The Impact of America's Health Care System on the 2026 Midterm Elections

The 2026 midterm elections are poised to be significantly influenced by the experiences of America's sick, particularly those burdened by high health care costs and inadequate insurance coverage. As Congress debates the future of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, the implications for millions of Americans are profound, with many fearing a return to pre-ObamaCare conditions where insurance companies could deny coverage based on health status.

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The American health care system has evolved since the HMO Act of 1973, which privatized health insurance under President Richard Nixon. This shift has led to a system where health care access is tied to employment, and patients often face financial ruin due to medical expenses. Two-thirds of all bankruptcies in the U.S. are attributed to medical costs, highlighting the systemic issues that have persisted for decades.

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Cynthia Cox, director of the Affordable Care Act program at the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), emphasizes the critical role of ACA enrollees in swing districts, suggesting they could be decisive in upcoming elections. Additionally, Matthew Zachary, co-founder of We the Patients, advocates for a powerful lobby representing the 19 million cancer patients in America, aiming to influence health care legislation.

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The current trajectory of health care costs, with ACA premiums projected to rise by an average of 114 percent in 2026, poses a significant threat to many Americans. A recent survey indicated that one in four individuals enrolled in ObamaCare might forgo insurance if subsidies are not extended. This situation creates a precarious environment where individuals must gamble on their health, leading to increased financial strain and potential bankruptcy.

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Critics argue that the health care system is designed to prioritize profits over patient care, with insurance companies often denying necessary treatments. The call for a united front among patients, particularly those with chronic illnesses, is gaining momentum. Advocates stress the need for a well-funded lobby to ensure that health care legislation prioritizes patient rights and access to necessary treatments.

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As the debate over health care continues, lawmakers are urged to consider the implications of their decisions on the electorate. The sentiment among advocates is clear: the health care system must be reformed to protect patients rather than profits. The upcoming elections will serve as a litmus test for politicians' commitment to addressing these pressing health care issues.

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• “It’s time to target the cancer that affects every American — health care that puts profits over patients.” — Matthew Zachary, Co-founder of We the Patients

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As the 2026 elections approach, there is a growing movement among patients and advocates to mobilize voters around health care issues. The focus will be on ensuring that lawmakers who prioritize patient care over corporate profits are elected, fundamentally reshaping the health care landscape in the United States.

The Hill