Dr. MacDowell Misericordia College Research on Holiday Spending

Michael MacDowell, Ed.D., president, Misericordia University talks to Good News.




· http://www.misericordia.edu/ , A quarter of Americans say the discussion about healthcare reform has impacted how they use their healthcare some are maximizing coverage while others are minimizing their use of the healthcare system.

· Top concerns about healthcare reform include the cost to future generations and impact on the federal deficit, the cost of out of pocket expenses, and accessible and quality coverage.

· Older Americans nearing retirement are more likely than younger Americans to be following the debate and to feel anger, tension, and helplessness.

· Most Americans say they are honest with their healthcare provider and insurance provider about their health conditions. However, nearly a quarter admit that they would consider withholding information from an insurance provider if it might limit their ability to access healthcare.

· Only three in five Americans are taking advantage of all preventative tests covered by their insurance.

· The cost of healthcare causes stress for more than half of Americans, and three in ten say it has led to arguments or tension with family or friends.

· Families and doctors are the most trusted sources of information about healthcare reform, then media.

· Nearly all Americans with healthcare insurance are satisfied with their coverage.

· Younger people trust President Obama more than older Americans for information about healthcare reform.

· Though Americans say they put less trust in news programs, newspapers and Web sites, they continue to turn to them as sources of information about healthcare reform.




Health care Increases Stress and Decreases Spending

at the Start of the Holiday Season

New Data Identifies Top Concerns for Americans with Health Care Reform




Dallas, PA, Dec. 3, 2009 A new survey released today from Misericordia University and Braun Research finds that two in five Americans plan to spend less this holiday season as a result of rising health care costs. The survey also concluded that the health care reform debate is a cause of stress and annoyance among the majority of Americans and three in ten say health care costs have led to arguments and tension with friends and family members.




In an effort to better understand the current conversations among Americans around health care and health care reform, Misericordia University conducted their first ever Health care in America Survey. From issues around health care insurance to the impact of health care debate on individual relationships and budgets and who Americans trust the most for information on health care reform, this survey exposes more than just what people think about health care in America, but how it is affecting individuals in very real ways. The survey was conducted by telephone among more than 1,000 Americans between Nov. 6 and Nov. 16, 2009.




As we move closer and closer to health care reform legislation in this country, it is paramount that we keep in mind the impact that this process is having on individual Americans, says Michael MacDowell, Ed.D., president, Misericordia University.




In addition to decreased holiday spending and increased tensions, Americans report that their top concerns with health care reform include the cost to future generations and impact on the federal deficit, the cost of out of pocket expenses and the accessibility of quality coverage. Parents and those who consider their views conservative are more likely to be sensitive to the possible negative impacts of health care reform while parents in general remain more concerned than others with quality and access to care.




Additional key findings from the survey include:

· Nearly a quarter of Americans admit that they would consider withholding information from an insurance provider if it might limit their ability to access health care. Those who consider their views very liberal are more likely than others to withhold information or bend the truth about their familys and their personal medical history.

· Families and doctors are the most trusted sources of information for health care reform.

· Nearly a quarter of Americans are taking fewer sick days at work.

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