And the next president is just the person to stimulate such reforms, said nine of every 10 respondents in the survey of a geographically representative sample of 1,004 adults, conducted on May 23 through May 27 by Harris Interactive for the Commonwealth Fund. Democrats support major changes more than Republicans do, the survey found.

"A majority of adults look to the next president to lead by proposing reforms that could improve the quality of healthcare, ensure affordable care, and decrease the number of uninsured," the survey report said. "Across income levels, region, and political affiliation, adults want presidential candi­dates to focus on health reforms in each of these areas.

"About nine of 10 adults say it is important for presidential candidates to have reform proposals that would improve the quality of care (90%), ensure care and insurance are affordable (93%), and decrease the number of uninsured (88%). In fact, a majority think these policy priorities are very important."