Majority of Americans Believe the Government is Financially Responsible for the Healthcare Services of the Poor

Washington, DC —  In the first Ipsos Global Health Perspectives Survey, global respondents revealed their thoughts on who should be financially responsible for healthcare services. Ipsos asked consumers in 18 developed countries about whether responsibility for a range of healthcare services, including vaccinations, mental health counseling, annual check-ups, emergency room visits, hospital stays, contraception, and medicine to treat chronic conditions should be paid for by individuals or by governments. Omar Pedraza, a public health researcher at Ipsos observed, “It’s noteworthy that, even as Republican healthcare legislation with dramatic cuts to Medicaid moves through Congress, a large majority of Americans think that the government has the primary responsibility for paying for healthcare costs for the poor.”

The full press release and data are available for download at the bottom of the page. 

About the Study

For the results of the survey, an international sample of 17,068 adults aged 18-64 in the US and Canada, and age 16-64 in all other countries, were interviewed between April 21st and May 5th. Approximately 1000+ individuals participated on a country by country basis via the Ipsos Online Panel with the exception of Argentina, Belgium, Hungary, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Poland, Russia, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden and Turkey, where each have a sample approximately 500+.

The precision of Ipsos online polls are calculated using a credibility interval with a poll of 1,000 accurate to +/- 3.5 percentage points and of 500 accurate to +/- 5.0 percentage points. For more information on the Ipsos use of credibility intervals, please visit the Ipsos website. 18 of the 28 countries surveyed online generate nationally representative samples in their countries (Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile*, Colombia*, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Poland, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and United States). Brazil, China, India, Mexico, Peru, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa and Turkey produce a national sample that is more urban & educated, and with higher incomes than their fellow citizens.  We refer to these respondents as “Upper Deck Consumer Citizens”.  They are not nationally representative of their country.   

For more information about conducting research intended for public release or Ipsos’ online polling methodology, please visit our Public Opinion Polling and Communication page where you can  download our brochure, see our public release protocol, or contact us.

For more information on this news release please contact:

Zachary Lewis
Vice President
Ipsos Public Affairs
202.420.2027
[email protected]

Omar Pedraza
Senior Account Manager
Ipsos Public Affairs
202.831.5363
o[email protected]

About Ipsos Public Affairs

Ipsos Public Affairs is a non-partisan, objective, survey-based research practice made up of seasoned professionals. We conduct strategic research initiatives for a diverse number of American and international organizations, based not only on public opinion research, but elite stakeholder, corporate, and media opinion research.

Ipsos has media partnerships with the most prestigious news organizations around the world. In Canada, the U.S., UK, and internationally, Ipsos Public Affairs is the media polling supplier to Reuters News, the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. Ipsos Public Affairs is a member of the Ipsos Group, a leading global survey-based market research company. We provide boutique-style customer service and work closely with our clients, while also undertaking global research.

About Ipsos

Ipsos is an independent market research company controlled and managed by research professionals. Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has grown into a worldwide research group with a strong presence in all key markets. Ipsos ranks fourth in the global research industry.

With offices in 88 countries, Ipsos delivers insightful expertise across five research specializations: brand, advertising and media; customer loyalty; marketing; public affairs research; and survey management.

Ipsos researchers assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media and they measure public opinion around the globe.

Ipsos has been listed on the Paris Stock Exchange since 1999 and generated global revenues of €1,782.7 million in 2016.