The congressional package contains significant federal investments in alternative energy and an expanded role for the federal government relative to both healthcare coverage and drug pricing. This survey asked for people’s thoughts and deeds in relation to these areas. Here are the results:
My thoughts: I’m impressed that so many readers are focused improving the health of our society and planet. Most Musings readers are taking steps, personally, to be part of the solution to climate change. And nearly three-quarters of you would be willing to pay more in taxes to expand healthcare coverage.
Readers were extremely interested in solutions surrounding prescription drug prices. The vast majority of survey participants want the U.S. government to cap the price of the most expensive medications (81%) and cap the out-of-pocket costs patients must pay (70%). Only 8% of respondents seem satisfied with the status quo.
Americans are increasingly concerned about climate change, the economy and the rising cost of healthcare—and perhaps that’s because more and more people are becoming directly impacted by these forces. However, given the gridlock in Congress and immense lobbying from drug manufacturers, I predict all of these problems will get worse before they’re solved.
Thanks to those who voted. To participate in future surveys, and for access to timely news and opinion on American healthcare, sign up for my free (and ad-free) newsletter Monthly Musings on American Healthcare.
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Dr. Robert Pearl is the former CEO of The Permanente Medical Group, the nation’s largest physician group. He’s a Forbes contributor, bestselling author, Stanford University professor, and host of two healthcare podcasts. Pearl’s newest book, “Uncaring: How the Culture of Medicine Kills Doctors & Patients,” is available now. All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders.
