Polling results published on Tuesday indicate a significant increase in support for Medicare for All among U.S. adults, with the approval rate climbing to 66% in 2026. This marks the highest level of support since 2016.

Research conducted by health group KFF discovered that 32% of participants strongly favored a national health plan, commonly known as Medicare for All. Additionally, 34% somewhat supported the initiative. The overall support increased by approximately 13 points compared to the last survey in 2020. In contrast, 15% of respondents somewhat opposed it, while 19% strongly opposed the plan.

KFF highlighted a distinct division along party lines in the evaluation of the single-payer system. Among Democrats, 84% supported the policy, whereas 66% of Republicans opposed it. Among independents, approval for Medicare for All reached 72%.

The group also noted that public opinion on national health plans is influenced by public debates regarding the pros and cons of such initiatives. For instance, when respondents considered the possibility of Medicare for All causing delays in medical appointments or treatments, opposition climbed to 76%. Concerns about tax increases led to 64% opposition, while a potential threat to the existing Medicare system elicited a 61% opposition rate.

Conversely, when informed that Medicare for All could guarantee health insurance as a right for all Americans, support surged to 76%. Moreover, 52% of respondents backed the policy if it resulted in the elimination of health insurance premiums. This marks a change from October 2020, when eliminating private insurance companies decreased support significantly to 37%, with 58% opposing that aspect.

The survey outcomes indicate shifts in opinion regardless of political affiliation or age group. A group of progressive lawmakers sought to address healthcare concerns through the Medicare for All Act, introduced by Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) in April 2025. Co-sponsored by 117 House Democrats, the proposal faced opposition from GOP legislators who considered it too radical.

Despite the growing support for a national health plan, healthcare affordability remains a primary issue for voters. The poll suggests that voters trust Democrats over Republicans on this topic by nearly a two-to-one margin. Furthermore, about half of the voters deemed it “extremely important” for candidates in the upcoming midterm elections to address healthcare costs.

The survey was conducted from September 16 to 21, with 1,328 respondents participating. The margin of error is plus or minus three percentage points.