Regardless of political party affiliation you support, healthcare is one of the larger topics covered during each election debate. And, regardless of what candidate you may or may not support, each one has their
own stance on healthcare reform and how to change the system by their vision about healthcare. Examining healthcare as a whole can better determine who may be the ideal candidate to choose come the next Presidential election.
Currently, a majority of Americans have been affected by
ObamaCare or (Affordable Care Act - ACA) and even more so now have insurance policies as a result of this law, an act pushed by The President of the United States, Barack Obama during his promises during the election time as well as his time in office. Noted
The Commonwealth Fund study concluded 6.7 million people enrolled in a healthcare plan through the ACA and reduced their cost-related care problems, such as prescription refills or skipping vital medical testing. The study also found low-income families are being insured but the amount of low-income families without medical insurance is at its lowest level since 2003. While these stats are ever improving and the gaps are closing on those uninsured, there are still issues in healthcare which prove to be large topics of concern.
A rising concern around healthcare is the
increasing cost. As companies, like Wellpoint, Inc., who begin
mergers reduce the amount of competition in the healthcare field, thus driving costs of medical equipment, prescription drugs and premiums through the roof. With the
baby boomer generation aging and the rumor about the
Medicare Program being bankrupted by the baby boomer generation, all eyes are on the candidates to see what their plans are for lowering healthcare costs during their terms in office.
One of the biggest and most controversial topics during the debates is over
abortion. As a big topic under healthcare, not just under women's health, it becomes a heated topic each election. With issues like support of Planned Parenthood, who during the 2014 election
spent just under $1.6 billion on political contributions, they can be a key player in aiding candidates and lobbyist on their campaigns. Each candidate has their own take for supporting or rallying against this medically controversial issue and all have placed their
vote in past issues while holding political offices in their own states.
Per the 2015 Gallup polls,
51% of Americans believe abortion should be legal under certain circumstances, while 29% are for and 19% are fully against it. Most voters can agree on certain issues like those pertaining to the health of the mother or instances where rape was evident in the conception of the unborn fetus. As specified are not addressed during the debates, it can be difficult to see where each candidate sits on the issues under certain circumstances.
Most Americans want protection by their government against increasing costs; they do not want unexpected charges and outlandish fees from healthcare providers. They want to know if Medicaid will be available to them during their retirement days. And, these voters want answers; they want to know if they have the ability to make a decision on a controversial issue regarding a woman's right to choose. And, the candidate who can be the answer to the voter's needs most, will ultimately win the next election. While other topics of interest have overwhelmed the debates, one topic is always on the list to speak on: Healthcare. And, this upcoming election may be chosen based on what side the candidate is on regarding important healthcare issues. Stay Tuned, America. "Times they are a'changing."
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