Support for a national government health insurance plan has reached its highest level in KFF polling, with two-thirds of American adults now saying they favor a Medicare-for-All system.

The latest KFF Health Tracking Poll found that 66% support a system in which all Americans would receive health coverage through a single national government plan, while 34% oppose it.

The figure represents a significant increase from October 2020, when 53% supported Medicare-for-All and 42% opposed it. Support had remained relatively steady at roughly half or slightly more of Americans between 2017 and 2020.

The shift is particularly notable among independents and Republicans. KFF found that 72% of independents now support Medicare-for-All, up from 57% in 2020. Republican support increased from 21% to 34%, while Democratic support rose from an already high 78% to 84%.

Affordability appears to be a major factor in Americans’ views on healthcare. Six in 10 voters surveyed said they are worried about being able to afford healthcare for themselves and their families, including insurance premiums, doctor visits, and prescription medications.

More broadly, 79% of adults said they favor the federal government doing more to help provide health insurance to more Americans. That included 94% of Democrats, 82% of independents, and 61% of Republicans.

However, the poll also showed that support for Medicare-for-All can change dramatically when voters are presented with potential drawbacks.

When respondents were told that a national plan could result in delays for medical tests and treatments, support fell to 24%. Support dropped to 35% when respondents were told the system could require higher taxes and to 38% when told it could threaten the existing Medicare program.

Conversely, support increased to 76% when respondents were told Medicare-for-All would guarantee health insurance as a right for all Americans. Seventy-five percent supported the proposal when told it would eliminate insurance premiums and cost-sharing.

The poll also found widespread dissatisfaction with the current healthcare system. Only 15% of adults said the system works well enough that it requires only minor changes or no changes. About half said major changes are needed, while 36% said the system has so many problems that it requires a complete overhaul.

The findings come as healthcare affordability remains a major concern heading into the 2026 midterm elections. While broad support for government-backed coverage has increased, the sharp shifts in support when voters are presented with potential taxes, treatment delays, or changes to Medicare suggest that the details of a national healthcare plan remain a significant factor in public opinion.