Latest HCR Numbers

[Kithus]

Public support for passing healthcare reform legislation this year is marginally higher than it was three months ago, but still doesn't rise to majority level. Thus, neither party in Washington can claim that advancing or, alternatively, defeating the legislation represents the will of the people on this important issue.

For: 49%
Against: 46%
No Opinion: 6%

http://www.gallup.com/poll/125030/Healthcare-Bill-Support-Ticks-Up-Public-Divided.aspx

[Parkbandit]

Forty-two percent (42%) of U.S. voters now favor the health care reform plan proposed by President Obama and congressional Democrats. That’s the most positive result since mid-November, but still most voters remain opposed.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 52% of voters oppose the legislation (see question wording and trends). Opposition remains highest among middle-income Americans.

Last week, 39% of voters nationwide supported the plan, and 58% opposed it. That was consistent with our weekly tracking of the issue which has found support between 38% and 41% every week from just before Thanksgiving to the end of 2009.

Despite the fact that a majority has consistently opposed the plan, 65% of voters nationwide now expect that health care reform legislation will pass this year. That’s down slightly from 67% a week ago but up from 49% before the Senate passed its version of the legislation on Christmas Eve.

As has been the case throughout the debate, those who feel strongly about the issue are more likely to be opposed. Just 22% of voters Strongly Favor the plan while 43% are Strongly Opposed.

Polling data released last week showed that reminding voters of what’s in the plan does not increase support for it. Additional data will be released later today on reaction to individual aspects of the plan and how to pay for it.

Fifty-nine percent (59%) of voters believe passage of the plan will increase the cost of health care, and 51% think it will hurt the quality of care.

Seventy-eight percent (78%) expect the plan to cost more than projected. As a result, voters overwhelmingly believe passage of the plan will increase the federal deficit and lead to middle class tax hikes.

Also consistent throughout the health care debate has been the partisan nature of the response and the strong opposition from senior citizens.

The latest numbers show that 73% of Democrats favor the plan while 81% of Republicans are opposed. Among those not affiliated with either major party, 31% support the plan, and 50% are opposed.

Most voters favor the ban on abortion coverage for insurance plans that receive federal subsidies, and 47% believe each state should have the right to opt out of the federal plan if it passes. On a related topic, 34% favor a single-payer national health insurance system.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/healthcare/january_2010/42_support_health_care_plan_52_oppose