Rising Support for Medicare for All in the United States

Support for Medicare for All surged to 66% among U.S. adults in 2026. This increase marks the highest level of support since 2016, according to a recent poll by health research group KFF published on Tuesday.

KFF’s survey revealed that 32% strongly favored a national health plan that provides insurance through a single government plan, often called Medicare for All. The support grew by approximately 13 points since the question last arose in 2020.

An additional 34% somewhat supported the plan, 15% somewhat opposed it, and 19% strongly opposed the initiative. Respondents’ views varied significantly along party lines, with 84% of Democrats in favor and 66% of Republicans against. Among independents, approval for Medicare for All reached 72%.

Public opinions on national health plans can fluctuate based on public debates around the policy. For instance, opposition reached 76% when respondents considered potential medical appointment delays. Sixty-four percent opposed the plan due to possible tax increases, while 61% were against it if it threatened the existing Medicare system.

Conversely, support for Medicare for All soared to 76% when individuals were informed that it could guarantee health insurance as a right for all Americans. If the plan eliminated health insurance premiums, 52% expressed support. This reflects a shift from October 2020, where eliminating private insurance companies led to only 37% support, with 58% opposing if it made private insurance obsolete.

The varying arguments impacted opinions across different demographics, regardless of age or political affiliation. Progressive lawmakers, led by Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), introduced the Medicare for All Act in April 2025. Co-sponsored by 117 House Democrats, it faced opposition from GOP lawmakers, who criticized it as too radical.

Despite increasing support for a national health plan, healthcare affordability remains a major concern. According to KFF, voters trust Democrats over Republicans on this issue by nearly a two-to-one margin.

Approximately half of voters consider discussing healthcare costs as “extremely important” for candidates in the midterm elections. The poll involved 1,328 respondents, conducted between September 16 and 21, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.