ICYMI: In New Survey, Trump Pollster Finds Broad Support for Extending ACA Premium Tax Credits, Consequences for GOP Majorities if Congress Refuses to Act

(Washington, DC) – In case you missed it: John McLaughlin—one of President Trump’s pollsters and advisors—released a new poll finding that Americans are overwhelmingly concerned about health care premiums skyrocketing if Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs) expire at the end of the year. The poll, conducted across 16 GOP-held battleground districts, underscores how health care affordability is top of mind for working Americans who are concerned about the cost-of-living crisis.

Key Findings:

• “Nine in ten (91% to 8%) voters believe keeping healthcare affordable is important to lowering the overall cost of living for working American families. The belief is intense, with nearly threequarters (72%) ‘strongly’ agreeing.”

• “Virtually three-quarters (73%) are concerned about their healthcare premiums increasing next year, including 47% who are ‘very’ concerned.”

• “By a 50-point margin (70% to 20%), a broad majority supports the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits.”
  • “Among Independents, who will be casting the deciding votes in the midterm elections, two-thirds (66%) support the healthcare tax credits, reaching 73% among Independent women.”

• “The majority (57%) is more likely to vote for a candidate for Congress who votes to extend the healthcare tax credits.”
  • “The majority of swing voters are more likely to vote for the candidate, including 56% of Independents and 61% of ticket splitters.”
  • “Voting to extend the healthcare tax credits attracts Hispanic voters (66%), college educated women (70%), and married women (62%).”

• “Conversely, the majority (53%) is less likely to vote for a candidate for Congress who allowed the healthcare tax credits to expire, resulting in higher insurance premiums.”

“The ACA Marketplace is open, and Americans who are already facing a cost-of-living crisis are seeing premium price hikes that are unaffordable,” said Senator Shaheen, author of bicameral legislation that would permanently extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits. “These findings send a clear message: Working Americans are increasingly worried about the rising cost of health care and President Trump and Congressional Republicans will pay a price next year at the ballot box if they refuse to act.”

Shaheen is leading efforts in Congress to make health care more affordable through the preservation and extension of the enhanced premium tax credits. Through negotiations to reopen the government, Shaheen secured a guaranteed vote by mid-December on legislation to address skyrocketing health care costs. Shaheen’s first bill introduction this Congress was her landmark Health Care Affordability Act—bicameral legislation to permanently extend the tax credits for Marketplace coverage that lower health care costs for millions of Americans.

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