Source: Specific Health Care Issues in the 2002 Congressional Election: October 2002

Now, thinking specifically about health care… What health care issue, if any, will be most important to you in deciding how to vote for US Congress? (PROBE: Is there another health care issue that will be almost as important to you?)

21% Prescription Drug Costs
18 Health Care Costs
16 Expanding Insurance Coverage
13 Medicare/Medicaid/Care for Elderly
2 Patient’s Bill of Rights
14 No Issue
18 Don't know

Now I’m going to read you a list of health care issues you might or might not consider important in deciding how to vote for a candidate for US Congress. As I read each one, please tell me if you think it will be very important in deciding your vote, somewhat important, not too important, or not at all important in deciding your vote. Which ONE of these do you think will be the MOST important in deciding your vote?

27% Helping control the cost of health care
24 Helping the uninsured get health insurance coverage
19 Helping people age 65 and over pay for prescription medicines
11 Helping make Medicare more financially secure
7 Protecting the privacy of medical records
5 Protecting consumer rights in HMOs and managed care plans
7 None of these

Survey by National Public Radio, Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. Methodology: Fieldwork conducted by ICR–International Communications Research, October 23-October 27, 2002 and based on telephone interviews with a national adult sample of 1,007.