Poll: U.S. residents split on health reform

Public support for the federal health reform law is split nearly evenly, with 42 percent of U.S. residents holding a favorable view of the overhaul and 43 percent viewing it unfavorably, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation poll released last week.

The survey also found:

• 62 percent of respondents said a presidential candidate’s position on Medicare is only “one of many important factors” to affect their vote, while 23 percent said they would vote only for a candidate who shares their views on the issue;
• 63 percent of respondents over age 65 support raising the Medicare eligibility age gradually from 65 to 67, compared with just 43 percent of those under age 50;
• 54 percent of respondents support limiting premium increases for high-income seniors, compared with 46 percent of Republicans; and
• 43 percent of elderly residents trust Democrats more to handle Medicare, while 36 percent have more faith in Republicans.