The following media release was shared on Wednesday by UnidosUS:
WASHINGTON, DC— At a Capitol Hill briefing this morning, UnidosUS (formerly NCLR) released results of a new national poll that sheds insight on how health care will impact the 2018 Latino vote. Findings revealed that health care is a high-priority issue for Latino voters, with more than 50 percent of respondents noting the rising cost of premiums and out-of-pocket expenses as major concerns. The poll also found that Latino voters view the federal government as having a major role to play when it comes to health care, especially on issues related to access and cost. In addition, Latino voters hold favorable views toward public-sector health care programs, including the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). For example, 82 percent of Latinos have a favorable opinion of Medicaid and CHIP, and voters demonstrated strong support for further expanding access to health coverage, particularly when it comes to children. When it comes to the ACA, 63 percent of voters agree that the ACA could be made better with proper support and improvements.
Meanwhile, the poll showed opposition to numerous proposals that would raise costs or reduce coverage, including to provisions included under the American Health Care Act introduced during last year’s efforts to repeal the ACA. For example, 80 percent of Latino voters oppose allowing denial of coverage for people with preexisting medical conditions.
“This poll confirms that, as a record number of Latino voters prepare to go to the polls in this midterm election, they will have health care top of mind when they vote in November. They will be looking to hear candidates’ views on programs that are important to our community at the federal and state levels, including the ACA, CHIP and Medicaid,” said UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía.
The national poll, conducted by Hart Research Associates, drew results from a survey that questioned more than 1,600 Latino registered voters between June 25 and July 10, 2018. For full poll results, see below:
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UnidosUS, previously known as NCLR (National Council of La Raza), is the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization.
