Voter Concerns Surge Over Healthcare Costs During Shutdown

As the United States navigates its second-longest government shutdown, a new poll indicates that a significant majority of voters are increasingly concerned about rising health insurance premiums. Conducted by Data for Progress and Groundwork Collaborative, the survey of 1,215 likely voters reveals that 75% of respondents are worried about escalating costs, marking an increase from 72% just a week prior.

The findings, released on Friday, highlight that concern spans party lines, with 83% of Democrats, 72% of Independents, and 69% of Republicans expressing anxiety over the potential for soaring premiums. Furthermore, 56% of voters do not believe that President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans are prioritizing the reduction of healthcare costs for families. This sentiment is particularly strong among Democrats at 85%, with 65% of Independents sharing similar views, while only 23% of Republicans agree.

Blame for the Shutdown and Healthcare Crisis

The poll results align with previous surveys, including one from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, which reported that 60% of Americans are “extremely” or “very” worried about their healthcare costs rising in the coming year. Elizabeth Pancotti, managing director of policy and advocacy at Groundwork, criticized the administration’s focus on non-essential projects, stating, “While the president’s main priority may be his brand new ballroom, American voters have made their priority loud and clear: Averting the healthcare premium cliff that will more than double their insurance premiums.”

As the shutdown continues, President Trump departed for Asia on Friday, facing mounting criticism domestically for the ongoing crisis and his decision to renovate the East Wing of the White House at the expense of taxpayer funds. The US House of Representatives announced that it would not reconvene next week. Although House Republicans previously passed a funding bill, it failed to secure Senate approval, where bipartisan support is necessary.

Democrats are advocating for the reversal of Republican Medicaid cuts and the extension of expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) credits, but these negotiations have stalled. The open enrollment period for ACA plans begins on November 1, heightening the urgency for a resolution.

In a recent report by The Washington Post, it was revealed that premiums for popular plans sold on the federal health insurance marketplace, Healthcare.gov, are expected to rise by an average of 30% next year, as approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Without intervention, tens of millions of Americans may face significant premium increases, compounded by the potential loss of Medicaid coverage for an estimated 10 million individuals.

Pancotti emphasized the dire consequences of inaction, stating, “Instead of acting to prevent healthcare price hikes for the American people, President Trump and Republicans in Congress are playing games with people’s lives.” The ongoing government shutdown, coupled with rising healthcare costs, continues to weigh heavily on the minds of American voters as they await resolution.