Implications of the Growing Use of Wireless Telephones for Health Care Opinion Polls

Objective

To assess the effect of wireless telephone substitution in a survey of health care reform opinions.

Data Source

Survey of New Jersey adults conducted by landline and wireless telephones from June 1 to July 9, 2007.

Study Design

Eighty‐one survey measures are compared by wireless status. Logistic regression is used to confirm landline–wireless gaps in support for coverage reforms, controlling for population differences. Weights adjust for selection probability, complex sample design, and demographic distributions.

Principal Findings

Significant differences by wireless status were found in many survey measures. Wireless users were significantly more likely to favor coverage reforms. Higher support for government‐sponsored universal coverage, income‐related state coverage subsidies, and an individual mandate remain after adjustment for demographic variables.

Conclusions

Opinion polls excluding wireless users are likely to understate support for coverage reforms.