BETHLEHEM, Pa. — What do Pennsylvanians think about their health and health care?
In this week's episode of Political Pulse, host Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick discuss the latest findings of a Muhlenberg College survey surrounding that topic.
Up first: the two discuss how Pennsylvanians feel about the cost of health care and its impact on public health.
"I've taught public health policy for decades, and you go back and look at the history of American health care policy and... we've had these efforts to expand coverage; make it accessible and affordable — the two A's," Borick said. "And the ball's been moved."
Borick cited instances with Medicare and Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act as examples of the goalpost for American health care being shifted.
The question survey takers responded to was open-ended, Borick added, which helps categorize responses and see respondents true answers.
"We've, over time, as a government, as a society, have tried to address [those concerns], but this is a hard ball to move in a political environment," Borick said.
Shortell also noted a "partisan divide" in response to questions about mental health. Responses also varied in regards to stress, depending on the survey taker's political affiliation, Borick said.
"And again, it might be amplified... here in Pennsylvania because of who we are and how we're constantly in the maelstrom, if you will, of politics and campaigns," Borick said.
How much does politics play a role in American health care on a personal level? And how does that vary in a bellwether state like Pennsylvania?
Press play on the YouTube module above to learn more from this week's episode of Political Pulse.
