As Republicans Threaten to Shutdown the Government Instead of Addressing Health Care Costs, New Polling Data Shows Voters Will Place the Blame on President Trump and Republicans in Congress
Ahead of a looming Republican government shutdown, millions of hardworking Americans are bracing for a drastic price hike in their monthly health insurance premiums. Starting November 1st, the enhanced premium tax credits that currently help 22 million Americans afford health coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace are set to expire. If the ACA tax credits are not renewed, households will see their out-of-pocket premium costs increase by an estimated 75% on average, and some families could see their monthly costs spike up to 600%.
Over 80% of Americans already say that health care costs are a problem for them and their families, and if the Republican majority in Congress fails to act, higher out-of-pocket health care costs could push households into debt, worsen financial insecurity, and ripple through the broader economy.
New data from Groundwork Collaborative outlines the impact on everyday Americans if the Republicans do not reverse course to reduce health care costs.
See below for new polling on Americans’ awareness of the looming Republican government shutdown, who they would blame if it comes to pass, and to hear directly from Americans impacted by the pending health insurance price hike.
New Polling
Americans’ awareness of the potential government shutdown continues to grow. New polling released this week from Groundwork Collaborative and Data for Progress finds 47% of likely voters have heard a lot or some about the shutdown. Polling conducted by Navigator Research in early September found 40% had heard a lot or some.
If the government were to shut down, DFP finds a plurality (40%) of likely voters would blame President Trump and Republicans in Congress. Only about 1 in 4 likely voters (28%) would blame Democrats in Congress for a potential government shutdown.
Americans Impacted by Looming ACA Price Hike
Mike and Mel Ohlinger who run a carwash in Ohmco, Neenah, WI:
“Healthcare is currently our absolute biggest hurdle as a small business. We cannot afford to pay premiums for our employees while we also are in a position where we need to scale. We cannot attract the talent we would like to because we cannot afford to offer healthcare through our business.”
Melinda Wells owns bar and brewery The Mountain Room Seattle, in Seattle, WA:
“Urgent care and ER visits are expensive, and you already have to pay a deductible that is pretty high. I run my business with a small staff. If one of us is out for a prolonged period due to illness or injury, the business suffers, and service to the community suffers. Expensive healthcare means a sicker community, more expensive treatments needed when access to care is delayed, which in turn makes healthcare even more expensive.”
Brooke Legler who operates a childcare center, Growing Tree Childcare, in New Glarus, WI:
“I am a small business owner and utilize the Market (Affordable Care) for my health insurance. The marketplace can provide me with insurance based on my income and, therefore, affordably. If the market adds additional costs, it will no longer be something I can afford…I will need to reconsider whether I can continue to be a small business owner or close my business so that I can get a job at a company that would offer insurance. If I were to close my small business, which is a childcare program that currently serves 54 children, many of the parents may not be able to work without the option of childcare.”
Lori Hunt from Des Moines, IA: Lori is a cancer survivor who lost her job in December of 2024. She depends on the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits for screenings, required MRIs, and routine health care. If these expire, her insurance will go from $8 a month to $650 – $750 — more than her car insurance and mortgage. She’ll have no other option than to opt out of health insurance entirely — she simply cannot afford it.
Americans’ opinions of the state of health care under President Trump
Qualitative gathered via open-ended survey of 999 Americans conducted by Grow Progress from September 23 – 25, 2025. Quotes are anonymized to protect privacy.
“My health insurance is extremely high and keeps going up… Sometimes I have to cut back on food just to pay for medical insurance… How are we supposed to live like this?” –Independent white woman.
“Health care in the USA is crazy high. Congress needs to get to work[…],” – Republican white woman
“Trump has legit screwed over everyone with healthcare. Hospitals are being shut down… Gives us our damn healthcare back!!” – Independent Latino man
“The government has cut down [the] budget in this sector and because of that many people can’t afford their treatment… I fear most about not getting emergency treatment when it is needed.” – Moderate white man who voted Republican
“The rich should not be getting the help that we desperately need.” – Republican white woman
“With the current Congress, it appears that they are not helping lower any costs for the average consumer. I have read that the insurance plans for next year will increase by more than 25%. This is completely unacceptable for me.” – Democrat white woman
“Lowering the cost of health care directly affects nearly everyone.” – Republican Latino man
“I’m afraid, as an older person, that soon I will be left unable to obtain any healthcare, due to the continuous drastic increases in cost.” – Independent white woman
“People who really needed [health care] can’t afford to keep up with the payments… [Politicians] are keeping the poor poor and keeping the rich rich.” – Independent Black man
“My biggest concern is that if I or a loved one gets seriously ill, we might not afford the necessary treatment. I’m also worried about rising insurance premiums, unexpected medical bills, and the lack of clear pricing in health care. It feels like having insurance doesn’t guarantee affordable care anymore.” – Republican white man
“I’m concerned people like me won’t be able to afford health care.” – Independent Latina woman
“My biggest fear is that I won’t be able to afford the things my children need to feel better.” – Independent Black woman