Read More About the Widespread Support for Protect Our Care’s Priorities for the Next Coronavirus Relief Package Here
Washington, DC — On a press call this morning, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), Congressman Colin Allred (D-TX-32) and Protect Our Care discussed the need for Congress to include critical health care provisions in the next coronavirus response package that are supported by a bipartisan majority of Americans, according to a new survey from Public Policy Polling. These provisions include funding adequate testing, supporting Medicaid expansion and a Special Enrollment Period for the uninsured, and opposing the Trump-ACA repeal lawsuit that would rip health care away from more than 20 million Americans as Americans grapple with the coronavirus crisis. The poll also found that a majority of Americans disapprove of the job President Trump has done on health care.
Key findings from the poll:
- 80% of respondents, including 84% of independents and 70% of Republicans, support reforming the health care system to increase financial assistance for those who need it the most and make sure no American spends more than 10% of their income on health insurance.
- 79% of respondents support expanding Medicaid so more low and moderate income Americans can qualify and get treated for coronavirus and other health care needs. This is also popular among independents (83%) and Republicans (65%).
- 79% of respondents support Congress requiring that testing and care reach communities of color. This includes 80% of independents and 63% of Republicans voters.
- 76% of respondents, including 72% of independents and 67% of Republicans, support a special enrollment period to allow uninsured Americans to sign up for affordable coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
- The Affordable Care Act remains popular with voters. Only 29% of voters support the Trump administration lawsuit to strike down the ACA.
- President Trump’s approval on health care is underwater by 10 points among American voters (51-41). Among independents, the margin is even wider: 62% disapprove of the job he’s doing on health care, while just 31% approve.
“We know that COVID-19 has only made our cause more urgent, and our next relief packages need to include a range of health care protections and funding,” said Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14). “We cannot stop there; we must keep an eye on the bigger picture. COVID-19 is a once in a generation crisis that will change our world forever. But, it’s also a once in a generation opportunity to catapult us into a stronger health system for everyone.”
“In a future COVID-19 response package, we need a clear plan to ramp up testing, tracing and treatment across America,” said Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32). “Priority number one should be investing in taking this virus head-on and shoring up health programs that can help regular people now. From Medicaid expansion in Texas to a special enrollment period to ending attacks against the Affordable Care Act — I will keep fighting in Congress to lower costs and expand coverage to those who need it.”
“There has never been a more important time to ensure Americans have access to quality and affordable health care, which is why the next COVID bill needs to be a health care bill,” said Leslie Dach, Chair of Protect Our Care. “Americans, regardless of political party, are more worried than ever about their health and the health of their families and rightly expect to be able to be tested and treated with quality, affordable health care if they get sick, now or in the future. Americans agree: it’s time for President Trump and Republicans to support these provisions and drop their disastrous lawsuit to repeal the ACA and end their support for junk plans that don’t include protections for pre-existing conditions.”