violated but it seems to me that passing on health records from one medical person and or agency to another saves millions of dollars and improves the chances for better health for the patient.    Taxes on cigarettes burdens some but hopefully the cost discourages smokers from continuing or starting the habit.  Has significant impack on the health of our nation.	Make smoking less and less attractive to Americans and persons throughout the world.  Give every means of stopping the habit.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	4/24/06 10:44 PM
15272	American's Do NOT matter anymore. ALL of our money goes to help forieners.  We need universal health coverage for ALL Citizen's	There should be 1 unified NOT-FOR-PROFIT universal healthcare system	We can already afford it if we stop ALL NON-USA Spending except humanitarian. Stop all overseas military spending.  Make the rich ACTUALLY Pay taxes	Stop spending all of America's money overseas	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	4/25/06 6:04 AM
15278	THO COST	SOCIAL MEDICINE 	????????	IF OUR POLITICIANS IN OFFICE WORRIED ABOUT ALL AMERICAN PEOPLE AND NOT JUST THEMSELVES OR WHAT THEY CAN GET FREE FROM LARGE COMPANIES - THEY COULD DEVOTE MORE TIME TO SOLVING THE PROBLEMS OF THIS COUNTRY.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	4/25/06 8:52 AM
15282	"A few are getting rich off of the way the system is currently set up, (Pharmaceutical companies, Insurance companies) while the majority of people are unable to access a means to good health. "	"The US Government should be the primary ""insurer"", which brings into play the economy of scale.  The government, if it would do its job properly, would ensure research and results are utilized for the common good."	"I believe the government should ensure that the possibility of a healthy lifestyle is equally available for all.  Individuals can take responsibility for leading ""affordable"" healthy lifestyles, while paying a ""sliding"" rate for Universal ""Curative"" health insurance provided by the government. "	"Stop subsidizing farmers and companies that provide unhealthy foods.  Subsidize healthy food, if anything, and make it illegal to profit (as pharmaceuticals and health insurance companies currently do) from the public health arena.  Do not allow pharmaceuticals to advertise anymore."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	4/25/06 9:07 AM
15316	1.  Availability of Health Insurance      - Too many uninsured or underinsured      - People with pre-existing or chronic conditions often can't get insurance at any price  2.  Cost of Health Insurance      - Administrative overhead costs are too high and unsustainable      - Excessive employer insurance costs are making us globally uncompetitive	"Several possibilities:  1.  Single payer - expand medicare or VA-type programs to provide universal coverage, or  2.  Provide and enforce standards for private health insurance policies.  These standardized policies must be available to all and would be offered in a competitive marketplace (similar to the Medi-Gap A, B, C, etc. standard policies)"	"Don't know - that;'s why we need leadership from our government (both federal and state) to define trade-offs, research alternatives and costs, and select the best course of action."	"Stop letting special interests (drug compnies, HMO's, etc.) set public policy.  Their concerns and recommendations should be heard, but our healthcare policy must reflect the needs of the American people, not the economic interests of a few for-profit groups."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/25/06 11:44 AM
15354	the high cost of insurance for those who can barely afford to pay plust the thousands who have no health insurance.  	I don't have an answer but I believe the federal government should do more in this area.  	"I believe if Americans believed that their taxes were truly going for a worhty cause they would support an affordable, high quality health care.  "	That every American have access to health care.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	4/25/06 1:29 PM
15391	What concerns me most at this point is the idea of medical savings accounts.  From what I have read they will undercut the concept of shared risk in the insuurance coverage that exists. In any event they are for the well off and not those struggling to pay their bills.  Even for the better off they will impact on what is paid for insurance premiums.  Bottom line in my mind is that they are a bad idea as part of ANY government program.	A government run mandatory national program like medicare but for all would begin to bring heath care cost under control by allowing negotiations with health providors for more efficient delivery of drugs and services.	I think they might be willing to trade off freedom of choice for a system that was seen as fair and reasonable.	Some way has to be found to include those who are presently not covered.	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	4/25/06 2:39 PM
15474	"I am a person with a disability with medical insurance, Capital Blue Cross and Medicare. I need more and more as my medical condition progresses but I get less, especially with durable medical equipment.         "	"Yes, charge les and not so much paperwork which is very costly."	"None, oursacrifices are much too great now."	Coompassionn is sorely lacking.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/25/06 6:30 PM
15480	"In the world's most well-developed nation, the leader of the free world, there are still citizens who lack any form of health insurance or coverage. Sudden medical emergency is the number one cause of instant bankruptcy in the country. This is inexcusable."	"The government should pay for basic healthcare needs for every citizen. Health care places unneeded cost burdens on far too many American individuals, and employers occassionally refuse to pay for worker's health care. All citizens need to be guaranteed their inalienable right to life through a socialized medicinal system."	"Americans are willing to pay more taxes for universal access healthcare, provided that the system is streamlined and made more efficient. Canada spends a lesser percentage of its GDP on health care, yet its people live longer and healthier than Americans do. Keeping malpractice suits under control is critical to making this cost-effective, but it can result in our doctors also enjoying a better lifestyle. Americans will pay taxes for health care if they do not have to pay dues to corporations for it."	"The system needs to be nationalized and run for use and improving lifestyles, rather than for profit. Free market competition and skyrocketing prices are hurting Americans. Far too many are left behind with nothing in the current system."	male	Under 25	No	White	Some high school	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	4/25/06 6:46 PM
15508	"The cost prohibits many from getting services that could prevent problems in the future. Some examples, eye doctors, dentist and specialists."	I feel government needs to help assure than more Americans are able to have health coverage. If it means less is being spent to save other countries than that decision needs to be made.	"I don't thin many are willing to make trade offs but there has to be money is the Federal Budget that could be freed up to cover more people.  Some of the purchases, payrolls and projects that do not affect our health and safety should be looked at first."	"Begin to look at ways to cut our Federal and State budgets of excess.  Cut out paying for meetings, luncheons and other budget items like this.  Also look at the pay rate in higher government vs the average American worker.  Our families are no longer able to afford what is needed on the salaries they are being paid.  The difference is becoming more and more defined."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	4/25/06 9:29 PM
15518	"Access - 46 million uninsured is sinful.  Administrative waste - Medicare spends 3% on admin. while private insurers spend 15-25%.    Prescription drug costs - price increases are way above inflation  Too many specialists and not enough primary care doctors - specialists charge more, do more testing and don't necessarily have better outcomes.  In addition, they rarely go to rural and underserved areas."	"We need a single payer system that is funded by all of the above.  Employers would be responsible for a certain amount, government would cover those in Medicaid and Medicare and individuals would be responsible for a portion based on income.  This would be a public/private funded insurance plan that would allow you to choose whatever doctor you please.  It would be portable and there would be no pre-existing exclusions. "	NULL	single payer health plan	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	4/25/06 10:50 PM
15565	"Huge number of people un- or under-insured people; most of these folks will be sicker by the time they seek health care and by this point it would have been cheaper to treat earlier or do something even earlier and less expensive-provide preventative care, wellness programs really make sense!"	"Single payer, single payer, single payer!!!!!  The feds need to open up Medicare/Medicaid to every one on sliding scale to make it affordable.  They also need to rewrite regs and remove many of the outmoded restrictions contained in Medicare/caid regs that work to NOT improve health but ""save money""--this generally ends up costing more in the large picture"	"We don't need any tradeoffs.  This country can afford quality health care for all, our ""leaders"" just need to acknowledge that the majority of Americans support universal health care and get off their butts and stop taking bribes from the corporations!.  We just need to stop allowing the insurance and pharmaceutical corporations to rape and pillage the American people. (Medicare Part D, as it is currently ""working"" is a good example of this)"	"Provide quality health care to ALL,  We will all benefit from everyone else's health--financially, socially, "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	4/26/06 10:33 AM
15578	I have a friend that is ill and should retire but he is not yet 65 and is afraid of losing health   coverage and private insurance would either be unavailable or too costly. Something is wrong with our system.	We should have a Medicare type system for everyone and corporations could pay a tax towards its cost. People could still upgrade their coverage or downgrade to HMO just like Medicare.	"To be  frank I dont think Middle class Americans are willing to give up their preceived""good"" coverage - but would be willing to pay to have it. No one wants to wait 6 months for an operation  even if it is not life threatening."	single payer health insurance.	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	4/26/06 11:33 AM
15580	skyrocketing costs that provide for less coverage.  I pay more today for insurance and my co-pays are higher than ever. 	"I think that the government should provide insurance coverage over a certain dollar amount for all Americans .  The average working American (with family) would be responsible for the first say $10,000 and then government would pay 100% coverage over that amount on an annual basis. Individuals who are financially well off will be able to obtain medical care from private institutions, but government coverage would only apply for public institutions.  "	"I think that the overall cost of insurance would be decreased if the governement would take over basis healthcare.  There might be a slight reduction in the quality of care, but the cost to the average working American family would be greatly reduced."	We are effectively providing hundreds of billions in hand outs to people all over the world. Why not start taking care of our own citizens first.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	4/26/06 11:38 AM
15589	"the expense and the inequitable distribution/availability of resources. we waste a lot of money on ""cures"" and very little on prevention. we spend a lot of money on futile end-of-life ""heroic measures"" to ""do whatever it takes"" and very little money/attention on keeping people healthy in the first place. that's really, really dumb. "	"i think an employer-based system is a problem given that most people don't stay in the same jobs for their whole lives, and many people don't have jobs at all, or in the traditional sense. i don't see anything wrong w/ a govt-administered single pay plan. for all of the problems that we may have w/ m'care/m'caid, the reality is that they do a better job for less money than most other insurers, and a greater percentage of the ""premium"" goes to actual healthcare delivery than is the case w/ any other insurer. m'care's overhead for administration is in the single digits, much lower than for-profit health insurers."	"unfortunately, i don't people are willing to make trade-offs. that's part of how we got into this problem in the first place. personally i think that just because we have technological cababilities doesn't mean we hav to use them all the time. so having the fanciest most expensive test just to ""make sure"" is a total waste of $$ much of the time, when common sense is a good, inexpensive alternative."	"single-payer, universal coverage system."	female	25 to 44	No	NULL	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	4/26/06 11:58 AM
15613	"Because of the ever rising costs our current system is totally unacceptible.  Only the poor and the rich are being served and it is destorying middle America. It is the moral obligation of Government to provide for the general welfare of the people who are goverened and with Health Care this is not being done.  Older Americans planned, saved and retired and had no inkling that Health Care costs would increase so dramatically.  They now often cannot access the medications and care, especially long term nursing care, that they need and they have no way to fix it.  They end up on Medicaid, Medicare or both and private insurace just keeps reducing benefits and raising premiums so eventually virtually everyone is reduced to poverty.  We still have private industry making large profits from citizens misfortune and receiving Governemnt funds.  Additionally the lack of Mental Health treatment for citizens is directly causing increased crimal activity and taxpayer costs for incarcerating ill people when medication management is safer and more cost effective. Even Governemnts employers are reducing health care benefits for retirees. Additonally we have come to the point that insurance companies rule not only how you will live but how you will die by dictating what services are appropiate for someone who is ill.  The Doctors have lost control and face even more Malpractice premiums since they have to make choices based on limited information due to monetary restraints.  Our system is so poor that it is esentially ruining the American Way of life and Dream. "	We need a Government run system.  I know it's something that frightens Americans but I see no other pausible solution.  Governemnt medical costs are skyrocketing anyway and putting off this inevitible step just keeps making profit avialable from isfortune and wasting more and more money that could be spent to help our citizens.	I'm willing to look at a system similar to the Washington State Study done in the 1980's that limits services based on what is cost effective.  Do we spend $2 million dollars trying to save one baby who weighs only 1 pound or vacimate $1 million citizens? We have to realize that there are limited resources and logically figure out how to best serve the most for the money.  MOst American's try not to think about Health Care much until they have to and then it's too late.  	We Must have a Government run system.  	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	4/26/06 1:05 PM
15621	NULL	NULL	NULL	"This system is broken, broken, in my opinion, beyond repair. All of the options NFIB has concerning this problem are merely band aide, or in some cases, bandage approaches. We need this issue fixed, and until our legislative body sits up, and gets tough, for the American people as a whole, this system is just going to become more & more cumbersome. As it is now we are fixing previous fixes.     We are dealing with people’s health here not a battle ship. I am sure, if we, The United States, had a boat in this condition, everyone would agree to condemn it! GET TOUGH & DO THE RIGHT THING... START OVER! OVER FROM THE GROUND UP!    Don't suggest tempory fixes, suggest a new system. This is not working, and has not been for a long, long time! "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ME	4/26/06 1:53 PM
15639	The cost - adequate health care is too often unattainable for the poor and elderly	The division of responsibility for payment between the three.	NULL	More access to quality health care; a system that allows an equitable level of care for all who need it.	female	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OK	4/26/06 3:00 PM
15640	"What concerns me the most about healthcare in America today is the amount of power the health insurance companies have over our government/elected officials.  Health care costs keep climbing, and we read in the paper that the executives at these companies are receiving huge bonuses.  We need to put some controls on the insurance industry as they are the ones driving up the costs of health care.  I think if anybody needs to pay into the government so that underserved citizens can receive quality health care, it should be the insurance industry.  Better yet, let's use a large portion of the money spent on campaign financing toward covering the uninsured.  Problem solved right there."	Yes--read above.	"I don't think any more needs to be expected of the american public--the focus is spent too much on increasing taxes and burdening the already burdened public.  Most people like myself cannot afford to pay any more.  We need to start regulating the insurance industry.  They don't pay the providers when they should.  I work in a medical billing office, and it is very difficult to get insurance companies to pay for the services that they cover.  They delay payments or deny them when they should be paying them."	As I stated before--we need to put some controls on the insurance industry.  Place a ceiling on the amount of bonuses the executives receive.  Fine insurance companies for not paying within a certain amount of time.  Force them to decrease their insurance rates.  	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MT	4/26/06 3:04 PM
15645	My major concerns about health care in America are (1) the growing number of people not covered; (2) the growing impact of cost; (3) the lessening of choice and care within the system for those who are unable to afford insurance; our lack of desire to truly tackle the big issues rather than place band-aides on smaller issues.	I believe we are going to need to move towards a universal and comprehensive system of health care - meaning all have access to a minimum level of health care services. I believe we need to pay what we are able to pay and not expect it to be without cost and responsibility on all our parts - whatever our status in life.	"I wish I knew! It seems many want the services but do not want to pay for them - people from all walks and status of life. Yet, our personal finances cannot operate that way for long, so I'm not sure why we think ""government"" services can operate that way."	"We need health care system, not an illness or sickness system. Our current system still seems steeped in treating ""conditions"" when they occur rather than supporting/encouraging healthy lifestyles and heading off ""conditions"" prior to them surfacing."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SD	4/26/06 3:23 PM
15647	It is becoming very difficult to afford. The new part D medicare RX plan is very complicated for the people it was created for to use. Not negotiating with the Drug companies for a reduced price is outrageous!!! Not is the best interest of those being served. 	"Payments by individuals and small employers, the ones least able to pay the high rising costs,  could be evened out more. Risk/costs spred out in a more affordable way."	I'm willing to pay my share in taxes to have the benefit of quality health care for everyone. Not just those that can afford the high premiums. a sliding cost co-pay is good in that it insures appreciation for what they are recieving. People need to also take responsibility when they are able or to the extent they are able.	Make health care affordable to the people and noot do it while fattening up someone elses pocket books. Try for a win - win situation between the provideres and the recipients.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	4/26/06 3:26 PM
15690	"The fact that I work 40+ hours a week and I can't afford health insurance coverage for my family.  I hate that we have so many people who don't work and get medicaid, a llink card and everything else handed to them and I work and can't make ends meet.  There is something wrong with this system.  Maybe I should quit my job and get to move into a brand new home built for low income and have a medical card and a link card and money to boot.  What is wrong with this system???"	"I don't mind paying for insurance, I want to pay for my insurance, but it sure yanks my chain when some people get everything for nothing, including dental and vision.  I can't afford to have those benefits. "	NULL	"Well, for starters, maybe we should have some of our Goverment Officials start paying for their own insurance and not having the tax payers cover their butts!!!"	female	25 to 44	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	4/26/06 4:45 PM
15706	"Obesity, government subsidities, portion sizes, and lack of physical activity"	"Yes, spend more on preventitive areas.  Physicians and providers should be addressing poor eating habits and lack of physical activities with all cu"	"Lower cost for those who actively make lifestyle changes, as in the long run will decrease their health care costs"	Cut down on portion sizes and provide opportunities to increase physical activity	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MT	4/26/06 5:54 PM
15718	Not avaliable or not enough coverage. To much corruption in the medical/insurance industry.	"Single payer. Much more enforcement. When insurers or hospitals are found to be inflating a bill, put them in jail."	single payer	single payer and enforcement of medical profession corruption.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WY	4/26/06 7:17 PM
15725	I am concerned that so many Americans are uninsured or underinsured due to the high cost of health care and health care insurance.  The cost of prescription drugs is outragous.	Take a look at the system in country's with socialized medicine (especially Norway).  There has to be a way to find a system like that which would work for the US.	" I think we live in a very selfish society.  I'm not sure most people are willing to make any sacrifices.  People give lip service to wanting change, but don't want to give up much personally."	"We need to provide health care for everyone.  Instead of trying to get rid of Medicare & Medicaid, we need to expand them so no one falls through the cracks"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	4/26/06 8:22 PM
15735	"The Medicare/Medicaid budget crunches nationwide, the explosion of insurance rates and corresponding increase in numbers of uninsured, the government attack against the elderly in the Deficit Reduction Act, the influence of the pharmaceutical lobby on health care policy, & the marginization of populations dependent on the health care system (elderly, low income, disabled, minorities)."	"Well, savings devoted to health care by the young (21-34) would help. Government entitlements should remain high priorities and should be made solvent with appropriations. Employers should pay benefits when possible. Insurance companies should become person centered rather than corporate centered in providing affordable policies and simply paying valid claims."	I believe the people would be willing to forego tax cuts in favor of practical investment in health care programs both Federally and in States. I think the public is willing to try new approaches to health policy.	A) Spend more on domestic health issues  B) Reign in the Insurance Industry with regs  C) Make the health care system person centered	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MT	4/26/06 9:31 PM
15749	"Health care organizations are paid to perform procedures, they are not paid to perform high quality work. The financial incentive is to be expensive and inefficient. The incentives work, they provide more health care related activity than the public actually needs. They are driving up the cost of health care too fast and pricing health care out of the range of too many people."	NULL	NULL	"Health care organizatioins should be paid at a higher rate if they demonstrate, through statistical measures of outcomes, that they deliver higher quality. The reimbursement should be related to quality/dollar. "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	4/27/06 12:05 AM
15756	"Children, elderly, Disabilied, With out inc. and the pharmac. Co.s that have been allowed to take it away from us, and Govs. This dam un called for and lyed about war, the defecit. All the higher ups that Bush has payed off."	"It has been fine till Bush was elected now all USA has gone to hell, We will never get out of debt. thanks to him, and him paying all his rich cronies our money, now USA has none to give Get him out and elect Hillary at least she has and is trying and we are ready for a female President."	"Bush is first, trade off, the War, Pharm. Co.s go back to the old way where we work and pay for our own inc. and then we are covered and have a real retirement, what will our kids do it scares me to death.. no inc. no SS. nothing...and Bush is still trying to take it away to pay for the war."	Every one in the USA should have health care Pd. For by our working for it and the young and elderly and disablied it is up to us all to care for them that is why we have elections to get in the RIGHT people to figure it out for us not steal us blind.	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	4/27/06 1:43 AM
15761	affordability	yes we should have a 1 payer system	flat 2% tax on all income	NULL	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/27/06 7:29 AM
15785	Quality of care  Access to care  Affordability	NULL	Increased taxes	"Basic, preventative care should be made available to all."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	4/27/06 9:49 AM
15797	"States that are, in relative terms, healthy and effective and efficient in the use of healthcare resources are penalized in regard to federal program payments.  I live in Minnesota; a healthy and efficient state by all measures, but because we utilize less in terms of medical needs payments from medicare are smaller than for other less healthy and/or less efficient states.  The less healthy and/or less efficient states should be incentivized to make positive changes through a more appropriately managed and run medicare (and other federal) program(s): Healthy and/or efficient states should receive higher payments (refelecting the positive efforts and models in place) and less healthy and/or less efficient states should receive reduced payments (as an incentive to improve)."	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	4/27/06 10:50 AM
15827	The lack access to equal care if you poor!	"I'm not sure how, but it needs to be affordable to all ""American citizens"". "	Stop sending American money over seas. Take care of America FIRST!	"Do away with clinics. They the poor aren't treated with respect. Equalize all health care to all people. Every Doctor & Hospital, should be mandated to accept medicaid! no exceptions!!"	male	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	4/27/06 1:23 PM
15837	Costs by far are the most pressing problem facing the health care system and consumers.	"A very large percentage of the money spent on health care in the U.S. is through Medicare and Medicaid. We have a system that for all intents and purposes is a government system. The ""competition"" supposedly introduced by competing health plans and providers has failed. It is a national shame that we have nearly 50 million Americans without health care coverage."	"I don't understand why there has to be trade-offs. If the system were run like Medicare and the Federal government used its power to limit provider's in the system to reasonable costs and sent patients elsewhere if they didn't get the job done, I don't think we would have to spend as much on health care as we are today, and everyone would be covered. "	Universal health coverage for all citizens. Period. The United States must catch up with other developed nations (Norway and Canada come to mind) in making sure that everyone has equal access to the highest quality care available. Perhaps we could cut down on the number of bombs and bombers and take care of the most vulnerable people in society.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	4/27/06 1:48 PM
15855	Lack of coverage for all people.  Lack of parity for mental illness.	We need a universal health care system.  We need to quit making insurance and drug companies rich and take care of the people	"Higher taxes, less spending on military."	Single payor system.	female	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	4/27/06 3:07 PM
15894	"ALL industrialized nations (and many not so industrialized)have systems that guarantee access to all theur people,except us. This is a national disgrace pushed by the criminal insurance & pharmaceutical industries."	Employment or the lack thereof should have NOTHING to do with health care.	Taxes.	"A system similar to medicare.Medicare patients have access to MD of choice & get excellent care.I know.I practiced in the 2nd.poorest of 67 FL counties for 31yrs.What genius decided that at 65 you get decent care,but at 64 it's OK to die.Yes DIE. I saw it regularly for 3 decades until I retired at 60 due to ill health 6 mos.ago."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	4/27/06 6:38 PM
15899	Cost and Quality.	"I think a single payer, national health program needs to be implemented. No payments to employers would be necessary."	"The american public is willing for government to increase revenues, by raising taxes, allocating money differently and creating incentives. "	Single Payer Health Sytem. 	male	Under 25	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	4/27/06 7:11 PM
15951	The involvement of our corrupt and bungling government fueled by an inept congress over a period of the past 40 years. 	"Yes, don't elect T. Kennedy, H. Clinton, and others who know nothing; especially about healh care and what responsible citizens really want and think!"	"The dependent American Citizen is willing to allow the govenment to mandate everything they do, as long as their government is willing to pay their way. You can trace it all back to the Great Society of LBJ and all the others who pander for votes."	"Let the market forces work.  If governmsnts were not involved, corruption in the system would reduce greatly since the incentives to rip-off the sponsered programs would cease.  Those who can't pay would find good services in charitable clinics."	male	Over 64	No	NULL	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	4/28/06 11:04 AM
15959	My biggest concern this the affordability of health care - most people can not afford health care and so they go without.	I think we should have a national health care plan so EVERYONE could get access to medical care when needed.	"I think that most people would be willing to trade trade health coverage for cost, meaning that even if it was not great health care, at least you could see a Dr for basic care. If you could afford to recieve good health care then you could get it. Some is better than none."	"Make Health Care more affordable and accessable to the american public. It is not even the ""poor"" who can not afford health coverage anymore, it is the average american and american  business."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	4/28/06 11:52 AM
15962	It is extremely difficult and/or impossible to obtain insurance when you have pre-existing medical conditions.  This group of people is continually discriminated against when they attempt to obtain coverage if they do not have it at work. 	No response	No response	"Stop discriminating against those with pre-existing conditions.  It is not their fault that they have these conditions, and it is unfair to penalize them because they do."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	4/28/06 11:55 AM
16006	"The disproportion between cost and quality. America spends 10 times more than European countries, but our quality of care is not even as good."	"More from the government, a little less from individuals, and no old, young, or indigent person should ever have to pay. "	Increased taxes slightly to fund healthcare. $150 dollars a year from each taxpayer would be a good start.	NOTHING should be more important than healthcare.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OK	4/28/06 3:44 PM
16013	"Uncontrolled costs and unequal access!  Those of us lucky enough to have insurance are at the mercy of our providers and in danger of being priced out.  ALSO -- we need to incorporate wellness-oriented care, including so-called alternative methods(eastern and naturopathic)into our American vision of health care."	"Employers and government should shoulder most of the burden.  Individual contributions should be structured to be affordable, yet encourage us to make resonable decisions about what services and medications we really need."	"Families could make co-payments and meet annual deductibles on a sliding scale based on need.  Almost no care would be ""free."" But contributions could be based on ability to pay."	Health insurance must be controlled or taken over by the government.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	4/28/06 4:41 PM
16052	The continually rising costs of care.....which then is reflected in rising premiums.    I feel we need to figure out and address the true issues behind the rising costs.  One of those issues needing addressed is tort reform.	"Additional tax benefits for purchasing health insurance - make them available to individual purchasers, not just group.  I'd rather see this than a national health care system.  "	"Personally I think the American public is expecting too much from the government on this issue.  So I'm not sure they're willing to make any tradeoffs.    I personally would like to see benefits reduced, in the form of only providing higher deductible health plans (even if those start out at $1000, which actually seems rather low to me).  That way people have to make informed decisions about what care to seek, when to seek it and from whom to seek it.  I like the consumer driven health care/HDHP concept due to this with the corresponding Health Savings Accounts that helps a person pay for care tax free.    When people don't see anything but a simple co-pay for services, they frequently don't realize the true cost of those services.   "	"Be proactive as a nation to educate individuals on health issues.  We need to improve our health (e.g. don't allow schools to sell sweets and pop in the vending machines, instead off healthy alternatives).  If we had a healthier lifestyle, there would be fewer health problems.  With continually improving technology, we expend less and less energy to accomplish tasks that use to require physical movement/energy.  Encourage and promote a return to physical movement (e.g. design roads with wide bicycle lanes along side them so more people could cycle to work). Provide a tax incentive for purchasing a bicycle instead of an SUV! Provide funding for exercise parks, where people of all socioeconomic backgrounds could afford to ""work out"".  We need to be proactive in promoting good health rather than just reactive in trying to figure out how to pay for health problems.  This relates to healthly lifestyles also, e.g. - more and more people are thrill seeking (bungie jumping, skydiving, fourwheeling, etc.).  I would propose that your average health insurance policy exclude coverage if hurt in certain types of endeavors such as these.  Rather, create an additional policy that a person could purchase on top of their normal health insurance that would cover high risk/dangerous activities such as the above (or make it an opptional additional cost rider to the original policy.)"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MT	4/28/06 6:36 PM
16069	It is not generally available. More and more employers are not offering affordable health care as a benefit. Small businesses face exorbitant costs in trying to provide health care benefits to their employees. Most cannot do it and are at a distinct disadvantage over larger corporations in hiring qualified and talented people. 	"Yes, we need to look towards more universal coverage. Currently the government only pays for those who are impoverished, individual or private coverage is only for the very healthy or the very wealthy and more and more employers are opting to drop coverage for their employees, leaving vast numbers of us for whom adequate health insurance or care is virtually impossible to obtain, and out of pocket health care costs can send us into bankruptcy at any moment. We therefore need a system where the government continues to pay for health care of those below the poverty level and everyone else can obtain health care by paying a reasonable premium. "	"I think we are at least willing to use more generic drugs and to forgo the use of the latest drugs, especially when research is inconclusive on the superiority of these latest drugs. I also think that more Americans are amenable to incentives that encourage us to live healthier lifestyles, thus reducing costs."	"Eliminate the patchwork of private insurance companies, each with its administrative overhead that adds so much to the cost of healthcare in this country without adding any value."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	4/28/06 7:45 PM
16105	Lack of affordability. 	"We need to completely take the ""profit motive"" out of health care.  Health care should be a right for every citizen. Get rid of the insurance companies. Make the drug companies accountable for the tax dollars they receive to make new drugs in the form of MUCH lower prices for all medicine."	"I am not sure the average American understands what ""single payer"" means but we certainly can educate folks if the insurance and drug companies can be drowned out by the real facts."	"As above, have a single payer system, COVER MENTAL HEALTH AND ILLNESS AS ANY OTHER PHYSICAL ILLNESS, and stop gouging the American public for what they have a right to.  Safe, affordable health care the way the Europeans do it."	female	Over 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	4/29/06 10:37 AM
16146	No source for affordable insurance for those who retire before age 65.	"Government entities should form large, geographical groups for the purpose of purchasing insurance.  EVERYONE in the geographical area should be eligible for coverage at the group price.  END ""CHERRY PICKING"" BY INSURERS."	A slight increase in taxes to pay for administration of regional health insurance plans.	"Level the playing field!  Insurance ""groups"" should be defined and administered geographically.  I believe that a good group size should be between 1 million and 50 million people.  For example, to level age issues Florida might want to partner with Indiana."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	4/29/06 5:37 PM
16151	lack of care. incentives to over/under treat no preventive medicine	government - single payer	"access to healthcare is something most want, few have - trading nothing for something - sounds like a winner"	all americans need to be confident that they can afford to seek care for health problems. in addition access to preventive services and health screening should be available to avoid finding illness when it is very late in the game.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	4/29/06 6:55 PM
16160	"that is a stupid survey! i cannot believe that anyone with a college degree wrote that survey. that is neither scientifically valid, relevent or meaningful. if the republican government was really interested in what we think this ruvey would be (1) well-written and (2) publicized. what a joke. "	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	4/29/06 9:12 PM
16180	"Affordability-- from insurance premiums to out-of-pocket costs, it is becoming more difficult for people to afford health care, and people are suffering and dying needlessly because of it. I am also concerned that insurance companies have too much say in the management of health care. They are not medical professionals! Likewise, physicians are so concerned about the bottom line that they compromise care as well, selling out to pharmaceutical bribery, providing poor care due to litigation fears, etc. Also, insurance companies should not be for-profit!"	"A sliding-scale, pro-rated system which charges according to ability to pay. As costs-of-living vary by community, local determinants may be better than federal guidelines. The government would likely need to subsidize this quite a bit."	"I really do think Americans would be willing to pay higher taxes to support affordable high-quality health care for everyone, especially if it means lower (or no) insurance premiums. It's merely a redistribution of money."	Sliding scale-- you pay what you can afford.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	4/30/06 8:49 AM
16183	NULL	NULL	NULL	I think if you are not covered by a company plan  take the federal gov. plan and their co-pay and let the uninsured pay the difference just like a federal employee would for their health care. Even if someone does not work for the federal goverment we still pay taxes so they can have health insurance.   We need the same chance to cover our families.	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	4/30/06 9:25 AM
16191	the high cost of health care and the high cost of health insurance	NULL	"probably increase the deductable before a co-pay, if the cost of the insurance could be reduced"	"The health care standard is centainly far beyond what it was 20 years ago.  Delaware being a small state cannot combine with another state to lower the average age of the policy holder, thus the premium of very high no manner who makes the payments  as outlined in the question above. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DE	4/30/06 11:14 AM
16203	"Here are a few statistics that completely boggle my mind, and why there are people that are not concerned about this issue is beyond my comprehension.    45.8 people in this country are uninsured.  700,000 people in Colorado are uninsured.  16% in Colorado are uninsured.  18,000 people die annually due to being uninsured.  40% with moderate income go uninsured.  50% of bankruptcies are due to being uninsured.    Personally, I am one of those who is not insurable.  I can get individual insurance, but not covering the things I need to be covered.  What that equates to is if I were to pay for insurance @ $400/month, I would pay an extra $500/month for the prescriptions that the insurance would not cover.  This does not include doctor visits or any hospital stays.  If I have $1,000 for an income, then paying for insurance in addition to the prescriptions would leave me a whopping $100/month to pay for mortgage, food, heating, gasoline, etc.    What the major insurance companies want from us is equivalent to paying for an automobile costing $30,000, and then signing an agreement to not use the car for anything.  Who in their right mind would do that?    Medicaid is not an option because I have assets, which exclude me from their services.  The high risk pool in our state would cost $900/month.  Insurance is only available through employment, but there might be a waiting period of weeks to months before you can participate.  If you have a health condition, you may be required to wait for up to a year before coverage begins.  In the mean time, you may get laid off.    The situation is becoming more difficult as more and more employers are hiring temporary employees to avoid paying for benefits.  Small business owners do not have the funds to pay for employees' insurance in many cases.    Medical clinics and doctor's offices are closing their doors and going out of business.  In the rural areas people are being forced into using facilities up to 50 miles away.  Somebody could die because of travel time.    Hospitals are refusing care for people without insurance or the ability to pay for their services up front.    "	"Use a combination of government, individual, employers, or universal care, but include everyone.  The pooling system is not working.  The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 only addresses those who are employed and with group insurance.  It does not address individuals or the unemployed.  With the increase of employers dumping employees because of cut-backs or avoidance of paying benefits, out society has changed where the gap is wide enough that if individuals were pooled into one group, they would be covered."	"What trade-offs do you think the American public is already making?  They are experiencing less coverage, lower quality of care, increased cost of insurance, waiting lines, refusal of care, bankruptcy, and the biggest one - death!  "	"Consider Universal Health Care, the Canadian model, Single-payer systems, ammending the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, do away with Health Savings Accounts because they are only good for those who have health insurance, increase the Medicaid limit to include those with moderate income, lower the cost of high risk pools, do away with the high risk pool systems, and most of all DO WHAT EVER WORKS THE BEST.  If that doesn't work, keep tweeking it until it does work."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	4/30/06 2:10 PM
16223	"The fact that I pay so much money for health insurance yet when I see a doctor or get a prescription it still costs me so much money with copays and deductibles.  Plus, the fact that my insurance company dictates what procedures and medicines it will and will not cover regardless of whether my doctor finds these things medically necessary or not."	I think in this country access to affordable health care should be a right not a privilege.  The working class pays enough taxes that we should be able to see doctors without paying so much.  I am a graduate student and pay taxes for medicaid to support poor people and unwed mothers with children yet I can barely afford to see a doctor myself.  Why am I working so hard to receive minimal benefits???  I don't think insurance companies should have so much power and I think procedures should be offered on a sliding scale basis based on income.	I don't think as the most technologically advanced and wealthiest country in the world that the public should have to make trade offs with their most important asset - their health.	Decrease the outrageous prices and take control away from the insurance companies.  I went for a 30 minute consultation with a doctor for a chronic condition and the bill was over $800 which is over half of my salary for the month!  Then I had to argue with my insurance company for over six months to pay even part of the bill!!!  This is unacceptable!	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	4/30/06 7:53 PM
16241	The lack of affordable care for all US citizens.	"Yes. number one get big business out of the government. nothing good for the average citizen can be accomplished with the lobby system in government. socialized medicine should be considered,you could pay for it by a national sales tax. The large insurance companies are making billions of dollars every year, plus the doctors and hospitals have to hire hundreds of extra people just to file insurance forms. Many cannot afford the insurance so when they go to the emergency room the costs are passed on to people that have insurance in the form of higher costs for everything. Require all of congress and the president to use the same insurance system the rest of the citizens use, nothing special like they have now. The very low income people can file for a tax refund at the end of the year to be reimbursed for part of the tax but not all.some deductables would still need to apply as the canadians have with their system. Taking the large profits the insurance companies make and all the extra employees related to insurance would greatly reduce the cost of medical care. The large hospital corporations in America are making billions of dollars every year to make share holders happy all of which drives up the cost of medicine for everyone. with the large number of people working for cash and not paying anything for their care they would be paying their share with a national sales tax. "	If eveyone paid part of the cost it would be affordable for all.See comments on previous section how to pay for health care	"Take the large corporations and insurance companies out of the medical business, which will make it affordable and less complicated for all."	male	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	4/30/06 10:49 PM
16271	The lack of good affordable care.  The mental health system is in shambles and actually is probably doing more harm than good.  We need providers to use evidence based practices and to be on the cutting edge rather than in the 1950's.	Employers should not be involved in paying for insurance.  It was a perk after the war to recruit people.  This system is archane and falling apart.  Ultimately it will be the government and individual's responsibility.	If quality affordable health care were available people might opt to pay for it rather than go through an insurance company.  High quality health care is not available and bad health care is not affordable.  Many young people have decided to opt out of health care and hope a healthy life style may protect them.  	Start with the mental health system and if that can provide good affordable care you will have a model to work from.  Also Doctors are going to have to stop the assembly line typr practices.  They need to take time with their patients and most importantly hone their listening skills.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	5/1/06 9:57 AM
16348	The exorbent costs of malpractice insurance are a huge contribution to the health care costs.  	No	Citizens should be willing to forego large court malpractice settlements to bring down the total cost of healthcare.  	Eliminate the ability for the court system to award large malpractice payments.  Only actual costs/out-of-pocket expenses should be considered.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	5/1/06 2:45 PM
16350	"That I as a hard working, tax paying, independent contractor cannot get health insurance. Let me tell you what I've never had. I've never had cancer, heart disease, or diabetes. In fact, I have never spent a night in a hospital. At 63, because I have mild carotid artery disease that is kept under control by diet, exercise, and medication, no insurance company will cover me, and yet, those same companies are opposed to the proposal before the U. S. Senate to allow groups such as NAR to offer affordable plans to it's members. I am two years away from medicare, and at this point I can only hope and pray that I do not have a health issue in the next two years that would destroy me financialy. "	Pass the legislation in congress to allow small groups and associations to offer affordable health insurance to their members.  Allow anyone to have a health savings account.  	NULL	NULL	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	5/1/06 3:08 PM
16362	The fact that so many people have no health care coverage.	Standardize expenses and share the load. Currently people with little or no insurance have to pay full price for any treatments while the insurance companies negotiate huge discounts yet often don't pay as quickly as the individual might.	"I think people are willing to wait longer for non-emergency care, have a step-up of care before seeing a specialist, see reductions in other types of spending, have higher deductibles, and perhaps more."	single payer system like England and Canada	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/1/06 3:51 PM
16418	Health care is NOT available to everyone; many of my friends and family members are among those lacking coverage.	"Universal single-payere works in all other industrial countries, and a program along the lines of that in Canada and In Taiwan would work well here."	"Financing must be broad-based; the income tax must become progressive again; over the last 2 decades, the highest rates have declined precipitously and taxes that apply for instance to social security and medicare now are paid by young, relatively low-income people---yet these young people receive no benefits. This is unfair."	Revise the concepts behind the system; make health care a service (like teaching for instance) that is for all residents.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	5/1/06 5:57 PM
16510	What concerns me the most about health care in America is when the elderly and the veterans who have fought for the nation have no insurance because it is either too expensive or unavailable.	NULL	NULL	Make GOOD health care available to ALL individuals NOT just those who are working or can afford it.  Those individuals whose income stream is under $50k should not be penalized.  They should be given access to good health care coverage just the same as those who are working.  HMO's are not an option.    	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	5/1/06 7:01 PM
16543	"I am concerned about medical litigation. Although I agree  that it is difficult to place a price on one's health. I think this environment of law suits and high settlement has increased medical liability costs and had a huge impact on the cost of healthcare. I think this has contributed to practioners leaving their practice and/or not treating certain types of patients. Cap rewards in law suits and decrease liability insurance. This will have trickle down effect. There should be some type of control on this. I am also concerned about the rising costs of healthcare. I personally spend more money on my premiums than what I would if I just paid for my doctor's visits myself, but I am afraid to not have insurance in case of a catastropic event."	"I think government should stay out of it. We mandate that everyone has home and auto insurance. Why can't we do the same with medical insurance? Group rates are often cheaper, so let's have a self-insured group rate and group them all together. If government is going to be involved, they should pay the price of the test and not what they want to pay. I can't go into a car lot and set my own price that doesn't cover the cost the dealer paid for the car. Why is government allowed to do that for healthcare? Too many people are accepted government hadnouts for healthcare instead of taking responsibility for their own health. I think that if you engage in high-risk behaviour (smoking, unprotected sex, eating hamburgers everyday) then when you get a resulting disease (lung cancer, STD, Heart disease) then you should have to pay for the remedy out of your own pocket. Stop smoking and use that money to pay for the treatment."	?????	Prevention. Too many people wait until they are sick to see the doctor or use the emergency department as their primary care physician instead of having regular exams and making health lifestyle choices.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/1/06 7:33 PM
16790	The cost.	We need universal health care with a single payor system.	I don't know.	We have to have universal health care with a single payor system.  The longer we wait the worse our health care situation is going to get.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	5/2/06 8:22 AM
16819	Affordability for everyone.  Getting the right medicines can mean life or death to many people.	Yes caps should be put on how much Drs. can charge for common procedures.	I think the American public has made enough sacrifices and  the burden should now fall on government	Perhaps the government should open low cost facilities to care for those of us who cannot afford the extremely high prices of helth care.	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	5/2/06 9:04 AM
16936	"That so many Americans either go without health care, or make choices based on what they can afford rather than what they need."	"It's untenable that the US, the ""world leader,"" doesn't provide some sort of basic health insurance for all its citizens. There is no excuse for such a wealthy nation to have its people going without medical care. I think the government should provide universal basic coverage for all citizens, of all ages. This can be enhanced by employer-provided insurance, or personal contributions."	"I can't speak for everyone, but I am willing to pay higher taxes. Mostly I think the tax system needs to be overhauled (ever seen the poster about the Defense Dept needing to hold bake sales?)--I would rather have my taxes go to providing all Americans with health care than to greasing the palms of big drug companies, oil companies, etc. "	Provide basic universal coverage for all citizens. There is NO excuse not to have this.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	5/2/06 12:33 PM
16982	"Reproductive health specifically, women's reproductive choices. "	More broader coverege.	"I don't feel that the American public is willing to give up or ""trade-off"" anything that might affect their lifestyles.  "	More affordable health care and better coverage.  	female	25 to 44	Yes	Other	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	5/2/06 2:36 PM
16987	"    I am most concerned about the lack of accountability for planning, funding, education, Quality evaluation and improvement, and infrastructure development (including education as well as distribution of ""bricks and mortar"").      This lack of planning and accountability has contributed to uncontrolled cost growth, and its evil twin, uninsurance and underinsurance.       I support a federally managed, tax supported universal single payer heath care planning and delivery system. Private insurance may supplement the Plan, but should not be allowed to duplicate the features of the plan. For-profit investment should not be allowed, since it has been shown to provide predominantly ""low overhead"" services to maximize financial return, and to avoid serving high risk or geographically remote populations. Advertising of drugs, procedures, hospitals, and individual providers should be strictly regulated, to avoid distortion of demand patterns.      Systematic outcome quality evaluation and improvement is an critical component. Outcome evaluation and feedback/education of providers and patients is a job that the present private insurance infrastructure may be able to assume, f they get adequate training and adequate protection from the influence of large stakeholders, such as the drug manufacturers. A national management board must be established, answerable to patients and providers for its decisions and procedures. Regionalization, a characteristic of the current highly successful VA system, will allow for comparison of different management approaches among regions.      The effectiveness of the National Health Plan should be subject to regular review and revision thrugh a public dialogue project similar to the work of the CHCWG.        Congress must be responsible for funding the Plan to a reaistic level. The Oregon Health Plan, when it was functioning without federal prohibitions, worked very well and equitably and provides a proven model.       Free market forces and finacial incentives have a limited place in the health care profession, but can be used selectively to influence patient and provider choices, and to manage large procurement decisions, such as drug purchases."	"     Please see my comment above. I favor a national tax supported, universal system. Private insurance has a limited role. Employers can contribute through workers compensation, and a payroll tax, if appropriate.       "	"     I can only speak for myself. I favor fairness and efficiency and quality. I would be glad to do without private insurace with its high overhead and tendency to sell to the healthy. I would be happy to dispense with advertising, if an effective education alternative were available to the public."	"     Design a system that preserves the role of the primary care provider, makes providers available to all , and educates the providers and patients in best practices"	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	5/2/06 2:50 PM
16991	"A number of issues:  high insurance deductibles, insurance covering less, not being insured when without or in between jobs (COBRA is a joke - who can afford it when unemployment barely covers the rent?)... free drugs to doctors, and I have to pay a premium for mine at the pharmacy...    I am also afraid that our society takes life too carelessly.  We abort babies when it is an ""unwanted"" pregnancy.  On the other end, we don't offer the elderly proper care to die in a dignified manner."	"Definitely.  For example, the tax breaks currently offered to businesses do not include not-for-profits.  I work for a not-for-profit hospital system that offers insurance BUT we get no tax breaks to do so, and it is becoming way too expensive.  In addition, we are foregoing raises just to keep our health care!"	"This is difficult.  We have become the society of the ""haves"" - no one wants to be the ""have-nots"".  But I'd be willing to go to doctors more in the HMO or PPO mode of operation - where you go to a doctor's office, but there might be 5-6 doctors, and you get the next in line..."	education.  We need to bring up the young with a better sense of preventative medical and health practices....	male	45 to 64	Yes	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	5/2/06 3:00 PM
17014	that there are millions of people without health care coverage and that those with coverage are not treated equally.	"Yes. Eliminate all the health insurance companies and go to a single payer,universal health care system"	"I personally would be willing to have health care premiums deducted from my paycheck or pension check, in the form of a combination of taxes and set copayment as Medicare and Kaiser now do.  "	Find a way to reduce the costs of medical care and prescription drugs. I believe that if there were a single payer system the government could negotiate for lower costs and provide more efficient medical care.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	5/2/06 4:10 PM
17025	What concerns me most about health care is the accessibility and cost of it. 	"Government could provide most of the funds for heatlh care because health is a big issue, and in order to have productive and well functioning members of society we need healthy individuals."	NULL	Create more low to no cost clinics in the inner citys and rural areas.	female	Under 25	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	5/2/06 4:46 PM
17047	"Affordability, access.  My biggest concern is whether I am going to be able to get the care I need, when I need it, and if I can afford to pay for it.  Dr's opinions seem to be lost in the insurance companies' rules and regulations.  I  was on medcations that worked very well, were affordable, and had proven, very low risks.  My work changed insurance carriers and these meds would no longer be covered.  The insurance company insisted I try other medcations( to save money, reduce risk)  neither was true,  I could not take any of the meds recommended, and the costs of the new meds was more than the original.  All the insurance company's recomendations were more expensive.  Did find out that the company making my orginal meds was not on the insurance company's (kick-back list).  That is my concern, who is treating me.  "	"I think the insurance companies have too much to say in who,what kind, with what, patience are treated.        I would feel better if I could pay my own way.  If we eliminated the middle people (insurance companies)  I could set aside my insurance payments for health care (without all the red tap, conditions of such plans now available).  I feel that Drs' offices, clinics, hospitals would all run more efficiently and more cost effectively if so much money wasn't being paid to to insurance work.  It seems to me most of the support staff in these offices are dealing with insurance."	I don't feel I have anything to trade off.  I feel trapped by the big insurance companies who control my care. 	Get the insurance companies out of the medical profession.   Let doctors be doctors and treat people the way they feel is best. 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	5/2/06 6:19 PM
17053	The ever rising cost. 	National health care	Modest tax.$50-$75/month more out of my check would be cheeper thanwhat I pay now.	Make it affordable and less out of my pocket.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	5/2/06 6:42 PM
17093	"That even Americans with insurance are paying increasingly higher rates for a declining level of care.  As a middle-class individual who has never had to worry about not having insurance, I find it disturbing that a recent study found that even wealthy, white Americans with health insurance had a health status on par with that of low-income Brits.  What's the point of paying higher and higher premiums for services that aren't on level with those offfered in countries with government-funded health care?"	"Yes, we should adopt a model similar to Canada's, where the government pays for most treatment.  As much as most insured Americans pay toward their health insurance premiums, that money could be better spent toward providing a safety net for every American."	"The truth is, very few Americans have access to affordable AND high-quality health care.  There's usually a choice between one or the other, and I think most Americans would be grateful to have a safety net that provides comparable care."	"Health care should be a basic right, and every American should have access to it."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	5/2/06 8:24 PM
17119	"The current high price of a gallon of gas could be lowered considerably if citizens would decrease their driving 3-5%.  Demand/supply drives the market price of health care as well.  I believe the government should sponsor very visible public communications highlighting the real crisis which not only exists currently, but is increasing daily in our nation.  Public awareness could result in a decrease in the unecessary drug and medical expenses incurred by all who are fortunate enough to have medical insurance.  "	government incentives which would encourage or penalize employers to establish and monitor wellness plans for their employees.  Lowering demand with education and wellness programs could lower the costs of health care.	"along with employee wellness plans, employees must have some policy limits on Doctors office calls and prescription drugs.  The insured public either doesn't remember or never experienced the time when insurance plans did not include DOCs and Priscription coverages both with co-pays.  Because they have no reason to think about the real cost of either."	"Education of insureds, employers, agents/brokers coordinated by and through government )federal, state and local governments) the insurance industry and health providers. "	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	5/2/06 10:18 PM
17151	The affordability and viability of our health care system!  More and more emplyers are either making noise about dropping health insurance as a benefit or actually doing it.  My 73 year old father just recently was notified that the company he had worked for over 20 years was dropping his health insurance.  He is a liver transplant patient on very expensive anti-rejection drugs.  We are now trying to find alternative coverage.  I don't see how the system will sustain itself as more and more employers drop health insurance.	We need some type of affordable coverage for those people who don't have any insurance available to them at all.  The private sector is way too expensive for families in the lower income range to afford it.  Perhaps more shared risk pools.  But I really don't have an answer.	"For one, those who practice unhealthy life styles ie: smoking, obesity, etc. should pay higher portions of their health insurance, while those who are have healtier life styles should get a break."	We need to rein in the tort system.  It has gotten totally out of hand.  As a nurse with over 20 years experience i have sen second hand what it has done to healthcare.  We spend so much time in paperwork and other anti-litigation measures that we have less and less time with patients.  It is drastically driving up the cost of healthcare.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	5/3/06 6:43 AM
17160	Stop rewarding doctors financially (incentives) to NOT give expensive tests when necessary. Drug companies must stop giving financial kick-backs to doctors for prescribing expensive drugs. There must be a top on the cost of prescription drugs.	NULL	We shouldn't have to make trade-offs to get affordable high quality health care which we already pay for.	Give medical care decisions back to the doctors andpatients and take it away from the HMOs.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	5/3/06 9:01 AM
17168	"The cost of insurance is prohibitive and in Maine where I live Dental insurance is not only almost unheard of, many dentists won't take it.  This leaves you to pay up front and then wait for the insurance company to mail you a check.  Dentists also perform unnecessary procedures (flouride rinse, regular xrays) to up the bill.  Also in some states like CA, many insurances won't pay for physicals, which I consider to be preventative medicine."	Health insurance should be available to everyone at a rate that won't cause them to have to choose between having the insurance and paying for basic life needs (like groceries).	"I work for an hourly wage.  I don't have nay ""benefits"" to speak of that I could ""trade off"".  I also carry insurance on myself and my children, but cannot afford to insure my spouse as that would cost me $100 more - per week!  The real problem I see is the ""haves"" (upper and upper middle income) people don't really care whether my husband can go to a doctor or I can afford medicine for my kids.  They probably won't be willing to give up anything because of course, they deserve what they have and have worked hard to attain their current level of comfort."	"Health care costs are way out of control.  When you go into an emergency room and they charge you $30 for a teenage mutant nija turtle bandiade, that's gouging.  Costs need to be examined and justified.  "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ME	5/3/06 9:42 AM
17187	When legislators try to strip State Laws that protect individuals right to full health care coverage.  S1955 should NOT be passed.  The NFIB will not be doing small business owners any favors by lobbying to pass this bill as currently written.	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	5/3/06 10:47 AM
17212	"Lack of continuity of care, lack of emphasis on prevention and lifestyle modification.  Need to promote breastfeeding and tell folks it is not OK to smoke cigarettes and go to McDonalds."	"I think a 2 tier system, private for those who choose to pay and a basic universal program that covers wellness and most medical services (esp. RX)"	"Higher taxes (we could pay for this instead of war) and look at rationing healthcare, ex.  Why do open heart on 90 year olds?"	We must improve access to the underserved and make Rx more affordable	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	5/3/06 11:54 AM
17242	"The 45 million uninsured individuals, that include me. "	"Employers should be encouraged to provide basic services to their employers- afterall, they receive subsidies, tax breaks and even have the gall to hide in tax shelters. "	"The idea of taxes deserves a major PR blitz where patriotism is likened to paying taxes- we should all do our duties, individuals and especially corporate entities. "	"If Congress really wants to improve health care for Americans, then they should remove all the lobbyists because it is clear that only their interests are represented (see Medicare ""windfall bill for pharmaceuticals"" bill) so that they can really approach the subject with innovative ideas and a real commitment for change. "	female	Under 25	Yes	Other	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	5/3/06 12:44 PM
17250	We need Universal Health Care.  Make Medicare the health insurance for every citizen.	A certain percentage of taxes from individuals and employers should go to Medicare so everyone can have access.	"If we are all paying into the same pool AND take responsibility for our health AND are protected by scientific health standards developed by NON-COMMERCIAL research, I don't think we'll need any trade offs.  Just a dramatic reduction in processed foods and an increase in walking would make a huge difference in this country.  "	"Stop advertising junk food.  Put a Surgeon General's warning on junk food.  Put money in advertising organic foods, grown by farmers right here in America."	male	25 to 44	Yes	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	5/3/06 12:59 PM
17261	"It is too expensive, and not everyone is covered."	"employer health care coverage should be a percentage not a flat fee.  Example:  Instead of everyone paying a $300 per month premium, employees should pay 0.4% of their gross salary ."	NULL	"I just moved back from living in the UK for the past 2 years, where the UK health care is very good.  We should model our solution after countries that are doing it correctly.    Free health care for all, including prescriptions that covers basic health care needs.  The ability to purchase additional health care insurance to cover ""non-basic"" needs.    Making it free to all will remove the red-tape, which will remove expense.  No more forms to fill out, no more administrators to process the forms.    Keep it simple.  Set pricing so that hospitals and doctors can make a reasonable living, more not a ""get rich"" killing.    Reduce the expense of training doctors.  Reduce the expense, or even eliminate the need, for malpractice insurance."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	5/3/06 1:14 PM
17273	Not getting benefits for children with autism.	go back to the major medical from the 60'2 and 70's. No paperwork. Don't have to woory what docotor you see or what hospital.	what are the priorities of the government. Spend less in other areas and more to have a 21st century health care system in the US as there is in so many other countries. 	"With autism as the fastest growing developemantal disability, find a way to insure these kids, becuase as of now, Americans and the government will be paying billions to house, feed, etc. all of these kids in the next 5 years. "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/3/06 1:42 PM
17284	"What concerns me most is the lack of access to services for many people.  I have never been without medical insurance - I have been very fortunate.  However, I now work in the medical field and I have seen how many people lack adequate medical coverage, which has been a pretty big shock to me.  People are going day to day without medications, or totally ignoring symptoms because they cannot afford to see a doctor."	"I don't think we should all pay the same dollar amount for medical insurance, but I think we should all pay the same percentage of our income.  People who make more money may be paying a higher amount, but not as punishment, this would act as more of an equalizer.  It could be like the Medicare tax, taken out of everybody's paychecks before they even get them, and everybody who works pays into the system and has access to that system for their needs and their dependent's needs."	"I don't think Americans would be happy with any trade-offs.  We are a greedy society.  But in my own opinion, as long as we have the same levels of care and availability for everyone and everbody sees that they are paying an equal portion for it, I think people could get used to paying just a little more.  It's people like myself who don't know what it's like to be without medical insurance who will whine and complain about a change.  But we really need this.  There are people suffering everyday.  I have seen it."	Make health care accessible and affordable for everyone.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/3/06 2:25 PM
17332	"The fact that their are millions of people that do not have access to healthcare, due to reasons, like money, transportation, class and race.Plus, the government doesn't seem to care, they care about the war in IRAQ, than the war here at home just to survive. "	"I think their should be universal health care, payed for by the government. If their are billions - trillions for war, there should be a few million to provide care for people. "	"The trade-off could be paying a universal healthcare tax, that is in accordance with their income, for example, if you are a millionare you should pay more taxes. "	"Make Universal Healthcare a priority in this country, in the long run, this approach will prove cost effective, more prevention will minimize the greater cost of the system we have now. "	male	Under 25	Yes	Other	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	5/3/06 4:24 PM
17333	"I am most concerned that drug companies are engaging in unethical and corrupt practices and no one is doing anything about it.  First of all, they should NOT be allowed to advertise.  It is ridiculous to assume that members of the public should identify to their medical professional the specific drug they believe they ""need.""  If that's the case, why is a perscription even necessary - duh!  Marketing directly to the public is insane and should be stopped.  Secondly, my doctor just found out that the drug companies have redefined ""generic"" to mean 80 percent identical.  This should NOT have been allowed, and needs to be investigated.  The drug industry must be reigned in - the sooner, the better.  That's one huge reason the public cannot afford medicine that they need.  The drug companies are getting rich at the public's expense and this should be stopped."	No.	Controlling the drug industry would be a great beginning.	Controlling the drug industry would be a great beginning.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	5/3/06 4:33 PM
17365	Health care costs make correct and timely care possible only for those that can afford it.	"Changes need to be made in Hospital, clinic and associated care facilities to provide quality, quantity and affordable health care. How does Canada do it?"	A trade off would be quick evaluation and decisions regarding necessity. Many individuals need psycho therapy instead of health care.	"Preventative eating habits. Insufficient diet of healthy foods and over indulgence of junk, fad and convience foods and beverages.  Obesity and it's opposite are the major health problem stimulaters.   P.>S. Nuclear waste is a health hazzard no matter where it is stored. I don't want it 50 miales from S.L.C. k"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/3/06 6:31 PM
17368	lack of affordable health care coverage	"Expand the Medicare system so everybody is covered. Keep it employer driven, but make sure that drug prices can be negotiated"	"If the new system is done correctly, see above  we all will be saving money in the long run. what people do not realize is that were all paying for universal health care, were just not getting it. "	Eliminate the insurance company and pharmaceutical profiteers who bleed the system. Allow for lower drug pricing like the VA does  Expand medicare for all. 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	5/3/06 6:40 PM
17390	"The fact that not all people have access to health care, which I feel is a fundamental right.    Our entire economy and society are distorted by the fact that health care is so toied into employer coverage and personal wealth.    We desperately need universal health care."	"We need a government providedsystem. Currently, employers that provide health care are subsidizing those that do not. We are all subsidizing companies like Walmart. ving people go to the emergency room drives health care up fpr all"	Higher taxes for universal care. May end up being cheaper in the long run.	Adopt universal health care.	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	5/3/06 8:46 PM
17400	WE ARE WATING OUR MONEY and GETTING WORSE CARE THAN OTHER WESTERN INDUSTRIALIZED NATIONS	Any public health oriented health worker knows that Canadians and most European nations and Japan get medical care for all their citizens through a government plan that costs the nation about half of what the US spends and the US has worse general health than the others by all modern health measures!	See above--No trade-offs necessary	" Give them the truth as PNHP and UHCAN are trying to do.  Your survey was very slanted , avoiding the truths about our present national health problems and answers"	male	Over 64	NULL	NULL	Graduate or professional degree	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	5/3/06 9:36 PM
17407	allowing drug companies to advertize prescription drugs    Medicare part D - I will not sign up  My Rx for the last 5 years was about $300  why would I start to pay $300 plus $250 deductible?	got to get a single payer plan    think how much you would save if drug companies stopped telling people to ask their doctor for junk like Celebrex	I think you could gain public support for some kind of government/private/employer paid program    Employers made these huge commitments and now they want out.....too costly	work for a healthier nation and less costly medical care    many places where health costs are unnecessarily high	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	5/3/06 9:55 PM
17418	"Lack of public's education about their bodies, how to protect their health, and their obligations to do so.    Limited access for many"	"  Health insurance should cover only the basics of healthcare, emphasis on PREVENTION PREVENTION PREVENTION, which HMOs sold us on and never delivered. HMO policies rapidly reverted to the old unworkable Medical Model and ignored preventive care which could save US billions $, and boost US productivity and salaries"	"I cannot speak about others.   I believe to make it work, the country must ensure that everyone gets high quality BASIC healthcare, including all preventive services and educational workshops.  All else to be paid out of other funds, incl. out of pocket.    Because I believe in higher levels of accountability by the public for ITS OWN HEALTH, I would recommend that each person / child receiving government health insurance or funding in any way be mandated to sign a Commitment Form.  This would list commitments to change lifestyle permanently  to prevent or ameliorate existant health problems. Each person would join health clinics on Stopping Smoking or Losing Weight or Stress Management or Exercise Classes  or Nutrition for Health or Anger Management or Interpersonal Relations  or Pain Managment  or  Rest and Sleep, etc.  EACH WOULD SIGN A CONTRACT TO ATTEND AND CONSULT AND COMPLY WITH lIFE STYLE RECOMMENDATIONS TO PREVENT OR IMPROVE THE HEALTH CONCERN they have identified along with their health practitioner.    FAILING to meet the time-sensitive, measurable goals set would require a meeting with the practitioner and team's staff, and an adjustment in any of the above parameters for the purpose of encouraging the patient's commitment and meeting new goals or timeline.    FAILING the goal(s), the patient wouold be nominated for being dropped from Medicaid or Medicare or SSI, etc., and given more support for one more attempt to follow jointly agreed instructions or make a follow-on appointmetn for a full reevaluation of the approaches used.    FAILING that, the patient would stop receiving all government funding for health care unless new information bearing on the health concern and its treatmetn is evaluated. (e.g., a new approach if a genetic basis or other fairly unalterable cause for the health concern is evidenced)     Though absolutely not to be considered a 'trade off', I believe that more Nurse Practitioners should be educated, licensed, and utilized wherever acute, self-limiting disorders  or  chronic, stable disorders are the focus. In 1996, a study revealed that this plan would save the US  $9.8 BILLION per year!  It was not implemented and nurse practitioners are still constrained by the phycisians' lobby. It is unconscionable for one healthcare group claim full power over patients and   prevent citizens from getting topnotch care (malpractice is rare among nurse practitioners)they deserve at lower cost. I would suggest class action suits against them for Illegal Restraint of Trade be filed.  I would also recommend that ONLY unbiased INFORMATION be given to all health care professionals by the pharmaceutical industry.  And that meals, trips, vacations (sometimes for the whole family) be made illegal.  Quality healthcare should be unbiased and unbought."	  PAID PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE SERVICES FOR ALL with more responsibility placed on the patient for complying with lifestyle change recommendations that result. With appropriate accountability for self-treatment and for results.    Protocols can be established so that this is not abused.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	5/3/06 10:29 PM
17465	That we as a nation don not practice preventive health care.  	I think that the cost of perscription drugs should be regulated for the people and by the people.	The working class all ready pays to much and gets far too little.	"More education to the public.  More promotion of a healther life style, instead of super sized value meals."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	5/4/06 9:43 AM
17466	That many are without health care at all and that increasing costs make the purchase of medicines harder and harder.	"It works for some but not for all.  As costs escalate, payment becomes a major concern.  Something has to be done to contain costs."	Perhaps going into government run programs where the care is less costly but where you have to wait for non-critical services - quota sustem for non-critical care.	"I have heard that a complete, thorough computerized system could save millions and improve care for all.  If that is the case, I highly recommend it."	female	Over 64	NULL	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	5/4/06 9:47 AM
17505	"That people are looking at government to solve their health care ""problems"" and that government is constantly interfering.  We are fastly approaching a socialist health care system."	I think it is up to the individual to have health care.  It is not a guaranteed right.  I would not have employers or government paying for any part of health care.	NULL	"I would privatize the whole industry.  Privatizing any sector leads to better effeciency, better service, and LOWER costs.  Sadly, most people do not understand this."	female	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	5/4/06 12:22 PM
17513	"At the current moment, it's the fact that there is a network and non-network system for health care providers. I just had a C-section, and apparently there was an assistant doctor attending. I thought he was a nurse. He charged my insurance company $800, and because he is non-network, I'm required to pay about $675, when I otherwise would only have to pay about $20. I HAVE comprehensive health insurance. Why did I get stung with this?"	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	5/4/06 1:47 PM
17517	The outrageous cost and the fact that even those without insurance are getting just as good of care as those with coverage	There needs to be a payroll based system of paying premium into a gov sponsored core benefit plan. Insurance companies should then market supplements to cover gaps in the core plan much the way medicare and medicare supps function now	Some of the mandated benefits have got to be trimmed. The drug cost situation is out of control.  Demand more generic drugs	Get everyone into the system paying their fair share.  Make health care providers provide cost details to consumers so that they can make informed decisions.  Have you ever asked a provider what a surgery will cost?  They either won't or can't tell you.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MT	5/4/06 1:53 PM
17518	The growing number of uninsured Americans. 	"I think we need to move toward national health insurance, with option for complimentary private insurance for those who want ""cadillac"" care. "	Pay more in taxes; have drug companies help pay toward national insurance. 	"Get rid of our ""piece-meal"" system of insurance, which is not effective. "	female	45 to 64	NULL	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/4/06 1:53 PM
17545	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Those in charge of health care--doctors and insurance companies (and government) need to focus more on prevention.  We are really good at fixing problems after the fact, but it would cost a lot less in the long run to emphasize and fund (specifically for insurance companies) the steps needed for preventative care--regular check ups, health information, preventative medications (if applicable)."	female	Under 25	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/4/06 4:04 PM
17548	That the US lacks universal coverage/access to healthcare.	Get the insurance companies out of healthcare and adopt a non-profit single-payor model.	Those who are enlightened will be willing to forego unlimited choice so all may have access to basic services. Those with more monetary resources will always have access to top-tier services.	"Go to a single payor non-profit system and let insurance companies deal with homes, boats, etc."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	5/4/06 4:13 PM
17559	I'm alarmed by the fact that 50% of bankruptcies are related to a major illness in the family.  We can't allow this.	"Yes! Eliminate the financial elephant--insurers.     Let's have a single system that citizens pay into according to their means, and that everyone benefits under equally.     AND--let's eliminate malpractice insurance, and instead institute medical courts that take away practitioners' credentials for poor medical practices."	I believe Americans would be willing to go to the doctor twice a year for a routine check-up that will catch problems before they become medical emergencies and guide them towards healthier lifestyles--especially if they realize everyone will save money under such a system.	Prevention pays for itself. Preventative care should be made available to and affordable for all Americans.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	5/4/06 5:06 PM
17584	"The cost of obtaining access to Health Care Insurance for those who are low to middle income and do not have access to a group plan through their employer. Private Health Care plans are extremely expensive and often do not provide full coverage (e.g., maternity, Rx, etc.) without enormous deductibles.   "	"What about other countries, like Canada, who provide Universal Health Care for their citizens? How could it be that a country so rich in financial resources, the United States, cannot find a feasible way to implement a program like a Universal Health Care system for ALL of it's citizens? I think the fact that we don't have such a system is a major weakness in the quality of life for many, many people living in this country. People are living sicker, dying younger, and often living in financial ruin simply because they can't afford private health insurance and are not poor enough (i.e. the majority of the WORKING class) to be eligible for social welfare programs like Medicaid. Most of these people would buy their own health insurance coverage if they could AFFORD it! It is sad that to get any real help with medical insurance you have to become poor enough to qualify for a program like Medicaid.      "	"I bet that a large majority of Americans would be willing to shift some tax money towards access to Health Care. It could possibly be presented as another type of social welfare program that people needing such a service could ""buy into"" at an AFFORDABLE monthly premium price. The government could operate as a sponsor of a ""large group citizen health care plan"", just as many large employers do now for their employees.    "	"I bet that a large majority of Americans would be willing to shift some tax money towards access to Health Care. It could possibly be presented as another type of social welfare program that people needing such a service could ""buy into"" at an AFFORDABLE monthly premium price. The government could operate as a sponsor of a ""large group citizen health care plan"", just as many large employers do now for their employees. How could it be that a country so rich in financial resources, the United States, cannot find a feasible way to implement a program like a Universal Health Care system for ALL of it's citizens? I think the fact that we don't have such a system is a major weakness in the quality of life for many, many people living in this country.    "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/4/06 7:48 PM
17647	"the cost, complexity and disparities of the system are distressing in many ways."	"Simplify, simplify, simplify.  We have gotten way too complex!  We are putting too many dollars into overhead for complex billing.  Perhaps we could come up with a simpler, more equitable BASIC set of benefits leaving individuals to purchase enhanced levels of coverage."	"Possibly trade off some freedom of choice for a basic set of benefits, with the ability to upgrade benefits thru purchase of different levels of coverage."	Establish basic set of benefits covered with equitable access for all.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	5/4/06 11:35 PM
17675	"The fact that the health care industry and system benefits lawyers, insurance companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and health care providers to a much greater extent than it does those which it is intended to serve."	"Though I am generally against government intervention in anything, I believe that the only solution to the major underlying problem as described above is for the government to become more involved in a system to provide universal health care coverage for all.  Applying the large buying power thus obtained >in an honest and sensible way< could allow greed, inefficiency and unreasonable profits to be brought under control.  (I also recognize that the liklihood of the government's operating the system in an honest and sensoble way is virtually nil, but I have no more constructive suggestion to offer at this time.)"	"Regrettably, for the majority of the public, none."	Improve the efficiency of the system by eliminating waste and greed.	male	45 to 64	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	5/5/06 9:05 AM
17693	"The term/concept ""uninsured"" and the 45 million who fall into that category.    Too many questions proposed by the ""Working Group"" tend to promote the concept of the health insurance system and imply that it could/should be tweaked to remedy the current disastrous situation.      The scope of the crisis in health care is far reaching.  The ""healthcare delivery system"" is severly broken and needs to be fixed.  Too much emphasis is being placed on services or benefit packages for individuals.  There is a nationwide shortage of practicing physicians, nurses,and other allied health personnel as well as educational facilities, etc.  The infrastructure does not exist to support those who currently have healthcare benefits let alone an additional 45 million people.                "	"The idea that ""insurance"" is something that one must have to receive health care.  ""Insurance companies"" sell health plans.  The majority are for profit organizations.  Their focus is economic - profit margin and market share.    The advent of managed care and the Risk Model HMO is partly to blaim for the current crisis.          "	NULL	"The Working Group needs to conduct forums for the health care professionals who actually work on the front line.  Their perspective is not being addressed and is key to solving the current crisis.    Without a network of providers, it doesn't matter what kind of services or benefit packages are available.  No Providers = No Healthcare       "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	5/5/06 11:16 AM
17710	"There should be more coverage for senior citizen medications (Rx) and continued care (hospice).  There should also be some type of coverage for young adults (18-21) who are not college student, don't have high paying jobs, and aren't covered under their parents."	"Find a different way to fund coverage for people who don't have health insurance.  Ex: young adults not in school, too old to be on parents insurance, and have low paying jobs"	"Offer basic health care benefits to all, so that everyone can afford it."	Making sure there is health care for Senior Citizens including medication and continued end of life care.	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	5/5/06 1:09 PM
17712	Asian Flu	Why not try it (universal health insurance) like the state of Mass.	not sure	Health Care for people with Medicaid.  Vaccines for Asian Flu	female	45 to 64	Yes	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	5/5/06 1:12 PM
17715	"The income cap coverage restrictions and the ""formulary"" exclusion that are being placed more and more, by health insurance providers on presciption medicines."	"Perhaps an auxillary health benefits program, dedicated from the general fund and paid for by a combination of voluntary contributions, and deductible amounts (say $10 for medicine/month, and increase only every 10 years)."	"Let's face it, we know the answer to that; Eliminate financing and benefits for convicted felons (imprisoned or paroled), and male homosexuals.  This is not my personal sentiment but, it is the sentiment of most Americans.  This is after all, a Right-Wing ""Get punished for your sins"" and ""kill all faggots"", nation."	"Realistically raise the income caps for benefit eligibility: $50,000 for married couples (note: Senator Suntorum, Justice Scalla, and Fred Phelps mean 1 man and 1 woman) and $35, 000 for single individuals; with provisions for cost of living adjustments is every 5 years."	male	Over 64	No	Black or African American	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	5/5/06 1:23 PM
17716	"The tiem limit which, each ""PCP"" is suppose to be able to provide comprehensive health care to each patient.  1/4 of an hour is hardly enough time."	Each person should be given equal opportunity to have affordable health care.	"We could spend less money on the war in Iraq and more to assure high quality, affordable health care for those in need."	Let us work together with open minds to ensure we are able to resolve our health care concerns which effect-affect all Americans.	female	45 to 64	No	Black or African American	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	5/5/06 1:26 PM
17717	"I want to see a single payer system, increased public health programs, and a realistic discussion of the compromises and sacrifices that all stakeholders (consumers, health care professionals, hospitals, taxpayers) will have to make to achieve the two goals I have stated above.  Right now, each group points the finger at another group or groups, and no one seems willing to share part of the burden for quality, affordable, universal health care."	Single payer--U.S. government run.	"Have an informed, realistic discussion about containing end-of-life services in order to reduce the huge expenditures involved with adding a little time, but no quality to the end of a person's life.  Also, exclude cosmetic elective procedures from coverage.  "	"Improve public health programs and health education:  exercise, diet, life-style education, especially for the young---habits formed in childhood are hard to change.  Create a single-payer system that rations services."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	5/5/06 1:29 PM
17730	The fact that health care insurance is not available for all -- The poor and middle class are being penalized.	"In other countries, the government contributes!  If our country would end war and intrusion into other countries, we could afford to give insurance and coverage to all in need."	The American public is willing to pay what is affordable; this varies with each economic bracket and should be established accordingly.    	"Encourage, inspire:  doctors and health-care workers and most especially pharmaceutical companies to stop being greedy, selfish and unconcerned about those in need."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	5/5/06 3:29 PM
17736	"Coverage for all.  Insufficient funds on insurance coverage, especially catasrophic illness.  "	Socialist health care for all.  A fund where people can donate when they are in good health...a philanthropic organization for health.	"If we set up a system where each insurance card had a menu of health care services...and the less you used it, the lower your deductible would be...and if you would get a discount for losing weight, health clubs (for staying healthy)...it would thrill the public."	See trade-offs.  Selection of health care and prevention.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	5/5/06 4:10 PM
17742	"My biggest concern is that it all costs so much money and I cannot figure out why.  Why pills in the hospital are over 100X more than when you get them in a prescription.  Why things like bandages and braces and so forth cost so much more than I know they actually cost?      I am also concerned that there is a real inequity happening when insurance companies are able to negotiate down the costs so far, yet I assume the uninsured are expected to pay the full cost  For example, my mother had cancer in the bone in her arm and to treat it they replaced the upper bone in her arm with a metal rod.  The bill for this surgery was over $60,000 with the prosthesis being about $42,000 of that cost.  However, her insurance (Unicare? a medicare advantage program) paid just over $8,000 and this was accepted by the hospital.  If my mother had not had this insurance would she have been expected to pay the $60,000 plus that she was billed.  Something seems really out of whack here if you ask me.  The fact that a hospital can afford to reduce ANY bill by that much is truly suspect.  What is going on with this situation.  It seems to be clearly out of control     "	I believe that there needs ot be an overall reduction in health care costs--whoever pays for them.  It is also difficult to have employers based insurance be our mainstay both for the employers and the employees.  Being able to get medical help when you need it should not be tied to a job.  As a society we owe our citizens the right to NOT die because of something that they cannot afford	"I am not certain of this.  As a friend of mine once said, it is really bad when we (as a country) will pay milliions, even billions, for a single airplane and yet people have to go begging for the money to get a transplant.  "	"I think the overall cost structure must be reduced.  Someone, somewherre is making a lot of money for not very much and this needs to stop."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/5/06 4:29 PM
17757	"Control of the ""system"" and public health care policy by insurance companies, health plans, and drug companies. Ability of insurance companies to ""cherry pick"" healthiest people to cover and to eliminate concept of pooling of risk. Lack of attention to preventive care, health education, health literacy, disparities in access to health care by minorities, immigrants, non-English speakers. Inability of public payers to negotiate prices with drug companies and health insurers. Inability of public agencies to specify comprehensive coverage for health plans. High administrative costs (30%). Increase in infant mortality in US since 2004 (only industrialized country in the world with increase in infant mortality)."	"Universal coverage single-payer system with comprehensive coverage package, paid for by taxes on everybody, including employers, corporations, and individuals, and free coverage for those who can't afford it. "	"From all according to their ability, to all according to their need.  COMPREHENSIVE benefit package, including preventive care."	"Universal health care with single government payer and comprehensive benefits, cradle to grave."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	5/5/06 6:45 PM
17764	"There are several very expensive, very common diseases which are on the verge of being cured.  But I don't think we're working hard enough or fast enough on finding those cures.  And because of that we're losing time, money, and lives."	"I think this works, but there must be some way for the poor and the uninsurable to get coverage.  I have family and friends who have pre-existing conditions, and no one will cover them.  What are they to do?  I'm willing to pay more in taxes so that we can absorb them into the system."	"I can't say for the general public, but I have found through experience (I have Parkinson's disease, my four-year-old has diabetes, my wife has an undiagnosed chronic illness) that good health is the one of, if not our most valuable gift. If the public thought that health care was being run efficiently, and saw how it was helping  improve and save lives, they would be willing to invest more in it."	"Make finding cures the highest priority. Intense investment in cures will...  ...eventually save hundreds of billions of dollars a year as very expensive diseases are eliminated.  ...give hope to the ill.  ...save millions of lives.  I think the public would be not only happy, but excited to invest in cure research if they knew how much money it could eventually save, and how many lives it would eventually save. Cure research would appeal to the many many Americans who suffer from a chronic, a debilitating, or a potentially terminal disease, or who have friends or loved ones suffering from those diseases. And even the healthy and lucky would be in favor of such investment as they come to realize that investing now might save them or their loved ones from a future horrible disease."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/5/06 8:09 PM
17789	"Health corporations don't care about us: There are fewer hospitals today than there were thirty years ago. This drives up prices. Also, pharmaceutical coporations take taxpayer dollars for research and testing, but gauge the neediest."	"Scrap the private health insurance system entirely. In Australia several years ago everyone paid a 4% payroll deduction for a national health plan. We could do the same. With such a plan, the wealthy would pay more, but they've had their taxes reduced substantially in the past several years. Plus, their investments would increase in value from reduced absenteeism and reduced health care costs to the companies theiy operate or invest in. More jobs could be created by getting rid of Workers' Compensation Insurance. Medicaid and Medicare could be scrapped if a national plan was instituted. The existing payroll deduction for Medicare/Medicaid could be ended. Importantly, the plan needs to be administered by a disinterested party, in the same way Medicare is now. Perhaps the Public Health Service could be expanded to administer the plan. All a national insurance administation needs to do is pay the bills. That will give them clout when it comes to restraining costs. There is no need for the program to interfere in doctor selection or necessary medical care. "	"I think Americans are willing to scrap the private companies for a national, single-payer plan administered by an independent government agency similar to Medicare, the Public Service, or the Social Security Administration."	"We need a compulsory national plan paid at a flat rate by a pay-roll deduction of around 4% per worker. The rich would pay more, but they would benefit from it because their investments and their companies would prosper from such a plan."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	5/6/06 9:16 AM
17810	People getting HUGE settlement in court causing the cost of health care to rise.	Government spending should be well scrutinized	NULL	Pass legislation that limit law suits and then let the free market guide the costs.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/6/06 1:54 PM
17812	"Many Americans do not have basic health care insurance. Unless individuals work for companies which provide health care insurance, premiums are very expensive. Those that work part-time may not be eligible for coverage."	"There should be comprehensive basic coverage for everyone paid for by the federal government. Individuals would have the option to customize it to their needs (cafeteria plan) and purchase additional coverage. Consolidating programs, streamlining them, and eliminating the layers of bureaucracy would cut costs and increase efficiency without cutting services. Simplifying existing government programs, recordkeeping, and payments would decrease all medical costs by reducing paperwork. "	Higher taxes for individuals and employers. This would be somewhat offset by lower premiums. 	Establish comprehensive basic coverage for all funded by the federal government through taxes. 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	5/6/06 2:01 PM
17853	The sysytem is in disarray from a variety of perspectives	Single payer	End the war in Iraq.	Universal coverage	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/7/06 10:02 AM
17855	"The availability of routine health maintainence/care, e.g. immunizations, blood pressure and cholesterol monitering, Pap smears,and later in life screening for breast and colon cancer (and perhaps prostate cancer).  Advertising by pharmaceutical companies for prescription medicines should be made illegal."	"The Federal Gov't should allow, at its expense, up to a set amount, perhaps varying for different age groups, say, $1000 per citizen per year for routine health care needs (e.g. well baby checks, immunizations, etc.).  Thereafter, 3rd party insurers, proportionate to their market share for their coverage region, should be required to cover all uninsured citizens up to, say, $50,000 per year per citizen, the federal government taking over above that amount given a ""catastrophic illness"" has occured.  For insured individuals who pay premiums, the insurance coverage would be up to $200,000 per year per insured individual, after which the federal government would assume financial coverage given a ""catastrophic illnes"" has occured.  There would need to be significant and substantial advantages to businesses and individuals (e.g. tax benefits) to pay premiums to maintain or even increase the premium paying pool.  Fraud as regards federal monies for either the baseline $1000/year/citizen or for catastrophic illness coverage would be heavily penalized."	"Probably none for those who are insured.  Probably as close as a ""free ride"" as could be obtained for those who are not."	"Under the current (and in my opinion a disastrous) system, make individuals pay more for their care.  Health savings accounts are an excellent idea which need to be rolled out broadly, similar to IRA's, with very liberal limits on yearly contributions.  Money from a health saving account could be given/donated to any individual, e.g. a family member, friend, co-worker, without penality."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/7/06 10:26 AM
17861	"over 70 yrs. have it or you don't-> getting to the point gotten too high for us, either food or medical. Who really cares, Dr's are too busy under contract, 10-15 minutes do not cover what you would like to tell your dr. take a list of concerns, no time for it. What happened to the trust in health care professionals today has gone awary.They all tell you something different, they DO NOT like you to get a 2nd- 3rd opion. Trust and Concerns need to come back, I know many who do not even go anymore, the hassle is terrible. I am over 74 so I for one know. This system need to really be fixed.I retired, $5,000 a year for medical taken out, too much for me. "	"Yes, I don't mind paying a fare share, Over 70 should all be United Health Care System by the US GOV.All services, Medicaid vs Medicare is not a far option.  "	"Under 70 should support them self's, We did, by working/even in the Depression days 1932-. No one left behind, too many are getting to lazy to work, I heard it many time, how easy it is to get Medicare Supplement, oh yes too much abuse in this field.Ruins it for those that truely need it."	"Everyone needs to take better control of there own situation, everyone should pay a fair share of some kind. Stricter Controls, no if 's , but's, or maybe's."	female	Over 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/7/06 12:00 PM
17874	"My wife lost her health insurance (Blue Cross) when moving from Ohio to Utah, because they were not willing to CONTINUE her insurance, and was denied it due to ""pre-existing condition (which actually just projects possible problems later in life"". Eventually she obtained some form of (bad health insurance) which is not accepted by some doctors.    Hence what concerns me most of lack of UNIVERSALLY AVAILABLE (and preferably compulsory)health insurance regardless of preexisting conditions.      Also, my understanding is that the uninsured or underinsured go to emergency rooms for which we all pay, and they represent a ready pool for potential contagious diseases (such as for example black death, bird flu, etc.)     We live in a society where diseases can easily spread, therefore it is the duty of society to prevent the spread of diseases as much as possible.       If companies wish to pay Medicare premiums instead of the individual, they can do so, but tax treatment of such payments should be similar to tax treatment for the individual."	"Many employed (and retired) people used to obtain health insurance coverage through their employer, or former employer as a historic result of wartime coverage. This is being phased out, and it became a tremendous burden to companies. (My coverage as a retiree by IBM has steadily gotten worse.) Companies such as GM, FORD, etc. are ruined by these obligations. Airlines renounce these obligations when they go bankrupt.    My suggestion is that people with income (i.e., working and many retired people) should pay for their (standardized) health coverage as it is being done for Medicare. In fact, Medicare should be extended to cover everybody. (Practically, it could not be done overnight, but to start with all people between the ages of 55 and 65, with the uninsured and uninsurable and people on Medicaid). The payment by the earners of course may not be sufficient to cover everybody (like children, unemployed, etc.), but it should approach the required amount for health maintenance for everybody.    Private individuals could choose to buy ADDITIONAL coverage, but the universal coverage should satisfy the basic needs of everybody. (Massachussets and Oregon may be examples). Furthermore, we might consider adoption of the French system where everybody pays and the Government (in France) or Medicare in the uSA would reimburse the individual, thereby bringing home the actual cost to individuals. (Those who cannot pay have to be authorized to avoid payments on the deliverance of service.)   "	"Of course, Americans do realize that health care costs money, and not everybody is eligible for all services (Oregon), some services may have to be rationed."	"Provide UNIVERSALLY AVAILABLE (and preferably compulsory) health insurance regardless of preexisting conditions providing equal coverage to everybody with the provision that some services may have to be rationed. Reduce the cost of administration, in particular so, that administration should not focus on DENYing coverage.    "	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/7/06 3:10 PM
17878	"18,000 people actually die every year from lack of health insurance. 50% of personal bankruptcies are caused, at least in part, by medical expenses, and over 2/3 of those people actually had insurance at the onset of illness/injury. 3/4 of the uninsured are working people. Our government is betraying the American dream; most people don't want our country to be like this. Hard-working people are being abused by the system. Profits are put before patients, and health care is treated like a commodity. It is not. There is no place for corporate America in health care. Our taxes are being re-directed from public funds for health care to private (drug and insurance) companies whose first responsibility is to make as much money as possible for stockholders (and CEO salaries. THIS IS TANTAMOUNT TO THEFT OF AMERICAN TAXPAYERS' HARD-EARNED MONEY THAT IS BEING ENCOURAGED BY OUR OWN GOVERNMENT."	"Health care is a human right that should be protected by the government (...life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness...It is for these reasons that governments are instituted among men - U.S. Declaration of Independence). Payments by individuals doesn't work (see above re: deaths and bankruptcy). The employer-based system is failing employees and also ruining businesses. THE ONE CHANGE THAT SHOULD BE MADE IS THAT THE U.S. SHOULD HAVE A SINGLE-PAYER NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SYSTEM, SUCH AS THAT DESCRIBED IN THE ""EXPANDED AND IMPROVED MEDICARE FOR ALL ACT"", HR 676."	"Polls have shown that at least 2/3 of Americans want universal health care even if it means paying more taxes. MORE PEOPLE NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT, IN A SINGLE PAYER SYSTEM LIKE MEDICARE, THE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS ARE ONLY 3% AND THAT THE MONEY SAVED BY ELIMINATING CORPORATE OVERHEAD AND PROFITS WOULD BE ENOUGH TO COVER EVERYONE.   TAX INCREASES WOULD BE LESS THAN EXPECTED, AND CERTAINLY OFFSET BY THE SAVINGS IN PREMIUMS, DEDUCTIBLES, CO-PAYS, AND OUT-OF-POCKET SPENDING."	"Please let us institute a single payer national health insurance program, like the one described in HR 676, the U.S. National Health Insurance Act, or the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act - so no one else has to die (or face financial ruin) because they don't have health insurance."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	5/7/06 4:10 PM
17888	Largely lousy and benefitting too few citizens. What's available is exorbitantly expensive.	"Roger vanFrank - 1445 Michigan Avenue - SLC, UT 84105 - Phone 582-0735     Damned tootin', What part of ""Single Payer"" do you not understand? The USA has by far the highest cost and least effective health care of any of the world's industralized nation. KISS:- Keep It Simple Stupid!!"	How about getting rid of a government that is not doing anything for the American people and everything for well heeled lobbyists? Abramoff to the whole damned bunch of you.	"Roger vanFrank - 1445 Michigan Avenue - SLC, UT 84105 - Phone 582-0735     What part of ""Single Payer"" do you not understand? The USA has by far the highest cost and least effective health care of any of the world's industralized nation. KISS:- Keep It Simple Stupid!!"	male	Over 64	No Response	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/7/06 7:23 PM
17900	it is too costly	NULL	NULL	"We need to limit technology.    We simply can't afford some of it.  We need to limit what is done during the last year of a persons life.   We should allow the dying to die without intervention, other than comfort measures.    Since hospitals are paid on a ""fee for service"" basis, they tend to ring up huge bills.    Hospital bills need to be limited.  Services which simply prolong the dying process should not be used."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/7/06 10:13 PM
17901	"When people are dying, they should be required to use hospice services rather than services from a hospital.   Hospitals make a lot of money when people die.    This should somehow be stopped.   We need to limit the use of technology.    Some machines we simply cannot afford.  We should not use ""heroic"" efforts to prolong life.  Hospitals should not provide services if there is less than 40 percent chance of success.  Out of pocket hospitals expenses should be limited to $5000 per family per year.  We need to limit what services are available.  We cannot afford to do all things for all people.  We need to allow people to die when the treatments are very costly and when the treatments will only prolong life by a little bit (like days or weeks)."	NULL	"We need to limit hospital costs.    This will mean limiting services to those things which are less costly, which are effective, and which benefit the person.    We need to not do everything possible to prevent dying.    Dying is O.K., especially in the elderly.   Hospice services should be used more."	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/7/06 10:31 PM
17902	"Insurance companies should be able to decide what care is available to elderly who are soon dying.   Hospitals should not be allowed to bill for services which the insurance didn't authorize.    This means that hospitals shouldn't be doing those services which aren't covered.  Out of pocket co-payments for hospitals bills should not exceed $5000 per family per year.  People should be able to choose insurance plans which limit coverage, and hospitals should be bound to not do more than is covered.  Hospital bills need to be limited.  "	"Government care should be ""basic.""    Prolonging life, during dying, should not be covered.      "	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/7/06 10:44 PM
17904	NULL	NULL	"People should pay half of perscription drugs, to encourage them to not over-use medications.   The co-payment for office visits should be $40, not $10 or $15.   Dental care, routine, should be covered, to prevent more costly work down the road.    Technology  use by hospitals should be limited.    Insurance companies should be able to dictate what care is given during end of life days.   Hospitals should not be able to bill for services which the insurance company doesn't cover.     We should be willing to let people die with comfort measures only, without fear of legal problems because of those who promote ""saving life at all costs."""	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Not sure	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/7/06 10:50 PM
17934	That many Americans do not have coverage.  That costs to patients are going through the roof.  That health costs put employers that provide good health coverage at a competative disadvantage.  That medical decisions are made by insurance companies instead of doctors.  That doctors need to have extra staff to cover paperwork for all the different coverage types. 	There should be a single payer system and that payer should be the government. 	I think people would be prepared to pay a decent amount for good universal coverage. Most of those who have coverage are already paying alot for private or employer plans.	Single payer coverage	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	5/8/06 11:17 AM
17946	"The all around cost. Cost of diagnostics, medications, hospital stays, dr. visits, and the astronomical cost of insurance.  Health care costs are very high, coupled with the cost of medications. Insurance is hard to obtain as well for those who make too much money for state assistance but who do not make enough to have private insurance or their employer does not offer any insurance at all. If such employer does offer insurance often times it is too expensive for the family. There are too many people who are ill and will not go to the dr. because of the fear that the price will take food out of their childs mouths! Then the taxpayers are forced to pay for medical care on these individuals for a terminal illness when if preventative care was given they could have been effectively treated. The loss of such an individual by these means is an absolute travesty to our nation as a whole."	Possibly socialized medicine. I would like for you to investigate the types of healthcare that are provided by other countries such as Canada and Australia.	"Wages are already low for many families, time is  not available because many of them are working 2 jobs etc."	1. Lower health care visits  2. put a cap on pharmaceutical companies pricing per drug.  3. Allow companies to patent drugs for a minimal amount of time that way the price can be brought down.   3.	female	25 to 44	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OK	5/8/06 12:06 PM
17953	Lack of access and high cost due to systemic inefficiencies	Health costs should be publically available - currently it is very difficult to find out the cost of health care other than retrospectively. Health care providers should be required to post prices. Secondly each payer should be treated equally -- currently I pay 50% more as an individual than the same procedure would cost when paid for by insurance. 	"If the health care system was transparent and understandable, people would be willing to evaluate and make trade-offs. As it is-- people are being asked to make tradeoffs blindly."	transparency  -- force health care providers to show prices and explain services provided.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	5/8/06 12:54 PM
17966	I am a bedside care provider of 32 years duration.we must offer all citizens basic health care.  we must have tort reform there is certainly a better way to determine medical damages than our current system in which lawyers are the big winners.	"In order to provide services for all, ALL will have to contribute more.  I am much more willing to pay increased taxes to cover healthcare."	I think most americans are willing to pay for health care.	"Construct a National health plan, Tort reform"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	5/8/06 1:38 PM
17983	Inflation	"No, although the risk pools that define financing systems would be better controlled if all were required to participate.  "	I think people would accept benefit structures that are lower in exchange for less premium (something is better than nothing philosophy).	"Pricing transparency is the key.  All other major U.S. markets are successfully driven by private market competition, where pricing competition is the key component that checks inflation.    We do not purchase anything besides health care in this country on a large scale without first asking the price.  It seems a travesty that we are spending 15% of our national dollars on something where the consumer has no idea what the price is before they commit to the expense.    At present, health care financing is spiraling out of control primarily because insured consumers have no mechanism to compare pricing between providers in advance of seeking care.  Insurance companies and providers both claim that they cannot disclose the pricing information to which they have agreed because to do so would violate the privacy of their contracts, and hurt the value of their network agreements which they consider proprietary.  The resulting disconnect is clearly the number one reason that the price of health care is escalating almost without control.    The providers often argue that pricing disclosure would make little difference in the way people shop for health care since patients often have crises that require immediate care, and shopping is impractical in an emergency.  While shopping at the point of care may be impractical in some emergency situations, most health care is not emergency in nature, and even when it is, a consumer could price compare the emergency related services of the health plan's providers in advance of the decision to purchase that plan.    Further, plan designs such as Health Savings Accounts that put more financial pressure on consumers to control utilization would be much more effective if pricing information were transparent.  This type of plan design has the potential to help even the inequity that exists in a large risk pool between people who make a good faith effort to live a healthy lifestyle and those who do not.    As an insurance agent interfacing between the consumer, the health plan, and the network of providers, I wish I could sit down with a client and compare the contracted allowable charges between various health plans; this could put tremendous pressure on network negotiations as we pit providers against one another as relates to pricing.  Since this information is not publicly available, we can only price shop the aggregate premium, which provides little incentive to an individual doctor, clinic or hospital to rein in their particular charges.  America would realize a tremendous benefit from a health care price war.    I hope America is not foolish enough to throw the baby out with the bath water by eliminating the private market from health care reform.  Our current system needs to change, but we cannot judge the private market to have failed in health care until it has a chance to operate in the light of full disclosure.  "	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/8/06 3:12 PM
18000	"The rise in health insurance, health care costs, prescriptions, etc.   One possible solution:  cap the amount to increase a drug, insurance company, or hospital/physician could charge. "	"If everyone made the exact same amount, the mathematics would be easy, everyone would pay a fair portion of the cost.  Those of us healthier than others would simply use services less.    In the real world, some hard working indiviuals only earn 5.50/hour work two jobs and still are not offered health insurance on their job.  These people need a clinic or hospital that can serve them on a sliding scale.  The major problem without health insurance is when a person needs to be sent to another hospital or special clinic where they do not offer a sliding scale.  "	"If the public realized the importance of everyone being as healthy as possible, I think everyone would be willing to pay a fair share.  For those earning 1,000 more than others, they ofter have free health care while the poorest may work their fingers to the bone to clean streets and have no health insurance.  The wealthy must realize that they need healthy workers to perform those menial jobs so that the wealthy can better perform in their own jobs.  "	"Give people incentives to be healthier...let them have cheaper rates or bank their a percentage of their unused health insurance for later when they may need health care.  For those doctors pushing the envelope to keep people alive at any cost, let them pay more taxes and front the large bills when they make bad decisions to keep a person who will not lead a happy, healthy, productive life.  "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	5/8/06 4:40 PM
18012	"Being shut out of ""quality"" health care."	Charities etc.	A higher premium for well operated universal health care except from those unable to affort it.	"Dump Medicare Part D and start with a real plan not made to enrich drug companies or HMO's, etc."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	5/8/06 6:55 PM
18024	Poor quality of care. Medical decisions by inurance companies. Forty million people without healthcare insurance 	"We need a system like most of the rich indutrialized world-Canada, England, Germany etc. where everyone is covered and payment is managed by one agency preferably medicare."	"If we decrease the 15-20% adminstrative costs of current health plans to the 5% or less of Medicare, we could cover everyone at no additional expense. If not, I would be willing to raise taxes."	We should provide effective healthcare for everyone living in the United States. California SB 840 is an excellent model.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	5/8/06 9:25 PM
18045	they have priced me right out of it.	yes the whole damn thing. 	NULL	universal health care	female	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	5/9/06 5:05 AM
18046	"The fact that we pay more than all other modern societies for healthe care and we still have a large portion of the population without insurance, me being one of them."	Single payer health care system. Like Europe or Canada.	What good is the best health care in the world if you can't afford it?	Nationlized health care. Health care should not be run for profit.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	5/9/06 5:27 AM
18049	Lack of access and affordability	"Single-payer health care, possibly modeled after the province of Ontario, Canada in the mid-1990s (before Mike Harris screwed it up). It works. Don't believe the hype otherwise."	"They're not, which is one of the saddest things about the American public right now. Cutbacks in military spending and moving that money over to health care would solve the problem a zillion times over, however. If the Bush administration hadn't spent us into the toilet, I'd say a modest tax increase would go a long way, but any tax increases will have to go toward cleaning up his fiscal mess, unfortunately."	Make it ACCESSIBLE and AFFORDABLE.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WV	5/9/06 6:54 AM
18052	"High costs, how many uninsured Americans there are, high price of prescription drugs."	"Single payer system insuring all Americans, otherwise, insurance companies should be not for profit only.  No kowtowing to the shareholders when customers lives are on the line."	I'd be willing to wait a bit longer for apts. if it meant everyone was insured.	Single payer system.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	5/9/06 7:27 AM
18055	The excessive cost of health care to the middle class is my most important concern.  There were no monthly indebtness health care plans before 1962 in America. The American people have been duped.  My second concern is the medical profession follows the cut and drug tack. Stop drugging Americans!	Adopt the Canadian health care system.  Cut insurance profits from health care.  Cut administration costs.  Stop excessive drug costs in America	The American people would be willing to trade off the war in the middle east for a social health care system. 	Adopt the Canadian system.  Stop allowing Pharmaceutical companies to drug Americans.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/9/06 7:48 AM
18056	the high cost and the fact that it is tied to employment. Private policies are unaffordable. 	"Universal healthcare made available to all Americans regardless of employment or pre-existing conditions. Could be paid for anyway that makes sense. Take the ""for profit"" aspect out of it."	Americans don't want any trade-offs. They will still want choice of health care professional. Make it a payroll deduction just like SS is now. People above a certain income level who are not actively employed should stillpay into the system	It has to be affordable and it has to be available to EVERYONE.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	5/9/06 8:03 AM
18058	lack of access	"yes, single payer, ederally run program paid for by a decrease in defense spending"	reduced military expenditures	universal healt care now	female	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	5/9/06 8:07 AM
18062	The fact that over 40 million Americans don't have any healthcare.	Healthcare providers should be made accountable to the Federal government.	NULL	Make it affordable.  Stop the high profits of the private healthcare providers.  	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	5/9/06 9:06 AM
18066	"The lack of health care for Americans, the lack of comprehensive health care for American children and American workers."	Single-payer. Get rid of the bureaucracy of insurance companies. Get rid of the astounding profits to be made on American healthcare. Get rid of corporate control over how health care is delivered in America.	The American public is so bloody brainwashed by corporate-owned media that they can't think for themselves.	"Restore control of health care delivery to Americans, remove this control from the corporate profit motive, because corporations never get enough profit and they ceaselessly cut costs in every area, the number of services and procedures covered by insurance, medical personnel are forced to cut the average patient visit to very carefully timed short slots, not to mention cutting the number of medical personnel available to render health care services, all of this and more in order to ensure that profits continue to grow at the expense of the American health care consumer."	female	Over 64	No	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	5/9/06 9:33 AM
18098	1. Health care is too expensive.  2. We have no national plan in place to help people that have no access to healthcare.  3. We need to develop a comprehensive plan to help people that currently do not have health care coverage get covered.	"I believe we should have a plan that is not only  fair but affordable to all people regardless of their socioeconomic status. For instance, the unemployed do not have health coverage and we need to find a way in order for them to get that coverage they need in order to take care of themselves and their immediate family."	"I believe it has to be made such that people in the low-income category can find a way to get the critical coverage they need in order to protect and help their family. This is only one example, and we must explore more options to get people involved throughout the United States of America."	1. We need to quit wasting our valuable national resources fighting conflicts overseas and use the monies to help our own folks get the proper health coverage for all Americans.	male	45 to 64	No	Asian	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	5/9/06 10:47 AM
18106	"High costs, with increases that greatly outpace inflation.     Secondly, limited practice opportunities for qualified, lower cost providers such as nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists.  This is a solution that, probably because of medical hegemony, is never discussed.  Is it not intuitively obvious that lower cost providers will decrease health care costs? Many studies have shown that advanced practice nurses deliver care that is equal to or better than that delivered by our physician colleagues.  "	"Follow the money! Medical device companies and pharmaceutical companies are the ones making money in health care.  To a lesser extent, private insurers, too. The private sector profits from the public sector payments; this occurs often in scientific advances made with government grants that then become private property. We should return part of the profits made on federally-funded projects, such as drug and medical device development, to the federal coffers.  Think of federal grant dollars that turn into a marketable product as a loan to be repaid, not a gift.     Aside from that piece, which is admittedly is a small part of the health care cost puzzle, we need to REDUCE COSTS. The debate should not assume that health care costs are what they are and cannot change.  The U.S. pays more for health care than nearly every country on the planet, yet our outcomes are not superior. This is the essence of the problem. "	"Trade-offs are a hard sell, but more out-of-pocket expenses for routine dr. office visits, ER visits, and so forth seems like the solution with the least impact.  I also believe that most Americans are willing to be cared for by a qualified licensed independent provider who is not a physician, such as  an advanced practice nurse. It's hard to call this a trade-off, in truth, since the research shows equal or better quality of care from advanced practice nurses.  Consumer satisfaction with advanced practice nurses is very high.  "	"Efficiency in health care delivery, including computerized, portable record systems and use of non-physician providers for primary care. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	5/9/06 10:55 AM
18117	"     America is the only developed countyr in the world where tax paying citizens   go bankrupt and lose their homes due to illness, many of them insured. Illne with attendant medical costs is the  leading cause of personal bankruptcy.      American health care is senlessly sentiment based and not outcome based. The current system denies access to basic care , such as a 5 dollar course of oral antibiotic to treat strep throat and thus prevent valvular heart disease later in life,  yet against American Academy of Pediatrics  recommendations, spends millions of medicaid dollars to fund  either the short term survival of 23 week gestational age infants, or long term survival  of the same that most likely creates a medically fragile child with global dvelopmental delay.  "	"     Single payer system. Health care should not be treated as a free market commodity, but a heavily regulated public resource.  The payer should be the government, as in extending medicare to all, or offering the insurance benefits of US government employees.        Built in costs need to include education of professionals and research , both clinical and basic science    "	"     I think the  America is ready to give up giving 20 % of health care dollars to investors and administrators of  private, for- profit health care  providers in exchange for gauranteed access.      Americans would be willing to support public well being by giving up lobbyist based, profit skimming private health care        "	"Universal comprehensive  coverage in a non profit system, evidence based , outcomes based, research based.  The current administration's proposals of choice and FSA's and underinsurance are a moral insult to the people of America. No citizen gets to choose a gentic load , or disease.  We can promote healthful behavior but certainly not control all disease. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/9/06 11:18 AM
18141	The costs.	I think that the costs associated with health care insurance is going to get so expensive that no one will be able to afford it.	If we could all be able to purchase the same types of insurance that the large corporations have available to their employees.	Make it affordable like the large corporations offer to their employees.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	5/9/06 12:25 PM
18155	"I am deeply concerned that people are being denied of health care, as well as coverage for it. Our nation is in need of giving each other the right to live by having everyone chip in an amount depending on their assets, so that we have more of a Universal plan, in which everyone is enjoying their life."	"As stated in the previous answer, I believe everyone needs to help all that is (feasibly) possible according to their personal expenses for things such as rent, phone, gasoline, bills, etc. (the mandatory payments). It could then be evaluated how much someone could pay. This way, people are helping each other out in expenses all they can."	Monetary payments  -Trading in unneeded items for a Monetary equivalent that would go toward the expenses  -Setting up some kind of tax-type withdrawal from employment wages to go towards medical reimbursement or payment  -establishing some kind of office to monitor money-needs of people for their health care	"Not only is financing important, as stated in my previous answers, it is also important to see that everyone gets the health care they need, not being turned down for this. I am in a Medicare Task Force group, and am in a town of Illinois with the epidemic of the following:    people in need of health care, with too much of a bill-balance, are denied access to any kind of health care, so you could say they're stuck in a boat.     We need to put this problem to a grinding halt by setting up help for people in need, and in return, people will be enjoying their lives much more, not needing to make sacrifices of other necessities of theirs in order to squeeze by in an already bad state of their life."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	5/9/06 1:20 PM
18164	"The most basic concerns are these:  1.  That as the most powerful nation on the planet we find it impossible to guarantee some minimal level of coverage for health care for ALL our citizens.  2.  That our current system is a corporate style, profit-driven model.  Some endeavors should not be based on the bottom line.  Healthcare is one of them"	"It should be a single payer system.  There is no good reason to have multiple levels of healthcare with the attendant multiple organizations and bureaucracies.  It should be paid for by employers, large and small, through payroll taxes, by individuals so they have some concept of the cost of their care, and by government since it is their responsibility to keep us safe from harm."	I think all Americans would be willing to contribute something toward their own healthcare if it meant that all Americans would have some coverage.  Some would need to give up what is now 'free' coverage.  Some would need to give up some of the extras they now enjoy.	A Universal Health Plan run by a not fro profit organization	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	5/9/06 1:54 PM
18178	"Out of control costs.  From office visits to lab tests to procedures to prescription drugs, costs are spiraling out of the reach of everyone - not just low-income and middle-income americans.  And, we seem to get less service for more dollars.  Less doctors, facilities, generic drug choices.  Long wait times for dr. appointments - then unending waits at their offices.  It seems services are being reduced while costs are increasing exponentially."	"Single payer system.  You know, the same kind of insurance every single one of our elected officials in Washington has access to?  How about having that for everyone?  It couldn't possibly cost more than our utterly broken system costs today.  For what we're spending in taxes, insurance costs, prescription costs, services for the uninsured, etc., etc., etc., we should be able to give everyone world-class health insurance coverage.  "	"Why do we need to made ""trade-offs""?  If we change to a single-payer system and cut out the tremendous administrative overhead costs we currently pay for, wouldn't we have enough money to avoid cutting benefits?  One caveat - we need to stop providing world-class health care to illegal immigrants NOW.  Illegal immigrants have access to better health care (at little or no cost) than I have today.  And our coverage costs a fortune, even with extremely high deductibles, ever-increasing copays, limitations of services and a smaller percentage of coverage after meeting deductibles.  It's absolutely shameful."	"Administrative costs.  If Medicare and our state insurance programs cost only 2-5% to administer, why do private insurers costs 10 times more for administration.  If doctors and hospitals had single payer, they could cut out tremendous numbers of people who do nothing but chase down insurance companies, become experts on every claim and every nuance of every patient's insurance.  "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/9/06 2:56 PM
18189	The disparity in premium prices for individual policies as opposed to group policies.  Self-employed people are one of the most discriminated against groups in the entire health care system.	"I think we should all be pooled into one large group, instead of hand-selecting only the healthy to be insured.  If everyone were insured, I believe costs would go down, because those who are insured would no longer be paying so much extra to cover them.  The government already spends more per person  on insurances than any other country, and insures a lower percent.  Why?  "	None.	"Let everyone have access at an affordable rate.  Pool everyone in Blue Cross, for example, into one giant group, instead of dividing by large employers, small employers, and individual policies.  Friends who are in group policies pay HALF of what I pay for the same and/or better coverage.  Why are we separated by groups and discriminated against?  "	female	45 to 64	NULL	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/9/06 3:22 PM
18201	Health insurance is fast becoming unaffordable for the average American. Quality of care is declining as well. My doctor says our system is likly to implode within 3-5 years.	"We need a universal, single-payer system like every other industrialized country has. Expand  Medicare to cover everybody."	"I think most Americans would support higher taxes to pay for universal health care, especially if contributions were graduated based on income. "	Universal health insurance. Now.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	5/9/06 4:20 PM
18221	The fact that the US is spending so much money on health care and getting much worse results than other countries.	Yes!  I want to stop paying all that money to insurance companies and drug companies and put it to use on health care for everyone.  It's inefficient to tie health care to employment.	We don't need to make trade-offs;  there's already plenty of money in the system to yield high-quality health care for everyone.	Adopt a single-payer system of national health insurance.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	5/9/06 7:31 PM
18233	"Many people - no health care like my two adult sons - downsized & not making enough money to get health care, dental care, eyeglasses. While I would help them, too many people have no one to help them & no health care or marginal, below par care."	A National Health Care Program for this country insuring all at no cost - increase taxes for the wealthiest & corporations. This should include dental & eye care.  We are the wealthiest country in the world - we can't do this???It's a disgrace.	I don't know about the American Public.  They are tax phobic.  Raise taxes for the wealthiest & for corporations.  End gas & oil company tax advantages. Prevent corporations & the wealthy from hiding income in foreign countries.	Government/National universal Health Care Program 	female	Over 64	No	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	5/9/06 9:25 PM
18243	Too many Americans do not have health insurance.	NULL	"Instead of spending Billions on a futile war in Iraq, provide health coverage for all Americans"	Make health care available to all Americans.  This is the only civilized country that does not provide health care for its citizens.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	5/9/06 10:37 PM
18252	"That most Americans think they have no responsiblity in their own health care needs.  They depend on either the government, or a third party insurance company to pay for nearly everything, and are willing to pay next to nothing for their own care."	"Yes. Government needs to get out, and people themselves, need to control 100% of their own needs.  We are in this mess because government now pays more than half the bill, and in economics, when ever you subsidize anything, it gets more expensive."	"In a free-market, no such things as trade offs.  You get what you pay for.  Improving diet, exercising, and good living are an excellent way in insure no trade-offs.  And groups like yourself need to stop lobbying Congress for a national health care systems, which would be a disaster.  "	Personal responsibility in one's own health care. 	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	5/9/06 11:23 PM
18258	"The ease at which I could be dropped by my insurance company OR if I change insurance companies, I might not be covered for existing illnesses.  Also, the high premiums for family coverages.  Our family of 5 pays $1000/month for insurance premiums."	"Make the insurance plan tied to the individual, not the company.   That way the insurance is portable.  As people change jobs (as so many people do nowadays), the insurance would follow the individual.  The company could contribute to the plan, as a employers benefit but the responsibility would be on the individual."	"People would probably give up some flexibility in choices - which doctors are in the plan, etc.    Also, I believe we would pay higher premiums if the coverages were good.   Currently it seems that insurance companies are charging HIGH premiums but also cutting coverages as well."	Make insurance a universal group plan that the government would control.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	5/9/06 11:46 PM
18259	"Health care facilities didn't used to be ""for profit"" businesses.  Administrators held to a standard of ""make a profit"" will make decisions that may not be in the best interest of patients."	I believe all health care costs should be scaled to income for terminal conditions or chronic diseases with a stop-loss created by private insurance companies.    Hypo-chondriacs will have to pay cash for their frequent use of medical care.    Children should be treated regardless of anyone's ability to pay.    	The trade offs should come from the appalling profits of the pharmaceutical companies.  Patients should not have to pay for their billion dollar ad campaigns.    Our governing agencies are not representing the people and pander to big medical businesses.	"A patients history, for life, should be considered.  If someone has not abused the medical system with overuse and has a good health record, it should not cost $6,000 for health insurance when they retire."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/9/06 11:53 PM
18262	"What concerns me most is that too much power is given to bureaucratic agencies like the FDA over the lives of citizens, all supposedly for the good of the people, as if bureaucrats are needed to tell people what is best for them. For example, when a person has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, that person should not be told he cannot take certain medicines or alternative treatments because they supposedly have not been shown to be ""safe"" and ""effective."" If a person is facing death, he and he alone should be able to make decisions for himself. No bureaucrat should have any power or control over his life (or what little remains of it).  He should have the absolute right to take any treatment that HE decides to take, whether ""approved"" by FDA or not. And to make that right effective, any person or company should be able to sell or supply to that terminal patient any medicine or treatment whatsoever that the patient wants, without the patient having to go to other countries to get it. This is supposed to be a free country but it is NOT, presently, when it comes to many alternative medicines and treatments. It is an insult for the bureaucrats to tell a dying person what he can or cannot take to treat his terminal illness. We are against assisted suicide. But bureaucrats are causing the death of many people who are denied certain treatments because they have decided they are not safe or effective. Only the patient should be able to decide that."	NULL	NULL	"Give all people the freedom and right to choose any treatment they want, particularly when they are willing to pay for it themselves.  In the latter case, it should be an absolute right."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	5/10/06 1:31 AM
18263	"Too many people have no insurance or are stuck in jobs they dislike simply to keep the insurance.  Also, it works against anyone who is self-employed or trying to start a new business."	"Create a national system like MediCare to cover everyone at a basic level (Health maintenance, emergencies, and major medical), funded from increased MediCare payroll taxes and corporate taxes.  For this coverage, there would be co-pays plus federal payments to providers. Allow supplemental policies from private carriers for those who want a higher level of coverage and are willing to pay for it or whose companies will pay for it as a fringe benefit."	They will make the needed tradeoffs if they get good leadership.	"Create a national system like MediCare to cover everyone at a basic level (Health maintenance, dental, emergencies, and major medical), funded from increased MediCare payroll taxes and corporate taxes. "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	5/10/06 2:02 AM
18281	"The corporate control. Health care should be  universal,  available to everyone, and hospitals and preventative care should be nonprofit."	Universal coverage with basic costs covered in the same way as Medicare.	"No more financing for oil companies, big pharma, coporate farms, and most of all, wars. These budgets should be funneled to the people's needs."	"Universal coverage, single payer."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	5/10/06 9:02 AM
18290	"Cost!!! And because of the cost many people do not get the health care they need, or they get it but it bankrupts them."	One payer system.	"not sure, but probably several."	universal healthcare	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	5/10/06 9:49 AM
18305	"The number of individuals who do not get basic health care, because of the centralization of facilities and the out of control prices for drugs and the failure of congress to put the american people before political dollars."	"Universal basic health care coverage is feasible and financable by the use of a value added tax on domestic production imputs and on the import value of goods and service delivered to the United States, our territories and protectorates; plus the tax should apply to that portion of an American Companies overseas profit on those goods and services deliver here.  Failure to pay the profit portion of the tax due shall result in a penaly of 100 % of the profit."	"Indiduals in rural and remote areas will forgo the totallity of services found in a regional center on an emergency need, but will have subsidized access to basic service not at those remote locations.  The delivery of initial service will not be a direct contant with a Doctor, but rather those a screening system simailar to accessing health care in the service or on college campuses.  The screening person or team would be empowed to do basic routine analysis and treatment for the same for what our common conditions in the community; such as flu outbrakes."	"The major health care insurers should have a program to verify the quality of both generic and propietory durgs.  We need a public, non-goverment, non-industry. non-academic researcher, to protrect us.  Information on prescription drugs and over-the-countrer medication shall contain a list of all known conflicts with other medications, foods or other items that can be harnfull or deminish the items effectiveness."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ND	5/10/06 10:23 AM
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18308	Lack of universal healthcare coverage.	"We should institute univeral coverage, streamline the bureaucracy and save money by bargaining with pharmaceutical companies.  We pay way too much for inadequate healthcare."	"I believe that if Americans were educated on the subject, they would see the superior value offered by universal coverage, and be willing to help finance it."	Universal coverage.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	5/10/06 10:31 AM
18319	"Medical expenses have risen because of government involvement in the heath care system. We had the best health care system in the world until the government stuck its nose in. Your quiz has little meaning for me because it does not include the option ""none of the above."	"Restrict all payments to a single payer system, that is all payments should be by individuals."	"None, willingly."	Costs would be greatly reduced with a single payer system.	male	Over 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	5/10/06 11:12 AM
18321	"That too many people are paying the outragous prices of traditional insurance.  Especially, when it is not necessary!"	I think everyone should know about Ameriplan USA.  This is a discount program where every American can control their own cost of healthcare without the high premiums.  Become a member and receive the discounts immediately without worrying about on-going treatments!	"I think people would be willing to follow a ""consumer driven healthcare plan"" like I mentioned above if it was explained and exposed to the entire country!"	GET RID OF TRADITIONAL INSURANCE COMPANIES!	female	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	5/10/06 11:26 AM
18329	"#1 by far is that it is unaffordable #2 - that the current system traps people in jobs that don't otherwise work well for them - in terms of family, career and passions."	1 payer system - cut the red tape and much of the cost.	"Unfortunately I don't think the american public understands the word ""trade-off"" ""sacrifice"", ""rationing"" etc. But in teh end I'm sure they would go for more inconvenience - not being able to see a doctor right away, havign to travel a bit farther to get to a clinic etc."	Don't tie healthcare to work!	female	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	5/10/06 11:52 AM
18331	The high premimums and low quality of traditional insurance and lack of Doctor patient decisions and no coverage for pre-existing conditions.	Yes. Consumer driven health Care needs to be exposed. Consumers would be willing to pay for out of pocket expenses if they did not have to pay for traditional insurance premimums.	"Discount health benefits which Ameriplan offers. it accepts No age limit,No exclusions for on going Medical Problems,No insurance companys to deal with, No paper work,No pre-authorization required for treatment,Doctors and Patients make all the decisions,"	EXPOSE CONSUMER DRIVEN HEALTH CARE.	female	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	5/10/06 12:03 PM
18333	"The exorbitant cost of health care, with a commensurate lack of quality of care."	"Yes, but the AMA and pharmaceuticals have deep pockets and pay their lobbyists to stifle any dialogue that might lead to a workable solution."	We're already willing to pay through the nose for inadequate health care.  We also sit for long periods in overbooked doctors' offices and wait for our appointments.  I think the public wants affordable healthcare enough to work together in whatever ways we need to in order to make it happen.	Block the AMA and pharmaceuticals from influencing our policy-makers and tap into the enormous resources offered via the internet to accumulate ideas that can be considered and incorporated into a workable solution.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	5/10/06 12:07 PM
18340	"The fact that ALL Americans do not have health insurance.  It is a travesty that here we are in the richest country in the world and yet are the only industrialized country in the world that doesn't provide some sort of healthcare to all. The Bush administration and Congress seem to have their priorities very screwed up.  They don't seem to give a darn about the basic needs of the American people any more...all that seems to matter is what keeps them in office, what makes corporations richer, etc."	"Yes, basic healthcare (including precription medications) for ALL Americans should be funded by the government."	"If Congress would stop doing stupid things like deciding to have a war in Iraq, that money could easily fund healthcare for all Americans.  Taking care of Americans healthcare should come before funding wars abroad.  Congress is not spending our tax dollars wisely.  We have the money to provide health care for all Americans, Congress chooses to not do it and spend our tax dollars on other things....what ever happened to putting the American people and our needs first?    "	Single payer government-funded basic healthcare (including prescription medication) for ALL Americans.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	5/10/06 1:15 PM
18374	"The lack of access for so many in this country, the de facto rationing that already occurs for those uninsured or underinsured. The rising costs and premiums for those who do have insurance & the huge profits of the drug companies and the insurance providers. The amount of medical mistakes happening as a result of understaffing and overwork of nurses, the general health consequences of running a health care system on a cost-cutting model to maximize profits.   The administrative, bureaucracy, marketing, political donation and executive compensation costs associated with the multitude of unaccountable insurance and drug companies who currently dominate the health care system, the public debate about it, and the legislators they pay for. "	"I believe we need a citizen-accountable single payer-system along with other reforms. My taxes for such a system would be much less than comprehensive insurance premiums and would ensure everyone gets covered. Those are taxes I'd be willing to pay.  We should be able to use our collective bargaining power as citizens to obtain lower prices for drugs. The self-serving B.S. pedalled by the drug companies and their PR hacks that they need every penny of US drug prices to pay for research and innovation is belied by their own quarterly reports & a look at what percentage of new drugs are ACTUALLY innovative improvements.  These aren't the only needed reforms by far, but the most important ones.  There also needs to be a greater focus on preventive care and education.    "	"I think they would be willing to pay more in taxes to guarantee health care for themselves and all, provided rising costs and inefficencies are contained.   It's true of freedom and to some extent true of health care that the health of each of us  is conditioned by the health of all. If you interact in a society in which vast numbers lack needed care, your own health is at greater risk.  Americans must understand this as a moral issue--that healthcare should be a human right in today's world.   Fortunately a single-payer system would solve most of the financing problems with few trade-offs for 95% of Americans."	"The first thing we should do to dramatically improve healthcare is to criminalize all forms of politcal donations by health insurance and drug companies. Further, they should be barred use of lobbyists and PR to control the parameters of this debate and bludgeon the public with propaganda about the ""inefficiency"" of a ""big government"" system. Corporations are legal abstractions that don't deserve the free speech rights of flesh-and-blood Americans.  That will allow for the possibility of a rational solution to the health care crisis based soley on rational merits presented in the context of an informed and democratic debate."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	5/10/06 3:07 PM
18388	"I just heard on our syndicated news station that Republicans are looking to eliminate yearly physicals, mammagrams and childens physicals from the services employer health plans will cover.  This is so bad.  We need to pay for preventative services for the saving of costs and lives in the long run.  Please don't let this happen!!!!!!!!"	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	5/10/06 3:47 PM
18450	"It seems more oriented toward finance than health.  Local  access to affordable, qualified community clinics ought to  be one of the highest priorities -- with less emphasis on  pharmaceutical remedies surgeries (as generic solutions)  and endless paperwork/record keeping with a greater emphasis  on nutrition, exercise, lifestyle, self-help regimens, as well  as comprehensive diagnostics with residential support."	"If people can afford to pay, they should.  However, if not,  there is no excuse for denying competent health care to anyone.  So, I would go with sliding scales for individuals and employers  and balance the odds on the government end.  I do not believe the    money is not there.  If our budget trimmed off a lot of pork fat  like subsidizing Hooter's restaurants, gambling, and other such  investments, more would be available for essential life supports.    Also, it does seem like, so much $$ is involved -- if some of the  high-end earners (insurance/pharmaceutical companies, executives  and administrators?) took less for themselves, others who have  less could be accommodated and the whole society would reap  benefits of better health all around.    There was a time doctors did not accept payment unless/until  the patient's health improved.  While turning the clock back  seems a popular trend, in these times, doubtless, nobody who  works in the industry wants to go back there.  Then again, if  health care professionals could be supported adequately in a  healthy economy, they might be able to work without pressures  of economic concerns, and HC delivery might become oriented  more toward health needs, and less toward finance."	"I question whether people are willing to make the necessary  trade-offs to balance the coin.  Costs of HC provision seem  exhorbitant.  Its hardly reasonable to ask practitioners to  shoulder the whole burden -- any more than it is acceptable  to expect working people who can hardly afford rent and food  to come up with hundreds of dollars a month for insurance.    It seems like the real sacrifices would have to come from  those who are reaping high-end benefits -- executives,  administrators, pharmaceutical and insurance companies.    This is where I believe we may run into some serious roadblocks."	"This may be unrealistic, but here it is:  If people in general  could move at their own pace -- work on their own time-clock --  stress levels would drop, radically.  Some would say such an  approach would encourage laziness, indigence -- abuse of the  system.  I question that.  A lot of sincere people care about  life -- and about their work.  If allowed to proceed at a pace  that is healthy and relaxed, people would welcome the opportunity  to work (overtime, if necessary -- and what would be new about  that?!) . . . and for those who would choose a less active path,  its possible their own health and attitudes might improve to the  point they would seek meaningful ways to contribute and participate.    One step in this direction would be residential diagnostic clinics  where health and behavior can be observed and influenced as part of  a more organic approach to health care/treatment/maintenance."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	5/10/06 10:35 PM
18491	"That the very poor and the working poor, plus thousands of children are not covered."	"Their should be a volunteer check off, so that individuals could give some extra monies for this project."	Take the health care of all of our high paying federal employees (congressmen and senators ect.) and pensions and cut these expenses in half.	Nationalize health care for all it citizens.	male	Over 64	No	Black or African American	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	5/11/06 11:04 AM
18492	"That it's not available to everyone.  Cost should not be the reason people are not covered, because everyone should have health care."	No one should be turned away for not having coverage.  Incentives should be offered to doctors to get them to treat poeple without coverage.	Pay more taxes to ensure everyone has health care.	Doctors should be responsible for enforcing preventative care.  It should be made policy that they are reimeburst for preventative care or given some incentives.	female	25 to 44	No	Black or African American	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	5/11/06 11:09 AM
18493	"Services are not provided fairly without good health care.  Their is a problem with low birth weight, especially in pregnant teen, due to poor health care."	No one should eb turned away.  Everyone should be able to get care for chronic disease even when it's not an emergency.  Some one with Cancer should not have to wait for a fatal emergency to be cared for due to lack of coverage.	"Use funds used for war (unneccessarily) to ensure insurance/health care coverage for all.  It should not be taking from our taxes, we have the money, we just aren't using it for the right things."	Prevention programs that stress nutrition and excercise.  Programs that educate the community on how to prevent disease so they would need to go to the doctor as much.  Make it a policy to reimburst doctors for preventative care.	female	25 to 44	No	Black or African American	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	5/11/06 11:15 AM
18512	"We have the most expensive in the world, yet other countries provide much better care (some universal), because of our centralized approval-based system of drug treatments.  We are paying for interminable treatment with expensive drugs that don't work for about a third of patients."	"Yes.  Require providers to include in their policies procedures to (1) identify those individuals not helped by standard drugs, and (2) select an alternative for them.  Otherwise, universal coverage simply perpetuates and subsidizes a bad system."	"The public wants the benefits of alternatives to our over-emphasis on drug treatments (see the definition of ""alternative medical treatment"" in Oregon's medical practice law), which bring better quality at lower cost.  Other countries do it.  Why can't we?"	A senior executive with GlaxoSmithKline [a major drug company] told The Independent (British newspaper) in 2003 that “the vast majority of [prescription] drugs–more than 90 percent–only work in 30 to 50 percent of the people.”      Publicize this.  Act on it (see above).	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	5/11/06 12:25 PM
18515	NULL	NULL	NULL	"National health care.  Other countries have given us working models of what works, and, what doesn't work.  We don't need to reinvent the wheel.    P.S. Hilary Clinton had the right idea many years ago and was ridiculed.  She is now in the position of being able to say ""I told you so.""  "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	5/11/06 12:34 PM
18542	"I just took the survey and was repeatedly concerned with the paucity of answers & options -- especially on #6a&b.  We ALREADY have rationing of health care & significant delays in delivery systems' ability to schedule non-life-threatening services needed.  The unwilligness of the Republicans to include bulk rate discounts in the Midicare Part D plan is A CRIMINAL RIPOFF of the American population!  The evidence of minority deaths of newborns in the US is due to CRIMINAL neglect on the part of the entire political system of this nation.  The fact that our nation has a 4th or 5th rate medical care system (from a quality & accessability standpoint) when compared to other 1st world nations and IT COSTS US 2 TO 4 TIMES MORE MONEY THAN ANY OTHER NATION'S SYSTEM is just plain STUPID.  MANDATORY STEPS:  EITHER EVERY AMERICAN GETS THE HEALTH CARE PLAN THAT CONGRESSIONAL MEMBERS GET OR CONGESSIONAL MEMBERS HAVE TO GET THE TYPICAL HMO PLAN AS EXPERIENCED BY THE EMPLOYEES OF WAL-MART!   IF EITHER OF THESE TWO THINGS HAPPEN, WE WILL QUICKLY FIND A MIDDLE PATH TO SOME BETTER SOLUTION!!!!!!!!!"	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	5/11/06 2:54 PM
18564	I am deeply concerned that there exists a belief that the general government is responsible for health care in the USA.  The constitution limits the general government to specific enumerated powers and this is not one of them.	Eliminate government support for health care. This is clearly not one of the enumerated powers of the general government and is a burden on the American people.	I believe that health care is the responsibility of the individual and the government has no business in the health care business	Get back to a limited government and eliminate all the global social engineering and let the people take care of themselves.	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	5/11/06 4:42 PM
18626	"That we are making the wrong choices about how to spend our health care dollars that are continuing to be cut, including spending on high tech actue care in institutions that are unsafe, when people can't get basic primary and secondary prevention--whether because they are uninsured or can't afford the co-payments and deductibles. "	Put everyone on Medicare.	I don't know what the Amercian public is willing to accept.	"invest in nursing care. Without adequate nurse staffing, care will be unsafe and substandard, whether in acute care or primary care. Nurses must also have the authority to make decisions about safe care. The leadership in health care organizations must recognize that nurses are the key to quality and be setting a tone within their institutions that affirms the need for truly interdisciplinary care."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	5/11/06 5:47 PM
18639	We have lost the idea of the value and role of a robust public healthcare system.  That we are focused on individual benefits rather than sharing the risks.  	"I don't fundamentally understand why any business would want to pay for healthcare.  Small businesses can't afford it, and large, international businesses have to compete with companies in other countries that don't have to cover their employees.  I think from a free-market point-of-view, employee-based healthcare limits the free and efficient movement of labor.      I favor either single payer or mandatory requirements on insurance companies to offer an affordable basic package and no ""prior condition"" policy as a price for playing in the U.S. healthcare market."	"I hope we are willing to accept a two-tier system.  Basics for all, extra services or speed at a higher price."	"Eat less, exercise more."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	5/11/06 5:57 PM
18640	The fact that America has held onto a model of health care that will continue to make the GM's of our business world uncompetitive with the Toyota's of the global economy.  The Toyo's don't have to match the costs of private medical plans.    The same issue is also impacting American businesses when it comes to the costs of retirement plans.    Maintaining our model indefinitely will be the cause of MUCH economic pain for all Americans.	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	5/11/06 5:57 PM
18755	"The lack of basic understanding shown in the debate. Health Care is a Shared Responsibility, and not a right. We as individuals have the responsibility for rountine care and for the consequences of our lifestyle choices. We, as a whole, share the responsibility to provide for each other in the un-expected health events.    Also, the transition to a universal system will be neither quick, nor painless, nor cheap.  Advocates always avoid talking about the transition, which will devastate their case once people realize the size of the effort.    I have lived under two universal systems (Australia and Germany) and I know of NO country with such a system which allows malpractice suits.  Tort reform is a corequisite to a national system"	"There should be a basic, major medical policy available to everyone, with an income adjusted premium (poorest - taxes fund 100%)"	NULL	Get the lawyers out of medicine.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	5/11/06 8:27 PM
18816	"1. The rising cost, (now at $1.9 trillion dollars annually), and continued lack of access to adequate health insurance for 45 million Americans.   The United States spends more money than any other industrialized country on healthcare services, but we have the least access to those services, and the U.S. ranks lowest in health care outcomes."	"2. Yes, absolutely.  Our multi-system method of paying for health care is exactly the problem.  It is expensive, complex, requires much paperwork on the part of the patient, the health care workers, and the insurance companies, and still provides only limited benefits, or no benefits at all to millions of people. Those with inadequate benefits include everyone from the elderly, to persons disabled or with catastrophic illness, to persons between jobs, or to those working, but who receive no health care benefits. For instance, 70% of small businesses have no health care, and 75% of uninsured Americans have jobs but no health care.  Even for people employed by large companies, more and more of the cost of health care is being shifted to the employees.      The main problem with our current system is that the entire system is geared to taking care of people after they become ill.  Instead, we should direct our efforts to keeping people well, or as healthy as possible. Illness costs significantly more to treat than wellness.  For every dollar spent on health promotion, nearly five dollars are saved in medical expenditures.     Appropriate changes that should be implemented for every American, regardless of their ability to pay, include:  a) An annual physical exam (this is critical to early diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening illness, and to manage and control chronic         illness  b) Public education programs to educate all age groups on the disease-producing effects of tobacco use, physical inactivity, and poor eating habits. (33% of all U.S. deaths can be attributed to these behaviors).   c) Lower cost prescriptions, especially for the elderly, or those with chronic health conditions.  When citizens can afford their medications, they are able to stay well longer, and avoid costly illnesses and hospitalizations.  d) Easy, affordable access to care so that minor illnesses are treated before they require more invasive, lengthy and expensive treatments.   e) Teen Pregnancy prevention programs  f) Dental and vision checks  g) Well-baby exams  "	"3. Very few, if any, “trade-offs” will be needed if the emphasis is changed from a focus on illness, to a focus on wellness.  By immediately initiating the above mentioned wellness programs, perhaps one new wellness focus every one-two years, a dramatic savings in health care expenditures would be noted within the next 10 years, more citizens would benefit, and health care outcomes would improve."	4. Immediate funding for programs to encourage wellness.  It is a win-win situation for everyone.  “Band-aid” solutions are not effective.  Only a major change in thinking will be productive.  The input on health care issues that was compiled in similar fashion in 1994 should be re-investigated.  These issues that were addressed then have not gone away—they have only worsened.  	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	5/11/06 10:09 PM
18836	The lack of access to healthcare for people with pre-existing conditions who cannot access insurance through employment.  	We should not tie health care to employment - it should be available to everyone regardless of employment status.  	I would be willing to loss of choice of providers; clinics work well for everyday needs and preventative care.  I am not willing to sacrifice current programs for people with significant disabilities and children for universal care.  I believe that there is more than enough money in the current health care system to provide adequate coverage for all Americans - regardless of need.  We need to move away from a profit-making enterprise for large insurance companies to a system that spends more money on direct care and less money on profits. 	"Move health care out of the free-market system and into a ""non"" profit system. Under the current system, there is a financial disincentive to provide coverage for those most in need of health care. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	5/11/06 11:03 PM
18852	It is a national disgrace that we are the only country that has not created a universal system of health care delivery.	I believe that there should be more equity built into health care costs.  Everyone should have access to essential health care in a system that provides quality at the community level.  People can pay for additional choices for what is not medically necessary.	"Americans are willing to make some trade offs in both benefits and financing to ensure access to afforable, high quality care.  More people recognize the inequities and high waste and cost in our current system."	Support a primary care system where people have access to care.	female	Over 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	5/11/06 11:48 PM
18856	"My greatest concern is that health care has been completely captured by market forces such that there are far greater financial incentives in providing care to the sick than there are in helping to keep people well. High quality health care should be a right, not a privilege or commodity allocated to persons in accordance with their ability to pay. "	"To ensure equity and parity of health care services, government should be the single payer, with individuals and employers contributing to a Health Security Fund in much the same way Social Security is administered. Costs associated with the administration of Medicare are far less than those incurred by the network of private insurers and payers that currently comprise the health care ""system."""	"If given an opportunity to access a full range of preventative benefits at affordable costs, and if there were appropriate investments in culturally appropriate health promotionI and education initiatives, I think the American public would be willing to pay more for treatment of preventable health problems, such as those associated with obesity, smoking and other risk factors. "	Universal health care coverage and access so that every American has a culturally competent medical home!	female	Over 64	No	Black or African American	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	5/12/06 12:00 AM
18916	Lack of Universal coverage to a NOT FOR PROFIT Health Care system.  Neither access nor care should be driven by the profit motive.  	"We need UNIVERSAL NATIONAL Health Care funded through FAIR taxes, including TAXING CORPORATIONS and TAXING WEALTH.  "	Every poll on the subject shows that the American Public SUPPORTS UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE.  The public will not have to make sacrifices in care if the profit motive is eliminated and the insane administrtive costs created by a system run by and for the profit of Insurers and Drug Companies are eliminated.  MEDICARE/MEDICAID for ALL.	"UNIVERSAL NATIONAL HEALTH CARE funded by FAIR taxes including FAIR taxes on business, Corporations, and wealth."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	5/12/06 7:35 AM
19004	The high cost of both insurance and care.  The number of people who are uninsured.  The lack of preventive care for so many people.	"I think health care is a basic right for all human beings in a civilized society. Our society, through our government, should provide health care for every citizen, just like we provide education for every child. The insurance companies serve no purpose and just get rich at everyone else's expense. We should take the insurance companies out of the mix and run our health care system along the lines of Medicare for all. We need a single-payer government-run system."	"The American public is ready for a new system. I think Americans will consider giving up private insurance companies and try a government-run program, since many of them already have experience with Medicare through their older relatives."	Get rid of the middle man--the insurance companies--that create all the bureaucracy and inefficiency in our system.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	5/12/06 10:40 AM
19045	"Bureaucracy, access and equity.  So much time, money, and energy is expended on attempts to restrict access, that very few resources are left to meet patients needs. "	"Eliminate for profit health insurers.  This is profiting from people's suffering.  Eliminate employer's role in providing insurance, raise corporate taxes and institute a single payer system that would dramatically reduce bureaucracy."	"I disagree with the premiss of this question.  If the huge administrative and for profit expenses associated with the current system were eliminated, there would be MORE than enough resources for universal high quality health care. "	Remove the bloat (bureaucracy and profit) form the system.	female	25 to 44	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	5/12/06 11:32 AM
19102	"that it is only for the rich!  Companies are not offering health care, wages are being lowered unemployement is high and people can not afford health insurance.  When you are not working you can not afford $1,000.00 per mo for insurance!"	I would like to see an affordable health care system for all	Not sure - I find most people today are very greedy and do not care about another human being - how sad!!	Get rid of the politicians we have now and but in humanitarians and lets start helping one another!	female	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	5/12/06 3:11 PM
19141	That just one accident and you are disabled and unemployed! At that time insurance is for people who have savings and can afford the Corba payments and can wait for over two years before Medicare kicks in.  	There should be choice.  But there should also be a program that supports a person that has gone through a crisis until they either get on their feet or Medicare eligable.	This concerns me the most.  My experience is that people really don't want to think about this. And it is really hard to get the message out there how common it is for the regular Joe to get in a situation where insurance no longer available or affordable.	The military has been providing health insurance for it's men and their families for many years. That system should have some important data.  We might want to looks at using this facilities more inclusively.	female	45 to 64	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	5/12/06 5:00 PM
19190	Lack of appreciation of the value of health care services (physical and mental).  Lack of understanding of how the mind and body work to create and defeat dssease and dis-ease.  An intolerance of the role of health care providers.  The assumption that we are all alike.  The assumptions that mental health costs more than physcial health.  The assumption that mental health equates with welfare and that is terrible and needs to be eradicated.  The fact that non-providers are controlling think tanks and other policy making committees that dictate how health care will be delivered and reimbursed.  Paying $2000 for steroid shots but not $1000 a year for mental health care.	"Yes, double the reimbursement rates of family practicioners, mental health therapists and social workers.  Set up bonuses for reaching certain standards.  Include bonuses and doubling of reimbursement rates only if the licensed professionals are available for x-number of hours a year for training and respond quickly to their county or city emergency supervisor or Red Cross organization for assingments during a disaster.  Stop building Iraq and other countries and put the billions into re-building the infrastructure of health care throughout the country.  Have Iraq oil reimburse America by providing funds to re-build our weakened system of administration and delivery.  We are spending top-dollar for massive rebuilding of Iraq.  It's time to rebuild America's health care system.  Charge the contractors working in Iraq 15% of their contracts to go into the national health care rebuilding program."	"Cut in half the bureaucracy in Washington, D. C.  Stop companies from hiring more than one lobbist for the Senate and one for the House.  Cut in half the rate paid to MCOs and HMOs to administer health care.  Put 10% of lotteries into Medicaid.  Add a .03 tax on all property, rental and purchases, to pay for health care in that state. "	"Education.  Use the talent of educated licensed personnel to education the populace on health care prevention issues.  For the doubling of reimbursement rates require 4 hours a week to be devoted to education.  Also, require that these people be available for crisis work, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, terriorists attacks and pandemics.  Each county and state would organize these individuals to ensure they had phone numbers where they could be reached quickly.  Also provide them training."	male	45 to 64	No	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	5/12/06 7:34 PM
19196	"The fact that we don't have a quality system that is available to everyone, and that we have a for-profit health care system."	Absolutely!  Too many people are dying or suffering because there is NO help for the exorbitant costs of healthcare.	It doesn't have to be a trade-off.  It can be a win-win situation if we take the profit component out of the healthcare system.  The profit margin being made on our current system could pay to provide healthcare to everyone.	"Take the profit component out of our system.  Healthcare in the richest country in the world should be a right, not a commodity for those who can afford it.  "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	5/12/06 8:08 PM
19203	"The lack of insurance for millions of americans.  Even for many of those with insurance, it is inadequate and presents a barrier to getting needed medications or disincentivises preventive or early therapeutic interventions that can reduce the need for future costs."	"Yes, I strongly believe that a national health insurance program managed by the government with private health care providers  is the best solution."	The money saved by taking profit and waste out of the private insurance morass would more than make up for an enormous amount of the capital needed to broaden coverage to the entire population.  	Government run national health insurance	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	5/12/06 8:32 PM
19267	I am terrified of losing coverage for myself and my children.	"Yes, if a taxpayer cannot afford coverage by their employer they should be able to buy in to the federal workers program at a percentage of their take home pay (say - 5-10%). If I had to buy into my employers plan the costs would be 40% of my salary, with the additional costs of probably 75% of my salary. We would lose our house. "	I believe Americans would be willing to have higher taxes to make healthcare affordable to everyone. It is ridiculous how healthcare can statify our economy and how healthcare costs can drive people into financial ruin.	My recommendation above. Anyone taxpayer should be able to buy into the federal government health insurance. This may also force insurance companies to compete for these premium dollars as well. 	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	5/13/06 8:28 AM
19270	"The way insurance companies have driven up the price of medical services, making people without insurance, and even some who have it, unable to afford proper medical care."	"There should be a universal government health program. Get rid of insurance companies. Healthcare for all, funded by taxpayer dollars."	"There shouldn't be any trade-offs. Canada, England, and other countries have universal healthcare that does not include any 'trade-offs'."	"Get rid of insurance companies! Create a taxpayer-funded, universal healthcare plan that covers EVERYONE."	female	45 to 64	No	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	5/13/06 9:06 AM
19286	"Although I have a good job, am well educated, and relatively well off, health insurance concerns dominate and control my life and the life of my two stepchildren. My husband, who worked for a school system, is retiring. He had good health insurance coverage for our family, but at my job (a small public interest law firm), covering the family will cost $18,000 per year for HMO coverage. That's more than our mortgage by a substantial factor. Furthermore, although I have saved all my life, and would have the money to retire if health insurance cost some sane amount, I may have to work until I am 65, just for health insurance, and for that reason alone. My husband is twelve years older than I am, and I will lose most of the years we could have spent together in retirement. My stepdaughter, who is tremendously compassionate and talented with people, wants to work for a hospice, but they can't pay health insurance, so she has to get another job. My other stepdaughter wants to go to graduate school, but we can't cover her health insurance costs after she graduates from college, she can't afford her own costs without getting a job, and she can't get adequate coverage through graduate school. So she will have to work. And we are spending 100 billion dollars a year on Iraq. It makes me crazy with rage and frustration."	"I think we should have a single payer governmental system. It's pretty obvious. It should work the way the VA did before they started fiddling with the VA and trying to ""privatize"" it."	My guess is that the American public would trade off involvement in Iraq for a better health care system in a heartbeat. Our public policy decisions are being made by people who don't have to worry about health care coverage.	"Honestly, I think the single best thing we could do would be to pass laws abolishing the governmental system of health care coverage for our elected officials. The people who make health care policy uniformly do not have to worry about health care coverage for themselves or their families. As a realistic matter, I think Medicare should be expanded to include spouses who are under 65, and to permit people 55 and over to buy in."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	5/13/06 10:28 AM
19290	It's out of control rising cost.	Health care should be a right paid for through a federal program. But not necessarly run by the government.	None	FDA should establish fee for service rates and product pricing for medical providers. Government should appropreate more moneys towards medical research of all knids.	male	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	5/13/06 10:52 AM
19297	"The scam!  Runaway costs!  The government does nothing!  Drugs run amuck.  In a hospital 15 dollars for a aspirin, 14 dollars for a cotton swab.  Is it really necessary to make giganic profits on the sick and dying?  Solution:  The government will tell all health care providers, pharmacutical companies-hospitals etc. to shape up or ship out. We will then start our own drug companies, hospitals, etc.  Drugs can be made for pennies on the dollar and make a gooood profit.  Hospitals are a joke.  When I was in for a week, the cost per person-per day(semi-private) was 389.00.  That is almost 800.00 per day per room.  What accomodations could I get at a resort for 800.00 per day?  Of course all tests are extra  and you are hustled right and left for unnecessary tests.  I would ask them why and answer is always the same: THE DOCTOR ORDERED IT.  No he didn't!  All bills are duplicated.  Please stop fraud and the SCAM!"	"To reduce costs: Stop the fraud, especially Medicare and Medicaid.  Stop free medical care for all non-US Citizens. The government can put all payments to other countries (those gov. that put it in their pockets) into our health care, and we would have some left over toward the debt, or learn to speak Chinese.  Stop the waste and a lot could be done. "	Get rid of free health care for non US citizens and we can have better care.	Stop the fraud and runaway costs.  Start government run hospitals and drug companies.	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	5/13/06 11:06 AM
19304	"The recent Work Incentive Act amendments were supposed to allow the working disabled to keep health care through Medicaid Buy-Ins and other supposed incentives, but the system hurts too many people by deception and the real intent seems to be to trick people and cut them off Medicaid in order to cut the budget.  Needs based programs are usually bad; an exception would be a sliding scale fee of premiums based on income, not assets! and never on medical condition or age. On the contrary those needing the most care should pay less, not more!  This is the way it is in other developed countries in the world.  Insurance company profits due to sickness and disability are immoral, and community rating should be mandatory.  Profits based on efficiency of service might be a good idea but only if the standard for efficiency was quality of care rather than cost of care."	"Employer based health coverage is bad and creates inequality. Individuals, businesses  should pay to taxes to government, and government should directly pay providers of health care, eliminating . Government usually requires accountability of budgets while private insurance for profits do not, and should therfore be eliminated from our health care system. "	Pay higher premiums or taxes only in trade for a system where we were assured of quality health care benefits.	"ONE SAME system for all, based on income and not assets or medical condition or age"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AK	5/13/06 11:40 AM
19307	government roll should increase	government roll should increase	"increase taxes for garanteed care, offer option to buy-in to medicaid!"	"option to buy-in to medicaid by increasing the fpl qualifying level, "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DC	5/13/06 11:53 AM
19311	Lack of universal coverage  and increasing cost in part becuse of nonessential services to old people in the last years of their lives and duplicate paper for so many diferent insuranace systems	One-payer government system and some kind of rationing based on the experiment with Medicaid in Oregon?/Washington State?.	One payer system for universal coverage and less paper and less direct cost to consumer.	universal coverage by governmental one-payer system	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	5/13/06 12:19 PM
19352	Accessibility.  Many people cannot afford health care including dental care.	"The system does not work for those people who work and who are not covered for health care and even if working cannot afford all the living expenses they have, let alone health care costs."	"I do not know this, but we are paying dearly in this country for not doing more in proventive care."	Provide health care for every individual.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	5/13/06 6:04 PM
19360	Ijust finished reading the book by Donald L. Barlett and James B. Steele How Health Care Became Big Business and Bad Medicine.You bet I am interested in Health Care in this country. TAKE OUT THE PORK and we can have good health care.Why should my granddaughter have to suffer with cf and bankrupt her family.  	Some how we have to find a way to help people with chronic disease.There are other diseases besides cancer and cancer gets too much money for research.	"Americans should learn how to walk,eat less stop smoking, using alcohol, taking drugs.I feel people who take care of themselves should have lower preminums.Sock it to the abusers.I have friends who are going to cost us a bundle from their life styles. Make them pay more.I am fed up with the lazy people."	"We as Americans need to consider our values,our priorities,our budget and our options to provide a viable health plan.    Wars,immingration,excess spending is a drain. You provide excellent health care for congress and other officials,why not the citizens who are paying the taxes?"	female	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	5/13/06 7:29 PM
19384	It is too expensive as if healthcare is now a luxery and not something we need.	Healthcare companies should be mandated.  They should never be allowed to drop someone because their healthcare needs are too expensive and they should cover all disabled persons needs.	"Everyone should get high quality care, there should be no trade-offs for healthcare."	"Healthcare should be supplied by all employers and those companies should never be allowed to drop or deny medical care at any cost.  If there are persons without jobs, the state should accomodate the healthcare until they're employed."	female	25 to 44	No	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	5/14/06 12:14 AM
19389	"The current system is failing to provide quality, individualized service to patients. Prices are rising because of regulatory restrictions and requirements."	Remove the barriers to entry that the government offers to health practitioners.  Remove the corporate welfare structure that supports existing health providers. Abolish the FDA.  Allow patients to choose their health providers and services without regulatory interference.	"The public wants more health care at lower cost with high quality. A command and control system is not a very good way to offer such services.  The trade-offs are not easy to make and must be made individually, not by single governmental agencies."	Remove government involvement in health care services and regulation.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	5/14/06 2:22 AM
19398	"The huge number of uninsured and underinsured Americans; eroding coverage combined with rising and unchecked health care costs; racial disparities in treatment and coverage; massive waste due to excessive and repetitive paperwork, executive reimbursements and advertising/lobbying by health care providers. "	"Adopt a single-payer system- essentially Medicare for all.  Funding should come through the monies spent on existing health care programs, a tax on employers and a graduated (progressive) income tax.  These taxes would replace the benefits employers are already providing and the co-payments and deductibles individuals are already paying.  Almost everyone would actually save money."	"I think the American public would be quite willing to forgo the ""option"" of choosing between multiple competing health care plans that increasing limit choices and increase costs for a universal, well-funded, stable program that offers affordable and quality health care to all Americans."	"Treat health care as a basic human right, not a privilege, to which all Americans are entitled regardless of race, age, employment status or existing health condition.  Then devise a system that addresses that in a logical, simple manner- single-payer"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	5/14/06 8:42 AM
19405	"We need to provide PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE TO ALL.  The cost of health care would be much less if we did more to prevent health care problems rather than waiting until treatment is required.  We need more local, community based health care facilities in order to do this.  Preventive health care should be provided to all at no cost."	"Yes.  We should have health care provided to all residents of the U.S. that is paid by our taxes.  Health insurance should not depend on a person's employment as we always have unemployed, part-time employed and others who are excluded from obtaining health insurance and cannot afford private health insurance.  We must have a way of paying for our health care that provides health for all regardless of the person's ability to pay for their health care."	I think the American public is willing to pay higher taxes if their is universal health care for all.  Trade-offs may not be necessary if we provide preventive health care to reduce the incidence of higher cost treatment for illnesses that could have been prevented or treated earlier.	"Provide preventive health care for all regardless of ability to pay.  If the Federal government provided universal health care coverage for preventive health care, the cost of health care could be greatly reduced."	male	45 to 64	No Response	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	5/14/06 10:31 AM
19410	"That the U.S. lags behind so many other developed countries (Canada and Europe specifically) in providing low-cost universal health care to its citizens. The way it is now, it is unequally distributed to the best off financially. Only they can afford the best care. Third-party companies are unnecessary, making health care administration too burdensome and adding to the expense so they can profit at the expense of people's vital needs. Although many employers can easily afford it, it should not be their responsibility. It keeps labor costs and consumer prices too high to compete with foreign companies; and it ties people to jobs for which they may not be best suited, thus impacting productivity and morale and the freedom of individuals to move to other parts of the country, try a different career, or set up a small business, etc. "	"We need to expand the original Medicare model so that all people qualify for coverage regardless of income and health status. We need national health insurance. It can be financed by tax increases on a sliding scale. Eliminate the inefficient and inadequate Medicaid program, and keep the states out of this altogether. That's another layer of bureaucracy that is unnecessarily costly to administer. The government can bargain with providers of services, equipment, and medications to keep the costs down. There should be no go-betweens such as private insurance companies and HMO's. They add more expense, do nothing to improve the quality of care, and erode the doctor-patient relationship. Do not misunderstand me. We do not need a public health system where doctors are on a government salary. There does need to be competition so that inept providers will go out of business for lack of patients and good providers will be rewarded. I'll say it again. We need national health INSURANCE; that is a different animal. We also need no so-called ""tort reform."" Doctors and hospitals need to be held strictly accountable for negligence and other forms of malpractice. Studies have shown the price of malpractice insurance is not a significant factor in rising health care costs no matter what the common perception might be thanks to all the pro-business propaganda out there. Allowing citizens to sue for malpractice and not capping compensation for damages is an excellent way to ensure high-quality care."	"Listen; do not rack your brains over a problem that has such a simple solution. Don't waste time and money re-inventing the wheel. You can look to other advanced nations for the model to use. It's already being done. All you have to do is see if there are ways to improve on what others are doing. Given that some people here have no coverage at all and those of us who do pay high premiums and large out-of-pocket expenses with many important and necessary medications off the formularies and essential treatments and tests not covered or barely covered, we'd save money if we paid for our health care through progressive tax increases. Costs for the government can be kept low by providing coverage to everyone. This will help solve the problem of people becoming so sick that they have to go to the hospital and end up having those costs passed on to those with insurance or back to the government at a higher rate than a simple subsidy for decent care would have provided. If you cut out all private middle-men and their administrative costs and profit motives, that lowers the cost still. Then add the bargaining power of the government to obtain reasonable prices for services, and you would have a very efficient system. Also, if government spending over all was better managed, such as no foreign military misadventures that are extremely costly, no contracting out of services the government is perfectly capable of providing to profiteering companies like Halliburton, and no unnecessary tax cuts to the rich so they can invest in foreign companies, buy luxury goods for themselves that no one needs, and driving up the cost of housing, we would be setting pretty. Just provide national coverage. It's long, long overdue"	"Again, it is very simple. Develop a national health insurance system. It's a no-brainer. And, for the record, I'm well-informed about social problems such as this health care issue. I do not need to read your propaganda about how great the free market is. The free market can work in some areas, like competition among doctors and hospitals for patients, but it fails miserably in meeting people's basic needs. That's well proven. Just look at the ridiculous and harmful situation we're in now."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OK	5/14/06 11:22 AM
19412	"Our nation spends far more per capita on health care than any other, yet we have more than 45 million unisured and probably comparable numbers of under-insured. There is too much waste in the system."	An equitable way to finance health care is through a combination of general tax revenues (via the graduated income tax) and social insurance contributions - a system that has worked well for Medicare.	"The framing of this question biases the strategic approach to achieving affordable, quality health care for all. It implies that the general public has the medical wisdom to judge which disorders and which treatments might be critical to people's well-being. It overlooks the fact that it is health care providers, not patients, who decide how the lion's share of health care dollars are spent - and that requiring providers to operate within global budgets could lead to more effective and efficient use of those dollars."	"To insure that our people can get the health care they need when they need it, at a sustainable cost to the nation, we, as a nation, should commit to equitable public funding of health care for all, with global budgets for health care providers and with federally negotiated prices for pharmaceuticals and medical equipment."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	5/14/06 11:34 AM
19416	"lack of personal responsibility for health - America has become too complacent with someone else providing the need - or are too poor/uninformed to percieve the need; costs are skyrocketing - while we have people with little to no access, we have teams of physicians who insist on high-cost, high-tech exams & tests that merely confirm what is already known; sometimes they do it for c.y.a. purposes - sometimes because there's more money in the test  I am not in favor of national health insurance - I spent 20 years in the military and know how costs of government programs and federal employees can bankrupt the system, yet I still consider the US military health care system one of the most competent and efficient. If we have to go to nationa insurance, model it after the military model - and start with a requirement for basic health promotion education and health awareness before access to other services."	"I believe individuals should have to pay for services with the exception of catastrophic costs. I think the idea of personal health savings accounts is a good one, but I believe that they should include the option of coverage for health promotion/prevention services such as nutritional supplementation and health fitness memberships - there is research to show the cost reduction of consistent pro-active health practices to reduced medical usage costs. Its time to use this research instead of pharmaceutical based and medical equipment based research to direct our health care decision making. I worked for a physician who did not accept insurance - the waiting list for new patients is months long - her patients love her & receive excellent care. Obviously, this isn't possible for everyone, but I think we are going to start seeing a lot more of it - and I think we will start seeing some ""bartering"" of services for payment - people who don't have cash will offer services for payment. Perhaps a community service payment for those who can't afford monetary? Will always need an option for the disabled, but even they have much to contribute if we are creative and open-minded. Insurance should function as insurance - against catastrophic loss/use; not day to day preventive and routine care - those things should be paid by the individual. Of course, we saw with Katrina how many of our citizens took responsibility for their own safety and homes - a sad tale."	"I think most citizens will be willing to have someone with more money pay more taxes to provide them more services.  My choice: let's identify and deal with the issue of health illiteracy and lack of personal responsibility in health care decision-making. We need population-based health care programs that identify and address community health needs. Work with the churches and citizen organizations; identify key community focus areas & the existing health resources and then work from there. Look at the entire health issue from a more global perspective - starting with the food we grow, sell & eat. Think in terms of health at a cellular level, not a system level & we'll start seeing improved health care outcomes. I spent four years watching low-income, uneducated people buy their food at the local 7-11 market on a daily basis - and wonder why they couldn't keep their sugars and blood pressure under control - after their lunch of chips, 24 ounce soda and a hotdog. And I truly don't think they understood the connection between the food they were eating & the health (or lack of) they experienced. This is where we need to make change - and it needs to start with the young children who grow up learning these behaviors."	Increase health literacy at the community level and establish a population-wide preventive health education program. Design an incentive system for improved health behaviors and expand the health savings account concept - but it can't be tax-based. There's too many poor who don't file/pay taxes that would be lost in the shuffle.  Create an education incentive program for current and future health professionals to pursue advanced education in public health - population health and health literacy.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	5/14/06 11:57 AM
19446	"The combination of high cost -- it's bankrupting governments and schools, making businesses uncompetitive -- and lack of access/quality.  Too many people have to forego healthcare, or don't have locally-available care in many specialties, or have to decide between paying for health care and other necessities of life.  "	"The main thing is to get a single-payer plan and get rid of this huge layer of multiple-insurance companies.  The money spent by hospitals and doctors offices to keep track of this is insane, and the amount of money that goes to keep those huge companies going and pay their stockholders their profits could be better spent on actual health care."	"If there were access to healthcare for all, a sizable number of people would not be making any tradeoffs at all -- they would be trading up.  And most middle-class, insured people I know have to wait longer and longer for appointments and procedures, so I doubt things would get worse for them.  In terms of financing, if costs were lowered and the waste of insurance done away with, most of us would be ahead, as well.  What do you mean, tradeoffs?  How much worse could it get?"	Put reasonable caps on costs.  Implement a single-payer program.  Focus on preventing disease and increasing wellness.  You said single?  Preventing disease and increasing wellness.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	5/14/06 7:52 PM
19450	The oppressive role of Insurance companies in deciding what gets done and when. Their documentation and proof of necessity requirements are the main reason costs have risen so dramatically. they should not be for-profit businesses. I don't understand why my insurance coverage is dependent on the negotiating skills of my employer.	"Make the cost of medical care publically available, as it is a closely guarded secret currently."	"Basic coverage for all, options for extra coverage available to all at group rates."	"As Dr. Koop suggested, create national standards for paperwork and medical information."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	5/14/06 8:56 PM
19456	" Free access to healthcare is a basic right. People are not taught how to be responsible for their own health. We're not taught or encouraged to eat well, rest when needed and use common plants to help keep our bodies in balance. These things were a bsic part of up-bringing just a century ago."	"Assure every person free, readily available healthcare. Stop advertising that ""there's a pill for everything."" Educate everyone in methods for maintaining their own health."	"I think, given the choice, almost every American would trade the arms industry for free, very high quality care. The money spent on R & D alone would provide free health care to every child for their entire life."	"Educate people, let them be aware, (use ads even) that they do not need high tech doctors or pharmacueticals to maintain their health. Break up the collusion between the AMA, insurance and pharmaceutical comapnies. [NOTE: I looked at the multiple choice poll. It doesn't ask good questions. It assumes that ONLY solution is one involving insurance companies and the AMA.]"	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SD	5/14/06 9:27 PM
19462	The current system is too complicated and wasteful of financial and human resources. The reported and expected rise of the cost of the system is worrisome but without a clear explanation.  Where is the money going?  My insurance premiums went up 60% one year and 30% the next.  My physicians' reimbursement went up (or was it down) 2 - 3% in those same years.  Transparency is needed.  The insurance companies need to account to their policy holders exactly how the premiums dollars are spent.  Any money that is not used for provision of care should be considered wasted.    Care providers must spend too much time and effort on matters not directly related to medical needs.      	"Employers should not be involved at all.  They don't want to be.  And their involvement creates another unnecessary and unwelcome layer of control.  A government-run program is likely to carry a huge bureacratic burden that is wasteful of financial and human resources, unless the need to avoid that burden is considered in the deliberations that precede any legislative effort.  "	"Unfortunately, the reality seems to be that the American public is not willint to make any trade-offs.  They make the assumption that the best care at any cost is a right of all Americans.  And they seem to think that anything that is provided by government is free.  Such unrealistic assumptions must be addressed before the process of reform can proceed.    High quality care is going to require an effective workforce.  The public are going to have to remember the old saw, ""You get what you pay for.""    "	"The problems of the current system are complex.  A simplistic approach, based upon focused questions addressing only funding, will not engage the public meaningfully. An open public discussion that brings the views of all concerned stakeholders into play is necessary.  The discussion can occur in the op-ed sections of publications with wide readership.  It can also occur at conference tables. Many questions must be addressed.  In particular, the basic assumptions that determine the expectations and the disappointments of all involved must be brought into question.  For instance, the question must be asked, Is health care at any cost a right of all Americans, guaranteed under the Constitution and enforceable by law?  Another question must be asked: Is health care a commodity provided by businesses operating in a crowded marketplace?  "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	5/14/06 10:18 PM
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19486	"The cost.  But mostly that doctors are actually turning people away who are in real need.  My son walked stooped over for 6 months from a employment related injury.  They finally settled, but really, it's outrageous what he had to go through.  The fact that doctors turned him away was shocking.  That never used to happen in this country.  "	"If we have to have insurance, an affordable group plan has to be available to individuals."	None.  They'll only change if they're guaranteed complete choice because most of them have no idea how much their health care is costing anyway.	"Transparency in fees and health insurance premiums.  There's no reason that the amounts people pay should be so different from company to company.  People blame the uninsured for high health costs, but if they got the same deals on health insurance they wouldn't be uninsured in the first place."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	5/15/06 5:47 AM
19496	The lack of systemic planning that will assure equal access and quality care to all.	"The disconnected, competitive market-based system leaves so many people without healthcare or poor services.  I can no longer find a primary care physician in Brooklyn to serve as my medical home."	"I believe the American public would trade fancy, high-tech services for good basic health care that was accessible to everyone and around the clock.  "	"The federal government should be the single-payer for a universal, planned and comprehensive system.   "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	5/15/06 8:51 AM
19506	"  The current system is too complicated and wasteful of resources, both financial and human.  Too much money goes into maintaining the structures of the system and not into care.  Too much of providers' time and energy goes into complying with rules and regulations and into documenting that compliance.  In my opinion, any money and effort that does not contribute directly to providing care should be considered wasted, unless and until proven otherwise."	"If insurance is going to be the main source of funding, everyone should be required to have insurance.  For those who cannot afford it or cannot acquire it because of pre-existing conditions, a social program with charitable and/or public tax funding should be developed to provide insurance-like coverage for care.  If private insurance companies remain in the picture, there should be public oversight of how funds are used -- and the accounting should be totally transparent.  That oversight should apply to charitable and publicly funded programs as well."	"The public seems unwilling to make any trade-offs.  Many do not seem to understand that someone must pay for what they get.  Ultimately, the public provides all of the funding.  If you aren't paying, someone else is paying for you.  There needs to be a paradigm shift that begins with questioning of the basic assumptions that determine the expectations and the disappointments of those who provide and receive care.    The public needs to think in terms of Stephen Covey's P/PC balance, in which P is production (of health care services) and PC is the production capability or capacity of the system, which involves the strength and health of the work force.  He uses as a metaphor the goose (PC) that laid the golden eggs (P).  If you overwork and do not nourish the goose, there will soon be no golden eggs."	"You have already come upon it.  There needs to be a public discussion of the need for reform that brings all stakeholders to the table.  Your meetings and surveys provide a first step.  I see the editorial or op/ed pages of widely read newspapers to provide the best opportunity for extending the discussion and making it more inclusive of all the opinions and viewpoints that need to be stated and heard.  Then, when everyone has a sense of what all the issues are that need to be addressed, all stakeholders need to sit down together in a retreat like setting and express their ideas honestly and clearly AND listen carefully to what every other person has to say, with the full intention of understanding every point of view.  Then those people should work together to create a better system, one that can and will serve everyone better. For more on this idea, please click onto http://www.queencityforum.com/podium/healthReform042006.php"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	5/15/06 9:32 AM
19532	High price of health care  Poor quality of health care  too many hospital acquired infections  nurse/patient ratio too high for safe practice  poor pay for all health care workers except MD	NULL	NULL	high cost-poor quality of care in hospitals	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	5/15/06 10:45 AM
19534	"As a provider of mental health services, I find that I am deprived of being able to make an adequate living if I accept participation in managed care insurances. Even though I have been in this field for over 30 years and have a PhD plus continuing education and specialized training, I am paid the same as someone recently out of school from a two year masters degree program. What other field of endeavor is there that does not reward experience and training? "	"Much of the current cost of health care goes into paying stock holders of the corporations which run the insurance businesses; in addition to that, the insurances have added extra administrative levels in order to try to limit the consumption of health care services. The executives of the insurances corporations make extraordinarily high salaries, in the name of making money for the stock holders, but it is at the expense of the providers of services and the patients asking for help for health and/or mental health services.       The Federal government could find a way to manage health care if the current billions were not being wasted on making war, killing and maiming thousands of people."	Some of the very high-tech instruments of diagnosis and discovery could be sensibly consolidated in certain locations rather than having hospitals and treatment centers vying competitively with each other for the sake of attracting new patients. There are times when competition is not the best standard for excellence.	"It is necessary to remove the insurance company profit motive in order to adequately address the problem of health care for all Americans. There can be developed a good, functional National system which would include all Americans. This can be paid for by repealing tax breaks for the ultra rich and by ceasing the folly of useless and bogus wars.  The present leaders of this country have seriously erroded and squandered our monetary advantages so that there is little room left to consider National health care."	female	Decline to answer	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	5/15/06 10:48 AM
19565	the gross inefficiencies that send a huge percent of our money into administratin and profit.	"yes.  Health care is a right.  It should not be delivered through such an inefficient market, and even if it were efficient our country's residents need to have access to care regardless of income"	"first, we eed to show how inefficient the system really is.  compare it to Medicare, and tie it to the much higher satisfaction levels medicare has (versus our private system.)  Show how the savings with a ""Medicare for All"" program wuld extend coverage to millions of more residents.  people would be willing to make trade-off if they know what was on the table."	"Medicare for all, with a decent set of basic coverages including Rx., at little or some cost to insured individuals and families - required cost, depending on income. Have a true sliding scale subsidy for lower income folks, and then allow the market to work above this level of coverage providsing supplements to those who want to purchase them."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	5/15/06 11:39 AM
19589	The number of uninsured.	Single payer health care will put money back where it belongs rather than administrative costs.  Compare the cost of administering Medicare as opposed to private insurance.	There will have to be trade-offs such as more limited use of unnecesary overly expensive hi-tech tests.	Health care is a right not a privilege	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	5/15/06 12:13 PM
19591	The numbers of uninsured and underinsured  I don't believe that health care is a free market comodity - and that profit needs to be taken out of the health care system.     I believe we need to build a system of public financing for health care - the employer based system is erroding and the individual market is not a place to purchase health care. 	I think that there should be a single payer system - that government should run the health care system and that individuals and employers should pay for it through a progressive tax system. 	Pay more taxes 	I think that we need to deal with both access and systemic racism with in our system.  	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	5/15/06 12:17 PM
19595	The outrageous costs and how much insurance itself is costing.  It has spiraled out of whack!	National Health Care is a must for everyone to be treated equally.	Why should we have to trade off anything.  This is the United States we should be able to accomplish that.	National Health Care	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	5/15/06 12:20 PM
19600	"DEclining availability of services vs. ridiculously escalating costs.  I am also concerned about declining quality of providers, especially amongst nurses and similar support staff"	yes - completely eliminate the 'private insurer' system and replace it with something similar to what is done in France	Slightly increased individual costs	Eliminate the private insurer system and replace it with a public insurance system	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	5/15/06 12:30 PM
19608	"Cost of it. It seems like the cost of health care just keeps going up, while both the quantity and quality of it is decreasing. We are paying more money for less care."	NA	"Americans shouldn't have to trade-off other aspects of life to ensure access to affordable, high quality health care. As the most progressive, wealthiest and most technologically advanced nation, it is quite a shame that the U.S. cannot take care of its own citizens."	"Health insurance companies need to be accountable to a set, universal standards with the government. It is, then, the responsibility of the government to ensure insurance companies abide by those standards. It is sickening how much health insurance companies profit from the American people. How do you explain the cost of hundreds of dollars for a simple, 5- (maybe 10) minute check-up with a doctor?"	male	25 to 44	No	Asian	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	5/15/06 12:36 PM
19612	"Accessibility to quality healthcare. I have fairly good coverage, but poor dental/eye coverage – so I do not go to the dentist unless I have a real problem. I feel that this is the problem across the board. Also it seems like many of the cost are very inflated and many of the procedures that the doctors want are NOT covered be the insurance."	"I am not sure on this one. I know that my employer pays for part of the coverage and I pay for the rest. The part that hits me the hardest is that each year the premiums go up and deductibles increase (less coverage for more dollars) but the cost of living increases fall far short of the increases – so each year you get less but pay more. I also know that I should have some kind of long term insurance, but just don’t have the extra dollars for that!"	"I do not like to mentions using tax dollars – but that may be one thing that we need to look at. Another would be some type of  “caps” on what can be charged? It seems like the cost of a signal office visit at close to $200 is a little much for a 15-30 minute check. (Know that there are often other things involved, but there are usually other charges then) this is even more than lawyers charge!"	I feel that we need to provide at least basic care to all that need it regardless of ability to pay! 	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	5/15/06 12:39 PM
19617	It concerns me that millions of people do not have affordable coverage.  	"Absolutely.  The system should be an expansion of Medicare.  Medicare-for-all is the smartest, cleanest, fastest way to do it."	"I think Americans, if told the truth with facts, would be surprised to learn that this nation can afford to cover all of us.  The current Medicare guidelines that are is place all ready is an excellent place to start.  All would pay in as able--it is NOT FREE--it would be affordable--all contributing as they are able. We CAN do this. "	"Medicare-for-all is the place to start.  Providers are able to appeal when charges are denied, a fair reconsideration of those charges takes place, and providers do often win those appeals.  Medicare all ready has formulas in place that flag possibel billing errors, regulate  payments and discount adjustments and formulate relative value units of each procedure. It's proven to have the lowest administrative costs in the country.    "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	5/15/06 12:47 PM
19620	Mainstream medicine discourages individual participation and discourages individuals from assuming responsibility for their own health.  It is condescending and patronizing.	"I think healthcare should be taken out of the employer arena.  When the employer purchases insurance on behalf of their employees, firings, layoffs, and inability to get a job leave too many people uninsured."	"As one of the ""public,"" I think healthcare should cover basic healthcare and surgeries.  An addendum policy could be purchased for high end and high cost tests, meds, etc."	Make people responsible for their own health instead of relying on a doctor to keep them healthy.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	5/15/06 12:50 PM
19637	lack of universal coverage.	we need a system that covers 100% of all citizens.   	We are currently paying for all of the health care now.  It is just an uneven charging system.	drug cost control or allow a free market to exist.  Allow purchase of prescription drugs on a world wide market basis. 	male	45 to 64	NULL	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	5/15/06 1:14 PM
19641	"Insurance does not cover any treatments/therapies for autism (which is very prevelant and real disorder).  With tort reform in Ohio, doctors are leaving to move to other states we are losing some wonderful practices and doctors."	"I think this is a good system but I think that too many people who are umemployed or once they are older and don't want to spend their money so hide it or give it to their kids instead of pay for their own care, live off of the government too much.  We need to put restistrictions.  If you are employed, what are these people doing to actually get a job.  For example HeadStart teachers claim unemployment all summer long-I'm sure they could find a job somewhere for the summer."	I don't think the public will put much more money into it.  Most people feel they are paying enough already.	"Make sure it is accessible to all that need it and don't have seperate facilities, floors, etc... for people on medicare, medicaid becuase they end up getting a lower quality of treatment."	female	Under 25	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	5/15/06 1:29 PM
19643	The shortage of healthcare professionals and also the ever-rising cost of health care 	"I was born with the illness hydrocephalus in 1959 and have had fourteen surgeries in my lifetime.  In 1997, I lost a job in Dixon, Illinois three weeks after I started it, because the employer learned of my serious health condition and did not want to pay for medical insurance to insure me.  It's a long story---but I know I wasn't fired because of the quality of my work.  There needs to be a way for people with serious health conditions which are under control to get (and hold) jobs they are qualified to do. "	"I don't think it's the responsibility of the American public to make trade-offs.  The medical profession itself created this crisis when it saw the baby boom generation getting older, but didn't increase enrollments in medical schools and nursing programs."	"Increase enrollment in medical schools and nursing programs.  When supply (of medical personnel) goes up, costs will go down, and we will not have to tolerate those within the medical profession who are incompetent. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	5/15/06 1:34 PM
19645	"The fact that health care in America is a for-profit industry when health care is a fundamental requirement and should not be a money-making, every-man-for-himself enterprise."	"Health insurance should be entirely portable and not tied to employment.  If I become seriously ill, I will not be able to work.  If I am a dependent spouse and my partner dies or divorces me, I am suddenly without health insurance.  Separate health insurance from employment and make it every individual's right!"	There do not need to be trade-offs!  We pay more and have less effective health care than other developed countries.  Stop spreading the lie that we will have to give something up.  The only thing that needs to go is a fractured private system that doesn't work.	"Provide health care to all Americans as is done in Canada, in Britain, in Germany, in every ""comparable"" country in the world - through a single source, the federal government, that demands a reasonable price from the pharmaceutical industry (so not exactly Medicare, but a sane version of Medicare)."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/15/06 1:37 PM
19658	"The abhorrent costs, the lousy coverage that you get for these costs, and the ineffectiveness of this stupid Republican administration to do anything about it . . . ."	The who individual thing should be trashed and we should have National Health Insurance.	"There might be a little more waiting in lines to access care, but I think the American people would be willing to do this if the costs went down dramatically and the coverage quality went up."	"The government needs to pass a National Health care act so that EVERYONE, EVERYONE (except illegal aliens) has access to good health care.  People should not be paying sums equal to a home mortgage for health care.  It's obscene!"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	5/15/06 1:58 PM
19659	The inability to find out what a treatment costs ahead of time and the use of third-party payers that remove the consumer from the process.	"HSAs and HRAs ought to be portable,job to job, state to state. Individuals should be able to get the same tax breaks that corporattions get.  Flexible spending accounts should be allowed to roll over adn not lose it at the end of the year."	They don't need to make tradeoffs. There are enough proven innovative treatments and disease management systems available right now to lower health care costs 20 to 50 percent across the board.  They just have to be made known and implemented.	Have Congress change Medicare to allow payment for proven lifestle treatments. Insurance companies will follow Medicare's lead. Then doctors need to be retrained in lifestyle medicine so they can get paid for practicing preventative medicine. The first target should be childhood obesity since those will be the high cost diabetics of the future.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	5/15/06 2:01 PM
19662	"The cost/benefit analysis is wretched. Considering the technological advances, the outcomes for this country are unacceptable. That insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies are just making a killing while producing such poor health outcomes is also not acceptable"	"I've often thought that universal health insurance was the way to go. The more I learn, the less I seem to know about this option. I think that we all have a duty to contribute to a universal health coverage plan but I'm not sure how. What would be the difference in impact whether a company pays for insurance directly or pays an insurance tax and a central entity actually gets the coverage for everybody. I'm not sure whether the central entity should be a branch of federal government (they've not done so well with social security) or a private entity that reports to federal and state governments. Same analogy applies to individuals (premiums or insurance tax)."	"Well the system is so expensive and produces not so great results so we're already sacrificing: financially and with our health. People are already paying for some public health insurance through our taxes, is there anyway to educate the public about the existing benefits in the system? Like without Medicaid buy-in and similar programs, more people would be out of work. I think we as Americans can learn to work in many different systems, we are adjusting to the fact that we don't ""have a family doctor"" anymore, we're ""part of a practice"" - so we see the doc available. I guess I'm not sure what trade-offs we'll be asked to make."	"Eliminate commercial lobbying altogether, follow empriacle, evidence-based data. "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	5/15/06 2:14 PM
19691	Cost and administration too clumsy.	High risk national pool will keep current system  intact	Modest cost - in this country americans feel healthcare is an entitlement	High risk national pool for employer sponsored plans	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	5/15/06 3:23 PM
19693	"#1. The total lack of personal accountability with the insured; there are MANY I deal with who are uninsured BY CHOICE, wreaking havoc on the rest of us and the system when they don't pay their bills and/or file bankryptcy. Why don't we ever see the statistic of the number of uninsured who are that way BY CHOICE. It would be eye opening.  #2.  The cost of modern healthcare ( much of it driven by # 1 above, but then also primarily by big pharma."	"IF you are ever going to get assured basic healthcare for everyone, you will NEED to require automatic deductions to individuals' paychecks ( just like FICA, FUTA, etc.) or it will NEVER happen/if it does, it will bankrupt this country."	"I don't think they ARE ready to make any trade-off, much less sacrafice for this; that is why we have much of the problem with the system today! Everyone wants their NEW vehicle, or Harley,( OR BOTH!) and that is where their prioroties are--the material feel good possessions of today. They never think anything will happen to them, and when/if it does, file Ch. 7."	Mandatory payroll deduction for those that will not take personal responsibility to insure themselves with health insurance.  Stiffer fines/penalties for the fly-by-night companies that take premiums from people for years (who think they have good health insurance) then only pay a small ( $15-50 per diem) when disaster strikes.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SD	5/15/06 3:30 PM
19717	"The primary source of health care delivery for too many Americans is through the most expensive portal... Emergency Rooms.  It is not only the most expensive, but by avoiding routine checkups and preventative care, early intervention opportunities are often missed.  Basic healthcare should be a basic human right, and elective health care should be available for those that can afford it."	The administrative costs related to our current healthcare system add to the prohibitive costs of coverage for those that don't qualify for (low administrative cost) medicare and medicaid programs.	"I believe that we can ""trade-off"" our poor ranking among industrialized nations in almost every mortality/morbidity measurement by instituting accessable, affordable health care for all Americans."	Access for all.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	5/15/06 4:22 PM
19730	Too few are covered for so much money.	"An individual mandate might make sense.  Also, government does a good job at coverage, this commitment should be strenghtened, not reduced."	We are already trading off access and availability. I.E. the rationing included in the Medicare Part D with the donut hole on coverage.  Couldn't the for-profit entities do more public good?	"Cover everyone, increase risk pools."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	5/15/06 4:56 PM
19739	"In addition to the fact that an enormous number of people flail about and suffer needlessly with no insurance, it is tremendously stressful for the most of the rest of the population to pay premiums, to make appointments for health care, and to finally actually get the health care (the managed care system and its cousins is very effective at discouraging people from using the system.)  Even when people are successful in accessing good care, the system takes an unbelievable amount of energy that people could be using to, e.g., study science, the arts, philosophy...toward creative innovations and/or fulfillments.   "	"National Healthcare.   I realize the impediments to this.  But currently the healthcare sector of the economy comprises 14% or more of the GNP; that's an enormous capital imperative to control the intellectual property of the medical/industrial complex.  That's not a conspiracy theory...just business as usual.  Read the business section of the newspaper any day of the week and read about the tooth and nail disputes over intellectual property rights in the microchip or music business.  It's no different in healthcare.  E.g., the so call National Committee on Quality Assurance is supposedly private non-profit, but it is sponsored by pharmaceutical companies at .25 million a pop and the Board of Directors includes representatives from numerous healthcare players.  If you look at the insitutional ownership behind most of those drug companies and many of the other NCQA affiliates you will find an even further concentrated vector of financial interests.  The Current Practice Guidelines committees to advise on the best treatment of many conditions such as diabetes or depression are riddled with drug company influence according to JAMA Feb 6, 2002.  SOoooo....given the above and a tremendous amount of other supporting evidence beyond the scope of this space, medical interventions no longer fall from pure science heaven...or even close.  Several studies show that researchers shun areas of research for fear of law suits and others such as, Marcia Angell, former editor of NEJM, indicate that profits do not drive innovation.  the FDA needs to be Reset from the ground up to reestablish science as its mission."	"The ""American public"" won't have to trade off anything except its reliance on the evening news and TV advertisements...Didn't you see the study last week that the English with their horrid diet enjoy better health than Americans at 1/3rd the cost?  Didn't you follow stories several years back taht some managed care companies were sending heart patients to London to get bi-pass operations because it was cheaper to fly them there and back with quality results than do it here?  Haven't you followed the Univ of Michigan studies that comapare consumer evals of service by government agencies with corporation like Maytag and McDonald's.  They come out about even.  Consumers are just as happy with the IRS for God's sake.  Let's have a scientific investigation instead of a stream of platitudes about government inefficiencies!  The public will happily trade off 1) the current system for 2)National Healthcare even if it comes with the constant whinning of rich people."	National healthcare	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	5/15/06 5:10 PM
19831	"Too many people do not have access to health care because of its cost. They wait until they can wait no longer before seeking care, and then they are rushed to the emergency room for the most expensive possible care. But it doesn't stop there. Then the hospital sends them a bill, and the collectors call, and they end up declaring backruptcy. It should not be this way."	"We should all have access to health care the way we have access to public education. Individuals and employers should pay for it through taxes, just as we pay for public education, and government should then fund it through public insurance, like Medicare."	"We are already spending enough that trade-offs are not necessary, but we are wasting huge sums on an insurance and billing infrastructure which no other advanced country has -- while they provide access to health care for all their citizens. We should too!"	Extended an improved version of Medicare to every American. Then we can all have the health care security that our seniors have.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	5/15/06 6:00 PM
19849	"There are alot of uninsured people in America, the main concern is all those children who are not seeking medical care due to lack of insurance coverage."	"Yes, we need to have more programs for those who don't qualify for medical insurance due to high cost."	"I think the american public would be willing to pay for health insurance if the price was not so high, and if they were able to get access to these programs.  Which means less paperwork to make it easier for individuals to seek out help."	"More insurances that are not so high in cost.  Something a normal working person would be able to afford.  If you have an idividual who works for minimum wage and is making rent, utilities payments, etc.  they can't afford to pay much for health insurance."	female	Under 25	Yes	White	Associate Degree	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	5/15/06 7:13 PM
19861	"The uninsured, the cost of the uninsured being shifted to the insured, and quality health care."	"We need to have a single-payer system.  With only 60% of employers covering their employees, this system makes no sense."	I think we'd be willing to pay more.	Single-payer.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	5/15/06 7:48 PM
19869	40% + UNINSURED!!!	go to a single payor system	"people know our system is broken, and are begging for leadership as to how best to fix it. "	see # 2 above	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	5/15/06 8:20 PM
19887	"1.  Clinical incompetance:  CLinical carelessness at all levels; lack of skill in patient communication; lack of capacity for individualized tx plans. Lack of care regarding consequences of relatively new pharmacological interventions which often lead to chronic illnesses and other unneccesary short term com;lications.  2.  Fraud and Deception:  Insurance Fraud and deceptive promises and practices; Pharmacology corporations' deceptive claims.  Both industries show lack of integrity, lack of ability to accept responsibility for deceitful coverage claims; potential harmful results of new tx.  3.  Lack of meaningful standards for consumer satisfaction, patient comfort, and physician.patient and insurance company/client clarity in communication."	"1.  Universal health care coverage could benefit all.  2.  the promotion of parity in services regardless of method of payment would help ensure access to the elderly, disabled, and low-income citizens.  3.  Parity in coverage.  Care should be offered regardless of chronic disability, mental health issues, and type of coverage."	"1.  Increase practitioner/patient time per contact; decrease time spent documenting outside of contact.  More clinician documentation should be transparent to patients, rather than being written with patient right there.  2.  Increase psychological, emotional support services, decrease psychotropic drug interventions.  3.  Increase individualized exploration of patient issues; decrease invasive and ""mysterious""(i.e.highly technological)  diagnostic procedures.    3.  Common sense and sincere communication between physician and patient could go a long way and is less costly than involving specialists before investigating lifestyle and emotional issues.  Lack of meaningful face to face communication often conveys antiicpation of worse-case scenarios."	Invest in highest standards of compassionate patient care.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	5/15/06 10:46 PM
19894	"The lack of actual ""health"" care.  In America, we have sickness care, with an emphasis on high tech for the very few and nothing for everyone else."	Yes.  Single payer health insurance.	"It isn't what the public wants which is at issue.  Corporate insurance companies, and their lobbyists, traffic in fear mongering that single payer health insurance is ""socialism"" (by which they really mean ""Communism"" of the red-scare variety.    National health insurance doesn't require a ""trade-off""; it does require treating health care as a priority.    Hey, about ending those tax cuts for the rich.  That alone would finance health care in America."	stop lobbying by insurance companies; stop allowing insurance companies to fund politicians.  Institute national health care.	female	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	5/15/06 11:59 PM
19900	"Puir concern ( myself and my wife) is that the U.S. Government gives Foreing Aid to Countries like Israel, as one example, and Israel has a National Health Care Plan for all Israeli Citizens.  Seems America is very good at taking care of other countries, but cannot even care for their own citizens.  Even a small country like Columbia can afford to have an National Health Care System for Columbian Citizens.  The U.S. needs to have a National Health Care Plan for all Americans.  Not just for those who have enought money to afford health care.   Another concern is that we are squandering billions of dollars in a war in Iraq that will result in another dictatorship as has been the way of life for Islamic Countries for the last 1,400 years.  Yet we cannot even take care of the Health Needs of our own citizens."	"Perhaps a VAT or Value Added Tax to help pay for a National Health Care Plan, as well as a tax on employers."	Possible a Value Added Tax ( VAT TAX ) would be the best approach.	No American should have to worry if they get an Illness about being able to afford Health Care.  	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	5/16/06 1:38 AM
19904	I think the current system works fine.	"Absolutely not. I am a medical student with an economics background and know that tying health insurance to employment is a great thing. It ""kills two birds with one stone"" in that it combats unemployment as well as addresses health care."	I would absolutely not want to pay higher taxes or have the government run state-wide health care.	More regulation of HMOs.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	5/16/06 5:56 AM
19924	The cost and that many cannot afford good care.	"It's very frustrating for me, and everyone that I know to try to have a claim paid.  And, to know that the claim was paid correctly and that you're not being over-charged.  I think that the provider's billing departments as well as insurance companies need better training and customer service skills"	"I think that health care spending accounts only benefit the healthy and wealthy.  the poor and middle class need to be addressed, and health care needs to be better managed to control costs."	The health care industry needs to be responsible for controlling costs better.  	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	5/16/06 10:07 AM
19934	"Access is limited to those with the resources to procure healthcare. Providing low income women $600 in prenatal care can often eliminate the need to spend $250,000 for premies by taxpayers. Lay Midwifery and home birth costs a fraction of a hospital birth but is still not adequately covered by insurance. Too much non-essential coverage, wasteful. Those with healthcare coverage are often over medicated or saddly can not be cured from basic illnesses do to lifestyle choices. Over immunization of infants. In europe there are 6 manditory shots but in US there are 12 leading to exponential increases in chronic disease in children. We don't know enough about the infant immune system to inflict such a heavy assalt on it. Gut disorders, ADD, and autism are all off the charts in the US. Intervention at birth like pitocin induction and c-section may be major cause. Babies need to pass through the birth canal to squeeze out fluids from their lungs and jump start their immune and neurological systems. Why don't regular docs know this. Insurance companies threaten docs and demand they don't do v-backs at our local hospitals due to liability. No one considers the long term health risks of such stupid practices. It's about liability not the best and healthiest outcomes for infants and mothers."	"Single payer system for those who choose just like Medicare. We have the best insurance in the nation and my husband has an incurable parasite endemic to Oregon (bastosis Hominis) and no one including six doc's, three natuopaths and various hacks can help him. The NIH and CDC say yes it exists but when the docs figure out what cures it let them know. No research being done, millions suffering right here in Oregon may be a link to screwed up guts of folks with autism. Our water comes from the local river and when we have flooding people get sick with this. Lots of false negatives with stool samples need molecular tests. Yeah I sound nuts but these are the issues effecting my life. It doesn't really matter how good your insurance is if the doc's are stumped on parasites, something our nation cleaned up at the turn of the century. No money in it for the pharmacuticals so why bother bigger fish like medicating with ridilin and prozac so people don't have to deal with the real issues beleaguering or nation."	"We already pay about $10,000 dollars a year for our family of four's medical/insurance. The kids and I barely use $1000 a year between us. Give incentives to those of us who live healthy lifestyles and take good care to avoid doc's. Encourage it with reduced premiums like our car insurance does for safe driving. Also realize that end of life care is out of control and some sanity needs to return. Folks should be supported to stay in their own homes and pain meds distributed better. Experimental cancer research and proceedures should take priority in young and middle aged adults even if expensive rather than wasteful end of life proceedures. that "	Universal healthcare is manditory. Focus on access to quality care for all. I understand the concern for how to pay for it but healthcoverage costs have skyrocketed because they have gone unchecked by government for fifty years. How sad for us as Americans that we didn't implement universal coverage with the new deal. So much graft and averice over the years by private corporations with no end in sight. Let those of us with healthy lifestyles opt out of employer insurance and add us to the roles of universal care to offset the costs of the poor and sick. Make it more equitable for all with the wealthy like us shouldering a heavier burden. Let us choose from a network of alternative and allopathic practitioners to ensure good mental and physical health. Thanks for asking!	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	5/16/06 10:51 AM
19965	"That consumers and care providers have little or no voice in health care planning.  Even this survey directs them/us away from issues that must be addressed before true reform -- reform that is transformational -- can occur.  The following quotes from the Nurse-Physician Collaborative and the Medical-Nursing Student Educational Collaborative of Greater Cincinnati may help you understand what I am trying to say:    Quotes For Members and Friends  of  NPC and Education Collaborative Work Group    Those providing the care—physicians and nurses—occupy only a very small part of the conversation of (health care) reform. This is tragic for a nation that outspends any other country in the world on health care, and ranks barely in the top ten in its effectiveness.” – Peter Block, A Time to Heal.     “Health care is probably the most regulated of all business sectors. We labor under the belief that more watching, more legislation, more regulation will create better health care, despite mountains of experience that more controls in the workplace reduce quality rather than improve it.” – Peter Block, A Time to Heal.    “The…law does correct some abuses, but it is…crude and cumbersome…(and)…injects a burdensome bureaucracy into…administration…”  –  Robert Greenleaf, Servant Leadership, p. 109.  (This quote was meant to apply to foundations and their use of funds, but, in my opinion, could apply to any highly regulated institution – and does apply to most health care institutions today.)     “…little systematic attention is paid to the fact that medical system as a whole is a disruptive, sometimes toxic environment for many who work in it.”    –   Suzanne Gordon, Nursing Against The Odds, p. 24.     “The way that health care culture is right now, getting doctors and nurses to work collaboratively together takes a lot of work.  How much smarter and better to educate people together, so collaboration becomes what they just do naturally.”   – Ellen  Raboin    “A new moral principle is emerging which holds that the only authority deserving one’s allegiance is that which is freely and knowingly granted by the led to the leader in response to, and in proportion to, the clearly evident servant stature of the leader.” – Robert Greenleaf, Servant Leadership    “Longing for the ideal while criticizing the real is evidence of immaturity.  On the other hand, settling for the real without striving for the ideal is complacency.  Maturity is living with the tension.” – Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life.      “The way we see the problem is the problem…(A) powerful paradigm of interdependence…deals with the way we see (a problem)…as (something to be avoided)…a source of irritation, a stumbling block…wishing it would somehow go away… (But a problem can create) the opportunity to build a deep relationship that…(empowers)…us to work together as a strong complementary team…Every…problem is (an)…opportunity.” – Stephen Covey, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change (italics and bold print are mine HF).    “  “It’s time for a physician revolution…a successful revolt that returns the franchise (ownership of and responsibility for the practice of medicine) back to the physician.” – Richard Wendel, Independence Day, p. v.    “What does not enter the public debate about health care is the primacy of relationship at the care delivery level. The importance of relationship consistently takes a back seat to the discussion of costs, technology and who is in control. The marginalization of relationship and the human dimensions of care may be the greatest obstacle to creating conditions of work where nurses can find fulfillment in the path of service they have chosen.” – Peter Block, A Time to Heal.    “Trustees are members and representatives of the general public whose trust they hold.” –"	see above	see above	Include health care providers in the public conversation about health care reform.  (see above)	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	5/16/06 12:03 PM
19968	The uninsured and the cost to the insured.	NULL	None	NULL	male	45 to 64	No	Black or African American	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	5/16/06 12:33 PM
19990	That it is controlled by the Health Care Insurance Companies.	I believe that it should be controlled by the govt. and monitored closely by federal employees.  Adults who are studyling to be physicians should recieve formal support financial support fromt the govt.  and the govt. should keep a cap on the amount of money that can be charged for malpractice insurance.	NULL	To make health care nationalized and do away with teh multi-million dollar companies who are making a profit on the backs of the poor and the elderly.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	5/16/06 2:32 PM
20010	"* millions are uninsured  * insurance too costly for most  * procedures, including vision & dental care too costly  * self-directing elderly & disabled (and arents with very disabled children)folks needing assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)bathing, dressing, transferring from bed to wheelchair & back, shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc. have to impoverish themselves (at $228 a day, 7 days wk) for care at home.  * that there is an intitutional bias when persons need high levels of ADL care  * HMOs high administrative costs, CEO & management salaries & profits siphening public funding instead for direct care costs  * HMOs gatekeepers second guessing doctor care decisions vs. company bottom-line decisions  * need for greater access & no or little cost preventive/primary care  * every person should have access to quality, comprehensive care, including coverage for prescription drugs and durable & non-durable medical equipment  * when making decisions on long-term care (LTC) decisions have to be made to preserve the mental & physical well-being of caregivers, especially elderly spouses & sons & daughters raising children & gainfully employed to support family  * health care must be standardized countrywide & available anytime/anywhere  * health care must also support well-being not only treat sick persons"	"* collect from everyone according to their means, pool all resources, & gov't at every level be the payer  * cut out the adm. overhead, profits, duplication, redundency, waste,& petty paper work  * create strict oversight mechanisms, demand accountability, reward quality & efficiency, censor & re-train poor quality providers, remove neglectful & abusive providers  * eliminate caps provide parity for mental health care   * eliminate subsidies to big pharmaceuticals   * eliminate funding to medical schools & university centers that discriminate re: race, ethnic background, economic status, gender, age, disability, etc  * reward direct health care workers a living wage  pay them a living wage plus more for competence, caring, dedication, commitment  "	"* cut the end of life hospital-based heroic efforts to continue life: the expensive high tech machines, tubes into every bodily opening, intravenous, ICU level staff & care, etc  * instead encourage, educate, support families/friends for assisting loved one during the death process  * provide opportunities for home-based end of life care surrounded by loved ones, provide hands-on caregivers if needed, counsel family to accept the natural process of vital organ shut down, less periods of wakefulness & alertness  * at all times minimize dying persons pain & discomfort  * never perform last-ditch effort experiental surgery on persons with end of life prognosis  * eliminate public financing of unnecessary cosmetic surgery or procedures driven purely by vanity    "	"* scrap this inaccessible, costly, private insurance & corporate driven, mixed quality system currently in place  * create a Medicare-like (before the Modernization Act 2004 Part D debacle) for every resident  * and/or create a VA-like system nationwide for everyone"	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	5/16/06 4:21 PM
20040	The system is diseased based rather than health based.  Need emphasis on prevention and health education.  Need basic physiology education in primary and secondary schools.  Most individuals don't know how their body works.	Need one payer system.	Probably none.	"Decrease demand through prevention and education.  Use midlevel practicioners for routine care, prevention and education."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/16/06 10:56 PM
20112	VERY FEW HAVE IT! NOBODY CAN AFFORD IT! EVERYONE IS LOSING IT!!!	"COVER EVERY AMERICAN ""CITIZEN"" WITH THE SAME, ""EXACT SAME"", HEALTH AND DRUG COVERAGE THAT CONGRESS HAS!"	"THERE SHOULD ""NOT"" HAVE TO BE ANY TRADE-OFFS!!!!!!!!"	"NOW!!! GET IT NOW, FOR ALL AMERICAN ""CITIZENS"" NOW!!!!! THE SAME, EXACT SAME, HEALTH AND DRUG COVERAGE THAT CONGRESS HAS RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!"	male	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	5/17/06 6:33 PM
20131	"We have the best health care in the world, but all too many cannot afford it or receive the proper care we need."	"Why can't we have a government health care system that each individual or family pays into according to their salary. It could be determined by the tax return. A graded premium procedure, but equally benefiting all Americans. "	No idea.	"Why can't we have a government health care system that each individual or family pays into according to their salary. It could be determined by the tax return. A graded premium procedure, but equally benefiting all Americans. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SD	5/18/06 12:21 AM
20137	The larger insurance companies are getting too powerful.  The consumers and doctors are not enough connected to the cost of services. 	 Expand consumer directed healthcare and open health insurance to be purchased out of state.  Many mandates need to be removed to lower the cost of healthcare.  Costs will only decrease when we can remove the 3rd party from many of the simple transactions.	"The average American wants a free lunch, but might be willing to have the government give a tax break to the working poor to get insurance."	Increase the cost for not having good long term health habits.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	5/18/06 7:07 AM
20156	The 46 million uninsured and the amount of people dying because of lack of health care coverage.	"We need a single-payer health care system like an improved  ""Medicare for All"" that covers all essential health care and also covers prescription drugs, eye care, dental care and home care"	We do not have to spend more on health care we already spend too much on health care.  The trade off I might accept is that we could have a small amount of people over a certain income to buy private insurance.	Single-payer health insurance where the government is the sole provider of payment to health care providers.	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	5/18/06 10:28 AM
20192	"Uneveness of coverage, both who is insured and what is insured."	Level the playing field for everyone. Eliminate as many middle-men as possible. Perhaps employers should not be responsible. Limit the power of drug and insurance companies.	I think all socio-economic classes are afraid of change and the middle class (the most likely to trade-off anything) cannot understand an increasingly complex and muddled system.	Non-partisan education regarding health care systems with a goal toward simplification for the consumer and a balance of power for health care providers.	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	5/18/06 8:51 PM
20226	"There is a lack of ""preventative"" care.  We need to encourage people to take better care of themselves, to encourage people to make better choices.  Lots of money is spent on taking care of preventable problems.  For example, breastfeeding reduces illness in infants and children, yet the percentage of women still breastfeeding at 6 months is very low.  Breastfeeding has also been shown to reduce a woman's risk of breast cancer.  There also seems to be a lot of bullying by healthcare providers for people to take extreme measures for a condition when a less invasive approach is available."	I have no idea how to approach the financial aspect.  Can we see what the UK and Canada are doing that is successfull?	"For me, I would be willing to take alternative approaches to staying healthy if it was encouraged and supported.  I know that I would be willing to choose from only a few providers if they were highly qualified AND open to preventative/holistic/alternative forms of health care."	Start with the beginning: midwives and breastfeeding.  Midwifery care has been proven excellent and breastfeeding has far-reaching benefits.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WY	5/19/06 7:40 PM
20236	"I attended the ""Congressional Hearing""- Community Meeting discussion in Thousand Oaks Thursday night (5-18-06).  It was enlightening. Your survey is terrible!    One young  working person who was in the discussion group and had only heard of employer based health insurance coverage and who had never thought of any other way of insuring people for health care left the room at the end of the discussion having learned what single-payer,   single risk pool health insurance was and believed that this was the fair way to insure everyone.    This shows me that the Citizens' Health Care Working Groups are totally inadequate.  People can not make informed decisions on a survey when they don't even know that they are not informed.    Nowhere is single-payer, single risk pool explained or given as an option for consideration in the survey or in the discussion guide.  This is a severe  and inexcusable omission, especially since studies by the CBO, GAO and many states have all shown that a well designed single-payer system can provide comprehensive benefits, high quality care, for everyone for less money than is currently being spent!    The  booklet  ""Community Meeting Discussion Guide"" is well written.    How can the survey, ""Citizens' Health Care Poll"", in contrast, be so poorly written?  It looks like the survey was written by politicians who did not want to have any real answers.  The survey is biased, ambiguous, makes assumptions, puts contradictory ideas into the same question and is generally totally useless!!!    How can you ask the question ""Which one of the following do you think is the MOST important reason to have health insurance? To pay everyday medical expenses or to protect against high medical costs?  The answer is BOTH not EITHER, OR!    Only a ""comprehensive"" plan will fix the health care delivery system and provide security for everyone not just a ""basic"" plan.  The word  comprehensive is no where to be seen!    In a single-payer system there do not need to be ""trade-offs"" except to kick the private competitive health insurance companies out of health insurance underwriting, stop the fragmented, discriminatory, segregationist public programs and to negotiate prices for goods and services.    The best way to fix our health care system financing and implementation mess is to have  a single-payer, single risk pool, publicly financed and publicly accountable health insurance plan with comprehensive benefits.  All licensed providers and accredited facilities are paid fairly for the actual cost of all care given, including education and prevention and maintenance of chronic conditions.  The health care delivery system is kept as is, both public and private.  All patients have free choice of their own willing personal doctor.  There are no co-pays or deductibles so no-one is ever excluded by ability to pay for needed  beneficial care.    People do not go to the doctor or hospital for fun.  Saying that co-pays are need to prevent ""overuse"" is a ruse. It is just a way to put extra profits into the health insurance industry and extra income into the providers' pockets at the expense of the health and security of the patient.    Private, competitive, health insurance underwriting for medically necessary care has to be stopped!!!  This is an unneeded, harmful, and obsolete profession in 21st century medicine.  The government should insure everyone and can do it more cheaply and fairly than can private insurance. There is an inherent, immoral conflict of interest in private health insurance.  Profits matter, patients and providers do not.    Taxpayers are already paying for nearly all of the health care delivery infrastructure. This is the people's health care system.   We need to start getting our money's worth.    Doctors' educations and training are subsidized as are hospitals.  Some 40%+ physicians are trained in the Veterans' Administration or other public facilities!  Basic pharmaceutical research is often done at public univ"	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	5/20/06 1:49 PM
20245	"Many people can't afford health care and aren't eligible to recieve medicaid benifits. My best friend growing up had two sisters, and their parents were both self-employed. They all grew up without health care and weren't allowed to play sports for obvious reasons. No child or hard-working family should go without affordable health care."	"I think that instead of individuals, employers and government all paying into seperate systems, everyone should pay into one system so that everyone is eligible to recieve affordable health care."	"Some sort of tax would have to be the trade-off. If possible, those who already pay into their own health care systems would continue to pay the same amount, but instead that money would go to one system. Other people (ie. self employed people, people who don't get health care through their employers) could pay into that same system and recieve similar benefits."	Make GOOD and AFFORDABLE health care available to EVERY AMERICAN.	female	Under 25	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	5/20/06 6:51 PM
20246	"   THERE IS NO COVERAGE OF QUALITY FOR THOSE NOT WORKING, LEADING THOSE EMPLOYED TO PAY FOR THE CARE NEEDED BY THE POOR.      THERE IS NOT SUFFICIENT COVERAGE FOR THE WORKING POOR.    THE WORKING CLASS OF CITIZENS MAKING $30,000- $45,000 MUST CHANGE INSURANCE COONPANIES AND USUALLY PRIMARY PROVIDERS EVERY TIME THEY CHANGE EMPLOYERS.      WHY NOT RECEIVE A PERMANENT HEALTH CODE, ENROLL IN AN INSURANCE COMPANY AND BE ABLE TO CONTRACT WITH THAT ONE COMPANY FOR A LENGTH OF TIME REGARDLESS OF WHERE THEY WORK.  THE CODE NUMBER WOULD BE THEIR KEY TO PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS AND ACCESSING CARE/HOSPITALIZATION.  THE CONTRACT WOULD ALLOW FOR APPROPRIATE RATE INCREASES AS APPROVED.                 "	  THE SAME METHOD OF PAYING FOR HEALTH CARE FOR THE POOR SHOULD CONTINUE. HOW ELSE SHOULD THEY STAY WELL? BUT THE POOR DO NEED BETTER AND MORE CONSISTANT QUALITY CARE.  THE POOR GET SHAFTED ALL OF THE TIME.  THEY ARE NOT SERVED WITH THE DILIGENCE AS OTHERS WHO ARE ABLE TO PAY. NOBODY LIKES THEM.      	"  EQUALIZE ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL ACCCCORDING TO THE NEEDS OF THE INDIVIDUAL. THE TAX PAYER WILL PAY NO MATTER WHAT!!!!!!!    WHILE THE MORE FINANCIALLY COMFORTABLE DO NOT DIRECTLY PAY FOR THE CARE OF ANYONE ELSE, THEY DO BELIEVE THEY DO. IN RETURN, THEY GET TO RULE THE COUNTRY BY HAVING MORE ACCESS TO THE GOVERNMENT BY VERTUE OF THEIR POSITIONS.    "	"  HEALTH CARE FOR EVERY WORKING AMERICAN BY CONSTRACTING WITH ONE COMPANY AND KEEPIING THAT CONTRACT FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS, REGARDLESS OF THEIR EMPLOYER.      THE EMPLOYER JUST PLUGS THE EMPLOYEES' HEALTH CODE INTO THE SYSTEM TO CONTINUE COVERAGE.  THE EMPLOYER WOULD NOT HAVE TO CONTRACT WITH AN INDIVIDUAL INSURANCE COMPANY. INSTEAD, THE COMPANY WOULD ONLY ACT AS GO BETWEEN TO PLUG INTO THE GOVERNMENT HEALTH SYSTEM.     ""FRILLS"" FOR COVERAGE COULD BE ADDED TO AN INDIVIDUAL'S POLICY BY INCREASING THE COST AS NEEDED WHEN NEEDED AND DROPPED IF NO LONGER NECESSARY.  (""FRILLS""/e.g. OBSTETRICS, LEVEL THREE SURGERIES, ELECTIVE PLASTIC PROCEDURES, etc.)  "	female	Decline to answer	No	Decline to answer	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	5/20/06 8:01 PM
20260	"People can be rejected based on method of payment.  Then if they do receive care, the uninsured suffer 4-6 times the prices of those who are insured. This discriminatory pricing makes health care either unaccessible financially or only available once it has reached an emergent status.  I was personally turned away from a health care facility due to the fact that I was uninsured.  It therefore took me many more months to get the care I needed for a dibiltatingly painful health condition. When a did receive care I had reached an emergent status.  I was then admitted in the emergency room, but was refused the procedure that the doctors who treated me felt I should have and sent home with narcotics and told by the patient advocate that they would not be able to admit me in ther hospital to perform the needed surgery(in the opinion of the doctors) unless I was ""48 hours from death"".  I was sent home with increasingly more powerful narcotics to manage the pain that was not going to subside unless I had surgery.  After a month of searching and negotiating with the facility that refused me, due to my uninsured status, I finally found a different facility that did not discriminate based on method of payment.  I finally got the surgery I needed-  one month later after becoming dependent on highly addictive narcotic pain killers.  "	"The different treatment of patients paying via different methods (individually, work, or government) is appalling. Health care providers should not be able to discriminate against those who are paying as individuals.  The prices for the same procedure at the same facility should be the same regardless of source of payment.  I realize discounts are offered on a group status, but this makes health care for individuals, such as myself, who have been refused from insurance due to pre-existing conditions either inaccessible or only accessible when truly emergent."	"I can't speak for the American public, but as for myself, I would be willing to pay more to ensure that the doctors can provide the care they deem necessary, rather than providing the care that the insurance industry prefers for profitability.  I would also be willing to pay more to ensure that every single citizen has insurance for health care regardless of pre-existing conditions and work status.  "	"Let individuals who do not have access to a company health plan pool together to receive comparable insurance benefits to those who are receiving health plan through their company of employment i.e. they cannot be refused due to pre-existing conditions, the prices charged for health services can be discounted under a group format. "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	5/21/06 3:49 PM
20281	"40 million uninsured people.  State health care programs pay nearly $100,000,000 for uninsured Wal Mart employees.  No price controls: OUT OF CONTROL healthcare inflation."	"Our health care system is unsustainable and, quite franly, insane. We can put a man on the moon, and we want to put a man on mars, but we have the LOWEST standard of health care in all of the industrialized nations. Costs are growing nearly 7 times the rate of inflation. All the while, big Drug & Health Care companies make billions in profits. OUR HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY BROKEN. Fix it NOW!"	"If you insure the 40 million people who don't have insurance and you raise their standard of health care, the total cost to the system will be LESS than what it is right now. Plus, the government needs to put limits on price increases and ensure that the big health care companies do not gouge consumers (which is what they do right now)."	"There is no single recommendation. There are dozens of countries that have great health care systems. Copy one of those and FIX OUR SYSTEM. IT IS NOT SUSTAINABLE IN ITS CURRENT FORMAT.  Former President Clinton had a plan. FOLLOW IT. Follow ANY rational plan that already exists and you will fix 80% of the problems. JUST DO SOMETHING. All the Republicans do is feed voters propaganda on how bad things will be if we have government controlled health care, but THEY DO NOTHING TO FIX IT. The Democrats have had plans for decades, but no one will listen to them. This country is an embarrassment to humanity."	male	25 to 44	Yes	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	5/22/06 1:55 PM
20286	lack of quality care.  Cost is the driving factor.	"eliminate medicaid and create a new system of care where dollars follow the patient, not for roads and highways."	none.  we already pay too much.  The govt has to reduce the waste and redistribute the wealth.	open access for behavioral health medications.  Gold standard of care based on best practices that everyone is held accountable to.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	5/22/06 4:58 PM
20301	"cost. availability of doctors and nurses.  We are a family of four, self-employed and purchase our own health insurance. It is now May. We have had nothing but routine health issues since January, and have spent nearly $1000/month on healthcare, including insurance premiums, which go up each year as a matter of course, as well as care and prescription drugs. outrageous and unsustainable. "	"I'm not sure government should be in the business of paying directly for healthcare - other than, perhaps, for a very small, safetynet percentage. Providing incentives to consumers/providers/payors, funding policy initiatives, even subsidizing insurance premiums in some way seems like a plausible and more effective way to allow/compel the private sector/market forces find a more efficient way to operate."	"I feel like I've already made lots of trade-offs, spending substantial out-of-pocket dollars on my family's healthcare while accepting fewer benefits in my policy to have an ""affordable"" premium ($480/month). I see other people  - state employees, or other workers with generous, comprehensive plans paid for by their employers - who complain about having to pay another 30 bucks a month and I wonder why they won't make similar trade-offs."	"separate employers from insurance. that is, take them out of buying the insurance for their workers - instead, work out a system whereby everyone is allotted  a given amount of money -employer or gov't provided-  to be spent on insurance  and then let the insurance companies compete for consumer dollars.     "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	5/23/06 2:21 AM
20318	"Unable to afford insurance. Insurance companies dropping people with pre-existing conditions and not covering for anything related. If you are a widow and on your spouses insurance you are dropped after 36 months and if you have a pre-existing condition they won't cover you or the payments are way out of site, and no insurance will take you on."	"Pay by tax. I would like to see every man, women and child covered and not have this added stress to families. If you change jobs or retire that you continue to be covered"	Paying more in tax to cover Health Care for all	Vote people in our goverment offices who will push for Health Care for all Americans.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WY	5/23/06 1:22 PM
20323	Government involvement	"Leave it up to individuals and employers, voluntarily"	NULL	Privatize everything	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	5/23/06 3:50 PM
20327	The current situation is a failure and due to implode in the near future. The implosion could make the stock market crash of 1929 look like a picnic. 	There should be uniformity in coverage and in financial participation/consequences for all.   Health care coverage should not be connected with employment.  The health care insurance business is should be not-for-profit. The provision of health care administration to the citizens should be privatized with incentives for optimal business practices.  	Everyone pays. Everyone is responsible.	UNIFORMITY	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	5/23/06 4:49 PM
20335	"that health care related companies, providers and insurers seem to be some of the most profitable organizations in the country."	only if the changes do not include increased out-of-pocket expenses by individuals to include increased taxes and co-pays.	"the American public should not be making trade-offs, that question should be posed to the health insurers."	the health care system will not be overhauled in this country until entrusted government starts listening to the general public and stops listening to the PACs of the health care industry.  i'm sorry if i'm pesimistic.	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	5/23/06 6:27 PM
20349	We discuss insurance but insurance is just a way to cope with expenses.  Why aren't we discussing ways to get the expenses down rather then how to afford those expenses?	NULL	NULL	"Fashion a plan after the Government health care plan. Basic coverage is mandated but insurers can add their own additional coverage. Once a year there is an open enrollment allowing you to change to another plan which may provide more appropriate care to meet individual needs. Pre-existing conditions can not be excluded. It works for millions of Government employees, why not for the rest of us??"	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	5/24/06 9:06 AM
20350	ACCESS!!! I am an RN with over 20 years of ED experience and access to care is minimal for most patients. Primary care is not managed well and EDs are deluged with primary care visits.	A basic plan covering preventitive and acute care available to all at minimal or low cost could benefit all of us. Requiring the public to use lower cost areas of care would benefit all. The private sector could market supplemental plans to affluent consumers.	None- the public has no idea how much care costs and do not care as long as no responsibility is required of entitlement recepients. Major trade-offs in care will be needed to insure all.	Graduate more mid-level primary providers and require physician accountability for lack of access.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	5/24/06 9:11 AM
20352	"State mandates that raise the cost of insurance when uninsured don't need chiropractors, in vetro etc. Hospital costs unrelated to quality of care that reflect local mismanagement and a failure to meet some reasonable standard e.g. length of stay variations. Malpractice awards for pain and suffering that not only raise doctor and hospital insurance but produce excessive testing and unnecessary procedures. Need for patients to pay some part of their bill, so they have some incentive to watch costs, as they do with other purchases.  Tighter controls over rehab costs that are paid by medicare and medicaid - this is totally out of control now and greatly increases overall health care costs,  Drug costs have gone way up since drug companies were allowed to advertise.  This should be stopped, so millions aren't told daily to ask their doctor for some new drug, which in many cases they dont need. Finally, a broad national effort to stop fraud by providers is essential.  Our Company with just 3.5 million subscribers uncovers millions each year, much of it by physical therapists and chiropractors. Of course, increased national efforts to cut obesity, drug and alcohol use, and to promote fitness would also help.  "	"As noted above, patients must pay some part of each procedure to create incentives for savings.  Health Savings accounts are a good start on this"	Get rid of state and federal mandates and allow the marketing of basic coverage for doctor and hospital costs incurred because of serious illness. That is where health insurance started in the early 30's.  Cut way back on rehab coverage - I met a man last year still going to the local hospital for rehab after knee replacement 6 months earlier - I had two knees done and did my own rehab	Get standards for hospital and doctor services and require conformity as a basis for reimbursement.  But solution to the problem requires attention to all of the items set forth in my first response.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	5/24/06 9:18 AM
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20359	"waste and lack of access,medicare pays for multiple very costly tests that could be as effectly done by  simpler econonical procedures;i.e. multiple cat scans/mri's instead of xrays. guidlines should be established.    "	the new part d plan should be scrapped. access to medicare by all citizens regardless of age should be allowed to eliminate overhead. medicare should include prescriptions. this should be financed by eliminating the cap on income open to the social security tax 	the public would accept higher taxes to have access to a quality program like medicare.	open medicare to all citizens.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	5/24/06 11:46 AM
20368	I think that everyone in the US needs the  to have good efficient healthcare.  I believe that programs need to be sponsored by the government to help keep our country healthy.	"Yes, absolutely there are changes that need to be made.  I do not mind paying taxes to ensure that all Americans our healthy; however, I want the chance to say where my tax dollars are spent.  I want our $500 billion dollar defense spending to be cut to under $400 billion and I want that money to be spent on healthcare and education for everyone who lives in the US."	I am willing to cut defence spending in order to secure better healthcare for all.  I think that defence programs which are obsolete need to be cut and the extra money needs to allocated to healthcare  and education.	"I think that the government needs to socialize medicine allocating money from the defence budget in order that everyone in the US recieve healthcare.  I suggest a two tiered system where basic services are covered.  Basic services should include annual physical exams for all adults: papsmears and mamograms for women, prostate exams for men.  I think that this should also include denal and vision.  I think that the basic healthcare should include all prenatal and postnatal care, as well as, well baby checkups and semi and annual exams for all children.  I think that all emergency and urgent care should be covered under the basic healthcare program.  As for the second tier, I think that there should be an option for people wishing to see specialists to pay for extra services not included in the basic healthcare plan."	female	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	5/24/06 1:33 PM
20370	"I have 2 concerns about health care in America: 1. the deterioration of care due to profit driven factors 2. The rise in cost, and the concurrent rise in uninsured Americans, due again tot he profit driven system."	"I would change the entire system: thoses healthcare systems that are fully coordinated (sharing patient info, sharing facilities, etc.), such as Kaiser, and the VA system, are the most cost effective, and yet are only available to a very few. We need a single coordinated, single payer system to bring the care costs down to a reasonable, and affordable cost for all Americans. This has never precluded a provider from being outside the system. Nor does it preclude a patient from going outside the system. The supposed wait times in other single payer systems, are no worse, and in most cases MUCH better than I am able to achieve here."	"I think Americans are realizing that we DON""T have ""high quality"" health care, and we certainly don't have affordable care. What compromise is left when you are paying $12,000 annually for mediocre insurance, that mediates the costs of mediocre care!"	"Drop the ""Profit"" driven system. It is killing us."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	5/24/06 1:57 PM
20384	"So many employees are laid off, so many workers are hired as 'temps' or 'contractors' -- the old job-based insurance system doesn't work for sixty, maybe seventy million people.  I'm worried that this costs us tens of billions of dollars per year, and a lot of human suffering."	"Single-payer system, but with a high-enough deductible to prevent frivolous visits to the doctor.  All children must be covered, immediately; that's the very basis of a decent society."	"Two major trade-offs: deductibles that are slightly higher for those already insured, and longer waits for certain people, certain services.  As for the longer waits, remember that in our current system over 50 million people can't be seen at all unless they're in ER. "	"For the Republicans: Finance preventative health care, especially immunizations and prenatal plus early childcare.  This saves tons of money.    For the Democrats: Penalize people who smoke, are obese, or fail to get check-ups when they can.  Personal responsibility is important to any health care system."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	5/24/06 5:02 PM
20385	The lack in availability of information for the youth concerning health issues. 	"No, not at all."	I am not sure.	To be able to offer good services to all people regardless of their socio economic backgrounds.	female	Under 25	Yes	Other	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	5/24/06 5:49 PM
20431	"It is unaffordable and unavailable to many Americans these days, even as Congress has a gold-plated benefit plan that we pay for with our tax dollars."	"Universal health care--it works in Europe, and they also get generous maternity benefits and vacation time most of us (other than CEOs and government employees) can only dream about."	"Waiting longer for nonessential care, such as elective surgery. Paying a tax -- prorated by ability to pay, with NO loopholes and NO exceptions -- to ensure greater coverage for everyone."	"Get rid of the HMOs. Costs in healthcare seem to have shot up exponentially, with the consumer receiving less and paying more, due to extravagent administrative costs and added beaurocracy."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	5/25/06 10:33 AM
20468	Our legislators are unwilling or unable to suggest any alternative to the status quo.	"Medicare has proven itself to be the least expensive way to provide insurance. Private insurers have proven to be the most wasteful way. We almost worship the right to make a profit in every endeavor, and exhorbitant profits are condoned, even rewarded. Government has an obligation to do for individuals which they cannot do for themselves--civil protection, old age retirement, and health insurance.        I think Medicare needs to be enlarged to be the primary insurance for unemployed and underemployed. Employers need to continue to provide insurance to workers, probably subsidized by government. Copayments need to be reasonable for individuals. High income people should pay more than their fair share through taxes "	" When all of American citizens are covered by some plan, everyone's premiums will be reasonable (lower than now for a while) . I don't think this is a question of trade-offs. Medicare now controls costs for physicians and hospitals, and has been decreasing payments regularly, not necessarily fairly. There are excesses in coverage in medical devices which need to be eliminated, and non-medical coverage of politically granted access shopuld be eliminated--chiropractors, alternative medicine, optometry, acupuncture. Savings can be made in the Medicare system itself."	"Government must bear most of the financial burden. That means higher taxes, but lower overall administrative costs for healthcare."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	5/25/06 2:47 PM
20476	"Money is all that matters - humanity and caring for our fellow Americans doesn't matter anymore - only if you have good enough insurance to be ""worthy"" of the best medical treatment. Insurance companies are dictating my medical care rather than my doctors! How very absurd!!!"	no	"Why must there be trade-offs? I pay enough in insurance costs to ensure me the finest medical care. Then must jump through hoops and take my time and my body's healing time to fight with insurance companies who don't know what's happened to my knee, for example, but declare I don't need an MRI - or tell me I can three days later and find that while waiting an complete tear of the ACL has occurred. Craziness."	"The entire system is BROKE - there's not ONE THING that will help it. Actually there is: remove the greediness and fear in Americans. People take advantage of insurance companies and also sue doctors for everything under the sun, so costs go sky high, so insurance companies respond by denying actually NEEDED medical treatment and doctors increase their prices for fear of being sued to pay for malpractive insurance."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	5/25/06 6:27 PM
20494	Lack of required coverage by everyone increases the costs for those who do buy insurance.  We require people to purchase auto insurance but not healthcare insurance. That is wrong.	"Employers should be made to offer health insurance to thier employees - it is a basic cost of doing business in this country and if you can not afford it, get into another business.  Employees and individuals should be required to accept and contribute to the plans."	"None.  They want it all - great health care, no lines, no rationing, and certainly no cost.  Puting a payroll tax of a flat 15% additional for health care (which is what it would cost for a government program) is definately NOT something that would work."	Employer and individual mandated coverage.	NULL	25 to 44	Yes	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	5/26/06 5:32 AM
20629	"Healthcare is a basic right, in my opinion, especially in an industrialized country.  I am concerned that it has been tied to employment.  How many women and elderly people, disabled people who cannot work have to suffer because they do not have adequat access to health care?  What about people like me, who are independent contractors and can´t afford to pay their own health insurance?  We are all left out in the cold!"	"Payments should be made by the government, perhaps with nominal payments by individuals, but we should share the expense of unconditional, top quality healthcare for all."	I think people would be willing to pay higher taxes to cover health care for all.	Look at the progressive countries in Europe with their health care systems.	female	25 to 44	Yes	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	5/26/06 9:58 PM
20674	"Excessive health care costs due to dysfunctional management, the unequal availability of health services, and the role of money in politics designed to maintain the status quo."	"Universal availablity of basic public health services is in the public interest, and should be provided on a public basis. Everyone should have access to basic health care and should be able to purchase additional insurance to cover special needs. Relieve employers of the burden of providing health care coverage outside the immediate work environment."	"The public is already paying far too much for health care because so much is wasted in system administration, paying for un-necessary procedures and pills (Viagra, for instance), and by inefficient employer-sponsored health care plans that frequently fail and deprive workers of basic health coverage. Individuals must accept responsibility for their health care needs beyond basic public health services, and take care of those needs by purchasing supplemental health insurance tailored to their needs. Health insurance should function like auto insurance and be regulated in a similar manner. "	"Get politicians out of the pockets of drug companies, and get employers out of the health insurance business."	male	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	5/27/06 6:23 PM
20713	"Lack of universal coverage for everyone.  The wasted  money and resources in paying administrative costs to insurance companies and overall in the system. Money is wasted with billing ins cos and jumping through numerous hoops to get paid.  Also wasted money in advertising by health care institutions, hospitals, agencies, etc."	We need a single payor system that is quasi governmental such as Medicare with funding via private and public means.  We need to eliminate private insurance cos but maintain private providers--many providers will not want to be employees.	Trade offs will be minimal if we significantly decrease the extreme administrative costs of 20-30% as discussed above and eliminate use of emergency rooms for non emergency care--a universal access system would provide primary care to everyone and avoid costly use of emergency rooms.	"Provide a single payor system with universal access with requirement that all Americans have to participate and funded publicly and privately.  Fully utilize registered nurses and nurse practitioners and nurse specialists in the system because they have been found to provide high quality and reasonably cost care.  Allow alternative care so consumers have a range of choices.  Do NOY require referrals by physicians to access care--they don't know everything about health and health care.  They generally know the traditional western, high cost models that are  very dependent on expensive tests, procedures, and pharmaceuticals.  Models that include homeopathy,chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, etc. are cost effective and essential.  Comprehensive mental health care is essential also."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	5/29/06 2:49 AM
20767	"Ethically I am distressed that the power of money seems dominant, eschewing the requisite that everyone should have access to comprehensive prophylactic and therapeutic counsel and care according to need.  Likewise our society has not accepte the need of all for health education and information to enable policy decisions to tbe reached collaboratively by providers and recipients."	"I believe we should have a national comprehensive program providing everyone with all required medical care through a single payer system adopted by our government and available to everyone, irrespective of monetary resources.  Implicit in this philosophy is the hope for an adequate supply of highly trained, skillful practitioners and ancillary personnel with appropriate continuation education on an on-going basis."	"i believe there is evidence that the nation can afford this type of affordable, efficient, comprehensive care for all if our system is not permeated by avaricious persons seeking excessive recompense."	A single-payer national health program with appropriate education for all to value and preserve this objective.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	5/30/06 1:51 PM
20768	"People should stop abusing the system, and only get what is necessary.  Acceptable limits should be set. (ie. how many times glasses are replace-every 2 years)  Children should be exempt from paying for health care.  They should never have to pay, they aren't old enough to make payment decisions.   "	Have a set rate for everyone according to cost of living (ie. Social Security rates).	Restore our budget instead of foriegn aid. Put a price ceiling on pharmecuetical companies on what they can charge.  Limit copays to $1 for all meds (generic/regular).	Limit lawsuits on pharm. companies.  Put a stop gap measure on these companies the way they did the tobacco companies.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	5/30/06 1:57 PM
20812	Outrageous administrative costs.  Link to employment.  Potential financial ruin to those who have severe injuries or illnesses even if they have health insurance.  Health Insurance is nothing but a private tax!	Everyone needs to pay in the same PERCENTAGE of his or her income to receive full health care coverage including perscription drugs with no copay or deductable.  8% maybe?    No more for-profit insurance companies.  Make sure that no more than 4% of health care funds are spent on administration.	I am not sure.  We already spend more and get less than any other major industrialized nation.	HR 676.	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	5/31/06 2:00 PM
20814	"the cost, many people cannot afford the medicine they need.A young woman I know is refused by her insurance the treatment she needs to cure the cancer because of the cost.It is a shame that we do not budget the money in a better way"	"Yes we all need to make our contribution, but the government should step in on special cases where the individual cannot pay.Also the wealthy or the poor are ok but what about the middle class, they hurt the most and pays for it all"	"Many people are willing to try alternative tratment,and they are satisfied, it is less expensive, many a times very succesful and healing, not just a treatment for symptoms "	"Prevention and education,having choices,Less advertisment on drugs on TV which is confusing to manny people as far as the side effects and the real benefits let the patient make his choice"	female	Over 64	NULL	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	5/31/06 2:12 PM
20828	"The rising costs of prescription medications.  Too much control held by pharmaceutical drug companies.  Elderly people who cannot afford necessary prescription medications.  The lack of respect and mis-information given by the drug companies.  Insurance companies that should pay for ( what is called ) alternative modalities/ medicines to help prevent diseases that, in the long run, end up costing more money than taking preventative measures."	"Yes.  The health care payments are only made for ""approved"" medications and/or treatments which are in the deep pockets of the pharmaceutical drug companies.  They don't pay for ""alternative modalities"" which have been used effectively for hundreds and thousands of years, claiming there is no ""scientific proof"".  Let's look at the drug companies that have ""approved"" drugs - which, in the long run, have caused more damage to other organs and even death.  Explain to me this ""scientific proof"" that allows for that to happen."	"That is a tough call.  Many American's want ""instant results"" ( i.e. take a pill, feel better in a short time ) rather than realizing that the ""symptoms"" they have are a result of a much deeper-seeded problem that needs to be addressed.  Until this ""core problem"" is addressed, the person will continue to manifest varying symptoms and end up on one medication after another after another after another.  My experience in pharmacy has shown this to be a very common occurrence that has repeated time and time again.  So, as for the ""trade-off"" ... again, a very tough call as to what they would be willing to do to receive affordable and higher quality health care.  Bottom line to all of it is educating the public with valid information."	"Education ... Education ... Education.  But not the kind that is paid by big pharmaceutical companies.  Not the kind that is of ""opinion"" from supplement manufacturers to sell their products.  Good sound advice is necessary and it may begin with re-educating the pharmaceutical companies and medical doctors, dentists, veterinarians, etc ... about NATURAL alternatives to chemically-processed, man-made ""medicines"".  Pharmaceuticals are barely 70 years old, whereas herbs, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and other necessary supplements have been around since the beginning of time - only we used to get all our nutrients from our food.  Due to our nutrient-depleted soil, there is a neccessity to add to our diet beneficial nutritional supplementation."	male	25 to 44	No	Other	Decline to answer	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	5/31/06 5:17 PM
20843	The cost of health care in this country. 	"REQUIRE all Americans to have some form of public or private health insurance.  Perhaps there should be a government program that pays for all catastrophic care (e.g., claims over $100,000, and then indexed every five years).  Minimum standards should be set by the federal government for a series of Basic plans.  They should have considerable emphasis on preventive care.  All Americans MUST be enrolled in one of these Basic plans.  Insurers should compete for enrollment in the Basic plans.  There can be NO barriers (no pre-existing limits, no eligibility limits, etc.).  Consumers should be able to enroll in any of the Plans (perhaps annually) based on the Plan's merits.  This should create a level playing field and promote competitively priced plans that are differentiated by quality services and programs such as preventive programs (smoking cessation, weight loss, prenatal), health risk appraisals, disease management programs, personal wellness coaches, nurse case managers, pharmacist and nurse hotlines, health libraries, annual health reminders, personalized health information, consumer support tools with meaningful provider cost & quality data, etc.  Insurers could choose to increase coverage beyond the minimum standards, but all catastrophic care would be provided under the separate government sponsored plan.  This would prevent the status quo.  Incentives should be considered for insurers/health professionals who diligently manage the Basic claims before they escalate to a catastrophic level.           "	"Affordable is a relative term.  Many Americans think insurance plans should pay for ALL their health care services.  This is simply not affordable.  In the end, the public would probably trade-off benefits (significantly higher deductibles, copays, and limits on services) for better quality, affordability and access. "	Require full transparency of MEANINGFUL cost and quality data from the medical community. 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	6/1/06 1:56 AM
20844	That so many working Americans do not have health care.  That 50 percent of health care monies go to insurance companies that do not improve health care.	"The government should pay for and run the health care system.  As bad of a job they would do, would be considerablely better than the greed system we have now.  Doctors and insurances companies are the problem.  And quit telling us how bad it is in Canada. At least they don't have wars and do have health insurance."	Just pay for it with taxes.  Maybe that will prevent some stupid wars in the future.	Get the greedy doctors under control.  Stop kissing their asses.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MT	6/1/06 7:30 AM
20867	Inequities in allocation of health care resources; lack of access of many people to health insurance and health care; lack of resources for mental health care	"Employers who provide health insurance bear a disproportionate share of costs, as the cost of uncompensated care and the Medicare/Medicaid shortfall gets passed on to private payers.  This hurts the competitiveness of American business.  We need a national health insurance program - either single payer or something like the model currently being tried in Massachusetts, that allows different types of coverage but assures that everyone will have some coverage."	"I think Americans would tolerate greater cost-sharing (higher deductibles and copays), and higher cost-sharing to retain choice of provider."	Greater emphasis on preventive care and healthy lifestyle choices. 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	6/1/06 5:55 PM
20893	more doctors that will listen	Make it cheaper for the public to pay	cut back on their (the govt.) spending habits	more doctors that are willing to work longer hours	female	25 to 44	No	Black or African American	Decline to answer	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	6/2/06 2:30 PM
20894	I am concerned about not having health insurance and the cost of health insurance is too high.	"The governmetn pay for health care, not war."	Pay more taxes for health care.	Have the government pay for part of it.	female	45 to 64	No	Black or African American	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	6/2/06 2:32 PM
20896	cost of medical coverage is Too high for working individuals  -cost of medicine is Too high  -everyone does not have health care  -not enough medical institutions  -not enough trained or caring staff  -Too much paperwork  -access to the institutions	lowere the cost of individuals who work  -offer better packages  -offer cheaper payments for non-working individuals  -if fired or layed off individuals should be able to keep insurance at a low cost	I don't think anyone would make a trade off because the benefits are usually not good enough or certain things are not covered.  Every person should recieve benefits that cover everything.  Financing should be resonable and not too high like it is.	"Provide good service, be professional, and resonable with costs."	female	25 to 44	No	Black or African American	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	6/2/06 3:27 PM
20897	Costs (adding on children to your insurance can take your whole pay check).	"Yes, the employers shouldn't be able to pick your  insurance company. (The employer should be able to pick their own insurance,not yours).  Co-pays are too high."	The government should pay for health insurance without raising taxes.	To make it possible that all Americans are able to have some kind of health coverage.	female	45 to 64	No	Black or African American	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	6/2/06 3:30 PM
20898	The costs:  What's covered and who's covered.	"Yes, Your health insurance payments is enough-why should you have to pay a co-pay for your visit as well?"	Government should spend less money on wars and helping other countries and spend more money towards low income families insurance.	health care costs	female	25 to 44	No	Black or African American	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	6/2/06 3:32 PM
20899	The cost is too high	"Yes, how ever many you have on your plan that is what you should pay for.  (By employers) co-pays are too high."	If the government stop paying for other things and contribute the money toward health care instead.	"Lower the rates, especially for those who can't afford it."	female	25 to 44	No	Black or African American	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	6/2/06 3:35 PM
20900	Costs for elders and children is too high	the government should pay more	"we should not have to pay more taxes to get better coverage, no trade-offs"	The government should pay	female	Over 64	No Response	Black or African American	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	6/2/06 3:37 PM
20917	The insurance companies	NULL	NULL	"Hold the insurance companies accountable. I had planned on attending one of your community meetings, but could not make it. I worked as a medical billing supervisor for over 4 years. As much as we would like to blame medical mal-practice and other things, I can tell you fist hand the biggest problems are with the insurance companies. We submitted over 10,000 claims a month. We were lucky if 1000 of those were paid, and if they were, it wasn't paid timely. There were 4 areas where claims would get held up in the system. One out of 5 claims would get denied for no referral, when there was one. One would get paid. One they would say the patient was termed (policy lapsed), one they would say they never got (we would then have to resubmit upwards of 5 times sometimes), then one they would pay incorrectly. They are hoping they can bury you in paperwork, and they do. There were many a times we had to write of balances we just could not collect. Our practice spent upwards of $300,000.00 per year in accounts receivables. You could maybe make a complaint to the insurance commission watch dogs, and maybe something would get settled. You could go up the chain of command at the carrier, but no less than 24-7 these claims had to be worked. The insurance companies are grouped in with the big corporations linked and pretty much running our government at this point. There needs to be HEAVY fines and PENALTIES for the carriers if they do not pay a certain percentage of claims as they are supposed to. I have many ideas about changes and solutions, including ones that keep physicians from price gouging as well. Please do not hesitate to call me or write (anybody) that has further thoughts, or wants to hear more of my ideas."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	6/2/06 6:03 PM
20920	"The health care system today is completely geared towards the care of acute infections diseases (tuberculosis etc.) and the end stages of many chronic diseases (end stage renal disease), however the main burden of disease has not been cause by acute infection since the begining of the 1900's.  Any statistics show that the main burden is now caused by chronic illnesses (heart disease) and unfortunately right now most of the money being spent on chronic illness is at the acute stage of the disease, for instance dialysis for end stage renal disease.  This is a very inefficient system that has caused the price of health care to soar, dialysis and other end stage intervention is extremely expensive and in the end the person will succumb to their kidney failure anyway so dialysis is in effect only extending the life by a small amount.  The solution is to spend much more money on prevention measures such as educating people about health diets, so there will not be as much heart failure and kidney disease.  Unfortunately America has always favored the ""gung-ho cowboy"" medicine that is much more expensive (dialysis, heart bypass, gastric bypass) over preventative measures such as education."	"The way we pay for health care may be as effective as it can be, however measures need to be taken to reduce malpractice because that drives doctors insurance rates up causing the doctors to drive their prices up and it's a never ending cycle."	Hopefully they will stop suing every doctor they see just to make a quick buck.	Re-evaluate the focus of the system because the burden of disease is no longer on acute infection and it is now overwhelmingly on chronic diseases.	male	Under 25	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	6/2/06 6:49 PM
20947	"My major concern is the fact that some people have made,(and Continue to make) tons of money because of the illnesses of human beings.  I know that we have too many HMOs with obscenely paid people--not only CEOs, but many others.  We read, that in this country we spend between $5000 and $7000 per person for medical care,(Does anybody really know  how much?)and other industrialized countries spend less than $3000 per person.  Yet our life expectancy is lower, and the mortality rate for newborns is greater, than in many other countries.    "	"I am totally in favor of a ""sinle payer system"" that covers all people, regardless of income, and in all areas i.e. Hospitals, Doctors, Dental Care, Eye care, everything.  We are a country with a government, of the people, for the people, by the people.  Let's show it."	Why should there be trade offs?  We're told that the Medcare program pays about 5% of what it takes in on administration.  We also read that the HMOs spend up to 35% of what they take in on administration and advertising.  Why?	"Convert to a ""Single Payer Program""."	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	6/3/06 9:41 AM
20949	"Americans believe that health is an entitlement. They also believe that modern medicine has the answers and is the best hope for good health. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Incredible health can be had only by closely watching our diet, eliminating the vast majority of animal products, and eating substantial amounts of fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Exercise must also be part of our daily life. Modern medicine has no power to ""fix"" significant health problems once they occur. It can only produce the illusion of health and the diminishment of symptoms. More health insurance will not make Americans healthier. It is an illusion. Tens of thousands of people die prematurely each day in this country, despite having great health insurance."	Emergency care should be covered under a national health insurance. Self inflicted illness that requires ongoing care should be self-pay. Why should we all pay for the poor health habits of others?	"It really should not matter what trade off the American public is willing to make. They are basically ignorant of health reality. Decades of brain washing by the health ""authorities"" has created a public that believes health comes in a bottle, syringe, or surgeon's knife. We need leaders to make intelligent decisions for the public. Fat chance of that!"	"A massive honest education program that includes school children right up to the elderly. Honesty means the promotion of a plant based diet, removing the cancer of food industry involvment in dietary education. The real answer is there."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	6/3/06 11:14 AM
20950	"Three Primary Concerns:  1.  Outrageous Costs (need to be reduced by implementing a single-payer govt. system!)  2.  Uninsured/underinsured (there's no excuse for this, especially in America!).  3.  Fragmented healthcare system (this leads to greater costs, inefficiencies, paperwork, stress, etc.)."	"We need a single-payer healthcare system, paid by public taxes and administered by the federal government.  With this, we can expect guaranteed, continuous health coverage for all; streamlined administrative efficiencies; and an overall healthier citizenry!!    Employer-paid health insurance is totally archaic today.  No longer do people stay at one job their entire life.  Working adults are more mobile today in the workforce, frequently switching jobs for different reasons.  Also, many adults are returning to college, often while raising children and/or caregiving of family elders; all of which can lead to being uninsured and very stressed out!!    Also, the govt needs to demand bulk-purchasing prices on medications through pharmaceuticals, as well as regulating costs in all sectors of the healthcare system."	"To pay for universal health coverage through public taxes, with the health plan administered through the federal govt."	"Single-payer, universal health coverage through the federal govt (i.e., Medicare for All); which will reduce costs and guarantee coverage for all."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	6/3/06 11:26 AM
20957	with rising property taxes and gas prices and now that the real estate movement has stoped and intrest rates going up but pay not. No one can afford medical insurance and noone can afford dental work unless your in so much pain you have no choice. So why go for annual physicals? even if the doctor finds something you cant afford to fix it.	lower the cost before no one gets it.	higher cigerette  taxes or a low property tax of maybe 120.00 a year on each and every property.	ask Hospitals to get there cost inline... a tylenol in the Hospital is $20.00 and they get it in bulk. Ill buy my own at target for $10.00 for a hundred and take them in the Hospital with me.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	6/3/06 4:44 PM
20976	"1.The heavy involvement of for-profit and self-interested ""non""-profit insurance. 2. Employer intermediation in individuals' health care. 3. Multiple sources of unchecked FAT in health care delivery. 4. Competition for medical approval of pharmaceuticals."	"Calling this a system is an abuse of language, when where and who you are can make a huge difference in your treatment medically and socially.  A single payer funded by goverment system, fiercely protected from exploitative fraud (as Medicare/Medicaid is NOT)is most desireable, to me."	Closure of duplicate facilities which are now encouraged to persist by local politics; intelligible descriptions of services performed  traded for severe reduction in clerical make-work by the successor to Medicare/Mediaid.	End insurance and employer involvement.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	6/4/06 12:21 PM
21022	"That our cost per person is high compared to the rest of the world, but the access to care and the quality are quite uneven."	"Yes, if we only had one  system for everyone, with the costs of care insured primarily by the federal government, we could save so much paperwork and time. Right now, the employer has to pay extra personnel staff, the insurance companies themselves, and state and local government programs, and every doctor's office or hospital has to hire extra staff, just to find out what is covered and who they're going to bill. This money should instead be going to more nurses, and doctors."	"I think the only benefits one should have to pay for are the elective things like plastic surgery or tennis elbow. I think we could pay for basic, but comprehensive, care for everyone by cutting out the fifteen to thirty percent of all our bills which is due to insurance screening, paperwork, profit-taking, and so forth!"	"Once we all know that our care is going to be underwritten by one national plan, then doctors, hospitals, foundations, state and national government could study which quality indicators to build in. We should make sure uniform quality training is in place, and there is enough time in the work week for doctors and nurses to get some refresher and update time. Often, the most high quality care also saves money, liking teaching a patient good diabetic control, or asthma self-management, to avoid trips to the hospital!"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	6/5/06 2:42 PM
21028	"The costs of Healthcare for my wife and I are very discouraging.  I am an independent contractor, and when we begin to have a family, we will no longer be able to stay on my wife's plan.  Sadly, it is the one thing that is holding us back from having children, the scary cost of individual health care."	I think the system simply needs to be fair to everyone.  Just because I am an independent contractor doesn't mean that I should pay more for health care than someone who is employed by a corporation.	"I don't know what specific trade-offs most would be willing to make, but I would be open to any and all options to make things more affordable."	"Give individuals and small businesses an affordable option that is competetive with what large corporations are able to provide.  Pass legislation, work with the health care industry, and make it a system that works for everyone."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	6/5/06 3:21 PM
21052	"It is so unaffordable for people to have their own private health insurance. Even if the company provides it for employees, the benefits frequently get cut because the cost to the employer goes up and up. At the very least people who have to buy their own insurance should be able to join groups based on anything that applies -- for example, I am a Realtor, and the National Association of Realtors cannot get group rates for members. This is insane."	"If almost every other first world country on earth can provide health care to their citizens, why can't the USA? It makes no sense...... We should have a system similar to Canada and European countries."	"I believe people would be willing to participate in more preventative measures in order to receive treatment as needed. If our society had guaranteed health care for all, provided people take certain measures (regular screenings, check-ups etc.) I believe that could work."	"Get the people who benefit from the high costs out of the decision making process concerning a government health care program. For example, insurance and drug companies should not be able to appy pressure to our elected officials.  It is in their interest to keep it the way it is. Also, these groups seem to waste a lot of money -- particularly the pharmaceutical companies who court doctors with golf outings and other expensive gifts to get them to prescribe certain medications."	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	6/5/06 7:02 PM
21053	"I am most concerned legislatures are trying to create a ""wellfare"" system which will result in a worse, more costly system like Canada, the United Kingdom and other ""socialized systems"" have today.  We need to pass legislation which will allow the system we now have to work as it was originally designed.  We need more states to pass legislation like Governor Mitt Romney and Ted Kennedy just passed which requires citizens to purchase their own insurance.  "	We need to require everyone to buy health insurance policies as we now require people to buy auto insurance and workers comp. The laws just passed in Mass. and Vermont which require all citizens to buy health insurance are a great step in the right direction.  We also need to pass legislation which will limit law suits against Doctors and hospitals.  	"I feel the additional taxes required to fund a ""socialized"" system would be far greater that the premiums we would pay if we required all citizens to buy their own health insurance.  In addition we would have a much better health care system.  Medicare and medicaid provides a great ""glimps"" at what ""socialized"" healthcare would be like. "	Pass legislation similar to that passed into law in Mass. by Gov. Mitt Romney and Ted Kennedy	male	45 to 64	No	Black or African American	Bachelor's Degree	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	6/5/06 7:17 PM
21074	To much government involvement.	Get government out of it. Employers need to get out to the health care business. People shopping and paying for their own health care is the answer. 	Americans need the freedom to choose and take care of themselves. Charities can fill the void for the unfortunate that can't take care of themselves. Most can and should take care of themselves.	Get the government out of it.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	6/6/06 7:42 AM
21080	"Many of my clients require the gatekeeper of their HMO or PPO to OK their visits for midwifery care. As a CNM (certified nurse midwife) I find some women having difficulty accessing the ""system"" when they desire the safe, effective, cost savings of a CNM. "	See above as well as....All the nation should have access to the safest care available and studies have repeatedly shown CNM care to be comp-arable and in many cases superior to the care of pregnant women by OB physicians. 	NULL	"Please view the information regarding CNM care on the Cochrane Site.  The Cochrane Database is probably the most important reference for maternity health care providers. It was comprised by a group of researchers who, over a period of ten years, hooked up -- by Medline -- to most of the major libraries in the world, did a hand-search of over 60 key journals from 1950 issues onward. They wrote to 40,000 obstetricians and pediatricians in 18 countries in an attempt to identify unpublished studies. They presented in a systematic synthesis of all this data, using methods to reduce bias and random error, two major works: one called Effective Care in Pregnancy and Childbirth, a 1,500 page book in two volumes; and the other, a regularly updated electronic database of review. The latter is now incorporated in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and is available on disk as Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Database. To make it more available to both providers and those receiving the care of providers, A Guide to Effective Care in Pregnancy and Childbirth was published in 1989, a handy pocketbook edition. Now in its third edition, this text forms the basis for evidenced-based practice for both providers and those receiving the care of providers in pregnancy and childbirth.    The process for evaluating the research allows a range of conclusions. The information is divided up into categories ranging from beneficial forms of care, forms of care likely to be beneficial, forms of care with a tradeoff between beneficial and adverse effects, care of unknown effectiveness, care unlikely to be beneficial and care likely to be ineffective or harmful.    It is interesting that many of the routine procedures practiced in labor and birth have not been beneficial to mothers and, therefore, have been eliminated by many providers and hospitals. This includes things such as routine enemas, routine pubic shaves, routine episiotomy, even routine electronic fetal monitoring for women who do not have complications of pregnancy and birth. The significance of this monumental research effort is to provide the evidence we need for our practice, for the procedures and the type of care we are giving to women in pregnancy and childbirth. The evidence supports what the birth centers have been attempting to do. It supports the woman's choice for the place of birth.    The woman should choose the place where she is most comfortable. It supports the midwife/obstetrician team with the midwife as the primary care provider and the obstetrician as the care provider for the mother with problems. These two factors alone support anyone's effort to either use a birth center or to establish a birth center in their community.   "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NE	6/6/06 9:19 AM
21116	"Real quality is difficult to define, and government entities have done an exceedingly poor job when they have attempted to define it to date.  There needs to be more provider input into such questions."	"A far more streamlined administrative burden needs to be sought out.  Much of the cost of healthcare today is due to administrative issues, not clinical ones.  A $20 million CEO salary could pay for a lot of healthcare, and a lot of CEOs would work for a lot less."	NULL	"Reform the malpractice system that drives up cost while contributing nothing to quality, and serves only to act as a huge drain on limited resources."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	6/6/06 3:23 PM
21131	"1) the outrageous costs!   2) lack of choices, especially in midwifery  3) not getting true informed consent, only the doctors biases  4) not recieving evidence based medicine, but again, only the docs biases."	"I,as a taxpayer,through the welfare system, am forced to support other peoples bad lifestyle habits. I can't afford to go to the doctor when I am ill, yet, my taxes are paying the hospital bills for people that drink themselves into cirrosis, or smoke themselves into lung cancer or COPD, or eat themselves into any number of diseases (like CHF,HTN, Hypercholesterolemia, morbid obesity,that are brought on by poor nutritional choices. I wouldn't mind helping those who truly deserve it, but really resent helping those who ask for it! Yet I am denied these services myself, because I am part of the working poor, that fall between the cracks, in our very cracked system. "	"I'd rather see soap bought with food stamps than pop, candy, and other non-nutritive ""foods""!  I want to be able to continue buying herbs at a reasonable price than have the FDA approve them which would send the price soaring, just like the allopathic medicines."	"Use MD's for really sick high risk patients use PA's for most routine health care. Use midwives for routine prenatal care to low risk women, saving the Ob's for what they do best, operative deliveries, keep them out of normal childbearing, when there is no illness present!"	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	6/7/06 1:48 AM
21139	Giving free healthcare to illegal immagrants. The strain on our welfare system is great and will get even worse.  They don't desire anything and get better care than my parents. 	NULL	lower prescriptions prices and stop making us pay higher prices so other countries can buy them cheaper	Give healthcare to only U.S. citizens	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	6/7/06 10:20 AM
21162	"Too much spending on old people. Most of Medicare money is spent on heroic measures in the last few weeks of life. This should be stopped. The dying should be given adequate pain meds, and allowed to die in peace. Seniors, especially those of faith, will accept this. There is plenty of money for health care if is spent more wisely."	"Cut benefits for old people. If seniors did not have unlimited free care, they would conserve. Make Medicare need-based. Millionaires should not have free care from the government. Repeal the prescription drug benefit."	"Cut benefits on old people to spend more on young people. This is a sensible investment, the young are healthier, cheaper to insure, and more likeley to be productive.  Most of the elderly will support less care for them, more for children."	"Stop short of socialism since socialism is a proven failure. But be willing to discuss any changes short of socialsim. It appears to be America's destiny to provide (costly) new medical improvements for the world, accept it."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	6/7/06 4:08 PM
21176	Far too much government regulation.	The proper way of paying for health care is by private individuals via the free market.  Taking the government out of the equation by deregulating all health-care and eliminating Medicare and Medicaid will free up enough money by reduced government spending and sufficient tax cuts to provide individuals with the money they have rightly earned in the first place to pay for their own health care.  	NULL	We desperately need a separation between state and economics for the same fundamental reasons that a separation between church and state is necessary.	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	6/7/06 7:14 PM
21194	Wait a minute!!  5.5 million for 14 people to think about this!!  Explain.....	"simplify, simplify......I work at a mental health care facility...it is ludicrous what we have to do to find acceptance for a patient.  Time that should be spent to further ""their"" well being."	"we have traded......time!!  Insurance companies grow....insured, loose that benefit for their well being and their employers loose time with an employee."	"Oh, please, get the lawyers out of the picture.  Go back to where you ""cared"" about your insured."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	6/7/06 10:06 PM
21198	"My greatest concern is that the poorest members of American society cannot afford healthcare.  For education, social, and economic development we must be able to provide universal healthcare."	It should be a balance between government and private payments.  Subsidies should be provided for those who cannot afford private payments.  	"Taxes could probably be increased up to 4% with hard politcal fights.  Up to 2%, it would be an easy win.  Take some money away from DOD--take all of our soldiers out of ROK, get our European contingent down to about 30% (QRFs and airfields), and reduce some of those Pentagon GFI's."	"You need universal, quality healthcare.  There is definitely demand for more doctors who are fully qualified.  We could stand to open up a few more medical schools--there is definitely the demand both by students and by patients.  I recommend that universal healthcare be made a prime issue of the 2008 elections.  "	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	6/7/06 10:17 PM
21205	"Lack of any coverage to almost half of a nation- shame to the most developed country on this planet. Much smaller and less developed countries in Europe ( or even Cuba ) have a national health plan for absolutely all residents. SHAME on you USA,again. "	"Yes, universal 2-3% payroll deduction in addition to taxes and social security  that would cover every working family. "	"Universal 2-3% payroll deduction in addition to taxes and social security  that would cover every working family. People will be glad to have a such option, in addition to private healthcare for the rich. "	"US may have the best healthcare system in the world, but great majority of US residents cannot afford it or has no access to it. Even middle class families choose not to participate in work offered plans since it is so expensive that n money would be left for food or shelter. Loot at Europe on Canada, how it works there, and works very well, shy it is difficult here? Amazing. "	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	6/7/06 10:34 PM
21206	"The concern is that Health care is already too expensive for the majority of the people and it is only going to get worse, we all need to stop here and realy do something to stop the rising of health care."	yes..have a health insurance fee/tax...add a small % ie: a nickel or a dime per 20 dollars of anything we buy...no one will notice the difference but that will make a difference at the end..	"Let's start with insurances first, reduce law suits..lower salaries for the fat cats at the top...ie: Hospitals and Drug companies..set a standard price list for all operations, exams and labs..bottom line all participate and all bare the responsibility..look at salaries and cost..there is a lot of waste that needs to be stoped it's crazy paying $300-$500 for one nights' stay in the hospital and that's probably too low these days or $ 50 for a tylanol capsule..I did have to pay that much back in 1992 Plano, TX."	"I recommend a universal health tax, after all we have one for LD telephones why not for health care? .I can't believe in the US we are spending billions to save other countries but our people are dying if they found to be unemployed and without insurance..it's a SHAME!"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	6/7/06 10:36 PM
21213	Rising costs and the quality of care.    One thing that I didn't see in your recommendations was TORT reform.  The health care profession pays a substantial premium for malpractice insurance.  There should be limits set on the amount one can get in a malpractice lawsuit.    Another thing that was not mentioned was immigration reform.  A vast number of illegal immigrants get free health care.  The health care profession needs to offset this by raising rates.	Health care spending accounts.  A certain amount of money is deposited each year into this account to help the individual pay for medical costs.  Unused amounts roll over to subsequent years.	NULL	I have two.  TORT reform and illegal immigration.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NE	6/7/06 11:15 PM
21214	"universal healthcare, national healthcare, hillary-  care because it equates to communist health care.  this government and country is infested, invaded,  and infiltrated from top to bottom with communism  perpetrated by closet communists complete with  bibles, the whole package.  disabled persons who  are welfare oriented from birth with the ssi and  med i caid want this because welfare is all they  have ever known.  even when they get a job they  still want the government to continue carrying   them on public health insurances.  when the  government will not issue the medicine they need  and want to stay alive they will have another  bigger problem.  when the government decides not  to let them stay alive as with terri schiavo and  sun hudson they will or their relatives may see  a different side to this story.  welfare persons  not disabled but on welfare medicine from the  womb to the tomb also support this because even if  they get a job they are thinking this is an ex-  pense they will not have to bother with leaving  more money for concert tickets, cars, home buying,  clothing, savings, whatever.  look at the presi-  dents of this country and the congress the money  these people have given away, public tax monies,  given to communist countries, assorted dictators,  and despots of every stipe and color, could have  sent every usa born child to college, could have  provided every public medical plan with dental,  eye, hearing, chiropractic, acupuncture, other  holistic care, and many diagnostic procedures  such as thermograms.  in other countries elected  trash such as these are hung from lampposts or  taken out back and shot to death.  right now you  have a president readying some package to give to  iran, which package supposedly to keep them from  having a nuclear bomb according to one talk show  host that information and hardware will give them  the goods to have a nuclear bomb if they do not  already have it as some claim.  the talk show host  asked why would a country swimming in oil need  nuclear power?  traitors all, the usa president  and congress.  be assured, that if this plan is  put into effect, next they will say the plan is  costing too much and then they will begin to trim  costs by encouraging the disabled to exit the  planet sooner by helping them with chemical soups  and chemical smoothies to sweeten their demise.  and that includes all the groupies of independent  living.  and in time they will get around to all  the workers as well at il centers as many are them  selves disabled.  that goes for the senior popu-  lations also whether they are aarp or not.  the  government already has plans in effect to get rid  of them as well."	"the usa federal government should never have full  control of all health concerns; that is medical  slavery for patients and professionals; patients  should be free to go to any doctor who will accept  them; doctors should be free to accept any patient  they prefer to accept; the usa government can pay  for any person who prefers government care or who  cannot afford to private pay.  but to force every  one onto government care all 300 million plus  because 40 million plus do not have care is just  why this must never happen.  what is needed is for  more citizen based and formed health insurances  to continue private health care.  large groups of  churches, credit union groups, workers unions are  three groups large enough to cover millions of  people without government.  but those directors  must not be communist oriented, crime syndicate  representatives, or those working for profits  and not the people themselves.  why would the  american people trust their healthcare to a group  of people who have consistently done everything   against their general welfare.  the usa president  and congress have bankrupted the social security  so called trust fund by refusing to place it where  they cannot get their hands on it for purposes it  was not intended for; they have see clinton given  all of the military secrets of the country which  usa citizens paid for to communist countries; they  have outsourced federal jobs to foreign lands;  they have insourced foreign workers to do federal  and private jobs; forcing american workers out by  early retirement plans or out and out firings;  they have helped private corporations to relocate  to foreign countries thus leaving americans out of  jobs; they have not used the law to make sure  corporations funded workers disability funds and  retirement plans properly.  how can the american  people win with losers like these dictating their  lives.  and the american people are foremost to  blame they keep electing these people crooked  ballot boxes and all like pathetic, pavlovian,  creatures.  bush uses the hooks of abortion,  late term abortion, etc, to get the evangelicals  to vote him in in addition to rigged ballots and  ballot boxes.  but his insourcing and outsourcing  of american jobs will leave those unaborted babies  with parents with no jobs to take care of them.  the man is a demon, a luciferian, according to  those who know all skull and bones members are.  yet, the evangelicals condemn harry potter and  they kiss the sorry derriere of this imposter  via radio, tv, books, and magazines and the inter-  net and whatever other media vessel they can get  their hands on.  the clintons and bushes both  are the best friends terrorists and communists  alike have ever had or have."	"the usa president, the congress all 535, have no  intention of being on this national health insurance  they consider themselves too elite, too high born,  too important.  only if they are also under this  insurance and subject to it's rationed, limited care should this communist health care be made law.  what is really behind this is to give health care  to all illegal and legal aliens in the country and  those yet to come under amnesties, open borders,  and the north american union, et cetera.  it is  not being done for the benefit of americans.  the  american people are in the position native north  americans were centuries ago.  they are being  replaced with indians from india; asians from  all over asia; hispanics from mexico, central  america, and south america; arabs, muslims, and  middle easteners.  it is being done deliberately,  intentionally, and with no regard for what the  people want.  like how can 14 people claiming to  talk to 23 thousand people decide what 300 million  people want?  there is not one of these 14 that  speaks for me.  no democrat or republican can   speak for me.  i do not vote for any of them and  i think in time voting for them the country will  be completely communist.  with all that communism  entails.  mass purgings, state religion, suppres-  sion of other religions not sanctioned by the  government, no free speech, controls on who can  be born, controls on who dies, etc."	"all illegals must be reported and sent to the ice  agency; and then sent back to their country; persons who prefer to have private care and  private insurance must not be interfered with; all  legal aliens must have insurance before they visit  or stay in the usa and that insurance must be pre-  paid; illegal aliens must have a bill sent to the  country of their origin whether that country pays  the bill or not; the 14th amendment must be taken  to the supreme court it was for the black slaves  brought from africa and born in this country to  many slaves also previously born in this country;  universal healthcare i think is one of the most  dangerous proposals this govt. has proposed and  is instituting without the people's vote such as  with medicare.  the various private health care  plans that once on them most med i care patients  have to be in a network and choose a doctor from  that network who may be foreign born and not such  a good doctor; or who may be a doctor who can   count on a steady paycheck and a steady group of  patients in and out the door; and again doctors  who may not like some of the patients they have  and thus give them very insufficient care.   and   the 14 members of this group what plan will they  be on?  are there any ex cons on this committee?  any welfare moms with illegitimate kids on it?  college students on it?  disabled worker on it?  retired senior on it?  you are despicable everyone of you and the people  that appointed you.  what can be expected out of a government of  draft dodgers, manchurian candidates, closet  communists, coke heads, alcoholics, sex addicts,  rapists, haters of the us military, and other  assorted losers."	female	Over 64	No	Black or African American	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	6/7/06 11:34 PM
21225	The fact that there are so many people without health care disturbs me.  We send so much money over seas and yet we can't even take care of our own.  That's so drastically wrong and yet people wonder why the country is slowly sinking below some of the other countries in the world.	Yes.  Revamp the whole system.  Ensure that -every American- has the ability to seek medical help if they need it.  I've been living for 4 years without medical care.  Why?  I can't afford it.  So each day I wake up and pray to God that nothing goes wrong or gets any worse than it already is.	"Trade?  I have nothing to trade as it is.  Each year the Federal Govt. blesses me with the Income Tax which was 1) never ratified and 2) was -supposed to be- an emergency measure to help with WWII.  I'm currently wondering when WWII is going to be over.  Fix the tax system and maybe we'll have something to trade.  (See below)  As it stands, the rich get richer, the poor get poorer, and the middle is fading away."	"Our tax system is equally messed up.  Instead of being taxed for how lavishly or not-so-lavishly we live our lives, we're taxed on what we make.  The problem is that its all based on numbers that continually creep ahead of the cost of living.  If the tax system made sense (see: ""Fair Tax"") then maybe that money could be used to pay for a nationwide health program."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	6/8/06 1:26 AM
21236	"That many people do not have healthcare and do not get the care required to live life and not die from lack of health care. Cost of healthcare is so high it is not affordable to all. And people go like I cannot afford basic healthcare and tests before getting sick, in other words prevention. But even when you are you get care if you are pregnant, have a child. But you don't only if you don't own anything you might get the help needed. Medication is unaffordable that even the elderly look at the cost and say can I afford my pills for my heart or not. Many take care of people at home as they cannot afford to get proper care. Even if we know what to do we cannot get the medication to get well.The system works for the poor without a home and without a check book to pay a bill and with children. Children get you automatic entry into an adult insurance and if you are childless but sick you are out of luck. So you don't get cancer check ups and you only go in when you are half dead instead of for prevention. In Emergency people come in with colds and if you are really sick you can lie there half dead and the people who are there to help you are overwhelmed and some don't care any more as it is out of hand. 36 hours to be seen is a normal wait and longer in an emergency room. It is out of hand. We paid into the system and once in our life we need it we don't get the help we need. So it is either loose all and perhaps then get help or die."	Every employer should offer healthcare and not hire people because of the healthcare issue. They won't hire permanent 40 hour employees so no benefits are paid and healthcare is offered. That should not be. In Europe people pay into healthcare from their jobs and according to how much they make. So a percentage is used by their earnings. Higher earnings pays more. But all are insured. On the way to work you fall you are insured. It might be one way to pay. People who have jobs would pay into it when the pay is high enough to afford the insurance. But those who cannot work should not be excluded. Veterans get help thru the VA hospitals but the wife is excluded at times when the veteran was not married during his time served. So the wife sick or not is out of luck getting help. Wich makes it very difficult. If a wife is younger there is no medicare that is available. Only the husband and so the younger wife is not getting cancer check ups and more needed care necessary to prolong her life.	"When all pay into the system it can be stable. Each employee can pay some kind of an amount. The more earnings the higher the amount possible to pay into. Lesser paying jobs lesser amounts to pay into the system. The rich get all the care they need and some of the very poor. But when you are not poor enough or not rich enough you fall between the cracks to get affordable health care and have to look at putting food on the table or getting the healthcare to live life in illness instead of health.Everyone pays into it somehow but many get nothing out of it. The so-called middle class is less insured than any other. And when you need help you are drilled as if you are a criminal instead of getting help. So you forgo that kind of system by the mere way people treat you. Your check book, your credit cards and savings and bills and what you pocess and what luxory items you own like a car to get somewhere. We all pay into the system. Free clinics are not free. 50.00 a visit is not free plus medical needs extra like medicine and other things. You wait and wait and get nothing in the end. I could have told them that too I don't know what to do. Why? Lack of pay lack of ability to even precribe the medicines necessary. Waiting 6-9 months to get in for a life saving test. Then waiting more months to get surgeries and by then it is too bad if it is too late. I waited 1 year for a colon test. One year and it was just barely in time to get things done. It is out of hand."	That all can get healthcare and not having to drive into slums to get care if you are middle class and have no insurance by your employer or by circumstances. That you get local healthcare and it is not that you don't get it because of lack of insurance. That you don't get care and are not treated as you have no health insurance. That you as a middle class person do not loose your house over health issues. A house you tried to stay in for your whole life and that a life saving disease will take. That employers won't hire you to prevent healthcare given to you as an employee. They hire 20 hours or less to prevent any health insurance and benfits to people. That should not be an issue. But it has become the issue. If all were insured that would go away. And the less 20 hour issue to employ someone. Oh no you cannot work more as then I have to give you benefits and healthcare. It is not right. people have a right to earnings and healthcare. 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some high school	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	6/8/06 3:57 AM
21247	"That all people who need health care services are not getting it.  To me, health care coverage shouldn't be a ""perk"" of employment but a human right.  This is true ""right to life"" issue."	I think every individual should pay in proportion to income -- NO exceptions for the wealthy or well-connected.  I think businesses should NOT bear the major burden of paying for health care.  It makes our businesses uncompetitive globally with other industrialized countries that don't place the health-care burden on businesses.	"I think care for elective procedures could be delayed.  I think more clinics could be located in schools, which would help both children and parents.  I think more nurse practitioners could be used.  I think people could get tax credits for participating in wellness plans.  I think more use of generic drugs would be acceptable."	"A single-payer system is the most efficient, with no exceptions for pre-existing conditions.  Let's just make it simple and say that Medicare is now for ALL Americans!"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	6/8/06 8:15 AM
21255	"I am concerned that healthcare is now for the rich and the few.  Health insurance too high and employers hire part time so as not to have to cover. There should be coverage for all like in England and Canada and not the select few.  Its impossible to get disability and it leaves me uncovered, and because of my health not able to make enough to buy the high priced health ins.  It is our responsibility to make sure Americans are taken care of, and they are not, they are suffering. I had to go to Germany to get the health care my husband needed when he had cancer.  They told us that 66 other countries have a greater health system than America.  My sister had a baby in Paris France and they took unbelievable care.  Can we learn from these other countries?  can we have the Basics for all and then if people want more they buy into more services or maybe the doctor they choose.  Thank you so much and I will be praying for your efforts.  "	L.'et us learn from foreign countries how they do it like Paris where my sister had the greatest care for her pregnancy.  I can't afford the health insurance in America and other women like me are all suffering.  I demand better care for Americans.  In England they have National Health Care system. Then if you want Better then that you PAY for it.  Canadas people are all covered.  I've thought about moving to Canada.  	"It is possible that a tax may have to be imposed on us, I don't know.  Find out and study how Europe does it.  I know there taxes are pretty high but at least everyone gets covered.  Then its optional if you want to go use a specialist you try to get in and see one but you will have  to pay for it.  Alot of times the problem here is you will be put on a waiting list and it could take months before you can get in.  My mother had cancer in England and she was put on a waiting list.  They also had other great services like McMillan Nurses that come into your home when you are terminal if you prefer and they will spend the night, give meds, and give the family a rest.  All covered under their National Health. The problem my mother had was she didn't like her doctor.  I dont know if she was allowed the freedom to switch to another doctor.  There are kinks in the system there too.  I want health insurance to be more affordable and medicines as well. No more seniors having to bus to Canada for heavens sake.  What is Bush thinking blocking there freedom to get a better price on their meds??  Help them.  "	I recommend National Health Care Coverage to all Americans to be assured that everyone is taken care of.  Similar to England and Canada with some changes made to even improve that system. 	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	6/8/06 9:12 AM
21263	 Extremely expensive. Plus many people cannot even be insured. Plus much of the burden for health insurance falls on businesses which gives them a competitive disadvantage in world trade. Finally the price of medications is often too costly for individuals.	 Should be a one-payer system. Cananda offers a good example.	 If cuurent health care insurance dolllars were simply directed to a one payer system I believe there would be an excess of funding and universal care.	 Universal single-payer health care	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	6/8/06 9:57 AM
21266	"Despite our status as the World's ""Richest"" nation, the availabilty of universal basic health care for all of our citizens is dismally non-existant.  Every other industrialized country in the world has this kind of health care coverage except the United States."	"Private health insurance coverage as a ""rider"" could be available as an ""extra"" coverage if the individual wanted to purchase it.  Universal basic coverage could be paid for out of income taxes or other sources that are currently squandered by Congress and the White House.  If no one in Congress can come up with a viable solution, make free health and dental coverage available to every Congressman and woman's constituents just like Congress gets.  What's good for the goose should be good for the gander."	"What do the Canadians trade off for their basic universal health care coverage?  If it's good enough for our northern neighbors, it should be good enough for us.  Although, I think the Germans have the best combined public and private health care coverage in the world."	Pass a bill for national universal health care coverage for every American CITIZEN. Not every illegal alien or visitor...but every citizen of the united states. 	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	6/8/06 10:07 AM
21276	The high cost of regulation.	NULL	NULL	"Allow the free market to prevail.  Competition for healthcare dollars will drive down cost.  Reduce Government regulations, and entitlement programs.  Allow individuals to invest tax free dollars for future healthcare costs."	male	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	6/8/06 10:45 AM
21277	The fact that the government may get involved in mandating some form of coverage that the taxpayers will have to pay.	The government should not be paying any part of anybody's health care.  It is up to the individual to provide their ownhealth care.	"None.  People will pay for the health care that they want.  The government should not spend any tax money on health care for any individual outside of retired persons, and even that should be limited."	Keep the government completely out of it.	male	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	6/8/06 10:46 AM
21280	Too many people are uninsured. Our family had to take a huge hit to our family budget when my husband's insurance kicked in. We are barely making it - and for how long I don't know. Insurance should be a right for Americans not a privilege.	"I think the government should pay for insurance for all. Maybe each household is charged a certain amount (reasonable) per person, but for the most part the government as a whole should take care of it. Maybe if the government had to foot the bill for perscriptions -they would look into the horrible price gouging that the RX companies are inflicting on the public."	I am pretty sure that they would cut the spending in Iraq to make sure that the people of this country are taken care of. 	"I think it is time to regroup, pull back and take a good look at our society and make the necessary changes. We as americans can not charge into every international situation when our own people are floundering. "	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	6/8/06 11:00 AM
21289	"I have good health care.  You are working to take it away.  In EVERY universal health care system including Canada's much vaunted system, people get less, and anyone who isn't poor pays much more.  Since something like 90% of us aren't poor, any solution that raises the cost for the rest of us more than about 10% is highway robbery.  Yet this is what universal health care does.    I'm not willing to wait MONTHS to get simple imaging done.  I'm not willing to pay half my income in taxes, almost all of which will go to bureaucrats.  If that's what you're doing, stop now.    What concerns me most is that people have come to believe, not through argument or reason, but by raw emotive repetition, that they have a ""right"" to health care.  Health care costs money.  A right to health care means the right to take other peoples' money to pay for it.  Money takes time to earn, and life is of limited duration.  Therefore, a right to health care is slavery.    Even so, if you could find a way to do it that really kept costs in line and didn't produce a Canada-like limited services environment in which only the wealthy can afford truly GOOD health care (and then usually by coming to the US, which would cease to be an option under most universal health care ideas here,) (again, this means no more than a 10% rise in my costs and I get service as good as what I have now - good luck!,) I'd grudgingly accept it for one reason: the majority are deluded into thinking it is a good idea, and I cannot stop them.    Oh, and make sure your system doesn't put an end to most useful medical research, as such systems have done everywhere else.  Peoples' Republics are great at subsistance, but I've come to expect more out of life."	"Government should get out of it.  If you want to do useful work, figure out just what percentage of tax dollars spent ""on health care"" actually go to patient care and publicize it.  That will utterly put an end to public clamor for more government intervention in health care."	"It doesn't matter.  The fact is, universal health care will cost them more than they would willingly pay if they understood the costs up front and will deliver services inferior to what they would accept if they knew up front.  For the VAST MAJORITY of Americans, it would be much less quality of care for a much higher price, whether paid up front and admitted to or not."	"Get government and its waste out of the system.  Before Medicare and Medicaid, doctors made house calls at no extra charge and even poor people routinely had medical access.  Those programs were basically needless fluff created for campaign reasons at the time.  But, they screwed things up badly.  These days the system is so distorted by government's misinvestment, waste, and regulatory burdens that even the upper middle class are unduly burdened, and you've managed to outright price poor people out of the system, thereby guaranteeing their dependence on politicians.  A vote buying scheme if ever there was one.    And regarding your recommendations, let me point something out: you readily admit that your results are biased towards young professional women and people who have serious health problems but cannot pay for treatment.  Those people certainly ARE largely in favor of universal health care - but they don't reason it out.  They don't care about the costs, or what we lose in such a system, or anything else except their own perceived need or in the case of the professional women, their feelings of unearned guilt, as though they are responsible for the misfortunes of others.  They are NOT the American people as a whole - they are a minority.  Quit lying.  Lying in the headlines and then putting a disclaimer in the fine print about ""limitations"" of your work is still lying.  The American people have NOT spoken in your results."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	6/8/06 11:43 AM
21292	"It should be H E A L T H care, not illness care.  Prevention, prevention, prevention.  Smaller dollars spent earlier, better quality of life, more productivity, happier people."	"Individuals need to take responsibility for their health but a responsible society needs to take care of all of its people.  Universal coverage, with a mix of individual and government payment,(sliding scales?)  Take employers out of the mix, so they can stop whining, eliminate disparity of coverage provided by different industries, put a cap on upper management compensation, companies then pay better wages to workers."	"Stop corporate welfare and war, then there would be plenty of money for things like health care, education and housing. "	P R E V E N T I O N.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	6/8/06 11:49 AM
21293	I AM A MIDDLECLASS PART TIME WORKER.  I WORK 30 HRS A WEEK.  WHERE I LIVE FULL TIME JOBS WITH BENEFITS ARE VERY RARE.  IT CONCERNS ME GREATLY TO GO THRU LIFE WITH NO HEALTH CARE COVERAGE BECAUSE I CANT AFFORD IT ON MY OWN.  MOST EMPLOYERS TODAY DONT OFFER IT AND IF THEY DO YOU HAVE TO PAY SUCH HIGH PREMIUMS TO HAVE IT. 	PERSONALLY I THINK AMERICA HAS REACHED THE POINT IN TIME WHEN GOING TO UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE WOULD BE A VERY GOOD THING.  IF WE USE A COMBINATION OF GOVERNMENT INCENITIVES ALONG WITH EMPLOYERS THERE SHOULD BE SOME WAY OF DOING THIS SUCCESSFULLY.	PERHAPS PAYING A SPECIAL TAX WOULD WORK.  I WOULD BE WILLING TO FOREGO MY INCOMETAX RETURN EVERY YEAR OF AROUND $400.00 TO HAVE INSURANCE COVERAGE.	 STOP LETTING THE DRUG COMPANIES AND INSURANCE COMPANIES DICTATE HEALTH CARE AND START IMPLIMENTING A SYSTEM NOW TO PROVIDE UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE FOR ALL.  	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	6/8/06 11:54 AM
21298	There is too much government involvement in the health care system.  The health care system would be more responsive to consumer needs if health care was purchased directly by the consumer.  	Provide individuals with the same tax incentives as employers so that it would be the same cost for individuals to purchase health care insurance as it would to be a part of the employers plan.	"Health care is not a government issue, it is not up to the public to deceide.  It is for each individual citizen to deceide what is right for them to purchase.  LET THE FREE MARKET DECEIDE."	GET THE GOVERNMENT OUT OF THE HEALTH CARE BUSINESS.	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	6/8/06 12:24 PM
21305	"That health care has become a business concerned more about profit than about keeping people healthy.  I don't believe that the free market is always the best way to allocate critical, basic resources.  Health care is one of these resources that everyone needs but cannot currently get.  This is especially true for the poor or those with pre-existing conditions.  "	"I believe we should have a national health care system similar to England or Canada paid for with our tax dollars.  In those countries, you can get insurance to get better, faster health care, either individually or through an employer, but basic health care is available through and managed by the government.  From an economic standpoint, this will make American companies more competitive if they don't have to shoulder an increasing health care cost for their employees -- since their foreign competition doesn't have to.  It will enable more small businesses to start up as the small business owners will not have to worry about the massive cost of health insurance for both themselves and their employees.  Finally, a socialized, government medical system gives everyone in our society a ""safety net"".  Folks would no longer have to worry about getting sick or suffering from catastrophic medical expenses.    It can work.  I was a military dependent for most of my childhood.  Military healthcare was not the best, nor the worst, but we got the healthcare we needed easily and at no cost.  Lets expand the military model nationwide."	"I would pay higher taxes for a national, socialized healtcare system.  I do understand that I may have to wait for some proceedures and treatments, and I would not want the system to pay for elective, unnecessary treatments, like plastic surgery to improve my looks (unless disfigured by disease or an accident).  I would be willing to accept malpractice limits (""tort reform"") in exchange for a nationalized system."	"Nationalize the health care system - take free market forces, incentives, and disincentives out of the system.  Emphasize wellness. (sorry, that's two)"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	6/8/06 12:40 PM
21309	"I'm concerned about the chance of catastrophic illness taking away all of the money and resources I have saved for my retirement. Right now I have been laid off from my job and have continued my employer health insurance for some time, but need to find an alternative in the public marketplace soon. "	I think all Americans need basic health care and it should be funded by the government with possible co-pays or deductibles paid by individuals. 	"I believe healthcare needs to be financed by assorted and creative means. Sin taxes should definately be a component, as some of those ""sin"" items such as alcohol, cigarettes, etc., directly contribute to additional healthcare needs. "	"Basic healthcare needs to be provided to all Americans, and if they cannot afford it, they need to get financial aid necessary to afford it. "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	6/8/06 12:58 PM
21313	"The cost.  My insurance premiums have been going up 17% per year for 3 years.  Last year my doctor charged me $500 for an office visit, and cholesterol related blood tests.  I have to pay this in cash, since my deductible is now $5000."	"Get rid of the unneeded monopolies and red tape that drive costs beyond what the country can afford.  Then cover everybody under national health care, like all other advanced countries do."	"I am willing to do such things as read my own labels on pill bottles, if it lowers my Lipitor costs.  Meds that go non prescription tend to fall in price by 2/3 to 3/4.  A simple warning label on Lipitor not to use it unless your doctor tells you to will do.  Then make it available OTC in factory safety sealed containers with expiration dates, just like aspirin."	Reduce unnecessary monopolies to reduce costs.  Examples include hearing aides that cost $2000 when the inventor says they should only cost $50.  The difference in price is caused by giving certain people unnecessary monopolies to dispense the things.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	6/8/06 1:02 PM
21335	"I am concerned by the fact that so many Americans, myself included, are without health insurance.  I was covered by the state's low income health benefits until my 21st birthday.  I have Bipolar disorder and cannot afford to insure myself through a private organization.  Because I am a student, I do not have a full time job that qualifies me for heath care."	"I think that health care should be free for all Americans. As an American, I have the right to free speech, but I do not have the right to be without illness."	"Personally, I would favor a tax increase to pay for nation wide healthcare."	Raise taxes to pay for a nation wide high quality health insurance program and make sure the tax money ends up where it is supposed to be.	female	Under 25	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	6/8/06 3:16 PM
21336	"That if I am in need of health care I might not be able to afford the expense so I wont get the proper help and treatment that I need, so I end up with a major health issues or prehaps even dying."	NULL	"I have no comment at the time because I am not sure of what the public is willing to make in their benefits or financing to ensure access to affordable, high quality health care."	"Not all people can afford proper health care so some people dont ever go to the hospital because of that reason so they end up becomming sicker or the problem that they have becomes worse. The Medicade and Medicare program is only offered to certain individuals someone like myself have a low income and I still have been rejected from getting Medicare and Medicade. Is the reason why Im rejecting is because I am college and I dont have kids? I beleive the answer is yes. I cant receive such help, becasue the government expects me to have a child before ever helping me instead of looking at the fact that right now I am in college trying to get a better education and cant afford proper health care, and when I turn to get help I am always rejected."	female	Under 25	No	Black or African American	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	6/8/06 3:48 PM
21338	The lack of recognition that health insurance is not the same as health care. What we need is universal access to health care. Insurance is not the solution.	"yes, a two-tiered system, where basic medical needs are payed out-of-pocket while more serious needs are covered by health insurance. Increasing insurance coverage only puts more profit into insurance company pockets."	"I personally belief that the American public is poorly educated and greedy, and so we are in the situation we are in, specifically, nobody wants to pay their own way. The myth of affordable high quality health care is part of the problem. We need experts who will speak of reality to the people."	"eliminate discussion of health insurance for all for all medical needs. Switch to discussion of major medical insurance for all, and tell folks to learn to take care of their own body."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	6/8/06 3:53 PM
21343	"To many people not covered, because they can not afford it."	"       I believe the best way to control cost is to introduce competition. I feel that while it is not ideal, the best way to do that is to set up a system of PPO's and HMO's. They should be set up in the following manner:           1. The HMO's and PPO's should be set up so they cover all medical costs, except cosmetic, from womb to tomb.           2. Every US citizen would pick the HMO or PPO they wanted to be covered by every year on their birthday. Non citizens would pay their own medical expenses or be transported back to their own country as soon as their condition permitted.           3. Every HMO and PPO would have nation wide coverage or reciprocal agreements to provide nation wide coverage.           4. Everyone would have the option of using the network coverage at no charge or going to any doctor or hospital and paying 20 percent of the cost upto a maximum out of pocket $2000.00 per year. They could switch back and forth at any time.           5. In the event an HMO or PPO went broke, their patients would be divided up equally among the other HMO's and PPO's until it was time for them to chose again.           6. When old company's started dropping out and new company's quit entering the business, it would be time to raise the premiums.              Medical care is not like buying a new pair of shoes or a new car, you can not say ""well just keep on working and save your money until you can afford it"". Right now there are millions of people who can not afford any kind of medical insurance and millions more that can not afford enough medical insurance. The government, local, state or federal has to pickup the cost.            While I do not like the government to be involved in peoples lives any more then necessary, I believe the fairest way to handle this problem is through a single premium payer. The federal government is the only entity capable of doing it.           The premium money could be collected through some kind of a special tax on pop, snack foods, alcohol, tobacco, value added, etc. Thank you.   "	I think they would approve a sales tax on unnecessary items.	Universal coverage	male	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	6/8/06 4:14 PM
21358	Lack of universal Health Care. 33 Industrial nations have it and are paying only 8% of their GDB. We don't have it and are paying 15% of our GDP	"Get rid of the middlemen, which is the Insurance companies. They are needlessly syphoning off money for no benefit. They were made ""for profit"" companies under Pres Reagan and they've gotten more greedy every year since. They don't care about people anymore."	"Very expensive treatments could be limited with insurance companies, if necessary. Routine care should be provided with local community clinics with the money saved from going to universal care, i.e. cutting 15% to 8% of GDP. Paperwork and insurances companies are using up too much overhead for no worthwhile contribution.  Once you decide to go to Universal Health Care, you don't need insurance companies for day to day stuff anymore."	"Turn medical care for routine medical treatment procedures, other than transplants, etc., to local clinics run by the medicare and government employees.  Private companies are just too greedy and prone to corruption."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	6/8/06 5:06 PM
21362	"Lack of personal responsibility for health.  People who engage in high risk activities like smoking, drinking, skiing, bungee jumping, etc. should not expect everyone else to pay for it when they are injured or fall victim to a complication of their behavior."	"I believe a guaranteed loan system similar to student loans should be created.  This would allow people to pay off overwhelming debt from a catastrophic medical illness over time, without having to lose their house or bankrupt a hospital."	None.  Tradeoffs will have to be imposed.	"People will have to make lifestyle changes to make this work, and most are unwilling to do it.  Health care is more important than the right to smoke cigarettes, drink beer, drive drunk, fight, watch cable TV, have a cell phone,buy a bass boat etc.  The American public is not willing to give up these things in order to get health care.  They expect someone else to give it to them."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	6/8/06 5:27 PM
21365	"too many people without insurance, too many insurance companies, too high premiums, limited  health care within those high premiums. "	"everyone pays a co-pay like $15-$25.00 per person per any type of doctor visit, $25.00 for any drug perscription, and $200.00 for any initial hospital visits, emergency or otherwise. employers would be taken out of the equation since we would no longer have a premium type payment system. The insurance companies, medical profession, drug companies, and government would pay for everything amongst themselves.  "	we are all tired of making tradeoffs. we trade our money for what is supposed to be the greatest healthcare system in the world only to have the insurance companies decide what healthcare we may need or have  even though none of the insurance compnies' claims people are medically trained to know what is needed.   we need to stop making tradeofffs and excuses and fix this system before too many more people and children die!!!!!	make all insurance companies into one with one set of rules and laws for all. everyone is covered as long as they are citizens of the US.   	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	6/8/06 5:56 PM
21373	We live in a society that moves around.  When I left the Las Vegas area my managed health plan went from low copays to a 70-30 split of all costs.  No payments are made for tests unless they are preapproved by the plan.  The preapproval has taken from two weeks to four weeks for simple blood work and mamograms.    Since I  left Nevada and now live in NM I find that I do not go to the doctor for my annual visit or ask the doctor not to require tests unless he suspects a serious problem.  I have had an infarction and a TIA but am not having yearly tests because as a reitree I can't afford them.  I make too much to meet assistance and not enough to afford the 30% copay.  I believe the high cost of drugs is due in part to the drug company advertising.  Why they have to advertise for meds that require prescriptions from the doctor is something I don't understand.  The drug companies could also cut out the free trips offered to doctors for prescribing their meds.	"I think anyone who uses an HMO should be allowed to have low copays.  There should be a universal scale for how much is to be paid in each area.  Obviously, some areas will have cheaper medical care vs.the cites such as NY, LA, etc.  I would also like to see more medical students get financial aid for their education.  Large student costs and loans require even first year doctors to get large salaries to pay back those school loans.  The government should have low interest loans available for medical students.  We seem to have enough lawyers but will be lacking doctors in many areas of the country.  Let doctors pay off loans by servicing these needy areas."	I think the American people will not be adverse to US citizens who pay into a medical program be given top quality care.  Just like social security is taken out of payroll so can a payment for medical insurance.  Also employers should be taxed depending on the number of employees.	We need to face the fact that a universal health care program is necessary.  It should be taken out of the political arena and just put into place.  Local or state agencies could be set up to oversee and determine a level of repayment for services provided.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	6/8/06 7:42 PM
21386	the possibilty of getting sick and loosing every thing I OWN	"yes CUT FOREIGN AID BY 10 PERCENT,AND WE COULD USE THE MONEY FOR HEALYH CARE FOR ALL AMERICAN CITIZENS"	I REPEAT CUT FOREIGN AID BY 10 PERCENT	USE MONEY FROM FOREIGN AID	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	6/8/06 9:21 PM
21388	"Insurance Companies. They only insure the healthy and only care about profits, They have no business in healthcare.PERIOD.You tell me...What do Insurance Companies do for Healthcare? "	"Somebody should pay for it.With Universal Care, We would all help pay.Employers could work that out with employees."	"First of all, INSURANCE is too high, Most Americans can't afford it. Insurance companies only care about profits and don't care about your health.There is a program now that is place for EVERYONE....it is called MEDICARE. Allow healthy people to enroll in MEDICARE,for an established premium,  either individually or through their employers. Healthy people on MEDICARE would help with the cost of the elderly and disabled. Right now, INSURANCE companies want only the gravy, HEALTHY people, that isn't right.  "	"Get rid of INSURANCE COMPANIES and allow the Government to take over the healthcare of Americans. MEDICARE FOR ALL is the answer. At 80-20 pay, that would still leave supplemental policies for Insurance Companies to sell.  "	male	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	6/8/06 10:22 PM
21409	Insurance cannot be tied to a specific job.	"We need ""Medicare for All Ages.""  Nothing else."	We already have universal health care for those over 65.  Medicare for All Ages.  	The AMA limits access to the medical business.  	male	Decline to answer	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	6/9/06 6:54 AM
21415	"We are simply shifting costs of healthcare to those who are paying prememiums,  We all pay in the end, why not pay up front."	"First, a national sales tax so that all pay a portion.  Those with money to spend more will pay more but ALL pay.  Second noone should lose everything for a catastrohpic illness or accident.  Perhaps a lifetime cap of $50k on out of pocket expenses.  Third, medicine should not be a profit driven commodity.  Perhaps a cap on profits and CEO salaries.  It is unconscienable that the CEO of a health insurance company have $1.6 BILLION in options."	"Unfortunately, none."	Eliminate waste and greed.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	6/9/06 8:25 AM
21436	"That people's access to healthcare is tied to employment; lose your job, lose your access to healthcare.  That we pay so much in taxes, yet get so little in return -- most of our tax dollars get funneled to the military, and if this weren't so, we could have easily had universal healthcare all this time.  "	"Access to healthcare should not be dependent on having a job.  Access to healthcare should not be dependent on being wealthy, as it now is.  Our tax system should be restructured to use our yearly taxes to pay for universal healthcare.  No more deductions out of employees' paychecks.  No more businesses having to provide healthcare insurance (insurance is the problem, not the solution)."	For trade-offs: I feel the American people will accept fewer military bases in other countries & a smaller black-ops military budget in return for universal healthcare.  The savings in the above should easily pay for universal healthcare w/o a rise in taxes for Americans.  	Most important: no more healthcare insurance companies.  Their only purpose is to deny people healthcare.  Take out the profit motive in healthcare -- people can't choose not to get sick.  	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	6/9/06 11:33 AM
21438	"The costs.  I believe we need to stop unnecessary law suits, and the extremely high amounts being given to defendants in these suits.  This has driven good Doctors out of the industry, and all Americans have suffered the consequences of the lawyers unrealistic requests for money.  The only ones to benefit have been the lawyers.  This practice needs to stop immediatly"	"We do not need government sponsored health care.  Many people in America today do not realize the government paid health care means, citizen paid for health care.  We get to pay twice.  Anytime you allow government to run anything it costs 3X as much.  If you allow government to regulate your health care, they can regulate your life, cradle to grave. Hence 5.5 million dollars off the backs of the American people, for you to do this study, and nothing has been resolved."	"None, health care costs are out of control, and the only ones benefitting are the lawyers, insurance companies and docters.  It is time to put a stop to the increased costs, not to have citizen sponsored insurance, and government regulated lives. Who have the newest, biggest and best buildings in the cities, insurance companies!!!!!!!!!  Who have the biggest best and newest, homes, and toys.  Dr's and lawyers, major corporate insurance company officers.  "	Stop the lawsuits. 	female	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	6/9/06 11:58 AM
21464	 The focus remains on sickness instead of wellness. Prevention and education need to be at the beginning of this discussion instead of an afterthought.	 Lower the cost of health services by resource sharing among area hospitals/ caregivers.    Decrease the cost of established pharmaceuticals.	Healthy lifestyle practices in exchange for health coverage as needed.	See above box.  Prevention and education will improve health for all Americans.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	6/9/06 3:38 PM
21468	The cost and the lack of health care so many people have.	"Yes, this should be a governmental program.  The US government should provide health care for people."	I think we are willing to trade NO health care for SOME government provided health care.	"Like so many of this country's problems, it will only be solved when special interests and lobbyists are eradicated from our government.  Nothing good will happen for the people of America as long as a member of the family that founded the world’s largest health care company is also the senate majority leader. Then a government run health care system is what is needed."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	6/9/06 3:53 PM
21481	Get the government out of health care except for the most indigent and helpless. Promote consumer driven health care and modify existing government programs to offer a cdhc option to as many people as possible.	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	6/9/06 4:58 PM
21489	WE NEED GOOD MEDICAL CARE FOR ALL.  WHY DO INSURANCE COMPANIES GET SUBSTANTIAL  DISCOUNTS FOR MEDICAL COST. THOSE COSTS  SHOULD BE THE SAME FOR ALL. 	"NO, BUT YOU NEED TO CONTROL COSTS.    START WITH TORT REFORM!!!!!!!!   "	A MEDICAL SALES TAX TO HELP WITH COSTS.	"TORT REFORM.  I DON'T KNOW WHY ANYONE WOULD  WANT TO ENTER THE MEDICAL FIELD.  LONG HOURS,  LARGE EXPENSES AND EVERYONE WANTS THE BEST  CARE BUT KNOWONE WANTS TO PAY FOR IT. THESE MEDICAL STUDENTS ENTER THE WORK FORCE WITH  LARGE DEBT.  WE ARE GOING TO EXPERIENCE A SHORTAGE  OF DOCTORS SOON!"	male	45 to 64	Yes	NULL	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	6/9/06 5:59 PM
21499	"Healthcare has become too big business.  The system was originally designed for private physicians or hospitals to provide a needed service and be paid appropriately for that service.  Fine.  Now big business owns these operations. (no pun intended) These businesses do not earn money by providing the services directly, but by taking a percentage of the services provided by the physicians they hire and the hospitals they own.  Yet the physicians and hospitals still have to earn a profit.  Hmmm.  How do you make this work for all - volume.  And thus a new definition of ""needed services"" is created."	"A Universal Health care system, a health care plan that can cover people no matter where they work or if they work.  It follows them.  A universal group, so price of insurance is not based on which smaller group you get put in.  "	"People, who are able, should have to pay something towards their health insurance and health care.  People need to take some responsibility towards taking care of themselves."	"Get Bush out of office.  OK - more seriously...  Recognize that there is a problem, be creative and do not be afraid to change the system.  Do something.  "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	6/9/06 7:05 PM
21503	"There are many problems with healthcare in this country today. First of all, we have millions of people with absolutely no coverage and millions more on top of that that are underinsured. Beyond that, the cost of healthcare in this country is much too high. People are forced to choose between putting food on the table and purchasing health insurance. The cost of healtchare should not be able bankrupt anyone. Those in the middle and lower class and continually being left behind."	"Yes, I believe the system needs fundamental change. I believe the current multi-tiered system has led to the huge problems we have today. I think the best solution to this would be the creation of a single-payer plan where the government provides comprehensive health insurance to the people. Such a plan would be financed publicly and delivered privately. An excellent example of this is HR 676, which was introduced by Representative John Conyers."	"I believe the American people are ready to do whatever it takes to provide comprehensive health insurance to all Americans. We can provide high quality health care to all Americans for even less than the cost of the current system. There is absolutely no need to reduce benefits under a publicly financed plan. The cost increase would be minimal at best, if not a cost decrease. While such a plan would require a tax increase in some form (such as a payroll tax and/or the elimination of the current tax cuts), the increase would be negated through the elimination of private plans currently incurred. "	"As I've stated above, we need to convert to a publicly financed health insurance system. I believe this would substantially improve the healthcare crisis in this country. It is truly shameful that this country is the only industralised country without a guarantee of healthcare for all of its people."	male	Under 25	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	6/9/06 8:04 PM
21507	"The cost of health care in the U.S. is totally out of control. Also, people need to be able to carry some type of affordable health care after retirement."	"There needs to be some type of cost control in place so all Americans can afford health ins., etc. We still need to maintain a system that includes testing, etc. for the future."	NULL	Make it affordable and accessible to everyone and not at taxpayers expense. 	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	6/9/06 9:13 PM
21510	"The price of health care is spiraling out of control! When people are happy that their health care premiums are ONLY increasing by 10-15% a year (when the rate of inflation is about 3%) we have a major problem!  Our system of health care in America is headed for a major collapse, and with it, our entire economy and way of life if we don't act right away!  "	"I believe we need to get the employers completely out of the equation. We need to have a combination of taxes and fees to pay for coverage for all. As unpopular as it might be, we could set up taxes on food consumption, liquor, cigarettes, etc. There could be a 5 tier system whereby the more detrimental something is for your health, the higher the tax rate on those items would be. "	Rich Americans = not too willing to make trade offs.  Middle class and poor Americans = extremely willing to make lots of trade offs because most are either uninsured/underinsured or paying a much higher percentage of their incomes for health care than rich Americans. Younger Americans are also more prone to say they are willing to make trade-offs too.	Get the health insureres out of the equation.  They retain about 25% of the premiums I pay to cover Administration Costs.  Ridiculous!	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	6/9/06 10:07 PM
21513	"I'm concerned that many nurses and doctors, are understaffed, and/or overwhelmed to the point that serious problems can be overlooked in patients, and themselves; health."	"We pay taxes to get from point ""a"" to point ""b"" in nearly everything we must do to get through the hasted existance most of us live in; health is bound to suffer for all, no matter who it is!  We all pay taxes (supposably) no matter who it is. I think it is long overdue that we eliminate wastefull programs that waste our tax dollars; and use them for the most precious thing we all share,   Life... or do we? "	"It all depends on what side of the tracks you are on, and I'm sure there are many sides and many tracks. I can't speak for others on this right now, I need to learn more. all I know for sure is that alot of people are nearvous beyond thier own admission, to the great uncertaintty that lies in this subject. "	"Restoring The Natural Environment Worldwide! PERIOD.....that is the core of health issues for all, Earth, Plant, Animal, Human,....thank you."	male	25 to 44	No	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	6/9/06 11:22 PM
21518	Home birth midwifery should be reimbursable by HMO's and Medicaid.	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	6/10/06 12:40 AM
21521	profit rules all things. End all profits.	"Nationalize all parts.    doctors.. only AVERAGE INCOME, to get rid of the greedheads.  fifty thousand is the single income they ought to get.  Greedheads will flee like the rats they are. Kind ones will stay.    nationalize docs,   hospitals/nursing homes  insr.  Big Pill.. make our own generics, to hell with patents in switz."	no trade offs needed. My plan is all improvements. No downside at all.	"Nationalize all of it. }that includes the new income for docs., to get rid of greedheads.. fifty thousand dollars max/min per year.}    see the four parts , listed by me two boxes above this one.    Sweden pays far less than we do.. one tenth, last i looked.  It can be done. Do it."	female	25 to 44	Yes	Other	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	6/10/06 1:35 AM
21525	"Reducing Red Tape Can Make Care Affordable  May 08, 2005  By Robert Berry, MD  Today marks the end of ""Cover the Uninsured Week,"" an eight-day media campaign spearheaded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to endorse universal health care coverage for Americans.    The effort, backed by more than $80 million in active grants, aims at ""ensuring that everyone in America has affordable and reliable health care coverage by 2010.""    On the surface, it would seem unthinkable -- even mean-spirited -- to contest such a noble goal. Yet solving problems as difficult as 45 million uninsured Americans requires more than the grand pronouncements and glib panaceas promoted by the Cover the Uninsured Week campaign. They require action from those who have tough minds as well as tender hearts.    It is health care -- timely, competent, compassionate and cost effective -- that Americans want. But the hard reality is that health care coverage does not equal health care.    Universal coverage in Canada forces women to wait 14 weeks, on average, after they first bring a suspicious breast lump to a physician's attention before it is removed. In Britain, universal coverage has caused a queue of more than 1 million awaiting elective surgery.    Most Tennesseans know by now that our state's decade-long experiment with Medicaid managed care is about to end coverage for many of those who are currently insured. Exactly one month after the kickoff of Cover the Uninsured Week, the TennCare program will begin the process of disenrolling more than 200,000 people.    We as a state simply faced the hard reality that we cannot afford to cover 23 percent of our population and still pay for all the other items in Tennessee's budget.    As a primary care physician in Greeneville, Tenn., with roughly 3,500 uninsured patients in my practice, I attended the first public forum of Gov. Phil Bredesen's task force on the health care safety net in early March. Because our clinic has provided something of a safety net since it opened in January 2001, I thought my contributions might prove useful. Unfortunately, the administration seems uninterested in ideas that don't reinforce its own opinions.    The major reason my clinic is more affordable than other primary care practices is that it doesn't accept third-party payments and thus does not incur the cost of filing small medical claims. The clinic requires three fewer employees and costs about $200,000 less annually to operate than similar clinics that accept insurance to treat routine minor illnesses and injuries.    Our fees, which patients pay at the time of service, typically are little more than the $32 that the governor's consulting group, McKinsey & Co., recommended able-bodied TennCare recipients contribute as a co-payment for office visits.    Given that our clinic has demonstrated the potential affordability and decreased costs of direct payment for routine medical care without using taxpayer money, one wonders if America needs or can even afford medical insurance for such services.    It seems that the people who clamor most vociferously about covering the uninsured are usually the least likely to be found actually caring for them personally. Those who make their living from public coffers, either directly through subsidies or indirectly through tax exemptions, tend to resist citizen initiatives over which they have little control, even if citizens bear the costs themselves.    In addition, government coercion through regulation can make it more difficult for physicians to solve the problems of their uninsured patients.    For example, physicians must choose whether they will accept payments from Medicare, a program whose overhead costs make it impossible for a doctor to offer affordable rates in a true free market. The alternative is never to accept Medicare for any patient. Physicians who refuse to accept Medicare are also prevented from treating Medicare beneficiaries with an ""urgent"" condition -- the defi"	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	6/10/06 9:21 AM
21526	"as one of the many uninsured in America, a working woman, aged 62, who has always worked but as a freelancer and who cannot afford insurance that covers the practitioners of my choice...    I am most concerned about the stranglehold that alopathic medical doctors, hospitals and drug companies have in this country.    I most sincerely want a democratic form of health care, which means coverage for all Americans for them to see and be cared for by the licensed practitioners of their choice.    In addition I am deeply troubled by the lack of paid maternity leave for all childbearing women - including for adoptive mothers. We must match what the best of European countries offer, at least a miminum of 9 full months salary with no loss of job (or 12 months, with full pay up to 6 months and half pay the second 6 months). In addition, it's crucially important that fathers be able to take up to 2 months of this pay. And that women can postpone their decision, as to whether or not to return to that job, until 9 months after birth.    It has been amply demonstrated that by making sure women do not lose their job for taking maternity leave does not hurt employers. Rather, then end up with additional workers committed to them and the ability to move a temporary worker into another position should the childbearing woman choose to return to her position after 9 months or a year.     Also, flexible hours and job-sharing should be mandated for mothers and fathers of children under the age of 4.    With regard to treatments that require medicine, it is essential that all forms of tests and medicine be included in coverage if ordered by a licenses practitioners - including herbs, supplements, etc."	"I prefer the Dutch system, whereby every person must have coverage and there are many options to choose from."	I believe that Americans are willing to pay more from their check to ensure this.	"Every American must be fully covered and able to see the practitioner of his or her choice and have the medicines/supplements, treatments that his or her practitioner recommends."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	6/10/06 9:47 AM
21543	"We have the most expensive, highest technology system in the world and we're still at the bottom of the heap in world statistics. - BASIC health care needs are being short changed at the expense of technology! - ALL Americans deserve access to primary care. -Also, a healthy person begins before birth, unless all of our women are getting GOOD pre-conception and prenatal care, a child will already begin life compromised!"	"The Indian Health Service and the old CHAMPUS system are examples of forms of universal health care.  These models could be used to institute basic health care coverage for all americans.  Then, specialty care, or cosmetic care could be covered by individual payments or individual policies."	We have been spoiled by access to carte blance care for so long that taking something away to provide basic care to everyone may be a problem.  Perhaps taking some lessons from Oregon's experiment might be good.	Improve prenatal care and early childhood care and we build the basis for continuing good health.	female	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MS	6/10/06 2:31 PM
21546	"The cost of insurance is way too high.  We have universal coverage for special groups of people, if one is old enough (Medicare), a veteran (VA) or poor or semi-poor (Medicaid) but if you fall outside those groups of people, you have to pay too much for coverage or do without.  There should be BASIC coverage for all American citizens provided by the government.  If a person wants more than the ""basic"" coverage package, that person can buy more coverage if they can afford it.  People shouldn't have to worry about getting sick and going bankrupt or have to continue working if they have financial resources just so they can maintain health insurance coverage.  It is just too expensive.   "	I think the government should provide basic coverage and individuals could purchase extra coverage if they choose and can pay for it.  	"I have worked in the Medicaid program at the state level for years.  There are SO MANY people involved with health insurance business now that if the process was simplified, there would be no need for creating more taxes to pay for universal coverage.  If you took every Medicaid eligibility worker and their salary in every state and eliminated that task/job, you would have millions from that source to help pay for services.  Then, if you took all the billing clerks, insurance specialists etc. etc. who are involved with billing and payments, you would have millions more.  There is MORE THAN ENOUGH money spent in the health insurance business that could be eliminated and spent on health services if the process was simplified and many layers of bureaucracy eliminated.  I don't feel we would need more taxes.  We would simply spend the money we already spend operating the current system on direct services to more people.     "	Make it affordable. 	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	6/10/06 3:57 PM
21547	That the government has more say in it than do I or my doctor.	"Yeah, the government should step out.  If employers want to offer benefits, fine.  But in the end, if just comes out of people's salaries anyway, so it's up to the individual to provide for their needs."	NULL	Privatization.	male	Under 25	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	6/10/06 4:41 PM
21559	"What concerns me most about health care in American today is that I don't have much access to it. As a self-employed person who gave up being able to afford insurance four years ago, I have to beg, borrow, lie, and cajole my way into health care. And even then I only get the bare basics of what I need, while I have chronic conditions that go untreated. No other issue affects me more or would be more important to solve. I also know that the US spends far more on health care than any other developed nation, while getting much less in return. This has to be fixed."	"Government should be the one paying for health care. As a sole provider it would have the power to negotiate much lower rates. The US spends far more on health care than any other developed nation, while getting much less in return. As an uninsured person, I get even less. Health care should be a fundamental right."	"I don't see why any tradeoffs are needed. We're already paying PLENTY for health care--more than almost any other country. It's a matter of shifting expenses. Eliminate the health care premium costs that corporations and individuals currently have, raise taxes enough to make up the difference. (Overall costs will still be lower.) Stop giving tax cuts to the rich."	Universal single-payer coverage. Period.	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	6/11/06 12:45 PM
21561	The high cost to people who work hard everyday	The govenment should step in and stop price gauging from hospital doctors and insurance companies	I Think that there should be a choice.For example there should be private and government hospitals.If you want govt you go for a minimum cost premium.If you opt for private you pay high cost and receive high quality prompt care.	"Universal coverage funded by low cost premiums based on income plus govt subsidies. The rich pay the highest premiums, middle income medium,low income low premiums with government subsidies."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MS	6/11/06 1:31 PM
21564	"The cost and it's distorting effect on the economy.  Nearly everyone gets healthcare one way or another, the costs are unsubstantial."	"Yes, it should be financed with dedicated income by the consumer. Through the income tax system, by giving tax credit to those who pay taxes and a revenue credit for those who don't, this would be used to buy a healthcare catastrophe policy with a deductible, both would be financed with the tax credit. Any amount left at the end of the year would be treated as regular income and taxed as such."	Consumers would have the choice of making their own informed healthcare choices rather than having bureaucrats and providers making them.	"Every U.S. citizen would be included from dog catchers to presidents and bishops and then the consumer, not the provider would be treated as the market."	male	Over 64	No Response	Decline to answer	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	6/11/06 5:04 PM
21577	"The lack of uniform understandable health plans with confusing and contradictory policies like only paying for some services if you are an inpatient but not if you are an outpatient (like vertebroplasty).    Also, the lack of a single interoperable standard for all medical electronic records, including imaging studies."	There should be a common requirement that all citizens must obtain basic health care insurance if they can afford it so that everyone is part of the risk pool.	"Not much, we are spoiled rotten, but then, no one really wants to pay taxes either. We just have to all pay into the system at a level and for basic services that the majority thinks is fair."	Government sponsored single standard for electronic medical records that can communicate completely and easily across allvendors and networks.	male	45 to 64	No	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	6/12/06 7:12 AM
21579	"Not every American's ability to receive it.  ""It"" being unaffordable health care."	"Actually, our current way also includes payment by the public sector - picking up the bill for thousands of folks each year.  Those are the folks that end up at the ER without health insurance or any ability to pay.  That is our problem.  With universal health care coverage we will reduce the number of folks burdening the health care system and allow for folks to seek medical attention much earlier - hopefully circumventing ER issues."	A progressive tax structure.	Stop waiting and act now to fund iniversal health care.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	6/12/06 8:30 AM
21580	costs and quality are the two most promiinent concerns	"As a health care system it is terribly un balanced.  there are just oo many people who do not get the care they need or want, the system is dogmatic and not organic, leaving people unsatisfied."	"I hope we will be able to trade off some of the high cost care that gives us unrealistic hopes about staving off death through valient methods for all ages and helps us to concentrate on good palliative care, good prophylactic care and good self responsible care."	"I beleive the mid level practioners such as nurse practioners, midwives, PA's could easily cut hundreds of thousands of dollars and give better care to the every day, normal, person avoiding the costs of MD's by putting  a little bit more of the cost into our pockets if need be (we won't pay for a doctor if a midwife is available and less costly) , but being sure that the midlevel practioners are immediately available  "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	6/12/06 10:04 AM
21598	"As a consumer of the health care system in America, I have experienced more and more problems in just having to navigate through insurance companies, red tape, and more red tape.  As a professional educated in the Allied Health Professions, I have witnessed such a dismal change in the health care field and in morale among health care workers. And, when morale suffers, so does quality.  That is my greatest concern."	"I simply believe that everyone should have the right to health care.  This sounds like an impossible request, but perhaps America's dollars could be better spent shoring up a health care system that is accessible to all."	I do not believe the American public has anything left to negotiate. The funding needs to be reallocated from current unnecessary spending by our government.	"PLEASE, consider Public Health, in funding and resources.  There you will find a hidden reserve of not-for-profit dynamics, and yes, even some vestigal altruism and idealism, qualities that could serve us well in trying to improve health care for Americans."	female	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	6/12/06 1:45 PM
21600	everyone should have basic health insurance coverage	"everyone should bear some financial burden, with individuals paying for services according to a sliding scale based on income"	"higher taxes, more community health centers and public health clinics"	"improve access to mid-level providers such as certified nurse-midwives and other nurse practitioners, who can provide quality care for less expense.  complicated patients can then be triaged to a physician, so that a physician's time and expertise will be better spent."	female	NULL	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	6/12/06 1:52 PM
21605	It is way out of control. Universal Health care is what we NEED!	"We should all pay the same, poor or rich."	NULL	Universal Health Care.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	6/12/06 2:26 PM
21606	"The fact that the US does such a poor job of caring for everyone.  The US ranks so low in the world in quality measures, and covers a smaller (and shrinking proportion of our population than any other rich (or even moderately rich country)"	"Remove profit from the system...Create, convert, or develop only non-profit or public health care facilities and a SINGLE non-profit (or public) insurer which reimburses doctors and health facilities for the costs of treating anyone seeking health care."	"I think the vast majority (basically everyone but the largest individual shareholders in for-profit hospital and Insurance chains) or 99.5% of the population are willing to forgo *profit* in the provision of healthcare and insurance.  If we do that, everyone (including the 46 million uninsured) could get higher quality care than the most of us do now."	"Eliminate the ""middle man"" i.e., for-profit health insurance companies.  It eliminates billions of dollars of bureaucratic waste, billions of dollars of  ""profit"" for insurers, saves billions of dollars spent on care for conditions which were worsened by insurance-related delays in treatment, and creates a system that is designed to provide care to those who need it rather than a system seeking to skim money away from the Provision of care in favot of the FINANCING of care."	male	25 to 44	No Response	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	6/12/06 2:31 PM
21608	"The world needs a single payer health plan  that everyone and everything including   prescription drugs,mental health, end of life  coverage,etc. pay for by the 1% of the world  wealthy. "	NULL	NULL	The wealthy pay 99% of all health care and  health care cover everything and everyone  in the world	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	6/12/06 2:35 PM
21612	That it is a for profit industry.  We need to take back the power and get the third party out of it.    And that the system is set up to treat disease not prevent it.  Emphasizing wholistic preventive care rather than disease maitenance is not only much more cost effective but  limits suffering and optimizes heatlh.	"I heard Patch Adams, MD speak years ago.  He did the math and if communities would just pool their resourses that they are currently spending on health insurance for one year that would create a large enough amount of capital for that community to invest in health care and providers so that it was free for all forever!  If this is accurate or even close to accurate we need to collectively organize and implement this more community based collective plan."	NULL	"People to take responsibility for their own health.  Sleep, exercise, diet and creative connection are available to us all.  This information is also available to all and people need to stop being so dis-empowered and dependent on others and systems to care for them."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	6/12/06 3:03 PM
21618	"What concerns me about health care in America today is the exploding cost and the fact that more and more employers are either reduding or totally dropping health care coversage for their employees.  To purchase health care as an individual is becoming so expensive that the average working person can not afford the most basic coverage.  When it is running from $500 to over $1,000 a month for an individual many people just take the cahnce they will not become ill and need to see a doctgor.    ."	"We need universal health care similar to Medicare.  So that no matter what your age, you can get basic coverage.  "	"The American public must learn to do without some of the frills we have come to expect.  When folks have good coverage, they expect all the tests the physician can recommend no matter what the cost. But many people are sadly learning that these costs are totally out of the question when they have to pay for them by themselves.   "	"It must be Government run.  We need to review the varous plans of other industralized countries such as Canada, England, Sweden, The Netherlands, , etc. and pick the best features from the successful plans.  Also drug costs must be negotiated with the companies as they are in other countries.  The cost of drugs in America is criminal when compared with costs elsewhere."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	6/12/06 4:09 PM
21626	NULL	"How to Pay for National Health Insurance (with Co-existing Public and Private Systems)    To resolve conflicting arguments of opponents and proponents for national health insurance, why not let both Public and Private systems exist. Those that choose to maintain their private health insurance could be given income tax ""credits"" for their insurance premiums and related out of pocket health care expenses that would have been covered by the public health insurance. That is tax credits up to, but not exceeding their health care tax liability which could be a specified surtax percentage of their taxable income*. All such health care tax revenue could be maintained as a separate ""dedicated"" account in the federal budget untouchable for any other purpose.    Either the employee or the employer of those receiving health benefits through their employer, could get a health care tax credit for an amount listed on their W-2 forms representing the employer's cost of health insurance for the employee. In addition, any employee contributions to the health plan would be eligible for tax credits to the employee along with any other qualified out of pocket health care expenses. The same would apply on 1099-R forms for retired employees with pensioned health care benefits.    Those paying out of pocket more than their health tax liability (probably lower incomes) would receive the full amount of their health tax liability in tax credits and be contributing nothing to the financing of public health care. Those paying out less than their health tax liability (probably higher incomes), while receiving all of their out of pocket expenses in tax credits, would receive less than the full amount of their health tax liability. They would be contributing the excess to help finance public health care.    Only those tax payers using the public health care system and those whose private health care expenses are less than their health care surtax would be financially contributing to support of the public health care system. In essence, everyone would be paying the equivalent of their surtax for health care whether they choose to use public or private health insurance. The exception being those that choose to use private health insurance even though it costs them more than their total health surtax received in tax credits.    The surtax is by design an income progressive national health insurance-premium, so as to be able to provide adequate health care for all. It is taxable-income* progressive with respect to surtax amount, but not progressive with respect to surtax rate. The surtax percentage rate would be the same for everyone. While no attempt has been made here to determine the surtax rate needed, it should be noted that it is in replacement of (not in addition to) one's current health care costs. The arguable assumption being that a single payer national health insurance system stands a better chance of reining in runaway national health care costs while delivering adequate health care for everyone.     The public and private health insurance systems could co-exist starting with a health care surtax to primarily cover those that are uninsured and as others switch from private to public health insurance, adjust the health insurance surtax rate as needed. That would allow a gradual transition from a private to a public health insurance system in which the inevitable bugs and problems could be worked out gradually.    If the public health insurance turns out to be a bummer, then the full transition into a public system wouldn't take place and there'd just be the more modest government health insurance for those that could not afford private health insurance. However, the skyrocketing costs of health care would probably continue.    On the other hand, if the national health insurance system turns out to be successful, i.e., cost effective and popular drawing a sufficient number of its insured from the private sector, then some consideration might be given "	NULL	NULL	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	6/12/06 5:56 PM
21630	"Cost; access; inefficiencies in private insurance; excessive profits of insurance companies, for-profit hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies.  Politicians failing to take necessary steps to implement necessary reforms.  Failure to acknowledge that Medicare is a form of a single payer, socialized health care plan that most recipients for which most recipients are content and most providers are not because of perceived low rate of reimbursements."	Eliminate tax deductible employer provided health insurance and implement a mandatory payroll tax to finance a Medicare for all system.  The payroll tax would be paid by all employees and all employers as we presently pay medicare taxes.  Allow citizens to purchase Medicare Supplement policies for private insurance companies but do not permit tax deductions for premiums paid for Medigap policies. 	"There is no consensus as to what constitutes ""affordable"" or ""high quality"" health care.  Health care is a unique service that does not operate under commonly accepted principles of supply and demand at the consumer level.  Doctors, hospitals, laboratories, medical supply companies, and pharmacies have two or three tier pricing systems that are essentially meaningless to the typical consumer.  A third party payer mentality as eroded the economic viability of the present health care system.  The American public equates low taxes with quality of life and it is now time to accept the fact that it is time to pay tax increases to ensure that all Americans can have access to quality health care.  "	Extend a modified version of Medicare to all and make this system mandatory coverage for all citizens.  	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	6/12/06 7:31 PM
21634	About 46 million people are left out while we pay twice as much per capita with deplorable outcomes relative to other industrialized countries.  Right now about 30 cents of each health care dollar goes to private insurance companies to shuffle papers.  	"Absolutely, we need a single-payer system that puts health care between  health providers and indivuals.  We need to eliminate private insurance companies and be more conservative with our health care dollars be having a single payer system. This would put back about twenty-five cents of each health care dollar for health analagous to the Medicare system which costs about three cents of each health care dollar."	"Many of us in Ohio working with Single-Payer Action Network think that a two year subsidy for people whose income comes from health care billing as their jobs are eliminated, would gain for themselves and everyone living or working in Ohio, universal health coverage.  A fair payroll  receipts tax will give school systems and all government employees coverage and save millions of dollars for services that now pay  insurance companies.  A fair gross receipts tax on all non governemt entities (for profit and not for profit) along with a payroll tax will save money for businesses that now provide insurance and will give good universal benefits to all employees.  "	Single-Payer System that retains private health care providers.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	6/12/06 10:03 PM
21643	"It is not about health: it's about MONEY. How did it happen that the insurance companies are completely running the show? Doctors are at their mercy: faced with huge debts from school, and crazy malpractice rates, they are all but forced to play the game the way the insurance companies want it to be played. "	"I think that a combination of payments is reasonable, but I don't like insurance companies telling everyone how much they have to pay, how much is covered, etc. Doctors are making reccommmendations based on whether or not the companies will cover the proceedures, not based on the true needs of the patients."	"I don't really think we should be looking to the under-insured and overworked population of the American public to be making ""trade-offs"". What, we'll only take our meds every OTHER day? It's not like we're all swimming in expensive healthy luxury here, we're drowning in our own filth!"	"We need to eliminate insurance companies, or at least relegate them to their rightful place in the health care puzzle (not the driver's seat!).  Also, we really need to expand coverage to all licensed providers, for it is most often the ones who practice preventative care that will keep us all healthy and out of the hospital in the long run. Midwives, chiropractors, accupuncturists, naturapaths, homeopaths, etc. These practitioners are the ones I would rather see getting a piece of the pie!"	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	6/13/06 2:49 AM
21649	The inequality of the system and the emphasis on acute rather than preventive care.  	"Yes, I did not previously support universal health care, but I do now.  I am in an upper middle class income, but am self-employed and the health care costs are astronomical.  I am fortunate to be able to afford care, but others can't, including my own daughter who is about to receive a PhD but can't get affordable insurance because she has a history of minimal bipolar disorder -- that's simply not right!"	"I believe the public would be willing to accept quite a lot in trade offs for a system that is truly affordable, accessible (very important) and high quality."	Include mental as well as physical health and fous on prevention -- if someone requires two mammograms a year (as is the case for me) both should be covered by insurance.  Only one is for my insurer (BCBS) and if I was in a lower income category I would have to forego the second test and risk serious illness.  What's wrong with this picture?!  	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	6/13/06 9:56 AM
21656	The most important is to be able to obtain affordable insurance coverage from the time I want to retire at 62 until I can draw Medicare at 65. Have been turned down once by AARP's United Health Care and that is who I have through work for the past 10 years.	I don't mind paying as long as I don't have to sell my home to do so.	Drop cosmetic surgeries and periodic doctor visits. I would rather pay cash for my quarterly visits and most elective surgeries shouldn't even be considered unless assoicated with physical pain.	"As more baby boomers start to retire, we need affordable insurance coverage and they should not be able to turn us down if we are currently covered.  No insurance coverage for illegal immigrants unless they have paid taxes and are US Citizens"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	6/13/06 11:05 AM
21674	"As you know, the benefits situation these days is very precarious for many companies, and your companies are probably no different. the biggest problem is very low participation – It’s getting more and more difficult to continue trying to offer plans when the demographics of your group gets worse each year.      Most companies are not in the market to find Medicare alternatives, and that day is soon to change. However,  the present retention most companies suffer from will improve when the people are offered something they can actually afford.     Our company has a ""Proven Plan"" that soley deals with the high cost of hospital stays for the average American, as well as the down fall of what happens when you cannot pay the bill.      AmeriPlan USA Health Plan makes it easy for the average working person to care for their families ensuring quality care. Companies are also seeing the need for Consumer Driven Health Care, and extend this to their employees.     This plan also covers the ""uninsurable individual"" persons with renal failure,any and all pre-diagnosed conditions, HIV, unlike insurance, they do what insurance companies are afraid to do, be responsible and take care of the people.     We are talking $59.95 a month for the entire family, which includes their medical, dental, vision, perscription, chiropractic care, cosmetic surgery medical/dental, all for an entire household - everyone under your roof.    I don't have all the answers, but for now I do have some resolve - affordable healthcare for groups and individual coverage, allowing families to live a quality life.    Please contact me at my e-mail address below at your earliest convince. materials can be sent to you.  Our mission is affordable health care for everyone.       "	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	6/13/06 12:22 PM
21680	I think that someone staying home collecting Medicaid (and ABLE to work) shouldn't get better benefits than those who work  - and the plans need to be more clear cut (ie..all the 'denials' for reasons in the small print)   	"Regulation on the costs (ie, durable medical equipment - an electric wheelchair equals the cost of a car... and does NOT cost near the amount to make)"	"I think while the NUMBER of people on a family plan should be taken into consideration (a family of five can't dine out for the same price as a family of three...it's not discrimination...just plain facts..the more people you have, the more it should cost)  I do NOT think the persons health or basic civil rights should be considered...if they are overweight, try preventive measures but don't charge more (ps..i am not overweight nor a smoker...I just think it's fair)"	"cut costs and maybe lawsuits (awards), but allow a clause if a doctor is sued multiple times, the rule no longer applies at some point as otherwise careless doctors won't be punished, etc.  Regulating costs - why can you be overcharged in the medical field without complaints?    "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	6/13/06 12:54 PM
21682	The fact that socialist Ideas have failed everywhere they have been tried. It is the governments intervention into healtcare that has created the current problems with healthcare in America as in other areas where government prevents innovative individual real solutions. 	You neglected to mention that government spends the most but did recognise that it is least effective. Yet you propose more government redistribution of wealth and ineffective spending.	The American public is misled by socialist enterprises into thinking only the government can provide benefits of value. The trade-off they would be willing to take if properly informed would be to have the freedom to make thier own choices on how to aquire healthcare and to pay for the services for themselves and others in need.	Remove government control and intervention. Require medical providers and insurance companies to disclose the true cost of services to thier customers.  Then the American public could see how overcharged they are for services. How overly expensive the subsidies are they are paying into the healthcare system by way of taxes.	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	6/13/06 1:07 PM
21688	"the loss, of medical insurance plan with the loss of a job  a non-holistic approach to health   the frustration, anger and disperation during the search for a cure when I need it most.   "	"  1% of the income of each citizen should go toward the coverage of the medical insurance, no exception including citizens on welfare or disability. Same concept should be apply to non citizens or illegals if there is an income should be a 1% deductable toward medical insurance.  the State and other organization should cut off all the mini ""health programs"" and fuel that money in the General Medical Insurance Coverage"	I think that most of the americans would find reasonable to give up a 1% of their gross income 	"eliminate (at least minimize) the abuse, the fraud at all levels  the health care companies  the doctors  the patients"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	6/13/06 2:03 PM
21695	"Many people don't get basic care. People have uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes, for example. These diseases will only get worse and ultimately require hospitalization. In the meaantime the individuals with the diseases suffer a reduced quality of life. They are not as productive as they could be if they got treatment."	NULL	some of the money currently being spent in iraq could be diverted to domestic heslth care>	Free prescription drugs for all citizens with chronic diseases.   This would save money in the long run. 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	6/13/06 2:19 PM
21704	That the health care insurance is so high and alot of single parents like myself is going without healthcare coverage.	The payments need to be cheaper	none	People need to think more about the people in the poverty level than those in the non poverty level.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	6/13/06 3:06 PM
21705	The exhorbitant cost of healthcare insurance (PPO) monthly premiums for individuals with pre-existing conditions. I am a juvenile diabetic on a pump and my healthcare premium is $1002.00 per month.  I have no assistance from an employer or the government and basically am wondering if I have to go without food to be able to afford healthcare and be kept alive on the required medicines and medical supplies	"Yes, the government should give a generous allowance or discount to individuals who have pre-existing conditions towards the paynments of one's monthly healthcare premium.  I have excellent coverage and the best of medical providers and won't go to an HMO because of the HMO's physicians who don't care about the patient and only care about getting paid!"	"In all honesty, socialized medicine may be a good answer.  Look at Canada!"	"Quit giving ""free"" healthcare to the immigrants (or beach invaders as we call them in South Florida) as they are not bound by the same principles as our forefathers that came through Ellis Island."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	6/13/06 3:12 PM
21711	It is only for those with health coverage & the very rich in our society. Others don't have equal access. 	Regulation of costs for providers. The charges are way out of line. It should be equal access no matter ability or inability to pay for services. Elders should never have to pay for health care they have paid there debt to society and the best health care should be provided to all not just the rich.	I don't believe the public is willing to take less than what they have now. The providers need to make the sacrifice to make less profit and take care of more needs. This should be equal access and our tax dollars need to be spent here first and not some foreign country(s). Take care of our own first and foremost.	Take care of our own people here at home with the best care & equal access to all...	male	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	6/13/06 3:32 PM
21712	The rising costs of health insurance premiums	state employees should NOT have to pay a percentage of their health insurance	NONE	"health care SHOULD be available to everyone, regardless of race, job status, or health, or financial status"	female	25 to 44	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	6/13/06 3:33 PM
21720	The inadequate care given. It is all about the money now. Patients under many group doctors are made to come into the office for routine problems. Recently I was charged a co-pay just to have medical papers for my insurance company filled out. I saw four different doctors and was asked the same questions four times	"One of the problems that I have noticed is this: With workers comp, hearings are held, but why? If a patient has gone to the doctor a diagnosis from the physician should be substantial. All of these hearings are costing tax payers extra money. Most times the client is granted the comp."	There is so much that has already been taken away that I cannot think of anything. But high quality health care from my point of view is a thing of the past.	Better doctors who care about the patient's well-being	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	6/13/06 4:28 PM
21729	"Free Health insurance provided by the government.  The Government pays less for services thentrhe cost is shifted to the people who by health insurance. Mandates-making contracts contain coverage for special interests like invetro-fertilizaton. People want the service ,but do not want to pay for it , therefore passing the costs on to other insureds,"	have the rules the same for all. Governments and self insured don't have the same rules as individuals and not for profits and churches have less rules which is wrong. Government always pays less and has less rules-make the rules the same for everone	What reason would you give them? You can't even make the uninsured in ILLnois sign up for free health care for their kids. You cannot make someone buy insurance when they would rather have something else. For most people it's not the high cost of health care-it's the desire to purchase other things and then be able to buy health care. I see people all the time that have money for cigarettes-lotto- and liquor but not for health insurance.	Curb-lawsiuts-and publish dr screwups	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	6/13/06 5:38 PM
21755	"Everything!  If you choose to use birth control, because you know you can't afford kids, you get punished for it!  You can barely get food stamps and forget health coverage!  Not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare and can't afford to purchase insurance.  "	YES!  A NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE!!!	"Like the old saying goes:  ""Only 2 things in life are certain-Death and Taxes.""  Taxes will eventually go up anyway, may as well use them to give the AMERICAN CONSTITUENTS NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE.  In the process you could eliminate state sales tax on food items (nationwide).  Uncle Sam would still get his cut, but there would be some relief on taxpayers to compensate them for the huge federal tax increases.  States would still have sales tax on other items, just not food."	NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE!!!	female	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	6/14/06 3:43 AM
21757	"The primary concern, in my opinion,is the affordability of sufficient health care coverage for people in the lower and middle class workforce. It seems as though coverage has gotten more expensive and steadily declined in the areas where coerage is needed most."	"I believe the government should cover more of the cost,if anyone should.After all, it is essentially tax money and we should benefit from it."	"I think the Americam public would be willing to receive treatment from designated providers,for example.Although many people receive health care from providers that they may be familiar with for any reason,I believe if the provider is qualified that they would be satisfied with any care."	"Make it more affordable,especially for those who are elderly and may no longer have benefits or a substantial income."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	6/14/06 7:46 AM
21770	NULL	NULL	NULL	"If an industrialized, European nation like Great Britain and a developing country like Mexico can do it, so can the so-called great country in the world, ours. If Sweden can do it, we can do it. It's about time."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	6/14/06 10:27 AM
21785	have all doctors and hospital stop charging more for thing that they may pay 5.00 dallor for a bottle and charge poeple 3.00 dallor per piece(asprins for example)	NULL	NULL	stop sending all the money over seas to other countires and help our own. the money sent over sea would paid for all americans to be covered with health insurance.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ME	6/14/06 12:57 PM
21795	"For too many, it is unaffordable.   Also, too many doctors seem to be overworked, resulting in long patient waits and probably patients getting short shrift."	"More emphasis on payments by government.  Denmark has socialized medicine which is free, good and efficient.  It costs citizens more in taxes, but it seems to be worth it."	Maybe higher taxes.  I would be willing to pay more taxes to get better services.	more government involvement	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	6/14/06 2:24 PM
21800	"Why with all this talk about health care for the poor do all the people in it have big pricey cars and big ,big homes? Just looking out for the real important one I guess.  "	Lowwer prices on doctor and hospital visits	More help from the government even if it means raising taxes on the well todo	I--f CAnac   If Canada and England can do free health care why not here we have more wealth than they do.	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	6/14/06 3:08 PM
21810	insurance companies 30% profits	yes pass hr676 now Medicare for all	less for the pentagon and too much tax breaks for the rich	pass HR676 now Extend Medicare for All	male	45 to 64	No Response	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	6/14/06 5:22 PM
21819	"that we are not adequately prepared to deal with diseases brought in by foreigners, too much paperwork for doctors impeding their ability to practice and health plans that are not consistent across the board in benefit vs. cost."	"for example, physicals should be one cost and standards set for the procedure.  It should not make any difference what health plan you have, a physical should be a physical and should cost the same for whatever plan you have.  Why should my wife's plan be inferior to mine?"	I believe all Americans should be able to enjoy basic health benefits at a fixed price with less management positions and more health workers. Far too many non-profits are overloaded with mangement positions and offices instead of health workers.	"less management, offices, meetings, parties, etc. and put more health workers on the floor."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	6/14/06 7:40 PM
21823	"That all that are setting cost,standards,ect including the elected officals doesnot consider or know what the avg. poeple realy have to go through for wages cost of everything and what they have to go through on a daily bases. ALL top level gov. officials are taken care of during and after they leave office more than most of us know and we cannot even get good health care from them. "	if I have to pay then why doesn't everyone even the pres. have to pay? and pay their fair share	why do we have to give up anything why not work to make it better for all not just the chosen few  asked the elected officials what they would give up	have health care for all and take all the lobbyist out of the game 	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	6/14/06 8:29 PM
21846	"I work for the State of Arizona, I, my husband and my oldest daughter are all dis abled, my income is low enuff that I should quilify for medical aid but they say it's too high for my youngest child, so I have to Pay the high premiums to have state insurance. Az. welfare insurance is 10 yrs behind in gross income, because this is a right to work state. "	"Some States Like Arizona are far behind the cost of liveing, living thousands of children without medical insurance."	"I think we need to modle ours after Great Britan, or Canada. So that the reason that a Doctor becomes a Doctor is to help people, not to get rich!"	"Aforable Health care foe the working class, the low income!"	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	6/15/06 10:43 AM
21856	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Insurance by definition protects us should we suffer an unforseen catastrophic event. Auto insurance covers the unforeseen event if an accident---it does not cover oil change, tire rotation, tune ups or gasoline. An individual chooses the deductible suitable to their situation. Health Insurance has morphed into something that is no longer insurance by definition.It already is what I call a pre paid health care plan which is too expensive for most people. It covers day to day routine costs that in the old days were paid by the consumer.  We need to change back to true insurance and offer tax incentives for consumers and employers to provide true insurance to cover the unforeseen and catastrophic events in our lives.  The premiums charged can include a surcharge for the uninsured ""just as it does today"" We have uninsured people but they are not uncared for.  The community based hospital system provides care supported by the uninsured surcharge that I am already paying."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	6/15/06 12:34 PM
21858	"I appreciate that a doctor has my life in his hands, but they make an awful lot of money... The drugs we use shouldn't have to be advertised - they might be more affordable without that expense built in."	"Take more of the burden off employers. Look what it has done to the auto makers. Every single taxpayer should have to pay a premium, such as social security and medicare to finance the program. A portion of that pool could go to cover people who can't work."	"Not being able to choose any doctor or any hospital, but the ones who would provide good afforable care, unless you have paid an extra premium for that."	Making individuals responsible for themselves.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	6/15/06 1:21 PM
21861	My concerns are that plans with copays provide too much incentive for people to over utilize physician care	"No.  However, if we a system that guarantees free health care regardless of my working status, it would allow me to retire early and live off the backs of working taxpayers.  That would be a nice benefit."	I don't believe the American public is willing to make any tradeoffs because the majority of people seem to want everything for nothing.	Americans need to eat much better and exercise a lot more to avoid the need of healthcare in the first place.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	6/15/06 1:41 PM
21879	Cost and availability.	"yes, adopt the   Canadian system.   We will be less likely to pay through the noes, live longer, and has assess even if we are poor."	"If we adopt the   Canadian system we willnot be paying more but instead paying less.   This would require a lot of education because those who have become wealthy from out system woudl certainly put out the propaganda against the changes. Take for example the CEO of United Health care whose compensation last year was in the billions from stock options. These folks will not go down easy,"	make it uiversal.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	6/15/06 5:08 PM
21893	The US Government already covers close to half of the American population with federally and/or state funded health care.  It is not a stretch for them to cover the rest.    Department of Defense   Active Duty Military          National Guard and Reserves   Tricare Beneficaries  Health and Human Services   Medicare - 65+ and medically disabled   Medicaid - children & impoverish families  Veterans Administration   Veterans - service connected or not   Some eligible dependants  Office of Personnel Management   Civil Service Employees   Retirees   Elected Congressionals (for life!)  	The federal payment infrastructure is already in place.  Use what already exists.    And finally adopt CPT-10 like the rest of the known world!!!	No trade offs are necessary.  The health care infrastructure is already in place along with the billing systems.  Just nationalize them at a government rate.	Keep the ERs open to urgent and emergent cases.  Keep the worried well and sick call patinets in regular primary care clinics.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	6/15/06 7:49 PM
21900	I am concerned that the medical community is unable and unwilling to police itself.  Let's be reasonable and not keep trying to rob the federal programs and individuals.	"As people get older and enter retirement, they should not have all of this worry about health care.  Just allow all Americans access to the plan that Congress and Mr. Bush have.  End of discussion and problem is solved.  "	"Again, give me the same access and breaks that Mr. Bush, his friends, and the Congress get.  Simple but fair!!  I am tired of the Congress and President playing games with this issue.  The American public is not stupid and can see through the games (political) that they play.  Come on folks get on with it and solve the problem.  If we can put a man on the moon and finance a useless war, we can afford this! Let's have some action!!!"	Make it simple and affordable.  Financing should be provided just like for other national emergency because this certainly qualifies as one.  People are willing to pay a FAIR share.  Make it simple enough that the citizens can understand it.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SC	6/15/06 10:43 PM
21904	"The millions of Americans who cannot afford health  care.  Families that work everyday but cannot afford the insurance premiums.  Middle age workers  that do not have insurance and do not qualify for  Medicaid.  We need a program that will help them thur their health care crisis.  The system now works to declair them disable first and then they must reapply for medicaid.  This process takes years.  Who can live for years without income and  health care.   Heart patients, Cancer patients can  see all of their hard earned income gone with on  health care visit. "	"Insurance premiums are too high. The deductibles are too high.  The 20% portion for some patients  are more than they can afford.  We still have too  many people who have riches and too many who do not.  People should be able to find jobs, work hard, and not worry about medicine, doctor visits,  cancer treatments, etc."	The American people are willing to work if the jobs come back to America. We are willing to vote  for a better plan of care.  Stop wasteful spending and use it for our own people.  We hear  all the time about misuse of funds... Get some honest people to run the progream.  Not big insurance companies.  The new Medicare Part D plan  has only given Insurance Companies more money.  It is a farce.	"Take money from programs that mean nothing to the  American people.  I do not care about studies regarding the spotted owl, etc. Have a program to  regulate spending.  Get rid of the political game.  We need jobs and help with health care. Stop spending millions over seas for foreign policies.  I heard about the TV station that is for broadcast  in Iraq that cost 70 million dollars per year.  70 million dollars a year could help a lot of people with their medicine and health care."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	6/16/06 7:42 AM
21907	"Reward Doctors for wellness checks not just when we're babies, but throughout our life so Dr's don't have to only get paid more only when our accuity levels are so high.  Also, when a terminal illness is diagnosed have hospice available as a choice more in advance.  Have hospice a choice at 12 months out instead of six."	"Not at all, but more education to physicians about end-of-life care like hospice needs to happen in their schooling."	none	"allow hospice to care for terminal patients earlier than just six months out.  30 days of hospice care is equal to about 2 days in a hospital.  Unfortunately, Dr's many times over estimate how much time a patient has and too often make futile attempts to cure their patients condition instead of allowing them peace and comfort as they live out their last days."	male	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NE	6/16/06 9:20 AM
21934	"Lack of access to dental care by too many Americans - poor and non-poor.  80% of dentists refuse Medicaid patients who are forced to seek expensive care in hospital emergency rooms at taxpayer expense. Dentists now make three times as much as physicians working fewer days and fewer hours catering to middle and upper socioeconomic Americans.  Government should stop subsidizing dental schools until dentists understand they have an obligation to ""pay back"" and give dental care to Americans who need it the most.  "	Government sponsored insurance for all	"There doesn't have to be any trade-offs. Whether insurance comes from employers or governments, we all pay for it in the end."	"Many other countries successfully, for decades, have employed Dental Health Aide Therapists (DHATs) who are trained to drill, fill and pull teeth in areas and mouths where dentists refuse to go (rural ares, poor cities and low-income people).  The DHAT's are a sort-of advanced dental hygienist trained for two years.  The first U.S. DHAT, trained in New Zealand,  is working in Alaska to the applause of the American Association of Public Health Dentists.      Necessity is the mother of invention. When laws are enacted to allow DHAT's to be trained in the U.S., schools will develop curriculum and create a viable new field for dental health personnel that will help alleviate the dentist shortages and tooth decay crises the U.S. is experiencing today.    It will also increase the flow of money into dental schools so that governments should not have to subsidize them - unless dentists start treating low-income people pro-bono some of the time.    "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	6/17/06 6:51 AM
21941	Costs keep skyrocketing and employers pay less and less.	"This ""system""? It's more like a juggling act. America is the only industrialised country with out socialized  health care."	"If Mexico can do it, we can. My uncle lives in Mexico and was diagnosed with cancer, treated, cured and it cost him $2,000. Not $500,000. The American public probably wouldn't need to sacrifice anything. The billions of dollars Merk, Ily Lilly and the lot throw at lobbiests, doctors and 3rd and 4th homes could help support health care for everyone. Don't get me started on our public servants suck us dry by voting for raises for themselves and only work about a quarter of the time."	"See previous comment. However, as a Realtor myself, independent contractors and business owners shouldn't be left holding the bag. We can't afford to pay full price charges for hospitals, doctors and dentists. $20-$75 co-pays would be do'able. But to hear, "" Sir, that'll be $3500."" is enough to make you go bonkers!"	male	25 to 44	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	6/17/06 5:23 PM
21955	"That so many americans do have have health insurance and are not getting preventative or minimum levels of health care, These people are low income and pay a large amount of their income for immediate care services when the health care is urgent and necessary. "	"Yes, we should have universal health care coverage for all americans. it should be a tax payment we all pay into."	"Lower the payments going towards the war machine, representatives/senator pay and develop a system for all to receive adequate preventive care. it should be a right not a privilege to have health care as americans. it should not be a money making program, it should be non-profit."	"it should be a right not a privilege to have health care as americans. it should not be a money making program, it should be non-profit."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	6/19/06 9:40 AM
21961	"Our health care system is a wasteful mess that leaves out a disgraceful portion of our population.  I have insurance, but don't go to the doctor as often as I'd like, because of co-pays and deductibles.  That is ridiculous."	We need single-payer health care as soon as possible!  An expanded Medicare system would cut waste and cover those who currently use an expensive (for the rest of us) emergency room approach.  The time is now!  Do what makes sense!	I don't think any American would mind not having to deal with an insurance company.  Our health care system is being held hostage by an industry that is unnecessary and wasteful.  Re-train them to be teachers and social workers and nurses.	Single-payer health care for all Americans.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	6/19/06 2:39 PM
21966	Ever-rising cost of premiums; decreased levels of coverage/benefits; huge number of people without insurance and preventative care; need parity for mental-health care	"We need a single-payer, universal health care system, like most other civilized nations have. THe number of people without access to care is appalling, given the wealth in the U.S."	"Higher taxes (because we already pay astronomical premiums); wading through bureacracies (we already do that with HMOs); possible wait times for less-urgent matters (again, already an issue in the current system)."	Universal health care is needed URGENTLY	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	6/19/06 5:46 PM
21989	That so many people are receiving healthcare for free.  Both illegals and non productive people.  This raises the costs for all of the rest of us.	The government should get out of the picture.	We already have a high quality health care system.  Just quit the red tape and free health care for some.	Cut a lot of the FDA red tape to lower the cost of medicines.	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	6/20/06 10:33 AM
22006	"The rising cost of insurance, and co-pay."	NULL	We don't want trade-offs.  Right now we are paying more and getting less.  What is there to trade-off.	I understand that the health care cost are going up.Medical facilities are over charged for everything they purchase.  That needs to be stopped.    The cost of living is out of hand.  The middle class retired person can’t afford to stay retired.  We will have to work until we die.   	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	6/20/06 4:57 PM
22020	"The one main item that concerns me is the availability of health care to any person in the US.  I'm not referring only to its citizens, but those who are here on workers' visas, those visiting from other countries and even those persons who are here on a legal technicality."	"Health care may always be a supply and demand situation, however, I believe that our government should fund those who truly cannot pay [a difficult item to police] or those below a certain wage level who have no health insurance through their companies.  Health care is SO BASIC an item, it must be a priority."	"I, for one, would like to see a good deal of the money we waste on the military be redirected into social programs.  Health and education are two top items for me."	"This is difficult.  One idea is a long term commitment by the government, through public schools and health care providers, for more and  better wellness health care education in the early years and more agressive funding of seniors' needs.  Yes, it will cost a bundle of money--but we need to redirect funds from warfare to health welfare.  More funds need to be directed to third world countries to help their standards rise.  "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	6/21/06 9:38 AM
22035	"1. It's expensive.  2. It seems it thwarts full time work (since employers don't want to pay for it).  3. Americans pay overall more for healthcare per capita than Canada, but receive less overall care.  4. Many Americans forsake doing work they enjoy and are good at just to take a job that pays health insurance.  That is reprehensible!!!!"	"I see no reason why America cannot adopt some form of universal health care, or at least a de-privatization of health care.  The insurance industry is a racket!!!  "	"Americans are overly put off by taxes.  They also do not seem to get the idea that the companies that pay for their insurance do so from money that could (and should) otherwise go into their paychecks--that insurance they recieve doesn't come from nowhere.  If Americans were sensible they would allow a tax increase and let the government take care of healthcare.  Health is a civic good, not a space for the production of capital!!!!!"	Adopt universal healthcare!!!	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	6/21/06 5:18 PM
22037	Health care and insurance is to expensive for most people.	Totally paid thru taxes scaled to income.  Keep hospitals and manufacturers of equipment and medicines for-profit - to keep development flourishing.  Keep the payment by individuals non-profit via taxation. 	"Longer waits for non-critical health-care in exchange for access to more urgently needed, and, preventative health-care."	Make the payment non-profit - via taxes.  In the 1980's it was estimated that taxes for national health insurance was very close to insurance premiums.  	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	6/21/06 7:59 PM
22038	It appears to me that wealthier people have more options and therefor better care.	Remove employers from the system. Why does ones work determine whether or not they will or won't have insurance?..that they can afford?..for their families?	I don't hink there is a need to trade off anything. I have over 30 years in the medical billing field. Eliminate the waste and use that money.	Universal healthcare as in Medicare coverage for all.	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	6/21/06 8:41 PM
22075	NULL	NULL	NULL	"I want to comment on palliative care.    I have been working in the field of hospice and palliative care for 25 years.    I began working in hospice in 1985, when the hospice Medicare benefit was just created.   It was such a good start, but has not adapted over the years to accomodate the changes in hospice and palliative care.    People who have incurable illnesses and symptoms, should receive coverage for palliative care.   Hospices should receive higher Medicare reimbursement to cover the costs of doing expensive palliative care measures such as palliative radiation, palliative chemo to manage symptoms, Aredia infusions, expensive interventional pain management procedures (i.e. intrethecal opiate infusions via implantable pump;  anesthesia procedures such as splenic plexus nerve block.   Furthermore,  a patient on dialysis and their family could benefit from hospice and palliative care, and Medicare should reimburse dialysis separate from hospice.    I predict that if Hospice were to be involved, they would be able to counsel the patient and family through decision-making to stop dialysis if that were appropriate.      In general, the whole system of reimbursing hospice and palliative care needs close evaluation and updating. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	6/22/06 3:42 PM
22080	"  That ALL Americans be able to obtain it, especially on a preventative maintenance basis.  Early detection and prevention in cheaper and less fatal than waiting to the last minute when disease has advanced and life is hanging in the balance."	     Do away with MediCare and the MediCare payroll deduction completely and allow all persons well or ill to receive MedicAid if their income falls below the poverty level.	     Working people are willing to pay in taxes to finances quality health care for all.  The wealthy don't care about anyone or thing except increasing their wealth and dodging taxes and using tax revenue and the Public Treasury as their own personal slush fund.	     Raise the minimum wage to $9.00 per hour with a regionally adjusted COLA.       Stop taking Social Security and MediCare payroll deductions from below poverty level and at poverty level pay checks.       Stop using Social Security and MediCare payroll deductions as tax moneys to offset tax breaks given to the wealthy who can afford to pay more.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	6/22/06 7:47 PM
22086	"People don't take enough responsibility for their own health.  I don't think that people really understand the incredible impact that diet, exercise and stress have on their own health."	"I would love to see a universal system of health care so that individuals could afford insurance premiums without having to go through an employer.  I'm all for National Health Insurance, with clear guides as to what is covered, what isn't, and how much ALL services cost, whether covered or not covered by insurance."	NULL	"I think it is time for the govt to start running television PUBLIC SERVICE ADS that tell people some hard truths.  Like: Your diet can CAUSE adult onset diabetes.  Like:  Obesity in children will lead to huge health issues as adults.  Like: Healthy adult lungs look like this and smokers lungs look like this.  Etc.       Pound people on TV that THEY are contributing to the problems, not that bad health is just happening to them.  (I think that it will take some serious industry changes in the fast food market and restaurants at the same time to stop offering such large serving sizes!)  But I think that if public perception about their own responsiblity for health is altered, changes will happen!!!!     "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KS	6/23/06 11:54 AM
22121	"That all citezens have health insurance to me it is a basic human right.second is quality od life I have a friend who has M.D.S he is able to work and have a some what normal life as on can with the disease,because of medicaide cuts they are trying to cut his nursing care which will cut his quality of life that not only affects him but his whole family.this is wrong.this man is on a vent can not feed himself to cut his careis inhuman."	I do not know	to ask the poor or middle class to pay more would be wrong it has to come from people that are well to do.	in todays society the rich are getting numerous tax breaks have them contribute more.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	6/25/06 10:21 PM
22123	lack of affordability for most americans	we should institue  a single-payer  to cover everybody	reallocation of government budgets at all levels 	take it out of the aprofit making sector	male	45 to 64	Yes	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	6/26/06 8:08 AM
22642	The people have been tricked into believing that universal health care is not a right and that free enterprise will provides the solution and that government is bad. This is a lie.  Not going to change until the people are told the truth.	SINGLE PAYER SYSTEM eliminates thousands of middle men HMO's and PPO's etc.  Saves billions in redundant administrative costs. 	"Should not have to be any trade offs.  SINGLE PAYER is far cheaper and far more efficient.  1 payer not 35,000. "	Educate the people and stop lying to them and making them vote against their own self-interest. Undo the propaganda from the right wing NEOCONS.	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	6/26/06 2:27 PM
23288	That so many Americans are uninsured.	There should be a single health care system run by the government with oversight by health professionals.	NULL	"To fund Alternative Medical systems.  Europeans use many Traditional, Herbal and Alternative solutions to provide healthcare to its citizens.  We need to incorporated these systems into any healthcare plan that we may develop"	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	6/26/06 4:02 PM
23483	"That the unrestricted profit motive by doctors who are now corporations, health facilities and pharmacuetical companies greed makes affordable health benefits non-existent."	"Core benefits should be made available to all Americans with a sliding cost factor for those in a specific wage range (primarily the low income Americans starting with no cost other than deductibles to those families under $20,000.00 annually.  A program for all administered by the Federal government since clearly the American Medical Association has not joined realistically in solving this dilemna."	"Trade-offs?  What trade-offs.  The low income earners  cannot afford the medical coverage nor are they covered.  As to the middle class, we are taxed quite a lot already by the State and the Federal government.  If the high end jobs continue to be encouraged to be outsoured   The shrinking middle class will not be able to afford it.      In a program that the Federal government administers, the government can negotiate with providers, medical facilities and pharmacueticals with high volume for cut in cost.      "	Set up a federal government program such as medicare for working Americans under a certain level of income to be funded from the billions of dollars given to foreign governments who are anti-american.	female	45 to 64	Yes	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	6/26/06 4:39 PM
25354	"In the article he expressed his support for Gov. Douglas’ health care proposal. His article might certainly appeal to some readers on an emotionally detached level, since McClaughry argues that Douglas’ plan has three pluses: (1) no new taxes; (2) no mandates on individuals or businesses; and (3) most importantly, no movement toward a government-controlled, taxpayer-financed, Canadian style,  universal health care system. Well I guess beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.  But as a volunteer physician who treats patients at the Good Neighbor Health Clinic in WRJ, I have a hard time evaluating health care plans on any basis other than whether they will make affordable health care available to all Vermonters. At the clinic, we see many people who are working, but whose employers don’t offer health insurance and don’t pay enough for employees to be able to buy their own insurance. I can’t help but get angry at a system that apparently provides for McClaughry’s health needs, as well as our Governor’s, but doesn’t sufficiently value the job held by a working single mother to allow her to provide health care for her family. Contrary to McClaughry’s suggestions, this is not a right or left, not a liberal or conservative, not a Democratic or Republican issue, but it’s a justice issue.  Many components of Gov. Douglas’ plan have merit, including an initiative to improve how care is delivered to those with chronic health conditions (accounting for 80 percent of the state’s health care costs); also a health-information technology project to better disseminate information and implement an electronic medical records system, whereby data analysis would be able to evaluate outcomes of medical therapies, and also a standardization of the claims process would reduce administrative costs.   But the governor’s plan dodges the fundamental question of how we equitably pay for a system that provides adequate health care for all, largely because it still leaves the system at the mercy of the private sector. To quote George Silver, professor of public health at Yale University.” Today’s dysfunctional health care system is a palpable example of the lessons that come from our national obsession with markets at all costs,”   With the federal government refusing to tackle this issue, Silver believes that individual states will need to implement health care systems that incorporate (1) universal coverage, (2) global budgeting, (3) a single source of payment and (4) quality-control measures.  Our society needs health care providers and the hospital facilities they work in to care for us when we are ill — just as we need police and firefighters to ensure our personal security. In the case of these safety services, towns and cities realize they will have certain overhead expenses regardless of their utilization and that the only way to budget for the expense is to decide how much they are willing to spend for these services. We should approach spending on our health system in the same way — by publicly debating how much we wish to spend and using that “global budget” to establish a limit on what is spent.  This could be accomplished within the existing system through a marriage of the private and public sectors. What would be covered in a universal health care plan would be decided by a Health Care Board made up of health care providers and public health specialists. They would develop a plan within a global budget — the overall amount that would be spent on basic health care in the state — to contain costs. Such coverage would stress, among other things, preventive, prenatal and critical care. Working under fiscal constraints of a known amount of money, the medical community would need to critically evaluate which medical services to offer. A single-payer-fi"	Please see my above editorial	not certain	please see my above editorial	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VT	6/27/06 11:12 AM
25827	That health insurance is tied to your employer. Cost of healthcare will prohibit retirement	"Employers should pay contributions for number of people employed, but not linked directly to that employer - a tax basically to be used for national health care"	"Not sure. Personally I think emphasis on personal health, prevention etc etc. With very limited access to ""fad"" drugs and treatments."	"Nationalise basic health care or regulate insurance agencies to limit costs - make health insurance ""mandotory by law"", remove link to employers, negotiate drug and service costs."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	6/27/06 8:03 PM
26469	"That access to care is so difficult. Even with insurance, it can take time that people simply don't have, especially when they are sick. Without insurance, it can be prohibitive."	"I think the burden on employers needs to be lessened. Small-business owners are crumbling under the pressure. Wherever the costs are directed, however, it needs to be equitably proportioned to what people can reasonably afford to pay. "	Why should we have to make trade-offs? Is there anything more important than health care?	"Make it available! From the ground up, make it so that people can get to doctors, so that they stay healthy and don't even become sick."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	6/30/06 9:54 AM
26495	"Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness, Inc. (“Advocacy for Patients”) focuses on the special needs of the chronically ill  and, in particular, the obstacles that we face in accessing health care.  The chronically ill have the most contact with the health care system, and our medical care, therefore, is far more expensive than the average.    Thus, it is critical that, in considering health care reform, the needs of the chronically ill are considered.       Although Advocacy for Patients supports the concept of universal health care, we know that, for us, the devil is in the details.  Thus, we discuss here the details the devil inhabits in our collective experience.  In addition to the sources cited herein, Advocacy for Patients draws on both my experience as one of the chronically ill, and, more importantly and with greater emphasis, the lessons we have learned from providing information, advice and advocacy services to nearly 1,000 patients to date.       I.  Introduction     Advocacy for Patients is particularly concerned about efforts to design plans for universal health care that do not address our needs adequately.  We see the Massachusetts experiment and fear that catastrophic-only coverage will become the norm, leaving us without prescription drug coverage and coverage of diagnostic tests and regular doctor visits.  We see the general emphasis on preventive care and know that prevention is more complex for us; although some chronic illnesses, such as those related to diet and tobacco use, are preventable, for the chronically ill, prevention often means prevention of secondary effects and complications that make our care far more expensive than necessary.  Thus, we have prepared this paper in an effort to ensure that whatever plan for universal health care proves most popular among the public and decision-makers contemplates the needs of the chronically ill.     Those of us who can manage to work and maintain commercial health insurance are the lucky ones.  However, even for many of us who have insurance, there is a chasm between coverage and access.  We are more likely to be prescribed the newest treatments when the standard ones fail.  When an FDA-approved drug is being prescribed for an off-label use, although the insurers pay for many off-label uses of many drugs,  when they want to deny coverage of a cutting-edge treatment, they chant the mantra “not FDA approved” without even trying to explain why they pay for some off-label uses and not others.       Similarly, many of us need items that insurers consider to be consumables, like diabetes test supplies and ostomy supplies.  We have seen a trend toward excluding consumables from coverage.   Although Connecticut mandates a certain amount of coverage of some of these items, our needs are not met.        Thus, even when we have insurance, we often are required to fight with our insurance companies over access to the care that we need.  When we lose those battles, that increases our out-of-pocket expenditures to far beyond those experienced by other segments of the population.     Then, of course, there are the uninsured among us.   It is nearly impossible to obtain individual insurance with a pre-existing condition.  Even the State’s high risk pool, the Health Reinsurance Association, has a one-year waiting period for coverage of pre-existing conditions.   Although MEHIP is an excellent option for many of us, because it is not pooled, our plans are rated based on our chronic illnesses.  For example, although Advocacy for Patients was able to obtain insurance through MEHIP, after one year’s experience during which our insurer, Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Connecticut, learned about the costs of my monthly prescription medications, even in a year in which I had no hospitalizations, surgeries, or expensive diagnostics, our premium increased by one-third.  Still, this remains the best option for the self-employed chronically ill in Connecticut.     T"	"According to a report issued by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 44 percent of adults report having a chronic illness such as heart disease, cancer, asthma, arthritis, or diabetes.   Add lupus, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, and inflammatory bowel disease, and it is fair to say that fully half of the people in the United States have a chronic illness.  In addition, there are the mentally ill, mentally retarded, and developmentally disabled, who have needs beyond the strictly medical.      The Council on State Governments confirms these statistics.  “About half of all Americans are affected by one or more chronic illnesses,” which are the “leading killers in the United States, responsible for 7 out of 10 deaths.”   “Two thirds of Americans are expected to develop a chronic condition sometime during their lifetime.”   The chronically ill “require more frequent visits to the doctor, are more likely to be hospitalized, use home health and outpatient services more frequently, and are heavier uses or prescription drugs.”   As medical science advances, the chronically ill live longer, which increases their number; the number of chronically ill is expected to rise from approximately 125 million in 2003 to 157 million in 2020.      It is widely agreed that the chronically ill do not get the care they need.  As the Kaiser Foundation reports, those with chronic diseases have a significantly harder time accessing health care because of costs.  Nearly 38 percent indicated that they had skipped medical treatment or did not fill a prescription, as compared with 22 percent of healthy people.   According to a RAND study, only 20 to 25 percent of diabetics receive critical glucose monitoring tests; two-thirds of patients with high blood pressure received recommended care; fewer than half of patients with heart disease receive proper medication; fewer than half of schizophrenic patients receive appropriate medication.   “The fragmented nature of American health care almost ensures that something will go wrong with chronically ill patients, because they use the system more often, their conditions often involve multiple providers and they require greater patient self-management.”      A Robert Wood Johnson report echoes these findings.  Nearly half of all uninsureds report having a chronic condition.   Over 27 percent of the uninsured with chronic conditions report that they have not seen a doctor in 12 months.   Thirty-eight percent of the chronically ill uninsured lack a usual source of care, and those who do rely less on private doctors (as opposed to clinics) than the insured.  Almost half of the uninsured chronically ill forego needed medical care or prescription drugs.   Despite foregoing care, the uninsured chronically ill face an average of $2,000 in out-of-pocket expenses for health care in a 12-month period.   In addition, 48 percent of those with chronic diseases have more than one chronic condition.        The plight of the chronically ill uninsured is devastating.  In 2003, of the 3 million uninsured chronically ill, 42 percent went without needed care, 65 percent delayed care, and 71 percent failed to get needed prescription drugs, all because of cost concerns.   To provide specific examples, 1.2 million Americans with diabetes report that they are uninsured, and more than half of these report having an unmet need for health care or prescription drugs.   Similarly, 3.6 million Americans report having arthritis-related illnesses but have no health insurance, and again, more than half of these report having an unmet need for health care or prescription drugs.   More than 1.7 million Americans with heart disease are uninsured,  as are 2 million adults with asthma.      These numbers are worse for chronically ill African-Americans and Latinos.    While all people are affected by these diseases, the type and impact of the diseases varies with age by socioeconomic status and by race or ethnic group.  Many affected by chroni"	NULL	"“[I]n a system designed for acute care, patients with multiple needs over a long period of time and across several communities are often lost in the shuffle.  Not only is this disjointed approach detrimental to patient care, it also contributes to high medical costs, preventable complications, and poor health conditions.”     In order to avoid adverse results, chronic illness management must be covered and emphasized.  “[T]argeting preventative efforts and improving care for a relatively small proportion of the patient population may result in large increases in quality and better control of health care costs.  Chronic illness management efforts hold promise for controlling costs by preventing expensive health complications rather than denying access to services.”     Care coordination is critical to maintaining quality of care.  Half of physicians believe that chronically ill patients have a range of unmet needs because of difficulty in coordinating care among specialists.   The RAND study cited above estimates that the average patient receives appropriate care approximately 50 percent of the time.   Chronically ill patients are more likely to experience inappropriate care, unnecessary care, and gaps in care.   “The reimbursement system favors acute and institutional care rather than preventive and community based care.”   If we are to control the burgeoning costs of caring for the chronically ill, this must change.    Forty-eight percent of the chronically ill report having problems gaining access to care; and fifty-nine percent of non-white patients and 71 percent of Latinos report difficulty getting care compared to 43 percent of whites.   Treatment models must take these disparities into account.    There are several interventions that can improve the lives of the chronically ill, although they are, for the most part, not covered by health insurance.  Some chronic illnesses – particularly those related to diet (diabetes), tobacco use (pulmonary and heart disease) – can be prevented by proper screening, education through community organizations like schools and business, and public policy that creates proper incentives and disincentives with respect to risky behavior.   However, the majority of chronic illnesses cannot be prevented; what can be prevented are secondary effects.  For example, although Crohn’s disease cannot be prevented or cured, the malabsorption, malnutrition and dehydration secondary to Crohn’s disease can, in fact, be prevented if the patient is given proper health care.     Critically, “[a]lthough almost half of workers have at least one chronic condition, health plans do not always cover other services important to people with chronic conditions, such as respite care, nonemergency transportation, and home modifications.”   A health plan that would meet the needs of the chronically ill would include these features.    Perhaps most importantly, there must be disease management and care coordination, including diagnosing patients early, establishing a coordinated system of interventions and information sharing, educating patients to manage their conditions, and monitoring quality of care and outcomes over time – none of which is typically covered by insurance.   Case management that involves an element of patient advocacy can help to improve care.   “Care coordination works to keep patients at home and healthy through brokering for social support and medical services, breaking down barriers between systems of care, and assisting families with transportation and communication services.”     As a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation report concludes, “there is no effective system to care for those with chronic conditions in the United states . . . [and] much of the care that is available is fragmented, inappropriate, and difficult to obtain.”     V. Special Access Issues Facing the Chronically Ill    In addition to the fact that treatment models designed to meet the special needs"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	6/30/06 1:29 PM
26533	not socialized healthcare- must go through expensive insurance to get even somewhat adequate coverage	be like europe- socialized healthcare. 	stop the war- stop wasting money on the military- stop borrowing money from other countries so that we don't have to cut finances elsewhere. 	reevaluate HMO's. 	female	Under 25	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	6/30/06 8:44 PM
26615	"1) Inadequate access to good health care for all. Health care costs need to be lowered.  2) More physicians need to be trained in alternative medicine.  3) In spite of the exorbitant cost of health care, the US does not rank very high in overall health of its citizens.  4) There is not enough emphasis on preventive medicine.  5) The way conventional medicine is practiced today does not address underlying problems. It merely treats symptoms.  6) We need a massive overhaul of the health care system.  7) I am a physician. I find no satisfaction when I can only spend 10 to 15 minutes on each patient, even though they have very complex medical problems that require more attention and time. Physicians just become pill dispensers. There's not much to do with real healing in this system when it comes to treating chronic illness. The pharmaceutical companies make alot of money, but the population's overall health has not improved.  8) The FDA is crooked, with many conflicts of interest. We need to have better oversight.  9) Pharmaceutical companies have too much power with the ability to manipulate the public into thinking every problem needs an expensive pill to fix it. And they are not being properly monitered for illegal activity. Many drugs are not safe and the data is being hidden from the public."	There are many people who have no access to adequate health care. This is disgraceful in a wealthy nation such as ours.	We need to reset our priorities. Stop the war in the Middle East and use that money to make health care more universally available.	We need universal access to good health care.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	7/2/06 9:59 AM
26748	Lack of health care for all citzens of America  The NON existence of Mental health care--and affordability of mental health medications.  Paying for a national health care system should be paid for by ALL --a simple tax should start when a chlid enters school and continues til death--no exclusions and no exceptions--	Community clinics staffed by new physcians and ARNP's for one year and in exchange-for-a portion of their student loans will be forgiven--almost like the previously tried Indian Reservation system--Also 	Americans will be forthcoming with their money WHEN and IF it is not squandered on big business or for the special few.	"Addressing the lack of mental health care for Americans--  A 2003 study called for by President Bush called for Transforming Mental Health Care in America has many excellent solutions for our national problem--BUT it is sitting on some shelf gathering dust--PLEASE--PLEASE someone resurect this valuable commission work. This will address a large majority of our homelessness and crime and our prison issues by just addressing and solving our mental health care.  Our Children are losing out on physical and mental health care, by short changing the school system and minimizing the good that can be done by having school nurses in our schools! "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	7/4/06 3:45 PM
26758	"I am concerned that so many Americans are left out of the health care system, especially the working poor,the mentally ill, the unemployed,and an increasing number of middle class Americans.   I am outraged that insurance companies& drug companies are reaping huge profits and CEOs in these companies receive exhorbitant salaries and benefits while many Americans cnanot afford healthcare and medications. I think it is wrong for drug company representatives to buy access to doctors and their office staff with free meals.It concerns me that most of the medical education and much of the research is paid for by companies that have a vested interest in selling a product to healthcare providers. We need a stronger FDA and more government funding of research and education   "	I favor a single payor system. For-profit insurance companies should be eliminated. The current system is way to complex and is constantly shifting to favor insurance companies and making it more difficult for both consumers and healthcare providers. Insurance companies have way to much power in the current system and they have abused that power.	"If I believed lack of money was really the problem I would be happy to pay more in taxes to fund a single payor system. But I believe that the money is there but is being spent on the wrong things. It is a matter of priorities.The war in Iraq is a prime example of that and there are a multitude of others. I beleive most Americans(if you include the have-nots as well as the have's) would be willing to put up with some inconveniences and limitation of choices to have a simpler, more equitable, more universal and less costly healthcare system. "	Include the voices and needs of the powerless and /or their legitimate representatives(people and organizations that work with them everyday)as well as the powerful and design a health care system that puts the priority on delivering top-notch health and wellness care to all Americans over protecting the profits and privileges of a few who already have more than they need. 	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	7/4/06 10:52 PM
27001	"Americans who live untouched by major or chronic health problems have no understanding of those whose lives are permanently knocked off the track of success and self-sufficiency when they cross over to the Land of the Sick. The lucky healthy ones will never ""get"" the monstrous scope of the problem, and will continue to insist on tax cuts, benefit cuts, cost-containment, managed care and other nightmare ""solutions"" that are no solution at all when you or your family member is the victim of the lousy system these lucky healthy people create. "	"Individuals should only have to pay extra if they are wealthy and want deluxe service and accomodations. Corporations should have to pay someting out of their profits to the system, just because they are American companies operating in America, oterwise they can give up their citizenship and pay tarriffs on their products they want to import to us. Small businesses would be freer to hire people if everyone was covered by a national single-payer plan unrelated to their work-place. It would help business and help employment, and give citezens security in their health coverage. A complete re-structuring of the tax system and re-ordering of the nation's priorities would be needed to finance this, I wouldn't try to kid anybody. Let's see some leadership with some guts bring this about. A whole generation of Baby Boomers is getting set to fall apart and need to go into hospitals and nursing homes, unless we are ready to step over a whole lot more old people in the gutters of our cities."	"I think Americans are too stupid, selfish and scared to do anything sensible anymore. I'd like to see them prove me wrong."	"Nationalize the assets of all the insurance, pharmaceutical and health-care corporations, and turn it into a national single-payer system."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	7/8/06 4:03 AM
27015	"Over-priced, due in large part to overhead that results from disorganized ""system.""  Insurance companies spend too much money and effort on high pay to top executives; selecting the healthiest people for their clients; and minimizing their outlay for medical services.  These efforts markedly increase the overhead for individual physicians and other providers."	"I think we need a single payor, universal health care system.  For best chance of rapid, effective transition it may be best to simply include ALL ages in Medicare, and then see what revisions would be true improvements over the longer term."	"I think if the public understood the entire range of issues, they would realize that single payor, universal health care is the best for all.  Employers would be freed of directly paying; individuals would have increased flexibility in changing jobs per other criteria and without worry of loosing insurance; all people would have much less concern about potential catastrophic health care costs; and court awards would be much lower if they did not have to plan for lifetime care.  [Actually, I think we also need to reform the ""malpractice system"" to a no-fault reimbursement for untoward results to encourage early reports and more appropriate oversight of medical practice  --- with focus on education and improvement, rather than attacking individual physicians.]"	"See above re adoption of single payor, universal health care system."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	7/8/06 3:48 PM
27034	privatization 	free health care to all who want it	end the militarism of our society and spend the $ on health	make arts/cultural the dominat force in our society - have the use and celebraiton of art replace the obscene emphasis on death and destruction that currently controls our culture	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	7/9/06 2:29 PM
27040	"I am very concerned that there are so many of our citizens who do not have access to Health Insurance, as a result they do not have preventive care, nor early diagnoses or care when really ill."	"Since many working poor have no benefits form employment, but earn too much for medicaid, the government benefits need to be expanded."	"I think most would want gov. to expand benefits, but that employers could contribute some, too."	To have universal health coverage for all.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	7/9/06 8:10 PM
27046	"We need affordable health insurance for all US citizens only.  And there needs to be more mental health coverage ,such as, treatment for substance abuse and access to new mental health meds and one on one therapy if needed. "	Don't think for profit HMO's should run state mental hospitals because they care about making money not helping the mentally ill.  And medicine costs need to be brought down---Why are the same meds cheaper in other countries?  Get the GREED out of medicine and return compassion and care to the medical field.	Maybe a way to contain bogus lawsuits to bring down insurance costs to doctors and hospitals BUT no trade off in quality of care or the right for legit lawsuits.  Also need to have better physician oversight and actually punish lousy doctors and revoke a bad doctor's license to practice in every state if their license is revoked in any state.   	"Take all the money now spent on all illegal aliens in our country and use it to open up access to medical care and having regular checkups and education and prevention programs--for instance, Diabetes management,weight loss programs, and help to quit smoking and mental health treatment  to improve wellness and decrease health problems."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	7/9/06 11:55 PM
27057	Government involvement and lack of transparency in the health care market.  Since the creation of mandatory payment schemes by Medicare and Medicaid it is very difficult to compare prices between providers to get a fair price as well ad compare quality.  	All health care should be required to be paid by individuals or families taking into account financing issues of the poor.  Required coverage should be very basic with those wishing to buy more coverage having it available through insurance.  We need to promote life time underwriting so we don't have people losing insurance because of something that is expected during a lifetime.  	I pay plenty now and don't wish to pay any more.  It is time we look at why we pay so much for Medicare when the people paying the tab may not have coverage for themselves or their children.  It is time to look at the cost of the services vs. its value.  	"The traditional cure for for anything becoming too expensive is increasing supply and tranparency to increase competition.  If we as a nation did all we could to increase competition between drug companies as well as other providers, including reducing patent lengths, increaseing supply of physicians and nurses by subsidizing education of professionals, and required everyone some deductable in their insurance coverage to reduce waste, we could significantly reduce the cost of health care without hardly any government money.  If we required those on Medicaid and Medicare to pay some deductable, we would get them to assign value to the services they are asking to receive.  "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OK	7/10/06 10:03 AM
27071	"Unequal access to quality healthcare for all age groups, all locales, all income levels must be improved.  Regardless of income and place of residence, all Americans must be provided with basic health care to include regular health and wellness screenings, access to pediatricians and ob-gyns, access to internists and geriatric specialists.  We need to have funds available by which our elderly population can remain in their homes as long as possible so that our reliance on a system of assisted care in congregate settings diminishes.  It is less expensive to care for older people in their own homes than it is to put them in nursing homes.  Also, in isolated and very rural communities there are no public transit programs available to ""get"" people to healthcare providers.  We must address this problem."	"All Americans should be afforded either public or private health insurance.  I recommend that even very low income Americans be asked to contribute $5.00 per month toward health insurance, and small businesses be allowed to pool with other small businesses to access good health insurance plans for the owners and employees.  Every individual in America deserves to have access to basic health care.  If all other industrialized countries can do this, then why aren't we doing it?"	"I believe that all Americans should have a ""medicare"" type plan in which they pay a fee (based on income and place of residence) to have basic healthcare coverage. Those who can afford their own insurance would take care of themselves, and those businesses who can afford to make coverage available should be given tax credits to do so. This coverage should include provider visits, hospitalization, meds, and durable med equipment.  We absolutely must get big insurance companies out of the business of running our healthcare system.  Healthcare should be delivered based on providers knowledge and patient need--not a pre-concieved--one size fits all type of system."	Every American should be allowed a chance to see a qualified healthcare provider once each year for wellness promotion and illness prevention.  Basic physicals and monitoring would go far toward preventing major illness and disease from progressing.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OK	7/10/06 1:20 PM
27077	Government involvement	Get the Government out of health care	NULL	Get the government out of health care	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	7/10/06 3:23 PM
27095	"What used to be middle class americans are now in a high povety status. We can pay for our medicine and so consequently, we do without other necessities, such as home repair, auto repair, proper food, clothing, shelter,  and heat in winter months; things considered by those that have, absolute necessities. We can have either..........or. Not both meds and other badly needed basics for a half way comfortable life. "	Increase sales tax so that the poverty level and old retired folks can have a decent coverage with a decent prescription plan. Not the present rip off medicare part D plan. 	I don't know. Canada has national health care and I know several folks from there who have no complaints about it; contrary to what we are told by our drug companies and the medical profession.  	"Take away property tax; increase sales tax to fund health care. This would be fair as it would include everyone. With the huge profits shown that the drug companies make, there is no reason for the high cost of drugs. No reason for the high cost of medical care when you look at their profits. "	female	Over 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	7/11/06 1:54 AM
27115	Availability and access	There should be a single payer system. The whole of society should do a fair share of providing for payment.	"They will pay for insurance, not for taxes.  Money raised has to be in trust, not in the general fund."	"Assure that the insurance lobby is controlled, and transparent, and that the voice of the general public is as powerful as this goes forward.    That, in development and roll-out, the emphasis regarding funding is as insurance not as taxes.    That the funding be in a true trust fund, with any money borrowed is done so at going rates, even by the government."	female	Decline to answer	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	7/11/06 5:57 PM
27127	"The health disparities that exist between whites and African-Americans/Latinos as well as the disparities that exist between urban and rural communities.  These disparites manifest in past legal and extra-legal racism, current institutional racism, and simple classism.  This must not stand."	"Employers should be taken out of the system.  The insurance relationship should be between individuals and insurance companies.  And the government should mandate a standard floor of service and access in a patient's bill of rights, as well as provide coverage for poor and sick individuals thru Medicaid."	"None.  We need to simply cut the fat and waste of all the middle-men and contracted ""management"" companies, better utilize technology and medicinal treatments, as well as engage more sound regulatory measures and standards over the medical profession, insurance companies, and pharmaceutical agencies.  "	Stop protecting government agancies and managed care/pharmaceutical company profits at the expense of the American health care system.	female	25 to 44	No	Black or African American	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	7/12/06 5:13 AM
27142	The lack of universal insurance coverage.	"Do not tie health care coverage to employment.  Too many people lose coverage when they lose their jobs, precisely a time when they are financially vulnerable and stressed."	NULL	NULL	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	7/12/06 10:02 PM
27148	"HMOs. Children that are not covered. Families that are working, but have no insurance coverage."	"Health care coverage should be limited to labs, testing, hospitalizations, medication costs per year over a certain dollar amount. Office visits should not be covered."	"None.  The health care covered public is used to what they consider ""free"".  In the end ""free"", under any term, is costly."	"Dump HMOs and dental insurance.  The rates charged by hospitals, doctors, and dentists will decrease.  The rates increased after this type of plan was introduced, i.e. housing costs rose following the evolution of two person family income."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	7/13/06 9:49 AM
27149	Bad healthcare for teh poor - inconsistent care for thsoe with not so great insurance.	More pay by government.	Not many....the rich pay more to subsidize teh poor?	Need healthcare for all!	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	7/13/06 9:54 AM
27152	The U.S. has the worst health care at twice the cost of any other industrialized nation.  More than 40 milion Americans (most of them children) are uninsured.  That is shameful.	The cost is increasing annually at more than double the rate of inflation.  That is unsustainable.  The current employer-based system placed American businesses at a competitive disadvantage in the world economy and provides an incentive for outsourcing jobs to other countries.	I think major corporations would gladly pay higher taxes for a single-payer universal health plan that controls costs.    WE need to break the stranglehold that the pharmaceutical companies and other special interests have on us.	We need a single-payer universal health plan for all Americans.    The plan should provide tiered networks based on evidence-based best practices and clinical outcomes.  Higher quality = lower cost.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	7/13/06 11:00 AM
27173	"Working middle class is getting in debt a faster pace. Health and mental health of americans, especialy women and minorities is deteriorating. If European community including the United Kingdom can do it why can't we? Why can't we have the right to health care?"	"I completely agree with National Health Insurance, witout health there is no future for any of us. I don't think any economist is able to measure the losses we have in people."	Same as above	"We don't want things to blow more out of proportion and lose more fellow americans that are the wealth of this country, and what we are all proud off. Health is ""the primary need"" and primary human right!"	female	25 to 44	Yes	NULL	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AK	7/14/06 1:21 AM
27186	Lack of coverage for all Americans.	"Yes.  Take the money currently being payed by these entities for incomplete and inadequate health care, and use it to provide universal health care which would completely and fully cover all Americans."	"I think at this point everyone of every political and economic persuasion agrees that the American health care system is fundamentally broken, and would have a high tolerance for the changes necessary to implement universal health care."	"Our government representatives need to quit making health care decisions based on politics and money, and start making those decisions based on what is best for the American people."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	7/14/06 6:08 PM
27201	"uninsured and underinsured, fragmented coverage and system"	we need a single payer national health insurance system.  It is the nly way to cover everyone with comprehensive benefits AND control cost by eliminating the middle man's profit's (private ins ind)  and not rationing care.	"I think we are ready for a fair, equal and comprehensive system as a trade off for an unfair, insecure and unreliable system."	National health insurance now - craddle to grave. there's nothing new or novel about this. 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	7/15/06 6:52 PM
27226	"Everyone person believes that they should spare no expense to stay alive and they have a right to this level healthcare when in reality we already have a three tiered HC system made up of those who are uninsured(working poor), privately insured and Medicare/Medicaid. The duplicity of it all is cruel and a sham!"	Everyone pays the same amount per adult or child no matter what. The risk pool is big enough to do this and the powers to be know it	"People just want the truth. So stop promising them immortality and stop funding ""lifestyle"" drugs and technology that keep the sickest and wealthiest alive and faking ""youthful"" when there are close to 50 million people who have no insurance,mostly women and children. Each life is equally valuable in the eyes of God!"	"Stop funding all ""lifestyle"" drugs and technology (i.e. Viagra, drugs for 'restless legs', baldness,cosmetic surgery,etc) AND set-up a special fund so that people can opt out of expensive procedures for terminal conditions. 5-10% of cost of these procedures will be place in this fund that will help pay for healthcare for children.Also, stop promoting ""eternal youth"" as a goal in society and start promoting spending your time and money helping others less fortunate."	female	45 to 64	No	Other	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	7/17/06 11:15 AM
27229	Insurances have too much power and control of what patients feel they can have for choices with their health care.	Everyone should have a high deductible so people don't run to the doctor for efvery little ache or pain.	"It appears from the reults of your poll most are willing to have higher taxes and anational health care, which IMHO will be a disaster.  We need to make sacrifices in both areas."	Establish a national system with a high deductible but everyone who participates can go to any doctor they choose. End of life treatments should be drastically reduced as they are the driver to are ever increasing health care costs.	male	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	7/17/06 11:50 AM
27230	"The ""elephant in the room"" that was not mentioned in meetings in places like Seattle, Phoenix, and San Antonio is the language barrier. When roughly 30% of the population in Texas speaks Spanish and 80% of the hospital population in San Antonio speaks Spanish, you would think this barrier would have come up! In Seattle, which is a very diverse city, patients speak more than 40 languages. Language access must be a key component of the recommendations for health care for all."	The U.S. is the ONLY industrialized nation in the world that does not have a national health care system. I think the government should contribute more to the cost of health care.	"I think many Americans would like to see their tax dollars used for health care instead of defense. Individuals should pay as much as they are able, according to a sliding scale."	"We should provide equal access to all government-funded programs including health care, regardless of ethnic origin, as mandated by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. "	female	45 to 64	Yes	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	7/17/06 12:36 PM
27232	The people who make the rules are not professional in the area.	Cut out insurance and there would be a lot more money for others.	We want it all but those who do not have money get nothing and the government keeps supporting the drug compamies while the poor continue to suffer.	Put it in the hands of caring responsible people who will not deal with immoral things like stem cell and firtilization actions. Do the ordinary thing in an extra way.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	7/17/06 12:47 PM
27241	"  The two biggest concerns I have for the health care are the lack of fair and equitable coverage for all individuals in the U.S. and the skyrocketing costs of health care expenses.   I feel that everyone in the U.S. should have access to adequate healthcare, no matter his or her ability to pay.   The government should also put a cap on what can be charged for health care costs, including insurance to prevent costs from continuing to rise at such an increased rate.   The government should also implement a public insurance system that covers all individuals.Those that have the money to provide for extra services should also be able to purchase the extra coverage."	"I do think that in order for the government to enact a health care system, there will have to be changes made to the system. The government will have to reorganize the system.  Changes need to be made in order to ensure that the money used for the U.S. health care system is used wisely.  Care should be taken to cut out all the needless spending.  I think that the government should continue to increase public awareness of preventative services and wellness services, in order to help decrease the costs associated with secondary or tertiary care."	"I think that in order to make the needed changes to the U.S. health care system, the public will have be willing to make some trade-offs.  These include increased taxes on things such as income, goods, and business/payroll.   I also think that some of the high priced, costlier technology and/or benefits may have to be forgone.  By this I mean, that if for example a new treatment exists that is more expensive, but as good at treating a disease as another, then the cheaper of the options would be chosen.  "	"It is difficult to choose just one recommendation to improve health care for all Americans.  I think, however, that lack of efficiency in funding of the health care system is one of the biggest problems.  By examining how the funds are spent and setting up system to reduce fraud and waste, I think that there will be more funds available for health care for more Americans."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	7/17/06 10:20 PM
27259	"As a home care nurse (visiting nurse, I am very concerned over the lack of responsibility for taking care of ones self.  We are seeing an increase of this - patients feel that it is the medical community's responsibility to make them well.  They will not participate in their care or follow medical directions.  They will not listen to education about their problems.  Do not take medications as directed.  They use the Emergency Department frequently and are angry if someone asks them to accept responsibility for themselves."	"It obviously does not work because too many people are not covered by our system.  Because of this, I feel forced to face the need for a national system.  It frightens me, however, when I see the mess created by Medicare D.  That is a SHAMEFUL program!"	"I think we need to examine all national programs, look at their strengths and weaknesses and then hold town meetings across the country to reach a consensus on the care we want as a nation.  Our politicians should not be handing out favors because of lobbying by special interest groups.  And citizens must be expected to be more responsible for their own health (and following medical directions)."	Some form of spending accounts for individuals that have consequences when one does not take personal responsibility for their own care. 	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	7/19/06 8:42 AM
27267	"As long as  our nation's health care system is  both entreprenurial, which by definiton is a profit driven system, and moral endeavour, which requires the paitnet never be seen as a means to an end the outcome will always be the same...a schzophrenic healthcare system!  How does the provider place the welfare of the patient at the pinnicle of the relationship while trying to meet their finacial obligations...it is impossible! While profitability and service to humanity may be compatible in certain endeavours I think time has shown it is irresponsible when those who require service are at the most vulnerable times in their lives...when they are failing in health!  "	"Even the playing field....some citizens receive excellent care and pay nothing (medicaid)....some citizens pay a little and the government subsidizes the rest ensuring they have the best of care (govenrment employeess)....some citzens pay a bit and we all contribute (medicare) and still others pay quite a bit... receive minimal subisidies or contributions and in the end are most  vuslnerable (private health insurance for the working middle class)....even the playing field ....eliminate healthcare issues from the barganing table....encourage prevention and wellness (e.g. smoking cessation, diet and exercise)...and watch are nation meet it's potential!...we can not compete in the 21t century with a third world health care system!"	The American public will sacrifce what ever it takes as long as we are playing by the rules of fairness! We are a peol;e always ready to sholder the burden for our briotherw and sisters...but we must neber be misled! 	"Commit resources toward prevention...Research has demonstrated that the most devistating diseases can be all but eliminated throuhg diet, exercise and health life style choices...If the  next generation is bombarded with informaion that drives them toward unhealthy choices we will exhaust our precious resources, our childrn and watch them succumb to the likes of obesity, diabetes, heart disead and cancer...is their anything more important....look at the progress we made with tobacco once the government, media and educational systems  focused on the issue!  "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	7/19/06 12:37 PM
27351	"Illness goes untreated...quality of life in America suffers.  As a public school teacher, it is OUR JOB to take in ALL of Americas children and treat them as needed. It is a travesty that the medical and insurance professions do NOT have the same code of ethics!!"	"ELIMINATE THE MIDDLE MEN-- the INSURANCE industry is in my opinion, the LEGAL MAFIA. Taking good peoples money under the auspices of taking care of them when they need it.  This billion dollar industry needs to GO AWAY, and put the money where it needs to be!"	Taking personal responsibility for their own healthcare directly with their healthcare provider. Eliminate jobs from the insurance industry.	ELIMINATE THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	7/20/06 4:02 PM
27354	"I am concerned because, even with health insurance, because of high deductibles, lower income people like myself cannot afford to be getting the preventive testing that we need to have done."	I think that the whole medical system should be paid for with tax money.	I don't think we're willing to make any trade-offs.  And I don't think we NEED to make trade-offs.  Tax money is paid to be used for services for the PEOPLE.  It can be used to have socialized medicine in the USA.	Pay for the system with tax money.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	7/20/06 4:27 PM
27355	"Job-dependent, income-dependent=unequal=unfair=unhealthy."	"Change to a nationalized, equalized health provision for everyone, as a life-right. A suggested change could come from ""Big business"", which could use the money usually donated to political campaigns to our (and possibly international) health care system, and thereby gain strength through good will."	"The US government should provide the health care.  Health care costs will likely reduce if researching and providing are not profit-driven. Each individual capable of working and providing comfortably for themselves/ their families may contribute to a national health fund, and many others' ability to work will be increased upon receiving appropriate care!"	"I pray that we may develop US Government-supported, National Health Care so that people may be in any state and expect the same good coverage. Health care should not be associated with one's income amount nor job status, but be nationally available, ""on demand"". Alternative health care should be integral to our health care system, as that deals so much with preventative care and quality of life. Blessings to you, Ellen Sherfey"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MD	7/20/06 4:35 PM
27365	Its' high cost relative to its'performance.	It needs to become a single payor universal health care system. It needs to be removed from dependence on employment. it is destroying our competitiveness by giving employers in other countries an unfair cost advantage.	I think the public is willing to pay higher taxes if the burdens are fairly shared according to ability to pay.	"Create a single payor , taxpayer financed system"	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	DC	7/20/06 6:24 PM
27377	Healthcare is too expensive.  Healthcare is controlled by giant corporations for thier profits.	We must have free comprehensive universal healthcare. What we are doing now is enriching the rich and killing the poor and working class.	"We shouldn't have to think in terms of ""trade-offs."" That's just a smoke screen to prevent us from demanding what we want and need. Expand Medicare to cover everyone, improve the scope of coverage and eliminate out of pocket costs. Eliminate the insurance companies completely. We cannot afford the insurance companies."	"Full, comprehensive, universal healthcare for all, with the same coverage for all. No private insurance allowed and no personal medical payments allowed to be made by anyone. ONE SIZE FITS ALL - BOTH RICH AND POOR."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AL	7/20/06 10:20 PM
27379	No one should go bankrupt due to medical bills; we need sociallized medicine in the USA	Socialize medicine	higher taxes	socialize medicine	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	7/21/06 12:55 AM
27380	It's not working.  US is one of the worst in the world.  That is  rediculous for a prosperous country like ours.	Their should be a single payer systems with equal benefit for all.	Will pay more taxes.	A federally managed single payer system with equal benefits for all.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	7/21/06 1:28 AM
27387	"ONE WONDERS WHY THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT STEPPED TO STOP THE THE RISING COSTS OF PRESCRIPTIONS, MEDICAL INSURANCE,AND PROTECTION OF THE ELDERLY WHO DON'T HAVE ANYTHING.THE MAIN REASON CONGRESS WON'T HELP THE PEOPLE IS THAT THEIR POCKETS ARE FULL OF THE MONEY THEY GET TO PROTECT THE HEALTH INDUSTRIES RISING COSTS.ALSO IT WOULD BE NICE THAT CONGRESS WERE MADE TO GET SOCIAL SECURITY AND PAY FOR THEIR OWN HEALTH CARE LIKE WE DO INSTEAD OF GETTING IT FREE."	"WITH THE LARGE PROFITS INDUSTRIES ARE GETTING ,LET THEM PAY. THERE IS NO REASON FOR A CEO TO GET THIRTY MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR.THE OIL COMPANIES WOULD BE A GOOD PLACE TO START."	THERE SHOULD BE NO TRADE-OFFS. THE AVERAGE AMERICAN NOW CAN BARELY AFFORD TO LIVE ON WHAT THEY MAKE AND THE SENIORS ARE REALLY PAYING TO MUCH FOR IT.	"CONTROL THE COSTS OF IT, THERE IS NO REASON WHEN YOU ARE IN THE HOSPITAL TO BE CHARGED TWENTY DOLLARS FOR ASPRIN.MY THREE MONTH OLD GRANDSON HAD TO TAKE CAT-SCANS OF HIS HEAD BECAUSE HIS SKULL CLOSED UP AND HE HAS NO SOFT SPOT ON TOP OF HIS HEAD. IT WILL TAKE TREE WEEKS TO READ THE SCANS. WHY YOU ASK SO LONG ITS BECAUSE THE SENT THEM TO A PLACE IN INDIA TO BE READ. NOW THIS IS WRONG! "	male	45 to 64	Yes	Other	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	7/21/06 8:01 AM
27417	"The unaffordability to small businesses, tradesmen, and low level manufacturing and service workers"	"Absolutely!Speaking as a retired small businessman who raised a family of five children, the solution to the health care crisis is patently obvious, yet the political obstacles to that solution are also obvious. Federal laws should be modified so as to allow and, in fact, require ALL employers to provide a basic health plan to their employees and that same basic plan should be provided by the government to all welfare recipients, unemployed individuals, elderly, etc. The key is to have EVERYONE in the pool! Congress, veterans, government employees, everyone! The basics of the plan would be established by law, yet employers or employees could increase the benefits at their expense if they so desired. There is no need to further regulate or subsidize the health care industry or the insurance industry, since true competition would keep rates low and the quality of service high. The only true cost to this would be the necessity to have a diminishing subsidy to small businesses so as to allow them to “learn” how the cost affects their delivered service an/or product and to adjust their rates accordingly. The subsidy should start at 90% in year one and diminish to 0 in year 6. As long as we “tipy-toe” around special interests, this will never happen. Political leaders and unions must stop trying to protect the interests in the status quo and call for meaningful reform!         "	None	"Please see the answer to the second question, above."	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	7/21/06 4:25 PM
27424	Texas has the most people ininsured. That is where I live. I am one without insurance. I do need it. I have a condition that needs to be taken care of. I am with the county system. It is very bad. I would like to see Bush with his family at the county hospital. Employers do not want to pay for insurance.My husband has been with the same job for 33 years and with no insurance! Lets try to help AMERICANS. Not go to other countries. Americans need to rise together and get insurance for ALL Americans!!!	"I cant pay the rate. And, I dont think most Americans can."	"I want to be insured, that is the most important. But,I want to have doctors that want to treat people. Not worry about how they are being paid."	Improve??? What??? Have you been to the doctor? Have you been to a hospital?? I need say any more	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	7/21/06 6:57 PM
27430	"We need a government sponsored health care program for all citizens. Hillary Clinton's health care reform program wasn't a panacea, but it would have been a start. While Canada's health care system has its problems, its citizens do have health care and affordable prescription drugs. "	NULL	"If we weren't paying billions for sticking our nose in other countries' business and if we eliminated pork barrel projects, the country could likely afford to offer health care benefits for its citizens."	NULL	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	7/22/06 7:56 AM
27431	NULL	NULL	NULL	"single payer health care is necessary for all of the Group's recommendations, as have worked in most other nations"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	7/22/06 8:05 AM
27435	"National health care system for all.A single   payer plan.The plan to include empowerment to negotiate drug prices.We support Conyer's  ""health care for all"" bil HR676  "	NULL	NULL	Whatever it takes to have health care for all.	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	7/22/06 4:41 PM
27459	It's unaffordable!  It's cumbersome!  	"I think that the individual should retain sole right of choice in all medical matters.  No one had better tell me what I ""have to do!"""	"If you place the individual in charge of his/her own health care, then medical options will compete for his/her dollar.  That would change things in a hurry! "	I stated it above.  Place the individual paying for it in charge!	female	45 to 64	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	7/23/06 9:45 PM
27465	"What is Core Health Care.  That would be very important.  I think health care should be avail. to all but that all should have to pay some portion for their care.  As an ED employee, I see it abused more by those who do not have to pay for any health care that those who at least have a co-pay.  I also see people who spend lots on alcohol and cigarettes and other non-essential things but cannot spend any on health care.  It should be a right but we have to take some responsibility along with us.  When we are just given everything, we don't value it as much it seems."	"The current sources are OK and I would also like to include cash in the form of health savings accounts.  Also, the charge should be the same for all.  Also, I think employers could pay a certain amount into large pools and employees then could have the insurance portable for no matter where they worked.  Limit health care to core childhood and adult preventive care and emergency and major medical care.  Also, a careful definition of what constitutes an emergency and major medical care.  Build up the public health clinic system to handle more people.    "	A small but necessary co-pay.  A definition of core benefits and an opportunity to pay for more benefits if you want/need them.  	Define Core Health Care!  	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	7/24/06 2:18 AM
27496	"The purpose of a wellness program is not to increase the life-span, but to increase the health-span of its participations.   It is like riding a downward escalator in the United States to integrate wellness with medical care, and I believe that some part of that failure can be explained by the fact that the benefits of preventative wellness activities varies with the individual. The truth is our system of care pays when you become sick – there is no financial incentive for your doctor/hospital to keep you well. Medical treatment is designed for an episode, to tide the patient until their next hospital admission. In fact, the more ill a person becomes, the more health services that person needs, the more profitable to care for that patient is, no matter what the outcome. Medicine is the only industry where high quality is reimbursed at the same rate as low quality.  "	Primary care and wellness need to be the right of all citizens and could be delivered via community health centers (FQHC). 	The public would trade all the hospital beds in the country for care at home when possible. 	Cost and quality should be the hallmark of provider reporting and all citizens should have access to these statistics on demand. 	male	45 to 64	Yes	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	7/24/06 3:58 PM
27595	My main concern is that in the U.S. healthcare is considered a commodity rather than a human right. We need to join the rest of the planet and make healthcare a right of all the people!	"Yes, if our government would cut the budget to the current illegal, unjustified and immoral war that would make a good start! The government could also abolish the tax breaks given to the wealthiest sector of our society!"	Trade offs? We the American people spend almost twice what is spend in England for healthcare!   Why should we trade off anything??	Passage of H.R. 676 to give ALL Americans the healthcare coverage that it is needed!	male	45 to 64	Yes	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	7/24/06 5:53 PM
27653	NULL	NULL	NULL	Extend Medicare to cover all Americans and incorporate greater attention to health promotion and disease prevention.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	7/24/06 7:09 PM
27663	"The system is overly expensive, and extremely inefficient.  The only consistent  parameter is greed.  Most  providers want to extract the maximum $ from the system  while providing any care at all is considered of secondary importance.   The private  insurance system employs an enormous work force, paid for by health care dollars  who collectively contribute NOTHING to health care.   The providers, likewise,  employ an enormous work force to deal with the insurance companies who also  provide no health care.   All this is before the profits of the insurance industry.    In a bizarre irony,  there is a shortage of virtually all practitioners, particularly specialists, and yet  they all spend exorbitant amounts advertising to get more patients.  They can't provide the  necessary time to properly treat the patients that they have, yet they all want more because  $ comes from the number of patients that are seen, not as a bi-product of successful treatment.    The ""fee for service"" structure, to which we seem so strongly attached, puts the practitioners,  hospitals and pharmaceutical companies each in their respective conflicts of interest.  Few of them  have any interest in successfully treating any illness.   After all, successful treatment would mean  the end of the ""gravy train"".  The preferred state is one in which as many  patients as possible should be treated  forever, should be on as many drugs as possible, forever, and should receive as many  necessary and unnecessary tests as possible forever.    Health care, including preventive care, should all be provided by practitioners,  companies and  institutions that are on salary and/or global budgets.    There should be no incentive  for the unsuccessful treatment  of any patient  with any condition.    A Universal Single Payer system would guarantee that the cost of treating all people in  all locations  would be appropriately  compensated.  It is essential that artificial constraints on training practitioners be removed so that there will be a  growing  number  of practitioners to treat a growing population.    There needs to be a combining of conventional and alternative medicine so that a patient can receive the treatment that is  actually best for the problem being treated.  All treatment should be outcome based, and treatment, wherever possible  should be directed toward identifying and correcting the cause of the problem rather than alleviating the symptoms, while  leaving the cause in place!    Although the subject of dentistry is generally ignored,  the US dental care system is certainly nothing to be proud of.  In this case, there seems to be no lack of practitioners, but cost of dental care is unjustified and its need is no less than  other forms of health care.  Those providing dental care should also be on a fixed salary so that their focus can be toward  providing good dental care not lining their respective pockets.    Life style should not be ignored.  This is a problem that results from manufacturing and  advertising industries that push unhealthy life styles  and an educational system that fails to provide sufficient intellectual reason for people to keep themselves healthy.  If we acknowledge that  ""the airwaves"" belong to the people, then they should not be allowed to be used to the people's detriment.  Again, where greed  is the overriding factor of our society,  changing the use, or misuse of the airwaves with a  government, corrupted by $ would be very difficult."	"In general, individuals cannot afford to buy or actually cannot buy health care insurance, because of its extreme cost and the fact  that individual policies are all underwritten, so if an individual has any health problems, the insurance doesn't want him, and will not  write a policy.     While we have developed a system where about 1/3 of health care costs are paid by private employers, this is a tremendous competitive disadvantage  in an international economy, where only US employers are saddled with this expense.  Most of the remaining cost of health care is paid by the  government, much of it through private insurance companies.  By making the system more cost effective and eliminating the insurance industry  Universal Health Care could be supported by government funding without really increasing the cost to the government.    However, if the costs  of health care are not addressed, there will never be enough money to pay for it!  "	"In general, individuals cannot afford to buy or actually cannot buy health care insurance, because of its extreme cost and the fact  that individual policies are all underwritten, so if an individual has any health problems, the insurance doesn't want him, and will not  write a policy.     While we have developed a system where about 1/3 of health care costs are paid by private employers, this is a tremendous competitive disadvantage  in an international economy, where only US employers are saddled with this expense.  Most of the remaining cost of health care is paid by the  government, much of it through private insurance companies.  By making the system more cost effective and eliminating the insurance industry  Universal Health Care could be supported by government funding without really increasing the cost to the government.    However, if the costs  of health care are not addressed, there will never be enough money to pay for it!  "	A Universal siongle Payer system WITHOUT INSURANCE  COMPANIES!	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	7/24/06 7:24 PM
27739	What concerns me is that we are willing to stand by and watch what little there is erode.  The employer based system can't sustain itself.  Health care will be much more limited.  Costs will result in people having health care denied.  Health care should be equitably distributed so we can bring up the classes.	"Absolutely.   There needs to be a single payer system.  You are going to hear this a lot.  That is the absolutely only way to derive more funding. What's wrong with that.  It works and it's proven. The market model has driven the costs of health through the roof.  Everyone pays into one risk pool, employers and employees.  And we pay out from the fund as Medicare did originally.  Get rid o fthe middle man who is only interested in denying care to make bigger profits. Ins;urance started as  a nonprofit system anyway"	Actually there aren't trade-offs.  Everyone comes out a winner. Some jobs will be changed. More health care provider and less paper pushers and bean counters.  But we compete better globablly.	A national health insurance system funded through a single payer model.	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	7/24/06 10:54 PM
27750	It is not available for all.	"Too complicated, lest have everybody pay through the tax system"	"Less fancy facilities, less choices of providers."	Focus on prevention to help us stay healthier.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ND	7/24/06 11:32 PM
27764	"Healthcare efforts (and dollars) are directed at treating disease, rather than at prevention of illness."	"I like having choices, and do not object to the current system.  Employers generally offer a range of benefits, and that is the advantage of this system."	"I think we will need to identify a very basic package.  Many will cry that what they want is ""medically necessary""  (e.g. chiropractic), so it must be plainly described as included or not included.  In addition, ""ACCESS"" is a key word, as I do not think the American public is willing to wait for an elective surgery, as they do in other countries, or to forgo elective treaments such as plastic surgery so that appointments are available.  In addition, we will need to establish incentives for primary care providers, so that they do not pursue more lucrative practices such as dermatology, plastic surgery, environmental health, allergy, etc."	"Make sure everyone has 'skin in the game'.  Currently on Medicaid, many people do not choose to work because they would lose health benefits.  Many people go to the doctor and seek prescriptions to 'get high', or because they have nothing to do but focus on their symptoms.  Undoubtedly some people seek more medical care than they need, and others do not get the care they need.  We need to make sure that Americans get only the care that they need, when they need it.  Make sure the healthcare providers understand the relative costs of treatments, so that they don't choose (and endorse) something that is far more expensive without clinical support for that choice.  (e.g. brand name vs generic drugs, PET scan vs CT, etc.)"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	7/25/06 12:35 AM
27766	"Health care is usually accessible to the very wealthy and the very poor. In the former care, they tend to be healthcare ""savvy"" and are able to maximize the cost of ""high tech"" medical intervention when necessary. The poor tend to be less educated, and usually overuse emergency services for problems, because they can not afford comprehensive, routine, or preventive care. Part of this is due to the poor marketing job that is done by our public health system. It is difficult to take care of indigent patients, because you usually treat them acutely in the hospital (for example they have diabetes) for diabetic ketoacidosis-a lethal uncontolled metabolic state they can get into. These patients may not show up for follow-up, and usually you see them in the hospital again for acute problems, many of which lead to leg amputations.    The middle class is losing the battle for affordable insurance, and often take jobs for their health benefits rather then having a career to their liking.    There is a wealth of health information on the internet- but their is no sure way to validate it. Many claims are just not true. They way health care information technology can be deployed sounds of marvels, but implementation is costly, and if not implemented correctly does not work.    Agencies like the LeapFrog group which is run by healthcare payors is promoting quality initiatives in hospitals, where they would gain profits, using data that often does not show the cons of an initiative such as clinical physician order entry- which can in some circumstances decrease health care quality depending on how the system interacts with the healthcare flow that uses it."	There are other countries despite their level of industrialization that have national health care insurance- the models that work like (Australia) and others could be used an example to make one work in the US. Even if we come up with a sliding-scale system to pay for healthcare-this would be better then the system we have now.	"I think most Americans are getting tired of our current health system, and would be amenable to certain tax increases, and perhaps use some of the money that is unnecessarily used in defense and apply this to a national health insurance plan."	Affordable healthcare for all.	male	45 to 64	Yes	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	7/25/06 12:40 AM
27793	"Inequity in provision of care.    Wasteful expense in administering private plans.    Inadequate support for preventive care, a problem that HSA plans only make worse."	A single plan that covers all Americans - a Medicare plan with elements of manged care designed in - must replace the current hodge-podge of coverage that exists now.	Affordable high-quality care is possible at reduced overall cost under an expanded Medicare program. The public would not miss the private insurers!	Universal single-payor coverage for preventive and necessary restorative care.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	7/25/06 7:53 AM
27863	Lack of universal health care. Access should not depend upon how rich one is. We really are all in this together. Cost containment is a major concern as well. We need more emphasis on wellness. 	Anything above an agreed upon level of coverage should be considered taxable income and the increased revenues should help offset costs for the most needy.	I fear that those who have are generally unwilling to accept any trade=offs and in that lies the problem. 	Providing equal access to all Americans. 	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	7/25/06 10:55 AM
27867	"That the delusion of providing total coverage for all Americans, without restructuring the current system properly, will result in financial ruin or a destruction of the quality many of us have worked very hard to secure."	"Yes, we currently tax the #2 cause of morbidity (cigarettes) and the #3 cause (alcohol) but not the #1 cause (junk food and high fat food). This tax alone would finance the needed reforms and provide financial solvency for every State."	"None. Americans want a Hyatt healthcare system, but are only willing to finance it at Motel 6 rates. Many Americans are willing to trade-off benefits, but who among us can predict health status even 1 or 2 years away?"	"We need to develop a Public Utility model for health care, since we have yet to decide if we consider health care a right or a privilege. The free market has been a failure and socialized medicine will be even worse!"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	7/25/06 11:02 AM
27871	"I have a mental illness, bipolar disorder.  A high percentage of people who are mentally ill are on disability and cannot afford to go to the dentist.  I believe that the medications for mental illness cause problems with teeth, such as decay, gum disease,etc.  Many people also grid stheir teeth.  I do this and will eventually need work done on my teeth.  I also have  hard time burushing and flossing my teeth.  Many people who have mental illnesses have serious problems with their teeth.  Medicaid and Medicare do not pay for dental work. Their needs to be low cost dental work for people who who are on SSI and SSDI.  I have gone to dental hygiene schools, dental schools and low cost clinics, but I had enough resources to pay for hese services.  However many people dont't have the resourses. Their needs to be dialog about the dental crisis of for people who are disabled in America and ACTION  done.  I believe adequate dental care would improve the overall health care in America. "	NULL	NULL	"I believe physical fitness is the #1 issue.  Somehow we need to get Americans walking, hiking, swimming, lifting weights, dancing, or any enjoyable activity that increases the heart rate and improves bone density.  Perhaps we need more walking groups, hiking groups, etc."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	7/25/06 11:10 AM
27884	Many employees often remain in unfulfilling jobs only because they are covered by health insurance and are afraid to switch employers or start a new business. (Often pre-existing conditions are not covered for 1 year). This fact stifles our free-enterprise system and hurts our overall economy by limiting freedom of movement of human capital. 	Portability of coverage with no monetary penalty should be mandatory.  COBRA just doesn't work- too expensive.	Increase taxes 2%.	"Universal coverage/ Single payer system, legislated by the federal govt., much like Medicare.   "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	7/25/06 11:31 AM
27912	The inefficiency and increased need to provide administrative and clerical workers to process public and privately funded health plans. The dollars saved would then be invested providing grants to nurses wishing advanced education to prepare them to teach in two and four year RN programs	"No.  However, discounts to individuals, and orgianizations who submit their payment on time and a universal process to challenge waste and billing"	"I do not think Americans are willing to look at trade offs.  They all want the Cadillac when it comes to heatlh care eventhough a VW beetle is also transprotaion.  This seems to be a ""core value"" of the American public.  We want the best, when good enough works."	"Decrease the administrative costs (paperwork) implement sytsem wide evideinced based protocols, provide incentives/penalties for providers who do not deliver evidenced based care."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	7/25/06 12:10 PM
27944	"1. The high cost of health care.  2. The difficulty that uninsured people have in obtaining good basic health care  3.  It seems that insurance companies are more driven by the ""bottom line"" than by providing health care coverage"	I would like to see universal health care coverage be utilized.  It would provide for basic health care coverage for all.  It would be paid for by an income tax.  If some people would like greater coverage insurance companies could be utilized.	I think the public would be willing to pay a higher income tax in order that high qualitiy health care is available for all citizzens and people working on a temporary basis in the U.S.	"universality. Also, I have read your recmmendations thus far and they do not seem to match what people are asking for-why?"	female	NULL	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	7/25/06 2:01 PM
27984	"Health Care,  as practiced in America today is primarily the science of organised walletectomy. That is, physicians, druggists, hospitals, drug companies and others are mostly interested in selling their products, not ELIMINATING ILLNESS.  CHANGE THE FOCUS OF OUR HEALTH CARE SYSTEM FROM EXTRACTING THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF MONEY FROM AVERAGE CITIZENS TO : ILLNESS PREVENTION AND CURES ... THE MONEY PROBLEM WILL VANISH."	"YES... all health care should be paid for (in tiers) by 1. vouchers that can be used anyway a person desires 2. then by private funds 3. then by public funds directed by a public entity. Tiers 1&2 should have minimal regulation, and NO INSURANCE TYPE REGULATION OR OVERSIGHT WHATSOEVER ... If a person decides to spend his/her annual allotment on plastic surgery or dental care or eyecare or vitamins or acupuncture or psychiatric care, etc. ... no governmental organization or insurance company should be able to interfere. Only after hitting tier 3 should any healthcare issue become a matter of governmental concern. "	none	DISBAMD THE FDA ... REMOVE DRUG COMPANY INFLUENCE FROM THE REGULATORY PROCESS.	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	7/25/06 4:14 PM
28077	"Good quality health care (not just insurance) should be made available to all citizens, with an emphasis on preventive care."	"We the people - i.e. the government - should pay for it.  It is archaic and punitive to link health care to employment.  If we paid for it out of our taxes, I believe the net cost to Ameicans would be less than it is now."	"Those who can affortd it would probably be willing to make a co-payment for minor medical care as needed.  But such care should not be refused to the poor.  Currently, the uninsured poor go, usually too late, to emergency rooms for care, which is extremely expensive for all of us."	Gently dislodge it from insurance companies; let them perhaps administer it.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CT	7/26/06 10:04 AM
28248	NULL	"Single Payer, Universal Health Coverage!     Plain and simple."	NULL	"Single Payer, Universal Health Coverage! "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	7/26/06 11:44 PM
28416	"lack of attention to life style and behavioral modification , including stress management, and counseling that would reduce most chronic conditions.  Too much drugging and special pharmacuetical interset money in the health care equation. Take it out. Put proven stuff over the counter and take the incentive out to builk the system by over prescribing and drug extortion. "	"Start paying the same for treating mental, and emotional problems as you are doing fo physical disorders. Right now there is insufficient incentive to treat behavioral causes and mental health issues. Behavioral care is marked down by 50% in Medicare and medicaid systems. This is wrong!"	"Give more chopice and caps services that are non   emergency on per year basis. Get rid of the cost containment HMO system, and put the constraints in on the front end and let consumers choose practitioners and type of care. administrators should not be making these decisions."	"Rid the private sector incentives, and all the insurance extortions by health care corporations. Return it to government with simple administrative rules. this will allow more for the people and less for the corporations that are profiting off other misery."	male	45 to 64	Yes	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	7/28/06 9:14 PM
28426	NULL	NULL	NULL	" I am a Registered Nurse and have worked in a city hospital for twenty years. I fully support restructuring the way that palliative care, hospice care and other end-of-life services are provided and financed. I have seen technology used which has prolonged the patient’s suffering and dying thereby decreasing the patient’s quality of life. Many healthcare professionals delay initiating the conversation about the issues involving death and dying. Many times, by the time the issues are addressed, the patient may be too sick to participate in the discussion and express their wishes. This leaves an unnecessary burden on the family members. It should be mandatory that all healthcare professionals receive formal education in the care of the dying patient.  "	female	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	7/29/06 12:48 AM
28437	Highly inefficient and ineffective.  USA has worst performance in oedc and spends the most.   	"Although Pearson and Shaw make some very good points, they fail to recognize the current reality.  That reality is that the few are paying for the many, but they do it in a highly inefficient manor.  Our system has an inability to make tough decisions, and this is very apparent in health care.  I accept we need a single payer system.  Within that i BELIEVE that the single payer shoud be states and not federal government.  I believe the states should set the level of spending they can afford and bid out the work to the private sector.  we don't need another non performing, disgruntled bureacuracy.  "	"This is where shaw and pearson make the best point.  Those that want it for free are willing to make no tradeoffs.  I accept the few pay either way, so lets let the states make the decisions.  If the people of california can change govenors mid term, then the people of a state are close enough to government to have impact.  "	"Get the federal govenment out of health care.  They have disrupted free markets, burdened small business with rules and regs, and created an out of control mess.  Kick health care to the states and let them sort it out.  End medicare and medicaid as they are highly inequitable, turn economic cost benefit up side down.  If 50 states all take a whack at this issue, one of them will come up with the right balance.  For those that don't get it right, they can either change or the citizens of that state can suffer the consequences of their decisions.  The federal government has demonstrated most recently their complete inability to effecitvely lead change, but most importantly they have demonstrated their total disregard for the will of the people.     "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	KY	7/29/06 2:03 PM
28446	"It concerns me that there are people who fall through the cracks in our health care system.  For example there are those who are poor, indigent, disabled or elderly who are eligible for government health programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.  And there are those who are employed who have private pay insurance available. But there are those who are working who make minimum wage who cannot afford the insurance premiums for coverage offered by their employers who may also make too much to qualify for Medicaid and therefore do not or cannot afford health insurance.  They are the ones who suffer the most and do not get their children immunized or go to the doctor when they need it because they cannot afford to.  Also there are those who have insurance but copays, deductibles and cost of medications eat up a large portion of their income.  As an example my daughter had a liver transplant.  Our out of pocket expenses during the first six months after her transplant was $16,700.  We were $50,000 in debt in no time.  The doctors we worked with had a choice to either accept our nominal payment each month or turn us over to collections and recieve a portion of our payment.  We eventually paid off all of our debt and did not file bankrupcy.  However, most people could not do what we have done.  My daughters medications alone were $680 per month and that was our copay. Another example: my son in law had a bicycle accident recently, went to an IHC instacare and had to pay $374 to get 8 stitches.  The doctor told him it should have cost $500 but since he didn't have insurance he would give him a discount. And that didn't cover the cost of the antibiotics he had to be on. He's one of those people that fall through the cracks. He makes too much to qualify for Medicaid, works full time but doesn't make enough to pay the $475 premiums each month to have insurance offered by his employer that has a high deductible, copays and pays only 70% of resonable and customary charges.  Which translates into paying out of pocket anywhere from 30-50% of the medical charges.  So they don't have insurance and hope that they won't need it.  By the way he is also going to school part time and paying for it as well and working full time to support his family. I work for a school district as a registered nurse and last year our insurance premiums per month for family coverage was $124 however this September for the same coverage we will have to pay $494.  I had to take my 2 daughters off of our plan.  One daughter has her own coverage through her place of employment now but my other daughter does not. To insure my husband and myself only will still cost $174 per month. How can that doctor and how can the insurance company get away with this.  It took him 15 min to treat my son in law. Something is wrong with this picture.       "	Everyone who is gainfully employed pays taxes that contribute to Medicare and Medicaid.  Too often recipients of these government programs feel that they are entitled to it because they are elderly or because they are poor.  I believe that it is a priviledge.  Those of us who have private pay insurance must pay deductibles and copays.  I would recommend that those who are receiving government funded medical care should also pay deductibles and copays that are income based on a sliding scale.  For example when I go to the doctor I pay a $20 copay.  For those who are less fortunate but are employed a copay of $2 or $3 should be made to defray the cost of their coverage.  I feel that there would be a sence of appreciation for the care that one is receiving and less entitlement when one is contributing to the health care that they receive.  Paying a monthly premium could also defray the cost of this insurance.  Again one that is commisurate with income.  For those who are unemployed due to a disability then they would be exempt from paying premiums or copays.  I think that setting up government programs similar to private pay will ensure that everyone who needs it can have it but they will feel that they have a right to it because they contributed rather than feeling that they are entitled because they are poor.  	Increase state taxes and eliminate private pay insurance premiums. Patients would need to have a primary care physician and the PCP would make referrals to specialists based on patient medical condition. ER's could have a special triage unit to determine if a complaint is an emergency or could wait till the doctors office is open.  Provide more comprehensive state run health clincs which could include specialists with afterhour care similar to instacare to prevent overuse or abuse of the ER. And if a person were out of state and needed care they could go to a physician and receive care that could be reimbursed based on resonable and customary charges from the state in which they live.  Each state may have different views on what is resonable or customary but it will eventually even out.  Or Governors of each state could decide in advance what the reimbursement is for specific treatment. If the suppliers of medicine and medical supplies are only allowed to charge the same regardless of what state they provide services to then even though there is disparity in the cost of living from state to state the cost of those supplies will be the same. Treatment in other states when one is a visitor should be on an emergency basis only and not for routine care or elective procedures to prevent people from shopping around if a procedure is less expensive in one state over another. However if a person chooses to seek a 2nd opinion or see a specialist in another state they could pay the difference in cost out of pocket if one doctor is less expensive in their state and more expensive in another state.  If the doctor in another state is less expensive then their state of residence could pay the charges as if they were in their own state since they have already received premiums from the individual via taxes.  There would be a lot to work out but it is possible.     	"I don't feel that socialized medicine is the answer, however I feel that affordable health insurance is.  I don't think that we should get something for nothing.  The Mormon Church's Welfare programs philosophy is receive according to your needs but give back what you are able. As I mentioned above I think that those who do not have income or have low income can avail themselves of government programs that they help contribute to on an income based sliding scale. Those who can afford private pay as offered by employers should have choices which fit their needs  medically and financially.  I feel that there may need to be regulations imposed by the government to help determine costs such as premiums so that lower income individuals can still afford private pay insurance.  I think that the cost of medicine and medical care is outrageous.  I realize that we live in a free enterprise economic system and I don't want that to change but medical care providers, systems and suppliers really have a monopoly and take advantage of this position by gougeing the public with out of control costs/charges. People can go out of the country to Mexico, Canada or other countries to buy medicine which costs less so why can't we provide our citizens with affordable medicine.  Drug companies are making billions at the consumers expense.  And why should the elderly or anyone for that matter who needs to take prescriptions feel that they have to decide between food or medicine in order to live? Perhaps the most important recommendation that I could make would be that each state should be responsible to develop a comprehensive health care program that residents of that state could contribute to through state taxes much like property taxes.  It could replace private pay and the monies that would have gone to private pay will now go into a state fund set up similar to insurance companies.  People pay into it from every paycheck but they only receive benefits when they need it.  The money could be invested so that interest earned could help contribute to the overall fund. Those who don't use the fund or use it very little could potentially build dividends that could be used toward retirement. Medicare and Medicaid could still be available to help those who are unemployed, elderly or disabled. Another aspect of a state wide program would be that qualifiers for treatment can be based on physician recommendations as well as current standards used by private pay insurance companies.  For example if someone needed a transplant they would need to meet the qualifications or guideline already in place.  No one would be denied anything that they wouldn't already be denied such as gastric bypass as a treatment for obesity. The majority of private pay insurance companies will not pay for that surgery although in certain cases Medicaid will howver the point is the state does not have to offer programs or medical care that would normally not be covered. People would still pay copays and monthly premiums, could pay deductibles depending on what they want and have a stop loss for cumulative out of pocket expenses.  Car, house and other insurance companies provide choices for deductibles and other types of coverage.  You have a choice if you want flood or earthquake insurance well the state could have high or low deductibles and could offer additonal coverages such as long term care coverage for nursing home or dental and optical.  Again the premium would be affordable but there could be choices.  There could be open enrollment based on the alphabet or according to when one is enrolled. So if I enrolled in September I would have open enrollment the following year in August to make changes if I wanted.  Of course it would knock private pay insurance companies into bankrupcy or they could be involved as administrators of the state plan and it could provide more jobs. But this could reduce the overall costs of medicine and treatment and prevent further gougeing.  Medical su"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	7/29/06 7:45 PM
28449	"Its cost, unavailability to the most needy, the exorbitant profiteering by the insurance and pharmaceutical industries,its complexity"	Of course. Why should employers bear the burden of health care for the American people. That linkage is an accident of history and no other civilized nation makes this linkage	If the scare tactics of the vested interests were stifled people would see the merit of Medicare for all.	"A single payer system is the only solution that makes any economic, social, or moral sense. Your recommendations do not solve the problem of cost, fairness, availability at all."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	7/29/06 8:57 PM
28457	"For individuals: the high cost and poor quality of health care performed in clinics, hospitals and nursing homes.  For this state and nation, the cost and declining health of the American people.    For U.S. business, the cost of providing employee health benefits is becoming an overwhelming problem.  Only the government can take effective action to control costs and assure that high quality health care is a right for all Americans, "	"The government must change the way health care is paid for, adopting the way Medicare and Medicaid medical services are reimbursed."	"The American public is known to be in favor of everyone having the right to needed medical care services. Trade-offs is an odd word here.  Improvements would be better.  Comprehensive medical care services, affordable for all, is possible. "	"Make affordable quality health care a public, government, responsibility.  Profit-making entities, whether acting as providers or insurers, have no place in the system.  "	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	7/30/06 10:52 AM
28487	"I'm concerned about the cost and how that prohibits poorer people from getting the health care they need. Many people skip out on regular treatment because they can't afford it even if they know they should be seeking it out, which leads to worse health."	Everyone should have affordable health insurance. Deductibles should be assigned on a sliding scale based on income.	There shouldn't be any trade offs in benefits because that would lessen the quality of health care. Taxes can be increased slightly to help fund insurance programs for the poor.	"My recommendation would be to make sure that all Americans, even those who can't pay, have access to health care."	female	Under 25	No	Other	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	7/30/06 11:23 PM
28508	"Persons who have no health insurance really have no access to health care. They certainly do not receive primary or maintenance care. Those with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease that develops as a consequence of those illnesses, live with fear and anxiety about their health and their families needs."	"I am the Founder and Director of a free clinic called Good News Care Center, in Florida City, Fl. This is in Miami-Dade County. I am working with several health care and community organizations, and even university professors in promoting a concept for providing funding to open and sustain dozens of new free clinics under the name of ""Charter Clinics."" This concept borrows from the structure in which the state of Florida funds charter schools. Just as charter schools expand access to education for any student in a school system, our free clinics, operating as charter clinics, would provide access to the uninsured for free medical care. Charter schools are owned and operated by private companies and they relieve the school system in that the charter school owners provide the buildings, hire the teachers and administrator, and provide education at no charge to any student in the school system who enrolls in the schools. The schools must meet the same standards of education as any other school. They receive funding from the state in a predetermined amount per enrolled student.     Our free clinics also relieve the health care system by depressurizing the hospital ER's as we enroll patients who have no health insurance and otherwise seek all their health care in the emergency rooms. Our free clinics are extremely cost effective and efficient and we develop extensive collaborative relationships among physicians, medical groups, and hospitals for providing care to the uninsured. Our free clinics provide the maintenance care and health care education to these patients, which works to keep the patients out of the hospital and relieves costs in every sector.     We are able to maintain our clinic operations at a cost of only $500.00 per patient per year! We therefore are proposing that the State of Florida provide funding for free clinics under the  name of ""Charter Clinics."" We hope that this idea may merit consideration,at least for dialogue, at the national level as well. "	"Would persons be willing to make tax deductible contributions to provide health care services for the poor? We are proposing that the State of Florida consider establishing a 501-c-3, or similar designation of foundation, to be called the Charter Clinic Foundation, to which individuals, or businesses, etc. could make tax-deductible contributions for funding the ""Charter Clinic"" operations. Imagine if small businesses, for example, that cannot afford health insurance benefits for their employees could make donations on their behalf to a Charter Clinic Foundation so that their employees could receive care in a free ""Charter"" clinic, and this would not simply be an expense to the business, but a tax deductible donation. Something like this could provide a dedicated source of revenue for funding potentially thousands of free clinics in communities all across the United States, without raising taxes, but indeed would actually reduce taxes and improve businesses' bottom line income statements, and reduce taxes for individual donors as well! Charter Clinics would function like universal insurance, except that our clinics ""pool"" huge quantities of services instead of large sums of cash that would be needed to pay for care in the regular way. This may serve to lower healt insurance premiums for regular policy holders. "	"I know that there are many possible solutions and I agree with the Working Group's report that many solutions will need to coexist. Our ""Charter Clinic"" group believes that free clinics could factor in a major way to resolve the health care crisis. One clinic is able to provide for several thousand patients. Having just a few clinics is not a panacea solution, but we are still much more than a noble cause. We believe that having a dedicated funding source that would allow for developing thousands of these clinics would do much to relieve strain on our over burdened health care system, and would accomplish providing tremendous personalized and compassionate care for the poor at a fraction of the cost that any type of insurance coverage would produce. I have emailed this idea to the Working Group and I included some other attachments to that message to give further insight to this idea. "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	7/31/06 11:21 AM
28769	The enormous amount of people who are uninsured.	Yes. I strongly believe that we need universal national health insurance. I think it is immoral that the richest country in the world is the only industrialized one that does not care enough about its citizens to insure them.	I think that people are willing to pay higher taxes for it.	"National health insurance. Currently, Rep. Conyers bill, HR676 is the most promising."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	7/31/06 6:40 PM
28782	We have probably the most inefficient system in the industrialized world at the highest costper capita. It will never change as long as our politicians are preostituted to the pharmaceutical and insurance industry. No other Western nation has health care run by insurance companies for the companies profit.	"Single payer plan ! The nidus already exists with some 15,000 supporting physicians, i.e.Physicians For A National Health Care Plan. See http://www.pnhp.org . Mechanisms, financing, etc already worked out and a bill introduced into the  House of Representatives with some 45 sponsors."	"The PNHP plan covers all expenses for all people. No trade-offs necessary As a retired physician I see this as the only way to go.Would be glad to discuss further or see my articles under the web-site:http://www.erielead.org  Click on ""issues"". "	"Universal, pre-paid, all inclusive care. (Since retirement I have been working  part-time at a free clinic.)    The insurance companies take 30-40% of the health care dollar as payments to stock holders,executive salaries, profit,operating cost."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	7/31/06 8:14 PM
28793	"18,000 deaths attributed to lack of health insurance by the Institute of Medicine.  The middle men (insurance companies, managed ""care"" organizations, to name a few) skimming off vast money and not contributing anything of value to society.  Inefficient health care costs taking down ability of companies to compete in the world.  In the eyes of the world Americans don't care about people and it is proved by its cruel health care system.  I can go on and on....."	NULL	NULL	Create a single payer national health insurance program like House Bill 676 would do.  Every other industrialized nation in the world has figured it out.  	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	8/1/06 12:10 AM
28874	Millions of people without	NULL	Adopt healthier lifestyles	Get rid of middle man. Single Payer System.	female	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	8/1/06 7:36 AM
29361	Adequate competent safe nursing and medical care to all patients in need.	National Health Care System	"Until medical care is adequately available to all Americans where the public can understand preventative care, and take ownership of their own health, the disparities in the delivery of health care will continue."	"IMPROVE PATIENT CARE. Millions of dollars are spent on development of new drugs and technologies, and tyes this is important in improving and treatment of disease and preventative medicine, but if that could be reversed and a portion of that revenue sppent in brining current healthcare systems and delivery of care to all patients in need. The providers must be skilled both M.D.'s and nurses and those in multidisiplary allied health roles."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	8/1/06 4:28 PM
29366	Cost	"The way in which rates are decided would greatly impact a lot of us.  As someone who actively takes card of herself (healthful eating, daily exercise) I feel as though it is unfair that my health costs are rising because I in a sense have to pay for the poor habits of others       (obesity).  I think it would be great if health insurance companies could charge rates based on the same criteria that life insurance companies do.  If you smoke, you pay more.  If you are obese, you pay more.  I don't think that genetics(family history of cancer, heart problems, etc...) should come in to play because that would be discrimination but there are a lot of things that people can control to make their health better and if they aren't taking those measures the rest of us should not have to pay to fix their health problems.  I understand that weight is somewhat based on genetics but there is no way that it is 100% based on genetics.  If this was the case obesity levels would have been the same 30 years ago as they are today.    "	I don't know if the American public is willing to make any trade-offs.  We are the most spoiled citizens in the world and we hate trade-offs.  The fact is though that some trade-offs are going to have to be made.  	"My suggestion from above about rating people for health insurance is one of the most important.  Also, I think that education is the key to changing a lot of health problems in America.  The studies show that people in lower socio-economic groups smoke more and are more likely to be obese.  We need to find a way to educate these people about proper nutrition, exercise, not smoking etc...  I think one way that could help is to mandate nutrition classes for all individuals who accept food stamps or other government subsidized food programs.  We need to teach people how to prepare healthier meals, eat healthier portion sizes, and how to stretch their food dollars.  "	female	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	8/1/06 4:50 PM
29388	"My biggest concern is that health caregivers are so unhealthy themselves.  This very general statement appears so true to me as I have had the experience of working for 6 years in a hospital and most recently spent 25 days watching my Dad be a patient in a local hospital.  Nurses and PCAs are encouraged by financial incentives to overwork taking on more hours than they can be effective. They are also given more patients than they can safely handle.  They are transferred to floors with specialties in which they have not been trained.  My father's 25 day stay in the hospital will be very costly to the family and to the ""system"" and yet his health has failed during these days (skin breakdown, infection, breathing and swallowing problems as a result of not getting upright, etc.) as a direct result of neglect and incompetence.  I have observed many very overweight front line health care providers who do not have time to exercise and who do not eat regular meals or eat at their desks while working in the hospital. Would this be like a teacher who is not also a learner??"	There must be some way to provide for the underemployed.  The very people not healthy enough to work full time at a professional job are the ones who suffer from lack of healthcare coverage.  This does not make sense.  Those who have the best resources to begin with have more than they need.  Those who have not will never get!	NULL	"Universal coverage, especially for all children who through no fault of their own are born poor."	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	8/1/06 8:32 PM
29455	the entitlement americans feel they have with total disregard for how to pay for it.  It is wrong for families with incomes in excess of the poverty levels to not contribute to cost of receiving healthcare services.  	Get rid of the middlemen. The profits reported by HMOs and other payors are obscene (as is the compensation paid to the CEOs).  This money would be better spent providing services to people who have legitimate needs for monitary help.	Our expectations do not match our willingness to pay for our care. We want the Rolls Royce but will only pay for a corrola.  There has to be a better way to manage the dollars across all economic strata.	eliminate the middle man	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	8/2/06 10:33 AM
29536	"It benefits insurance and drug companies and medical supply companies and physicians at the expense of total, comprehensive, free health care for all.  We have a class system of care."	We should have National Health Insurance using the Medicare system where only a single digit percentage of the cost is administration of the system.	"There are no trade-offs needed as long as we have a National Health Care system!  It is far, far cheaper for our economy.  No excessive profits (insurance companies, drug companies, etc.) and streamlined administration like Medicare makes it affordable."	National Health Care operated on the Medicare model.  SIMPLE!	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	8/2/06 6:48 PM
29591	Uninsured people and the cost of healthcare.  In a wealthy country like America there is no excuse for people not to have health insurance.  Particularly the lower end of the middle class people who work hard every day ans still cannot afford health insurance.  Prisoners receive free health care that middle class Americans cannot afford.	WE need to reduce frivolous lawsuits then maybe the 3 above parties can afford their part.	I'm not sure but I'm going to investigate these issue more thoroughly so I can become more well informed.	We need a resonable national healthcare system for all Americans not just the rich and not just those below poverty level EVERYONE.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	8/3/06 1:25 PM
29616	Cost and Quality	"Very basic change.  There must be a system of incentives in place to force us to take care of ourselves.  Not saying we abandon people but if your health is poor you pay more.  Great shape you pay less with making good choices.  Without incentives, free care will only get more expensive and less quality.  There needs to be levels of care too.  It is always necessary to give people an opportunity but failing that care for those not making a contribution to the nation must get a very basic care.  It must be tough love."	"I am willing to make changes or even pay more if I feel everyone is taking a hit.  Companies and Doctors especially.  I need to see the books.  I support free enterprise, but making a profit off the sick and helpless is the lowest from of morality. "	People need a system of incentives to take better care of themselves.  Our estates must pay for our care.  Govt should do medical research with independent panel guiding it.  Companies compete to making drugs as cheap as possible.  Our DNA CAN NOT be patented.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OK	8/3/06 10:03 PM
29673	"The influence of insurance companies and pharmecutical companies on the health care that is authorized, provided and paid for.  There is a conflict of interest to have businesses running health care.  They have profit as their mission, not anyone's health.  They coerce providers to recommend only what they will pay for, and the managed care and insurance companies are not held liable, the providers are.  The providers and patients are abused in this fascistic system."	"I think there should be universal health care under a program like Medicare for all, with the governments as the single payer of private providers.  Private insurers should be eliminated because they only add cost, confusion, duplication, extra administrative problems in different standards of what is medically necessary, different forms, protocals of obtaining authorizations, appeals, intrusive micromanaging providers--all to limit or deny care provided to sick people"	"The insurace industry will demand to be pacified, and the government will have to retrain them for another business which will not pit profits against treatment of sick people.  The insurance companies had no mercy on the providers they harrassed out of business or caused to be disabled because of their abuse.  The society and the government could work together for the benefit of all the people instead of the few powerful elite who are getting richer, while decreasing services for the poor and middle class who are producing the wealth.  In summary, the greedy will have to become more humane. "	"Single Payer Health Care (government as the insurer,) eliminating the profit  of businesses:  insurances, managed care organizations, and pharmecutical companies.  It would not be tied to work, and it would be portable and move with patients."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	FL	8/4/06 5:09 PM
29715	"Providing affordable health care for all Americans, not only those who do not already have coverage, and the poor, but the average person who can get caught up in such high costs that they need to choose between getting proper health care or the other basic necessities. People such as spinal cord injury victims,with serious unjurious accidents that require ongoing expensive home care and therapies should be evaluated in order to qualify for permanent aid!"	"Just as education is provided to all Americans, so should health care be provided. No matter how you slice the pie for responsibility, the govt should step up to the plate and do their fair share."	"There should be no trade offs. Everyone should be entitled.  We certainly pay enought taxes.  Nix on war expenditures and aid to other countries, and put the money in American healthcare."	"Stop the endless talk and debate, and start implementing something, that has accountability attached to it.  This issue has dragged on for ages. The politicians like to talk, and act little."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	8/6/06 9:28 AM
29718	"l.  the vast numbers of uninsured or underinsured  for health care.  2.  the system as it exists is strictly for profit particularly the pharmeceutical industry.  Prices are uncontrolled and totally asymetrical to the rest of the world.  3.  the resistance of the business world to the concept of single payer (government) forhealth care.  They would stand to benefit and so would the working public, especially because businesses are either cutting out the health care benefit altogether or are expecting employees to handle a major cost.  4.  We would all benefit from the Canadian and European models.  It's about time."	"I have expressed myself adequately above.  One addition to the above: As a Medicare recipient I am well aware of the beauties of being able to choose my own doctors as well as have to have the bulk of medical expenses covered.  I want everyone to have this opportunity, regardless of age, work history, or condition of health."	"Somone needs to present to the public the way a single payer universal system would be funded.  No one has done so.  How is it handled elsewhere?  Yes, there are more taxes, but the spreadsheet of benefits to the spreadsheet of taxes should certainly be apparent.  Bring out examples of people who were left homeless because they couldn't pay their bills.  If we can do major surgeries for poor children from overseas for nothing (and I do not begrudge them!) why can't we do the same for our working poor or middle class whose coverage is too minimal?"	It'sall expressed already.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	8/6/06 11:53 AM
29776	"The major concern that I have not seen empahsised is the capitalistic control that the health insurance companyies hold over America.  How is the government going to over throw this billionare money making buisness.  The  power has been built ove the years so that it dominates all and who is going to stop it.  The costs would not be anywhere near what it has become if it was not for the insurance companies.  The only way out is for the government to make it a law that health care insurances and systems be non for profit period.  Now you know that the capitalistic thinking people who have the power are not going to want this.  Insurance companies are going to banckrupt this country if it continues.  The greed of them outways any concern they have of people getting care.  None of them care if people die.  None of them care if it causes companies to fold.  Hospsitals, and agencies are folding in wisconsin due to the health care costs and that people do not get paid enough money to pay a share in health care at this rate.  "	No one should be paying for health care except the government.  It should be part of our taxes like it is in other countries.  But not with the insurance companies having the control that they currently do have.  The hospitals and MD's cost would be less.	The trade offs right now are that they are already paying for health care.  I heard a human Resource executive smile and say that they felt that it was alright that an employees entire wage went to health-care costs and so if anyone had complaints that they had nothing to complain about.  This is how crazy it is sending people.  	"1.  Make it a law that health care has to follow the laws of a Not For Profit guidelines and make sure all the I's and T's and loop holes are covered.  2.  A thorough research into the actual cost of every piece of gauze, equipment etc. from the manufacturing on up.  3.  A thorough analysis of wages for nurses, nursing assistants  social workers pysical therapists occupational therapists and MD's.    4.  With the information of the research a cap would be put on the amount that would apply to what could be charged by the manufacturer to the retailer etc.  A cap would be put on the amount an MD could charge given that a reasonable income for the work performed.  This would eliminate MD's who are only in the health care buisness for the money and not for the love of the trade like it use to be.  RN's have never been paid their worth and they are already capped.  Nursing assistance have never been paid labor wages which is what they do.  If they were paid as well as RN's, the health care would improve.  Of course guidlines there too.  Malpractice insurance will need to be looked at as well.  The country is too sue happy and if we had people in the trade that are about caring, their may not be the need for it.  There need to be guidlines here as well.  The government need to take charge of the Sue happy people and an investigation made into each case.  I think that is this was in more control the people who have a mind set to make a buck off someone with false accusations etc.  may think twice if it was regulated by the government.  This would mean only attorneys that are employed by the governent could be used and of course they would have a cap as well as to the charge they would be allowed to make of the tax payers money.       The main emphasis is that control of every aspect needs to be made and it has to be done by the people of the country and so tax paying dollars would be the cure.  All aspects to be published and proven.  Too many companies are fraudulent with the management being the problem.  Health Care and Education are the 2 areas that need to be controlled by competent people in the government.  It has to be made Not For Profit so that any suplus at all of funds goes back to the people and not to capitalistic, greedy bankrupting insurance companies."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	8/7/06 3:33 PM
29782	The Working Group has recommended elimiinating the patient majority Board of Directors for FQHC's. This is a profund mistake and recommendation #2 should be changed.  	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	8/7/06 5:21 PM
29850	The huge number of under insured and uninsured.	"I think we should have a single payer health care plan. The plan could be thur a nation wide plan that covers all US citizens, like in all the other industrial countries. Payment to private healthcare providers at acceptable rate."	"Financing thru state and federal taxes. If we kept the insurance model then, insurance companies would be limited to a certain % of profit. "	Health care for all Americans that is provided no matter what your station is in life. If the cost is paid by all not just those that insured or are financially able to afford health care.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	8/9/06 3:03 PM
29954	"Health care has become a business rather than a service or a mission. I believe access to basic health care is a fundamental right and a shared responsibility. Too many Americans, myself included, do not have access to affordable health care, do not qualify for Medicaid and cannot afford private health insurance."	"what we have currenlty is not a system! I think we need to go to a national, universal care plan similar to European, British or Canadian models."	"I think the best trade-off people would be willing to make is to eliminate the cost of insurance to both individuals and employers and accept a commensurate increase in taxes. We pay collectively for schools, why not for health care? "	"Mandate the universal coverage for all Americans to basic, preventive health care by 2012."	female	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	8/10/06 1:40 PM
29961	"Patchwork assembly of parts that provides inconsistent quality and quantity.  We cannot allow anyone to be left without healthcare, because it is a national security issue.  Prevention is largely neglected and public health programs are underfunded. Epidemics like Alzheimers, autism and childhood ear infections continue to go without effective longterm cures. School nurses have insufficient time to address learning issues or primary care concerns for their high caseloads.  Rehab providers, such as speech, PT, OT and RT have very little impact because of scaled back allowances under insurance programs.  "	We need a single payer healthcare system that provides for all of us.  The services provided to our national legislators would be appropriately provided to all citizens.	No trade offs are necessary when the profit requirements of the healthcare industry are peeled away.	"We need a national, single payer healthcare system that provides for all people."	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SC	8/10/06 2:48 PM
29977	health care should be universal; I believe that insurance companies have used unethical influence to prevent our nation from adopting universal health care	"core health care, including medical/mental/dental health care, should be ""free"" paid by government, by all taxpayers  I am especially concerned about chronically ill people who cannot afford needed health care. If chronic diseases were covered for ALL, we'd all pay more but not much more.  I believe Medicare and Medicaid should bargain for reduced drug prices, the way pharmacy benefit managers bargain.  No one pays full price!"	"I believe we'd accept co-pays at the time of service, generic drug substitutions, and a confused interval if Medicare began to cover all US residents--not just those over 65."	Cover everyone!  It's a fairness issue.	female	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	8/10/06 5:32 PM
30039	NULL	NULL	NULL	"I have read the interim recommendations and have a problem with 3 items: that everyone have a core benefit package, that there be financial assistance to those with large heath related debt and there should be financial protection for those with large health related debt. No where is there mention about personal responsibility. If I smoke and overeat and continue to with the knowledge that I am damaging my body, no one else should be responsible for the debt I incur because of it. Smoking and weight related disease is some of the most expensive in this country. We must stop taking responsibility for those who don't for themselves. We are creating a country that will implode with the debt created by some expecting others to figure it out."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	LA	8/11/06 1:14 PM
30053	"What concerns me most is he lack of economic access to needed health care by a large percentage of American citizens.  I also think our govrernment needs to take action to reduce the cost of pharmaceuticals to what the cost in Canada and most European nations. I volunteer as a clinical social worker two days a week in a free clinic for people with no other access to health care. All our staff, including physicians and nurses, receptionist, etc. also are volunteers."	"I favor a social insurance health care funding system, like Medicare."	"I don't think there need to be any ""tradeoffs"", except perhaps to make greater effort to reduce waste and corruption in government, and focus more on the wellbeing of the entire citizenry, rather than just those with power and money. With what the government is wasteing(multi-billions a month) on the war in Iraq, we could provide a lot of needed health care and meet a lot of other public needs."	"Extend Medicare to cover all citizens of the U.S., essentially the kind of system they have in Canada This would be a ""social insurance program"", like Social Security - which nearly all Americans approve of, but who would not favor  ""socialized medicine"" -as they have in England in some other European countries. However, some people are concerned that since Medicare only covers 80% of most procedures that providers might object.  "	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	8/11/06 4:57 PM
30074	It excludes 46 million people.	Change to a single-payer universal health care system like the system provided to Congressmen.	The public is willing to compromise so much that a worthwhile system seems impossible to achieve.	Change to a single-payer universal system like Congressmen now enjoy.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/11/06 11:49 PM
30101	I am concerned about cuts being made in Medicaid program. I am also concerned about the extremely limited dental health care that Medicaid provides. I am also concerned about the low spending cap limit that Medicaid allows for outpatient medical tests.	All people should make a monthly $5 payment to a federal health care agency that oversees the USA health care system including the Medicaid program. A federal health care agency could take the collected money and use it to give funds to any requesting health care provider and/or Medicaid provider.  	To make a monthly $5 payment to a federal health care agency that oversees the USA health care system including the Medicaid program.	"Regular dental health and specialized dental health care needs to be included in the Medicaid program. The only dental health care that Medicaid provides is emergency dental health care.     Medicaid also needs to have at least $1000 per Medicaid recipient per year to cover any outpatient medical tests. If I am correct, the current Medicaid limit per year for outpatient medical tests is $500.  "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AR	8/12/06 3:47 PM
30104	"The lack of adequate coverage for mental health problems. When mental health problems are adequately addressed, illness decreases, the immune response is increased, sick days decrease, ""presenteeism"" decreases, productivity increases, etc. etc. Improving the PHYSICAL health of America requires improving the MENTAL health of America."	"All health insurance should be required to provide substantial mental health benefits, without expensive and wasteful requirements for pre-authorization. As mental health improves, physical health generally improves as well."	NULL	"Require that ALL health insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare, have substantial mental health coverage, with no pre-authorization required. The more obstacles placed in the way of access to mental health treatment, the less people will access that treatment -- though people who get treatment have fewer and less serious medical problems, fewer sick days, greater productivity, etc. Repairing our health delivery system needs to start with improving access to mental health care."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	8/12/06 4:31 PM
30125	"At the request of Rep. Henry A. Waxman, this report examines whether the Republican promises of low drug prices have been achieved. The analysis in the report is based on a comparison of the drug prices offered by ten leading Medicare drug plans with four benchmarks: (1) the drug prices negotiated by the federal government and available on the Federal Supply Schedule; (2) the drug prices paid by consumers in Canada; (3) the drug prices currently available online through Drugstore.com; and (4) the drug prices currently available at Costco stores. The drugs whose prices are evaluated in the report are the ten best-selling drugs among seniors in 2004.     The report finds that the complicated Medicare drug benefit now being offered to seniors has not succeeded in reducing drug prices. The average drug prices offered by the ten leading Medicare drug plans are higher than each of the four benchmark prices. Specifically, the report finds that the drug prices offered by the Medicare drug plans are:     Over 80% higher than the prices negotiated by the federal government.   Over 60% higher than the prices available to consumers in Canada.   Over 3% higher than the prices available on Drugstore.com.   Almost 3% higher than the prices available at Costco. "	NULL	NULL	Cancell all 20 of the woefully inefficient drug plans for seniors and allow Medicare to negotiate for discounted drugs for seniors (as does the VA).  This will reduce the cose to seniors by 30-60%  	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	8/13/06 10:15 AM
30126	"My beloved partner visited a clinic in Cincinnati for her urinary track infection. The doctor charged $120 but the test lab charged $670 for its three tests. Thinking this might be unfairly steep, I checked for the same three tests on the web. To my surprise, other clinics were charging 50 to 70% LESS for the very same tests. Something was very wrong here. When I registered my confusion, the billing department supervisor insisted that this was “the usual and customary charge.” When I politely asked for the name of one other clinic in Cincinnati that had comparable prices, the supervisor became irate and suggested my wife was unsatisfied and should go elsewhere. I explained that my wife was very satisfied with the treatment received. My hope was to understand why the lab tests were two to three times what was being charged elsewhere. A few weeks later, an insurance agent explained to me why: “Hospitals and clinics have two price lists. One for the insured, and one for the uninsured. Insurance companies protect their insured patrons. The uninsured, however, routinely are forced to pay two or three times more precisely because there is no one to protect their interests.” Wow! What an eye-opener! Our present system operates such that those who are most vulnerable in times of illness are forced to pay inflated prices. Those who are insured, meanwhile, pay only a small fraction of the bill, and their insurance carrier gets a fat reduction in what it pays. A commentary in the Los Angeles Times by University of California at Davis professor emeritus of history Ruth Rosen was even more forceful: In ""our irrational and broken medical system,"" the ones who are expected to pay ""outrageous"" hospital bills in full are the ""ordinary working people without health insurance."" To remedy this, Rosen encourages California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to ""rectify this inequitable system"" by signing a bill just passed by the California legislature that ""prohibits hospitals from overcharging the uninsured."" Governor Schwarzenegger, however, has received (and hopes to continue to receive) substantial campaign contributions from insurance companies that favor the status quo. American democracy and its associated “free enterprise system” are here caught with their pants down. Those who most need health insurance cannot buy it (at any price); those who don’t have it get grossly overcharged when they receive treatment. In effect, the $670 I send to the lab subsidizes the low rates charged to the insured. As long as Americans continue to tolerate a system wherein 38 million workers and their children are forced to get by without health insurance, such inequities will abound. "	NULL	NULL	"Let's initiate a single health care plan for all Americans that is paid for by our tax dollars.  The current system is unfair, woefully inefficient, and fails to safeguard ""good health"" as an American resource!"	male	Over 64	NULL	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	8/13/06 10:22 AM
30137	"As a former teacher, I saw many times that children did not receive adequate treatment because of the paper work ""hoops"" that were required to jump through before treatment could be given.  Parents may not have the required cards or forms or numbers they needed to qualify for treatment.  This often applies to all socioeconomic groups."	"Let's look at it another way.  Have satellite treatment centers operating from a hospital throughout the community, fund them to treat their population, connect them to research institutions to study best practices for treatment, & reward those centers who do the best job with their particular population segment.  These centers should be available 24/7/365.  The staff, including the physicians, would receive financial incentives for their education based on ability to pay so there would be no huge loan repayment & they would be ready to staff the centers based on their knowledge instead of their socio-economic status."	"We would be more willing to pay a health care tax based on the above approach, rather that the tired insurance based method.  Treatment comes first because the centers are established through tax support to do their job of providing treatment first & foremost."	"Treatment should come first, not determination of a person's ability to pay."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OK	8/13/06 1:27 PM
30156	"What concerns me most about health care in America today is that itsimply does not cover every citizen, 46 million Americans are uninsured, 9 million of which are children. Finding a sustainable, affordable and effective way to cover every citizen shoud be America's number one priority. Funding anational health care system for all Americans is within our means and should be pursued vigorously."	"We need to protect and grow government programs to protect citizens in need the most. Medicaid, Medicarer and SCHIP be be kept, grown and reformed."	"As citizens, Americans need to be ready to spend more of govt. funds on health care, get it out of the private market and move forward with generic drug use even if pharmaceutical companies will suffer. Personal health should be the #1 priority."	Health coverage for ALL.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	8/13/06 8:13 PM
30159	NULL	"all we need to do is expand medicare to cover everyone, companys could buy into it for their employees, or people under 65 could opt in at a premium . premiums could be adjusted to income, all persons should be required to opt in."	NULL	NULL	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	8/13/06 9:18 PM
30170	"Chiropractic doctors are still treated like second class citizens by many in the health care industry.  There is an abundance of quality research now that demonstrates the effectiveness and cost savings in chiropractic treatment.  Any new health care system needs recognize and take advanctage of these benefits for all americans.  There should be ample provision of these services for the patients and equivalent, fair reimbursement to the doctors of chiropractic.  "	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	8/14/06 8:35 AM
30181	"Two things.  First, not all Americans have access to a basic set of benefits.  Second, the cost of employer sponsored healthcare insurance is a significant factor in their inability to be competitve in the world ""marketplace"""	"The individual consumer (patient) needs to make a value decision just like any other purchase they make.  This means some sort of individual accounts where people make choices based on quality, access and cost."	"I believe our leaders have done a great disservice to the public by telling us we can have better quality, better cost and better access.  That is simply not true.  The cost of excess capacity in our health system is beyond enormous.  (It is extremely expensive to have 10 surgical suites in a community that only needs 6)....I think Americans will have to adjust to different expectations about access.....or the cost to the system will, at some point, drive too many jobs out of the country."	"A basic set of benefits for all LEGAL Americans.  However, I also think the doctor self-referral issue is a huge cost inflator that must be dealt with.  As doctors owm more equipment and facilities, they almost always creat additional excess capacity in a town or area.  While it may help them economically, it is highly inflationary to the community and local businesses are struggling to keep job in America.  Doctor self-referral is an ethical and economic problem.  If our health services in America were ""right-sized"", there would be an opportunity to significantly reduce costs."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	8/14/06 11:14 AM
30183	"That we will create a nationalized, government system which rations care and creates a utilitarian mindset regarding life."	"What we should ABSOLUTELY NOT DO is create a nationaled, government health care system!  Your recommendations seem to be leaning this way.  All the countries with that system make irrational choices/tradeoffs.  What we SHOULD DO is employ market economics that sill allow for consumer free choice.  For instance, smokers should pay X% more for coverage.  We do not eliminate the choice to smoke, that group just pays more.  Same thing for overweight/obese folks.  A focus on 'health care for all' misses the elephant in the room--namely, poor choices by consumers.  So rather than follow the socialist health care experiments which are not successful, let's focus on the real issues here in America.  Americans are at their best when presented with rational, economic tradeoffs that support personal and public interests.  Second, tort reform.  The other big driver of cost are the egregious, outlandish lawsuits. Not just the settlements themselves but all the 'preventative' tests drive up cost.  I have several friends who are physicians.  Their solution to health care in America is for citizens to get healthy/fit and to recognize that sometimes stuff just happens in life.  That is not to say we do not advance medicine, just that life has its natural travails and those travails are no one's fault over which to sue.  Following these 2 recommendations I have outlined will reduce the cost of health care dramatically."	"The tradeoff MUST BE at the consumer level, not a government program.  People will chose to get fit and quit smoking rather than pay much higher cost for coverage.  And if they do not, the higher premiums will cover their excessive use of the health care system.      As a general point, I think Americans would choose fewer benefits for not raising taxes."	"Employ consumer economics and keep government out.    Finally, if you want to contact me pls"	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	8/14/06 11:34 AM
30188	"The impossible, fragmented system which has resulted from supposed cost containment measures imposed by the insurors but which, in reality, incurs costs, in time and money, on the part of the consumer."	Medicare should be extended to all Americans; supplemental insurance to be offered to those who wish it.	Redirected taxes by elimination of waste in the government.	A single-payor system; universal health care insurance for all.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NJ	8/14/06 12:01 PM
30199	Too many dollars are spent in treating conditions that can be prevented or delayed through proper attention to preventative health care. 	NULL	We could save billions each year if we increase by 20% the proportion of Americans who walk 30 minutes a day. Fund this through reduced end-of-life expenditures. 	"To maximize improvement of the public's health, up to 5% of the health care dollar should be dedicated for preventative services.  Expand state public health & educational programs to partner with the private sector."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	8/14/06 1:48 PM
30246	"Funding cuts for Medicare and Medicaid deeply hurt non-profit, outpatient, health care FQHC Clinics like ours (Centerville Clinics,Inc.).    We desperately need our funding to serve the under and uninsured patients that we see.    Thank you.  "	Lower the cost for families to obtain health care.	NULL	Lower the cost to obtain healthcare.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	8/15/06 11:05 AM
30258	"I'm most concrned aobut the inequity in coverage according to income levels.  As a retired Buffalo teacher, with medicare and BC/BS,I am quite well covered.  But when I go to Wegmans for our prescriptions and peek over a senior's shoulder to see what he pays for drugs, I feel very fortunate and sorry for him    "	"i think we should go to a single payer system.  It will take a long time to get used to it, as has been the case in Canada, and we might considser going elsewhere for a particular treatment. But in the long run ir's the only way to go."	"If by tradse-offfs yu mean things we should be willing to give  up in order eto receive quality care, I can't think of any. Ayn plan will be a bare-bones plan; we should not have to give up anything to get it.    "	"As I said above, we must have equity in coverage. There are too many equities in life without there being one in health care."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	8/15/06 1:38 PM
30263	"That health care is not preventing the cause of disease, that health care is not treating disease.  The more we have of it, the sicker we get.  The best health care is to treat the CAUSE of disease, not the symptoms."	I should be able to have my own health insurance and should not be required to have Medicare or prescription drug coverage.	"I think the American public is willing to make lifestyle changes, mainly food choices, if they know what causes, prevents, and treats disease.  Most of us don't want to be sick."	Require FACTUAL information be given to all Americans about what and how they need to eat to prevent and treat their diseases.  Anyone with any relationship to the food or drug industries or any politician who receives donations from the food or drug industries should be prohibited from membership on any panel or committee that makes food recommendations to the American public.  The focus should be on treating the cause of disease (what we eat) rather than treating the symptom.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	8/15/06 2:44 PM
30280	The cost of health care and the fact that it is unavailable to many. Thousands of WORKING families are driven into bankruptcy after serious illnesses.  It's absolutely shameful.  	Absolutely!  We need a single payer system like every other progressive country in the world.  We are spending billions to keep private insurance companies in business. And the government (and Medicare) need to bargain with drug companies to lower costs. 	"In England, Canada, France, and Japan people choose their own doctors and receive excellent care for less than half the cost our country pays, with millions left uninsured.  Most Americans would be willing to wait for elective surgery, use generic drugs and much more in order to know they would receive competent affordable health care that wasn't attatched to their job."	Have a single payer system that covers EVERYONE.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NE	8/15/06 5:01 PM
30310	"Our medical system (it is not a 'health care' system in any respect.)is so myopic: it focuses on the established ""acute care"" aspect which is nothing more than waiting until health is ""broken"" to attmpt to ""fix it""!  We need to recognise that individuals do have total responsibility for their health through lifestyle choices (allowing for the limitations imposed by genetics, of course).  We need to begin a systematic effort, starting in the first grade, and continuing through 12th grade to teach good health practices, nutritional principles, and create a lifelong habit of regular exercise.  We also must now fouus the ""acute care"" system on the current status of national health problems today, that of chronic disease care.  We need to address the end-of-life issues at a societal level and stop attempting to transfer those choices to the medical sector. I commonly hear the statistic that much (most?) of the Medicare funds are spent during the beneficiary's last 6 months of life.  However, we expect the medical establishment to do something to correct that!  As a physician, my response is, ""if you can tell me which 6 months that is for a specific individual, I may be able to do something about it!""  However, we do not know that with any certainty in any individual case, at least until very close to the end, and in any case, it is not surprising that we are sickest when we are about to die!  Thus far, we have not only allowed, but actually encouraged, citizens to expect that they need not have any personal responsibility for their own health outcomes, and that they only need to ""drive it in and get it fixed"" when problems develop!"	"These ""third party payment systems"" create a distinction between the provider and recipient of health interventions, which encourages excess use and eliminates the ""marketplace"" restraint (cost to the buyer) as a factor of containment.  Technology and research have provided interventions far beyond the necessary. We now have ""medically available"" items (maybe to no real or lasting benefit, such as botox treatments for facial wrinkles and bariatric surgery procedures that offer only temorpary weight loss capability), ""medically desirable"" (providing cosmetic improvements sometimes to some real health risk, and conveninece items providing only minor decreases in moderate discomfort, incluiding elective surgical procedures for joint replacement, etc.), extremely expensive ""rescue treatments"" at the end of life, such as some cancer treatments, and then the real objective, ""medically necessary"" treatment/care which makes a real difference to life and limb on an extended basis. It seems to me that it is only the latter, in a quite clearly defined sense, (unlike the very liberal interpretation of today) that the public sector should assure at public expense.  Perhaps a more equitable approach than the present one would consist of coverage by government for all ages, for strictly necessary costs of care that exceed a stipulated percentage of total household income, thus avoiding catastrophic expenses and ""medical bankreuptcy.""  Then, insurance for amounts less than that should be voluntary."	"The public issues (to the general public) today are involved with providing for those truly unable to provide for themselves, the poor and disabled. They are framed in terms fo ""insurance coverage"" as a proxy for ""access"" because our present system is primarily bsed on a profit-making, competitive  model.  Other developed countries base theirs on a more ""public utilities"" model, allowing private profit only from the ""periphery of medically unnecessary but desirable/available"" parts of the technical and pharmeutical capability.  We should invistigate this approach more seriously."	"If an insurance model is kept, make it a true one, wherein everyone pays a little so those in need of care get it paid"" and stop the ""cherry picking of risk"" by all the mechanisms in use today, such as waiting periods for existing coonditions, ""rating"" by groups, employers, etc., and require all insurance companies to acceipt all comers. and to provide a package of basic elements at a basic premium, competing only the basis of cost for additional coverages, elective treatments, etc."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/15/06 6:01 PM
30401	High costs relative to results. Income and social  class inequities in access to quality care. Huge  administrative overhead in a free market insurance  environment. (I get about six sheets of paper every time I see a doctor) Medicare Part D. won't  contain costs due to the way it is rigged.	Adopt a universal single payer system similar to Medicare  part A and B with a drug benefit that permits  government pharmacy manager to negociate prices.	Pay more taxes in exchange for a transparent  easy to access cost efficient system that is  fair to everyone.	I like the recommendations on end of life care.  Too much money goes to keeping people alive with  poor quality of life at the end.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	8/16/06 8:55 AM
30422	"The lack of universal health care for all Americans is a national disgrace. I am especially concerned about young adults who upon turning age 25 are thrown out of health care plans. THis happened to my son. Yes, COBRA is available to those who are forced out of a health plan, but the costs are exhorbitant. Americans should have the same coverage rights as enjoyed by our members of Congress. "	"We should seriously consider a Single Payer System which would be taxed based. In other words, a Medicare-type system for all Americans. We know that Medicare has been a successful system for our senior population. Why not extend this to all age groups. Having employers pay for our health care system is a relic from the past. My employer does not pay for my car or home insurance. Why must the employer be burdened by the unnecessary cost of providing health insurance. The money saved by the employer could go toward the financing of a tax based system. At the same time, employees would enjoy higher pay that could also go toward finacing a single payer system. Most importantly, Americans would no longer feel trapped in jobs just to have health care benefits. "	I sincerely believe based on my discussions with many friends and neighbors that Americans would be willing to pay higher taxes to enjoy the security of health care coverage. 	"Promoting health education in schools and in the work place to prevent chronic diseases. This should be a concerted effort by employers, the governement, and Americans who need to take some responsibility for their own health. This includes methods to reduce obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, etc. Americans are the most overworked people on the planet. We need to find ways to bring balance back into our lives to promote healthy living. This includes more family time, community work, and vacation time. All of these serve to reduce the stress in our lives which is a large contributing factor in the development of chronic diseases."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	8/16/06 11:09 AM
30428	It should be mandated that patients be given copies of ALL doctor notes and opinions that are placed in their files. (some doctors lie)  A patient should have the right to MANDATE that their record not leave the doctor's office. (even in a large establishment)  Religious beliefs should be respected and not subjected to ridicule and personal attacks that hinder future health care.  Give a patients the right to refuse the medical establishment permission to keep records electronically.  Repeal HIPAA	"The UCR should not apply only to insurance agencies.  Those without insurance not only do not have the money to pay, they are charged a higher rate."	"Under no condition, should privacy be compromised!!!"	It should be mandated that patients be given copies of ALL doctor notes and opinions that are placed in their files. (some doctors lie)  A patient should have the right to MANDATE that their record not leave the doctor's office. (even in a large establishment)A physician bias can destroy future quality treatment.  	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	8/16/06 11:45 AM
30486	"46 millions uninsured, lack of focus on prevention "	Yes	Higher taxes if offset by lower health insurance costs	Single payor system	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	8/16/06 7:53 PM
30997	"People in poverty are not cared for properly. They need free prescription for costly disease processes like hypertension and diabetes. We pay for dialysis for kidney failure, but won't pay for the hypertension or diabetes meds to keep renal failure from happening to begin with! Shame on our system!A recent patient story illustrates another point. She is diabetic, with hypertension and has decreased vision, now legally blind. Before her blindness, on Medicaid her meds were paid for and she stayed out of the hospital. Forced to go on disability due to the blindness, she now has to pay cash for her meds. Out of 658$ a month, she pays 350$ for meds. That doesn't leave much for rent, food, diabetic supplies, transportation(remember, she's blind) and the care of her young teen.Skimping on her meds to buy food for her teen she ends up in the hospital with Diabetic Ketoacidoisis and Accellerated Hypertension. She stayed 2 weeks. That bill is much more than supplying her meds for the whole year and transportation to a clinic. In my 15 years as a nurse I have seen literally millions of dollars wasted in this way. When will we realize that preventative care and free care and meds for poverty stricken will save in the long run?"	"How about healthy family members ""pay"" for health care premiums by public service works such as working unskilled hospital and clinic jobs or building roads, parks and homes for the poor? How about a flat rate for National healthcare plan? How about making those that are wealthy donate their social security or medicare to an ill person who cannot afford it and give them a tax break for it?"	"Alot of money could be saved if more ""minute clinic"" type facilities were instituted for low risk problems like seasonal allergies, sinus infections, colds, flu, that clog up ER's and specialists offices at costly rates. Go back to giving vaccinations in school. "	"Provide for preventitive care for poor, mentally unstable ,substance abusers and children. Pay more for poverty medicine, pay less for thoses wealthy enough to afford their own care. Put healthcare back in the public school systems and make health classes mandatory through high school."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	GA	8/18/06 11:26 AM
31029	NULL	NULL	NULL	"Though the USA spends more money than other countries on health care it consistently shows poor outcomes per dollar spent. I believe that is because we focus on treatments rather than education, well care and prevention.  The old adage ""An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"" could not ring more true.  I believe the reason that treatments have become so ingrained in our society is that they are often business and financially driven.  There is much less money to made on education, wellness care and prevention than on pharmaceutical and other treatments.  Yet, clearly the evidence is strong that the benefits of prevention are not only cost effective but far more superior to the health of a community. For the best and most efficient outcomes, I believe this education, well care, and prevention should be easily available and provided to everyone, regardless of economic standing."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	8/18/06 3:23 PM
31042	I am a retired RN that worked in Home Health and Hospice for 20 years.  The system we have is primarily benefiting the insurance companies particularly since the advent of the HMO's and now Medicare Part D.  I have scanned the work you have done to provide for the American Public and it looks good.	Get the insurance companies out.	"I think there would be little to give up if the insurers are out of the way.  In my job, I could have done near twice as many patient visits it I hadn't had to spend over half my time doing paper work that was primarily for insurance purposes.  They said it was for other reason, the matra,""if it's not charted, it wasn't done"", but the charting certainly could be minimized."	"If people grew up in a single payor system, health education and preventative medicine could be benefited and this would be an economy in the long run.  Also people would feel free to seek help as soon as they needed it and this would save money and improve qualitiy of life."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	8/18/06 6:05 PM
31084	It is too expensive.	"There should be universal health care, single payer, provided by the government.  Prescription drugs are often too expensive."	would be willing to pay higher taxes to assure affordable high quality healthy care	Reduce costs of prescription drugs	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	8/19/06 5:42 PM
31163	"How we ha e medicalized our lives, so the drug compies have us by the throat. New ""diseases are listed almost weekly for which a specific drug is needed. No, many of the issues are normal life expereiences which are not diseases. A pill will not cure everything. Yes, alternative methods of caring for one's self do work, even if the medical extablishment does not believe it. "	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	ND	8/21/06 12:25 PM
31165	That healthcare is not available and affordable to everyone and that it is so costly	"I think we should develop a system where profit is not the driver. I think insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies and for profit hospitals and practices should be limited and controlled and there should be government oversight. I think those who can pay should continue either through premiums or taxes."	Higher taxes in exchange for a fair system and inclusion of all.   But I think we spend too much on designer drugs and tests. We should simplify and streamline.	Let everybody in and emphasize prevention!	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	8/21/06 12:55 PM
31345	Too many drugs and not enough natural cures. Lack of prevention and using natural alternatives like chiropractic care.	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MS	8/23/06 4:49 PM
31354	That as an older adult when I am ready to quit my job that insurance will not be there to help.  Employers are not required to help no matter how many years of service you have put in and that the price of replacement insurance will be untouchable.  	That we are not goverened by medical doctors who are goverened by drug companies who are goverened by the almighty dollar.	Welfare participatants go to the medical core for anything and everything due to not having to pay for it - insured people do not go simply because they cannot make it to their deductibles.	Keep alternative forms of care - such as Chiropratic and train the public how alternative medicine can benefit one without medicines.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MS	8/23/06 5:51 PM
31364	"PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS AND OUR VERY FAST-PACED DYNAMIC/RAPID CHANGING ECONOMY THAT CAUSES AMERICANS TO CHANGE THEIR JOBS AND THEIR INSURANCE POLICIES EVERY 5 TO 7 YEARS. ONCE AMERICANS ARE FACED WITH A JOB CHANGE, THEIR CURRENT CONDITIONS SUDDENLY BECOME PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS, MAKING THEM HAVE TO PAY SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER COSTS OUT OF POCKET FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND/OR TREATMENT OF THE APPLICABLE MEDICAL CONDITIONS. CHRONIC CONDITIONS CAN ESPECIALLY BREAK THE BANK FOR ANY AVERAGE AMERICAN.  "	LOWER DEDUCTIBLES AND LOWER OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES FOR INDIVIDUAL.	NO COMMENT.	SEE FIRST RESPONSE.	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/23/06 8:12 PM
31371	"The lack of available, affordable health care for all citizens."	"We should divorce benefits from the employer/employee dyad. Too many people are left outside that connection: students, people between jobs, people who work where employers provide no benefits, self-employed, children, non-working adults (caring for family members perhaps) "	"Don't forget *available* affordable. When you include the money saved from car insurance premiums because health care is guaranteed, the money saved from Workman's Comp, the money saved from not having to include a shareholder profit, the funds should be more than sufficient - we know what Medicare administrative costs are, so can extrapolate to a broader system. Employers could pay a fixed percentage 8%?directly to the government for every employee; they could pay higher wages to cover a higher deduction paid by the worker, taxes from stock trades and other financial transactions could be used. Social Security-type deductions are probably the broadest measure to use. Big Pharma and big insurance should be monitored in what kinds of messages they give the public. Sixteen different medicines for one type of ailment is not efficient. The public doesn't ""need"" that in order to have good health. "	Implement as quickly as possible a universal health care benefit for everyone. Harry Truman thought this was an important initiative and he was right!	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	8/23/06 10:46 PM
31378	The rising costs for all income levels.	It should be by the government WITH OVERSIGHT BY INDIVIDUALS AND EMPLOYERS.	Less tax dollars going to military spending and ineffective national security and more of those tax dollars going to better our health care system.	See above	male	25 to 44	No	Other	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	8/24/06 1:54 AM
31393	"The roler lobbyists have played in protecting their bgit of turf and driving up costs..Re Pharmaceuticals  role in Medicare Part D and our Congress making it part of the law that drug prices could not be negotiated by the government., How stupid is that?  We all know that some peole were paid off in big dollars for that little gift to the pharmaceutical companies.America is not the better off for this sort of influence peddling,either in this arena or any other."	"Take it out of hands of employers.  It is being eroded now all the time anyhow.Employers then can  pay  people a living wage ,not a poverty wage, and people will be able pay higher taxes."	higher taxes-making it plain that people are getting something valuable for this.	"Health care immediatley to everyone on welfare,including mental health  and dental coverage.  Stress preventive care and diet  and life style.  "	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	8/24/06 10:42 AM
31417	"Dear Members of the Citizens' Health Care Working Group:    Thank you for your service toward the goal of finding a viable system of health care for all in the United States.  I write to you today as a middle-class citizen living in New Mexico, and also as a person concerned about poverty and its effects, including limited access to to health care.     As a member of the middle class I must say that health insurance has become more and more expensive for my family every year - double-digit increases for many years now. This year, due to premium increases, we were forced to choose a policy that covers less yet costs more. It makes me wonder what is in store for us in the future if the system is not fixed. So far my family is still insured, albeit less than satisfactorily, but many American families, including 8 to 9 million children, are not insured. Surely Congress' establishment of the Citizens' Health Care Working Group is at least in part a recognition that this situation is unacceptable, particularly for the wealthiest country in the world.     I join with RESULTS, a citizen-advocacy group, in making the following specific suggestions to you.     First, prioritize your recommendations 1 and 2 to read:  1. ""It should be public policy that all Americans have affordable health care.""  2. ""Define a 'core' benefit package for all Americans.""     Additionally, agree with the Institute of Medicine's five guiding principles and urge you to adopt them. They are:   • Health care coverage should be universal.  • Health care coverage should be continuous.  • Health care coverage should be affordable.  • Health care insurance should be sustainable for society.  • Health care provided should be effective, efficient, safe, timely, patient-centered and equitable.     A final point I'd like to make is that profit-based systems have, in my opinion proved themselves to be poorly suited to meeting the societal need of affordable and adequate health care. As an example, Ardent, which recently purchased Lovelace, a local health care provider, recently announced the closure of its mental health department because it was not profitable. This has thrown many, many patients out on the street, so to speak, with nowhere to turn for their care. I urge you to consider recommending a system that does not rely on the bottom line for whether it will continue to provide services. A model based on the current Veterans Administration, which receives high marks for service, with low overhead costs, bears some study.    "	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NM	8/24/06 1:01 PM
31427	"We are supposedly the greatest nation in the world, yet we do not provide health care for all. There should be single-payer health care for everybody living here. Instead, some pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies, and specialists are getting even richer at our expense. I think that equitable access to health care is important and would not be such an obstacle if we were less concerned about profits and more concerned about people -- i.e., care for individual with little means, preventive care, and patient education might aren't going to make money for hospitals and other for-profit health providers.  These services will, however, save us all money in the long run by reducing the percentage of Americans with chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease) that require expensive tests and treatments."	"I know that this system is inefficient and inhumane. Too much time and money are spent denying people services that they and their health care providers see as necessary:  how much time have I and my friends and family spent in the last year calling our insurance companies to ask coverage was denied? A single-payer system would be clearer and would eliminate much paperwork and wrangling over coverage.  I am in training to become a health professional; I am not following this career path in order to deny people access to health services and charge them high prices but rather to provide compassionate, effective medical treatment.  "	"Currently, the trade-off we are making is that many people lack any access to affordable healthcare (over 45 million lack insurance), some have costly access to mediocre care, and a handful of pharmaceutical and medical corporations are making healthy profits.  I don't think health care should be delivered solely through the free market system -- corporate drive for profit clearly clashes with individuals' needs for health care.  If we have a single-payer system, we will eliminate the need for bureaucracies associated with granting (and denying) coverage for health care.  We will also enable the government to seek lower prices in contracts for pharmaceuticals. We will enable folks to receive the education and preventive care they need in order to avoid many chronic conditions. Overall, we will have a more just and equitable society. If that means paying higher taxes or waiting a little longer for non-critical surgery, so be it."	"universal, single-payer (government) health insurance delivered with dignity and justice"	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	8/24/06 3:33 PM
31432	Affordability	Allow and encourage use of the CHCs	NONE	"Preventative health care -- Encourage preventative health care, like life insurance should be based on the person's weight, general health, whether they exercise and eat right."	female	45 to 64	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TN	8/24/06 3:47 PM
31438	I have recently discovered that we do a horrible job of preventive health care in America. Our diets are much too rich and many of us suffer from chronic diseases of our own making. Or health care costs are terribly high because we make ourselves sick with years of poor eating and exercise habits. We smoke and drink and eat like kings and we are chronically ill because of it.	NULL	NULL	"Create incentives and reduced premiums for people who do take care of themselves. Health screenings could qualify persons who are not obese and they should pay less premium than whose who are. Think about. The high costs can be reduced if we just eat right and exercise. The facts are clear, our poor diets are killing us and all we can do is discuss how to pay for it all."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MS	8/24/06 5:04 PM
31449	"The cost  Insurance companies that make a profit are deciding what care people need, not doctors"	A single payer health car system is needed	I think the public is willing to trade exorbitant insurance cost or no  health care coverage for universal health care. In fact it would help our corporations who now have to pay health care cost to their workers and compete with more modernized countries that have single payer health care.	America is #26 of modern nations in mortality rate. We need a single payer universal health care system for all.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	8/24/06 7:10 PM
31462	Increasingly more individuals have no access to health care.	"Yes.  Remove the government subsidies, regulations, and licensing which raises the costs of health care and makes it harder to obtain for the average citizen."	"The trade-offs should be at the discretion of the individual consumer.  If a young person wants minimal care, they should be able to purchase an inexpensive health care plan understanding that the benefits will not be as great.  Conversely, if the elderly consumer wants access to a full coverage type insurance plan, they make the trade off of paying higher costs for better benefits.  "	Simply de-regulate the industry along with removing all subsidies.	male	25 to 44	No	Other	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	8/24/06 10:32 PM
31469	The high cost of medical overbilling and fraud.  The high cost of practitioner/provider liability insurance. The complexity of the system invites opportunistic greed.    	Individuals should pay the least.  Employers and Government should split the difference.	"The American public wants the high quality, low individual cost health-care system that OTHER WESTERN INDUSTRIALIZED COUNTRIES ENJOY!"	Take the huge profits out of healthcare and it will be more fair for more Americans.	male	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/25/06 12:08 AM
31519	The High cost of health care.	"The problem lies on both sides.  Some people go to the doctor for every little problem real and immagined.  Also, cost are rising higher than is reasonable."	A more cost effective program.	"Hospitals need to be more efficiently operated.  If we ran our business' like that, they would all be gone.  People used to talk about Government waste, but hospitals are worse.  Every person who performs any little thing for you has their own billing department, management ect."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	8/25/06 2:08 PM
31529	You guys are making this way too complicated.	"Simple, just read Dean Baker's ""The Conservative Nanny State"" page 99.  ""The government could simply open the Medicare system on a voluntary basis to any employer or individual who wanted to sign up. The Medicare program could charge standard insurance rates base on age, and comptet with existing private sector plans."""	None.	"Make it simple, effordable. Do as Dean Baker suggests: open Medicare to all employers and individuals and compete against private health insurance compaines."	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	8/25/06 4:16 PM
31535	"The 47 million uninsured people, as well as many more underinsured. When we have private care that is publicly funded, everyone will be covered!"	"Health insurance should not be dependent on employment! We are the only industrialized nation  that has this system, which is too political."	"  Once people realize that costs will be less, and care will be better, they will be happy to participate in a single-payer plan.  We must think in terms of a Medicare-type plan that includes everyone."	"This should be a federal task, rather than being done state by state, with band-aid changes such as those in Massachusetts, which still allows the high administrative costs of several different insurance plans."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	8/25/06 5:13 PM
31536	I'm most concerned by the absurdity of providing limitless tests and treatments for the most economically advantaged and little or no care for the least advantaged among us--under 5s from poor or working poor families. This does not make sense for the longterm health of society or its social stability. 	"This system opens the floodgates to bill padding--if they know you are paying out of your own pocket, it's one price, if the insurer/employer, another. A single payer system would also mean a negotiated, fixed fee, for a service.  "	"I think the American public must be made to understand that as the boomers reach critical mass, limitless health care, be you insured or not, is unaffordable for the country. We must all learn to live with rationed care. Interestingly, recent studies contrasting the rationed care system in the UK with the US system demonstrated that the British are healthier. Maybe non-intervention, or a conservative approach to care, is not such a bad thing after all."	"I think our best investment as a country would be in unrationed neo-natal and early childhood care, including nutrition education and some form of unearned income credit to support a healtier diet for the working poor.     While the rich and very rich would be in a position to opt for private physicians outside a managed/rationed health care system, costs are such that the overwhelming majority of Americans would have no choice but to accept rationed and managed care. While some doctors, as in the UK, would opt out of the system, I imagine that most would not. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/25/06 5:16 PM
31539	"It's eating up any wage growth or ""tax"" reduction - and then some!  And it spends way too much on certain procedures and insufficient amounts on cheap procedures, like prevention."	We should have a national health care system and should reign in the exhorbitant prices of prescription drugs which costs only go to line the pockets of executives and shareholders.	I don't think there needs to be a trade-off - its a win-win going to national health care.  	Nationalize it!	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	PA	8/25/06 5:25 PM
31541	"It's too expensive, too many people are shut out of it, it is terribly inefficient."	"Yes, I we should have a single-payer system, similar to the current Medicare system."	"Very few trade-offs should be necessary. Study other countries' systems and find good ways to ensure affordable, high quality health care."	"Make it for everyone, make it affordable for everyone--even those who can't afford it now."	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	8/25/06 5:30 PM
31542	Affordability to preventive and general health care.	"As a small company, we cannot afford adequate health insurance. It's a cash flow issue, not just a deductability issue. The cash going to pay premiums reduces payroll. Small companies have no buying power."	"Limits in services, waiting lists for procedures, health care rationing will never be accepted. "	"Universal care with an emphasis on prevention and maintenance, not on health crisis management. There must be disincentives for individuals who choose to smoke, drink excessively, eat irresponsibly, etc. Incentives for living healthfully are key."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	8/25/06 5:31 PM
31546	Government intervention.	Take the government out of the process.	"Few, they are too self centered."	De-federealize the system. Health insurance was cheap and medical access was easy prior to subsidized healthcare and HMO/PPO plans.	male	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	8/25/06 5:49 PM
31547	"What bothers me most is that Americans pay far more for health care than any other civilized country, and it neither covers everyone, nor does it provide us superior longevity.  It's clear that most of the money is wasted somehow."	"We MUST adopt a single-payer system, both to save overall costs and to provide universal coverage.  Nothing else makes any sense."	"I believe the trade-off we'll have to face is to take back the governing of our nation from the corporations, who now cut up too much of the pie to pay their executives and lobbyists."	Single-payer universal coverage.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	8/25/06 5:54 PM
31557	"That there are so many uninsured people.  Also the fact that with so much medical care in the hands of insurance companies, the emphasis is on quantity and not quality.  Medicine is not a commodity.  It is an art.  Humans are not simply machines to be ""fixed"".  Much healing is done through caring and relationship."	We should have a single=payer plan covering everyone.  Other countries do this and have statistically better health care than we do.	"I think Americans would not have to make as many tradeoffs as they do now.  Possibly elective surgery would require a longer wait, or a partial payment but that would be a small price to pay to make care available to all, with freedom to choose ones own physician and not to be held hostage to an insurance company's bottom line."	Single-payer plan run in much the same way that Medicare is.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WY	8/25/06 6:39 PM
31558	"Its profit orientation.  Like justice, health care is available to those who can pay for it"	Please see comment in last box	Pleas see comment in last box	"Everything, including health care in the U.S., will continue to worsen until the practitioners of gutting industry and government and privatising the commonwealth, is effectively discouraged.  Difficult when these profiteers now rig elections and control enFORCEment  Effectuating general awareness of this thievery is prerequisite to effectively discouraging it.  Massive defections from armed forces, people taking over factories, substituting a system of work exchanges for the money system, is a promising direction.  Promising directions are premised on the belief that most people will work for the common good if they are not captives of a system structured to benefit privileged classes."	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	HI	8/25/06 7:12 PM
31560	"That one day, when I am old, I may not be able to afford it."	There should be an element of income tax that pays for health care - you earn more you pay more.	I would like to trade off spending on arms but I don't think the American public would agree.....allow an accountable government body to run it rather than private companies who need profit margins to show to their shareholders.	Everything can be made more efficient it is just a matter of good management.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	8/25/06 7:27 PM
31561	Every person should be covered - citizen and non-citizen.	"It should be paid through taxes.  The tax should be a percentage of income.  Straight forward, no loopholes for the wealthy.  Those who have no income should have the same healthcare as those at the top."	"If we had a single payer health plan, as is found in Canada, there would be no trade-offs.  We would be paying far less for health care, all persons would be covered, our abismal statistics for infant mortality and life expectancy would increase.  I guess the pay-off would be that the pharmacutical companies, and the CEO's would not have the huge profits/income that they have now.  That is the way it should be.  We're paying high CEO wages, and incredible profits to the drug companies on the backs of the people."	"Single-payer, all persons covered."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	8/25/06 7:33 PM
31568	Huge disparities in coverage with millions having no coverage at all.	We should have a single payer plan like the rest of the civilized world.	"Provide all essential services to all, covered by taxes, with luxury or optional services available to those who can afford them."	"Implement a universal, understandable, tax-funded system so no one is without essential services."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/25/06 8:31 PM
31569	"The current system seems to be designed for the profit of health insurance companies and pharmaceutical cos. Universal, single payer health care is the only fair, cost effective system. There should also be much more emphasis on preventive health care which will ultimately minimize serious illnesses and reduce health care costs and unnecessary suffering."	"The system must be changed as i mentioned above, in order to provide health care for all citizens."	I don't believe those trade-offs are necessary considerations if ehalth care is provided as I described above.	Universal health care with an emphasis on preventive care and medicine.	male	Over 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	8/25/06 8:40 PM
31571	"Health care is dominated by corporations that place profits above the welfare of the people--both insurance companies, medical corporations, and hospitals."	"Yes, we need to have basic care paid for by taxpayers, as is done in all the other industrialized democratic countries in the world."	I don't know. 	Set up a universal health care system modeled on the successful systems in Canada and elsewhere.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	8/25/06 8:45 PM
31572	"the research spent for extraordinary heroic novel life prolonging and anti-aging treatments which will only ever be available to the very rich.    the middle class pays for the research, and only the richies get the new medical treatments."	"single payer direct payments by the state, with supplemental/partial reimbursement from the federal government on a block basis."	i am willing to trade all private health insurance companies for single payer health covereage with universal coverage.    no more private health insurance and pharma and hospital chain ceo fat greedy hogs.    no more class based health care.   same health care for all.  	"single payer health care by state, not federal.    no more private health care corporations.    public funding of health care.    in-house doctor owned clinics and hospitals, all non-profit.   no chain hospitals or clincs."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/25/06 8:48 PM
31582	"One of my biggest concerns is the cost and commercialization of healthcare. It seems like making money is a bigger priority for most hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and doctors, than caring for the health of who they treat. There is also minimal focus on health and teaching people how to take care of themselves in order to prevent illness and speed healing. Most doctors see you for a few minutes, diagnose you and then write a prescription, rather than examing a person's lifestyle in order to educate them in how to live a more healthy life. Most illness can be prevention with a healthy lifestyle. If our country focused on prevention, we could save billions, if not trillions of dollars over time."	"Yes, we should have universal  healthcare. Our current system is fatally flawed. We are suppose to be a leader in the world, but we have a lot to learn from other countries and how they take care of their people. "	I think most Americans would be willing to be open to trade-offs. Especially if it means providing quality healthcare for everyone. 	Provide universal healthcare for all citizens with a large focus on preventing illness and promoting a healthy lifestyle.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/26/06 1:02 AM
31585	"Millions of Americans cannot afford adequate health care because they have either no coverage or inadequate coverage. Most Americans face the possibility of losing access to health care through changing circumstances - loss of job, divorce, etc. Globalization is providing huge incentives to business to cut health benefits. Health care is increasingly controlled by corporations - in particular, insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies. For these companies, the structural imperative to maximize profit conflicts with the moral imperative to CARE FOR people."	"I think we must seriously consider a national single payer system of health care, as adopted by virtually every first world nation except ourselves. Our current fragmented system wastes horrific amounts of money, time, and energy, spent in dealing with Byzantine billing and paperwork systems.     I know a number of people who have experienced both American health care (with benefits provided through employment) and either Canadian or European health care. All of them say unequivocally that they would choose the Canadian/European model over the American model, based on their personal experience with both. There is no hesitation about their choice. They are clear about it to the point of indignation that we have not yet adopted the Canadian/European model. They know that the single payer systems are not perfect; however, they say that any flaws the single payer systems have are far outweighed by the security of knowing that they will be paid for and the direct access they have to health care providers.     As a member of Kaiser Permanente in Northern California (a nonprofit HMO), I experience a small-scale model of what such a system might be like. It works far better for me than the coverage I had previously - an HMO-PPO program which had me constantly keeping track of paperwork, worrying that my doctor might be bumped from the system (which happened), taking up time trying to find out what was and wasn't covered and how to get it authorized, and so on.    I wish all elected officials had to deal with ""normal"" American-style health care, instead of having a system which is, in effect, publicly financed health care. More to the point, I wish we all had access to Congressional-style health care. "	"Are you sure there has to be a big trade-off? If we could eliminate most of the administrative cost of our multiple private systems, and eliminate the need to make as large a profit as possible, how much could be saved and applied to providing affordable, high quality health care?     If we could see it as a national priority to provide access to affordable, high quality health care for all citizens (and I think doing so would greatly enhance security, productivity, and quality of life in this country), I think we could find a way to do it."	"Stop thinking of health care as a PRODUCT, and start thinking of it as a RIGHT - something that all citizens deserve. Make a commitment to providing it. Realize that by doing so, we are creating a healthy   population - that is, people who feel well, cared for, able to work and be productive, and connected to the society that thinks enough of them to provide this benefit. Tbis will enhance security and well-being for all Americans."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	8/26/06 2:54 AM
31587	"That I can't afford it. That I've had insurance for only one year out of the past 14 years. That I am getting older (53) and I currently have no insurance. That the U.S. is so backwards when compared to any other first world country. That our government is so owned by the pharmeceutical companies that we will never get good, cheap healthcare."	"We need a one-payer system that offers high quality, very affordable health care to all."	Screw that. Why should we have to trade anything off? We're already getting screwed at every turn. Why can't we do what every other industrialized country is doing. Health care needs to be nationalized and taken out of the private industry realm.	Stop kowtowing to the medical-related corporations.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	8/26/06 3:31 AM
31589	cost and lack of universal coverage	canadian-style universal health care coverage	we are willing to see that all are covered	universal health care	male	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	SC	8/26/06 7:39 AM
31592	"The high cost of Health care is draining this country, everyone should have Health care I'm not for bigger govt but this is an issue they should take on."	Use today's technology to it's fullest	not sure	NULL	male	45 to 64	No	White	High school graduate or GED	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IN	8/26/06 8:16 AM
31593	"High costs, unnecessary tests and procedures. Especially for the elderly, we need fewer ""heroic measures"" and more quality of death considerations: quiet, peaceful surroundings, being allowed to die."	System like Canada's	I would like to see BASIC CARE provided - even if nothing else is.	Control the excessive profits of hospitals and drug corporations.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/26/06 9:14 AM
31601	NULL	NULL	NULL	"As a self-employed worker, I'd be thrilled just to have major medical coverage. I don't care about regular doctor visits. I'm more concerned with disasters."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	8/26/06 11:36 AM
31606	"Over priced, mis-managed, unavailable to many, supports the health care industry rather than US citizens."	Unioversal health care is a must. Other industrialized nations have been doing it better and been doing it for years.  Even Cuba's system is better than that of the US.	"Get out of Iraq.  Stop subsidizing big business.  Eliminate pork barrels.  End awarding contracts without bids.  The waste in Iraq and in the New Orleans debacle is shameful and avoidable.  Most of all, I am willing to give up 90% of our ""defense"" spending.   Our declining physical health is far more of a threat to national security than terorists, real or imagined."	  UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE !  Well managed by a US government that favors consumers - everyday people - over Big Pharma  and Insurance providers.	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/26/06 12:11 PM
31609	"I am a teacher, a father and an immigrant from Denmark; it bothers me ethically that 40 million people can't go to doctors for preventive care. And it troubles me that those of us who have coverage have a system that is medically incompetent because it is focused on how to deliver minimal services as directed by a profit paradigm"	"I believe the system financing needs to be on a universal model where all employers and all employees are assessed similarly to the social security system; then the funding neds to flow into state, county and city delivery models that are accountable to their residents. However, the records and overall coverage guarantees need to be universal."	"I do belive that most of us understand that coverage for catastrophic incidents need to be separate; perhaps in an array of publicly sponsored extra insurance that will deliver once catastrophic incidents occur.  We do not have public will to fund kidney, liver and heart replacements for everyone. Nor should we."	"Provide universal, integrated and portable preventive care that includes naturopathic, medical, dental and vision for every legal resident and citizen of the USA."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	8/26/06 12:50 PM
31614	I am concerned that our government is serving the powerful few and robbing the rest of us of the American dream of equal opportunity for all.The current administration of Republicans is serving lobbiests and not us.	NULL	NULL	NULL	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	8/26/06 1:44 PM
31620	"What concerns me most is that health care in America today does not cover every citizen: 46 million Americans are uninsured, 9 million of those are children. Finding a sustainable, affordable for individuals and families and effective way to cover every citizen should be America's NUMBER ONE PRIORITY. Funding a national health care system for all Americans is within our means and should be pursured vigorously."	"First we need to protect and expand government programs that protect citizens that have the most need. Preserving, expanding and reforming Medicaid, Medicare and SCHIP should be among the government's top priorities. The government should provide funding for basic health care to every citizen who cannot afford such care on his or her own. It is absurd that the current administration is cutting funding for Medicaid and SCHIP while cutting taxes for the rich. We should focus on a system of coverage that emphasizes preventative care, which is much less expensive than reactive care. This becomes increasingly important as more businesses are ceasing health insurance plans for their employees due to increasing costs, and premiums are growing 4 times faster than wages. Our current system is laden with administrative costs and bureaucracy and reforming the system to become more efficient and less wasteful will also free a large amount of money. "	"Although it may be possible to fund such a health care system without too much additional funding (by focusing on prevention and efficiency), Americans should be prepared to spend a higher percentage of government spending on health care. This could mean greatly reducing ""pork"" spending and other wasteful budget spending, reallocating marginal funds from other programs and/or a sensible increase in taxes. Health care is an issue that is too important to leave to the private market. In addition, the way that we utilize technology has been cited as a major cause of the country's rising health care costs. Individuals should be included in this decision making process and should be willing to receive only the level of care that he or she needs to lead a fulfilled life. Other common sense policies should be implemented - such as utilizing generic drugs - even if it incites direct conflict with America's large health care and pharmaceutical companies. "	"To ensure health care coverage for all Americans and to make our system significantly less wasteful is the single MOST IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATION. It must be our political priority to ensure that America has a national health care system that is universal (meaning America), continuous, affordable, and sustainable for society. It will take work and we will have to instigate tremendous change, but it is possible with the guidance of the National Academy of Sciences' Institue of Medicine principles. An universal (meaning America) health care system is not only our moral obligation but it also makes economic sense and it is in everyone's best interest. Claiming organizational incompetence and poverty as barriers is simply unacceptable for the most advanced and powerful internationally integrated economy in the world. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	8/26/06 4:06 PM
31632	"The cost of health care in the United States continues to rise at a ridiculous rate.  There is no logical reason for these increases, other than the greed of doctors, medical businesses, pharmaceutical companies and health insurance companies.  It is necessary to put profit caps on health care costs, and I propose all health care costs be tied to 1972 rates.  At the same time, health care needs to be a right of all U.S. citizens.  This can be accomplished by constitutional amendment if necessary, which would be a far more important change to the constitution than a ban on flag burning or defining marriage as heterosexual only.  This right would be to the benefit of all citizens, even executives of major health care and insurance companies and their families."	"We need to go to a national health care system, similar to those of Canada, Denmark and Switzerland.  Let the government pay for it.  Free up funds by keeping war-mongering politicians out of the White House and Congress.  To keep costs down, see my comments above."	NULL	NULL	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	8/26/06 5:56 PM
31635	"Everyone should be entitled to be able get affordable health care, not just goverment employees. "	WE should all be able to get good helth care for the same cost as our elected officials.	"I would be willing to wait for treatment for not life threatening procedures, as long as waiting would not adversely affect my health. I would be willing to wait my turn."	To band together all the uninsured people to get a resonable rate so that we can all be insured. The stress from worrying about not having health care can affect our health. 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	8/26/06 6:19 PM
31636	Americans should have universal health coverage as it is done in many countries in the world.	How do the other countries handle this question?	Americans are going to have to learn to live with less in ALL material matters and health care will be one.  It should NOT be the 1st!	"All congressmen and women should support the legal system basic to our universal health coverage, beginning with IMPROVED MEDICAL CARE OF OUR RETURNING MILITARY!"	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/26/06 6:24 PM
31637	Expense of healthcare and the fact that physicians are no longer in charge of it.  The insurance industry and the pharmaceutical industries call the shots to a large extent.	We need socialized medicine.	The American public is not the issue.  It is the profits that the insurance companies are making and the pharmaceutical industries that are driving up the prices and making it difficult for the healthcare workers to stay in business.	Bring in socialized medicine where everyone is covered.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	8/26/06 6:50 PM
31645	"I am concerned that more and more Americans especially children, are falling through the cracks of our present healthcare system and are not able to get adequate care.  In such a rich nation this should not be happening!"	NULL	I think more and more Americans are becoming dissatified with the present healthcare system and would be willing to try a universal healthcare plan.	Take the politics out of healthcare for Americans!  I am fed up with the lobbying in Washington governing how our congressmen vote on issues that are of vital importance to the majority of Americans. Is all about money? 	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	8/26/06 11:54 PM
31648	"The excessive cost, and the lack of options in terms of alternative treatments and other options."	"Yes, I feel that each person should be charged on a sliding scale based on their assets and income, with fair compensation subsidized by the government."	I think the public would be willing to give up some freedoms in terms of choice of provider and treatment modalities in return for assurance that health care needs will be covered.	"Get the profit motive out of health care by making it against the law to rake in the exhorbitant profits the drug companies and managed care medical establishments now do. This action alone, without any possible loopholes, will take away the incentive for the continuation of the current ripoff system called the American health care system."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	8/27/06 2:13 AM
31650	"the whole system is breaking down. there is no effort to promote health. health care should be, first, about health. when health fails, treatment should be about restoring health, not about making drug and insurance companies rich."	"We need universal health care coverage, with a single payer system, that covers conventional Western medicine, the major Eastern modalities, complementary and alternative therapies, and emphasizes maintenance of good health and prevention of illness and accident."	who says there needs to be trade offs?? finance quality care with savings from corrupt practices of the industry.	"change to single payer system, with providers remaining private businesses"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NH	8/27/06 8:09 AM
31654	"Too expensive, both for services and prescriptions, and out of pocket expenses.  I have multiple sclerosis and am disabled and have been waiting months (some wait years) to receive or even find out if they have been approved or rejected for Social Security Disability benefits and cannot afford the medicines currently available to possibly help halt the progression of this disease.  It is so absolutely ridiculous considering I previously worked for 30 years and contributed my my multiple tax dollars to that system, which paid the salaries of the people who are so rude and incompetent at those offices."	I would like to see health care paid for by the government like many countries do and they seem to do just fine with it.	"Considering the fact that the government always has the money available to pay for their own benefits and health costs even in retirement and they have the billions to fight wars, they certainly should have the money to pay for their citizen's health care.  If they continue to insist they don't (which I don't believe), I would be willing to pay more in taxes, or receive less in any income tax returns, to support that initiative."	"Again, too expensive, so improve/eliminate the high cost of services, prescriptions and out of pocket expenses."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	8/27/06 10:42 AM
31658	Too much money is wasted going to the private sector managers and administrators; the system has little incentive for cost savings; it does not guarantee coverage for all.	"Private sector should be taken out of the administration.  Health care providers should negotiate directly with the government over costs and the government should pay the bills.  This will place more emphasis on good preventive care, save money, allow everyone to be covered."	Americans are willing to give up choice of administrators to deal directly with health care providers and with the government.  If they better understand the money savings and quality of care for everyone that is possible under single-payer plan they will be less fearful of losing choice of services.  The loss of choie in services is largely a myth by the media that is funded by status quo insurance companies and pharaceuticals that are making loads of money at the expense of quality and affordable care for all.	Move to single-payer plan.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VT	8/27/06 1:07 PM
31676	"I am concerned that there are so many people without health care coverage.  This is completely unacceptable.  Everyone must have this care, not just those who can afford it."	Single-pay is a good place to start.	NULL	NULL	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	8/27/06 3:55 PM
31680	I'm concerned that we don't have a fairly designed universal health care system yet.	We already pay enough taxes to support a well endowed universal health care system.  Less money needs to go to the military and more to social programs.	Less money to defense and more to social programs.  Fair taxes on the richest people need to be restored.	A seitch to universal health care.	female	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	8/27/06 5:08 PM
31684	the affordability for the low income	NULL	"all that can pay, should pay a small fee of 100.00 a month for some type of national health care. corporation should also make a contirbution to the fund."	"the need to have a national health care system in place for all. as a retired person i can not afford my companys insurance, more than 1500.00 a month."	male	45 to 64	Yes	Other	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	8/27/06 6:01 PM
31688	"Your interim recommendations and your survey meticulously avoid single payer, federally-funded health care as an option. Shame on you! The projected savings overall are astronomical, although some (such as pharmas, HMO's and insurance carriers) will have to live with significantly reduced profits."	Reorganize the system and fund it through the federal government as a single payer system. Cut out the middle men and the profiteers who currently drive a health care system that is grossly expensive yet doesn't provide the quality of health and lowered mortality rates that most other industrialized countries have at much lower per-capita expenditures.	"This is win-lose thinking. We can have quality of care, access for all, and reduced costs, but those of you who are subservient to the industry have to either give up your dependencies or get out of the way. Many other industrialized countries have shown the way, but our politicians and political leaders haven't the courage or will to make the necessary changes."	"Eliminate all ability for the health care industry to influence politicians: eliminate all health care lobbyists and all political funding in any form, direct or indirect."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CA	8/27/06 7:38 PM
31691	"Tell Mr. Bush, (Mr. Moral Compass) that 45 million Americans without health care is IMMORAL !"	NULL	NULL	"Don't turn over health care to profitering multi-national corporations, who will surey destoy the entire system"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	8/27/06 8:34 PM
31697	"I have read the Interim Recommendations report and have thought about this public survey process for the past several months. I see the fundamental problems with the process as one of asking the wrong questions, questions which are part and parcel of the very muddy arguments we make concerning the issues of health care services, payment and insurance.    Here are the questions that were asked:     1. What health care benefits and services should be provided?   2. How does the American public want health care delivered?   3. How should health care coverage be financed?   4. What trade-offs are the American public willing to make in either benefits or financing to ensure access to affordable, high-quality health care coverage and services?    Here are the Recommendations.    1. It should be public policy that all Americans have affordable health care  2. Define a ""core"" benefit package for all Americans  3. Guarantee financial protection against very high health care costs  4. Support integrated community health networks  5. Promote efforts to improve quality of care and efficiency  6. Fundamentally restructure the way that palliative care, hospice care and other end-of-life services are financed and provided, so that people living with advanced incurable conditions have increased access to these services in the environment they choose.    Other than the obvious, that the Recommendations only marginally relate to the questions – I would like to respond to this public exercise with a comparison set of questions, followed by a comparable set of responses.    Let us take the issue of human nourishment, at least as important and vital a topic as health care – but for which there is no “pre-paid nourishment industry.”    Let us conduct a multi-million dollar public survey to answer the questions:  1. What nourishment and nourishment preparation services should be provided?   2. How does the American public want nourishment delivered?   3. How should nourishment be financed?   4. What trade-offs are the American public willing to make in either benefits or financing to ensure access to affordable, high-quality nourishment and nourishment preparation services?    Would the Recommendations be?    1. It should be public policy that all Americans have affordable nourishment.  2. Define a ""core"" nourishment package for all Americans  3. Guarantee financial protection against very high nourishment costs  4. Support integrated community nourishment networks  5. Promote efforts to improve quality of nourishment and efficiency of nourishment preparation  6. Fundamentally restructure the way that palliative nourishment, hospice nourishment preparation and other end-of-life services are financed and provided, so that people living with advanced incurable conditions have increased access to nourishment preparation in the environment they choose.    No? Why not?  Because the whole public debate about health care should not be about whether people want and need health care services, but who pays and for what and where do we factor the under-regulated and over-tax-supported third-party health care management industry in this debate?    The similarity between nourishment and health care is obvious.  The differences are also obvious.   Both are essential to human well-being. Nourishment is presumed to be the responsibility of individuals and families to purchase for themselves.  We have a large, highly regulated industry of nourishment providers who deliver goods and services at reasonable profits for their operations and efficiency.  We have social welfare agencies, public and private that offer nourishment and nourishment preparation services free or at very low cost to those who are impoverished or otherwise unable to pay for their own nourishment.     We have distorted health care issues for decades and, in the CHCWG study, the questions asked and answered distort the problems. After Question 2 and Recommendation 2 it’s not about health "	See answer to prior question.  Employers should be out of the loop.  Tax incentives should encourage personal savings for health care needs and the purchase of high-deductible policies.  	See above.	"Quit pretending that ""third party payment for services"" and ""health care"" are the same thing ... as long as we maintain this linguistic confusion we will continue to ask and answer the wrong questions.  Health care is a service.  It can be improved by continuing to train excellent professionals to provide services, by creating situations where management of payment by third parties does not interfere with or limit useful care -- and where individuals have sufficient responsibility for the costs of their own care that they do not make unreasonable demands for un-necessary care.  Payment is a method of obtaining that service.  Who pays is the argument. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	8/27/06 9:14 PM
31699	"It is completely broken, far too expensive, and restricted to a few who can afford it."	"Yes.  Make a complete national health care system.  It can already be paid for largely by the feds.  If a true national system existed there would be no need for VA Hospitals (money saved), military hopitals would be reduced to combat medical training (more money saved), Blue Cross/Blue Shield -- gone (more money saved), state, fed, and local resources spent on the emergency care provided to those who have no insurance -- not needed (more money saved).  The list goes on and on, including industry and union contributions.  If these savings were contributed to a national heath care system instead of this fractured thing, it likely could already be paid for without any additional contributions by citizens."	see previous answer	see previous answer	male	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/27/06 11:49 PM
31703	"It stresses pharmaceuticals and surgery vs nutrition and prevention.  No attempt is made in our society to address root causes of illness -- the poisons in our air, water and land, our food supply degraded by chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the profit motive that drives everything in our lives."	"Wipe it all out and get a single-payer system that focuses on preventive care, healthy living, clean environment, home care.  Get rid of the profit motive in health care and insurance.  Focus on the real needs of the people and eliminate the greed of the pharma and insurance industries that is currently destroying our system."	"No tradeoffs are needed.  Focus on the people, on preventive care.  Eliminate the profit motive and the influence of pharmaceutical and insurance companies.  Discontinue excessive salaries for senior management.  Channel the funds to preventive and community health care for all people.  Our society will be stronger, healthier, more secure.  This is not rocket science."	Eliminate the profit motive.  Provide single-payer health care for all Americans.  Period.	female	Over 64	No Response	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	8/28/06 12:47 AM
31705	"Inconsistency of distribution due to cost, policy of exclusion of some insurance in random mode, rising costs of medication, ridiculous policies of cost-benefit current."	"As many an RN will tell you, Medicaid is the best insurance you can get.  Canada has long implemented this basic method without the stigma of poverty attendant, as in all pay a minimal amount no matter income level."	"As it is clear that income is widely variegated throughout the nation and will remain as such, something akin to Medicaid would seem logical in equalizing the care quotient."	"Single system blanket coverage for all, somewhat in the Canadian socialized method, though retaining the inventiveness of the capitalistic entrepreneurship legacy. Some sort of New Deal that everone can understand would be welcome.  "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	8/28/06 6:35 AM
31719	"So many people with NO health coverage is a disgrace for a civilized, industrialized country like ours. I favor the Canadian system; i lived in Canada for 6 years and two of my children were born there. Efficient and competent and friendly...that is what I found!    "	Government run system is what I want.	Higher taxes; the only people that oppose this are rich.	"The values of this country demand a fair, equitable system that treats all citizens the same."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WI	8/28/06 10:05 AM
31734	"health care is more focused on treating than trying to prevent. many studies have shown how diabetes, heart disease and many other chronic care diseases can be reduced or even prevented.  more incentives for patients need to be given to participate in preventive programs and education."	NULL	I think the community based health care is an area to expand on.  Offer more incentives for  utilizing Nurse practitioners as primary care and they referring to other specialists as needed would help utilize the health care system better.	"Many people do not seek health care due to missing work.  again, I feel to encourage a person the seek medical help a minimum days pay should be given as an incevtive for maintaining good health."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	TX	8/28/06 10:38 AM
31753	everyone should have health care coverage	health care should be through our government	NULL	I believe in a national single payor health care plan for all. It should be through our Medicare System.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	8/28/06 11:24 AM
31755	It's far too expensive and not available via a single payer system.	"It should be handled administratively as Medicare is-through the government. Definitely link amount of payment to numbers of children involved so that a 2 child family pays less than a family with large numbers of children. Perhaps link payments to birth control responsibility. Reward fewer numbers rather than larger numbers, as income tax payments fail to do."	"Perhaps less exotic, state of the art treatments as opposed to more routine broad based treatments."	Cut the expenses by eliminating various insurance plans and payments and incorporate the system into a more efficient delivery system.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/28/06 11:28 AM
31770	#1. That basic insurance is not available to all.  #2. Allied health care is often not part of any insurance reimbursement; ie. allied practitioners that are licensed & regulated by the state.	"Yes, I think government needs to pay more with individuals and employers contributing some for a defined basic health coverage. Individuals need to pay on a sliding scale for care to support personal responsibility."	Individual contribution along with employer on a sliding scale (ie. low income pay small amount)and at least a basic coverage for all	Medical records universally available to all health institutions via computer with consent of patient. 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MT	8/28/06 11:54 AM
31822	"Inequity (in terms of both access and affordability), inefficiency (especially tremendous administrative expenses), outrageous salaries of health care executives, environmental policies that do too little to reduce risks to help, inadequate emphasis on preventive care."	Absolutely. Anyone who believes in accountability and who compares the costs and health outcomes of our system versus those of other industrialized countries could not fail to advocate a universal payer system.  	Higher and more progressive income taxes to provide universal health care.	"Go to a single payer system.  Its results in other countries far exceed those of our ridiculous system, and at impressively lower costs.  The only reason we do not have it is that too many pigs are feeding at the trough of our present system, and their campaign contributions by the votes of too many senators and representatives."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	8/28/06 2:32 PM
31832	"The cost of even the most basic care.  The drug companies control of congress and therefore, the cost of drugs.  Medical insurance companies control of patient care in hospitals & doctors' offices.  The fact that lobbyists for the medical care companies have such influence over our congressional delegates.  If the members of congress had to live with the medical insurance realities of the general public, you can bet that reforms would be made. As more millions of Americans lose their health care coverage, there will be an uprising over this issue. "	"We need, as a nation, to provide basic health care to everyone. If this means a national health care system, then that's what we must do. For anyone to be denied basic health care because of the cost is a national disgrace.  "	Not sure	Make medical care a right of all people not a priviledge	female	Over 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	8/28/06 2:57 PM
31862	"Everything.  It's broke!  Too expensive, not available to many citizens, doesn't promote the health of the nation, doesn't put any emphasis on prevention!"	I want to see a single pay system similar to Canada's.	Americans should not have to make trade-offs.  Those who are milking the American system and spending millions (on lobbying) to keep it dysfunctional in ways that profit them need to back off.  In the US we have the most expensive and least functional system in the developed world.	"I ask that you advocate Rep. John Conyers ""Medicare for All"" bill.  I am for a universal, single payer plan similar to Canada's that covers preventative and proven ""alternative"" practics and that allows the patient to choose his/her healthcare providers."	female	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NV	8/28/06 4:48 PM
31875	That I don't have it because I can't afford it.	"Single payer (government) system, more credit given to alternative medicine/treatments, and a focus on prevention as much as cure."	higher taxes? more responsibility taken by the individual for her/his own health (emphasis on prevention rather than cure/treatment)?	single payer system 	female	Under 25	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	8/28/06 5:36 PM
31892	Health care in America is barbaric.  Cutting body parts out and pumping people full of toxic chemicals doesn't cure anything.  	"Yes, I would like to see the entire health system changed to holistic healing.  Holistic healing is the only way we can prevent illness, disease and sickness.  There are mental causes for physical illness and there are metaphysical ways to heal these illness from Abdominal Cramps to Yeast Infections and everything in between. "	We do not need to make trade-offs.  	"Holistic healing is the only way we can prevent illness, disease and sickness.  There are mental causes for physical illness and there are metaphysical ways to heal these illness from Abdominal Cramps to Yeast Infections and everything in between. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	8/28/06 7:43 PM
31902	NULL	NULL	NULL	"A single payer plan, similar to Canada's, is the most promising alternative.  We can have better care at lower cost.  This is a no-brainer, folks."	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/28/06 8:29 PM
31911	The quality of care has diminished significantly.	"Let the States take care of insurance for their citizens.  When money comes from the Federal Government, too little actually arrives where it is needed.  There is so much waste in Government it is a disgrace."	None.  Socialized medicine bankrupts most health progrmas.  Let us not go that route.	Let the health care providers do their jobs.  The government and insurance companies should not be dictating what can or canot be done for an individual/.	female	Over 64	NULL	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	8/28/06 9:06 PM
31923	"From: Tom Metcalf [thojammet@worldnet.att.net]  Sent: Sunday, August 27, 2006 9:38 PM      From: Tom Metcalf,MD  thojammet@att.net  Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,                Your work has been thorough, objective, and probably exhausting as well as exhaustive.  I attended the community meeting in Salt Lake City in May, and found your group to be really listening and recording, posing possible solutions for our discussion, and asking for other ideas.  Your Interim Report captures well the tenor of your research at both grass roots and top levels.  Good work!         But, I’m afraid your work is not done.  Senator Hatch and Wyden’s Legislation spelled out clearly the next steps – the final set of recommendations to the President, the President’s report to Congress, and the hearings of the five Congressional committees.  But I have a palpable fear that some members of the Administration and Congress will seek to keep your report, both the Values and Principles and Interim Recommendations, as far under the table as possible, perhaps for both the election this November and the 2008 Presidential/ Congressional elections as well.  I fear that some Members want to advance their own or the Administration’s health care agendas and will wish to ignore the voice of the people which you have heard.        I urge that you use your individual and combined prominence in the nation’s health and political arenas to keep this Report moving, to call the media’s and America’s attention to the progress and implementation of your Final Report, so that it moves ahead briskly, that the voices of the Americans you listened to may be heard and acted upon.      I wish you well in this endeavor, and if ever you need pediatric input from the grassroots level, I’d be pleased to respond.  Again, good work!              "	NULL	NULL	NULL	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	UT	8/28/06 11:56 PM
31927	The large proportion of uninsured people. The health disparities between races of color and anglo-Americans. The lack of resources to intervene at the community level to prevent illnesses and injuries.	"I would prefer a one provider health care system with all people obtaining an excellent, comprehensive level of care and intervention at all degrees of health problems."	I think most people would be glad to trade off some of societies commercial marketing for health marketing.	"Engage people in relationships with health professionals for consultation to raise children; educate school children, adolescents, and their parents; and, create environments that support these activities."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AK	8/29/06 12:47 AM
31982	The move toward a single system with no competition.	"Change the tax code such that an individual can purchase their own health care without employer involvement.  This method is portable, allows choice of deductible, coverage, etc."	NULL	Let competition work.  Do not implement one size fits all health care.	male	Over 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	8/29/06 11:22 AM
32021	The high cost and inablility of health care practitioners to practice the way they have been educated to paractice (meet the healing and well being needs of patient). Corporate companies are looking for the bottom line or how to make their biggest profit. 	"Change our system into something similar to the Canadian Health system or the way most European counties deliver very fine health care. Yes, we will need to pay higher taxes and that can insure the poor and elderly fair services. "	see above	Move forward with the Citizen' Health Care Working Group's recommendations. 	female	45 to 64	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	8/29/06 3:20 PM
32029	The combination that it is both inhumane and makes no economic sense. I detest the way mental health care is being neglected and shortened - through every means possible.  How stupid can a society get?	"Yes, let's have a single payor basic universal system.  For other than basic coverage, people can fend for themselves. Provide public transportation for all and those who want and can afford a Mercedes can pay for it on their own."	Willingness to accept pubclicly financed BASIC health care w/o stigma or prejudice. Just to end the present patchwork nightmare.	"The quality of the relationship is the most important healing agent.  PERIOD.  Technology is VERY important but less so than personal, confidential respectful relationship with the practitioner - all along the continuum."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	8/29/06 4:21 PM
32036	"My greatest concern is that the current healthcare in America is so incoherent in its applications to Americans in general.  Until such time as a citizen becomes eligible for Medicare, health care for most is a fearful jungle.  Recourse for too many is the hospital emergency room for non-emergency care. "	"Adopt universal, single payer, system paterned upon our own Medicare system, including who pays.  The federal government would be the primary payer.  Financially able subscribers would pay a deductable, as for the current Medicare patient, and the federal government would provide assistance for the financially disadvantaged.  "	"During their working life, the individual citizens would pay into the system as is now the case under Social Security."	"As stated above, a universal, single payer system, administered by the federal government."	male	Over 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NC	8/29/06 5:03 PM
32045	"Americans pay the highest $$ for medicine.  The FDA is cracking down on people who import their prescriptions from Canada, yet Governor Owens refused to join a coalition of surrounding states to purchase quantity amounts of medicine at reduced rates.  Reduce the price of medicine within the state through negotiations with pharmaceuticals, or join with other states to mass purchase."	"Health insurance should be subsidized by the state, establishing a minimum base of health care for all."	"Limit access to Emergency Care at hospitals, which is the most expensive medical care.  If people realize they can't run to the emergency room, they may start to see doctors in their offices and before things get out of hand."	"Ads (TV, magazines, newspapers, etc.) should emphasize it's people's responsibilities to take care of their health through exercise, eating properly, proper weight, etc.  This has to be emphasized constantly so people finally accept it. "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	8/29/06 6:02 PM
32076	"There is no understanding that regardless of how someone receives treatment, we all pay for it by taxes, cost shifting to private insurance etc.  If we are not willing to kick the dead and dying off the side walks, we are going to pay one way or another.  Why not pay for treatment in the least expensive way possible.  Provide some type of universal access. And, provide it before someone is really sick and really expensive."	"If the US wants to compete in this ""global market"", we must relieve the employers.  They currently pay 40% of payroll on medical benefits and worker's comp.  If we want to have jobs in the US, we must look at what the the market demands.  Our economy, our position as an economic power, our tax structure and our citizens' lives depend on it."	"This is a question that shows an ignorance of the current situation that is frightening.  Most employees and their families are paying $1000 to $1500 per month now.  Considering minimum wage it is easy to see that the majority of blue collar workers don't make as much money each year as the cost of the insurance.  The two leading insurers in the USA, made at least a 6% after tax profit and paid their CEO's over $50 million in total comp in 2004.  The largest hospital chain in th nation also made an after tax profit of 6%. They both and big PHARMA have the most lobbiests and make giant contributions to politcal campaigns in order for our elected officials to ask us what we are willing to give up.  With all due respect, are you nuts? "	"Stop allowing the insurers to form ""networks"" of providers.  They no longer save money.  The carriers are forcing many doctors out of medicine.  The shortages are only now becoming evident.  And, when the national hospital chains do not agree with the national insurers, the citizins lose.  The refusal to negociate in good faith, forces thousands of insured citizins to have to find a hopital on the other side of town because of the battles over money. Citizins do not receive any discounts on premiums when they lose 6 or 8 hospitals suddenly.   "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	8/29/06 11:25 PM
32084	"well i have real asthma and i""ve been trying and trying to get onto medicaid insurance and all i get is turned down and now i have medical bills stacking that i just can""t handle i need your help  governer please help me get onto medicaid thank you "	NULL	NULL	get people on medicaid insurance.	female	25 to 44	No	White	High school graduate or GED	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	8/30/06 12:39 AM
32110	Affordability of services and medications for the majority of citizens	There are many tax paying citizens going without basic health care because they who do not meet qualifications for subsistance.  Let's examine the success of other countries in providing for this necessity.	"all low income individuals, especially elderly and youth:  Home visits by health/soc service personnel in order to identify potential health risk situations.  Assistance to implement necessary changes and follow-up. "	Gov't subsidized basic health services	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NE	8/30/06 10:43 AM
32116	"1. Privacy of personal and medical information  2. Ensure preventive and basic (non-elective) health care for all Americans.  Allow private insurance to provide extended coverage.  3. Create and wellness-oriented model instead of rewarding profit-seeking corporations for seeking profits on services and drugs/supplements.       A. Provide complementary and alternative services and products on par with the current medial establishment offerings.       B. Let the consumer choose, do NOT limit to industry-defined ""best practice"" formulas."	"Nationalize health insurance, create a one-payer system run by consumers, not industry/corporations.        A. Regulate profits to insurance, pharmaceutical and provider industries.  B. Mandate consumer access and respectful treatment.  C. Educate the public on staying health, making choices of care, and self-responsiblity for health.  D. Increase public protection from auto accidents, environmental pollution, and other preventable major causes of illnes and death."	"Shift emphasis from expensive high-tech solutions to  preventable catastrophic health problems and toward holistic everyday wellness behaviors.  Pay fair prices for services and products, not insurance companies and branded drugs.  This is the best value for the taxpayer's dollar."	"Put consumers in the driver's seat.    Health care is a right of citizenship in all but the poorest and smallest countries, EXCEPT the USA -- this is a tragedy and a disgrace.  The USA should break the grip of profit-seeking (corporate) entities in access and delivery decisions.  "	female	45 to 64	No Response	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	8/30/06 11:00 AM
32126	"We do not have decent care for ALL citizens in our country. Pharmacies set their own prices for medications and the cost differentials are astounding. People who have no access to care, who have no medical insurance and have no jobs,  use the ER because they don't have to pay upfront for care and know that their bill will be ""written off"" flooding the ER and causing huge backlogs in care. They also can't afford to get the medications prescribed as the MD's are using the newest drugs and they are the most costly.  THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN. I work as a community health nurse and I see the BROKENNESS every day."	"If Massachussetts can organize a medical care system for their state, surely the USA, as a Nation, can do the same. And make it unifrom across all state lines. It is atrocious for one of the wealthiest nations in the world to have sure poor health care for the people who support this nation in the first place.  Follow the money, see who is getting rich off the system and cahnge it!!!"	"Have our government officials have to use SSI , medicare and medicaid when they get of age instead of living off the backs of the people.  maybe then we would see some real changes!!!"	SOCIALIZED MEDICINE PROGRAM	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	8/30/06 12:50 PM
32164	My concern center around the affordability of health care.  Basic health care is now becoming a luxury item and thus many of us go without health insurance.	I believe the government should pay for health care first and then some payment can be made by the individual.	We can help finance our health insurance if we knew that the funds were being used for the good of all and not wasted.	"REDUCE insurance fraud and mismanagement of funds to the insurance carriers.  No outrages charges for simple routine procedures just because it can be done.  Plus, cut the paperwork and administration work thus freeing some monies and time for doctor and patients to communicate their health concerns."	female	25 to 44	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/30/06 2:07 PM
32189	"Lack of access, lack of preventive care, lack of choice.    Dependence of health care coverage based on employment status    Healthcare system driven on a for-profit capitalist basis    Insurance and pharmaceutical industries driving up costs to maximize corporate profits    High morbidity and mortality rates"	"Convet all Americans to a single payer universal health care system.  Use the VA as the extant model.  Convert Medicare to a geriatric care arm.  Convert Medicaid to a universal reimbursement and access system with a new name.  Use current state funding regulations and expand to cover all citizens except those covered by the VA and Medicare reimbursement arms.    Exclude for profit healthcare entities from inclusion in the reimbursement scheme.  Regulate the costs of prescription medications.  Make reimbursable services independent of care setting, thus allowing care to be delivered in the optimal settings without having to ""game"" in order to obtain services.    Use extant JCAHO, IHI and National Patient Safety Foundation standards to accredit facilities.    Regulate salaries of healthcare workers via the Civil Service program.      Incorporate the Bureau of Indian Health and Public Health Service within the national healthcare system.    Eliminate the healthcare insurance industry.    Divorce healthcare coverage from employment."	"Full choice of provider - in practice this is already a reality.  Except for concierge care, the average citizen is already limited in choosing hospitals, physicians and health care settings.    "	Umbrella all citizens under a single health care payer system which is not tied to employment.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	8/30/06 2:16 PM
32215	"  I think it is the best in the world.  There are growing problems that need to be corrected:  ACCESS and COST.  As an MD I see lots of wasted resources and time. Much is spent on patients with no hope of recovery and in extremely late stages of life.  We should discuss the ethics of this care, the costs and their benfits openly NOW.  There is not enough education and prevention.   I also see for profit corporations eating away at the funds which should be spent on direct health care.  "	"The only major change needed is reducing paperwork and beauracracy.  The system works, but it is too cumbersome and EXPENSIVE to run.  Medicare and the VA are actually better than most private insurers in this.  "	"Individuals will take more direct responsibilty for the costs, if the costs are controlled and discussed openly.   Insurance companies must open their books to the public for this to succeed.  "	Simplify access.  Perhaps a Universal health ID card with options for different tiers of coverage.  	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/30/06 2:29 PM
32217	Lack of availability for so many	"Yes, universal health care program.  Anyone who spends time in Europe, Canada or other countries knows this is the answer."	The American public is not well educated so they may not be informed about what they need and how wise it is to say yes to the trade-offs necessary for universal health care.	Courage within Congress to do what has to be done and within citizens to be willing to pay one way so they do not have to pay in the other more difficult way.	female	Over 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/30/06 2:29 PM
32258	"  As many as 50,000 Americans lacked health care coverage in the last year.  Even more lacked coverage for some part of the year. "	"I think health care should be provided by the government; I favor opening up Medicare to all.  As more and more employers elect not to provide increasingly expensive health insurance, especially of the lower paid workers, employer based coverage fails to work."	"I think people would be willing to think about what should be covered in a basic health care package.  Then those who want ""Cadillac"" coverage could elect to buy additional coverage privately.  We might compare this to our public education system, which provides a basic education to all; then, those who wish may pay for private school, extra educational programs, and tutoring out of their own funds."	"We must address the enormous cost of end of life care.  People often advocate that everything possible should be done for a terminally ill patient (who may be suffering enormously), without considering that the public is paying for this and that the cost is siphoning off funds that could be use to insure children and young adults. i believe that the American people are realistic, fair, and compassionate enough to have a national discussion of these difficult, but not impossible to addresss issues.  They have been addressed successfully in many European countries.  Neither our political leaders nor the medical profession has provided any serious leadership in asking our citizenry to address these issues.  Instead, we had the travesty of a national debate about Terry Schiavo (whose end of life care was funded by private funds from a malpractice settlement, unlike the vast majority of seriously compromised or terminally ill patients whose care is funded by public funds or private insurance, the cost of which is passed on to other private insurance subscribers."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	8/30/06 3:01 PM
32263	Rich people have it.  Poor people don't.  The middle class needs to decide what to give up in order to have it.	"83% of this funding is actually used toward bureaucratic upkeep of the insurance system, itself...NOT on caregiving.  This is ridiculous!  Corporate and individual tax dollars should go to the (new) Department of Citizen's Healthcare (""DOCH"" for short).  Doctors and other healthcare providers would then be government employees, and could resume actually providing healthcare.  Afterall, the politics of national government couldn't possibly be any worse than the politics of insurance organizations.     "	"The American public sees other countries providing healthcare to its citizens and is realizing that this is not an issue to be bartering over.  THIS IS A RIGHT.  This is an accomplishable, necessary and prudent right for any government to afford its citizens.  As a citizen, I can barely afford my own healthcare.  What am I to do if I see a fellow citizen who is hurt or sick?  Reasonably, I can take him or her to a doctor, but I cannot reasonably be expected to afford him or her treatment.  That renders me ineffectual.  Multiply that by all the encounters that may occur between those who have and those who have not and we have a segregated society, based on avoidance of those suspected of being too poor.  Surely you'd agree...that's not very American.      "	Lessen (eliminating would be even better) the insurance companies' role in the system.  The richest country in the world should provide the gammut of healthcare to each and every citizen.  Period.  	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/30/06 3:06 PM
32272	Too many people uninsured.  Corporations doing away with promised insurance coverage or raising the copay so high it becomes a burden.  Mentally ill people living in the streets because of no health care available.	All employers should be responsible for some portion of health care.  If a person has no other option for health care a government plan should be available.  Millions of people fall through the cracks because they are not eligible for what is available thru the gov't now.	"Do away with tax breaks, loopholes, etc. afforded to the rich only.  For instance:  The rich are the only people who can afford a taxfree medical plan thru employers.  It is just another loophole for them to shelter income. They can take advantage of IRA'S, college plans, medical plans, etc.  Middle class and lower income people can not afford to participate in these options.  Please quit saying all these plans are available to everyone.  EVERYONE CANNOT AFFORD THEM.  "	Available to all without eligibility restrictions.	female	Over 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	8/30/06 3:16 PM
32279	"The rising cost of our health care is making the US economically uncompetitive. This will cost us more and more jobs.  The government has created a government (FDA)- American Medical Association (AMA)- Drug company monopoly and pays almost half the fees of this monopoly. This cannot work and will lead only to higher costs, a complete government take-over, government controls and rationing. We need a truly free market health system, which will get costs down as in any other industry. The consumer must control the purchasing dollar.If government wants to subsidize, it should still leave the buying decision in the consumer's hands.But we must remember that subsidy means more demand and if demand is not accompanied by more supply through free market competition it will only lead to runaway prices of the sort that we have now. "	Payments should only be by individuals.	An efficient free market system would reduce present costs.	"Recreate a free market system of health care. If government has any role, it should be limited to making payments to individuals who can either save the money or make their own health care purchases."	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	VA	8/30/06 3:27 PM
32314	"I personally most fear the ""surprise"" factor -- that an unexpected, uncovered illness or accident can send an individual or family into lifelong debt or bankruptcy.  I am also very concerned also about low-income and middle-income people who do not have affordable access to health insurance and gamble on staying healthy, or who lose their job-based coverage during/after a severe accident or illness because they become unable to work.  "	"Yes.  Ideally we should have a portable health care system, so that when we change jobs, move between states, etc., the health care coverage is relatively seamless and uninterrupted.  A national healthcare program.  Please!"	"We're cheapskates, most of us, and poor people who are barely making rent aren't going to be very willing to pony up even $100/month for health coverage.  I, on the other hand, with a good job, wouldn't mind kicking in even $1000 extra per year for a univeral healthcare program.  I think if people understand that we're all going to pay something and that higher income people are going to subsidize, to a point, poverty-level workers, then people will agree to it.  I imagine that almost everyone knows someone who has been impoverished or at least severely damaged due to a healthcare crises.  "	"Identify a core of essential healthcare services, and include them in a national/universal healthcare program that is mandated - that people have to pay for, whether they use it or choose to pay again for a private healthcare program.  Just like we pay for decent public education, let's pay for decent public healthcare.  Private education remains an alternative, as can private healthcare."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/30/06 4:24 PM
32316	That not EVERYONE has health care!	It should be primarily by a government program such as Medicare.	Very few!	That everyone is covered through a program like Medicare.	female	Over 64	No	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/30/06 4:29 PM
32337	Lack of even basic coverage for millions of Americans.	"More like Canada, where basic health care is covered and probably some expense is paid by the indiviual. Most people only need BASIC health coverage.  Also, we really need to be able to negociate drug costs!!!!"	"We are spending more per person in the US than other countries with national coverage.  Maybe people would have to have some supplemental insurace for the most expensive proceedures, or have to wait for non emergency treatment, but that's a relatively small price to pay for knowing that all our citizens have some sort of basic coverage."	GET A NATIONAL PLAN / OVERHAUL DRUG SOURCING	female	25 to 44	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/30/06 5:03 PM
32343	The lack of primary care providers that are available regardless of your income or location	There needs to be a way to build portalbility into the system	If there was a better way to deliver primary care and keep people healthy then the expectation that costly life saving procedures and treatment is an entitlement would hopefully be better appreciated 	"Convince Americans that without a healthy diet, exercise and moderation they are cutting their own life expectancy"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	8/30/06 5:08 PM
32359	"Failure to provide health care to all Americans equally, fully provided through government funding."	Payments by employers greatly reduces the chance for US business to compete globally.  They should not have to pay for this.  Individual should not sustain ANY out of pocket costs - that should not be a consideration when health care is needed.	"Eliminate health care insurance companies, and we will be able to meet the costs of health care as ALL other advanced nations do."	"Single payer health care, funded by government, and administered locally."	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/30/06 5:38 PM
32362	"Affordable private and company plans that include dentist, Naturepath, nutrition and mental health."	It should be rated according to your income.  Many receiving 3-4 times more of an income pay same rates as a single parent who barely makes it.	NULL	Include mental health coverage on all plans or the state should make it easier to get diasability for mental problems without having to get a lawyer involved.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/30/06 5:39 PM
32375	I have two primary concerns; the excessive cost of health insurance and the lack of universal coverage. 	"Health care should be paid by all through a progressive tax system. Savings from a reduction on military spending and costly military contracts could be put toward paying for a health care system. The US outspends every other nation on the planet on the military, much of these are wasted dollars.   The free marketeers insist that putting consumers in charge of their own policies and health care will reduce costs. I am not convinced of this, I believe it will increase the profits of insurance companies while costing many individuals more. Insurance companies are risk adverse and charge riskier clients more. "	"I am not sure what trade offs the American public is willing to make. There is alot of misinformation about medical care and health costs. I believe if the public is better informed regarding health care they would be willing to wait for elective surgery, schedule appointments ahead of time, and publically fund health care. I think the American public would be willing to remove the middle man (insurance companies) from the health care system if they understood they could go to local public clinics, have a family physician, and depend on that physican to do referrals when needed and not wade through endless paper work to receive care.   Ill people are not in a position to go shopping for good quality care when they need it.   I think the American public would be willing to give up the legal option for medical accountability if there were medical review boards to review complaints and malpractice.   I think the American people are more willing to have a public medical system for the common good than insurance companies and private providers would prefer. "	Have access to everyone and take the profit motive out of medical care. Consider it a public serivce rather than a commodity. 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/30/06 6:02 PM
32379	There are too many people not included in the system.	Health care should be provided by the government. That someone makes a profit when I get ill is deeply offensive to me.	We do not have to make any trade offs there is more than enough money in the current system to pay for everyone as soon as we remove the profit motives by getting the insurance companies out of the way.	It should be universally available paid for by general taxes.	male	Over 64	No	American Indian or Alaska Native	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/30/06 6:07 PM
32381	that alternative health care should be  accepted by everyone and that people be allowed by insurance companies to get treatment there.  That health insurance cover preventative treatments such as building up your immune system to ward off disease. I think our whole health care system is more of a sick care system that is only interested in keeping people sick so they can have repeat customers for their expensive drugs	NULL	NULL	"consentrate more on illness and accident prevention prevention to keep the insurance prices down and reward people who are doing all kind of  things to keep themselves healthy, such as not smoking, eating healthy and exercising ; and by encouraging them with health coaches"	female	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	8/30/06 6:15 PM
32393	Citzens without health covereage	Have system for basic health care for all. People cannot afford can devote time to community service for basic coverage.	Our citizens have the money we just have to funnel it into a system that will work. I would prefer my tax dollars be spent on health care as a top priority.	Increase Taxes	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/30/06 6:45 PM
32416	Insurance companies are making medical decisions.	Our current way of paying for health care is based on an insurance/risk model.  The Canadian-European single payer system should replace current one.	"Health care should not be a matter of trade offs. In the same way that all Amercians are entitled to public education, health care should be financed by reduced military spending and increased corporate tax rates.   Cigarettes, processed foods, and gasoline (anything unhealthy) should be taxed at high rates;  "	"All people are entitled to adequate health care.  Denial of health care -or public education -is a danger to us all.  A democracy depends on healthy, educated citizens."	female	Over 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/30/06 7:25 PM
32441	NULL	NULL	NULL	"If you want better quality and lower costs, reduce the role of government in health care.    History makes it clear that competitive markets produce better products and services at lower prices, and that government control produces products that don’t improve at higher prices. If you look at the industries that have remade our economy over the past two decades – from computers to biotech to telecommunications to finance – you find competitive markets. If you look at the areas where government control remains pervasive – from education to road construction to transit to health insurance – you find rising prices and growing complaints about quality.  Why then recommend a larger role for government to improve health care?    The argument that health care is ""too important"" to be left to the market ignores the reality that our most basic needs,  food, clothing, and shelter, are provided by competitive markets.  The argument that health care is ""too complex"" to be left to the market ignores the fact that our most complex services, other than health care, are also provided by competitive markets.  The truth is that health care is too important to be taken away from the market by government.    The problem with health care today is too many regulations and too many subsidies.  Proposals that would add to the regulations and subsidies will, if history is a guide, end up making services less affordable.      To make health care affordable while improving quality, we need to return the responsibility for health care decisions, and for paying for those decisions, to patients.  Insurance and service markets should be made competitive.  Insurance should be completely divorced from employment.  Insurance coverage should be limited to ""insurable"" risks, not extended to all desireable health care procedures.  Subsidies to the poor should be provided to consumers, not providers.  Food stamps is a good example.      There has been extensive work done over the last two decades on the policy changes required to move us toward a patient-driven health care market.  Why isn't that work reflected in the recommendations of this working group?  "	male	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MN	8/30/06 8:12 PM
32520	That it's out of reach (financially) from those that need the most. 	"Indeed, the employers and all the top 100/500  companies tend to scream about the cost of the  healthcare, but this appears to be an empty drama,  since they don't lobby or do anything constructive  about it. "	"Ppppplease, our administration dumped 260 billions  in Iraq.  I mean, haven't we paid enough ?  Naturally, not all of us will use the health system at any one time.  The financing can be accomplished by deducting directly from the payroll, however, unlike soc. security, it has to be constructed in such a fashion that no entity can utilize these funds for any other reasons  except health related issues.     "	"I believe that ""universal health"" is overdue. In   other words, if we are to be productive citizens of the USA, shouldn't we have the same health coverage as our pliticians in Washington D.C.?  ....I certainly think so.  "	male	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Bachelor's Degree	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/31/06 3:11 AM
32546	High cost and decreasing number of doctors to treat patients.	no.	health care is not an entitlement; free or reduced fee care only leads to unnecessary excess use.	Tort reform that limits legal settlements and thus lowers malpractice insurance; take the 'lawyers' out of medicine; 	female	45 to 64	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	AZ	8/31/06 10:13 AM
32552	"Coverage for everyone.    The great fear of the uninsured is the answer to the question, ""How much is this going to cost?"" and therefore care is determined -- not by necessity, prevention or pragmatics -- but by affordability."	"This is the one thing that I think was missing from your survey -- it seemed to make the assumption that  individual taxpayers would  pay for the increased costs of healthcare, whereas it is important that corporations share their part of the burden of cost -- particularly if healthcare is provided by the government through taxation.    In England, I believe, healthcare is provided for everyone but private healthcare is available as well (to the tune of $300 for an entire family).    A tiered system based on wealth seems fair. What is unfair is to tax earned income without taking into account unearned income by the wealthy."	"I think it's deplorable that we've let it get so far out of hand and that there are so many people without healthcare. This is a dangerous situation because desperate people will settle for less than they should. A reasonable request is to restrict their choice of providers to those who have agreed to provide efficient, low-cost care. Elective (cosmetic) surgeries should not be covered. "	"Put everyone on the same health plan that members of Congress are on. The administrative costs of that plan, if I'm not mistaken, are less than 2%. Not only that, lawmakers would be in the same boat as the rest of the population instead of out of touch with what the rest of us have to contend with."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/31/06 10:35 AM
32559	"Millions of Americans are unisured, either they can not afford to pay for it themselves or their employment does not pay it for them, or even offer it.  Those who do have health insurance either private pay or through their work, the costs are soaring out of control.  Health insurance companies, hospitals and even doctors are charging TOO much, driving up the costs.  All economic levels are suffering.  What's worse is those working not only pay for thier own health care, they are paying into Medicaid for the poor and unisured.    Medicaid takes forever to reimburse hospitals, clinics and doctors, so less and less facilities are accepting medicaid.    We MUST have UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE for ALL PEOPLE.  Costs MUST be controlled by one entity that is not in the business of making a profit.  The costs must be equalized so that everyone can get great quality care.  Ameri"	"Yes, all tax paying citizens should pay the government for UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE and the GOVT should supplement that money and provide care for everyone.  We would be pay more overall taxes but then health insurance companies would be eliminated.  Let's take a look at some of the European Countires that provide health care to all of it's citizens."	"Unfortunately, it seems like the American Public thinks that increased taxes to cover health insurance for all is a bad idea.  It's all in how it would be presented to the American people.  If people could feel and see the financial benefit to eliminating the high profit health insurance companies, and realize that they would be paying the same or less in terms of health care costs, THEN people might see how paying ""more"" taxes for UNIVERSAL coverage would be a benefit for the overall health of the country."	Goverment regulated UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE for all!!! Not just for those able to pay or lucky enough to have an employer cover it.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	CO	8/31/06 10:55 AM
32560	Lack of care for low-income families.	Subidies for low-income individuals and requirement that ALL of us join the pool so that costs are kept low.	"Less techonology, more prevention."	It must be affordable and required of all.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OK	8/31/06 10:56 AM
32565	"Healthcare Value!  The relationship between the cost of delivery and the positive outcomes derived from care within the current system does not make economic sense. There is a general lack of accountability in the system, both on the provider and patient side."	"Yes, but nothing dramatic. I believe that individuals should hav the same ability as businesses to deduct premiums paid for health insurance. In addition there probably needs to be some sort of consumer tax that everyone  participates in to provide programs for the indigent and those not eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Medicaid needs to be fully funded by the state in which care is provided. The ""robbing Peter to pay Paul"" syndrome needs to stop. Whether it is federal or state tax money should make no difference. The idea of obtaining matching funds as if the states were seeking ""free"" money is irrational and creates an enormous federal burden. I am tired of Oklahoma politicians supporting local tax programs to obtain 2-1 matching federal funds. If each state were made more responsible for their own spending, you would encourage accountability and inovation.   "	"Unfortunately, the American public has very little understanding of the economics of healthcare and generally could care less. We have made a mistake in putting a ""Rolls Royce"" in eveyone's garage without letting them know how it got there and what their repsonsibility was to care for it. People get healthcare no matter what their economic situation my be. That should continue, but there has to be some responsibility on the part of everyone to ""earn"" it. If it is a social responsibility to care for everyone, then there should be a social responsibility on the part of the recipient to act responsibly and accept less ""reward"" for irresponsible, unhealthy behaviors. Why should we all support poor personal choices that lead to unhealthy results??  "	We have to start setting a budget for healthcare spending. The only viable way to do this is to involve the American public in the process of obtaining and paying for healthcare. To do this the public has to have the same information they have when purchasing any other commodity... THE COST and PROBABLE OUTCOMES/RESULTS. Evidence based medicine matched with patient involvement.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OK	8/31/06 11:14 AM
32583	"We have not yet embedded, in law, that good basic health care is a right for all in this country."	"We need all 3 groups to continue funding health care, but there will be some shifting of the proportion for each group as we move toward universal coverage, and these proportions will evolve as health care changes."	"With strong public leadership, I believe the American public, by and large, is ready for modest increases in cost to get everyone covered."	"I support the recommendation made in the report of the Institute of Medicine, Committee on the Consequences of Uninsurance, ""that the President and Congress develop a strategy to achieve universal insurance coverage and establish a firm and explicit schedule to reach this goal by 2010."" "	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IA	8/31/06 12:03 PM
32591	"1.Illegal aliens are severely damaging our system. They drive hospitals into bankruptcy and clog our emergency rooms and clinics to the point where citizens have to wait 4 hours before they can get care (I've had to do it several times myself). In Oklahoma, illegals cost us taxpayers almost $10 million just last year, an 154 percent increase over 2003! Most of this money went to delivering babies to people that can't afford them, forcing us taxpaying citizens to support them. 2.The FDA works too closely with drug companies to get medications approved, so the FDA loses its objectivity. 3.Bad doctors need to be stopped. Their licenses need to be removed more easily and hospitals should be more aware of who they are hiring. 4. People with serious, even terminal illnesses are denied care. I had to live with cancer for 3 years before I got a job with health insurance! 5.It should be recognized that euthanasia is in the best interest of the patient in extreme situations. What kind of quality of life did Terry Schiavo have the last several years of her life? After her death many people filled out advance directives to avoid a similar fate of being kept alive pointlessly."	"I think there should be some control of the ridiculous costs charged by health care institutions.  I worked in a health care setting.  The fees charged for personal health care items are grossly inflated, especially for patients in hospitals or newly released from one. Also, I was charged over 500 dollars for a 15 minute procedure that involved putting bandages and cream on my hands and getting a shot of painkiller. Needless to say I didn't go back to have my dressings changed, as was recommended."	"1.A little higher copayments for doctors visits and medications. 2.Ending the practice of allowing illegals to freeload off of our health care system. 3.Considering holistic and Asian treatments, regardless of whether the drug companies can make a bunch of money off of them or not."	"Seriously ill, LEGAL CITIZENS should have access to adequate health care."	female	25 to 44	No	White	Associate Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OK	8/31/06 12:32 PM
32606	"The number of uninsured, the fundamentals basis of the current system, the unecessary expense, the lack of privacy, the control of a few corporations and their lackeys in Congress (who remain unaffected)"	"The single payer system, despite all the rhetoric and nay saying by those with a vested interest in the current, unworkable system, should be relatively easy to implement, reduce health care costs dramatically and cover every citizen of this country.  Setting aside the obvious contradiction of the profit motivation within the current system, the problem today is basically one of haphazard growth over a particualr period in history while being dependent on actuarial tables applied to distinctly defined groups such as an employer.  These tables are used to determine costs for groups of insureds and are based on the performance of that group.  This is why small groups tend to pay so much more than large groups and are so heavily affected by a sinlge incident.  If the entire United States, however, was the group, the premiums would shrink enormously.  Not to mention the four billion dollars per year some estimates predict a single payer system would yield in paper work savings.  Therefore, it seems logical this country could insure every citizen from birth, providing a basic health plan, including dental, prescription drug (keep this one really simple this time - i.e.: basic bulk pricing) and long term care.  Higher income families and individuals would pay their own, now affordable, premiums (as well as supplemental policies) while those with lower incomes would pay little, or none, of their premiums with the government making up the difference.  Penalties and/or inducements could be included in order to encourage healthy behavior.   Employers wishing to recruit and retain workers could pick up all or part of the premiums, pay for deductibles and/or enhance the basic policies with others such as vision.  This system offers little change from the point of view of the vendors of group health plans as their products and services would easily adapt and there's money to be made processing government, single payer, insurance claims.  This simplification would also eliminate government programs (and their attendant bureaucracies) such as MediCare and MediCaid, yielding further enormous, repetitive cost savings - at both state and federal levels.  This paradigm basically reduces health care costs by creating a massive group plan while realizing unparalleled savings via economies of scale and other, obvious efficincies. Further, this allows the governmnet to exit the business of dictating prices as it now does with MediCare and MedicAid policies.  This National Health Insurance Group Plan would also ease the load of troubled companies such as GM or Ford, et al, who have enormous current and former employee health plan liabilities.  Failure to take action of some kind will lead to a near-future disaster.  "	"I would hope we'd be willing to a little more in taxes, but if done properly the system could pay for it self - or better."	"Make a National Group Plan to cover us all, thus eliminting the actuarials of small, individual groups."	male	45 to 64	No	White	Some college	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	IL	8/31/06 1:45 PM
32624	"# 1 Access  Change is imperative in the health care system because the current system is unjust. More than forty five million people in the United States (15% of our population) lack any form of health insurance. In a country as prosperous as the United States of America this alone is a disgrace. Unfortunately, in the current system the ability to obtain proper health care is intimately tied with income. Further inequity is perpetrated along racial divides with 32.7% of Hispanic Americans, 19.7 % of African Americans, and 16.8% of Asian Americans living without health care insurance. As noted by the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “of all the forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane.”"	"YES! Create a National Health Plan financed by tax payers that guarantees all Americans health insurance coverage. The creation of an equitable health care system could be a step toward creating a society with a core value of compassion expressed as the nurturing care of one another. It is time we placed the value of life where it belongs: above the value of money. The current health care system is rooted in competition which results in winners obtaining health care and losers who are left without. A more optimal model would be a system based on cooperation rather than competition. In this model, health care is a common good paid for by the commonwealth. Modern medicine is, after all, the aggregate wisdom of many generations developed to serve the common good.  "	"No ""trade-offs"".  The current health care system is bad for business. Both our job security and our economy depend on a secure, equitable, and affordable health care system. There is an unsubstantiated fear that there would be a decrease in the quality of medical care without our privately funded, fragmented health care system. The evidence strongly negates this claim in that the United States currently suffers from a lower overall quality of health care as shown by a lower life expectancy (by 2 years) and higher infant mortality rate (by 25%) as compared to our Canadian neighbors. In fact, the United States is the ONLY industrialized nation that does NOT have some form of a nationalized health care program. The National Coalition on Health Care estimates that we could SAVE over $1.136 trillion dollars over the next decade with single payer national health insurance."	Create a National Health Plan financed by tax payers that guarantees all Americans health insurance coverage.	female	25 to 44	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/31/06 2:53 PM
32666	Health care costs and thus health care insurance costs are out of control.  Too many people do not have insurance and go without appropriate health care.	There needs to be a one payor insurance system like Medicare that has low administrative expenses.	I think people are willing to pay taxes to support a system that ensures access to affordable and quality health care.	Offer the single payor system and allow that system to negotiate with providers and pharmaceutical companies for lower prices.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	8/31/06 5:13 PM
32674	"We do not have a System..it is a patched up mess.  Without state and federal intervention in the ever increasing COSTS of prescription drugs as now supported by Medicare Plan D-we will never succeed.The INS,risk pool must be expanded to include all, and profit margins must be contained  Health Care is a human right-It should not ever  be treated as a commodity.Get the obscene profit  taking OUT of our system !!   "	Yes- See HR 676..which is being ignored by most of our congressional members.Health Care is the concern of everyone.US citizens should have access to the same quality of Health Plan that the members of US Congress now enjoy..Either that  or Medicare for ALL..!!!!!!!!  	"I think that healthcare costs should be carried by the tax system.By this I mean we our pay taxes in each county,or state, so we all can  enjoy police and fire protection.Why not pay a tax(to replace 100 thousand different Helath Insurance ""premiums"" ??)Keep it simple."	See HR  676...Consult with Reps Conyers and Kucinich...Why re-invent the wheel?.They have an  excellent solution to our problem--And it never gets the attention of the whole  House Floor..WHY  NOT !!???	female	Decline to answer	No Response	Decline to answer	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OR	8/31/06 5:51 PM
32691	That so many Americans cannot afford health care and the system is so expensive.	"Yes, I would like to see Medicare expanded to everyone.  A single-payer system that allows people to choose their own doctor and sets limits on reimbursement is the right way to go."	"I think the American people want what every other industrialized nation has -- health care for all.  Not ""affordable"" health care for all, but simply health care for all."	Expand Medicare to include everyone.	female	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/31/06 7:33 PM
32699	"What concerns me most is that we do not have a system that covers averyone for all their health care needs, such as a single-payer health insurance system like Canada's system.  We must cover everyone automatically like ALL other industrialized countries have been doing for years.  The other countries spend less money per person and have better health outcomes."	"Yes.  All money should go to one central group, which is the ""single payer"", which then pays the bills."	"None.  There is more than enough money wasted with our current system to cover everyone for all care from cradle to grave for ALL health care needs, except non-essential services such as cosmetic surgery."	Implement single-payer national health insurance.	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	8/31/06 8:38 PM
32710	Costs  Quality of care is declinging  Millions not covered  Fear that my family may not be covered	"We need a single payer, government sponsored program."	I believe a single payer system would save money (see most other countries who have one) so I think this is a false choice.	Single payer system which covers everyone.	male	45 to 64	No Response	NULL	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MO	8/31/06 10:01 PM
32713	"That it is a for-profit, piece meal system where insurers often have the final say over someone's medical care and close to 46 million people have no coverage at all.  It is also unthinkable that our legislatures put their egos and political careers ahead of the people who elected them to office in good faith."	The employer based system has got to go.  HR 676 and the Health Care For all Ohioans Act are excellent examples of ways to finace coverage for every single person from cradle to grave.	"I would be wtlling to give up the obscenely high administrative costs that come about due to the greed and top heaviness of insurance and pharmaceutical companies.  Once this is addressed, here is enough money already in play to provide coverage for all."	Expand Medicare to cover everyone.	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	8/31/06 10:37 PM
32718	Health care for all Americans should be provided by our government. Taxes should pay for the care. It is only fair that someone sick or injured should be cared for to the best of our society's ability. 	"Government taxes should pay for health care as it does for education. Health insurance should be abandoned. It only concerns profits by insurance companies. It is health care, not health insurance that is needed."	"We would be willing to trade off an outdated idea of private responsibility and private profits for public health care and government payment for that care. Just as we all share roads and payments for roads, we all share the need for health care for our very existence."	Abandon the notion of health care insurance andimplement a policy of guaranteed health care for all.	male	Over 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	WA	8/31/06 10:55 PM
32719	My major concern about healthcare is that it is not affordable.	I think all persons who work should offered healthcare at a rate they can afford based on a realistic determination of what it cost persons to live on. The poverty line created in the 1960's does not reflect society today. That needs to be altered.	One possibility is that healthcare is paid for as a percentage income. Progressively.	"That insurance companies were removed from the relationship between doctor , patients and the government"	male	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	8/31/06 10:57 PM
32720	NULL	NULL	NULL	"I am very uncomfortable with the process by which public comments were sought.  The questions were structured to elicit responses that reinforce our current health care system which treats health care as a comodity.  Trade offs aren't necessary - there is enough money.  Where did ""core benefits"" come from?  Why was a meeting not held in Northeast Ohio dispite repeated attempts to arrange for one?  When community activists arranged a townhall meeting and asked that it be listed on the chcwg calendar, why was it placed there and then removed?   This was a flawed process that disenfranchised countless numbers of people.              "	female	45 to 64	No Response	Decline to answer	Decline to answer	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	OH	8/31/06 11:03 PM
32723	"The restrictions on free enterprise, interference by government in choices, too much bureaucracy whether in government at all levels or in individual hospital structures."	"Yes.  Individuals should take more responsibility for choices in their care.  When someone else--an insurance company or government (medicaid, etc.)-- is paying, people have no incentive to budget or choose lower-cost treatments.  In fact, they may be restricted to more expensive care.  Some plans cover nursing homes, but not in-home care, for example.  Another example:  most insurance plans do not cover midwives for childbirth, or out-of-hospital birth centers, both of which are MUCH less expensive, yet just as safe.  Medical savings accounts are an excellent way to motivate people to think carefully about their choices, and to offer them more choice.  Another important change would be to give providers an incentive to KEEP people healthy, rather than treat them after they are ill.  Ideally, family doctors should be monitoring levels of hormones, vitamins, sugar, insulin, etc. and working to normalize aberrations.  This would prevent many of our degenerative diseases.  People should also be encouraged to eat more healthful foods.  Food manufacturers should also be held accountable for their use of cheap but non-nutritious ingredients. "	"I can't speak for everyone, but I am willing to take more personal responsibility for lifestyle choices and care choices. I am NOT willing to pay huge new taxes so that everyone can be covered by government plans, which are always less efficient than the private sector. "	"Allow freedom of choice in treatment.  One of the best aspects of care in Europe is the use of what is here often considered unacceptable alternative medicine.  No level of government should be able to come between me and my care provider to tell us what treatments we can or cannot use.  This is vitally important.  We use far too many expensive and dangerous prescription drugs, when cheaper and safer alternatives should be the first choice.  For example, instead of antidepressants (with so many side effects and risks), doctors should start treating depression by recommending a good source of omega 3 fatty acids, and possibly SAMe or herbs like St. John's wort, as well as counseling.        I am alarmed when Congress considers restricting access to vitamins and other supplements, or when medical boards persecute doctors for using innovative treatments.  THIS MUST STOP!  Medicine should not be regulated at all except to prosecute actual fraud, where deception resulted in physical injury. We need to get the government out of health care to a large extent, not put it in charge of the whole system."	female	45 to 64	No	White	Bachelor's Degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MI	8/31/06 11:28 PM
32727	"All Americans should have health care as a right. I believe strongly in universal health care for ALL. I am an advanced practice psychiatric nurse and what concerns me most are the inequities in concrete physical/medical health coverage and behavioral health coverage including for substance abuse/dependence (addiction). Additionally,the public is not educated enough regarding the need for organs for others. There is a shortage of organs and people die waiting for transplants. Education all round is essential."	I would be willing to pay more if it meant universal health coverage with full mental health parity. We all pay more taxes in the long run when people don't have health insurance and don't take care of themselves; they then are using more expensive means of care such as hospitals and hospital ERs and getting sicker in the long run.	"In NYS when a large scale survey was done, the public was willing to pay more for full mental health parity. It was estimated that this was actually only a very small amount more. If done efficiently and all were taken care of, the costs would not be so high and the majority of the public would probably be able to afford more."	Universal health care including full behavioral health coverage	female	45 to 64	No	White	Graduate or professional degree	Yes	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NY	8/31/06 11:52 PM
32728	that 45 million americans have no health insurance and millions more are underinsured.Many american face bankruptcy because of medical cost.Health care cost are rising to fast.	"private insurance should be banned. Health insurance should be provided to all americans.Most of the cost of making a single payer system could be financed by the savings of such a system,using the money the federal government alreayd spends on all healthcare."	not sure	dont listen to private health insurance companies when writing healthcare legislation	male	Under 25	No	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	NULL	MA	8/31/06 11:52 PM