Poll: Medicaid cut fears divide Democrats and Republicans

A new poll analyzing the sentiment of Americans found that more than half are fearful that Congressional cuts to Medicaid—as proposed in current budget packages—would make it difficult for individuals and families to access healthcare. 

The poll comes from researchers at KFF Health, who broadly polled members of both parties to gauge where the country stands on proposed policy changes, specifically cuts to state Medicaid programs, which include additional work requirements and other caveats designed to limit enrollment. 

The survey was conducted by phone and online, with 2,539 respondents from across the country having their opinions measured. Attempts were made to have this sample represent the broader U.S. population in terms of demographics, including age, race and political leanings.

Notably, the vast majority (89%) reported they currently have some form of health insurance, while 10% said they were uninsured. 

When asked about Medicaid cuts proposed by the federal government specifically, opinions diverged largely along party lines, with 70% of Democrats and independents saying they are nervous about cuts to safety net programs. That number fell to 30% in the cohort that said they were Republicans.

“There is a strong partisan dimension to these worries, as Democrats and independents are much more likely than Republicans to worry about potential negative consequences of reductions in federal government spending on Medicaid,” Audrey Kearney, senior survey analyst for KFF and her co-authors wrote. "Large majorities of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents (94%) and independents who do not lean toward either party (85%) say they are worried these cuts will lead to more adults and children becoming uninsured, compared to fewer than half of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents (44%).”

“Similarly, at least eight in ten Democrats (92%) and independents (85%) are worried about funding reductions negatively impacting providers in their communities, compared to 43% of Republicans,” the authors added. 

KFF noted this aligns with broader data on Medicaid enrollees, over 25% of whom are members of the GOP. The majority of Medicaid enrollees identify as Democrats or independents.

However, roughly half of individuals and families who are enrolled in health plans offered through the Affordable Care Act exchange are Republicans, KFF noted, and some of those subsidized plans could also face cuts if the current legislation is passed by the Senate and signed by President Donald Trump.

Regardless, when looking at the entire cohort, most adults told KFF they are worried that significant reductions in federal Medicaid spending will lead to an increase in the number of people uninsured, straining community resources. 

In their report, KFF said about seven in ten adults (72%) are worried cuts could leave both adults and children without insurance. In terms of how concerned residents were, nearly half (46%) said they were “very worried,” while 25% said they were only “somewhat worried.” 

In total, 54% said they feared for themselves and their own families, with 29% responding that they are “very worried.”