Public opinion on the ACA repeal and replace efforts

Multiple debates and Congressional votes have taken place in 2017, regarding the possible repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Several new plans have been proposed and rejected. Congress has spent a considerable amount of time on its efforts to repeal and replace the existing healthcare plan. What does the public think about all of this activity? The August Kaiser Health Tracking Poll asked that question.

Most Americans, 60 percent, stated that it is a “good thing” that the ACA was not successfully repealed and replaced. 62 percent disagree with the President’s strategy that Congress should “not take on other issues, like tax reform, until it passes a replacement plan for the ACA.” In addition, 57 percent want Republicans and Democrats to work together to make improvements to the current version of the ACA.

The poll, conducted in August 2017, continues to show that the majority of the public “holds a favorable view of the ACA than an unfavorable one (52 percent vs. 39 percent).” These numbers are “an overall increase in favorability of nine percentage points since the 2016 presidential election as well as an increase of favorability among Democrats, independents, and Republicans.”

In fact, the poll shows that most Americans are “relieved” or “happy” that the repeal and replace efforts were not successful. The Kaiser Health poll found that most people want to see the ACA healthcare law succeed. “Eight in ten (78 percent) Americans think President Trump and his administration should do what they can to make the current health care law work.”

Elation Health will continue to monitor the progress of the debate around the healthcare policy and its effects on independent physicians. We are committed to providing the latest information as we work to help providers succeed in their practices, in our mission of strengthening the relationship between patients and physicians, and enabling phenomenal care for everyone.