Americans Split on Health Care Priorities: Poll

Americans have differing priorities for health care reform based not on a Republican/Democrat divide but on their race, age, and location, a USA Today/Gallup poll found. A majority of African-American and Latino voters among those polled think extending coverage to the uninsured should be the most important aspect of reform efforts; whites care more about controlling costs.

Geographically, Southerners favor cutting costs, while Westerners support expanded coverage. The poll found age to be a divisive factor as well—seniors are more opposed than other age groups to changing the system. If there is to be change, less than half of seniors want it this year—an opinion they share with Americans who have insurance and are in good health.