Health care is becoming a defining issue of the Democratic primary for president, with a number of candidates embracing Medicare for All. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Americans are increasingly receptive to talk of Medicare for All or single-payer health care. But the great majority do not want to say goodbye to private health plans.

A new survey of 1,001 registered voters by Hill-HarrisX finds 71 percent believe the government should guarantee universal coverage, while 15 percent say the government should be removed from health care entirely and 14 percent say they support the status quo.

Related: Do Medicare for All supporters really know what they're getting?

However, the same poll finds that only 13 percent say they support a Medicare for All plan that would entirely scrap private health insurance.

Thirty-two percent say they support government-provided health care but believe that people should be able to purchase private supplemental insurance, similar to what many Medicare beneficiaries currently do.

Finally, 26 percent appear to endorse a “public option” scenario, in which people can choose whether to enroll in a government health plan or buy private insurance.

Health care is becoming a defining issue of the Democratic primary for president, with a number of candidates embracing the “Medicare for All” proposal that Bernie Sanders made famous and others shying away from such a radical overhaul of the system, saying that it is not practical.

The poll displays the challenge that single-payer advocates face. While most Americans view health care as a right and are receptive to government taking a more active role in providing access, they are wary of endorsing a completely socialistic approach.

Democratic candidates are clearly aware of the nuanced political landscape. Kamala Harris backed off a statement where she suggested she supported getting rid of private insurance, later saying that while she ultimately supported Medicare for All, in the short term she would support incremental improvements to the system, including private plans.

Cory Booker, who is a co-sponsor of the Medicare for All bill, also said he did not support scrapping private plans, pointing out that they exist in many other western countries alongside government health care.

Read more: 

• 4 reasons employer-sponsored health insurance won't go away
• Health care industry group launches attack on Medicare for All
• Forget Medicare for All; more states eye Medicaid buy-in