Only 17 Percent Of Voters Support American Health Care Act: Poll

Seventeen percent of American voters approve of the American Health Care Act, which the House intends to vote on Thursday, and 56 percent disapprove of it, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll published earlier in the day.

This may be troubling news to the lawmakers intent on voting for the legislation being pushed by both Speaker Paul Ryan and President Trump. (For more information on this and other political stories, subscribe to the White House Patch for daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Even within their own party, Republican voters are not sold on the bill. Only 42 percent of GOP voters say they favor the bill, while 24 percent oppose it and 35 percent are unsure. Democrats, perhaps unsurprisingly, oppose the bill 80-3.

"Replacing Obamacare will come with a price for elected representatives who vote to scrap it, say many Americans, who clearly feel their health is in peril under the Republican alternative," said Tim Malloy, assistant director of the polling firm.

Eighty-five percent of voters said it's "very important" that insurance be affordable to all Americans.

The poll's press release also noted the following:

One out of every seven Americans, 14 percent, think they will lose their health insurance under the Republican plan. That 14 percent includes 27 percent of voters in families with household income below $30,000, 18 percent of working class families and 14 percent of middle class families.

Fewer Americans would be covered under the GOP plan than are covered under Obamacare, 61 percent of voters find, while 8 percent say more would be covered and 18 percent say the number would be about the same.

The poll was conducted between March 16 to 21 by calling 1,056 people over cell phones and landline phones. The firm estimates the margin of error to be around three points.

It's important to note that there may be changes in the bill since the poll was taken, and voters are not likely aware of many of the plan's details. However, in politics, perception is vitally important, and right now it seems the American people largely do not perceive the Republican's plan for health care very favorably.

For more about the American Health Care Act, read: "7 Things To Know About Thursday's House Health Care Vote."

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