Poll Shows Strong Support for Extending Health Insurance Tax Credits Amid Government Shutdown

A new poll released by KFF shows that a significant 78% of Americans are in favor of Congress extending health insurance tax credits set to expire soon. These credits, essential for making health care affordable through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), are at risk during the ongoing government shutdown.

During survey dates late September, before the shutdown escalated, it was found that initial public support for these tax credits cuts across party lines. Notably, 57% of Republicans aligned with the Make America Great Again movement also expressed support for extending these health subsidies.

The poll points to a looming awareness gap, as nearly 60% of Americans purchasing their own insurance report having heard little to nothing about the imminent expiration of these subsidies. If Congress does not act by the upcoming November 1 open enrollment period, premiums for affected Americans could more than double. Most respondents indicated that they wouldn’t be able to manage such an increase without drastically altering their financial situations.

As lawmakers debate, the sentiment appears to favor holding Republicans responsible should the tax credits lapse, with around 80% of those supporting the extension indicating they would blame the GOP or President Trump for the fallout. With many Americans still unaware of these impending changes, the political landscape continues to shift as the shutdown persists.