The state that voters have the first say in the presidential primaries for the 2008 campaign is Iowa, and guess which issue was the most prominent in a recent survey? That's right—Health Care.

The majority of the nonpartisan citizens group surveyed stated they felt the health care system in place now is broken. Not only that, the people of Iowa don't trust any politicians to resolve it.

What about the health system is broken (or what isn't)?

The people surveyed feel more needs to be done about disease prevention rather than finding high-technology cures. They believe "more public accountability is needed in how health care dollars are spent, and 'basic' health services should include access to any licensed health care professional."

Who did this survey and is it biased?

The survey (known as CodeBlueNow! Pulse) was done by CodeBlueNow!, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, citizen organization. It was formed with the idea to build a public consensus, and to find some sort of common ground on health care reform. The findings in this survey may very well lead to the foundation for a new health care system.

What were the results?

About ‘Fixing' Health Care:

• 22% said they trust the federal government to fix the health care system
• 12% said the Presidential election would help chart a new vision for health care in the U.S.

About Candidates' Proposals:

• 38% thought Democrats had the most meaningful plans
• 15% thought Republicans have the most meaningful plans
• 29% remained neutral on the subject

(When asked how they vote, only 28% are declared Independent or undecided.)

About Who Should Design a New System:

• Over 50% said they would pick non-profit organizations and health care professionals over business professionals, federal government, or academic institutions.
• 65% said they would support a non-profit, non-partisan civic organization made up of regular citizens.

Former Minnesota Republican Gov. Arne Carlson (and CodeBlueNow! Honorary Board Member) said, "The people of Iowa have spoken—they want accountability, choice, and are open to a range of options on how to pay for health care."

The findings will be compiled into "a template that compares Iowan views with those of the presidential candidates' health care proposals, and ultimately provides a national public platform to advance discussion on national health care reform."

Interesting Findings From the Survey to Consider:

• 80 percent of the respondents said they were satisfied with their access to health care services, and 84 percent were satisfied with the quality of care they received
• 34 percent admitted being dissatisfied with the cost of their health care services, 61 percent were dissatisfied with nationwide health care costs.
• 71 percent agreed it is important that all Americans have health insurance coverage, and 69 percent believe that "basic" benefits should include coverage for any licensed health care professional, such as naturopathic physicians, midwives, acupuncturists and chiropractors.
• 61 percent said that the public should have a larger role in designing and managing a new health care system.
• 75 percent agreed that America needs the same kind of public reporting and accountability in health care that exists with public companies, such as water and power companies.
• 63 percent said there is enough money already going into the health care system to provide quality care, but the money needs to be used more effectively and efficiently. 38 percent said they would be willing to pay more for health care if they knew how and where the money was being spent, while 35 percent would pay more to ensure that their neighbors got the care they needed.
• 69 percent said health care services should stress preventing disease rather than relying on high technology cures.
• 58 percent said employers should continue to play a major role in providing health insurance, and 62 percent said that health insurance should be a shared responsibility of individuals, employers, and government.

CodeBlueNow! Pulse may be surveying you in the next six months, as they are surveying voters in other key states within that time period. To get the most up-to-date information, check out the official site for CodeBlueNow!

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