There’s a disconnect between who Americans believe is responsible for their personal health status, and who should pay for health care.
On the first question — personal responsibility for health choices — 82 percent of Americans believe that they alone are responsible for their health.
However, only 44 percent believe that they should bear no responsibility for paying for health care.
The Vitality Group, a subsidiary of Discovery Holdings Ltd., surveyed Americans and found that most people (59%) look to their employer to bear at least some responsibility for health costs. Nearly one in two (46%) see the government as a payer.
Only 56 percent of Americans see themselves as picking up any part of health care costs.
This survey was conducted among 1,013 American adults in April 2008.
The Vitality Group is part of a wellness company that operates in the
U.S., United Kingdom, and South Africa. In the U.S., the company’s
employer clients include the likes of Alcon, AOL, and Lenovo.
Jane’s Hot Points: Up to 70 percent of health costs are attributable to
preventing disease, according to the Wellness Councils of America and
The Center for Health Care Economics. We won’t get to health cost
management without individuals connecting the dots between our
individual health behaviors and health economics.
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18% don’t believe they alone are responsible for their health. Who do they believe is responsible?
Opps just noticed my typo (stupidy). Does that make me part of the growth industry? :>)
“only 44 percent believe that they should bear no responsibility for paying for health care.
44% of the same 82% who believe that they alone are responsible for their health?
“59%) look to their employer to bear at least some responsibility for health costs. Nearly one in two (46%) see the government as a payer.”
Of the same 82%?
“Only 56 percent of Americans see themselves as picking up any part of health care costs.”
Of the same 82%?
Wow, if this is correct then there is a hypocritical disconnect between fantasy and reality – kinda like the religious hyocrites anna refers to. As for illiteracy, just watch “Jay Walking” to see the reason for these contradicting survey results. America – where stupidy is a growth industry.
This survey isn’t a big surprise. Unforunately, most Americans have basic knowledge about what to eat (although some big holes) and understand they need to exercise.
Now granted there are plenty of issues associated with Americans ability to have access to exercise facilities/open spaces and plenty of issues with the food supply/policies in this country, but the truth is that their are going to have to start to be some “sticks” attached if you really want to Americans to improve their lifestyle behaviors.
This may take varied forms from financial penalties in regards to health care premiums for certain behaviors (not denial of health insurance) to “sin” taxes on certain types of processed foods. More importantly though, there has to be a frank discussion of how far the government in America (whether local, state, or federal) should proceed with “sticks” and how this not reconcile with the Americans notions of personal choice and freedoms.
I have a hard time understanding the original post and most of the comments.
I do not see a contradiction in feeling responsible for a healthy lifestyle (as 82% do) and the belief that the costs for medical care should be socialized. One can argue that financial (dis)incentives e.g. for smoking, obesity, diabetes noncompliance etc. make sense, but this does not contradict the former statement.
“We need more entitlement mentality when it comes to health care.” – why is that?
Maybe I’m not awake, but if 82% believe they alone are responsible for health choices/status, they are assuming their own divinity.
The cost of health care needs to be addressed, not ignored and accepted. The quality of care and the fact of marketing that opposes true medical science needs to be addressed.
We need more entitlement mentality when it comes to health care.
Nice comment by Anna. Glad to see that anti-religious bigotry is alive and well in this world. I’m guessing she considers herself ‘enlightened’ and superior to the cro-mags who hold to any form of deism. Nice…
“On the first question — personal responsibility for health choices — 82 percent of Americans believe that they alone are responsible for their health.”
I am not surprised. It’s a known fact that this is a nation of illiterate hypocrites – the same 82% say they believe in God.
What do you mean “only” 44%? There is either (surprise) rampant economic illiteracy at work here, or a rampant entitlement mentality (privatize the gains/socialize the losses). Or both. Other data suggests that people consistently overestimate their personal contribution to health spending, and underestimate the actual cost.
Couldn’t link to the actual survey results via the Vitality Link. Do you have to join to see the ###.s?