Full Breakdown
Growing Support for Medicare for All Among U.S. Voters
By Drooid · · How we work
Poll Highlights Shifting Public Opinion
On October 6, a KFF poll of 1,328 U.S. adults conducted in September reported that two-thirds (66%) now favor a universal, government-paid health-insurance system often called “Medicare for all.” Support has risen from 53% in the 2020 survey. When respondents were told the plan would eliminate private insurance, overall favorability fell to 52%, still well above the 37% recorded in 2020.
Historical Context and Economic Concerns
Medicare currently covers roughly 70 million Americans aged 65 or older and people with disabilities. The poll found health-care costs to be the top economic worry for 60% of respondents, ahead of gasoline (59%) and groceries (52%). Progressive politicians such as Senator Bernie Sanders and Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed have advocated expanding Medicare to address these concerns.
Data Summary
- Overall support: 66% (up from 53% in 2020)
- Party breakdown: 84% of Democrats, 72% of independents favor the plan; 66% of Republicans oppose it.
- Effect of eliminating private plans: support drops to 52%.
- Uninsured population: 30 million of the 340 million U.S. residents are uninsured this year, up from 26 million.
- Projected uninsured in 2025: the Congressional Budget Office estimates an additional 6 million people could lose coverage as federal funding for ACA plans and Medicaid declines.
Official Commentary
Audrey Kearney, senior survey analyst at KFF, noted that persistent frustration with high health-care costs appears to be driving the shift toward universal coverage. She also observed that arguments about potential delays, higher taxes, or damage to the existing Medicare program tend to lower support, while framing the system as a right that could eliminate premiums and cost-sharing raises favorability.
Upcoming Political Relevance
With the November 3 midterm elections scheduled, candidates are expected to address health-insurance access more prominently, reflecting the poll’s indication that voters across party lines view major health-care reform as a priority.
Verbatim Quotes
- “All year, KFF polls have shown that the public is frustrated with the high cost of healthcare, and that may be leading to a desire for change,” — Audrey Kearney, a senior survey analyst at KFF
- “These are the types of claims opponents and proponents would likely make in any real debate,” — Audrey Kearney, a senior survey analyst at KFF