Majority of Americans Oppose Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, Poll Finds

A comprehensive survey conducted by Northeastern University's Civic Health and Institutions Project (CHIP50) reveals that most Americans strongly disapprove of proposed federal cuts to Medicare and Medicaid programs. The survey, carried out between April and June with over 33,000 participants nationwide, indicates that 68% of Americans oppose reductions in Medicaid funding, while 76% oppose cuts to Medicare.

Breaking down the findings by political affiliation, the data shows that 86% of Democrats and 64% of Republicans disapprove of Medicare cuts. Regarding Medicaid, 82% of Democrats and 51% of Republicans oppose spending reductions. Remarkably, despite partisan differences, majorities across both parties oppose these cuts, highlighting a common concern among Americans about the potential impact on healthcare access.

The survey also uncovered that individuals most likely to be directly affected by such spending cuts are also most opposed to them. For example, 76% of people earning between $25,000 and $50,000 annually strongly disapprove of Medicaid cuts, compared to 59% of those earning over $100,000. Similarly, 89% of seniors aged 65 and older strongly oppose Medicare reductions, with 66% of young adults aged 18 to 24 sharing this view.

Education levels also influence opinions, with 49% of those with some high school education or less strongly disapproving of Medicaid cuts, compared to 38% of those holding graduate degrees. Regional disparities are notable; West Virginia residents show over 85% disapproval, likely reflecting their reliance on Medicaid and Medicare, whereas Florida residents show a lower disapproval rate at 70%. This variation may be linked to demographic and socioeconomic factors, including income and age.

Expert insights from David Lazer, a professor at Northeastern University, emphasize that these widespread disapprovals transcend partisan lines and demonstrate a collective concern for maintaining essential healthcare services. Overall, the survey indicates that all demographic groups, regardless of age, income, gender, or race, oppose cuts to federal healthcare programs.

For more detailed results, visit the CHIP50 website. This survey underscores the strong public consensus against reducing Medicare and Medicaid funding, emphasizing the importance of protecting these vital programs for vulnerable populations.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-democrats-republicans-medicare-medicaid.html