To conduct a polling experiment to understand the possible framing effects that drive constituents’ views around Medicare For All (MFA) and Medicaid Buy‐In (MBI).
Data Sources and Study Setting
Five thousand and fifty‐one US adults aged 18 and older were recruited to participate in an online poll conducted between September 12, 2018, and September 26, 2018.
Participants were randomized to receive one of four polls: (a) a poll measuring respondent approval for MFA, with the name of the proposal stated with a description; (b) a poll measuring approval for MFA, with only a description of the proposal; (c) a poll measuring approval for MBI, with the name stated with a description; or (d) a poll measuring approval for MBI, with only a description.
Including the names “Medicare For All” and “Medicaid Buy‐In” increases approval by 3.4 (from 32.7 percent to 36.1 percent) and 5.0 (from 50.1 percent to 55.1 percent) percentage points, respectively. Support varies by age, where MBI is most strongly supported by Millennials, while Baby Boomers and those older than 65 are more likely to support MFA.
Constituents are more likely to support a proposal when given the names of the proposal. Approval is also higher for health policies that are framed as expansions of existing policies than as new programs.
