Issue Page

Healthcare

How Americans access and pay for healthcare is one of the most consequential policy debates in the country.

Overview

Healthcare policy shapes how over 330 million Americans access medical care and who pays for it. Some believe the government should guarantee coverage for all through expanded programs like Medicare and Medicaid, ensuring no one is left without care. Others believe private markets and competition are the most effective way to drive down costs and improve quality, with the government playing a limited role.

How We Score It

Higher scores (+) — Voted to expand government healthcare programs — supporting ACA protections, Medicaid expansion, or Medicare negotiation.

Lower scores (−) — Voted to reduce government's role in healthcare — opposing ACA provisions, Medicaid expansion, or new mandates.

Key Votes in Congress

Notable legislation that has shaped politician scores on this issue:

ACA Repeal Attempts (2017)

Republicans passed multiple repeal bills in the House; the Senate effort failed by one vote (the 'skinny repeal').

Inflation Reduction Act — Medicare Drug Pricing (2022)

Allowed Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices for the first time, and capped insulin costs at $35 a month for people with Medicare coverage.

No Surprises Act (2020)

Banned many surprise out-of-network medical bills. Passed with bipartisan support in late 2020; its protections took effect in 2022.

How to Verify These Votes Yourself

Every score in PartyLine is based on official roll call records. You can cross-check any vote on GovTrack or Congress.gov.

Verification Guide →

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