About 92% of Massachusetts residents are aware of the state health insurance law that requires all residents to obtain health insurance by July 1, according to a recent poll by Suffolk University/Channel 7 News, the Boston Herald reports. The poll, which surveyed 400 Massachusetts residents, found:
* 49% of residents said that individuals should not “be compelled to buy health insurance even if they don’t want it,” compared with 42% who said health coverage should be mandated;
* 79% said health care should be provided at no cost to residents with annual incomes below the federal poverty level;
* About 34% of residents said the state could not afford to provide health insurance to lower-income residents, while 49% of residents said the state could afford it;
* 47% believed Massachusetts will become a magnet for low-income people as a result of the law, compared with 42% who did not think low-income people would be drawn to the state because of the law;
* 68% said they are confident that they receive quality health care;
* 59% said they will have enough money for health care costs in the future; and
* 59% said medical malpractice premiums paid by physicians in the state are too high.
The poll shows a “disconnect” between the public’s opinion about universal health care and residents’ willingness to pay for it, David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center, said. According to Paleologos, “With health care, people are saying they’re optimistic, and everyone should be covered, and that it will be affordable and everyone has the right to health care. But when you probe a little bit, people are saying there should be limits on health care and people shouldn’t be forced to comply. Well, if everyone doesn’t have to pay, then who pays?”
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