Survey: Most Louisianans ‘strongly oppose’ public health insurance

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce says 55% of Louisiana’s residents oppose health-care reform plans being discussed by Congress, with seniors and independents in particular skewing toward skepticism. In a poll of 600 registered voters, the chamber also says 51% of respondents “strongly oppose” a government-run health insurance option. In choosing which priority is most important within health-care reform, 41% of Louisiana respondents selected cost control, followed by 35% who selected quality of care. Only 14% said covering the uninsured was their top priority; 10% said they did not know what to think. “Polling clearly shows that Louisianans overwhelmingly oppose the current direction of health care legislation,” said Bruce Josten, executive vice president of government affairs at the chamber. “The chamber has been a strong advocate for reforms that improve access to quality care and lower costs but, like Louisianans, we are very concerned about the legislation Congress is now considering.” Ayres, McHenry & Associates, conducted the poll Nov. 8-10. For detailed results, click here.