Federal Policy
KFF Poll Shows Voter Focus on Health Costs, Republican Priority on Program Fraud
A new KFF Health Tracking Poll finds health care costs are the top health care priority for voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. More than half of Republican voters identify fraud in government health programs as an extremely important campaign issue, aligning with current Trump administration enforcement priorities. Most voters believe at least some fraud exists in government health programs, though voters perceive higher fraud levels in tax systems, defense spending, and foreign aid. The smallest share of voters perceives fraud in ACA marketplace programs.
Why it mattersHeightened political attention to Medicaid fraud creates pressure for increased program integrity enforcement, potentially affecting MCO audit activity, documentation requirements, and provider contracting standards.