NEW STATEWIDE POLL SHOWS STRONG SUPPORT FOR INCREASING MEDICAID FUNDING FOR SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES IN NEW YORK
64% of New Yorkers Support Increasing Medicaid Funding as Voters Link Long-Term Care Investment to Hospital Capacity, Workforce Stability, and Patient Access
NEW YORK — A new statewide survey of New York voters conducted by Lake Research Partners finds strong and durable public support for increasing Medicaid funding for skilled nursing facilities, highlighting growing political momentum around long-term care funding as state budget negotiations continue in Albany.
The poll of likely New York voters shows that 64 percent support increasing Medicaid funding for skilled nursing facilities, while only 19 percent oppose the proposal — demonstrating broad statewide consensus on strengthening long-term care infrastructure.
Support increases as voters learn more about how skilled nursing facilities function within the healthcare system. After hearing a brief explanation of post-hospital rehabilitation and medical care, support rises to 70 percent statewide, suggesting significant opportunity for additional public alignment as the debate continues.
Key Findings
- 64% support increasing Medicaid funding for skilled nursing facilities statewide.
- Support grows to 70% after voters receive basic information about patient care and recovery services.
- Even after hearing political criticisms, 65% of voters still favor increased funding, demonstrating durable support.
- Majorities across every region, demographic group, and party affiliation back increased investment in long-term care.
- Voters overwhelmingly connect Medicaid underfunding to hospital backups, staffing shortages, and reduced patient access to care.
Long-Term Care Funding Emerging as Major Albany Issue
- The survey findings arrive as Medicaid funding for long-term care becomes a central focus of state budget negotiations.
- Skilled nursing facilities provide post-hospital rehabilitation, recovery care, and daily clinical supervision for thousands of New Yorkers each year. Because Medicaid finances the majority of residents, reimbursement levels directly influence whether facilities can admit patients, maintain staffing, and keep beds available.
- According to the survey analysis, voters increasingly view long-term care funding not as an industry concern, but as a statewide healthcare capacity issue affecting hospitals, families, and local communities.
Voters Say Funding Decisions Carry Political Consequences
- The poll also finds clear electoral implications.
- A majority of voters say they would be more likely to support elected officials who fully fund long-term care, while majorities say they would be less likely to back officials who oppose funding increases.
Statement from the New York Coalition for Dignity in Aging
“Skilled nursing facilities depend on Medicaid, but funding has not kept pace with workforce wages, inflation, or patient needs,” said a spokesperson for the New York Coalition for Dignity in Aging. “Without updated funding, providers lose caregivers and patients lose access to consistent, high-quality care. This is fundamentally about retaining healthcare workers and ensuring patients receive the dignity and attention they deserve.”
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Methodology
The survey of 600 likely New York general election voters was conducted February 10–16, 2026 by Lake Research Partners using live phone interviews and text-to-web methodology. The margin of error is ±4.0%.
