RetireSafe Releases Virginia Voter Data Indicating Majority Support for COPN Reform

RICHMOND, Va., Oct. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- RetireSafe today released a Virginia statewide survey indicating strong public support for reform of the Certificate of Public Need (COPN) law. RetireSafe president, Thair Phillips, issued the following statement upon announcing the survey data:

"It is no surprise that a majority of Virginia voters of all political and demographic backgrounds favor reforming the Commonwealth's COPN law. As more Virginians are faced with fewer choices, higher costs, and more bureaucratic red tape, consensus is building for a repeal of this outdated government regulation. The overwhelming support for COPN reform indicated in this data should serve as a wakeup call to Virginia legislators to put politics aside and listen to the people they represent. We will continue to bring attention to this important issue this year and hold legislators accountable for inaction."

Key Findings:

• Support is widespread: 56% of Virginians support phasing out the current system of COPN, 18% are undecided
• Support is bipartisan: 56% of Republicans, 59% of Democrats, and 50% of Independent voters' favor repeal of COPN.
• Support crosses gender, ethnic, and age boundaries: Nearly 60% of Virginia's men and women, and more than 50% of African American, White, and Hispanic voters favor COPN reform.
• Support for COPN Reform is Politically Popular: 64% of Virginians are more likely to vote for legislators who support COPN reform.
• The more Virginians know about COPN laws, the less they like them: As Virginians learn more about how COPN reform can affect their cost of care and access to care, 75% say they are more likely to support COPN reform.
• Healthcare costs are top of mind for Virginia Voters: Statewide, 2 to 1, cost of care is the top thing Virginians believe legislators should focus on when it comes to healthcare.

Full results can be found here.

COPN Background:

Currently 35 states, including Virginia, have outdated Certificate of Public Need Laws that are driving up costs and limiting access to healthcare. This government mandate has created significant adverse unintended consequences, including stifling competition in healthcare, prohibiting innovation, delaying patient care, and increasing costs for all Virginians. Studies show that reforming COPN will remove red-tape and regulatory burdens that stifle innovation and investment, and allow for better access to care and lower costs for Virginia's patients. The Virginia House of Delegates passed a bill last year to begin COPN reform; the legislation is currently awaiting action in the Virginia Senate.

About RetireSafe:
RetireSafe is a grassroots advocacy non-profit organization. Formed in 1991, RetireSafe's mission is to educate and advocate on behalf of Americans on issues including Social Security, Medicare, health, safe retirement, and financial wellbeing.

SOURCE RetireSafe