Doug Kennedy went to the Charlotte Heart and Vascular Institute earlier this month for a stress test. He got one. Not on the treadmill, however. This one happened in the waiting room. As Kennedy was registering with the receptionist, he was handed a letter.

“Dear Patient,” it began. “In the upcoming presidential election on Nov. 6, 2012, there will be a clear choice that patients will be able to make regarding their continued healthcare.” The topic? “Upcoming Presidential Election and Healthcare.”