WASHINGTON, D.C. — With only a few weeks left before the 2026 midterm elections, a new national survey commissioned by Medicare Advantage Majority (MAM), conducted by Echelon Insights, finds that senior voters are sending an unmistakable message to lawmakers: Medicare Advantage is a cost-of-living issue, a political issue, and a voting issue — and they expect Congress to act accordingly.
The research, led by respected Republican pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson, surveyed 1,000 senior (65+) registered likely voters nationwide from September 16–21, 2026. The findings reveal a senior electorate that is engaged, financially pressured, and paying close attention to where candidates stand on the program that shapes their daily lives.
“Seniors across party lines view this program as essential to their financial security and their health,” said Kristen Soltis Anderson, Partner at Echelon Insights. “Some 91% of seniors say Medicare Advantage funding is a cost-of-living issue, rather than just a health care one. With affordability top-of-mind heading into the midterms, where lawmakers stand on Medicare Advantage will have real consequences at the ballot box this November.”
“These findings arrive at a moment when affordability pressures are front and center for senior voters heading into the midterm,” said MAM spokesperson Taylor Keeney. “Seniors on fixed incomes have no margin for unexpected costs, and Medicare Advantage remains one of the few programs specifically designed to provide the predictability and financial relief they depend on. With three in four seniors saying they’d be less likely to vote for a candidate who backed cuts to the program, it’s time for every lawmaker – and candidate – to take a stance.”
Funding and Cuts
Political priority: 92% agree that Medicare Advantage funding is an important political issue, and how members of Congress vote on it should matter when deciding who to support at the ballot box.
Overwhelming opposition to cuts: 81% oppose congressional proposals to cut Medicare Advantage funding, with 71% strongly opposing.
Clear political consequences: Three in four (75%) say they would be less likely to vote for a member of Congress who voted for cuts to Medicare Advantage — including 67% of Republicans, 79% of Independents, and 83% of Democrats.
Protecting the program: The vast majority of senior likely voters (83%) want Medicare Advantage funding maintained or increased, a clear sign that seniors see the program working and do not want it cut.
Favorability
Exceptionally strong favorability among enrollees: 9 in 10 (90%) seniors currently enrolled in Medicare Advantage report favorable views of the program.
Affordability and Essential Benefits
Medicare Advantage is a cost-of-living issue: 91% agree that Medicare Advantage funding is a cost-of-living issue, not just a health care issue, and 63% are extremely or very concerned about health care costs — 11 points higher than their concern for housing costs (52%).
Cuts would drive immediate financial harm: Seniors believe funding cuts would lead to higher out-of-pocket costs (81%), reductions in supplemental benefits (67%), worse or more expensive prescription drug coverage (65%), or loss of access to preferred doctors or hospitals (53%).
Medicare Advantage is a public-private partnership providing comprehensive health coverage to more than 35 million seniors and individuals with disabilities. More than half of all Medicare-eligible Americans have chosen Medicare Advantage for its integrated, affordable approach to care, including supplemental benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, transportation, and care coordination that traditional Medicare does not offer.
This research builds on MAM’s ongoing national polling demonstrating sustained and growing support for Medicare Advantage among seniors and caregivers. It complements MAM’s previous surveys, including research from March 2026 and December 2025, which together paint a consistent picture of seniors and caregivers who value the program deeply.
About Medicare Advantage Majority (MAM)
Medicare Advantage Majority (MAM) is a 501(c)(4) organization dedicated to protecting and strengthening the Medicare Advantage program for 35 million American seniors and people with disabilities – more than half of all eligible Medicare beneficiaries – who depend on it. MAM is powered by local advocates across the country, including beneficiaries, caregivers, providers, and community leaders.
