New Yorkers Oppose Government Run Health Insurance According to Poll

A majority of New Yorkers do not support government-run health care, according to the recent findings of a Mercury poll. The Business Council of Westchester has always opposed New York State adopting a single-payer system due to the huge fiscal implications, saying it would bankrupt the state.

The poll results, released June 7, found that 54 percent of New Yorkers oppose the creation of a single-payer health insurance plan, with 33 percent who support it. A single-payer bill is currently before the New York State Senate.

The poll found that New Yorkers were concerned that the program would be too costly. Sixty-six percent reported that the tax burden would be too high, while 64 percent would be concerned with “Albany politicians in charge” and 60 percent would be worried about keeping their own doctor. The survey of 600 likely voters was conducted from May 8 through May 11 and has a 4 percentage point margin of error.

“The results of the poll were clear that most New Yorkers were concerned that government-run health insurance would be too costly and not efficiently run,’’ said John Ravitz, BCW Vice President and COO. “Estimates are that the proposal would raise taxes by a whopping $200 billion, something that we certainly cannot afford in New York State.”