Key facts
- Two-thirds of US adults favor universal health insurance, known as "Medicare for all," according to a KFF poll.
- Support for "Medicare for all" increased to 52% even when told it would eliminate private insurance plans.
- Healthcare costs are the top economic concern for Americans, with 60% worried about affording them.
- 84% of Democrats and 72% of independents favor universal health insurance.
- Progressive candidates are advocating for government-run health insurance systems ahead of midterm elections.
Most Americans now favor government-paid health insurance for all, often referred to as "Medicare for all," according to a new poll by health policy research firm KFF. The survey, conducted in September, found that two-thirds of US adults support the concept, a significant increase from 53% in 2020.
Support varied by party affiliation, with 84% of Democrats and 72% of independent voters in favor, while 66% of Republicans were opposed. When respondents were informed that such a single-payer model would eliminate private insurance plans, overall support dropped to 52%, though this is still well above the 37% favorability seen in a 2020 survey.
Medicare is the US government program that provides health coverage to approximately 70 million people aged 65 and older or with disabilities. Proponents, including US Senator Bernie Sanders, suggest expanding Medicare to ensure health coverage beyond employer-based plans, noting that most developed countries have a single-payer system.
The poll also revealed broad bipartisan support for a complete redesign of the US healthcare system, with many voters citing economic uncertainty. Audrey Kearney, a senior survey analyst at KFF, suggested that public frustration with high healthcare costs may be driving this desire for change.
Healthcare expenses were identified as the leading economic concern for Americans surveyed, with 60% expressing worry about affording health costs, followed by gasoline (59%) and grocery costs (52%).
Several progressive candidates in swing states are campaigning on platforms that include a government-run health insurance system, with Democratic US Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed arguing it would lower costs and expand coverage. KFF noted that more voters are eager to discuss health insurance access ahead of the November 3 elections.
Estimates from the Congressional Budget Office suggest that approximately 30 million of the 340 million US residents will be uninsured this year, an increase from 26.6 million in 2025, due to declining federal funding for Affordable Care Act plans and Medicaid. Private companies like CVS Health, UnitedHealth, and Humana currently operate health plans for employers and government programs.
Kearney also commented that support for "Medicare for all" decreased when respondents were presented with potential drawbacks such as delays in tests and treatments, higher taxes, and damage to the current Medicare program. However, support rose when they were told the system would make health insurance a right and could eliminate premiums and cost-sharing.