Key Takeaways:
- A new survey shows widespread concern among voters, including Republicans, about Medicaid cuts.
- Proposed GOP legislation could strip healthcare from 11-16 million people.
- Most Americans, including Republicans, oppose reductions in Medicaid funding.
- Lawmakers face backlash for prioritizing tax cuts for the wealthy over healthcare.
Voters Across the Political Spectrum Fear Medicaid Cuts
A new survey released Friday reveals that voters, including many Republicans, are deeply worried about cuts to Medicaid and other healthcare programs. The proposed GOP legislation making its way through Congress could strip healthcare coverage from millions of people, and voters are sounding the alarm.
The survey, conducted by the KFF Health Tracking Poll, found that most adults are concerned about the consequences of reducing Medicaid spending. This includes worries about more uninsured people and strained healthcare systems in their communities. Seven in ten adults (72%) fear that cutting Medicaid funding will lead to more uninsured children and adults.
What’s even more surprising? Many of these worried voters are Republicans. The poll shows that about two-thirds of Republicans who rely on Medicaid are concerned that cuts would hurt their families and communities. Additionally, nearly half of the people enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans identify as Republican.
Medicaid Cuts Put GOP Lawmakers in a Tough Spot
The poll highlights the political risks for Senate Republicans who are pushing for Medicaid cuts. Many of these lawmakers face pressure to slash spending to fund President Trump’s tax and immigration plans. But doing so could alienate their own supporters who depend on Medicaid.
“Medicaid is a very popular program, and most Americans don’t want to see spending decreases,” said Liz Hamel, director of public opinion and survey research at KFF. “People see Medicaid as vital to their communities, whether or not they use it themselves.”
Progressive watchdog groups are urging key Republican senators, like Josh Hawley, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Eric Schmitt, to keep their promises to protect Medicaid. Tony Carrk, executive director of Accountable.US, warned that voting for the current bill would mean taking away healthcare from their constituents.
The Human Cost of Medicaid Cuts
The stakes are high. If the proposed cuts go through, millions of people could lose their healthcare coverage. A recent study estimates that over 50,000 people a year could die prematurely as a result of these cuts.
Senator Bernie Sanders called the plan “disastrous,” saying, “In the wealthiest country in the world, we should be expanding healthcare, not taking it away from seniors and working families to give tax breaks to billionaires.”
Meanwhile, Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa faced backlash after dismissing concerns about Medicaid cuts by saying, “We all are going to die.” Her comment sparked outrage, with Iowans protesting the plan to sacrifice Medicaid for tax handouts to the wealthy.
Why This Matters
The debate over Medicaid cuts is about more than just numbers—it’s about people’s lives. Families, children, and vulnerable communities are at risk of losing the healthcare they depend on.
The survey shows that voters across the political spectrum understand the importance of Medicaid. Even many Republicans who support smaller government don’t want to see cuts to this program.
For GOP lawmakers, the message is clear: cutting Medicaid could cost them votes and betray the trust of their constituents. As the debate continues, all eyes are on whether they will stand by their promises to protect healthcare for millions of Americans.