WASHINGTON — A national poll indicates that most Americans are receptive to having more government influence over their health care in return for lower costs and more coverage. Congress may take up health care reform this year. Congress may take up health care reform this year. Sixty-three percent of people questioned in a CNN/Opinion Research Corp. survey released Friday said they would favor an increase in the federal government’s influence over their own health care plans in an attempt to lower costs and provide coverage to more Americans; 36 percent were opposed. The poll also suggests that slightly more than six out of 10 think the government should guarantee health care for all Americans, with 38 percent opposed. But Americans appear to be split over raising taxes to increase coverage. Forty-seven percent of those questioned support raising taxes in order to provide health insurance to all Americans. An equal amount back the idea of keeping taxes at current levels but not providing health insurance for all Americans. ‘Will the health-care debate be different this time?’ CNN Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider asked. ‘It does look like public sentiment has shifted. But government does not […]