Introduction to the Poll Findings
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 Stance on the Issue
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.
Public Opinion on the Tax Credits
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)
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., and GOP leaders, from left, Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., and Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., blame the government shutdown on Democrats during a news conference at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 2, 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. About 6 in 10 people who have self-purchased insurance said they had heard “a little” or “nothing” about the tax credits’ expiration.
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 KFF poll highlights the importance of extending the tax credits for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. With a majority of Americans supporting the extension, it is crucial for Congress to take action to prevent a significant increase in health insurance costs for millions of people. The poll also shows that there is a lack of awareness about the looming expiration of the subsidies, which could lead to a shift in public opinion as the issue gains more attention.
FAQs
Q: What is the current situation with the tax credits for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act?
A: The tax credits are set to expire at the end of the year, which could lead to a significant increase in health insurance costs for millions of people.
Q: What do the poll findings show?
A: The poll findings show that a majority of Americans, including Democrats, independents, and Republicans, support extending the tax credits.
Q: How many people are affected by the expiring tax credits?
A: Approximately 24 million people who have signed up for health coverage through the ACA are affected by the expiring tax credits.
Q: What is the potential impact of not extending the tax credits?
A: If the tax credits are not extended, ACA premiums will more than double for the average ACA enrollee, according to another KFF analysis.
Q: Who is more likely to be blamed if the subsidies are left to expire?
A: According to the poll, Americans who support the tax credits are more likely to blame President Donald Trump or the Republicans than Democrats if the credits expired.
