A pivotal Supreme Court case that could strip health insurance subsidies for more than 7 million people is not on the radar for a majority of Americans, according to a new survey.
53 percent of respondents to a new Kaiser Family Foundation survey released Thursday knew little or nothing about the case King v. Burwell. The survey also showed people are not confident Congress can pass an alternative to help those who will lose subsidies.
It appears that media attention surrounding the case’s oral arguments on March 4 did little to inform more of the public.
Kaiser’s January poll found 56 percent of those surveyed knew little or nothing about the case.
The case will determine whether the federal government has the authority to dole out subsidies in the 36 states that didn’t set up their own health exchange. Plaintiffs argue that only residents in the 14 states that set up their own exchange can receive subsidies. A decision is expected this summer.
If the court strikes down the subsidies, 62 percent of Americans believe it will have a negative impact on the country.
Americans also want Congress and President Obama to step in if a ruling causes any problems, but most aren’t confident they will be able to get anything done.
Kaiser found that 65 percent want Congress to pass a law preserving the subsidies, which seems very doubtful due to the partisan acrimony surrounding the controversial healthcare law.
Predictably, 56 percent of those surveyed don’t believe both parties in Congress can work together to create a solution if the ruling causes health insurance premiums to skyrocket and people lose coverage. A slim majority of 51 percent doesn’t believe Obama and Congress can work together to find a solution.
Several prominent Republicans have floated proposals earlier this month to act if the court rules in favor of the plaintiffs. However, there hasn’t been much more agreement on a plan.
Barring federal action, Americans believe that states should step in.
A large majority of those surveyed, 69 percent, who live in an affected state want their state to take some action to preserve the subsidies. The finding is unique in that six in 10 Republicans favor state action.
Kaiser surveyed 1,503 adults living across the country from March 6 to March 12.
