A modern poll of Ohio voters shows that health care will be one of the issues that determines who they would support in the November general election.
More than 8 in 10 Ohio voters survey respondent The survey, conducted as part of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s Cancer Votes campaign, found that the candidate’s position on “access to affordable, comprehensive health care” is very significant to them, with 51 percent saying the position is very significant to them in voting, according to a key finding of the survey.
“A majority of Republicans (78%), Independents (89%), and Democrats (97%) say a candidate’s position on access to affordable, comprehensive health care is an important factor in their voting decision,” the survey found.
Many of the 600 registered voters surveyed expressed disappointment with the current health care system and even the state itself. Researchers found that 60% of Ohio voters surveyed felt the state had “gone down the wrong path,” and 59% of voters said the health care system “does not meet the needs of most Ohioans.”
“Ohio voters clearly understand the importance of affordable health insurance and want their lawmakers to improve access to care and reduce debt,” ACS Cancer Action Network Director of Government Relations Leo Almedia said in a statement announcing the study. “Every Ohioan should learn more about these critical health care issues and where their candidates stand.”
Medicare beneficiaries were the group “most likely to say that access to affordable health care or health plans is a problem where they live,” followed closely by Democratic voters, women, voters of color and voters ages 45 to 64, the report found.
The survey found that health care debt concerns voters of all stripes. 68% of those surveyed said they or a close family member had dealt with health care debt, and 75% of those surveyed said health care debt “affects a lot of people.”
Among voters’ top priorities in the survey were ensuring that health insurance covers necessary medical tests and screenings, as well as preventive care and treatments recommended by a doctor. Other priorities include lowering the monthly and out-of-pocket costs of health insurance, and giving all residents access to health insurance that works for them.
ASC’s Cancer Action Network tested health care policy proposals in a study and found powerful support from voters across political parties for plans that include increased federal funding for cancer testing and screening, full benefits from financial assistance or drug discount programs, access to medical debt relief, and federal “enhanced premium tax credits” for people seeking to purchase a health plan under the Affordable Care Act.
The survey found that voters in the state are more likely to vote for a candidate who wants to make the Affordable Care Act’s increased tax breaks on health insurance premiums enduring.
Of those who supported making the ACA’s expanded tax breaks enduring, 63% were registered Republicans. The tax breaks won 96% support from Democratic voters and 82% from voters who registered as independents.
Health care has been a warm button issue for voters before, with the national health care policy group Protect Our Care saying the election has a gigantic impact on issues like Medicaid coverage, protections for people with chronic conditions and the existence of the Affordable Care Act as a whole.
Hart Research conducted a June 2024 survey in partnership with Protect Our Care that found that 48% of voters nationwide rated health care as a “very important” issue heading into the November general election.
