Polling results published on Tuesday show that support for Medicare for All among U.S. adults has increased to 66 percent in 2026, the highest level since 2016. The health research group KFF found that 32 percent of those surveyed strongly favored having a national health plan in which all Americans receive insurance from a single government plan, commonly known as Medicare for All. Support for this policy has risen by approximately 13 points since 2020.
Another 34 percent of respondents somewhat supported the plan. In contrast, 15 percent somewhat opposed it, and 19 percent strongly opposed it. Opinions on the single-payer system diverged along party lines, with 84 percent of Democrats in favor, while 66 percent of Republicans opposed it. Among independents, approval reached 72 percent.
KFF noted that public opinion on national health plans is influenced by public debate, where arguments for and against are presented. For instance, 76 percent opposed Medicare for All when told it might delay medical appointments or treatments. Sixty-four percent were against it if it resulted in tax increases. Moreover, 61 percent opposed the plan if it threatened the current Medicare system.
Conversely, support rose to 76 percent when people heard the policy could guarantee health insurance as a right for all Americans. Additionally, 52 percent backed the program if it eliminated health insurance premiums. This contrasts with October 2020, when support dropped to 37 percent due to concerns about eliminating private insurance companies. Fifty-eight percent opposed making private health insurance obsolete.
Respondents’ opinions shifted regardless of political affiliation or age based on these claims. In April 2025, progressive lawmakers, led by Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), proposed the Medicare for All Act to address rising healthcare concerns. It was co-sponsored by 117 House Democrats but faced opposition from GOP lawmakers who found it too radical.
As national health plans gain support, healthcare affordability remains a crucial issue for voters. They trust Democrats over Republicans on this matter by nearly two-to-one, according to KFF. Approximately half of the voters consider it “extremely important” for midterm election candidates to address healthcare costs. The poll, conducted with 1,328 respondents from September 16-21, has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
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