Poll: Americans Want Public Option, but Don't Want to Use It

Huh?

Yes, "Have a Piece of Government Cake, but Don't Eat It" is the message coming out of a new poll from Quinnipiac University examining Americans' opinions of health care reform. Overall, 69 percent of respondents, who were registered Democrats, Republicans and independents, say Americans should have the option to enroll in a government-run health care option, but only 29 percent say they would want to use public health insurance themselves. That may be because most in the poll say they are very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with their own health care coverage.

Although the idea of a public option is popular, attitudes become murkier on how exactly to pay for a government health care potion. By a slim margin, 49 percent to 45 percent, respondents say they would pay more in taxes for a reformed health care system, but 72 percent say they would not be willing to pay more than $500 per year. Also, 63 percent oppose the idea of taxing a person's employer-sponsored health care benefits to pay to improve the system. White House adviser David Axelrod refused to rule out a benefits tax during an interview last Sunday on "Meet the Press."

"Seven out of 10 voters aren't willing to chip in what amounts to the price of a cheese pizza per week – without extra toppings – in order to finance an overhaul," said Paul Brown, assistant director of polling at Quinnipiac. He also said Americans' personal satisfaction with their own health care complicates reformers' efforts. "That presents a challenge to those who want Americans to pay more to reform the system."

Finally, by a 14-point margin, a majority said the primary goal of health care reform in Congress should be to reduce costs for everyone, rather than to provide coverage for everyone.