Overall Public Support for the Health Reform Law Is Steady from June

The July Kaiser Health Tracking Poll indicates overall public support for the health reform law is steady from June, while unfavorable views of the law have trended downward somewhat. Half the public (50%) now expresses a favorable view of the law, while 35 percent say they have an unfavorable opinion (down from 41% in June). Seniors’ views of the new law remain more negative than those of their younger counterparts; they tilt towards unfavorable views, 46 percent compared to 38 percent. Meanwhile, Seniors’ awareness of specific reform provisions that affect Medicare is mixed. For example, about half are aware that the new law will result in premium increases for some higher income Medicare beneficiaries (52%) and gradually close Medicare’s “doughnut hole” (50%). However, just a third (33%) know the law will eliminate Medicare’s co-pays and deductibles for some preventive services. And 36 percent believe the law allows a government panel to make descisions about end-of-life care for Medicare recipients.