NEW YORK (Echosphere) — A significant majority of Americans are calling for Congress to extend tax credits that, if they expire, could raise insurance costs for millions. This comes according to a recent poll from KFF, conducted amidst the ongoing government shutdown.
The survey, carried out just before the government shutdown took effect, shows that around 78% of Americans support the extension of tax credits for those purchasing health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Despite the bipartisan consensus on extending these subsidies, awareness about their impending expiration remains surprisingly low.
Only 40% of U.S. adults report being informed about the subsidies as lawmakers remain locked in political gridlock. The shutdown, which has seen no resolution for days, stems partly from a disagreement over extending these tax credits. Both Democrats and a majority of Republicans express support for the extension, yet political negotiations continue to stall.
Many Americans who rely on these subsidies are apprehensive about their financial futures. A staggering 70% of respondents indicated they would struggle with a potential rise in their health insurance premiums, while about 40% claimed they might forgo health coverage altogether if the costs increase significantly. These insights raise critical questions about the sustainability of health care access for millions.
As indicated by House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, “millions of Americans are facing dramatically increased health care premiums, co-pays, and deductibles because of the Republican unwillingness to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits.” Conversely, GOP leaders place blame on Democrats for the political impasse, suggesting that the decision to extend health care subsidies should not be tied to government funding discussions.
Overall, this situation underscores the importance of stable policy regarding healthcare affordability in the midst of challenging economic conditions and significant political contention.
