Most Americans now in favor of Medicare for All, according to new poll

A new poll reveals that most Americans now support government-paid health insurance for all. 

Approximately 60% of respondents said they are in favor of universal health insurance in the United States often called "Medicare for All," a proposed single-payer, tax-funded national health insurance program, based on findings from a KFF, a health policy research firm.

The poll also noted that by political party affiliation, 84% of Democrats and 72% of independent voters supported, while 66% of Republicans were opposed.

KFF conducted their survey in September and consisted of 1,328 Americans, the majority of them registered voters. 

Majority of Americans favor government helping provide health insurance

By the numbers:

The poll noted that 79% of Americans said they favor the federal government doing more to help provide health insurance for more people, compared to one in five who oppose a larger role for the federal government. 

Meanwhile, political parties voiced their support for a larger role in providing health insurance with the highest share among Democrats (94%) and independents (82%). While 61% of Republicans favor a larger role for government.

Americans admit health care costs are a major economic concern 

What they're saying:

The KFF poll showed that health care expenses were the leading economic ‌concern for ⁠Americans, with 60% of respondents sharing they are very or somewhat worried about affording health costs. Gas and grocery costs followed at 59% and 52%.

When told such ⁠a single-payer model would eliminate private insurance plans, that overall support dropped to 52%.

Respondents share mixed opinion on impact of Medicare for All

Dig deeper:

According to the KFF poll, Americans have mixed reactions about how a Medicare for All health plan would impact them personally. 

Roughly 35% admit their ability to afford the health care they need would get better if the United States adopted Medicare for All, compared to 28% who said it would get worse and 37% acknowledge it would stay the same. 

Additionally, more people anticipate things getting worse or remaining the same, with 61% of respondents saying they expect the amount they pay in taxes to be "worse" under a Medicare for All plan, while one in ten say this would be "better" and 29% admit it would be "about the same."

More than half of Americans expect Medicare for All to raise their taxes

Big picture view:

Sixty-one percent of people admitted in the poll share Medicare for All would raise their taxes. 

While 48% of respondents who support Medicare for All think their ability to afford the health care they need would get better under such a plan, the same number (48%) expects the amount they pay in taxes to get worse. 

And roughly half of Americans who support Medicare for All say their own access to providers, wait times, and insurance paperwork would stay the same. Individuals opposed to Medicare for All stated in the poll that each of these things would get worse under such a health care system.

Furthermore, most Americans with private health insurance believe they would be able to keep their current coverage under a Medicare for All plan. 

 Approximately 57% of respondents with private health insurance, either through an employer or purchased themselves, admit it is likely they would be able to keep their current health insurance if the U.S. incorporated Medicare for All, including seven in ten privately insured individuals who favor it.

 

HealthPoliticsHealth CarePoliticsU.S.