WASHINGTON, D.C. – A recent poll by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) showed that inflation and the cost of living was the most important issue on voters’ minds with the affordability of health insurance being the top health care issue.
A majority of voters said they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who supported policies requiring health plans to cover cancer screenings with no out-of-pocket costs.
Voters also expressed concerns with the costs of medical debt with 53% reporting that they or an immediate family member currently have medical debt.
The poll findings also showed 78% of voters were more likely to vote for a candidate who supported making permanent the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced tax credits. The policy proposal had the support of majorities of Republican, Independent and Democrat respondents.
Conducted by Public Opinion Strategies and Hart Research, this poll is a part of ACS CAN’s national Cancer Votes campaign—the country’s leading voter education program for cancer-related issues and policies.
“Having access to affordable health insurance coverage is a key determinant for surviving cancer,” said Lisa A. Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “Research shows that uninsured Americans are less likely to get screened for cancer and thus are more likely to have their cancer diagnosed at an advanced stage when survival is less likely and the cost of care more expensive. ACS CAN strongly advocates for public policies, like making permanent the ACA’s enhanced tax credits, to make insurance more affordable for people to get the coverage they need.”
As part of the American Rescue Plan Act enacted in March 2021, Congress made two temporary, but major changes to the ACA tax credits for marketplace plans: it increased the amount of the tax credit for those between 133%-400% FPL; and extended the eligibility for the tax credits to those earning beyond 400% FPL. The ACA enhanced tax credits allow more people to purchase comprehensive health insurance coverage and contributed to historic enrollment in Marketplace plans after they took effect. The ACA enhanced tax credits are set to expire in 2025 unless Congress extends them again or makes them permanent. If they expire, millions will lose access to the affordable, quality health coverage they rely on.
“Fighting cancer must be made a national priority,” said Phil O'Brien, ACS CAN Cancer Votes National Ambassador. “Lawmakers have the power to directly impact the lives of millions of cancer patients and their families, which is why we hope that the candidates will go on the record with their positions on these critical issues and we urge the public to know where candidates stand on these issues before they vote.”
ACS CAN is strictly nonpartisan and does not endorse, oppose, or contribute to any candidate or political party. For more information, visit cancervotes.org.
Click here for a link to the full polling memo.