Americans Sour on Health Reform

As Democrats slap each other on the back over their compromise on President Obama's health reform, it's worth noting that public opinion on the matter continues to sink.

Only 38 percent of Americans approve of the way the president is handling health care, according to today's Quinnipiac University Poll. Less than a month ago 41 percent approved, and almost half of those polled were positive on the president's handling of the issue in July. Fifty-eight percent of those recently surveyed say they disapprove of the job the president is doing on health care.

Health reform seems headed toward passage if Democrats can secure 60 votes in the Senate. That's a big if. All 58 Democrats and the two Independent senators who caucus with them have to be on board. There's no margin for error. And the Dems already ticked off one of their own, Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson, by voting down his abortion amendment yesterday.

What's at stake is a bill that is going to profoundly affect every aspect of the health care business from large hospital chains like Tenet Healthcare Corp. to insurers such as Aetna Inc. to medical-technology companies like Medtronic Inc. While this bill seemed headed for the ICU several times before only to later recover, the public opinion could play a part in whether reform ultimately passes. There's still lots of squabbling among the Democrats.

The Dems' compromise to drop plans for a new public insurance program in favor of expanding Medicare (a deal struck last night) is going over like a lead balloon with business groups today. The National Business Group on Health, which represents the largest employers in the country, says Medicare expansion will shift more costs to its members' health plans. Industry groups representing hospitals and insurers also oppose the expansion.

The health reform issue isn't helping the president's overall popularity either. His approval rating is 46 percent, according to today's poll. That's a new low. And it's not good for any Democrats up for reelection.