Health care emerges as a major issue in 2004 election

Voters show support for all kinds of health system reform proposals and say they are willing to pay for them, too.

By Joel B. Finkelstein, AMNews staff. April 12, 2004.

Washington -- The affordability and availability of health care is promising to be a top issue in the coming presidential election as Americans increasingly worry about the possibility of losing their health insurance.

A recent survey by the Commonwealth Fund found that 87% of Americans say the presidential candidates' views on health care will be an important factor in how they vote this year.

"Health care has emerged as a major concern in the 2004 presidential election," said Karen Davis, PhD, president of the fund. "Both Sen. John Kerry and President Bush have advanced proposals to expand health insurance coverage and to improve affordability."

Overall, survey respondents were equally supportive of proposals from both parties, including tax credits, expansion of public health programs and a mandate that employers help pay for workers' insurance.

The fear of losing health coverage is becoming a strong motivator for many Americans, experts said. It is driving them to say yes to pretty much any approach that holds hope of keeping insurance costs within reach.

"The fact that we get this broad support across income groups, across political parties and across insurance status suggests people really do want something done on the issue," said Sara R. Collins, senior program officer with the fund.