STATE RESIDENTS SPLIT ON HEALTHCARE REFORM BILL

A new poll shows that the state is undecided on the recently passed healthcare reform bill. The Monmouth University/Gannett Poll shows a very divided state. Overall, nearly half (47%) of New Jersey residents describe themselves as being either satisfied (35%) or enthusiastic (12%) about the health care system reforms, while nearly the same number (48%) say they are either dissatisfied (28%) or downright angry (20%) about it.  These findings are almost identical to a national Washington Post poll conducted two weeks prior to this poll.  Among registered voters in New Jersey, 45% give the new health care law positive ratings, compared to 50% who view it negatively. A majority (54%) of New Jerseyans expect that their own health care costs will go up as a result of the new legislative plan.  Only 11% believe what they pay for health care will go down, and 31% anticipate no changes to their own health care costs.