Only 37% of Americans believe health care is a right, according to a new Policygenius survey. Moreover, 31% aren’t willing to pay anything extra in taxes for health insurance that covers all medical expenses, including dental and vision care, for them and their dependents.
In fact, 57% are unwilling to pay more than $1,000 a year — or $83 a month — for fully funded health care. That price tag is much lower than what Americans currently shell out just to have health insurance through work.
Data from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows that, in 2017, people who have employer-sponsored health insurance contributed around $1,204 and $5,817 in annual premiums for individual and family plans, respectively. That breaks down to around $100 and $485 a month, and doesn’t even account for what Americans pay out-of-pocket for doctor visits, prescription drugs, and other medical care.
Americans are confused about health care
Part of Americans’ unwillingness to pay for universal health care is they may not understand just how much they’re currently paying for their coverage. Earlier this year, a separate Policygenius survey found many people don’t know the basic tenets of health insurance, such as open enrollment dates or plan requirements. The lack of understanding may extend to the cost of health insurance, and overall long-term savings an alternate health care system might provide.
However, Policygenius’ survey results underscore another aspect of the debate over the U.S. health care system.