Recent research has indicated Americans are warming up to “Medicare for All” propositions ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The latest Axios/Ipsos American Health Index survey polled 1,122 adults in late September. It found that 43% of Americans would support a Medicare for All program that would offer government-run health insurance to all Americans and largely stand in for private insurance. Nearly one-quarter of Americans would oppose, and 32% are not sure.
The differing opinions were roughly divided along partisan lines: 62% of Democrats and 47% of independents would support a Medicare for All proposal, while 52% of Republicans would oppose. The most common reason in opposition was a concern about care quality, followed by taxpayer costs and government involvement.
Two-thirds of Americans believe the federal government should be open to spending more tax dollars for the sake of lowering healthcare costs, as well.
Another poll, published by KFF in October, showed 66% of adults support Medicare for All today, up from 53% when KFF last asked about it in October 2020. KFF’s recent poll had a sample of 1,328 U.S. adults. The survey defined Medicare for All as “a national health plan … in which all Americans would get their insurance from a single government plan.” Support splits when proposals would eliminate private insurers, and KFF also picked up on partisan divides with single-payer systems.
The heightened traction aligns with politicians’ honed focus on expanded health coverage. In an 84-page health policy agenda, House Democrats laid out their plans if the party secured the majority in November. One key component: a path toward universal coverage.
However, the memo did not outright support Medicare for All, according to Politico. Candidates have also framed their approaches to health coverage carefully, with some clarifying they are not planning to directly ban private health insurance.
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