In the health care debate, we often hear some lawmakers and candidates talk about rights in health care. From previous work, we have found that voters do believe the statement that health care is a right, not a privilege (62-25 believe-do not believe; July 2021). This is believed mostly by Democrats (74-16) but with majorities of independents (59-22) and even Republicans (52-36).
When it is asserted that health care is a right, there is an implication of a right to universal coverage or right to free health care. But this perspective does not take into account that there are other health care “rights” that people believe that they have.
In our latest survey for Winning the Issues (April 8-10), we found that people also believe that the ability to have private insurance if they choose is a right in health care. 76% believe this to be true (76-11 believe-do not believe), with this belief being consistent across party (80-12 among Republicans; 74-12 among independents; 73-12 among Democrats).
Voters may believe that health care is a right, but with many perceptions of other “rights” that exist.
