Medicare Doctor-Patient Survey

AARP conducted a survey of its members in 14 states to determine whether they are concerned about losing their doctors if Congress fails to stop the cut to the Medicare payment system.  The survey also looked at whether AARP members would be more favorable to a member of Congress who votes to stop the cut.

Key findings include:

•  The majority of AARP members across party lines said they were concerned that doctors may stop treating Medicare patients because of this cut.
• The majority of members who are covered by Medicare were concerned about having to find a new doctor if their current physician no longer accepted Medicare.
• AARP Members support their Senators in fighting to stop this cut.  The majority of members across party lines said they would be more favorable to their Senators if they fought to protect Medicare payments to doctors.

The surveys were conducted for AARP by Woelfel Research, an independent research firm.  Interviews were conducted November 15- 22, 2010 among a sample of approximately 800 AARP members age 60 and older in each of the 14 states.  For research questions, please contact Laura Skufca at (202) 434-6285.  For media inquiries, please contact David Allen at (202) 434-2577.