Support for Medicaid is strong in congressional districts seen as toss-ups in next year's General Election, according to a recent poll commissioned by Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System.
The poll of 600 likely voters in 12 districts that are expected to be battlegrounds in the 2026 elections found 88% support Medicaid, 61% strongly support it and only 10% oppose the public health insurance program.
The survey found a political downside for candidates who vote to cut Medicaid. For example, 68% of the voters polled said they would be less likely to vote for a candidate who supports Medicaid funding cuts if those cuts mean rural hospitals would have to close and 67% said they would be less likely if the cuts would mean an increase in the cost of health care for people with private insurance.
The survey also found overwhelming support for "rooting out waste, fraud and abuse" in Medicaid and for work requirements for able-bodied adults "who are choosing not to work and do not have children or elderly parents in their care."
FMOLHS is, like CHA and many of CHA's other members, advocating against Medicaid cuts. The federal insurance program provides coverage to about 80 million low-income Americans.
FMOLHS has hospitals and clinics in Louisiana, where 32% of residents are covered by Medicaid, and Mississippi, where the program covers 24% of residents, according to state statistics compiled by CHA as part of its Medicaid Makes It Possible campaign.
"It's important for policymakers to understand where the American people are on this important issue," said Ryan Cross, vice president of governmental relations for FMOLHS. "Voters clearly support targeted reforms to the program, but they draw the line at cutting or impacting federal funding for Medicaid. We're continuing to work with congressional leadership, the White House, and our delegations to protect this vital program."
The Medicaid poll was conducted by McLaughlin & Associates, a firm that polls for many Republican candidates and organizations.
In its synopsis of the poll, the firm notes: "The message is clear: Medicaid is an essential program, and candidates who vote to cut Medicaid run the risk of being punished by the voters."
The survey was done in early April, as the chambers of Congress were approving separate budget frameworks that call for deep spending cuts. As much as $880 billion could come from Medicaid over the next 10 years. The two spending plans are now in the reconciliation process to resolve differences. A final version could be approved and sent to the president by Memorial Day.
Further reading: Eldercare providers worry about potential impact of cuts to Medicaid