Survey: Mothers' opinions not sought in health care reform issues

Moms make the majority of health care decisions for American consumers, but many feel health care policy-makers are ignoring them, according to a new nationwide survey completed this week.

Sponsored by Nashville-based WhyMomsRule.com, the poll of almost 700 women with at least one child at home found only seven percent believe the U.S. Congress is attuned to their health care concerns, while a third feel they have no voice at all in the debate. The survey also revealed that while almost eight of ten moms (79 percent) say health care reform is needed, more than two-thirds (68 percent) are concerned about its costs.

WhyMomsRule.com is a blog that tracks trends affecting moms and their buying habits. It was founded by David Bohan, chairman and CEO of BOHAN Advertising|Marketing and Jamie Dunham, BOHAN's chief planning officer.

"While there have been many health care reform polls, it is disconcerting that moms' opinions have not been singled out, since moms represent 85 percent of all household spending decisions, including health care," Dunham, herself a mom, said. "It's no wonder this poll shows that moms do not think their voices are being heard."

Nearly half of the survey respondents (46 percent) said insurance companies are controlling the health care reform debate; 37 percent of poll participants said that primarily male politicians are making decisions for them.

While the poll showed moms are concerned about the cost of health care reform, even more are worried about providing affordable care to their families today (87 percent) and in the future (90 percent). More than half of the survey respondents (56 percent) said they have trouble at least sometimes paying their current medical bills and have delayed medical care for their families or themselves because of the cost. Yet more than two-thirds of poll participants are somewhat or very satisfied with their current health care coverage.

"The poll found the vast majority of moms agree that health care reform is needed, but they are divided on whether it will change their personal situation," Dunham added. "Forty percent predict reform will improve their situation, while 40 percent are unsure, suggesting many moms are concerned about all the uncertainty and unknowns surrounding the various proposals."

Other findings:

• 78 percent of survey participants said health care is a right to which all Americans are entitled.
• Moms' biggest concerns about reform after costs are keeping their doctor or choosing the one they want (53 percent), increased waits to get a doctor's appointment (54 percent) and the inability to get a second opinion or to see a specialist without approval (50 percent).

The survey of 686 moms nationwide was conducted online Sept. 24 to Sept. 28. The poll has a three percent margin of error. Visit WhyMomsRule.com to view the entire survey and analysis.