Pre-Boomer Musings

A majority (53%) of respondents in a recent Rasmussen survey favored repealing the health care reform bill.  The House of Representatives voted to strike down the law.  And the administration seems willing to make changes but urges voters to not kill the bill.  A look inside the numbers reveals that Americas opinions on this subject vary by age.

 

When asked if the health care plan was good or bad for the country 40% of all respondents said good and 48% viewed it as bad.  Only 31% of those 65+ thought it was good and 56% said it was bad. 

Respondents with health insurance overwhelmingly were pleased with their coverage; 77% claimed it  was good to excellent.  Among those 65+, the approval rating climbed to whopping 89%.

Most of those sampled (53%) believe it is not likely they will have to change insurance companies under the new law.  New Seniors are slightly less optimistic with 50% answering that it is not very likely or not at all likely they will need to find new health insurance coverage.

However, 61% of respondents expect the cost of health care will increase, as do 63% of those 65+.  Under the new plan 53% expect quality of care will be worse, with 51% of New Seniors agreeing.  As to whether the plan will affect the nation’s deficit, 57% of the total sample as well as those 65+ plus said yes.

Now, think about how you would answer these questions.  Do you fall in with the majority of Americans and other New Seniors?  If so what are you going to do about it?  Just because the elections took place in November of last year is no reason to conclude that you’re finished with this matter.  There’s lots of work to be done.

Remember, the plan calls for reducing Medicare spending by $500 billion.  Reducing waste, fraud and abuse will hardly make a dent in this number.  And with more and more Americans reaching 65, look for numbers of doctors accepting Medicare as well as the quality of care to suffer.  And, rationing is certain to be part of any future cost-cutting discussions.

The battle will continue in Washington.  Whether the health bill is repealed (this is unlikely for at least the next two years) or amended, changes will be made.  It’s up to every New Senior to contact their representatives and let them know what each of you likes and dislikes.  This requires some reading and a commitment to be heard.

By doing nothing, you have no one to blame for bad legislation but yourself.  Get informed.  Talk with peers.  Then let the politicians know what you’re thinking.  That’s the way our representative government works best for health care and most other issues.  

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