With the U.S. presidential election just days away during HLTH USA, it’s no surprise that several sessions focused on how the election results could impact digital health, healthcare access, and equity. Key discussions centered on how a win from either side could impact affordable care, telehealth, and women's health, with discussions underscoring the crucial role the election would play in shaping the future of healthcare in the U.S., especially in terms of access and equity.

• Affordable Care Act, Medicare, and Medicaid: The Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicare, and Medicaid are poised to be pivotal healthcare topics in the 2024 U.S. election, with both candidates emphasizing affordability as a critical issue. The ACA remains central to Democrats’ vision for consumer protections and cost reduction, though major legislative overhauls are unlikely. Instead, regulatory changes are expected to refine its implementation. Medicare, which both candidates pledge to protect, will likely see proposals aimed at preserving its benefits, particularly for seniors. Medicaid, however, presents a sharper divide, with debates over expansion and flexibility. 

• Telehealth: Telehealth has revolutionized healthcare delivery, particularly benefiting rural and underserved populations by providing flexible access to care. During the pandemic, its use surged dramatically, but many of these temporary expansions are set to expire at the end of 2024. Both Democrats and Republicans support telehealth’s continued adoption, recognizing its potential to bridge gaps in care. However, the parties diverge on funding priorities and implementation strategies, with debates likely centered on the allocation of resources.

• Women’s Health: Women’s health is poised to be a key issue in the 2024 U.S. election, with potential changes in access to reproductive care, funding for maternal health, and policies around menopause and other health concerns. First Lady Jill Biden highlighted the longstanding issue of underfunded and understudied women’s health research, emphasizing the need for greater investment. In a significant move, she announced $110 million in funding from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health to support 23 recipients focused on advancing women’s health research. 

Want to know more? Watch all the sessions from HLTH USA now on the HLTH Community platform.