As the Trump Administration begins the rollout for changes to healthcare reform—namely a repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act—there appears to be changes in American opinions of the ACA. A Kaiser Family Foundation study found Americans are now leaning in favor of the Act more than ever before. 48% of Americans have a favorable opinion of the ACA, with 42% being unfavorable and 10% undecided or no answer. There is still a split, however, in the ACA repeal department, as 48% do not want a repeal, but 47% do.
When it comes to the ACA replacement plan, Medicaid is a big concern. 84% feel it’s important to continue federal funding for Medicaid Expansion post-repeal, while only 15% feel it’s not important. 36% want an increase on Medicaid spending, with 12% wanting a decrease and 48% want spending to stay the same.
Some of these stats are surprising in view of the current talk of an inevitable repeal of the ACA. Further, Americans have conflicting opinions on how the Trump Administration is handling healthcare altogether. 62% of Americans feel the country is going in the wrong direction when it comes to healthcare, with 30% feeling it’s going in the right direction. With an ACA repeal and replacement, 56% of Americans are worried about the outcome, 53% are hopeful, 45% are confused, 38% are angry and 33% are enthusiastic.
Of all the findings in the KFF study, one thing is for certain: Americans are demanding clarity on the fate of their healthcare.
To read the full KFF study, click here.
