Congressman Donalds Calls for ACA Reform, Despite Broad Support for Subsidies
NAPLES, FL - Congressman Byron Donalds (R-Naples) on Friday advocated for a bipartisan effort to “modernize and reform” the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as ObamaCare, during an interview with Sinclair Broadcasting’s National News Desk. his remarks came as Democrats push to extend enhanced premium tax credits initially implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Donalds argued that the ACA has become unaffordable since its passage 15 years ago,with premiums and deductibles “out of control.” He stated, “When you talk about the ObamaCare premium tax credits that were from the COVID era that Joe Biden put into place, one of the big problems we’re seeing is that the Affordable Care Act is not affordable…The things that conservatives warned about with the Affordable Care Act, ObamaCare have now come true.” He urged Democrats to collaborate with Republicans on systemic changes.
However, public opinion appears to diverge from donalds’ position. recent polling from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) indicates that 78% of adults, including 59% of Republicans, support extending the subsidies.
The KFF survey also revealed that a plurality of respondents blame republicans – and former president Trump – for a potential impasse on the issue. Thirty-nine percent of those wanting the credits extended attribute most of the blame to Trump,while 37% point to Republicans in Congress. Among individuals who purchase thier own health insurance, 42% blame republicans in Congress and 37% blame Trump.
The premium tax credits, established under the ACA and expanded during the pandemic, help lower healthcare costs for eligible individuals and families. The future of these subsidies remains uncertain as Congress debates their extension.
