NU Online News Service, June 23, 2:30 p.m. EDT
WASHINGTON–More than half of Americans who have health insurance are opposed to or "are not sure how they feel" about a government-operated health care plan, according to a new poll.
Commissioned by the Trusted Choice unit of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, the survey also found more than 85 percent of respondents said it was important to have a choice of insurance companies and the ability to change health plans.
Telephone interviews of 928 households nationwide were conducted this month by International Communications Research, based in Media, Pa.
The study found 56 percent of Americans have reservations about a so-called "public plan," and that even those who favor the proposal have concerns about choice in care.
And, according to the poll, 23 percent of those in favor of the government plan would no longer support it if it was their only option or provider.
"This national study further demonstrates that Americans want and deserve choices in their health care," said a statement from Robert Rusbuldt, IIABA president and chief executive officer.
"If some of the proposals in Washington come to fruition, millions of Americans might be faced with limited or no choice in health care because the private sector wouldn't be able to compete over time," he said.
According to Mr. Rusbuldt, IIABA members are concerned about how customer relations would be handled by the federal government and cited the IRS and FEMA as examples of troubled agencies with telephone help lines.
"Should a government-operated public plan be implemented, the IIABA is not only concerned about funding and the agent's role but how consumers would obtain information, service, and professional advice and guidance," he said.
"Will we have to call a government hotline in Washington to get answers on health plans or coverage?" Mr. Rusbuldt wondered.
IIABA said a number of its members will be joining representatives of other insurance industry producer trade groups for a "fly-in" July 15 to Washington.
During the visit, the producers plan to meet with their congressional representatives to explain what is acceptable and appropriate from their perspective in health care reform legislation, and what is not.
The biggest concern of producers, both property and casualty and life/health, is a public plan that would be run by government officials who currently run the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
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