Health Care and Gas Costs Top Voters Concerns in Midterm Elections

With just a month remaining until the midterm elections, affordability concerns remain at the forefront of voters' minds. A recent KFF Health Tracking Poll reveals that health care costs and gas prices are tied as the top economic issues, with 25% of voters expressing they are “very worried” about affording these expenses. Additionally, 35% and 34% of voters are “somewhat worried” about health care and gas costs, respectively. These concerns surpass worries about food, utilities, and housing affordability.

KFF President and CEO Dr. Drew Altman highlighted the unpredictability of health care costs as a significant factor in voters' anxieties. “Of all the cost-of-living worries hitting voters now, a big health care bill is the least predictable, and that’s a big reason why health care costs are right up there with gas prices and the costs of food and housing on voters’ minds,” he said.

Democrats hold a nearly two-to-one advantage over Republicans on handling health care costs (42% vs. 22%) and a significant edge on the cost of living (39% vs. 25%). The Democratic lead on health care costs has grown over the past six months, increasing from an 11-percentage point advantage in April to a 20-percentage point lead in September. Independent voters also favor Democrats over Republicans on health care costs (38% vs. 9%), the cost of living (35% vs. 11%), and abortion policy (42% vs. 14%).

Voter enthusiasm also favors Democrats, with 63% of Democratic voters saying they are more motivated to vote this year compared to 38% of Republicans. Additionally, there is bipartisan agreement on the need for major changes to the U.S. health care system, with 89% of Democrats and 77% of Republicans supporting either a complete overhaul or major changes. Support for a national health plan, such as Medicare-for-All, has risen to 66%, with 84% of Democrats and 72% of independents in favor, while 66% of Republicans oppose it.