Survey Indicates Many Americans Support the Affordable Care Act

Results from a new survey indicate that many Americans support altering the Affordable Care Act (ACA), while relatively few support an immediate repeal.

The survey, which was conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, included data from online and telephone interviews with 1036 adults. The results showed that 53% of Americans disagree with the Trump Administration’s objections to the ACA, and believe that the law should remain.

However, only 12% of Americans wanted to keep the current health law, and 40% want it to be improved. Another 16% supported an immediate repeal, while 31% want the repeal to be held off until a replacement plan is crafted.

Although many respondents support changing the ACA, few reported being negatively affected by the law. According to the survey, 46% of respondents reported not being affected by the law. In contrast, 27% said they saw improvements under the law, and 26% said the ACA has had detrimental effects.

Among those who want to repeal the ACA, 70% want to eliminate costs for preventive services, and 65% wish to preserve the provision that allows young adults to stay on their parents’ health insurance until age 26. Another 60% support the pre-existing condition provision.

Of all provisions, the survey indicated that the fine for being uninsured garnered the least support. Only 49% of individuals who support the ACA wanted to keep the mandate, while 12% of those who want the law repealed support this provision.

Implementing a government-financed single payer program received mixed responses. While 38% support the program, 39% oppose it. If this program would increase government spending, the approval rate dropped to 24%.

Despite differences in opinions, 40% of all respondents indicated that the health law has benefited Americans, while 25% have not seen a difference; however, 33% reported being hurt by the ACA.

A majority (53%) of individuals indicated that the ACA has assisted low-income individuals, and 44% reported that it has achieved great strides for women. Although most indicated improvements, 41% reported the ACA hurts small businesses.

In regards to the impending ACA repeal, 56% of respondents indicated they were extremely or very concerned about the amount of individuals who will lose health insurance, and 49% said that the repeal would prove detrimental, according to the study. Only 26% indicated the ACA repeal would be advantageous.

"It is clear that very few Americans want to keep the law as it currently is," said Trevor Tompson, director of The Associated Press-NORC Center. "However, there are many elements of the law that appear to be popular, and there is support for retaining those provisions in any replacement legislation that might be passed."