As with every election cycle, healthcare projects to be an important topic for voters and policymakers alike. Last month’s poll invited readers to share their thoughts on the role healthcare will play in our 2024 voting decisions, as well as the influence government will have in medicine’s future. Here are the results:
My thoughts: The survey results from August provide valuable insights into how healthcare influences our voting decisions. It’s clear that for most subscribers, healthcare remains a pivotal issue, with 67% considering it very important in shaping their vote. This level of interest is a testament to the profound personal and societal impact our healthcare system has on people’s lives. At the same time only 5% say it’s their “most important” issue, which I believe, based on national surveys, reflects the economic challenges Americans face.
When it comes to the influence of the next president on American medicine, readers are realistic. Their belief that the president has only moderate (33%) or slight (27%) influence over healthcare reflects a pragmatic understanding of the limitations of executive power. They recognize that major healthcare reform will require legislative backing, not just executive action. And in a Congress evenly divided, that is unlikely to happen.
When it comes to healthcare priorities, readers’ answers align with national data on the greatest pain points. Lowering healthcare costs (57%) and expanding access (52%) ranked highest. The reality is that if you can’t afford healthcare or obtain timely access, you don’t receive the highest quality medical care.
Thanks to all who voted! To participate in future surveys, and for access to timely news and opinion on American healthcare, sign up for my free (and ad-free) newsletter Monthly Musings on American Healthcare.
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Dr. Robert Pearl is the former CEO of The Permanente Medical Group, the nation’s largest physician group. He’s a Forbes contributor, bestselling author, Stanford University professor, and host of two healthcare podcasts. Check out Pearl’s newest book, ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine with all profits going to Doctors Without Borders.
