Follow the Money: Major Health Plans’ Lobbying Spend Reached Record High in 2023

Lobbying spending by the health care industry has increased steadily over the past decade, reaching $129.3 million in 2023, according to data compiled by OpenSecrets. Among the major health plans and industry organizations, Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, AHIP, The Cigna Group and UnitedHealth Group spent the most during the 2023-2024 period, with BCBS plans spending more than $43 million from 2023 through the second quarter of 2024.

Since 2016, the health services/HMOs industry, which traditionally gives more to Republicans, has shifted to distribute more campaign funds to Democratic lawmakers. With the 2024 presidential election around the corner, around 57.3% of funds were donated to Democrats in the 2023-2024 election cycle. Among the top 20 lawmakers who received the most contributions from the industry during this election cycle, 11 are Democrats. Kamala Harris, who is running for president after President Joe Biden dropped out and endorsed her, topped the list and received over $2,347,000. Former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, received $638,421.