Poll: Majority Think GOP Health Care Bill Is Harmful

New study results released on June 21 indicates that a majority of Americans believe the new GOP health care bill, a piece of legislation meant to overturn ObamaCare, is harmful to a wide swath of Americans, including those with pre-existing conditions, those with low incomes, and those covered by Medicaid.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll, taken from June 9-13, showed that 41 percent of Americans oppose the Republican plan that passed in the House in early May.

Another 30 percent voiced support for the bill, while 29 percent were unsure.

GOP Senators are currently drafting their own bill and are expected to release the document on June 22.

Many reported concern that the revised health care act would place an undue burden on the likes of those who pay for their health care.

“It’ll make people’s deductibles skyrocket” said 39-year-old Shannon Sowards, a Trump supporter.

“So I’m not for this healthcare act. I’m for insurance for everyone.”

Others voiced their desire for greater transparency.

“It would be great if a politician had the nerve to be brutally honest” said Joseph Anto, a healthcare expert with the American Enterprise Institute, about the reportedly rising healthcare costs.

Republicans at large have already expressed disfavor at their party’s insistence on drafting the bill in secret in the Senate.

“We’re writing a Senate bill and not passing the House bill,” said Republican Senator Lamar Alexander.

“We’ll take whatever good ideas we find there that meet our goals.”

Republican Senator Mike Lee sympathized with his constituents.

“If you’re frustrated in the lack of transparency in this process, I share your frustration,” said Senator Mike Lee in a Facebook message to his constituents, according to NPR.

“I just haven’t been able to see it yet and as far as I know the overwhelming majority of my colleagues haven’t been able to see it either.”

The initial health care plan released by the House of Representatives has been estimated by the Congressional Budget Office to yield 23 million more Americans without Health Care Coverage.

The Reuters poll documented 13 percent who supported the House bill, referencing some who maintained their alignment with their party’s views. 

“It’s not going to change my political views” said Barb Huntington, 64, of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina,

“It’s going to be like that every year, and we’ll be lucky to have what we have.”

Other Republicans expressed excitement that the legislation would give individuals the freedom to choose their own health care. 

“We eliminate the individual mandate. You’ll see more people as free citizens making a decision to not have Obamacare insurance, but certainly have more freedom,” said Republican Senator John Barrasso.  

Sources: Reuters, NPR/Photo Credit: majunznk/Flickr