Representation of the Economically Disadvantaged: An Example Through State Medicaid Policy
Open Access
Author:
Gulla, James
Area of Honors:
Political Science
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Marie Hojnacki, Thesis Supervisor Gretchen G Casper, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Representation Medicaid State Politics
Abstract:
My thesis seeks to investigate factors that influence the generosity of state Medicaid programs, by analyzing variation in income eligibility limits across states. My thesis is within the broader area of representation, and past literature suggests that economically disadvantaged citizens are underrepresented in American politics, with both the national government and state governments being more responsive to affluent citizens. Using data from a variety of sources, I constructed multiple linear regressions with clustered robust standard errors that analyze Medicaid eligibility limits within the time period of 2003-2020. My research provides evidence that Medicaid is a highly partisan and ideological issue, with Democratic control of the legislature and liberalism of citizens impacting the generosity of states’ programs. My research also provides evidence of the success of the ACA in achieving its goal, as well as more evidence that suggests the underrepresentation of disadvantaged groups.
