Polls show even higher support for Obamacare after GOP whiffs on reform

While Republicans try to hammer out a new healthcare bill that would get the support of House Freedom Caucus members, two new studies show increasing support for the Affordable Care Act that the new bill would repeal and replace.

A Kaiser Health Tracking Poll conducted the week after House Republicans pulled the American Health Care Act from a vote due to lack of support, found that about 64 percent of Americans say it is a "good thing" that Congress did not pass the bill. 

Meanwhile, 54 percent of Republicans viewed the AHCA failure as a "bad thing."

Also, a recent Gallup poll shows that 55 percent of Americans approve of the ACA, as compared to 42 percent after the November election.

This is the first time more Americans have approved of the law than are against it, according to Gallup.

But though a majority of Americans now approve of the ACA, only about one in four, or 26 percent want to keep it largely as it is, Gallup said. Forty percent want to keep the law in place but make significant changes, while 30 percent want to repeal and replace it.

The Kaiser poll found that 74 percent of Democrats and 57 percent independent voters believe the GOP's American Health Care Act didn't pass because it went too far in cutting programs, while 58 percent of Republican believe the bill failed because it didn't go far enough to end the ACA.

Three-fourths of the public think President Donald Trump and his administration should do what they can to make the current health care law work, including 51 percent of Republicans, the Kaiser poll found. 

The public spreads blame for the bill not passing. About one-third said Republicans in Congress are most to blame, 28 percent blamed President Trump, and 24 percent said Democrats in Congress are most to blame. 

Republican blame was spread between House Speaker Paul Ryan, at 27 percent, and the conservative Freedom Caucus, at 27 percent, with slightly fewer blaming moderate Republicans, at 22 percent. 

In addition, those polled said they are less confident of President Trump's ability to deliver on his campaign promise of less expensive and better healthcare for all Americans than they were three months ago. Thirty-seven percent said they are confident that President Trump would be able to deliver on this campaign promise, compared to 47 percent three months ago.

On March 24, Ryan pulled the American Health Care Act from the floor before a vote took place because it did not have enough votes to pass. 

The GOP has since been in discussion on a new healthcare bill to repeal and replace the ACA, with Ryan reportedly saying there is yet nothing concrete enough to schedule a vote.

Insurers meanwhile, are making determinations about whether to remain in the ACA market for 2018 as they face a spring deadline to submit premium rates. Numerous large insurers have already withdrawn.

Twitter: @SusanJMorse