As the new legislative year approaches, the US faces a complex landscape of political challenges and affordability issues that are expected to dominate discussions in 2026.With rising costs of living and healthcare, the focus will be on how these factors influence voter sentiment and legislative action.Housing costs, grocery prices, and basic living expenses continue to outpace wages for millions of workers, exacerbating the affordability crisis.In response, new minimum wage increases will take effect across the country in 2026, with 88 jurisdictions, including 22 states and 66 cities and counties, raising their minimum wage floors by the end of the year.
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nelp.orgThese increases are seen as a crucial step toward addressing economic insecurity, particularly for marginalized communities disproportionately affected by low wages.
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nelp.orgThe National Employment Law Project (NELP) highlights that these wage increases are essential for moving toward a "good-jobs economy" rooted in living wages.
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nelp.orgHowever, the absence of federal progress on minimum wage legislation underscores the growing role of state and local policymakers in addressing economic disparities.
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nelp.orgIn the realm of healthcare, affordability remains a top concern for voters, especially as enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are set to expire.
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hklaw.comThe potential spike in premium payments could become a significant issue in the upcoming midterm elections, with Democrats likely to leverage this concern to mobilize voters.
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kff.orgThe sharp partisan divide in Congress may limit the scope of health policy reforms, leading to only minor legislative actions in 2026.
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kff.orgMoreover, the implementation of Medicaid work requirements in states that expanded Medicaid will begin in 2027, creating further uncertainty for low-income individuals.
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kff.orgStates with differing political agendas may approach these requirements in contrasting ways, impacting the number of individuals who remain insured.
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kff.orgThe ongoing debate over prescription drug affordability is another critical issue.Currently, nine states have active Prescription Drug Affordability Boards (PDABs), but no state has yet implemented upper payment limits despite ongoing discussions.
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multistate.usThe divergence in state approaches reflects contentious debates about the effectiveness of these boards in controlling drug prices.
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multistate.usLegal challenges continue to shape the PDAB landscape, with states like Colorado defending their boards against pharmaceutical companies.
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multistate.usAs healthcare costs are projected to rise sharply in 2026, the average cost of a family policy for employers could approach $30,000, further straining household budgets.
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kff.orgThe pressure on Congress to address hospital pricing and drug costs is expected to increase, although significant reforms may be stymied by partisan divisions.
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kff.orgIn summary, the political landscape in 2026 will be heavily influenced by ongoing affordability challenges and the responses from both state and federal lawmakers.With rising living costs and healthcare expenses at the forefront of public concern, the actions taken—or not taken—by Congress will have profound implications for millions of Americans.As the year unfolds, the interplay between political priorities and the pressing need for affordability will shape the discourse leading up to the elections.
