Reporters call Medicaid a popular program

[Onthefly]

Medicaid is not a popular program for most people. It is a lifeline and the only viable option for low income people or people with disabilities. Calling it a popular program waters down the necessity of health care that Medicaid provides. Calling it a popular program is like saying you can choose between Cancun and Disney World. No. Medicaid is required.

[karynnj]

1. While I get your point, politically it is better if it is seen as popular

My surprise is that a reporter would call it "popular". Like most welfare programs, many Republicans have been loathe to support it for decades.

Consider that many red states refused to expand Medicaid under the ACA creating a benefits gap for people in an income range too high to qualify for Medicaid and not eligible for subsidies.

Medicare is popular.