Politics
Poll: Most Trump Supporters Back Extending Obamacare Subsidies
By Jake Beardslee · October 3, 2025
Broad Support Across Party Lines
A new poll from the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) shows that most Americans — including a majority of Republicans and Trump supporters — want Congress to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. The survey, conducted between Sept. 23 and Sept. 29, comes just before Congress failed to reach a deal to keep the government open. The White House / Wikimedia
The Stakes for Millions
Currently, more than 22 million people benefit from these subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of the year unless renewed. Without them, out-of-pocket premium payments could nearly double in 2026, from an average of $888 to $1,904 annually, according to a previous KFF analysis. The Congressional Budget Office estimates around 4 million people could lose coverage next year as a result. Polina Tankilevitch / Pexels
Trump Voters Show Support
Despite political divides, 59% of Republicans and 57% of self-identified “Make America Great Again” supporters said they want the subsidies extended. Overall, 78% of Americans back the move, including 92% of Democrats and 82% of independents. Ashley Kirzinger, KFF’s director of survey methodology, told NBC News: “We get a very clear message that the majority of the public, regardless of their partisanship, regardless of their insurance, support Congress extending these tax credits. It’s really hard to take a benefit away after it’s been given to people.” Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Financial and Health Consequences
If subsidies expire, many will be forced to go uninsured or cut other essential expenses. About 40% of ACA enrollees said they would drop their plans if costs nearly doubled, while 37% would keep paying and 20% would seek other coverage. “That’s going to result in a large number of individuals losing health coverage and becoming uninsured,” Kirzinger warned. Pixabay / Pexels