United States of Care Statement on the 2026 Midterm Elections

Washington, DC — In response to last night’s election outcome, United States of Care issued the following statement: 

“While elections always seem to highlight what divides us, people are united in their demand for health care they can afford,” said Natalie Davis, CEO and co-founder of United States of Care. “Affordability and cost of living took center stage this year – especially with health care. With Democratic control of both houses of Congress and new governors from both parties elected across the country, United States of Care looks forward to doing what we’ve always done – pushing for people-centered policy solutions that make our health care system work better.”

“While leadership has changed, what doesn’t change is this – Congress and state policymakers must take action to address the growing cost of health care. And there’s strong bipartisan consensus behind doing it. In our recent survey, 76% of people told us that health care was one of the top three issues deciding their vote this year and 78% support an increased government role in health care. Paired with last night’s results, this is a clear directive from the people to our leaders – make our health care system more affordable.” 

“In the immediate term, lawmakers should follow the example of states already taking action and prioritize common sense solutions that will address the underlying cost of care and make health care insurance work better for people. Limiting the impact of hospital facility fees and establishing site-neutral payment policy would help bring down out-of-pocket costs, reduce premiums, and make it clear that people should pay the same price for the same service regardless of where it’s delivered. Strengthening price transparency requirements would also give people the confidence that when they seek health care, they won’t be stuck with a bill full of surprises. Lawmakers should also answer the call from people to make health insurance coverage more affordable and understandable by standardizing benefits across plans and establishing oversight mechanisms that ensure premiums and out-of-pocket costs are reasonable and affordable. And states should strengthen their oversight of health care mergers and acquisitions to make sure that when health systems do consolidate, it doesn’t come at the cost of people’s care.” 

“Beyond these solutions, our leaders must start thinking more systemically. While people are divided in whether they want a total reform of the system or targeted improvements, they’re united in their dissatisfaction with the status quo. We can’t keep offering up partial fixes while health care eats away at more and more of people’s income. Congress and states must start looking at comprehensive solutions that give people reliable access to quality, affordable health care.”

“The results of this election are consequential, but now we need to make sure it leads to consequential change for people. Many states have already shown what we can do to bring down costs. It’s time for the rest of the country – and the federal government – to catch up. And while we do that, it’s time to build a roadmap to a health care system we can be proud of.”

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About United States of Care

United States of Care is a listening-first, nonpartisan health care advocacy organization that brings people’s experiences to the policy decisions that shape our health care system. USofCare has listened to more than 30,000 people for over 5,000 hours across all 50 states to understand how they experience the health care system in their daily lives.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Adam Wilkerson

awilkerson@usofcare.org