New Chart Collection Examines the Public’s Malleable Views Around a National Health Plan and Expanding Access to Medicare

For many years, the Kaiser Family Foundation has been tracking public opinion on the idea of national health plan. Since the 2016 Democratic presidential primary and Sen. Bernie Sanders’ rallying cry for “Medicare-for-all,” our polls have shown a modest increase in support for the idea of a national health plan, and broad support for proposals that expand Medicare. At the same time, our polls also show that support can quickly erode when people hear further explanation about potential tax increases or increased government control that might result.

A new chart collection compiles KFF’s most relevant polling on these issues, including how differences in framing language and arguments affects people’s views and the priority voters say they place on the issue heading into this year’s midterm election.