Exploring Public Perspectives: What Changes to Medicaid Mean for You | KFF Insights

As Congress debates potential changes to Medicaid, it’s clear the public largely supports maintaining or increasing funding for the program. A recent KFF Health Tracking Poll shows that only 17% of adults want to see Medicaid funding cut. In fact, 42% believe it should increase, while 40% think it should stay the same. This feeling is shared across party lines, with many Democrats, Republicans, and independents agreeing on the need for stable or expanded funding, although about a third of Republicans advocate for cuts.

The strong preference for maintaining or boosting Medicaid funding likely stems from personal connections to the program. Around 53% of adults say they or a family member have received assistance from Medicaid. This includes many who voted for Trump in 2024. A whopping 97% of adults believe Medicaid is at least somewhat important for their local communities, with 75% saying it’s “very important.” Even among those who voted for Trump, a significant number recognize Medicaid’s value.

In rural areas, cuts to Medicaid could be especially damaging. One-third of rural residents say their community lacks enough hospitals, while nearly half report a shortage of primary care doctors. Mental health and specialist services are similarly hard to come by, with about 67% of rural residents noting there aren’t enough mental health providers and 71% mentioning a lack of specialists. Given these challenges, Medicaid plays a crucial role in providing care to these underserved populations.

Some proposed changes to Medicaid include work requirements, where individuals would need to work or seek employment to qualify for coverage. While 62% of adults initially support this idea, their opinions shift when they learn that most working-age adults on Medicaid are already employed. Support drops significantly when people realize that introducing paperwork could lead to many eligible individuals losing coverage.

Another idea being discussed is to eliminate the enhanced federal funding under the Affordable Care Act expansion. Estimates warn this could lead to 20 million people losing their coverage and increase state costs significantly. Currently, about 59% of adults oppose this change, with higher opposition among Democrats and independents compared to Republicans.

Despite its importance, there remains some confusion about Medicaid. While most adults know it supports low-income individuals, many incorrectly believe that undocumented immigrants receive these benefits or are not aware that Medicaid covers nursing home care and various long-term services.

Communities across America, especially in rural areas, heavily depend on Medicaid. As discussions about changes to the program continue, understanding its impact and the public’s views is essential. Medicaid isn’t just a safety net; it’s a lifeline for millions, and many appreciate its role in safeguarding their health and wellbeing.