In 2009, Republicans seemed generally opposed to government involvement in providing health insurance options. Fewer than a third wanted the state to offer a government-sponsored insurance option, and even fewer supported a “public option.” Just under half favored letting those between the ages of 55 and 64 buy into the already-existing Medicare program for seniors.

Today, however, many Republicans, and even larger percentages of the general public, support those options. The jumps in support from Republicans on these specific proposals range from 21 to 28 points.

Many Republicans are even open to options that party leaders would certainly reject. Nearly half would expand Medicare to cover all Americans. As many Republicans would support a federally funded health insurance system covering every American as would oppose it. Both of those options get the support of six in 10 Americans overall.