Policy Proposals for Universal Healthcare Are Getting Mixed Responses Amongst Public Opinion

A new public opinion poll is indicating mixed views on policy proposals to achieve universal healthcare that is affordable and accessible. The survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults between May 31st and June 3rd, 2019 was conducted by the polling company Navigator.

According to the poll, 47% support a Medicare For All single-payer healthcare plan that would eventually abolish all private healthcare insurance while 53% oppose it. About 66% of Democrats and 52% of non-partisan independents would support a Medicare For All that would rid of private insurance while only 23% of Republicans would support it.

73% of those surveyed would support a Medicare For All plan that would permit people to buy into Medicare and those who prefer private healthcare insurance can keep their own plans. This particular moderate form of Medicare for All has 88% support from Democrats, 79% of non-partisan independents, and 55% of Republicans.

While there have been various proposals to achieve some form of universal healthcare, the need for governmental intervention into the overall healthcare system has been on the rise nationwide. According to a 2018 Pew Research poll, 60% of American adults believe that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure healthcare coverage while 37% believe in no government responsibility. Out of the 60% who support government intervention into healthcare, 31% support a single-payer healthcare system and 25% support a mixture of private and public programs.