Public support for government-run health insurance has reached its highest level in years, according to a new poll. A new survey from KFF found that 66 percent of U.S. adults support a national health plan or what many refer to as “Medicare for All," marking a significant increase from 53 percent support recorded in 2020. This suggests more progressive ideas on healthcare are gaining traction with American voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The poll finds that Medicare for All, which was initially viewed as a primarily progressive policy goal, is moving closer to the political mainstream. For years, it has been championed by independent Senator Bernie Sanders and progressive Democrats but faced skepticism from moderate Democrats and the Republican Party. Now, with two-thirds of Americans expressing support and healthcare costs topping voters' concerns, the political environment could be more inclined to accept a broadened government role in health coverage.
Nearly eight in 10 Americans, 79 percent, said they favor the federal government doing more to help provide health insurance for more people. That support crossed party lines, including 94 percent of Democrats, 82 percent of independents and 61 percent of Republicans. Support for Medicare for All itself was more polarized politically.
According to the survey, 84 percent of Democrats and 72 percent of independents support a national health plan, while 66 percent of Republicans oppose it. Most nations in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have achieved universal or near-universal healthcare coverage in some form or fashion, said Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group and host of the 9innings podcast. The United States remains among only four OECD countries below 95 percent coverage.
The poll of 1,328 adults was conducted from September 16 to September 21 and released Tuesday. Healthcare costs appear to be driving much of the shift in public opinion, experts said. Audrey Kearney, senior survey analyst at KFF, told that the financial sting could be fueling demand for major reform.
"All year, KFF polls have shown that the public is frustrated with the high cost of healthcare, and that may be leading to a desire for change," Kearney said. Many feel that the current employer-based insurance system leaves too many Americans exposed to rising costs, coverage gaps and often medical debt even when they have insurance. The real political debate is becoming less about whether people should have access to healthcare and more about how we pay for it and what that system ultimately looks like.” Despite the surge in support, the poll also found Americans' views can shift substantially when they hear specific arguments against Medicare for All.
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