Introduction to the Poll Findings
NEW YORK (AP) — Most Americans want Congress to extend tax credits that, if left to expire at the end of the year, could raise health insurance costs for millions of Americans, according to a new poll released Friday from the health care research nonprofit KFF. The survey, which was conducted from Sept. 23-29, just prior to the shutdown that began Wednesday, shows initial public support for a move that Democrats have been demanding be included in any government funding bill they sign.
Background on the Government Shutdown
A Senate standoff, in part over the enhanced premium tax credits set to end in 2025 if Congress doesn’t act, has resulted in a government shutdown that’s lasted into a third day with no end in sight. At the same time, the survey showed that only about 4 in 10 U.S. adults had read “a lot” or “some” about the subsidies as the shutdown began, leaving room for public opinion to shift in either direction as the political fight continues.
Republican and Democrat Positions
Republicans in Congress have expressed openness to negotiating the extension, but argue it can wait until government funding is restored through a stopgap measure they say is noncontroversial. The vast majority of Democrats supported the extended tax credits, the poll found, but so did a slimmer majority of Republicans. Those who wanted the health care subsidies to continue were more likely to say they would blame President Donald Trump or the Republicans than Democrats if the credits expired.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., center, flanked by Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., left, and Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Mass., arrives to speak on the steps of the Capitol to insist that Republicans include an extension of expiring health care benefits as part of a government funding compromise, in Washington, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Most Want ACA Tax Credits Extended
At stake is the cost of health insurance for the 24 million people who have signed up for health coverage through the ACA, in part encouraged by the billions of dollars in subsidies that made it more affordable for many people. According to the KFF poll, about 3 in 4 Americans — 78% — said that they wanted Congress to extend expiring tax credits for people who buy health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. That view cuts across party lines, including majorities of Democrats, independents and Republicans.
Looming Expiration Isn’t Widely Known
The expanded subsidies, first passed in 2021 and extended a year later, allow some low-income enrollees to access health plans with no premiums and cap high earners’ premiums at 8.5% of their income. When they expire, ACA premiums will more than double for the average ACA enrollee, according to another KFF analysis. KFF’s new poll shows that if the subsidies aren’t extended by the start of the Nov. 1 open enrollment period, many Americans who buy their own health insurance could be caught unaware that their premiums are set to rise next year.
Impact on Affected Groups
About 6 in 10 people who have self-purchased insurance said they had heard “a little” or “nothing” about the tax credits’ expiration. Asked if they could afford nearly double the cost they pay in health insurance premiums, 70% of people who purchase insurance through the ACA Marketplace said they could not do this without significantly disrupting their household finances. About 4 in 10 said they’d go without health insurance coverage if their premiums rose that much, while a similar share said they would keep paying and 22% would seek insurance from another source, like an employer or spouse’s employer.
Prior to Shutdown, Republicans Received More Blame
The poll found that just before the shutdown began, Americans who supported the tax credits were more likely to blame Republicans, who hold the presidency and majorities in both houses of Congress, if the subsidies are left to expire at the end of the year. According to the poll, about 8 in 10 U.S. adults who wanted the subsidies extended said either Trump or Republicans in Congress would deserve most of the blame, while about 2 in 10 said they would blame Democrats in Congress.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the majority of Americans support the extension of tax credits for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, with significant implications for the cost of health insurance for millions of Americans. The findings highlight the need for awareness and action on this critical issue, as the expiration of these subsidies could lead to significant disruptions in healthcare coverage for many individuals and families.
FAQs
- Q: What is the current situation with the health insurance tax credits?
A: The health insurance tax credits under the Affordable Care Act are set to expire at the end of 2025, which could raise health insurance costs for millions of Americans. - Q: What do the poll findings indicate about public support for extending the tax credits?
A: According to the KFF poll, about 3 in 4 Americans support extending the expiring tax credits for people who buy health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. - Q: How would the expiration of the subsidies affect individuals who purchase insurance through the ACA Marketplace?
A: If the subsidies aren’t extended, ACA premiums will more than double for the average ACA enrollee, and many individuals could be caught unaware that their premiums are set to rise next year. - Q: What are the positions of Republicans and Democrats on this issue?
A: Republicans have expressed openness to negotiating the extension but argue it can wait until government funding is restored. Democrats have been demanding that the extension be included in any government funding bill they sign.
