How Healthcare Became an Election Issue

FEATURING PAUL SONG – Although the issue of healthcare was not strictly on the ballot on Tuesday, it emerged as a major issue. Associated Press conducted an exit poll in which a whopping 60% of voters agreed that, “it should be the responsibility of the federal government to make sure that all Americans have health care coverage.” This strong support has emerged in spite of the Trump Administration’s ardent efforts to demonize ideas like expanding the Medicare program to cover all Americans.

Meanwhile in several Republican states voters passed ballot measures expanding access to Medicaid after their GOP state lawmakers refused to comply with the Affordable Care Act.

Was healthcare access the unsung issue of the 2018 midterm elections?

Paul Song is the Healthcare Correspondent for Rising Up With Sonali. He’s a board-certified radiation oncologist, the co-chair of the Campaign for a Healthy California. He’s also on the board of Physicians for a National Health Program.