House Republicans are considering significant cuts to Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) as part of a broader budget plan. This despite a KFF poll showing widespread public opposition to such cuts. The potential impact on millions of beneficiaries is significant.
A CNN analysis reveals that over 60 House Republicans represent districts with above-average Medicaid enrollment. This creates internal pressure, especially given Speaker Mike Johnson's narrow majority in the House. While only 29% of Republican districts have high Medicaid enrollment, many GOP representatives won their races by comfortable margins, making them less susceptible to pressure.
However, some Republican representatives who won by narrow margins or represent high-enrollment districts have expressed opposition to cuts and vowed to defy party leadership if necessary. A group of moderate Republicans even wrote a letter to House leadership outlining their opposition. Several Republican Senators also expressed similar concerns.
States that haven't expanded Medicaid tend to be Republican-leaning and house many Republicans in Congress, influencing the perspective on Medicaid cuts. The analysis shows that even in states with two Republican senators, a significant portion of constituents rely on Medicaid and CHIP.