Kaiser Health poll highlights health care priorities

This month’s Kaiser Health Tracking Poll, released today, gave insight on some of President Barack Obama's and Congress’ priorities for public health care.

When Democrats, Republicans and independents were asked about multiple different aspects of health care delivery and the health care system, the main answer they all agreed on was making sure that high-cost drugs for chronic conditions are affordable to patients who need them.

The parties had different opinions on other health care priorities, though.

Sixty-eight percent of Democrats, 57 percent of independents and 51 percent of Republicans said government action to lower prescription drug prices was a top priority.

Sixty-three percent of Democrats, 62 percent of independents and 44 percent of Republicans said protecting people from being charged high prices when they visit hospitals covered by their health plan but are seen by a doctor not covered by their plan was a top priority.

Sixty-four percent of Democrats, 58 percent of independents and 43 percent of Republicans said making sure health plans have sufficient provider networks was a top priority.

Sixty-two percent of Democrats, 58 percent of independents and 43 percent of Republicans said making information about the price of doctors’ visits, procedures such as hip replacements and tests such as MRIs more available to patients was a top priority.