Washington, D.C. – As the House Energy & Commerce Committee considers proposals that could slash Medicaid funding, the Federation of American Hospitals (FAH) released a timely new episode of its “Hospitals in Focus” podcast. The episode features a conversation between FAH President and CEO Chip Kahn and Republican pollster Bob Ward, Partner at Fabrizio Ward. 

Ward, who has conducted polling for President Trump, discusses two recent surveys examining public opinion on Medicaid and the enhanced premium tax credits. The results are clear: voters across the political spectrum—Republicans, Independents, and Democrats—overwhelmingly support these programs and health coverage. 

On voter support for Medicaid and the enhanced tax credits, Ward explains: 

“One of the things we wanted to do in this survey was to put the idea of Medicaid first. What are people’s feelings about the program? Well, three out of four voters have a favorable view of the program, and if you look at Trump voters, it’s six out of ten….We ask people if they support or oppose extending the tax credits that allow working families to afford premiums for health insurance they buy directly, which expire this year. Eighty percent of all voters support extending these tax credits, 78 percent of Trump voters. There’s no difference whether you’re on the right or the left.” 

Ward summarized the political implications of his findings, saying, “There’s little appetite in the electorate for taking away people’s health insurance. And if that in fact is what’s going to happen, I think there’s a political price to be paid in the midterm elections.” 

“Hospitals In Focus” is a podcast series from the Federation of American Hospitals hosted by FAH President and CEO Chip Kahn. It shines a light on all things hospital, from advancements in patient care to how a hospital benefits its community.     

Listen and subscribe to the “Hospitals in Focus” podcast HERE.    

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