John --

Last week we kicked off our Controlling What You Can series by asking for your thoughts on the state of healthcare in the U.S. The last few years, more than any other time in modern U.S. history, have highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of our healthcare system. We faced a global pandemic that stressed our systems in a way that we haven't seen in generations. We're a decade and a half out from our last major healthcare legislation (the ACA, or Obamacare as it's sometimes called), and it is without a doubt time for us, as a country, to address the shortcomings that have persisted in our system.

It's a lot to digest, so we asked all of you what you thought about the current healthcare system in our country. Here were your thoughts: 

An overwhelming majority of Forwardists were dissatisfied with the state of healthcare today. Over 2/3 highlighted the high cost of services as the biggest issue facing our system, while nearly 1 in 5 said that it was a lack of preventative care.

Additionally, you wrote us by the hundreds on our website and social media with your thoughts and ideas on what's wrong with our healthcare system and what we can do to fix it. Here are the top five takeaways from those notes:

1. Affordability and Cost
    
   • Most all of you were concerned with the rising costs of premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. 
    
   • Medicaid and Medicare users worry about potential impending cuts.
    
2. Insurance Challenges and Coverage Limitations
    
   • Many of you were not happy with the accessibility of employer-provided insurance, making insurance unattainable for retirees and low-income individuals.
      
   • Many also discussed situations where a legitimate claim was denied, and statistics about the rate of claim denial were shared.
    
3. Accessibility and Provider Availability
    
   • The complexity of our current healthcare system was a constant refrain.
      
   • Wait times for treatments were also highlighted as a problem across the country.
    
4. Quality of Care and Patient Experience
    
   • There were many discussions of how doctors have to cram in too many patients in a day to make money, meaning that visits are rushed and don't often lead to the right solution. 
    
5. Systemic Issues and Reform Suggestions 
    
   • You proposed a flood of ideas to fix these problems, but the most common (more than 70% of those who made recommendations) were a single-payer or a public option.
      
   • For those who didn't propose a specific solution, they highlighted that any solution must must solve the inefficiencies that plague our healthcare system today, as well as providing more preventative care to improve outcomes and lower overall costs.

Thank you all for participating in our first edition of Controlling What You Can. We will continue to highlight your voices in these roundups, and we will ensure that our candidates know exactly what you think about the best way to address our healthcare system, as well as other issues in future editions.

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The Forward Party is happy to announce the addition of Utah State Senator Daniel Thatcher to the ranks of sitting officials who are part of the Forward Party. He joined Forward to get away from the political infighting in Utah and start solving the problems his constituents need. 

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March 18 | Monthly Comms Training Hosted By Matt Shinners

Join Matt Shinners, CSOO of the Forward Party, for a monthly comms meeting. Register →

March 18 | Forward NJ 2025 Organizing Call

The New Jersey Forward Party is meeting today to discuss how they're going to fight back in their state. Join them and find out how you can plug in to fix NJ Politics. Register →

March 19 | "Let's Talk About It" - A Fireside Chat With Forward Party Executive Chair Kerry Healey

The Virginia Forward Party is hosting Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey at their March statewide meeting to discuss a wide range of topics. Join them to hear what she has to say! Register →

March 19 | Alaska Forward Party Call

The Alaska Forward Party is meeting virtually at 7pm on the 19th to discuss how you can be involved in the state and what Forward can do to make a difference. Register →

March 19 | Young Forwardists Introduction Meeting

Under 35 and want to make a difference? Join the Young Forwardists Committee for their recurring chapter information meeting and figure out how you can get involved. Register →

March 25 | She Runs We Win: A Roadmap for Forward Candidates

Join the Forward Party Women’s Committee on Tuesday, March 25, for She Runs We Win: A Roadmap for Forward Candidates. Register →

All Through March | Minnesota Forward Party Congressional District Conventions

CD 1: Register →

CD 2: Register →

CD 4: Register →

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