Poll: Democrats hold major advantage on health care costs

Health care costs remain a top affordability concern for voters, who trust Democrats over Republicans on the issue by a nearly two-to-one margin, according to a new poll from health research group KFF. 

Six in 10 voters said they are worried about being able to afford their health care, including the cost of health insurance and out-of-pocket prices for things like office visits and prescription drugs. About half of voters said it is “extremely important” for candidates in the midterm elections to talk about the cost of health care, the survey found. 

Health costs were tied with gas prices for the most important affordability issue, a finding that’s been consistent across polls for much of the year.  

A quarter of voters said they are “very worried” about being able to afford the cost of health care and gas and transportation, and an additional third said they are “somewhat worried” about health care and gas costs.  

“Of all the cost-of-living worries hitting voters now, a big health care bill is the least predictable, and that’s a big reason why health care costs are right up there with gas prices and the costs of food and housing on voters’ minds,” KFF President and CEO Drew Altman said in a statement. 

The Democratic advantage on health costs has grown over the past six months. In April, Democrats held an eleven-percentage point advantage over Republicans, at 37........

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