Thursday, April 01, 2004
Public understanding of health issues differs from reality
[Alan B. Krueger, "Economic Scene," The New York Times, 1 April 2004.]
Most Americans are turning to the television to inform them on issues of public policy, and it turns out that most are also confused about the true state of the country:
Almost half the public, and a quarter of those over age 55, thought Medicare already provided drug benefits for outpatients before legislation providing such coverage was enacted. More than half could not hazard a guess about the size of the budget deficit. The average person thinks 37 percent of Americans lack health insurance, more than twice the actual percentage.
From where do Americans learn about the economy? By far the most common source is television. Those who rely on television the most, however, tend to be among the least informed.
[Alan B. Krueger, "Economic Scene," The New York Times, 1 April 2004.]
Most Americans are turning to the television to inform them on issues of public policy, and it turns out that most are also confused about the true state of the country:
Almost half the public, and a quarter of those over age 55, thought Medicare already provided drug benefits for outpatients before legislation providing such coverage was enacted. More than half could not hazard a guess about the size of the budget deficit. The average person thinks 37 percent of Americans lack health insurance, more than twice the actual percentage.
From where do Americans learn about the economy? By far the most common source is television. Those who rely on television the most, however, tend to be among the least informed.
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