It is not surprising that a majority of American voters in a new eHealth survey say health care will be one of their top three issues in the upcoming election. However, several of the findings were unexpected by researchers.
"We uncovered a surprising amount of agreement across party lines," the survey report said. "For example, nearly all respondents are shocked at the increase in their health care costs over the past four years, and insurance premiums are a pain point for many. Among their top-three priorities, respondents want the next president to address medical costs in general and specifically the cost of prescription drugs."
Among the highlights of the survey:
- Health care is a top voting priority. When voting in this fall's presidential election, more than 8 in 10 say health care is either their top priority (35%) or among their top three priorities (50%).
- Americans are alarmed by health care cost inflation. Looking back over the past four years, 88% say they are "shocked" by how much their health care costs have increased. Among these, 72% cite increased health insurance premiums, while 49% mention higher prescription drug costs.
- Voters' health care priorities don't always match political talking points. Survey respondents say the next president's top three health care priorities should be ensuring the sustainability of Medicare (cited by 59%); addressing the cost of medical care generally (57%); and addressing the cost of prescription drugs (50%). Hot topics such as abortion access and vaccine safety ranked much lower (cited by 28% and 9%, respectively).
- Sixty percent say they would support the repeal of the Affordable Care Act. Only 26% do not support the repeal, while majorities of both Democratic and Republican voters say they would support it. Overall, more than 8 in 10, including majorities of both Democratic and Republican voters, say they support the idea of a single, government-run health care system for all Americans.
Read more: Harris v. Trump: Voters show some interest in health care costs
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