VAR CF0508 DEM PARTY - GOVT HEALTH INSUR 7PT SCALE COLUMNS 394 - 394 NUMERIC MD EQ 0 There is much concern about the rapid rise in medical and hospital costs. Some (1988,1994: people) feel there should be a government insurance plan which would cover all medical and hospital expenses (1988,1994: for everyone). Others feel that (1988,1994: all) medical expenses should be paid by individuals, and through private insurance like Blue Cross (1988, 1994: or other company paid plans). Where would you place the Democratic party on this scale [1988 ONLY: or haven't you thought much about this]? (7-POINT SCALE SHOWN TO R) DEMOCRATIC PARTY - R's RATING OF PARTY ON GOVT HEALTH INSURANCE SCALE USE WEIGHT VARIABLE VCF0009/VCF0009A/VCF0009B. SEE ALSO: VCF0507. In 1994 and prior to 1988 (exc. 1970), Rs who responded "DK," NA or "haven't thought much about it" to self-placement on the 7-point health insurance scale were not asked for party placements on the same scale. In 1970, if R responded "haven't thought much" to self-placement then party placements were not asked; however, if R responded DK or NA to self-placement then party placements were asked. In 1988, the respondent was asked for placements of the major parties on this scale regardless of whether R replied "DK" or "haven't thought much about it" to self-placement. In 1988 only, "haven't thought much about it" (was also a response option offered by the interviewer in the question texts for party placements as well as in the question text for self-placement. 1. Government insurance plan 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Private insurance plan 0. DK party placement ; NA party placement; DK self-placement (1972,1976,1978,1994); haven't thought much about self- placement (1970,1972,1976,1978,1994); NA self-placement (all years exc. 1970); INAP, form II (1972); question not used; Haven't thought much about party placement (1988 ONLY) 1970: 135(type 0) 1972: 212 1976: 3276 1978: 383 1988: 322 1994: 954 ==============================