Rick Macias, a young man from Kansas City, Kansas, recently traveled to Washington, D.C., with the disability rights group ADAPT. He was there to protest against proposed cuts to Medicaid. This comes at a time when Medicaid is gaining popularity among the public, surprising many experts.
A new poll from KFF shows that 83% of Americans view Medicaid favorably, a jump from 77% just a few months ago. Ashley Kirzinger, who directs survey methodology at KFF, noted that the biggest increase in support comes from Republican voters, with three out of four now expressing positive views about the program.
Despite this rising support for Medicaid, Republican lawmakers are pushing for significant cuts as part of their budget plan, known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." This legislation has already passed in the House and is currently under consideration in the Senate. However, the budget bill itself is not as well-liked; two-thirds of Americans have unfavorable opinions about it.
Medicaid provides essential health coverage to around 71 million low-income and disabled individuals across the country. An additional 7 million children are covered under the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The program’s popularity is partly due to its wide reach, with many people either benefiting directly or knowing someone who has.
Kirzinger pointed out that most people want to see increased funding for Medicaid rather than cuts. A previous poll found that only 17% of respondents supported reducing federal funding for the program, while 42% believed it should be increased. The current budget proposal aims to cut nearly $800 billion from Medicaid funding to help finance tax cuts and additional border security measures.
Messaging around the budget bill plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion. Kirzinger explained that if people are informed that the cuts would lead to reduced funding for local hospitals or an increase in the uninsured population, their disapproval rises significantly.
Democrats and health advocates are voicing their concerns about the potential consequences of the proposed cuts. Senator Patty Murray from Washington warned that supporting the bill would mean pushing seniors out of nursing homes and closing rural hospitals. Many current Medicaid recipients are anxious about losing their coverage, with a majority stating that it would be hard for them to afford healthcare or prescription medications without it.
As the debate continues, the stakes remain high for millions of Americans who depend on Medicaid for their health and well-being.