Support for a government-run "Medicare for All" program has reached 43% among U.S. adults, according to a new survey from the Axios-Ipsos American Health Index. This figure places supporters nearly two-to-one ahead of opponents, marking a significant shift in public sentiment with three weeks remaining before the midterm elections.
The survey indicates that two-thirds of all respondents, including half of Republicans, believe the federal government should spend more tax dollars to lower health care costs. However, this openness appears driven by economic pressure rather than confidence in government institutions. Trust in President Donald Trump for health-related information fell to a survey low of 20%, while trust in Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dropped to a survey low of 25%. Trust in congressional Republicans and Democrats also hit lows at 20% and 25%, respectively.
Partisan breakdowns reveal distinct attitudes toward the proposal. Among Democrats, 62% support Medicare for All, while 47% of independents back the idea. Republican support remains lower at 21%, though 27% are undecided compared to 52% who oppose the measure. Overall, 24% of Americans oppose the concept, and 32% remain unsure. Mallory Newall, Ipsos vice president for U.S. public affairs, noted that the high number of undecided respondents suggests sentiments are not fully formed, but the current level of support is noteworthy and not solely driven by the Democratic Party.
Opponents cite several concerns, primarily the fear that Medicare for All would provide worse quality care than private insurance. Other cited reasons include potential cost increases for taxpayers, the belief that government should not provide health care, and concerns about expanding the size of government. Newall observed that while the label "Medicare for All" may not resonate with all voters, expanding federal programs to cover more health costs is a message that can connect with voters during this cycle.
Voters indicated they would be more likely to support congressional candidates who favor expanding government subsidies for health care costs, reinstating expired Affordable Care Act tax credits, and expanding prescription drug discount platforms. The Republican party is divided on expanding government subsidies, with 31% more likely to back such candidates, 29% less likely, and 31% saying it would make no difference. Conversely, half of respondents said they would be less likely to support a candidate backed by pharmaceutical and drug companies, compared with just 7% who said they would be more likely.
Ipsos conducted the poll from Sept. 25 to 28, 2026, using its KnowledgePanel platform. The findings are based on a probability sample of 1,122 adults aged 18 and older. The margin of error for the full sample is plus or minus 3.0 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.