In the recent Presidential elections, as well as other national races for seats in the Senate and House of Representatives, many politicians have focused on the hot button topic of the healthcare industry and health insurance. The major political parties, Democrats and Republicans, both agree that the healthcare system should be overhauled, yet neither can agree on a method to make this happen. Instead, they often point fingers at each other, greedy businessmen, and uninformed consumers.

As health insurance is a necessity for almost every person living in the United States, this topic affects all voters. This is one of the main reasons that politicians spend so much time focusing on offering solutions to the healthcare crisis. They know their constituents are looking for reform, including lower premiums, better preventative care, and ridding the system of uninsurable claims. If they demonstrate that they understand the challenges that the voters are facing, and they can provide ideas to reform the system, they will be much more likely to attract votes. Some politicians have been calling for sweeping overalls of the system, including the extension of government-provided coverage to the uninsured and underinsured, while others have recommended that laws and mandates be put in place for private businesses.

Politicians often focus on eradicating corruption and other unfair practices in government. Many claim that the healthcare industry is filled with executives lining their pockets with the consumers' inflated premiums. This claim, whether or not it is true, is enough to enrage voters. Politicians know that by playing on the weaknesses and emotions of consumers will usually gain them votes. Very few politicians actually understand all the nuances of business within the healthcare industry, and often spout off strategies and solutions that sound effective, but are very unsuccessful in practice. Many of these ideas are extremely expensive for the government to maintain, leaving the costs to the taxpayers and consumers to pay.

Just as politicians discuss war strategies, the outrageous price of taxes, and budget deficits, the costs of healthcare is just another hot topic that politicians like to discuss in order to evoke emotion. While some follow their political party's recommendations on healthcare reform, others will speak their mind and consult healthcare experts in order to form informed platforms. This leads to a confluence of conflicting ideas and opinions, making it difficult for voters to navigate during election time.

Before voting, citizens should take the time to carefully research how potential candidates feel about the healthcare crisis. They should look at a politician's voting record, in addition to the speeches and interviews they offer, as voting records are often more informative and truthful. Politicians may set out with good intentions, but voters should still be careful.