Trending News Today: Poll Indicates Public Support for AHCA Still Low

California state Sen Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) recently introduced a bill that seeks to remedy several issues identified at dialysis centers. The legislation would create minimum staffing requirements, a longer transition time between appointments, and requires annual inspections of dialysis facilities, according to California Healthline. These problems could lead to patient hospitalization and medical errors that may result in serious adverse events, including death.

Senate Republicans are currently devising a plan to pass the American Health Care Act (AHCA). Their latest efforts include providing more generous financial assistance for those purchasing individual insurance by tying tax credits to income, Politico reported. While increasing federal assistance is likely to be praised by moderate lawmakers, conservatives who criticized Affordable Care Act subsidies are unlikely to support this effort.

A new poll revealed that 56% of participants disapproved of the AHCA, while only 21% support the proposed legislation, according to Politico. Although support for the bill it still quite low, 17% of participants supported the previously proposed version that was pulled from consideration. Interestingly, all gender, party, age, educational, and racial groups, besides Republicans, had a negative view of the legislation, likely due to concerns that it may affect care for preexisting conditions, according to the article.