Americans calling for health care system reform

Quick View. Sept. 18, 2006.

A recent telephone survey asked respondents to rate the importance of several health policy priorities.

Nearly half (46%) of Americans say the country's health care system needs fundamental change, and close to one-third (30%) believe it should be rebuilt completely.

In the telephone survey of 1,000 adults conducted for the Commonwealth Fund by Harris Interactive, respondents were presented with seven policy options. The table shows how many rated each one "very important" for the president and Congress to address.

The fund is a private foundation that supports health care research and provides grants aimed at improving health care practices and policy. The full report "Public Views on Shaping the Future of the U.S. Health System," can be found online (www.cmwf.org/publications/publications_show.htm?doc_id=394606).