For a plurality of Michigan voters, the ability to pay for health insurance and medical costs has eclipsed other concerns about gas or grocery prices, according to a new statewide poll, and a majority of voters said they trust Democrats the most to increase access to health care.
For months the cost of gas and groceries have dominated the headlines and policy discussions, but when asked about what items they were most concerned about being able to pay for, 32% said health insurance and medical costs.
The survey found nearly as many voters who identify as strong Republicans (34.3%) are concerned about health care costs as strong Democrats (35.1%).
About 61% of likely voters said Democrats would improve access to health care more than Republicans, including 72% of independents and 37% of voters who said they lean toward the GOP. Nearly 1 in 5 voters who describe themselves as strong Republicans also said they trust Democrats more on improving access to health care.
Participants in the poll were asked an open-ended question about the single most important issue that will influence their vote:
- 17.5% said the cost of living or inflation
- 15% said the economy and jobs
- 7% said immigration and border control
- 6% said getting rid of Trump and Republicans
- 5% said taxes and government spending
When narrowed down and read a list of six items and asked which one they were most concerned about paying for:
- 32% said health insurance and medical costs
- 20% said gas
- 14% said groceries and food
- 9% said mortgage or rent
- 2% said car payments
- 3% gave other answers, such as taxes, insurance, business expenses, child care or student loans
- 11% said none of the above
Pollster Richard Czuba said the priority placed on health care costs and affordability may be the most telling about which specific messaging and candidates are appealing to voters.
Czuba said Republicans are not talking about health care affordability, but Democratic senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has been drawing large crowds based on his cornerstone message advocating for Medicare For All.
The survey of 600 likely Michigan general election voters between Oct. 19 and 22 was conducted by Glengariff Group, Inc. and commissioned by The Detroit News and WDIV-TV.