In survey after survey the majority of Americans report dissatisfaction with their experiences with the healthcare system, and over 40% of Americans continually reports that healthcare and health insurance reform is necessary.

These issues go beyond concerns over not having enough medical insurance or access to affordable healthcare coverage. In a recent study almost half of those polled reported experiencing unsatisfactory or inefficient healthcare treatment within the past two years. Complaints ranged from unnecessary procedures, test or treatments, to serious medical errors or missed diagnoses.

An unprecedented amount of surveys conducted by different agencies in both the private and public sectors have found overwhelming support by the American public for change in how healthcare and health insurance is provided in this country.  These surveys continue to reveal that Americans are as concerned with finding better access to affordable health insurance as they are with inefficiencies in the healthcare system. Communications and the lack of coordination between healthcare providers seem to come up often as a concern among those surveyed.  For example a recent study conducted by The Commonwealth Fund, a healthcare watchdog group, found that one out of four Americans said their physician had recommended unnecessary care or treatment, and one in six stated their healthcare provider  repeated tests that had already been performed.

Now that is not to say that healthcare costs are also not primary in the minds of Americans. With an impending presidential election there are no lack of polls and surveys being taken. And time and time again the cost of healthcare and affordable health insurance come ups as primary on the minds of a majority of Americans. This desire for low cost medical insurance crosses income brackets and party lines.  Once thought to be only of concern to the poor and middle classes 1 in 5 Americans with incomes of over $75,000 per year have also reported difficulties paying medical bills.

For the first time in decades regardless of who is conducting the poll, or party affiliation an overwhelming majority; usually around 75%; of those asked, feel that a fundamental change in our healthcare system is necessary. Only about 20% of people report that they believe that our current healthcare delivery system and health insurance model should remain the way it is.


In one survey when people were asked “what should the next president do about healthcare?” The top priorities were; ensure all Americans have reliable and affordable health insurance, reduce the cost of medical care in general, make prescription drugs more affordable, ensure that programs for seniors remain financially sound for the long-term.