NEW YORK—Despite the Supreme Court ruling, a slight majority of Americans still oppose President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul, according to a number of polls.
In New York City, however, hopes for the success of the Affordable Care Act have only grown. The city houses a solid majority of Democratic voters.
The Epoch Times asked New Yorkers how they felt about the U.S. Supreme Court upholding Obama’s Health Care Act.
Rusty Vaughn, 48, Property Manager, The Bronx
I am torn. On the one hand it seems to cover a lot more people. So if this is a democracy, which we are, the majority rules, the majority of people. Like say, for example, you got a lot of people who are struggling, especially kids coming out of college, now they can stay on their parents’ health insurance till they are 26—it’s a plus no matter how I look at it. Whenever you are talking health care, you are thinking about the elderly and the young people, and more people are covered. Now, on the other hand, requiring people to get it is a bit much—extra money, no matter how you look at it. Pockets are tight. … But I’m for it, because most people, the working people, if I got to pay more this time—I don’t mind.
Zayed Khan, 26, Financial Analyst, Queens
I am not sure really. To be perfectly honest I don’t know if it personally affects me, but I know for a lot of people they would benefit, like people who couldn’t afford the health care. Now they could get more affordable personal plans now. I think overall it’s a positive impact. I’m glad they upheld it.
Amy Butcher, 32, Market Researcher, Manhattan
Well I’m from England. In England we have free health care for everyone. I don’t know much about it, but from what I’ve heard I think it’s a really good idea. I think it’s crazy, in a place as developed as the United States, there isn’t health care for everyone. From what I heard it makes a lot of sense. I came to New York about eight months ago.
Priscilla Lee, 25, Pastry Chef, Queens
I don’t know much about it. I think it’s a good thing that it’s happening. I think change is always good. I think the health care system is being improved. It’s good for anybody, especially the poor. I’m just working here. I know that things happen, and maybe not having insurance is a bad thing, but I can’t really afford it.
Susan W., 50, Writer, Manhattan
I was very glad that they upheld the act. I was disappointed that they positioned the mandate as a tax. I felt that was a bit of a political football. But there are so many things wrong with the bill. I think they have to fix a lot, but I accept the fact that that is part of the process and I’m glad they didn’t just shut the whole thing down, and cause them to begin from scratch. They have to figure out how to pay for it. Now the states aren’t required to cover people, that means they are not paying into the system, which means things cost more, I mean, I don’t think the answer to that problem is self-evident.
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