Health care ranks among the top issues voters want to hear candidates talk about on the campaign trail, with costs being the most concerning health issue for voters. Meanwhile, the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) continues to be challenged in the judicial system with the latest case potentially jeopardizing the law’s protections for people with pre-existing conditions. And in four states, ACA Medicaid expansion initiatives are on the ballot to newly expand or make an existing expansion permanent. Additionally, politically charged debates on Trump administration changes to family planning programs and “public charge” rules for immigrants could have major implications for health coverage.

On Tuesday, October 23, KFF held a discussion on the latest health policy developments and their potential impact on the midterm elections. The briefing took place at KFF’s new conference center in its headquarters in San Francisco. KFF’s President & CEO Drew Altman provided opening remarks and lead the discussion. Senior Vice President & Executive Director for Public Opinion and Survey Research Mollyann Brodie discussed the latest polling from KFF’s October Health Tracking Poll. Senior Vice President for Health Reform Larry Levitt and Kaiser Health News and California Healthline Senior Editor and Columnist Emily Bazar discussed if both national and California focused health policy issues are or are not playing a role in the midterms and the implications for future action. A question and answer session with the audience followed the formal remarks.

Contacts