2004 AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues

Transcription

1 2004 AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues June 2004

2 2004 AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues Report Prepared by Susan L. Silberman, Ph.D. and Cassandra Cantave Burton Copyright 2004 AARP Knowledge Management 601 E Street NW Washington, DC Reprinting with Permission

3 AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization dedicated to making life better for people 50 and over. We provide information and resources; engage in legislative, regulatory, and legal advocacy; assist members in serving their communities; and offer a wide range of unique benefits, special products, and services for our members. These include AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our quarterly newspaper in Spanish; NRTA Live and Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our Web site, We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Acknowledgements AARP staff from the South Dakota State Office and Knowledge Management contributed to the design and implementation of this study. Special thanks go to AARP staff including Sarah Jennings, Sam Wilson, and Leni Healy of the South Dakota State Office; Gretchen Straw, Darlene Matthews, and Cheryl Barnes of Knowledge Management. Thanks also go to Sharon Benson and Susan Ellsworth of FGI, Inc. who managed the data entry and tabulation of the survey results in a short time period to ensure the client met their deadline. Cassandra Cantave Burton of AARP State Member Research, Knowledge Management wrote the report. Susan L. Silberman, managed all aspects of the project. For more information contact Susan L. Silberman at (202)

4 Survey Highlights The 2004 AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues was conducted from February to April, A random sample of 2,000 AARP members in South Dakota was selected from AARP s membership database. Forty-seven percent of the sampled South Dakota members returned surveys by the due date, providing 929 usable surveys for analysis. South Dakota members are extremely concerned about having access to affordable prescription drugs, making sure their pension benefits or retirement savings are safe and secure, and finding affordable, high quality health insurance. Older members and members with lower annual incomes tend to have more extreme concerns than younger members and members with higher annual incomes. South Dakota members are more likely to attend AARP sponsored educational activities or events than AARP sponsored social activities or events. The top legislative priorities for South Dakota members are the affordability of prescription drugs; the availability, cost, and quality of health care; and the ability to stay in their own homes as they age. AARP members support South Dakota changing its law to allow individuals who qualify to receive Social Security and full unemployment benefits simultaneously. AARP members also think it is important for AARP South Dakota to work to change the law to allow individuals who qualify to receive Social Security and full unemployment benefits simultaneously. Among those for whom this issue would affect their voting almost twice as many say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate supporting a change to the law as would be more likely to vote against such a candidate AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 1

5 About This Survey This mail survey of AARP members in South Dakota explores their opinions on a wide range of topics including: personal concerns, interest in AARP activities, legislative issues, volunteering, and Social Security and unemployment insurance. A separate volunteerism report is available. Several demographic questions were also asked of AARP members in South Dakota. This report discusses significant differences in groups based on age and annual income. AARP conducted the 2004 AARP South Dakota Member Survey between February and April, Researchers at AARP randomly selected 2,000 AARP members in South Dakota making sure to proportionally select members from each of three age groups: 50-59, 60-74, and 75+. Each selected member received a pre-notification postcard, the survey itself, a reminder postcard, and a second survey. Nine hundred and twenty-nine members returned the survey, making the response rate 47 percent. The data is weighted to ensure that the proportion of members in each of the sample s age groups were similar to the proportion of all South Dakota members in each age group. The sampling error for this study is +/- 3.2 percent. There are currently 88,182 AARP members in South Dakota. This comes to nearly 38 percent of the 50+ population. Thus, this survey represents the interests and concerns of about two in five South Dakota residents age 50 or older. Member Concerns Findings South Dakota members are most concerned with having access to affordable prescription drugs, making sure their pension benefits or retirement savings are safe and secure, and finding affordable, high quality health insurance. AARP members in South Dakota were asked to indicate their level of concern for a variety of issues based on a scale ranging from extremely concerned to not at all concerned. South Dakota members are most concerned with having access to affordable prescription drugs, making sure their pension benefits or retirement savings are safe and secure, and finding affordable, high quality health insurance AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 2

6 Other issues of extreme concern to a majority of members are having Medicare as a base for retirement health coverage, staying in their own home as they age, having Social Security as a base for retirement income, staying physically fit, and having quality long-term care for themselves and their families. Extreme Concerns of South Dakota AARP Members (N= 929) Affordable prescription drugs 72 Pension/retirement benefit safety Affordable, quality health insurance Medicare as base for retirement Staying in own home Social Security as base for retirement Staying fit/healthy diet Quality long-term care for self and family Protecting privacy Becoming ill/disabled Avoiding consumer fraud Consumer protections in health care Having enough money to meet daily expenses Continuing to drive safely Keeping family safe from terrorism Avoiding business practices that are unfair Saving for future Adequate information on Medicaid Safe, affordable transportation system Being a victim of a crime Dealing with loss of family member Supporting a relative Facing age discrimination Finding work in retirement AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 3

7 Older members tend to have more extreme concerns than younger members. South Dakota members over 75 years old are more likely to be extremely concerned with having access to affordable prescription drugs (77), having Medicare for retirement (63), pension and retirement security (62), and staying in their own homes (61). Members age expressed extreme concern with having access to affordable prescription drugs (66), pension and retirement security (65), and having affordable health insurance (65). South Dakota members with lower annual incomes also tend to have more extreme concerns than members with higher incomes. Members who make less than $20,000 a year are more likely to be extremely concerned with access to affordable prescription drugs (80), having Medicare for retirement health coverage (66), having enough money to meet daily expenses (66), having Social Security for retirement income (66), and affordable health insurance (65). Members with an income less than $40,000 express more extreme concern for half of the 24 issues listed. Among the top extreme concerns for members making less than $40,000 are having access to affordable prescription drugs (73), pension and retirement security (65), and having affordable health insurance (64). (Please see Appendix A and Appendix B for complete age and income comparisons 1 ). On the issues of finding work in retirement and providing care and support for relatives there are no gender differences. Women however, are more likely than men to express more extreme concern with every other issue listed. Six out of the top eight concerns of South Dakota members in 2000 appear in the top eight in Having access to affordable prescription drugs and having Medicare as a base for retirement were not asked in 2000, while having enough money to meet daily expenses was ranked second in 2000 and was not ranked among the top 8 in Extreme Concerns of South Dakota Difference Members 2004 vs (N = 929) ( N =1,056 ) Affordable prescription drugs 72 * Pension/retirement benefit safety Affordable, quality health insurance Medicare as base for retirement 57 * Staying in own home Social Security as base for retirement Staying fit/healthy diet Quality long-term care for self and family Though these differences are substantial, it is important to note that many of these categories overlap. For example, older members are more likely to be retired and thus have a lower annual income than younger members. The results may not vary by age and income, but rather by a conglomerate of the two. A member who makes less than $20,000 a year may share more similar opinions to an older member with the same economic status. It is difficult to tell which demographic characteristic is driving the differences AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 4

8 Member Interaction with AARP South Dakota members would personally use written information on topics of interest or concern to them. From a list of seven opportunities that AARP could provide in South Dakota to address member interests and concerns, the top three opportunities members would personally use are: Written information on topics of interest or concern to them One-time educational event of interest or concern to them Activities to improve state laws, policies, regulations, or practices that affect them Opportunities South Dakota Members Would Personally Use (N = 929) Written information 56 One-time educational event 43 Activities to improve state law 29 Workshop series 25 Volunteering in community 23 AARP chapter meetings 17 Volunteering on AARP activity Members under age 75 are more likely than older members to say they would personally use written information (50-59: 62; 60-74: 59; 75+: 51), one time educational events (50-59: 52; 60-74: 47; 75+: 33), and workshops or classes (50-59: 28; 60-74: 29; 75+: 17). Younger members are more likely than older members to say they would personally attend a one-time educational event (50-59: 52; 60-74: 47; 75+: 33) or workshop series (50-59: 28; 60-74: 29; 75+: 17). Members are more likely than those in other age groups to say they would be likely to volunteer in their community (50-59: 23; 60-74: 25; 75+: 17). (See Appendix A for age differences in the seven listed opportunities in the survey) AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 5

9 South Dakota members want to find out about AARP programs, services and activities by mail. Seven in ten South Dakota members say that they would like to find out about AARP programs, services, and activities in their community by mail. More than half say they would like to read about local AARP activities in newspapers, while 36 percent would prefer the television. One-third would prefer a toll-free number or the radio as a way to find out about AARP programs, services, and activities. Options for Learning about AARP Activities in the Community (N = 929) Receive mail 69 Read in newspaper 54 Tune in to TV Call toll-free Hear on radio Use AARP SD website Attend meeting Visit AARP kiosk Contact volunteer Receive Members age 75+ (41) are more likely than younger members age (31) to want to tune in to a local TV channel or program. Younger members (50-59) are also more likely than those 75+ to say they would like to receive information by mail (72 vs. 66), use an AARP website (53 vs. 11), or receive an notification (24 vs. 9). (See Appendix A for age differences in the ten ways to find out about AARP activities) AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 6

10 South Dakota members are more likely to attend AARP sponsored educational activities or events than AARP sponsored social activities or events. Nearly seven in ten (68) AARP members in South Dakota are very or somewhat likely to attend an AARP sponsored educational activity or event, while only about 18 percent say they are not likely to attend. More than four in ten (43) are very or somewhat likely to attend an AARP sponsored social activity or event, while an equal number are not likely to attend this type of AARP activity or social event. South Dakota Members Awareness of AARP s Efforts on the State Level (N = 929) Educational activity or event Social activity or event Very likely Somewhat likely Not very likely Not at all likely Women are more likely than men to attend both AARP sponsored educational (29 vs. 21) and social (13 vs. 8) activities or events. Lower income members are also more likely to attend both types of AARP sponsored events. (See Appendix B). AARP members say it would be most convenient for them if AARP held their sponsored activities or events on the weekdays. About one-quarter of AARP members say it would be most convenient for them if AARP held their sponsored activities or event on the weekdays before 5pm, while 15 percent say after 5pm would be most convenient. One in seven members say that the weekends would be most convenient (before 5pm: 10; after 5pm: 3). Three in ten members were unsure. Older members were more likely than younger members to say it would be most convenient for them if AARP held sponsored events on weekdays before 5 pm (50-59: 7; 60-74: 31; 75+: 25) AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 7

11 More than a third of South Dakota members contributed money to a political campaign or party in the last five years More than a third of South Dakota members contributed money to a political campaign or party in the last five years, or contacted a public official to make their views known. Three in ten members attended a political event or town meeting. More than one in ten South Dakota members have contacted the media to make their views known on an issue or have volunteered to help a candidate or political party in the last five years. South Dakota Members Engaged in Political Activity Contributed money to political candidate/party 34 Contacted public official 33 Attended political event 29 Contacted media to make views known 12 Volunteered on political campaign Younger South Dakota members (50-59) are significantly more likely to contact a public official by phone, mail, or than older members (50-59: 41; 60-74: 33; 75+: 27). (See Appendix A). AARP members in South Dakota with higher annual incomes are significantly more likely to contribute money or contact a public official to voice their opinion. Male members are more likely to contribute money (41 vs. 29) and to attend political events (35 vs. 26) than female members. (See Appendix B) AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 8

12 Social Security and Unemployment Insurance AARP members support South Dakota changing its law to allow individuals who qualify to receive Social Security and full unemployment benefits simultaneously Unemployment benefits are paid to workers who have lost their jobs. Employers pay into the Unemployment Insurance Fund. If older workers who are already collecting Social Security lose their jobs, federal law allows those who qualify to collect both Social Security and full unemployment benefits simultaneously. However, the state of South Dakota currently withholds 50 percent of state residents unemployment benefits if they are also collecting Social Security. More than half (54) of AARP members support South Dakota changing its law to allow individuals who qualify to receive Social Security and full unemployment benefits simultaneously. A little less than a quarter are opposed to the change, while about one in six don t know or are unsure. Similarly, more than half (55) think that it is important for AARP South Dakota to work to change this law. About two in ten do not think it is important and 15 percent are not sure. Support for South Dakota changing its law to allow individuals who qualify to receive Social Security and full unemployment simultaneously (N = 929) Level of importance for AARP South Dakota to work to change the law to allow individuals who qualify to receive Social Security and full unemployment simultaneously (N = 929) Strongly support 29 Don't know/not sure 16 Somewhat important 29 Not very important 13 Strongly oppose 10 Not at all important 10 Somewhat support 25 Somewhat oppose 14 Very Important 26 No answer 7 Not sure 15 Members age are more likely than older members to support changing South Dakota law (66 vs. 52) and are more likely to think it is important for AARP to work to change the law (66 vs. 52) AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 9

13 A plurality of South Dakota members would vote for a candidate that supported changing state law to allow individuals who qualify to receive Social Security and full unemployment benefits simultaneously. One-third of AARP members say they are more likely to vote for a candidate who supported changing state law to allow individuals who qualify to receive Social Security and full unemployment benefits simultaneously. One quarter of members (23) say a candidate s support for changing the law would make no difference. One in six are less likely to vote for a candidate who supports changing the state law. Likelihood of voting for a candidate that supported changing state law to allow individuals who qualify to receive Social Security and full unemployment benefits simultaneously (N = 929) More likely 32 Less likely 17 No difference 23 No answer 7 Not sure 20 More younger members than members 75+ say they are more likely to vote for a candidate who supports changing South Dakota law (50-59: 41; 60-74: 34; 75+: 25). Members 75+ are more likely to respond Not sure (50-59: 23; 60-74: 17; 75+: 26) and No answer (50-59: 1; 60-74: 3; 75+: 10). (See Appendix A) AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 10

14 Legislative Issues Echoing their extreme concerns, AARP members believe that the availability, cost, and quality of health care and access to affordable prescription drugs should be the highest priority issues for AARP South Dakota. More members rate the availability, cost, and quality of health care (89) and access to affordable prescription drugs (88) as a top or high priority than any other issues. Close behind are the availability, cost, and quality of long-term care (74) and having the ability to stay in their own homes as they age (71). Top and High Priority Legislative Issues for South Dakota Members Affordable prescription drugs Availability, cost, and quality of health care Availability, cost, and quality of long-term care Remaining in own homes as you age Consumer protection against fraud Utility service and rates Protection for older workers Top priority High priority Expanding Medicaid Assistance to low-income state residents Legal rights for grandparents Availability of transportation systems Consumer protections on home loans Members 75+ are more likely than those to say that staying in their own homes or communities as they age, consumer fraud protection, utility services and rates, assistance to low-income state residents, and the availability of transportation systems should be a top or high priority. Members under age 75 are more likely to view the availability, cost, and quality of health care and access to affordable prescription drugs as a top or high priority. (See Appendix A). South Dakota members with lower annual incomes (< $40,000) are more likely than higher income members ($40,000+) to say consumer fraud protection, utility services and rates, staying in their own home as they age, assistance to low-income residents, and expanding Medicaid are top or high priorities. (See Appendix B) AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 11

15 Conclusion Overall, members concerns and legislative priorities are consistent with AARP s strategic priorities. In particular, members express the most extreme concern about having access to affordable prescription drugs; making sure their pension benefits or retirement savings are safe and secure; and finding affordable, high quality health insurance. For the most part, members top legislative priorities parallel these issues. Each age group rates access to affordable prescription drugs and the availability, cost, and quality of health care as a top or high priority. The majority of members prefer to hear about AARP community programs, services, and activities by mail or by reading about them in the local newspaper. A third of members would tune into a local TV program, call a toll free number, hear about options on local radio, or visit the state AARP web site. South Dakota members would personally use written information and one-time educational events on topics of interest. South Dakota members are more likely to attend AARP sponsored educational activities or events than AARP social activities or event. Overall, members prefer weekday versus weekend activities and events. Older members were more likely than younger members to say it would be most convenient for them if AARP held sponsored events on weekdays before 5 pm. South Dakota members are politically active. In the last five years, approximately one third have contributed money to a candidate or political party, contacted a public official to make their view known on an issue, and attended a political event or town meeting. However, one third of respondents indicate they have done none of these political activities in the past five years. The majority of AARP members support South Dakota changing its law to allow individuals who qualify to receive Social Security and full unemployment benefits simultaneously. Similarly, many members think that it is important for AARP South Dakota to work to change this law. A plurality of South Dakota members is more likely to vote for a candidate that supported changing the state law to allow individuals who qualify to receive Social Security and full unemployment benefits simultaneously AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 12

16 Demographic Characteristics (N = 929) Age Gender Female Male <$20K 21 $20K-$50K 42 50K+ 26 Employment Retired Employed Education High school or less Some college College grad Marital status Married 63 Widowed 20 Other 13 Hispanic 1 Race White 97 Native American Other AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 13

17 Appendix A Age Tables 2004 AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 14

18 Table 1 Extreme Concerns of South Dakota AARP Members Total Ages (n=249) Ages (n=392) Affordable prescription drugs Pension/retirement benefit safety Affordable, quality health insurance Medicare as base for retirement health coverage Staying in own home Social Security as base for retirement income Staying fit/healthy diet Quality long-term care for self and family Protecting privacy Consumer protections in health care Avoiding consumer fraud Becoming ill/disabled Having enough money to meet daily expenses Continuing to drive safely Keeping family safe from terrorism Avoiding business practices that are unfair Saving for future Adequate information on Medicaid Safe, affordable transportation system Being a victim of a crime Dealing with loss of family member Supporting a relative Facing age discrimination Finding work in retirement Ages 75+ (n=235) 2004 AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 15

19 Table 2 Likelihood of attending AARP sponsored educational activity or event Total Ages (n=249) Ages (n=392) Very likely Somewhat likely Not very likely Not at all likely Don t know Table 3 Likelihood of attending AARP sponsored social activity or event Total Ages 75+ (n=235) Ages (n=249) Ages (n=392) Very likely Somewhat likely Not very likely Not at all likely Don t know Table 4 Convenient time to attend AARP sponsored educational or social activities or events Ages 75+ (n=235) Total Ages (n=249) Ages (n=392) Weekdays before 5pm Weekdays after 5pm Weekends before 5pm Weekdays after 5pm Not sure No answer Table 5 Opportunities AARP members would personally use Total Ages 75+ (n=235) Ages (n=249) Ages (n=392) Written information One-time educational workshop Activities to improve state law Workshop series Volunteering in community AARP chapter meetings Volunteering on AARP activity Ages 75+ (n=235) 2004 AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 16

20 Table 6 Opportunities AARP members would personally use Total Ages (n=249) Ages (n=392) Ages 75+ (n=235) Receive mail Read in newspaper Tune in to TV Call toll-free Hear on radio Use AARP SD website Attend meeting Visit AARP kiosk Contact volunteer Receive Table 7 Political Activities in the Last Five Years Total Ages (n=249) Ages (n=392) Ages 75+ (n=235) Contributed money to a candidate or party Contacted public official Attended political event Contacted media Volunteered on a campaign No political activity AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 17

21 Table 8 Top & High Legislative Priorities of South Dakota AARP Members Total Ages (n=249) Ages (n=392) Ages 75+ (n=235) Availability, cost, and quality of health care Affordable prescription drugs Availability, cost, and quality of long-term care Remaining in your own homes as you age Consumer protection against fraud Utility service and rates Protection for older workers Assistance for low-income residents Expanding Medicaid Legal rights for grandparents Availability of transportation systems Consumer protection on home loans Table 9 Support or opposition to South Dakota changing its law to allow those who qualify to receive SS and full unemployment benefits simultaneously Total Ages (n=249) Ages (n=392) Ages 75+ (n=235) Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don t know/not sure AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 18

22 Table 10 How important it is for AARP South Dakota to work to change its law to allow those who qualify to receive SS and full unemployment benefits simultaneously Total Ages (n=249) Ages (n=392) Ages 75+ (n=235) Very important Somewhat important Not very important Not at all important Not sure Table 11 Likelihood of voting for a candidate that supported changing state law to allow those who qualify to receive SS and full unemployment benefits simultaneously Total Ages (n=249) Ages (n=392) Ages 75+ (n=235) More likely Less likely Would not make a difference Not sure AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 19

23 Appendix B Tables 2004 AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 20

24 Table 1 Extreme Concerns of South Dakota AARP Members $20K to $39.9K $40K to $74.9K Total <$20,000 (n=197) (n=272) (n=251) Affordable prescription drugs Pension/retirement benefit safety Affordable, quality health insurance Medicare as base for retirement health coverage Staying in own home Social Security as base for retirement income Staying fit/healthy diet Quality long-term care for self and family Protecting privacy Consumer protections in health care Avoiding consumer fraud Becoming ill/disabled Having enough money to meet daily expenses Continuing to drive safely Keeping family safe from terrorism Avoiding business practices that are unfair Saving for future Adequate information on Medicaid Safe, affordable transportation system Being a victim of a crime Dealing with loss of family member $75K+ (n=106) Supporting a relative Facing age discrimination Finding work in retirement AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 21

25 Table 2 Likelihood of attending AARP sponsored educational activity or event <$20,000 (n=197) $20K to $39.9K (n=272) $40K to $74.9K (n=251) $75K+ (n=106) Total Very likely Somewhat likely Not very likely Not at all likely Don t know Table 3 Likelihood of attending AARP sponsored social activity or event <$20,000 (n=197) $20K to $39.9K (n=272) $40K to $74.9K (n=251) $75K+ (n=106) Total Very likely Somewhat likely Not very likely Not at all likely Don t know Table 4 Convenient time to attend AARP sponsored educational or social activities or events <$20,000 (n=197) $20K to $39.9K (n=272) $40K to $74.9K (n=251) $75K+ (n=106) Total Weekdays before 5pm Weekdays after 5pm Weekends before 5pm Weekdays after 5pm Not sure No answer AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 22

26 Table 5 Opportunities AARP members would personally use $20K to $39.9K $40K to $74.9K Total <$20,000 (n=197) (n=272) (n=251) Written information One-time educational workshop $75K+ (n=106) Activities to improve state law Workshop series Volunteering in community AARP chapter meetings Volunteering on AARP activity Table 6 Opportunities AARP members would personally use <$20,000 (n=197) $20K to $39.9K (n=272) $40K to $74.9K (n=251) $75K+ (n=106) Total Receive mail Read in newspaper Tune in to TV Call toll-free Hear on radio Use AARP SD website Attend meeting Visit AARP kiosk Contact volunteer Receive AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 23

27 Table 7 Political Activities in the Last Five Years $20K to $39.9K $40K to $74.9K Total <$20,000 (n=197) (n=272) (n=251) $75K+ (n=106) Contributed money to a candidate or party Contacted public official Attended political event Contacted media Volunteered on a campaign No political activity Table 8 Top & High Legislative Priorities of South Dakota AARP Members $20K to $39.9K $40K to $74.9K Total <$20,000 (n=197) (n=272) (n=251) $75K+ (n=106) Availability, cost, and quality of health care Affordable prescription drugs Availability, cost, and quality of long-term care Remaining in your own homes as you age Consumer protection against fraud Utility service and rates Protection for older workers Assistance for low-income residents Expanding Medicaid Legal rights for grandparents Availability of transportation systems Consumer protection on home loans 2004 AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 24

28 Table 9 Support or opposition to South Dakota changing its law to allow those who qualify to receive SS and full unemployment benefits simultaneously Total <$20,000 (n=197) $20K to $39.9K (n=272) $40K to $74.9K (n=251) $75K+ (n=106) Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don t know/not sure Table 10 How important it is for AARP South Dakota to work to change its law to allow those who qualify to receive SS and full unemployment benefits simultaneously Total <$20,000 (n=197) $20K to $39.9K (n=272) $40K to $74.9K (n=251) $75K+ (n=106) Very important Somewhat important Not very important Not at all important Not sure Table 11 Likelihood of voting for a candidate that supported changing state law to allow those who qualify to receive SS and full unemployment benefits simultaneously Total <$20,000 (n=197) $20K to $39.9K (n=272) $40K to $74.9K (n=251) $75K+ (n=106) More likely Less likely Would not make a difference Not sure AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 25

29 Appendix C Annotated Questionnaire 2004 AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 26

30 2004 AARP South Dakota Member Survey Weighted N = 929; Response Rate = 46; Sampling Error = +\ (Percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding or multiple responses. A * means less than 1) Personal Concerns 1. Below is a list of concerns that have been expressed by people age 50 and older. Please rate your own level of concern about each item using a 5-point scale where 1 means you are "not at all concerned" and 5 means you are "extremely concerned." a. Having adequate information on Medicaid, the government health insurance program for low income people b. Providing care or financial support for a parent, grandchild or other relative Extremely Concerned Not at all Concerned c. Avoiding consumer fraud d. Having Social Security as a base for retirement income e. Finding affordable, high quality health insurance f. Staying in your own home as you get older g. Staying physically fit/maintaining a healthy diet h. Having high quality long-term care for you or a family member i. Making sure your pension benefits and/or retirement savings are safe and secure and having good information about investments j. Dealing with the loss of a close family member k. Finding work in retirement l. Having enough money to meet daily expenses m. Facing age discrimination in employment n. Saving for the future o. Having Medicare as a base for retirement health coverage * p. Having access to affordable prescription drugs * No Response 2004 AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 27

31 1. CONTINUED--Below is a list of concerns that have been expressed by people age 50 and older. Please rate your own level of concern about each item using a 5-point scale where 1 means you are "not at all concerned" and 5 means you are "extremely concerned." Extremely Concerned Not at all Concerned No Response q. Protecting your right to privacy r. Becoming ill or disabled s. Being a victim of crime t. Avoiding business practices that are unfair or fraudulent u. Having safe and affordable transportation systems available v. Keeping your family safe from acts of terrorism and violence w. Having consumer protections in health care plans including managed care x. Continuing to drive safely Are there any other issues not mentioned above that you have concerns about? Please specify below. 1 Balancing budget/debt/deficit 2 Prescription drugs/against AARP support of plan/need affordable drugs/aarp sold us out 1 Medicare issues and concerns 1 War/terrorism 1 Education concerns/public education system 1 Taxes 1 Cost of living concerns 1 Health care system/plan/need for universal care/affordable insurance 1 Social Security issues 8 Other 89 No Response 2004 AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 28

32 AARP Roles and Activities at the State Level 3. If AARP has or were to have programs, services, or activities in your community, how would you want to find out about them? Check ALL that apply 20 Visit an AARP kiosk, booth, or office located in your community 33 Call a toll-free or local telephone number for a pre-recorded list of current AARP activities, programs, and services in your community 18 Contact an AARP volunteer or AARP Chapter member in or near your community 24 Attend a meeting at which AARP programs and activities are described 69 Receive information by mail (e.g., letter, brochure, flyer) 30 Visit the AARP South Dakota website to access information 16 Receive an notification 54 Read about local AARP activities in newspapers in your community 36 Tune in to a local TV channel or program 32 Hear about them on a local radio station/program 5 No Response 4. Listed below are some opportunities AARP could provide within South Dakota to address member interests and concerns. Would you personally use the opportunity if it were offered in South Dakota? Check ALL that apply 25 Workshop series or several meetings/classes, on topics of interest or concern to you 43 One-time educational events on topics of interest or concern to you 56 Written information on topics of interest or concern to you 29 Activities to improve state laws, policies, regulations, or practices that affect you 11 Volunteer your time to an AARP activity in your own community 23 Volunteer your time with worthy organizations in your community 17 AARP Chapter meetings in your community that give you an opportunity to meet other people and provide some community services 16 No Response 5. If AARP sponsored an educational activity or event (on topics such as Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid) in your community, how likely would you be to attend? 25 Very likely 43 Somewhat likely 13 Not very likely 5 Not at all likely 11 Not sure 3 No Response 2004 AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 29

33 6. If AARP sponsored a social activity or event (such as outings to sporting events, entertainment, or picnics) in your community, how likely would you be to attend? 11 Very likely 32 Somewhat likely 29 Not very likely 13 Not at all likely 12 Not sure 3 No Response 7. If AARP sponsored educational or social activities and events, when would it be most convenient for you to attend? 26 Weekdays before 5 pm 15 Weekdays after 5 pm 10 Weekends before 5 pm 3 Weekends after 5 pm 30 Not sure 15 No Response 2004 AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 30

34 State Legislative Issues 8. To be effective, AARP South Dakota wants to work on the most important issues facing South Dakota AARP members. Keeping in mind what's most important to you, how much of a priority should it be for AARP to work on the following legislative issues in South Dakota? a. Availability, cost, and quality of health care b. Consumer protection against fraud Top Priority High Priority Medium Priority Low Priority Not A Priority Not Sure No Response c. Utility services and rates d. How older persons can remain in their own homes or communities as they age e. Availability, cost, and quality of long-term care services f. Assistance programs for lowincome state residents g. Expanding Medicaid, the government health insurance program for low-income people h. Consumer protection standards on home loans i. Availability of transportation systems j. Access to affordable prescription drugs k. Protections for older workers l. Legal rights for grandparents AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 31

35 9. Are there any other legislative issues not mentioned above that are important to you that AARP South Dakota should work on? Please specify below. 1 Social Security 1 Prescription drug costs/prescription drug program/need affordable plan 4 Other 95 No Response Volunteering 10. Have you volunteered any of your time in the last 12 months? 49 Yes 45 No 5 No Response IF NO: Why not? Check ALL that apply, then SKIP TO QUESTION 15 ( n=421) 38 Personal schedule too full 15 No interest 32 Work commitments 30 Health or disability 4 Your skills don t match organization s needs 17 No one you know personally asked you 3 Don t have transportation 19 No organization contacted you and asked you to volunteer 5 People should be paid for their work 8 Other: (specify) 6 No Response 2004 AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 32

36 11. What kind of organization(s) did you volunteer your time for in the last 12 months? Check ALL that apply (n=421) 14 Arts, culture, humanities 22 School, education, tutoring 7 Foundations 3 Animal protection/welfare 27 Civic organizations 11 Public/society benefits 17 Fraternal organizations 10 Recreation adults 5 Businesses or for-profits 61 Religious organizations 20 Community/neighborhood action 8 Professional/trade organizations 7 Disease-related causes 13 Youth recreation and programs 2 Environmental groups 17 Other: (specify) 11 Political/legislative groups 6 No Response 12. What activities or tasks have you engaged in as a volunteer with these organizations? Check ALL that apply (n=507) 31 Organizing events 5 Financial counseling 40 Fund-raising 11 Other financial work, such as budgets, audits, or expense reports 32 Making telephone calls 23 Driving, providing transportation 23 Delivering/preparing/serving meals 9 Elder care 10 Clerical 9 Political/legislative work 6 Child care 4 Health care, nurse s aide 17 Teaching, tutoring, coaching 7 Writing, publication work 10 Speaking, lecturing, staffing exhibits 7 Management 31 Physical labor 13 Other: (specify) 10 No Response 2004 AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 33

37 13. Which ONE of the following three statements best describes your volunteer activities in the last 12 months? (n=507) 35 I volunteered regularly 37 I volunteered for special projects, events, or holidays only 15 I volunteered regularly AND extra time for special projects, events, or holiday 12 No Response 14. Thinking about all of your volunteer activities in the last 12 months, about how many hours did you volunteer? (n=507) Write Number of Hours 40 Under No Response 2004 AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 34

38 15. Please think about the last time you decided to take on a volunteer assignment. How important were the following reasons in your decision to volunteer? Very Important Somewhat Important Not at all Important No Response a. I wanted to learn about the issue or problem b. I wanted to work with people who share my ideals c. I felt it was my duty as a citizen d. Because of a religious commitment e. The opportunity to make a difference on issues that are important to me f. I wanted to further my job or career g. I wanted to be with people I enjoy h. I have a personal commitment to a cause or belief i. I agreed to volunteer because a person asked me j. I wanted to help people I Wanted to make my community a better place l. I wanted to make changes in laws and public policy m. I wanted to get out of the house How interested would you be in volunteering for AARP in the next 12 months? 1 Very interested 10 Somewhat interested 38 Undecided SKIP TO QUESTION Not at all interested SKIP TO QUESTION No Response 2004 AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 35

39 17. Which ONE of the following best describes how often you would be interested in volunteering for AARP in the next 12 months? (n=101) 19 Volunteer regularly 68 Volunteer for special projects or events only 6 Volunteer regularly AND extra time for special projects or events 7 No Response 18. Thinking about your interest in volunteering for AARP in the next 12 months, about how many hours would you be interested in volunteering? (n=101) Write Number of Hours 44 Under No Response 19. Which of the following factors might motivate you enough to volunteer for AARP? (n=101) Check ALL that apply 59 Opportunity to learn about issues that affect people 50 and over 63 Possibility of developing new friendships 53 Opportunity for fun and socializing 41 Opportunity to affect public policy or laws 56 Opportunity to help older people in the community 43 Opportunity to help youth in the community 32 Opportunity to use your professional and leadership skills 47 Opportunity to make a difference on issues that are important to you 48 A way to stay active/busy 2 None of these factors motivate you 5 No Response 2004 AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 36

40 20. Which of the following topics might interest you enough to be involved as a volunteer for AARP? (n=101) Check ALL that apply 41 Lifelong learning, education 25 Low-income assistance programs 33 Consumer fraud 50 Living healthy lifestyles 27 Long-term care and nursing home quality 46 Fun and leisure 40 Social Security 28 Legal issues 23 Financial planning and information 53 Prescription drug issues 18 Grief and loss issues 20 Utility rates and service issues 16 Privacy issues 48 Health care issues 14 Children's issues 41 Medicare 7 Other: (specify) 3 None of these topics would interest you 5 No Response 21. How would you like to learn about volunteer opportunities with AARP in your community? (n=101) Check your TOP TWO ways 39 Contact from an AARP volunteer 18 From a friend, a neighbor, or a relative 51 Mail 9 Website Announcement in local newspaper 6 Announcement on local TV station 4 Announcement on local radio station 16 At a meeting where AARP programs and activities are described 2 I do not want to learn about AARP volunteer opportunities 3 No Response 2004 AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 37

41 22. Some people like to volunteer as individuals by themselves. Others like to volunteer as a group with familiar people. How do you prefer to volunteer? Check ONLY one 14 As an individual by myself 20 As a group with familiar people Both as an individual or as a group I don t volunteer No Response IF DON T VOLUNTEER: Why not? (n=232) Check ALL that apply, then SKIP TO QUESTION Personal schedule too full 16 No interest 24 Work commitments 38 Health or disability 7 Your skills don t match organization s needs 10 No one you know personally asked you 2 Don t have transportation 8 No organization contacted you and asked you to volunteer 4 People should be paid for their work 7 Other: (specify) 5 No Response 23. Which of the following activities have you participated in within the last 5 years? Check ALL that apply 33 Phoned, written, or ed a public official to make your views known on an issue 34 Contributed money to a candidate or political party 12 Volunteered to work on a campaign for a particular candidate or party 12 Written a letter to a newspaper or called radio or TV show to make your views known on an issue 29 Attended a political event or town meeting 30 I have done NONE of these activities in the last 5 years 15 No Response 2004 AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 38

42 Social Security and Unemployment Insurance Unemployment benefits are paid to workers who have lost their jobs. Both businesses and workers pay into the Unemployment Insurance fund. If older workers who are already collecting Social Security lose their jobs, federal law allows those who qualify to collect both Social Security and full unemployment benefits simultaneously. However, the state of South Dakota currently withholds 50 percent of state residents unemployment benefits if they are also collecting Social Security 24. Would you support or oppose South Dakota changing its law to allow individuals who qualify to receive Social Security and full unemployment benefits simultaneously? 29 Strongly support 25 Somewhat support 14 Somewhat oppose 10 Strongly oppose 16 Not sure 7 No Response 25. How important do you think it is for AARP South Dakota to work to change state law to allow individuals who qualify to receive Social Security and full unemployment benefits simultaneously? 26 Very important 29 Somewhat important 13 Not very important 10 Not at all important 15 Not sure 7 No Response 26. If a candidate for state office in South Dakota supported changing state law to allow individuals who qualify to receive Social Security and full unemployment benefits simultaneously, would you be more or less likely to vote for that candidate? 32 More likely 17 Less likely 23 Would not make a difference 20 Not sure 7 No Response 2004 AARP South Dakota Member Survey: Concerns, Interests, Legislative Issues 39