Poll Shows Overwhelming Support for Extension of ACA Tax Credits Amid Government Shutdown

Tue Oct 21 2025 00:34:07 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A new KFF poll reveals that the majority of Americans favor extending tax credits tied to the Affordable Care Act, which are at risk of expiring due to ongoing governmental disputes. The potential expiration could significantly increase health insurance costs for approximately 24 million enrollees.

As Congress grapples with a government shutdown, a new poll has highlighted the urgent need for the extension of tax credits linked to the Affordable Care Act, with 78% of Americans supporting the move. The expiration of these subsidies is set to dramatically inflate health insurance premiums for millions. While most Democrats are in favor, a notable portion of Republican supporters also back the extension. Nonetheless, awareness about the impending expiration remains low among many who stand to be affected.

NEW YORK (PulseWire) — Most Americans want Congress to extend tax credits that, if left to expire at the end of the year, could raise health insurance costs for millions. This was highlighted by a new poll released by the healthcare research nonprofit KFF.

Conducted from September 23-29, the survey shows significant public support for including the extension of these tax credits in any government funding legislation, amidst a Senate standoff contributing to the ongoing government shutdown now in its fourth day.

While only about 40% of U.S. adults reported being well-informed about the subsidies as the shutdown began, the poll indicates a potential shift in public opinion as the political battle continues. A parallel poll from the New York Times/Siena found most voters not supporting a government shutdown, even if their demands are not met.

Republicans in Congress have expressed willingness to negotiate on the tax credits but emphasize that this can wait until government funding is restored through a noncontroversial stopgap measure.

The KFF poll found about 78% of Americans overall favor extending the expiring tax credits for those buying health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, cutting across party lines. A notable 57% of Republicans who align with Donald Trump's Make America Great Again movement also support the extension.

These expanded subsidies, first enacted in 2021 and extended the following year, aid low-income enrollees in accessing health plans with no premiums, eliminating financial barriers. However, if they expire, premiums could more than double for average ACA enrollees.

Alarmingly, many Americans, especially those purchasing their own health insurance, are unaware of the looming expiration. About 60% of these individuals had heard little about the tax credits’ upcoming expiration. Moreover, when queried about affording such dramatic increases in premiums, 70% indicated they would not manage without significantly disrupting their finances, with many considering forgoing health insurance altogether.

Concerningly, as the deadline approaches, the survey also noted that Americans who favor the continuation of the tax credits are more likely to assign blame to Trump and Republicans in Congress, with 80% of those wanting the subsidies extended indicating they would hold them responsible if the credits expired.

The discourse surrounding this issue continues as House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries criticizes the Republican stance on the ACA tax credits and its implications for the healthcare costs of millions of Americans.

Meanwhile, Republican leaders assert that Democrats are using the shutdown as leverage in a matter that should not affect immediate funding discussions, with House Speaker Mike Johnson stating, ‘Real pain is being inflicted on the American people due to Democrats’ refusal to support government funding legislation.’