In a survey this month by YouGov and the Economist, Americans were asked whether they agree that the federal government cannot provide subsidies to low-income people who purchase insurance policies through the federally run health-insurance marketplace. About a quarter said yes, with the oldest Americans leading the way; about a third of respondents over age 65 agreed that such subsidies should be eliminated.

One possible reason for this response pattern: America’s senior citizens seem to (wrongly) believe that they have paid for their own health care and that therefore others should, too.

In that same YouGov/Economist poll, respondents were asked whether they personally receive a government subsidy to help them pay for health insurance. The overwhelming majority — 85 percent — said no. The age group most likely to say this? Again, those over age 65, 93 percent of whom insisted they do not receive any such subsidies.