Policy & oversight
KFF Poll: Two-Thirds of U.S. Adults Back Medicare-for-All as Health Care Costs Top Midterm Voter Concerns
A KFF health tracking poll finds support for a government-run national health plan has reached its highest recorded level, and six in ten voters say they worry about affording health care. The results land as Medicare beneficiaries are comparing 2027 plan options during open enrollment.
By the Goodsurance editorial teamOctober 21, 2026
Two-thirds of U.S. adults, 66 percent, say they support Medicare-for-all, according to a health tracking poll published October 6 by KFF. That figure is up from 53 percent when KFF last measured it in October 2020, the highest level the research organization has recorded for the proposal.
The poll was conducted September 16 to 21 among adults nationwide. It found that health care costs are tied with gas prices as voters' top concern heading into November's midterm elections. Six in ten voters reported they were worried about being able to afford health care costs for themselves and their families.
66% of U.S. adults back Medicare-for-All, a KFF poll finds, as health care costs tie with gas prices as voters' top concern this midterm season.
KFF noted that the level of support for Medicare-for-all shifts depending on how the proposal is framed. Support drops when voters hear common arguments made against the plan, including concerns about higher taxes, longer wait times, or changes to the existing Medicare program for current beneficiaries.
On the question of which party voters trust more to handle health care costs, the poll found Democrats held a nearly two-to-one edge over Republicans, 42 percent vs. 22 percent.
The poll results surface during Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period, which runs through December 7, 2026. Many beneficiaries are navigating higher Part D deductibles, fewer plan options in some counties, and coverage changes for 2027. The data on health care cost anxiety reflects broad public concern about affordability as millions of enrollees compare plans this fall.
In plain words
A health research group called KFF asked people about health care. Two out of three adults said they want a government health plan that covers everyone. That is the highest share KFF has ever found. The survey also found that paying for health care is one of the biggest worries for voters this fall. Six out of ten voters said they are worried about being able to pay for their health care. These results came out just as Medicare's plan shopping season opened on October 15.
Understand the basics first
Source: KFF
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