Health Care Reforms Americans Want

Survey results published in the March 2008 edition of Consumer Rerports indicate six elements Americans consider essential to reforming the nation's health care system. Among 1,200 Americans age 18 and older who responded to the survey, more than 80 percent agreed a reformed health care system should include the following:

1. Coverage for all uninsured children.
2. Protection against financial ruin due to a major illness or accident.
3. The ability to obtain coverage regardless of a pre-existing condition.
4. Coverage that continues even when people are laid off, changing jobs, or starting their own business.
5. Premiums, deductibles, and out-of- pocket expenses that are affordable relative to family income.
6. The ability of people to keep their current health insurance if they choose.