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Medicare Premium Support Survey

by William E. Wright, AARP Knowledge Management, AARP Research, May 2008

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AARP commissioned a national survey of adults age 50 and older to ascertain their views on a proposed increase in Medicare Part B premiums that is over and above the regular annual increase in such premiums, in light of continuing increases in Medicare costs.

Survey findings include:

  • A large majority of the respondents considered an additional increase in Medicare Part B premiums to be very (53 percent) or somewhat (28 percent) unfair.
  • A similarly large majority strongly (61 percent) or somewhat (21 percent) opposed Congressional action to make additional increases to the monthly bill that people pay for Medicare.
  • Nearly two-thirds (66 percent) said they would be less likely to vote for elected officials who did not examine other ways to lower health care costs, but who voted for additional increases on top of normal, expected increases to the monthly bills that people on Medicare pay.
  • Overall, 8 in 10 said that they are very (57 percent) or somewhat (23 percent) concerned about their current out-of-pocket health care costs.

This study is based on a national telephone survey of 1,038 adults aged 50 and older conducted by ICR from April 24 to May 4, 2008. Sampling error for the overall results is ±3.0%. For additional information contact William E. Wright, Ph.D., at 202-434-6278.