Healthcare ranks second to economy

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- Although the economy is getting the most headlines, a U.S. survey indicates healthcare is another top issue for likely voters in the presidential race.

The nationwide survey, sponsored by the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease and conducted by Lake Research Partners, says that while the economy is the topic on most minds, healthcare a strong second.

The survey that sampled 1,500 likely voters Oct. 5-9 says 58 percent of the respondents say healthcare is the major issue or one of the major issues influencing their voting decision this November, including 62 percent of women and 54 percent of men.

Twenty-six percent of respondents rank healthcare, including Medicare, as one of their top two most important issues in the election.

Sixty-nine percent say catching and treating chronic diseases early is the best way to improve the nation's healthcare and 58 percent say chronic diseases are a major driver of healthcare costs.

However, 60 percent noted neither candidate is addressing the issue.

When asked what problem respondents personally worry about 21 percent say healthcare is their top concern with the rising cost of gas and food a close second.

The survey had a margin of error of plus/ minus 2.5 percentage points.