Issue Ranks Second to Economy and is Top Personal Concern; Fighting Chronic Disease Ranked #1 Way to Improve Health Care

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A nationwide survey released today found health care is a top issue for likely voters, men and women alike, in the lead up to the 2008 presidential election and that this issue will factor heavily in their votes this November. The survey, which evaluated top issues just weeks before the election, revealed that concerns about the cost of health care loom large.

The nationwide survey, which was sponsored by the non-partisan Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, sampled 1,500 likely voters on October 5-9, 2008; it showed that while the economy is top of mind, health care is a strong second, with ties to fears about economic security:

• Six in ten respondents (58%) say health care is 'the major issue' or 'one of the major issues' influencing their voting decision this November, including two-thirds (62%) of women and more than half (54%) of men.
• One quarter of respondents (26%), and more than one in four women (28%), rank health care (including Medicare) as one of their top two 'most important' issues in the election.
• Health care is a top concern for swing voters: 64 percent of women and 56 percent of men who identify themselves as independents say it is 'the major issue' or 'one of the major issues' influencing their vote.

'After the economy, health care is the issue that voters want to hear about most,' said Celinda Lake, prominent Democratic pollster and president of Lake Research Partners. 'Given the importance of these voters, the presidential candidates would be wise to spend more time talking about health care in the run-up to November 4th election.'

Health care is the single most serious concern for likely voters in their own lives. The high and rising cost of health care was identified as a top priority and an area in need of improvement by a majority of respondents.

• When asked what problem they personally worry about most for their family, health care garnered the most mentions, with 21 percent of respondents saying it is their top concern. Economic concerns, such as 'the rising cost of gas and food' came in a close second, with mention from 19 percent of respondents.
• Worries about cost may be fueled by past experience. Two-thirds (67%) of respondents said their out-of-pocket spending on health care has risen over the past five years.