HEALTH COST SPIKE COULD SWAY VOTERS

A Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) survey of over 1,000 marketplace enrollees found most expect higher costs next year if COVID-era premium tax credits expire. A $1,000 rise in overall health costs would affect voting decisions for roughly half of those enrolled.

About six in 10 respondents said it is somewhat or very difficult to afford out-of-pocket medical costs, and many said they could not absorb even a $300 annual increase without serious financial strain.

Support for extending the enhanced tax credits is strong across party lines, with nearly all Democrats, about eight in 10 independents and roughly seven in 10 Republicans backing an extension.

Among those who want an extension, about four in 10 would blame President Donald Trump if the credits expire, and about 1 in 3 would blame congressional Republicans.

Cynthia Cox, vice president of KFF, said, “These are often going to be people who are living paycheck to paycheck, who have volatile or unpredictable incomes as well. Increases that many of them are facing are going to be some sort of financial hardship for them.”

This story was reported by content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.

2025-12-10T00:04:16Z