As the federal government shutdown continues, public help stays excessive for extending the improved ACA tax credit set to run out on the finish of the 12 months, with three quarters (74%) of the general public in favor of extending them, a new KFF Health Tracking Poll finds.
The expiring tax credit are a central problem within the ongoing Congressional funds standoff, as Democrats need the tax credit prolonged as a part of a funds deal whereas Republicans wish to reopen the federal government earlier than negotiating over an extension. With out the improved tax credit, ACA Market enrollees who profit from them would on common must pay greater than twice as a lot out of pocket in premiums subsequent 12 months.
The brand new ballot finds little change within the public’s views on extending the tax credit since earlier than the shutdown started, although help amongst Republicans dipped (from 59% in September to 50% now). Amongst those that establish as supporters of President Trump’s “Make America Nice Once more” motion, help fell from 57% in September to 44% now.
When requested about Congressional Democrats’ technique of refusing to approve a funds until it consists of extending these tax credit, even when it means the federal government stays shut down, partisans firmly align with their celebration’s place.
General, about half (48%) are supportive of Congressional Democrats’ place, together with 81% of Democrats. Equally, half (50%) say they need to approve a funds with out an extension of the tax credit to rapidly finish the shutdown, even when it means the price of medical insurance will enhance for some individuals, together with 84% of Republicans. Independents are cut up (51% in favor of Congressional Democrats’ place; 47% favoring a fast finish to the shutdown).
Greater than half (55%) of those that buy their very own medical insurance, most of whom accomplish that by means of ACA marketplaces, say Democrats ought to refuse to approve a funds that doesn’t embrace an extension for ACA subsidies.
Looking forward to subsequent 12 months’s midterm elections, the ballot consists of some early indicators that voters give the Democratic Celebration a bonus on points associated to well being care prices.
When requested which celebration they belief to do a greater job on the way forward for the ACA, bigger share of voters say that they belief the Democratic Celebration (43%) than the Republican Celebration (32%).
Equally, when requested about addressing the excessive value of medical insurance, extra voters additionally say they belief the Democratic Celebration (39%) than the Republican Celebration (33%) to do a greater job. Whereas independents usually tend to belief Democrats than Republicans on the way forward for the ACA, they’re cut up with regards to belief to handle the price of well being protection.
Different findings embrace:
- Amongst those that need the tax credit prolonged, most say that both Congressional Republicans (38%) or President Trump (37%) would deserve a lot of the blame in the event that they weren’t prolonged. Fewer say Congressional Democrats (23%) would deserve a lot of the blame.
- About half (47%) of the general public accurately says that undocumented immigrants should not eligible to purchase ACA market protection. About one in seven (14%) incorrectly say that they’re eligible to purchase market protection, whereas the remaining should not sure. Comparable shares of Republicans and Democrats know the proper reply.
Designed and analyzed by public opinion researchers at KFF, this survey was performed October 27-November 2, 2025, on-line and by phone amongst a nationally consultant pattern of 1,350 U.S. adults in English and in Spanish. The margin of sampling error is plus or minus 3 share factors for the complete pattern. For outcomes primarily based on different subgroups, the margin of sampling error could also be greater.
