PUBLIC support for Obamacare hit its all-time low in a recent ABC News/Washington Post poll—even as most Americans say the Supreme Court should not block federal subsidies at the heart of the health care law.
With the high court set to rule on the latest challenge to the Affordable Care Act, the survey reflects the public’s split views of the law, criticizing its insurance mandate, but at the same time supporting extended coverage.
Overall, just 39 percent support the law, down 10 percentage points in a little more than a year to match the record low from three years ago, as the Supreme Court debated the constitutionality of the individual mandate. The majority—54 percent—opposes Obamacare, barely three points why of the high in late 2013 after the botched, delayed Healthcare.gov rollout.
In spite of majority opposition overall, however, 55 percent think the Supreme Court should not block federal subsidies that help some low and moderate income Americans pay for their health insurance. Even fewer, 38 percent, would like to see the Court strike down those subsidies.
77 percent of Obamacare supporters want the Court to rule in favor of keeping the subsidies. However, even among opponents of the law overall, the poll by Langer Research Associates finds that 4 in 10 favor keeping the subsidy system as it stands.
Overall, when asked about views of the ACA, people respond chiefly on the basis of the individual mandate, which is broadly unpopular. When asked about individual elements, such as extending coverage to low-income Americans who would lack coverage otherwise, support is much higher.
Views of the healthcare law are closely tied to partisanship and ideology. Democrats and liberals support it by 2-1 each, 78 percent of Republicans, 56 percent of political independents, and 67 percent of those who say they’re “somewhat” conservative and 82 percent of strong conservatives.
The 10-point drop in support over the year spans most demographic groups. Support is greater among those with more education and those who are more financially stable, despite the ACA’s intent in helping lower-income families. The law also wins far more support in urban and especially in rural areas, and better approval among nonwhites (54 percent, including 64 percent of blacks) than whites (32 percent).
The ABC News/Washington Post poll was conducted by phone over a few days in late May, among a random national sample of 1,001 adults. (With reports from ABC News)
