Forty-nine percent (49%) of voters nationwide now rate the U.S. health care system as good or excellent. That marks a steady increase from 44% at the beginning of October, 35% in May and 29% a year-and-a-half ago.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 27% now say the U.S. health care system is poor.

It is interesting to note that confidence in the system has improved as the debate over health care reform has moved to center stage. The latest polling shows that only 38% favor the health care legislation currently working its way through Congress.

Most liberal voters (51%) now rate the current health care system as poor. However, 62% of conservatives say it’s good or excellent. Among political moderates, 44% say the health care system is good or excellent while 26% say it's poor.

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

Despite the increasingly positive reviews for the current system, 53% of voters still believe major changes are needed. That includes 13% who want to scrap the status quo and start over again.

Thirty-seven percent (37%) say only minor changes are needed. Seven percent (7%) say nothing needs to be changed.

Most Democrats think major changes are needed. Most Republicans and voters not affiliated with either party believe just minor changes or no changes are needed.

Sixty-two percent (62%) of voters say the biggest problem with health care today is cost. Eighteen percent (18%) say the biggest problem is the lack of universal coverage. Six percent (6%) cite the inconvenience of scheduling, and five percent (5%) say it’s the quality of care.

Fifty percent (50%) now say it’s important for Congress to pass health care legislation this year, but that's down 11 points from 61% at the beginning of October.

Please sign up for the Rasmussen Reports daily e-mail update (it’s free) or follow us on Twitter or Facebook. Let us keep you up to date with the latest public opinion news.

See survey questions and toplines. Crosstabs and are available to Premium Members.