New Jerseyans Divided on Health Care Reform

04/19/2010

Recent health care reform was aimed at reducing medical costs for Americans with pre-existing conditions or low income who were otherwise unable to afford insurance coverage.

Public response has indicated that it may fail in doing this, according to a recent Monmouth University/Gannett New Jersey Poll. 54% of respondents expect their medical costs to increase as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, while almost one-third of respondents do not expect a change.

The poll of New Jersey residents also showed that about 47% think the federal government now has too much involvement in the health care system, echoing concerns from many attorneys general who have accused Congress of overstepping its constitutional power. Half of New Jersey's registered voters viewed the reform negatively, according to the report.

"Public sentiment is divided on the president’s accomplishment," Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, said. "But it's also worth noting that among those who have strong feelings about the reforms, twice as many people are really angry about it compared to the number who are actually enthusiastic."

The health care bill also reformed the way student loans are regulated, eliminating bank subsidies and increasing the availability and size of Pell grants.

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