The Top 10 Public Health Issues to Watch Out for in the 2024 Elections

The Significance of Health Policy Issues in the 2024 Elections

As the 2024 election year approaches, health policy issues are expected to take center stage. The policy landscape is diverse and dynamic, encompassing a myriad of aspects from healthcare access and mental health to pandemic response and healthcare equity. Understanding these issues is critical to shaping the future of healthcare policy and assessing how they could impact public health. The following is an overview of the top 10 public health policy issues likely to be significant in the 2024 election.

Cost Impact on Innovation and Access to Care

One of the significant policy issues likely to be on the ballot is the impact of cost on innovation and access to care. The cost of healthcare and drug pricing reforms are identified as top legislative issues. The high cost of healthcare often hampers innovation and restricts access to care, particularly for underserved populations.

The Influence of Artificial Intelligence

Another key health policy issue is the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on the health ecosystem. With AI rapidly transforming healthcare delivery, there is a need for sector leaders to focus on issues beyond AI. This includes ensuring that the digitization of health data is carried out in a secure and ethical manner, with stringent cybersecurity measures in place.

Climate Change and Public Health

Climate change's intersection with public health is also expected to be a significant policy issue. As climate change contributes to a variety of health problems, including respiratory diseases and heat-related illnesses, it is imperative that health policies reflect this link and promote sustainable practices in healthcare.

Equitable Access to Medications

Equitable access to medications is another issue that is likely to be on the ballot. The rising cost of prescription drugs and disparities in access to critical medications have made this a crucial policy issue. Ensuring that everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status, has access to the medications they need is a significant challenge that needs to be addressed.

Ranked Choice Voting and Representation in Congress

The 2024 elections could also see ranked choice voting measures on the ballot in several states. Additionally, the elections could produce a historic representation in Congress, especially with regards to racial and gender equity. These developments could have far-reaching implications for health policies and their implementation.

Local Control Over Elections

Local control over elections is another significant policy issue. This could potentially impact the implementation of health policies at the local level, and is being considered in Washington D.C. and Montana.

Debates Over School Choice and Teacher Pay

Issues related to education, such as school choice and teacher pay measures, could also potentially impact public health. For instance, policies that affect teacher pay can influence the quality of education, which in turn can have consequences for students' health and wellbeing.

Artificial Intelligence in Education

The introduction of the Artificial Intelligence Literacy Act and the implementation of AI in education is another policy issue to watch. This could potentially impact the health ecosystem by transforming healthcare education and training.

Curriculum and Policies Related to Gender Identity, Sexuality, and Race

Lastly, curriculum and policies related to gender identity, sexuality, and race are expected to be significant issues in the 2024 elections. These policies can directly impact students' mental health and wellbeing, making them crucial public health issues to watch.

In conclusion, the 2024 elections will be crucial for shaping the future of healthcare policy. By understanding these top 10 public health policy issues, voters can make informed decisions that will have a significant impact on public health.