Public opinion continues to be divided about extending enhanced tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, an issue that is responsible in part for the ongoing government shutdown.
Democrats want the tax credits extended as part of a budget deal, while Republicans want to reopen the government before negotiating over an extension. Without the enhanced tax credits, ACA Marketplace enrollees who benefit from them on average would have to pay more than twice as much out of pocket in premiums next year.
Nearly three-quarters of the public favors extending the credits, a new KFF Health Tracking Poll found. However, support among Republicans has declined from 59% in September to 50% today. Among those who identify as supporters of President Trump’s Make America Great Again agenda, support fell from 57% in September to 44% now.
When asked about congressional Democrats’ strategy of refusing to approve a budget unless it includes extending credits, even if it means the government remains shut down, partisans firmly align with their party’s position.
- Overall, about half, including 81% of Democrats, support the congressional Democrats’ position.
- Similarly, half say Congress should approve a budget without an extension of the tax credits to quickly end the shutdown, even if it means the cost of health insurance will increase for some people.
- .Independents are split, with 51% in favor of the Democrats’ position and 47% favoring a quick end to the shutdown.
- Fifty-five percent of those who purchase their own health insurance, most of whom do so through ACA Marketplaces, say Democrats should refuse to approve a budget that does not include an extension for ACA subsidies.
Looking ahead to next year’s midterm elections, the poll includes some early signs that voters give the Democratic party an advantage on issues related to health care costs. When asked which party they trust to do a better job on the future of the ACA, larger share of voters say that they trust the Democratic party (43%) than the Republican party (32%).
Similarly, when asked about addressing the high cost of health insurance, more voters also say they trust Democrats (39%) than Republicans (33%) to do a better job. Although independents are more likely to trust Democrats than Republicans on the future of the ACA, they are split about which party to trust to address the cost of health coverage.
Among those who want the tax credits extended, most say that either congressional Republicans (38%) or President Trump (37%) would deserve most of the blame if they weren’t extended. Fewer say congressional Democrats (23%) would deserve most of the blame.
About half of the public believes undocumented immigrants are not eligible to buy ACA marketplace coverage; about one in seven believe they are eligible to buy Marketplace coverage; and the rest are not certain.
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