title: Access to health care and voting behavior in the United States.
abstract: This study examines the relationship between difficulties accessing health care and voting behavior, in order to assess the possible impact that increasing constraints on access to care will have on future voting behavior. Using data from the American National Election Study we found that the proportion of people with difficulty accessing care increased significantly from 27% in 2000 to 35% in 2004. A larger proportion of those with difficulties in accessing care voted in 2004 than in 2000 and their preferences also changed to more heavily favor the Democratic candidate. If the number of those experiencing difficulties accessing care continues to grow, access to care could become a more salient campaign issue. In 2004, Democratic candidates were favored by this group, which is likely to be a constituency that both parties will try to capture in future elections.
authors.affiliation: Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, USA. zieg0100@umn.edu
authors.forename: Jeanette Kane
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Ziegenfuss
authors.forename: Micahel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Davern
authors.forename: Lynn A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Blewett
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003256:Community Participation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D054625:Healthcare Disparities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011057:Politics; D011639:Public Opinion; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States