Seniors to Congress: Don’t push us off the ‘fiscal cliff’

Following the reelection of President Barack Obama, AARP conducted a survey, “50+ Americans and the Future of Medicare and Social Security,” to gather data on how potential cuts to Medicare and Social Security will impact the growing population of older Americans.

First and foremost, results show that 70 percent of those surveyed oppose tying Medicare and Social Security into “deals” to avoid the looming fiscal cliff.

Other findings show that more Democrats (76 percent) than Republicans (13 percent)  and Independents (38 percent) feel they have the necessary information about President Obama’s plans for Medicare. Similar results are also reflected in their opinions about Social Security.

Save money through cost-cutting incentives for payers, not through higher copays and deductibles for seniors, the majority of those surveyed said.

Regardless of party affiliation, American seniors do not want Medicare and Social Security to be part of any last-minute deals to avoid the fiscal cliff. The feeling is that Social Security should be available to all who have paid into it. In addition, nearly all of the respondents want Washington to listen to the citizenry when it comes to decisions on these two top-of-mind issues.

Nearly 55 percent of the respondents feel they will receive adequate information on any proposed changes to Medicare and Social Security, although this confidence is weak and reflects party lines.

Read the full report for complete findings and responses.

Sandra Hoban

Sandra Hoban was on I Advance Senior Care / Long-Term Living’s editorial staff for 17 years. She is one of the country’s longest-serving senior care journalists. Before joining Long-Term Living, she was a member of the promotions department at Advanstar Communications. In addition to her editorial experience, Sandi has served past roles in print and broadcast advertising as a traffic and talent coordinator.