Dive Brief:
- Though it's been more than five years since debate was abandoned over the concept of a single-payer system as part of the ACA, more than 50% of survey respondents are still in support of the idea. The findings suggest that support includes one-quarter of Republicans, according to this month's poll by GBA Strategies, which was comprised of 1,500 likely voters.
- The single-payer concept, which was known as "Medicare for all," would have created a federally-run, public insurance program to replace private insurance. The idea was backed by President Obama but was unpopular during policy debates in 2009.
- Nearly 80% of Democrats remain in support of the single-payer concept, according to the poll.
Dive Insight:
With the ACA becoming fairly well entrenched in its current form, it's unlikely that support for a single-payer system would change things at the federal level in the foreseeable future. However, another proposed idea—the public option, which would give people the choice of buying healthcare through Medicare or private insurers—also retains wide approval.
At the same time, the states are wildcards. The ACA allows states to opt out if they choose to set up a single-payer system instead. Vermont recently abandoned its plans, but legislation is reportedly pending in several states, including Illinois, Massachusetts, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington.