The Symbolic Manipulation of Health Issues in Elections

KFF president and CEO Drew Altman explains why data and facts, policy plans and lists of accomplishments do not connect with many voters. Understanding the symbolic dimensions of politics and issues is critical for experts. We can reach a share of the public with facts and data but need additional strategies to reach everyone, including storytelling and trusted messengers.

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It’s Not a Health Care Election, But Health Issues Might Still Add Up

In this column, KFF President and CEO Drew Altman explores the potential for some health care issues—including abortion, drug costs and other affordability challenges—to influence enough voters in swing states to make a difference in this year’s presidential election.

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Why Affordability Is the Big Tent

In this column, KFF President and CEO Drew Altman explores why the public’s concerns about out-of-pocket health costs make health care affordability the health policy issue most likely to resonate with voters across the political spectrum.

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What Would Another Trump Presidency Mean for Health Care?

In a new column in JAMA Health Forum, Larry Levitt, KFF’s executive vice president for health policy, explores what a second Trump presidency might mean for health policy based on his record and remarks, including potentially weakening the Affordable Care Act, reducing federal Medicaid costs, and restricting access to abortion.

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The Shifting Sands for State Medicaid Programs Lurking in Our Data

KFF President and CEO Drew Altman examines the coming squeeze on state budgets and state Medicaid programs, stemming from declining federal matching funds, weakening state revenues, and competing state priorities, and the challenges it poses for states seeking to strengthen their programs and try innovative new approaches.

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Questions I Get About the Standards and Practices for Organizations in an Era of Misinformation and Declining Trust

In this column, KFF President and CEO Drew Altman explains the organization’s role in providing independent, authoritative policy analysis, polling and journalism and provides an overview of the standards and practices in place to maintain credibility in an era of declining trust and rampant misinformation.

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The independent source for health policy research, polling, and news, KFF is a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California.