New Poll: Majority of Maryland Voters Say Health Care System Not Meeting Needs of Most State’s Residents

A recent poll by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) shows 8 in 10 (85%) Maryland voters view a candidate’s position on access to affordable, comprehensive health coverage as a vote-determining factor.

Among the key findings, the poll showed that addressing health care costs, particularly out-of-pocket costs, is the most important health care issue for voters in Maryland. More broadly, the issues that are most important to Maryland voters relate to inflation and cost of living, which matched the chief concern of voters nationally.

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.

“With two million people in the US expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year, it’s more important than ever for voters to make their voices heard on the health care issues that matter to them most,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “Policy decisions stand at the very core of many barriers people face during their cancer diagnosis and treatment. Whether it’s voting to support lifesaving cancer research or access to health care and cancer screenings, voters have the power to make cancer issues a top priority this election season.”

The poll also revealed that majorities of voters in Maryland and nationally report that they have currently or have had medical debt.

“The costs of cancer and the financial toxicity surrounding a diagnosis factor directly into Americans’ cost of living. Maryland voters clearly understand the burden that health care costs place on themselves and their neighbors, and they place great importance on the ability to access affordable health coverage and limit out-of-pocket health care spending,” said Lance Kilpatrick, ACS CAN Government Relations Director in Maryland. “Every Marylander should learn more about these critical health care issues and find out where their candidates stand.”

Volunteers for Cancer Votes will be attending candidate events, canvassing neighborhoods, holding rallies and distributing voter guides across the country to help inform voters about their candidates’ positions on cancer issues.

Individuals can register to vote, find their polling location and learn more about the Cancer Votes program and upcoming local events by visiting cancervotes.org. ACS CAN is strictly nonpartisan and does not endorse, oppose, or contribute to any candidate or political party.

To view the full details of the polling memo, click here.

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About ACS CAN  

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.

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