Elections
2006 AARP Ohio Election Issues Survey
Research Report
Susan L. Silberman, Ph.D., AARP Knowledge Management
September 2006
In anticipation of the November 2006 midterm elections, these reports of a May-June mail survey of AARP members in Ohio examine their concerns and opinions about campaign issues regarding the availability of long-term care (LTC) service choices and the affordability of prescription drugs.
About long-term care:
- 93 percent consider it important for them and their families to have choices regarding types of long-term care services of which 94 percent want those that would enable them to stay at home as long as possible
- 88 percent favor Ohio residents being able to choose where they receive LTC services and having Medicaid benefits pay for them, and 82 percent would support state legislators changing the current system to allow this
- 88 percent favor redirecting nursing home funds to home and community-based care services
About prescription drug costs:
- 80 percent are concerned about being able to afford the cost of needed prescription drugs over the next two years
- 97 percent consider it important for consumers to have access to information comparing the safety, effectiveness and prices of prescription drugs
- 89 percent favor using evidence-based research to help lower the prices and raise the safety of prescription drugs
These reports are based on data from AARP's statewide mail survey of 1,029 Ohio AARP members conducted during May and June 2005. Further information about this survey may be obtained by contacting Dr. Silberman, the reports' author, at 202-434-6339. AARP MEMBER OPINION RESEARCH