The U.S. healthcare system is under increasing scrutiny as a new poll reveals widespread concern among voters about the potential impact of expiring tax credits on their insurance costs. A significant majority of Americans are anxious about rising premiums and the affordability of healthcare, highlighting growing public unease over the political impasse between congressional Republicans and Democrats.
As reported by The Associated Press, the AP-NORC poll found that 60% of Americans are “extremely” or “very” worried about their healthcare costs increasing over the next year, while 40% express similar concerns about being unable to afford necessary care and medications. These findings underscore a deepening sense of vulnerability among the public regarding access to affordable health services.
Interviews with respondents revealed personal stories of struggle and frustration. Latoya Wilson, a 46-year-old resident of Louisiana, shared her experience of difficulty accessing care even before the proposed cuts. “Even before these healthcare cuts came into play, I was already having a significant issue getting the care that I needed this year,” she said. “Anything worse than what I already have is pretty scary.”
Similarly, Caleb Richter, a 30-year-old from Wisconsin, expressed disappointment in elected officials for not addressing the rising cost of healthcare. “It is the federal government’s job to provide a better way of life for its people,” he said. “Right now, it just feels like they’re not trying.”
This poll is part of a series of recent surveys reflecting widespread anxiety about healthcare affordability. A poll conducted by Data for Progress and Groundwork Collaborative found that 72% of respondents were concerned about premium increases, while the KFF Health Tracking Poll showed that 78% of Americans support extending enhanced tax credits for ACA marketplace plans, compared to only 22% who favor letting the credits expire.
Democrats have made it a priority to prevent Republican efforts to cut ACA subsidies, which could lead to steep premium hikes or loss of coverage for millions of Americans. However, some political analysts question whether Democrats should allow the GOP to face the consequences of these policies, arguing that such a move could shift blame onto Republicans if the outcomes are severe.
Les Leopold, executive director of the Labor Institute, posed a rhetorical question in a Common Dreams op-ed: “Haven’t they read Machiavelli?” He suggested that allowing premiums to rise dramatically could harm Republicans, particularly if the policy is tied to President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.” “Why save the Republicans from themselves, when it would soon be obvious to all that the GOP stole the premium subsidies to give more money to billionaires?”
Despite these arguments, many Democrats and progressive lawmakers, including Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), continue to oppose the Republican approach, emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable populations from the financial burden of healthcare costs.
Beyond the ACA subsidies, the Republican-led “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” poses additional threats to healthcare access. This legislation includes a nearly $1 trillion reduction in Medicaid spending over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The agency estimates that this could result in over 10 million low-income individuals losing their coverage.
As the debate over healthcare funding continues, the voices of everyday Americans highlight the urgent need for policy solutions that ensure access to affordable care for all.
Arabic 
English 