Business group, survey says most Arkansans oppose health reform plan (Updated II)

A new report from The Tarrance Group suggests that 49% of Arkansans say only “minor changes” are needed in the U.S. health care system, with 44% saying their top health care change priority is to lower medical costs.

The survey results mirror what Jake Files hears among concerned business owners in the Fort Smith area. Files, a partner in Fort Smith-based FFH Construction and a former Arkansas Representative (1998-2002), said most people “get it” that the Democrat health care plan is “fiscally reckless” and the bill “ takes us one step further into the total government control of our health care.”

However, Files said, people in the region do believe something must be done to control health care costs.

“I don’t think anyone would argue that the system doesn’t need some reform. … But I know the whole system is not broken. We need to slow down and be reasonable with this,” Files explained. “Let’s look at what’s working and accentuate those points. And let’s look at what’s not working and fix that.”

Files was part of a Monday effort — coordinated by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce — to generate local voices of opposition to the proposed health care plan.

THE SURVEY
Alexandria, Va.-based The Tarrance Group provides polling and strategic research primarily for Republican candidates and conservative causes. The new survey on what Arkansans think about health care was produced for Patients United Now, a Washington, D.C. organization formed to oppose the health care reform plan proposed by Democrats in Congress and President Barack Obama.

The Tarrance Group surveyed 500 Arkansans between Aug. 16 and Aug. 18. The survey has a margin of error of +/- 4.5%.

Survey results indicate the top five national issues important to Arkansans are health care reform (30% top issue, 19% second priority), deficit spending control (23%, 15%), the economy (21%, 22%), jobs (12%, 12%) and taxes (4%, 10%).

Also, 89% of Arkansans said they are satisfied with their health care, a result close to that reported in late July by Little Rock-based journalist Roby Brock. The TBQ (Talk Business Quarterly) poll was conducted through a partnership with Brock, and Little Rock-based political consulting groups The Political Firm and The Markham Group. Brock and his TalkBusiness.net is a content partner with The City Wire.

The TBQ pollsters asked 600 Arkansans the following questions:

Overall, how satisfied are you with the quality of health care that you and your family receive?
Very Satisfied: 46%
Somewhat Satisfied: 40%
Somewhat Dissatisfied: 9%
Very Dissatisfied: 5%
Don’t Know: 0%

Would you prefer a health care system where most Americans get their health care coverage through the federal government or a system where most Americans get their health care coverage through a private insurance provider?
Federal Government Provider: 16%
Private Insurance Provider: 74%
Don’t Know: 10%

The Tarrance Group survey shows that 61% of Arkansans “do not believe their family would benefit from Obama’s health care reforms,” with 31% saying they would benefit, and 8% unsure.

Also, 66% of Arkansans said they would oppose higher taxes for health care reforms if the taxes targeted small business owners.

LINCOLN NOTES
U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., has not thrown her complete support behind the plan proposed by Democrats in the U.S. House and the White House.

“The Senate Finance Committee is still at work crafting a deficit-neutral proposal that will stabilize health care costs and offer affordable and quality coverage for all Arkansans and Americans,” Lincoln noted in a July 29 press release.  “We are closer to achieving meaningful health care reform than ever before, and it’s important we take the time to get this right.”  lincoln.senate.gov/newsroom/2009-07-29-1.cfm

Files said he senses “a growing distrust” fueled by the number of government programs implemented or proposed among people who initially welcomed Obama. He said the distrust could hurt members of the Arkansas Congressional delegation who support big government plans.

“I think Senator Lincoln and Senator Pryor need to know that there are consequences to their votes,” Files said, adding that Arkansans want “Lincoln and Pryor to take Arkansas values back to Washington.”

Updated II info: The following statement was issued late Monday by the office of U.S. Rep. John Boozman, R-Rogers, following his town hall meetings in Fort Smith and Harrison: “The Congressman answered questions for more than a combined total of more than 4 1/2 hours at both the Harrison and Fort Smith town halls. The events (including panels and the Congressman’s discussion) lasted a combined total of 6 1/2 hours. The overwhelming majority of questions were from citizens who are concerned with the idea of government-run health care, and many see the health care proposals as another means to taking away their freedoms. About 350 people attended the Fort Smith event and all of the audience members who wanted to ask a question were able to do so. We also took written questions from people who didn’t publicly want to ask their question and the Congressman will respond in written letters. The Congressman was pleased with the participation in the town hall event. In addition to listening to questions and comments and expressing his concerns, the Congressman offered some positive alternative ideas for health care reform.”

Updated info: The following statement was issued to The City Wire from the office of U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark.: “It is very clear to me that the status quo is not working when it comes to health care in our country. I have heard too many horror stories from Arkansans with and without health insurance. The Senate continues to piece together a health care reform bill, and I am withholding judgment until the committee process is complete. However, I believe essential elements of health care reform should reduce costs for families, businesses, and government; protect an individual’s choice of doctors and insurance plans; and assure affordable, quality healthcare for every Arkansan.”