It’s no secret that health care has been a key election issue — Democrats are promising to defend the Affordable Care Act and expand coverage, while Republicans are warning that Medicare for All puts seniors at risk.

So where do we stand a month away from the midterms?

First, POLITICO's Adam Cancryn joins Dan Diamond to break down the latest campaign messaging on health care and several key battles. (Starts at the 1:45 mark.)

Then, Lauren Underwood — a nurse, a former HHS staffer and a first-time candidate for the House of Representatives — explains why she's running for Congress, in a competitive Illinois race. (Starts at the 16:45 mark.)

(Note: POLITICO reached out to Underwood's opponent, Rep. Randy Hultgren, but has been unable to book him on the show.)

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MENTIONED ON THE SHOW

Writing in POLITICO, Adam's story on Republicans using misleading health care ads to attack Democrats.

POLITICO's Alice Miranda Ollstein wrote about congressional candidates — including Lauren Underwood — campaigning on their own pre-existing conditions.

The New York Times/Siena College poll of Lauren Underwood's race against Rep. Randy Hultgren.

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