Our country's appetite for change, as evidenced by the recent election, seems to extend to our health care system. After years of rising costs and less accessibility to quality health care for millions of Americans, we finally seem ready to accept reform.

According to the 11th annual Health Confidence Survey conducted by the nonprofit Employee Benefits Research Institute (EBRI), virtually all Americans say that affordable, high quality health care should be at the top of our nation's health care goals. Significantly, more than 80 percent are willing to support tax incentives and other government involvement as a way to make health care more affordable and more available.

Add to these statistics the fact that only 51 percent of respondents are extremely or very confident that they can get the treatments they need, and only 42 percent say they have adequate choice of medical providers — and the desire for real health care reform seems pretty clear.

Not surprisingly, cost is one of the main health care issues today. I think we're all feeling a bit battered by rising health care costs — from insurance premiums to prescription drugs — especially when we're experiencing an economic slowdown.

Interestingly, while 55 percent of Americans with insurance coverage report an increase in costs in the past year, that percentage is actually down from 65 percent in 2007. On the face of it, that seems like a positive. But on the flip side, far fewer are satisfied with the cost of health insurance and with the cost of services not covered by insurance.

Especially troubling to me is that 42 percent of survey respondents are not too or not at all confident about the affordability of healthcare — an increase from 36 percent last year. And this lack of confidence translates into daily decisions that can impact our health as well as our finances.

Consider that for Americans who have experienced cost increases:

— 62 percent are more likely to go to the doctor only for more serious conditions or symptoms;

— 29 percent have decreased their contributions to retirement;

— 54 percent have decreased their savings;

— 27 percent have difficulty paying for basic necessities.

When people are at the point of having to choose between their physical health and their financial health, the need for a cure for our health care system becomes more and more apparent.

When it comes to rating the quality of the nation's healthcare system, the percentages are pretty alarming. The majority rates it as fair or poor. Only a small minority rates it excellent (4 percent) or very good (11 percent).

While the good news is that half of the survey respondents remain extremely or very satisfied with the quality of their own health care, even better news is our willingness to help find a cure for our ailing system. As I mentioned at the beginning of this column, I think it's pretty significant that:

— An overwhelming majority says that providing high-quality health care (93 percent) and making health care more affordable (90 percent) are extremely or very important goals of health care reform.

— 87 percent support tax incentives to help people purchase their own coverage.

— Substantial majorities would support letting those without insurance buy into Medicare or buy the same insurance offered to government employees.

No matter what your personal feelings are about the current state (or future) of our health care system, there is little doubt that adequate insurance is an essential part of your overall financial health. If you don't have medical coverage through your employer or another group, consider your options right away. I suggest at least a low-cost, high-deductible policy to cover major expenses.

Don't risk the possibility that a major health issue or a medical emergency could derail your financial future. Make health insurance premiums a part of your budget. And make sure that saving for retirement and your other goals remain in that budget as well. With the right coverage, the right attitude and a little fortitude, I believe we can all manage to take care of both our physical and financial health until the goal of quality affordable health insurance for all Americans is achieved.

For more information on the Employee Benefits Research Institute and its 2008 Health Confidence Survey, go to: http://www.ebri.org/surveys/hcs/2008/

Carrie Schwab Pomerantz is Chief Strategist, Consumer Education, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., Member SIPC. You can e-mail Carrie at [email protected]. To find out more about Carrie Schwab Pomerantz and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.