Adding a public health insurance option to the current healthcare system is currently more popular among voters than "Medicare for All," but the next round of Democratic presidential debates could change that, the latest Kaiser Family Foundation Health Tracking Poll suggests.
The poll found 65 percent of Americans support a public option, while Medicare for All has lost some traction among the public. KFF notes favorability of Medicare for All has dropped 5 percentage points from April to 51 percent. Among Democrats and left-leaning independents, 55 percent support plans that build on the ACA, such as former Vice President Joe Biden's plan, while fewer (39 percent) support a national Medicare for All plan, like that of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.
However, the outcome of the second round of Democratic debates, scheduled for July 30 and July 31, could significantly change the public's view of candidates' healthcare plans. The KFF poll shows net favorability for a public option swings from -18 percentage points to +53 percentage points when voters are presented with different arguments against or for it, respectively.
The poll was conducted from July 18-23 among 1,196 adults over age 18. See the full results here.
More articles on payer issues:
UnitedHealth's next growth area: supplemental plans
Aetna joins UnitedHealth in reversing denial of $2.1M drug
Tips for getting the most out of payer negotiations