More than 60 percent of business leaders surveyed in a Zogby International poll believe the employer-based healthcare system is not sustainable in the long-term.
The survey of 300 business leaders in companies that provide healthcare for their employees was commissioned by the Committee for Economic Development.
"During our research over the past three years, CED found strong dissatisfaction among business leaders with the current healthcare system," said CED President Charles Kolb. "When over 60 percent of respondents believe the employer-based system is not sustainable – that is a clear signal that the time for reform is now. This poll reveals that business leaders are open to comprehensive healthcare reforms that move away from employer-based coverage."
The survey tested support for a number of national healthcare reform proposals:
- 60.3 percent support a market-based system of competing plans similar to members of Congress where the government organizes a menu of private insurance plans from which each individual may choose.
- 54 percent support an independent Federal Health Board modeled on the Federal Reserve Board.
- 36 percent support a 'single payer' health insurance system.
- 45.3 percent support an individual market with subsidies for those with low incomes.
- 43.3 percent support an employer-based system, with a public option where firms are required to provide coverage or pay into a fund that would subsidize insurance for those who do not receive it at work. 50.3 percent oppose this option.
The survey was conducted June 1-12, 2009.
The CED is a non-profit, non-partisan organization of more than 200 business leaders and university presidents.