Most Americans support switch to Medicare for all health insurance

NEW YORK - Most Americans now favor government-paid health insurance for all, according to a new poll, as voters across party lines see major healthcare reforms as a priority less than a month before midterm elections to decide control of the U.S. Congress.

Two-thirds of U.S. adults - up from 53% in 2020 - said they are in favor of universal U.S. health insurance often referred to as "Medicare for all," according to a poll conducted by health policy research firm KFF released on Tuesday.

By party affiliation, 84% of respondents who identify as Democrats and 72% of independent voters were in favor, while 66% of Republicans were opposed.

When told such a single-payer model would eliminate private insurance plans, that overall support dropped to 52% - still well ahead of the 37% favorability seen in the 2020 survey.

Medicare is the U.S. government program that provides health coverage to about 70 million people aged 65 and older or with disabilities. Lawmakers, including U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, an Independent from Vermont, have suggested expanding Medicare to ensure health coverage that currently relies heavily on employers. Most developed countries have a single-payer system.

The poll also found broad bipartisan support for a complete redesign of the U.S. healthcare system at a time of economic uncertainty for many voters.

"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," said Audrey Kearney, a senior survey analyst at KFF.

Healthcare expenses were the leading economic concern for Americans surveyed, with 60% of respondents saying they are very or somewhat worried about affording health costs. Gasoline and grocery costs followed at 59% and 52%, respectively.

KFF's survey, conducted in September, includes responses from 1,328 U.S. adults, the vast majority of them registered voters.

Several progressive candidates this year in states that could help determine the congressional balance of power have come out in favor of a government-run health insurance system. Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic U.S. Senate candidate from Michigan, has argued that the change would lower costs and expand coverage.

Distributed by Newsbank, inc.