Reed Abelson, a reporter for the New York Times, discussed some of the largest health concerns in the upcoming election in a conversational program sponsored by the Master of Public Health Program and Master of Health Administration Program on Wednesday, Sept. 21. President Barack Obama’s health care law, Medicare, healthcare costs and mental health were among some of the topics discussed.
Abelson reports on federal health care law, health reform and the impact of finance on health care, and strives to focus on the policy itself rather than the politics surrounding it. She admitted that health care has not been a core topic of the campaign in general, but that does not mean discussion on the subject should be avoided.
Abelson highlighted that “Obamacare” should be a specific issue that students are concerned about in this election season. “What happens to Obamacare is quite significant because the ability to remain on one’s parents’ insurance would be up for discussion. The ability to buy a plan with or without federal tax credit would not necessarily be guaranteed,” Abelson said. “Health care costs are a concern because obviously the sooner you address it effectively the better people would start moving forward. If you don’t work for an employer who offers coverage, Obamacare is one of the key alternatives.”
Abelson also claimed that the Affordable Care Act is partially to blame for the lack of health discussion in this election, pointing out that there is fatigue regarding the issue of healthcare entirely.
She noted that most people’s opposition to “Obamacare” stems from the cost to finance it and that many of the costs of health care have been shifted to individuals. While the topic of healthcare has seemingly been pushed aside in this election, Abelson explained that citizens do find that discussion over their health care pressing. “Whether or not we have a choice or political view about health care, we know what it’s like to go to the doctor and we know what it’s like to see somebody ill,” Abelson said.
Samantha Wilson, a sophomore speech language and hearing sciences major said, “I think [healthcare will] impact my vote incredibly … Health is a really important part of our daily lives, we really need to know what’s happening with our health care as we continue living.”
Abelson additionally discussed the need for coverage and awareness of mental health care as the number of people affected by mental illness rises. Abelson expressed that she believes it will be a challenge for the next administrator and that mental health needs to be viewed differently by the health care system and by the government than it is now.
The subject of health care gives students one more issue to think about before casting their vote.
Dr. Corinne M. Kyriacou, associate professor of health professions and moderator of the event said, “As citizens, we must be concerned about health care costs, return on investment and equity. As health care consumers, we must be concerned about access and quality as well as the costs of health care. As future health care professionals, as most of the students in the audience were, we must be concerned about the organization and delivery of care and how policy impacts practice.”
