Americans are evenly divided over the idea of making free health care available to every one in the country, but opposition grows dramatically when their own health insurance is involved.

Forty-two percent (42%) of Americans say every one in the United States should have free health care. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 44% disagree.

However, by a two-to-one margin (60% to 27%), Americans reject free health care for all if it means changing their own coverage and joining a program administered by the government. Many surveys, conducted over many years have found a similar unwillingness to support any program that requires a change in coverage. Last December, 58% opposed any kind of government-controlled health plan if it meant they had to change their own insurance coverage.

That resistance to change is partly explained by the fact that 70% of those with insurance rate their own coverage as good or excellent. Most adults (53%) believe their coverage would get worse if they had to change to a government-run program.

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Public support for free health care is down nearly 10 points since September 2007. Then, as now, there was a sizable drop in support for free health care when voters’ own health insurance was impacted.

The partisan split in support for free health care is substantial. Sixty-five percent (65%) of Democrats now believe all Americans should have free health coverage, but 68% of Republicans disagree. Adults not affiliated with either political party oppose free health care for all by a 48% to 36% margin.

Overall, 32% of Americans are willing to pay higher taxes so that health insurance can be provided for all Americans, but 54% say they’re not.
Thirty-four percent (34%) think raising taxes on non-diet soft drinks is one way to raise takes for health care.
Americans are closely divided on whether it’s a good idea to establish a government health insurance company to compete with private health insurance companies.

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