WASHINGTON — A recent poll revealed that a significant number of Americans, including Republicans and staunch supporters of former President Donald Trump, are in favor of Congress revising tax credits for those buying health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. The poll, conducted by the non-partisan organization KFF in late September, indicated that over 78% of participants wanted lawmakers to maintain the enhanced tax credit. This issue has become crucial amid ongoing discussions about potential government shutdowns.
When broken down by party lines, the support was clear: 92% of Democrats, 82% of independents, and 59% of Republicans were in favor of renewing the tax credits. Among Republicans, 57% of those identifying as Trump supporters and 70% of GOP voters who do not identify with the MAGA movement expressed a desire to extend these tax credits.
Expense bills were prioritized over tax credit discussions
The expansion of the ACA tax credit originated from a coronavirus relief package passed during the Biden presidency, and it is set to expire at the end of this year. Democrats have urged Republicans to engage in negotiations to extend these strengthened tax credits, asserting that action is needed sooner rather than later to avoid further complications.
House Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana indicated that discussions should occur in the coming months, as GOP lawmakers are advocating for major reforms. He mentioned, “It’s not a simple process. It requires weeks for deliberations. But we have three months to sort things out, which isn’t an issue as of now. The pressing question is whether the government will continue to operate for the public’s benefit.”
Democrats, on the other hand, argue that a bipartisan agreement needs to be reached before the ACA’s open enrollment begins on November 1st. They warn of potential significant cost increases if a solution isn’t found soon. Senator Patty Murray from Washington stated, “We can’t just wait for promises that may not materialize. The crisis is here. If the Senate doesn’t act now, people will encounter rising premiums this month.”
Murray also highlighted the irony that Republican leaders claim they are willing to negotiate on healthcare matters only after the government’s operations resume, despite having previously refused to engage while it was open.
In mid-September, a spending bill was passed primarily along party lines, which eventually stalled in the Senate and contributed to the looming government shutdown. The Senate is scheduled to vote again this Friday on the matter.
Public awareness regarding shutdown discussions appears limited
The KFF poll found that a significant number of respondents lacked awareness about the enhanced tax credits related to ACA health insurance plans. Approximately 61% of those surveyed reported knowing little to nothing about the situation, while 32% knew some details, and only 7% felt well-informed.
The poll included 1,334 adults and was conducted between September 23rd and September 29th, with a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points for the overall survey and six percentage points for specific political affiliations. As for the timing, the government shutdown commenced on October 1st, soon after votes were concluded.
While some respondents exhibited fluctuating concerns based on varying questions about the lapse of enhanced tax credits, a majority still expressed significant anxiety. For instance, when informed that losing these credits could make health insurance unaffordable for many buyers, 56% shared strong concerns. This was echoed by 78% of Republicans and 76% of Trump supporters.
If informed that about four million people could lose their health insurance, 60% of participants indicated they were very worried. Among those, 76% of Republicans and 73% of Trump supporters showed significant concern.
Impact on small businesses and the self-employed
The poll also highlighted that 51% of participants were very worried about small businesses and individuals who rely on the ACA market. Another 33% expressed some worry, while 11% weren’t too concerned, and the rest were not worried at all. Notably, 75% of Republicans and 72% of Trump supporters expressed at least some concern regarding this issue.
Yet, there are apprehensions about the potential costs of extending these enhanced tax credits, especially considering the presence of Congress. When asked about concerns regarding significant federal spending funded largely by taxpayers, 27% responded that they were very concerned, while 36% were somewhat concerned. Interestingly, 41% of Republicans felt very worried, alongside another 41% stating they were somewhat concerned. A mere 15% were unconcerned.
