Health care voters

A recent survey supports the long taught adage that “the uninsured (or at least those with poor access to health care) don’t vote.” While roughly three out of four eligible voters actually voted in the last presidential election, a clear disparity exists between likelihood of voting among persons who delayed medical care for financial reasons (57 percent in 2000 & 70% in 2004) compared to those who did not delay care (77% in 2000 and 80% in 2004).

 

This cross sectional survey of eligible voters randomly selected persons in all states except for Alaska and Hawaii. Response rates for pre- and post- election surveys for the previous two presidential elections ranged from 61 to 66 percent. The researchers sampled greater than 1,800 people in 2000 and 1,200 people in 2004.

 

Of note, access to care – as determined by delaying medical or dental care for financial reasons – worsened during the first four years of George W. Bush’s presidency. The proportion of persons who reported delays in care increased from approximately one-in-four to greater than one-in-three eligible voters during this time period. In 2004, the gap between voters and non-voters closed as health care assumed a greater role in the public mindset. Additionally, among voters in 2004, those with delays in care were more likely to vote for the Democratic candidate than the Republican candidate (OR 2.1, p<0.01).

Commentary:

While typically viewed that those who would benefit most from comprehensive health care reform remain silent during important political contests, findings from this recent survey indicate that such teaching is becoming less true. While persons with access to care problems still vote less often than others, this disparity was statistically eliminated during the 2004 presidential election. If such a trend continues, politicians such as Barack Obama can expect this constituency to become a greater electoral force of benefit to Democratic candidates who are often viewed more positively on health care issues.

 

Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved 19 (2008): 731–742.

 

By:

Cedric K. Dark, MD, MPH