Republicans, Democrats & Independents Agree: Lawmakers Must Fund Cost Sharing Reductions

If the administration chooses to stop making cost sharing reduction (CSR) payments, we know what will happen: the costs of coverage will soar. The impact on premiums has been well documented by the Congressional Budget Office and the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Now, we also know how registered voters feel about it. A recent poll demonstrates the strong bipartisan support for quick action to protect coverage choices and affordability. According to the poll conducted in August, 76% of all registered voters support bipartisan legislation to help make insurance markets more stable, to ensure coverage choices and to keep premiums in check; this includes 78% of Democrats, 73% of independent and 76% of Republicans.

More specifically, 69% of registered voters (80% of Democrats, 63% of independents, and 62% of Republicans) agree that it is urgent for Congress to fund cost sharing reduction payments in September to avoid potential 20% premium increases. This holds true even for Republicans who disapprove of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). According to the poll, three in four Republican voters disapprove of the ACA, but a majority of these same voters think Congress should fund CSRs.

Perhaps even more relevant for lawmakers, registered voters are prepared to hold officials accountable in next year’s election if they fail to act to preserve insurance choice and improve coverage affordability. Specifically, 57% of registered voters, including 56% of Republicans, say they would be less likely to vote for their Member of Congress if they oppose efforts to address the problems with the ACA.

Sixty-eight of Republicans and 72% of voters overall think it’s important that Congress and President Trump ensure that open enrollment for 2018 coverage runs as smoothly as possible. A smooth open enrollment necessitates establishing insurance premiums and minimizing changes well before filing deadlines which requires Congress to provide clarity on the CSRs and take other crucial steps like suspending the health insurance tax. The time to act is now.

You can download the survey toplines and crosstabs below:

Morning Consult Toplines (53.22 KB)

Morning Consult Crosstabs (248.87 KB)