Americans divided about health reform, but the public, including critics, more supportive when told about key provisions

A new Kaiser Family Foundation poll finds that Americans are divided over congressional health reform proposals, but also that large shares of people, including skeptics, become more supportive after being told about many of the major provisions in the bills.

The January Kaiser Health Tracking Poll, conducted before the Massachusetts Senate vote that could jeopardize health care rerofrm (The Phama Letters passim), finds opinion is divided when it comes to the hotly-debated legislation, with 42% supporting the proposals in the Congress, 41% opposing them and 16% withholding judgment. However, a different and more positive picture emerged when the public's awareness of, and reactions to, major provisions included in the bills were examined. Majorities reported feeling more favorable toward the proposed legislation after learning about many of the key elements, with the notable exceptions of the individual mandate and the overall price tag.

Favor tax credits for small businesses