Confused by the health-care debate? You’re not alone.

Despite months of discussion and debate, Americans are finding it harder, not easier to understand the health care reform, according to a poll conducted by the non-partisan Pew Research Center.

Although those surveyed said they were following the health care debate more closely than any other story, including the economy, Afghanistan and the Climate Change Conference, 69 percent said health reform was hard to understand, up from 63 percent in July.

Democrats indicated that they were having a little easier time following the debate, with 60 percent saying they found debate hard to understand compared to 73 percent of independents and three-quarters of Republicans.

Nine-in-ten (93 percent) said health reform was an important issue with eight-in-ten (80 percent) saying that the issues affects them personally.

Credit: Charts by Pew Research Center.

A solid majority, 56 percent, say they think Congress will pass health care legislation within the next year, up from 45 percent a month ago. Those who thought Congress will not pass reform dropped from 46 percent in mid-October to 38 percent.

To learn more:

• Visit the Pew Research Center Web site: www.pewresearch.org

Tags: Health-care Reform, Pew Research Center

Category: Healthcare Reform