June Poll Shows Health Care Remains Top Domestic Issue for 2008 Presidential Elections

Kaiser Family Foundation recently published the results of its June Health Tracking Poll showing that the public ranks health care a top domestic issue in the upcoming election cycle. The poll showed that only the war in Iraq ranked higher as a priority for voters, with 21 percent of the public ranking it as the issue it hopes to hear about from presidential candidates. While Iraq continues to rank as the number one issue of interest for Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike, health care came up as the second most important issue for Democrats and Independents and was ranked third after immigration by Republicans.

The poll, which also surveyed individuals' perceptions of presidential candidates on health issues, found that more than fifty percent of Americans would like to see candidates propose a major health reform plan that would provide nearly universal coverage even if such a plan would cause a significant increase in spending. Cost and coverage were the two most important issues under the umbrella of health care for a majority of those interviewed and out-of-pocket expenses were the top issue of concern. The poll also surveyed how Democrats, Republicans and Independents rated the current candidates on their stance on health care.

You can read the full report of this poll at http://www.kff.org/kaiserpolls/upload/7655.pdf. To keep an eye on further public-opinion tracking by the Kaiser Foundation, visit www.kff.org.