The health care plan proposed by President Obama and congressional Democrats contains many controversial items that divide the general public. However, one area of consensus among the public is the desire to restrict government health care benefits to U.S. citizens only.

Eighty-three percent (83%) of voters nationwide say that people should be required to prove they are a citizen of the United States before receiving government health care subsidies. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 12% disagree and five percent (5%) are not sure.

The desire to limit the benefits to U.S. citizens is found across demographic and partisan lines. It is held by 95% of Republicans, 70% of Democrats and 87% of those not affiliated with either major party. It is favored by nine-out-of-10 conservatives and moderates, along with 56% of those who consider themselves politically liberal. But 32% of liberals hold the opposite view.

There is a dispute as to whether or not the current proposals before Congress would allow illegal immigrants to receive benefits. Advocates of the congressional plan point to language saying that those in the country illegally are not covered. However, others note that there is no enforcement mechanism or requirement to check for citizenship.

In June, 80% were opposed to providing health care benefits to illegal immigrants.

As the president prepares for a major Wednesday night address to push his health care reform initiative, 53% of voters oppose the plan working its way through Congress. One reason is that 68% believe passage of health care reform will increase the deficit. Another is skepticism over whether political leaders even know what they are doing. Just 22% believe Congress has a good understanding of the health care legislation. The president fares a bit better: 47% believe he has a good understanding of the proposal.

Town hall meetings held by members of Congress this summer heated up with legislators often struggling to be heard. Most voters say that the town hall meetings should be for congressmen to listen, not speak.

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