Poll Finds Most Americans Support Right of Elderly to Transfer Assets

A new public opinion poll by the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation concludes the majority of Americans oppose eliminating the ability of middle class elderly to transfer their assets to children in order to qualify for Medicaid. Of those responding to the poll, 55 percent opposed this proposal, while 37 percent favored it. The poll also found that 82 percent of respondents believe it is essential that Medicaid cover nursing home care.

The poll revealed that public attitudes toward Medicaid are remarkably positive, and opposition to cuts is reasonably strong. The survey found that 80 percent of Americans want to either increase federal Medicaid spending or maintain current levels. Meanwhile, 52 percent "strongly oppose" cutting back on their state's Medicaid program, and another 22 percent "somewhat oppose" such cuts.

For more on the Kaiser Family Foundation survey, click on: http://www.kff.org/medicaid/pomr062905pkg.cfm