Polls Show Opposition To Medicare Cuts, Uncertainty About Ryan Budget

[cal04]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/15/polls-show-american-wary-_n_849725.html

This afternoon, the U.S. House of Representative will vote on the Republican budget plan proposed by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) that will transform the Medicare program into a system that would provide seniors with vouchers for private health plans rather than direct payment for their medical bills. But if Americans conclude that it "ends Medicare as we know it," as President Obama argued earlier this week, the proposal will likely face public resistance. Though Americans know little of Ryan's plan, large majorities oppose cuts in Medicare see little need for a major overhaul.

While pollsters ask about potential changes to Medicare in various ways, their most straightforward questions are about potential budget cuts. The table below features responses to three questions asked about the popular program in recent months. The national surveys show majorities, ranging between 54 and 76 percent of adults, reject the notion of cuts to Medicare:



The same CBS News and NBC/Wall Street Journal polls as well as another from USA Today/Gallup also asked more broadly about the need for "changes" in the Medicare program. These results show a willingness to make changes but little enthusiasm for a "complete overhaul." Specifically:

[Oceansaway]

1. K&R...n/t

[provis99]

2. well, you fuckhead voters.

You're getting the government you voted for. So quit whining and acting surprised.