Gallup: Majority Say Health Coverage Not Government's Responsibility

A majority of Americans believe the government shouldn’t be responsible for making sure that all citizens have health insurance, according to a Gallup poll.

The survey shows that 54 percent feel that way, compared to 44 percent that do think it’s the government’s responsibility. That’s the first time that the view of non-government responsibility has held a majority in the 12 years of data that Gallup provides.

A year ago, 50 percent thought the government does have a responsibility to ensure coverage, and 46 percent felt it doesn’t. Four years ago, before President Barack Obama took office, 54 percent thought the government had responsibility, while 41 percent believed it didn't.

Meanwhile, 67 percent of respondents view the healthcare system as being in a state of crisis or having major problems, while 31 percent see it with minor or no problems. That’s an improvement from 73 percent for crisis/major problems and 25 percent for minor/no problems a year ago.

“To date, the passage of the Affordable Care Act has not led to a major transformation in U.S. healthcare attitudes, apart from the shift away from the view that the government should ensure all Americans have healthcare,” writes Jeffrey Jones of Gallup.

“However, this year's poll could signal the beginning of somewhat less negative views of the U.S. healthcare system. . . . Though they remain more negative than positive about healthcare coverage, Americans' opinions are trending toward a more positive view.”