Middle-aged Americans most optimistic about health care bill: Poll

Washington, Apr 28(ANI): A new poll indicates that middle-aged Americans are much more likely to approve the health care bill.

According to a University of Iowa (UI) Hawkeye Poll, 53 percent of 35- to 54-year-olds are in favor of the legislation.

This support is despite the fact that only 28 percent of the age group believes the reform will improve quality of coverage, and 63 percent expect it to increase their out-of-pocket medical costs.

Approval of the bill was only 28 percent for those in the 18-34 age range, 36 percent for the 55-69 range, and 33 percent for 70-plus.

The poll was conducted from March 27 to April 3, just after the health care reform was signed into law.

"Provisions in the bill that reduce the risk of losing health insurance may be especially appealing to the middle-aged group," Newswise quoted Nathan Darus, a UI doctoral student in Political Science, who helped conduct the poll, as saying.

"Those with kids may be particularly sensitive to the impact a sudden loss of insurance could have on family finances. While some believe the bill may increase their out-of-pocket costs, they appear to be more concerned about maintaining access to coverage," he added. (ANI)