The Kaiser health tracking poll was recently released, and it provides a good overview of what Americans are thinking about as far as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is concerned. With the future of the ACA currently in question, many people are rightfully concerned. The following are some of the key findings of April’s Kaiser health tracking poll:
Trump’s negotiation tactics
Trump recently threatened to stop payments for the ACA’s cost-sharing reductions in an attempt to get Democrats to negotiate a healthcare law replacement. Such tactics could end up disrupting the insurance markets, not to mention could cause people to lose coverage. Around 60 percent of the American public disapproves of these tactics. Roughly 82 percent of Democrats and 66 percent of Democrats disapprove, while 67 percent of Republicans approve.
The ACA’s favorability
Around 48 percent of Americans view the ACA as favorable compared to the 42 percent that view it unfavorably. However, 51 percent of the public still want a plan to repeal and replace the ACA.
Healthcare priorities
Repealing and replacing the ACA is not the number-one priority for most Americans. Instead, priorities include lowering healthcare costs and lowering prescription drug costs. However, 25 percent of Republicans believe that repealing the ACA should be the top priority.
The future of the ACA
Following the initial failure to repeal and replace the ACA, around 74 percent of Americans believe that the current administration should do what they can to make the current ACA law work. Around 64 percent believe that Trump and the Republicans are responsible for any problems that occur with the ACA from here on out.
Healthcare funding
Few Americans want to see healthcare funding cut as lawmakers negotiate the current federal budget. Only 21 percent of Americans want to reduce spending for reproductive health services for lower-income women and 24 percent believe Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood for non-abortion services should cease.
These are some of the key findings of the Kaiser health tracking poll. For all ACA-related news, be sure to keep visiting The Benefits Store.