Ready for Change: An AARP Survey of Oregonians Age 35+ on Health Care Reform

Oregon residents age 35+ are concerned about health care and want lawmakers to address rising costs, the uninsured, and quality of care. This telephone survey, conducted in December 2007-January 2008, found that:

• Most respondents see health care in Oregon as being in a state of crisis or having major problems.
• Residents’ out-of-pocket medical expenses have increased over the last 5 years, and they are very concerned about having to pay more for their health care (83%) and having adequate health care coverage at a cost they can afford (79%) in the future.
• Over half say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who supports a plan that would provide affordable, quality health care for all Oregon residents.
• The majority of respondents support a range of proposals in order to provide coverage for all, including requiring Oregon employers who do not offer coverage to pay a fee so the state can help uninsured employees buy affordable coverage and requiring residents who do not have health insurance to purchase coverage on their own, assuming there would be assistance for those who need it.

AARP’s Oregon State Office commissioned this study to assess the opinions of the 35+ population on elements of health care reform, and to better understand the experiences and concerns of this population relative to health care access and cost. FGI Research, Inc. conducted 821 telephone interviews with Oregon residents age 35 and older between December 19, 2007, and January 4, 2008. For more information, contact Katherine Bridges at 202-434-6329. (36 pages)