M&A NATIONAL POLL SHOWS SENIORS WISH TO PRESERVE HEALTH CARE CHOICE

September 26, 2002

Reprinted with permission from UnitedSeniors.org

Headline:  Voter Survey Brief
Title:  USA National Survey of Senior Voters
Date:  09/25/02
Author:  Charles W. Jarvis

USA National Survey of Senior Voters

Charles W. Jarvis

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Methodology

The United Seniors Association/McLaughlin & Associates National Survey of Senior Voters tapped the opinions of likely voters across the country age 50-plus. It is statistically correlated with actual population census by age nationwide. The accuracy of this national survey of 800 older likely voters is within ±3.5% at a 95% confidence interval.

Survey Overview

When it comes to prescription drug coverage and Medicare, senior voters across the country are sending five clear messages:

• Senior voters want health care and prescription drug choices.
• Senior voters want to receive quality medication that is safe.
• Senior voters want the physician-patient relationship protected.
• Senior voters want minimal bureaucracy and government intervention.
• Senior voters want voluntary and affordable access to prescription plans.

Key Survey Findings

These Survey results clearly indicate that Senior voters want to have control over their health care coverage and decisions. They do not want to be forced into a situation where they or their physicians lose control over what is best for their health.

• The majority (59%) of senior voters who have a prescription drug plan would not be willing to give up their plan to go into a government-run plan.
• Of those who identify themselves as on Medicare, a majority (67%) would NOT be willing give up their current prescription plan to go into a government-run program.
• By a ratio of 2-1, senior voters think government bureaucrats will force seniors in a government-run drug plan to take generic drugs instead of name brand drugs.
• Almost all (87%) senior voters believe senior citizens on Medicare should have the same rights as those who are not on Medicare and whose doctors can prescribe whatever medication they need without government intervention.
• More than three-quarters (78%) are against the importation of prescription drugs from foreign countries into the United States if Congressional hearings found that the tainted drugs that would be allowed to be imported could be harmful and potentially fatal to seniors.
• Nearly three-quarters (72%) think it is not fair for Medicare to refuse to pay for medical treatments doctors give their patients.
• An overwhelming 86% want the right to keep their health care plan after they turn 65 instead of being forced out of it.
• Whether in Medicare or a private health care plan, 82% want the right to leave it if they or their doctor finds a better plan.
• Seven in ten (70%) do not think it’s fair that members of Congress and even mailmen have more choices in their health insurance and drug coverage than someone age 65 and older.
• Almost all (90%) senior voters believe they should have the right to choose between different health care plans with different benefits just like members of Congress and federal employees.

Implications

The Medicare Prescription Drug Plan passed by the House in June reflects clearly the opinions shown in the USA National Survey of Senior Voters. Senior voters want voluntary, quality, and affordable health care and prescription drug coverage. Seniors want choices.

These views of senior voters should send warning alarms to any senators or members of Congress who claim seniors support a top-down, command-and-control, one-size-fits-all bureaucratic prescription drug program.

Charles W. Jarvis is Chairman and Chief Executive of United Seniors Association, the national association dedicated to Uniting the Generations in expanding Retirement and Investment Freedom, Health Freedom, Economic Freedom, and National Freedom. Entertainer, businessman, and author Art Linkletter is Honorary Chairman.

Follow this link to view a slideshow presentation illustrating highlights of this national poll by McLaughlin & Associates.

Visit the United Seniors Association Web site

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