Alaskans. Have Their Say about Medicare and Social Security

Transcription

1 Alaskans Have Their Say about Medicare and Social Security

2 Alaskans Have Their Say In March, AARP launched You ve Earned a Say a national conversation about how to protect Medicare and Social Security for today s seniors and strengthen them for future generations. You ve Earned a Say so far has engaged over 3 million people in this conversation and held over 3,000 events, including a nationwide tour visiting communities across the country. Our earnedasay.org website is providing Americans with interactive tools and information about the policy options on the table in Washington the pros and cons so they can make up their own minds about how these programs should be strengthened. This report, Alaskans Have Their Say about Medicare and Social Security, features comments from residents of the Last Frontier in their own words as well as the results of three questionnaires that raise key questions facing these programs. The questionnaires are not scientific surveys; they indicate the opinions of the millions of people who answered the various questionnaires. On behalf of our 37 million members, we look forward to working with both parties to find common-sense solutions that will strengthen Medicare and Social Security for today s seniors and future generations. AARP National Survey Shows Support for Medicare, Social Security across Party Lines A recent AARP nationwide survey of registered voters reflects what we ve heard through our questionnaires and events across the nation: Medicare and Social Security are critical to the health and retirement security of today s seniors and future generations, but reasonable adjustments are needed to put the programs on stable ground. The poll found that 47% of voters age 50+ are not confident that they ll ever be able to retire and 67% believe the recent economic downturn will force them to rely even more on Social Security and Medicare. Voters 50+ think the next president and Congress need to strengthen Social Security (91%) and Medicare (88%). They also overwhelmingly (91%) believe that these issues are too big for either party to fix alone and require Republicans and Democrats to come together. Why Strengthening Medicare and Social Security Is So Important Throughout You ve Earned a Say, we re consistently hearing in cities and towns across America that people of all ages and across party lines believe Medicare and Social Security are critical to the health and retirement security of seniors. They believe the programs should be strengthened so future generations have affordable health care and a foundation of income when they retire. Any decisions about the future of Medicare and Social Security should be based on the following facts: Half of those 65 and older have incomes of less than $20,000 per year. Even with Medicare, half of Medicare recipients spend 17% of their incomes on health care costs. Today, half of the workforce has no employerprovided retirement plan. With the demise of the traditional pension, Social Security is the only guaranteed source of income most future retirees will have that they can t outlive. More than one in three working households age 21 to 64 has no individual savings set aside for retirement. Even those households age 50 to 59 with retirement savings do not have enough; one in four have less than $27,000 and half have less than $80,000. What Alaskans Are Saying about the Future of Medicare and Social Security Members and the public have the opportunity to complete our three questionnaires at events in their communities, on earnedasay.org, through the AARP Bulletin, or by phone. This report provides the results to date of all three questionnaires. Alaskans have earned their say about Medicare and Social Security. This is what they have told us. Alaskans Have Their Say about Medicare and Social Security 2

3 Questionnaire 1: Results Questions Results 1. Which of these statements do you think describes Social Security the best? A. Social Security is okay as it is B. It needs minor changes C. It needs major changes D. It is in a state of crisis D. 23% C. 26% A. 25% B. 26% A. 25% B. 26% C. 26% D. 23% 2. Which of these statements do you think describes Medicare the best? A. Medicare is okay as it is B. It needs minor changes C. It needs major changes D. It is in a state of crisis D. 22% C. 33% A. 19% B. 26% A. 19% B. 26% C. 33% D. 22% 3. Do you expect to get more back from Medicare and Social Security than you have contributed, less, or about the same? A. More B. Less C. Same C. 36% A. 24% B. 40% A. 24% B. 40% C. 36% 4. When it comes to securing the future of Medicare and Social Security, which of the following do you expect: A. More funding will be needed to maintain the same benefits B. Benefits will be reduced C. Either A or B D. None of the above D. 11% C. 44% A. 33% B. 12% A. 33% B. 12% C. 44% D. 11% 5. When it comes to changes being made to Social Security and Medicare in Washington, which of the following describes you the best: A. I want to make my voice heard B. I want to make my voice heard, but I don t think it will make any difference C. I am not interested in being involved C. 7% B. 49% A. 45% A. 45% B. 49% C. 7% Alaskans Have Their Say about Medicare and Social Security 3

4 Questionnaire 2: Results Questions Results 1. According to the Social Security Trustees, Social Security will be able to pay all benefits for about 20 years and three-quarters of promised benefits after that time. In order to ensure all benefits can be paid, they say that some/small changes can be made now or larger changes can be made later. Do you think changes should be made? A. Major changes should be made now B. We should wait a few years before making major changes C. Some changes should be made now, but we should wait before making any major changes D. No changes should be made D. 7% C. 48% A. 30% B. 14% A. 30% B. 14% C. 48% D. 7% 2. Which of the following do you think is the biggest challenge facing Social Security? A. Benefits are too generous B. Fewer workers are paying into the program C. Growing senior population and longer retirements D. Benefits are not adequate E. Higher paid workers aren t paying enough into the program F. None of the above/other F. 11% E. 24% D. 17% A. 3% B. 19% C. 27% A. B. C. D. E. F. 3% 19% 27% 17% 24% 11% 3. Some people have proposed benefit changes in Social Security to protect vulnerable seniors and widows and assist caregivers. Which of the following do you agree with more? A. Improving benefits for vulnerable seniors, widows and caregivers should be part of any changes to Social Security B. We can t afford to improve benefits for vulnerable seniors, widows and caregivers C. We should improve benefits, but not before we put the program on stable financial ground C. 69% A. 20% B. 11% A. 20% B. 11% C. 69% 4. Social Security is the largest source of income for most current retirees. For others, Social Security is just one source of retirement income along with pensions, savings and investments. Thinking about future retirees, which do you agree with more? A. Social Security is too important to consider benefit changes for future retirees B. We need a balanced approach of benefit and revenue changes to make sure Social Security is there for future retirees C. The Social Security system is so broken that it should be completely changed for future retirees C. 11% B. 65% A. 24% A. 24% B. 65% C. 11% 5. Which statement do you agree with more: A. Everyone should get the benefits they ve earned so it s okay for upper income workers to get higher benefits because they contribute more into the system B. Wealthy seniors, with more than $250,000 a year of income, have other sources of retirement income and should get less maybe nothing from Social Security so we can make the program stronger for everyone else B. 37% A. 63% A. B. 63% 37% Alaskans Have Their Say about Medicare and Social Security 4

5 Questionnaire 3: Results Questions Results 1. According to the Medicare Trustees, Medicare can pay full benefits for about 10 years and 90 percent of promised hospital benefits after that. In order to ensure all benefits can be paid, do you think changes should be made? A. Major changes should be made now B. We should wait a few years before making major changes C. Some changes should be made now, but we should wait before making any major changes D. No changes should be made D. 13% C. 44% A. 25% B. 19% A. 25% B. 19% C. 44% D. 13% 2. Which of the following do you think is the biggest challenge facing Medicare? A. Medicare payroll taxes are not keeping up with benefit needs B. Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket costs are too high C. Growing senior population and longer retirements D. Rising cost of health care E. On average, seniors receive more in Medicare benefits than they pay in F. None of the above/other E. 5% F. 16% D. 39% A. 9% B. 13% C. 18% A. 9% B. 13% C. 18% D. 39% E. 5% F. 16% 3. Which of these statements do you agree with more? A. All future retirees should continue to get guaranteed coverage and care as seniors do now B. Future retirees should be given a set amount of money to choose among many insurance plans with different benefits and costs B. 27% A. 73% A. 73% B. 27% 4. People have different views about changing Medicare. Which comes closest to your personal view? A. Medicare is too important to consider major changes B. We need a balanced approach of benefit and revenue changes to make sure Medicare is there for future retirees C. The Medicare system is so broken that it should be completely changed for future retirees C. 10% B. 59% A. 30% A. 30% B. 59% C. 10% 5. Medicare funding mostly comes from dedicated Medicare taxes, premiums from people in Medicare, and general federal revenues. As health care costs rise, what s the best source for additional Medicare funds? A. General federal revenues B. Premiums from people in Medicare C. Other D. Dedicated Medicare taxes E. None of the above E. 40% A. 23% D. 28% B. 10% A. 23% B. 10% C. 0% D. 28% E. 40% Alaskans Have Their Say about Medicare and Social Security 5

6 What People Are Saying It is important to strengthen these programs, because the baby boomers are retiring, and, as it looks now, many of us will not get the benefits we deserve. Colleen, Kenai These programs must be strengthened. Seniors were made a promise that these programs would be there for them, and that promise must be kept. Daryl, Anchorage So many of our citizens depend on these services to keep their heads above water. It is unacceptable to let any of our citizens suffer when others have coverage. Andrea, Juneau Strengthen it, as many people depend on it, who cannot afford their own medical plans. Increased payments from workers would help, as we all eventually will benefit. Peter, Ketchikan It is important to strengthen them both; although, they both need to be modified. Our politicians need to pay into the system, instead of having their own retirement fund. Cindy, Soldotna I think hardworking Americans should feel secure about retirement. This is our money, which we ve worked for and should not be in jeopardy. Angela, Anchorage I believe these safety nets are important. My 89-yearold mother would be in a very difficult position without these programs, and they are barely sufficient for her needs. Dulce, Wasilla Both need to be strengthened with higher contributions, raising the retirement age, expanding wellness programs and clamping down hard on fraud. Douglas, Palmer Social Security and Medicare have been a great benefit to so many people. That it can work has been demonstrated. Strengthening Social Security and Medicare will ensure that the elder portion of our population will have their basic needs met. Jack, Fairbanks We are your grandparents, your former teachers; we worked years with the promise we would have some security during the last part of our lives. Do not treat us as throw-aways. Jeanette, Anchorage Both Medicare and Social Security need to be drastically changed to be aligned with current costs (both medical and cost of living for seniors), life expectancy changes, and who is covered and who pays. Norman, Sitka We need to strengthen Medicare and Social Security; I was diagnosed with cancer in 1990, and, without Social Security and Medicare, I would have died homeless. The two programs really helped save my life. Jack, Houston These are two important social programs that need to be preserved for future generations. Richard, Juneau We have people who do not make the money to save for retirement, and they will need both. Some, like myself, do not have a college education or stocks. So these people will need it. Donna, Anchorage Social Security and Medicare (designed as safety net public relief programs) have become viewed during the past 30 years as social entitlement programs for all Americans, far exceeding either original program s use, longevity, or cost. Richard, Petersburg Alaskans Have Their Say about Medicare and Social Security 6

7 What People Are Saying, continued I believe that the overall needs of the people need to be met by our state and government officials. Patty, Juneau There are many people who will have nothing else in retirement. Are we going to let them starve on the street? Anne, Barrow Many people in their 50s, myself included, are being laid off and finding it difficult to find work. They are cashing in on retirement funds to survive. Medicare and Social Security is all they will have. Lynne, Anchorage It is a failed program. Deeann, Valdez There are more retirees to come, and they should not expect to live in poverty. We need to fix what needs fixing, now! Barbara, Wasilla Steps need to be taken to ensure that seniors, who have worked and paid into Social Security, are protected by their investment. Carolyn, Houston I ve paid a lot into Social Security. I expect the program to perform as it was intended. It s not the Government s money; it belongs to the people who paid into it. Lynda, Seward In today s society, old folks cannot depend upon their children for care and housing during their declining years. We old folks must have the medical and retirement earned benefits for which we have paid during our working years. Jim, Anchorage They should be strengthened. These are basic programs, which people pay into all of their working lives, so that they will have some basic security when they are too old to work. Doris, Fairbanks It needs strengthening; these programs were put in place to provide, not to be reduced or cut. Frank, Sterling Americans are living longer, and the need to have a stable Social Security and Medicare program is very important. The economy is always up and down, and retired Americans need to know their Social Security/Medicare benefits are secure. Eileen, Anchorage Baby boomers, who have worked and paid into these programs, like my husband and myself, are now needing to benefit from them. This is not the time to cut benefits. Laurel, Fairbanks With market volatility and the trend to defined contribution retirement plans, retirees will be depending on Social Security to supplement inadequate retirement incomes, and on Medicare to provide for health care needs. Jay, Eagle River People have been promised that, if they work hard all their lives, they will have some reward, which is for many only Social Security and Medicare health coverage. It should be funded by the government, as promised. Gail, Anchorage It proves this country s respect for human life in a person s later years and rewards him or her for his or her contribution to society. Dimitra, Skagway Alaskans Have Their Say about Medicare and Social Security 7

8 What People Are Saying, continued Yes, because many people over 65 will not have any health insurance without Medicare. I believe Social Security should be phased toward a needs-based system, perhaps using a sliding fee scale, with the most rich not getting any. Marianne, Juneau Government should not be allowed to borrow, mingle, or use these funds. They should be conservatively invested for future use. Maximillian, Homer People are living longer, who have given this country a lot. Our older people need to know that they didn t work their entire lives for nothing; they deserve more respect from their government than what they are currently getting. Patricia, Anchorage A country is only as strong as its weakest link. If these programs are not kept strong and in place, it will cost more to the public, as the health and well being of the elderly deteriorates, and they must rely on welfare programs. Carol, Chugiak History has taught us that medical and living costs escalate greatly, at a rate of over three percent per year. There s no way the average American could afford to live in his or her old age with the wages that he or she earned in his or her younger days. Karyl, Juneau Medicare and Social Security are much more than safety nets. They are lifelines for the majority of our population and a major part of who we are as Americans. John, Douglas It is important to strengthen them, because so many people rely on or expect to use those benefits, after having paid into them for a whole career. Not having them or having them reduced would be a crime. Michael, Anchorage Yes we cannot afford the consequences morally or financially of uninsured or underinsured older Americans dying, starving, or homeless. Mitzi, Chugiak They are both there to help people, help us in our later years. It seems to me that seniors are being overlooked, and, in the future, they will be needed even more. Michael, Chugiak Right now, it needs to be strengthened for all of us who worked during a time when there were no employer retirement plans available and/or IRAs. Judith, North Pole These are funds that many older Americans rely on. My mother lived on Social Security benefits after my father died. We need to keep these benefits in place! Danette, Anchorage Social Security is a simple fix with funding tweaks. Medicare is a part of the whole health care crises that needs a major fix, which people aren t ready to face yet. David, Talkeetna What will be the cost, in dollars and human suffering, if there is no safety net for those who have invested their lives in this country? David, Dutch Harbor It is important. There is going to be a large retiring population in the years ahead. It needs to be addressed soon, while it is still manageable. Miklos, Anchorage So many low income people need help, and Social Security is all they have!! Many have worked hard, paying in all those years, and deserve it to be there for them! Michael, Juneau Alaskans Have Their Say about Medicare and Social Security 8

9 What People Are Saying, continued It seems to be pretty common knowledge that the way Social Security and Medicare are being run now, our children/grandchildren will not be able to benefit from these programs when they become our age. It s time the government proves they care about this issue. Ronald, Anchor Point As America continues to gray, it becomes ever more important to secure Social Security and Medicare to ensure seniors, who have invested in these programs all their lives, remain fully vested and covered. Lee, Bethel They both need to be managed properly. I am grateful for Medicare and Social Security, but I m tired of hearing they are entitlements. I earned them they were not handouts. Mary, Wasilla There are a lot of Americans who really depend on Medicare and Social Security to survive, and we need to start taking care of the people who have made this country great. Donald, Fairbanks As Americans have begun living longer, there needs to be a way to ensure medical care and quality of life will not be eliminated or downgraded. Many of us have worked long and hard, but will end up with very little in our golden years. Terrell, Anchorage Alaskans Have Their Say about Medicare and Social Security 9

10 earnedasay.org Why Social Security and Medicare Are Vital to Alaska s Seniors Social Security and Medicare are more vital than ever for older Americans in today s troubled economy. Facing widespread loss of retirement savings and home equity, coupled with rising health care costs, seniors count on these programs to provide the foundation of income security and health care they need in retirement. SOCIAL SECURITY IN Alaska Alaska s seniors count on Social Security benefits earned through a lifetime of work A total of 90 percent, or 52,635 of older (65+) Alaska residents, received Social Security in The average annual benefit was only $13,500. Social Security accounted for 37 percent of the typical older Alaskan s income. Low- and middle-income seniors in Alaska are even more reliant on Social Security s earned benefit, typically receiving 57 percent of their individual income from Social Security. Social Security plays an important role in Alaska s economy Social Security provided $1 billion in benefits to all Alaskans and $.7 billion in benefits to Alaskans 65 and older in MEDICARE IN Alaska Medicare provides guaranteed health coverage, but out-of-pocket costs are high On average, Alaska s Medicare beneficiaries spent an estimated $4,300 on out-ofpocket health care costs in In 2011, average Alaska seniors on Medicare spent an estimated 15 percent of their income on out-of-pocket health care costs. Medicare provides peace of mind for Alaska seniors Nearly 95 percent of older Alaska seniors, or 56,056, were enrolled in Medicare in In contrast, roughly 20 percent of Alaska s 50-to 64-year-olds were uninsured in Medicare plays an important role in Alaska s economy The Medicare program spent an estimated $.49 billion on health care services for Alaska s seniors in Alaskans Have Their Say about Medicare and Social Security 10