ABSTRACT
Surveys, studies, and polls tell a story of public concern with managed care. 1 Since 1997, there has been a 22 percent decline in the proportion of the public that says that managed care is doing a good job. 2 Moreover, in the years 1995-2000, the number of Americans who believed that the growth of managed care is 'a bad thing' grew from 28 percent to 52 percent. 3 And many Americans believe that managed care has the potential to harm the quality of medical care. 4 Whether those surveyed base their opinion on good information or even understand their own health plans is another matter. 5
