Two-thirds of American adults say that healthcare issues are getting short shrift in the presidential campaign, according to a new poll from Gallup and West Health. Majorities across the political spectrum share that view, with 78% of Democrats, 53% of Republicans and 67% of independents telling pollsters that healthcare isn’t getting enough attention from the candidates.
The poll also found that independents trust Vice President Kamala Harris more than former President Donald Trump on some key healthcare questions, including which candidate would improve access to care and insurance coverage, lower the cost of prescription drugs and protect or strengthen Medicare. Yet sizable shares of independents don’t trust the candidates on some healthcare issues, with a plurality (37%) skeptical that either Harris or Trump can improve the quality of healthcare and a similar percentage (35%) expressing doubts that either can lower the overall cost of healthcare. See the cart below for more details.
Poll respondents made protecting Medicare and Social Security their top healthcare-related issue, with 63% saying it was among the most important factors in determining their vote. Lowering healthcare costs was next highest, at 57%.
“Although other political issues may be overshadowing healthcare in the current election, Americans continue to have serious concerns about their ability to afford the healthcare they need,” Gallup’s Sarah Fioroni writes.
The poll surveyed a total of 3,660 adults from September 9 to 16.
