THE PENDULUM

by Caitlin O'Donnell, November 10, 2009

From county halls to Congress, health care reform has been a constant topic of discussion and dissension for the American public. Both advocates and opponents have made their voices known around the country, and N.C. is no different.

Based on a recent study conducted by the Elon University Poll, three out of every four North Carolina residents said the United States' health care system is in need of reform.

The poll, which was conducted Oct. 26-29 and surveyed 703 residents, found that 54 percent also support legislation that would include a public option.

According to a New York Times  article, "Under the public option, a government-run plan would be offered ... where individuals who currently do not have insurance could buy coverage."

Many Republicans have countered that a public plan would force private insurers out of business and lead employers to drop private coverage. Nevertheless, as the economy has worsened and unemployment rises, insecurity about health care has also increased.

Many now consider the public option a necessity.

"If you are not working in this country, you are most vulnerable (with health coverage being linked to employment)," said Betty Morgan, associate professor of political science and public administration. "Without employer-based health coverage, most families cannot afford to insure themselves."

According to the poll, the number of residents who have private health insurance has dropped from 83 percent in September 2008 to 73 percent this year, and 18 percent have lost medical coverage.

"This is a function of the economy and reflects high unemployment numbers in North Carolina," said Hunter Bacot, director of the Elon Poll.

Although there is much support for a reform plan including a public option, only 41 percent of those polled responded they would use the option if it were available.

Based on the amount of people in favor of reform itself, it seems people are more open to something being done to the existing system, Bacot said.

"The poll reflects what most Americans recognize, which is that our present health coverage system is not working for anyone except health insurance companies and that something has to be done," Morgan said.

According to Bacot, the poll results represent an overall frustration with the current health care system.

"This cuts both ways," he said. "Those that need health insurance obviously want something done, but so too do those that are getting tired of the rising costs of health care."

Anne Lewis, an employee of Alamance Regional Medical Center, said she has seen firsthand the problems hindering the health care system. Though she admits reform is needed, she does not believe the solution comes from a government-run plan.

"I would like to see more hospitals becoming self-regulated," she said. "If a hospital went out of its way to hire an independent auditing agency to cut costs, it wouldn't have to tack on extra patient costs elsewhere. The hospitals should be responsible for charging a fair amount."

Lewis also encourages patients to be informed about their medical bills and expenses.

"Patients need to become proactive," she said. "They can't just assume that insurance companies will take care of it."

While everyone has an opinion regarding reform, it is apparent much deliberation is yet to be had. Congress itself has not reached a decision.

Though the House of Representatives passed a health care reform bill Saturday, it is unclear when the Senate will vote on a version of the bill and if it will even be turned into law.

"Regardless of how people think health care needs to be addressed, nearly everyone agrees that it does," Bacot said.