Pennsylvanians oppose government-run health care

According to a Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry poll, the majority of likely voters in Pennsylvania oppose a public option in health care.

A public option means the number of individuals receiving health care benefits from the federal government would increase.

Harper Polling conducted the chamber-sponsored survey of 500 Pennsylvanians between Sept. 30 and Oct.1. Participants were asked five questions.

When asked if they were willing to pay more taxes for a state-run system, 62 percent said no. A total of 66 percent opposed a $2,300 tax increase per worker in addition to current health care costs.

When asked how satisfied they are with their current insurance, 88 percent were satisfied, and 70 percent said they believed private insurance should exist.

A total of 60 percent said they were less likely to support a candidate who supports a public option.

“A new government-run health care insurance system, like the public option, would increase taxes on Pennsylvania workers, with some estimates projecting a payroll tax increase of $2,300 for maintaining health care coverage,” Gene Barr, PA chamber president and CEO, said. “This poll shows that the majority of Pennsylvanians agree that a new government-run program that will lead to higher taxes is not in the best interests of so many people across this Commonwealth who are already struggling to make ends meet.”