Members of the Senate, House and administration have made their opinions clear about the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” that is winding its way through Congress. The latest KFF Health Tracking Poll asked Americans what they think about key health care provisions in the sweeping legislation.

“Nearly two-thirds of the public hold an unfavorable opinion of the tax and budget bill being discussed by Congress, while one-third hold a favorable view,” the survey report said. “And while there are strong partisan differences, there is a lack of support among Republican and Republican-leaning independents who do not align with President Trump’s Make America Great Again movement.”

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Among the key findings of the survey:

  • Although 6 in 10 Republicans have a favorable opinion of the bill, this support is largely driven by supporters of the MAGA movement, while two-thirds of non-MAGA. Republicans view the bill unfavorably. Among both Republicans and MAGA supporters, support drops at least 20 percentage points, with less than half of each group viewing the law favorably, after hearing it would increase the country’s uninsured rate and decrease funding for local hospitals.
  • At the same time that the bill proposes sweeping cuts to Medicaid spending as well as changes to the Affordable Care Act, overall favorability of both programs reach all-time highs. Overall favorability of Medicaid is now at 83%, including majorities of Democrats (93%), independents (83%) and Republicans (74%). In addition, two-thirds of the public now view the ACA favorably.
  • Six in 10 respondents support Medicaid work requirements as described in the House bill. However, most people are not aware that the majority of Medicaid recipients already are working, and attitudes can change after people are provided additional information. On the other hand, support increases as high as 79% (an 11 point increase) if opponents hear the argument that imposing these requirements could save money and help fund Medicaid for the elderly, people with disabilities and low-income children.
  • Adults who currently are insured through Medicaid describe a variety of ways they would be affected if they lost Medicaid coverage. More than half say it would be “very difficult” to afford their prescription medications (68%); afford to see a health care provider (59%); or get and pay for another form of coverage insurance coverage (56%) if they lost Medicaid. In addition, most Medicaid enrollees say losing Medicaid coverage would have a “major impact” on their financial wellbeing (75%); overall quality of life (69%); mental health (66%); and physical health (60%).

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Alan Goforth

Alan Goforth is a freelance writer in suburban Kansas City. In addition to freelancing for several publications, he has written a dozen books about sports and other topics.