Public willingness to pay to improve services for individuals with serious mental illness

Abstract

Objective: This study measured Americans’ willingness to pay an additional $50 in taxes to improve health care and social services for individuals with serious mental illness. Methods: A nationally representative online survey was conducted with 1,010 respondents. Analysis examined how respondents’ demographic characteristics and attitudes toward individuals with serious mental illness correlated with their willingness to pay additional taxes to improve health care and social services for this vulnerable population. Results: A majority of respondents expressed willingness to pay $50 in additional taxes to improve health care services (60%) and social services (58%) for individuals with serious mental illness. Those with more negative attitudes toward individuals with serious mental illness were less willing to pay additional taxes to improve either service type. Conclusions: Many Americans are willing to pay additional taxes to improve health care and social services for individuals with serious mental illness.