Voters 50+: 8-State Summary. December

Transcription

1 Voters 50+: 8-State Summary December

2 Methodology Benenson Strategy Group conducted 6,400 telephone interviews from November 18 December 11, 2017 with registered voters ages 50+, including 800 in each of the following states: Alaska, Delaware, Iowa, Colorado, Florida, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia. At the 95% confidence level, the margin of error for the entire sample is ± 1.2% and ± 3.5% for each individual state. Due to rounding, some percentages may not add up to 100%. For more information, contact S. Kathi Brown of AARP Research at Inquiries from the Media should be directed to AARP s Media Relations Department at media@aarp.org. 2

3 Demographic Profile Of Nationwide 50+ Voters Age Gender Race between between 70 or 50 and and 69 older Female Male White African-American Hispanic Asian 10% 6% 2% 75% Education 32% some college or technical school 27% high school or less 39% college grad or higher Household Income <$50k 41% $50-100k 28% $100k+ 19% Employment 31 Employed full-time 5 Employed part-time AARP Party ID 44 Retired, not working 45% are AARP members 30% Democrat 41% Independent 29% Republican 7 Retired, working part-time Nationwide data from a survey of 1209 registered voters ages 50+, conducted November 3-9,

4 Major Demographic Differences Across States Party ID Race Education Dem Ind Rep White Non-white % with no college degree Nat'l Nat'l Nat'l 59 DE IA 93 5 OH 70 VA OH TN 69 OH CO IA 67 CO TN DE 59 IA AK FL 58 FL VA AK 57 TN DE VA 54 AK FL CO 53 Nationwide data from a survey of 1209 registered voters ages 50+, conducted November 3-9,

5 8 Key Storylines About Voters 50+ In Target States 1) Just being above water is a win for politicians these days. Voters 50+ in most of these states remain positive to their Senators, though intensity is lukewarm for most. Voters 50+ are split on President Trump, whose favorability is only above water in red states and barely. 2) Cable is where it s at, but plenty are reading online regularly too. Two-thirds of voters 50+ watch cable news a few times a week.. Voters 50+ are just slightly more likely to read political news in print (51% do a few times a week) as they are to read political news online (45%) year-olds are more likely to rely on online news (54%) and radio (47%), while voters 65+ are bigger consumers of news via cable television (70%) and news in print (53%). 3) The economic upswing hasn t hit them yet Although voters 50+ see the national economy on the rise, this isn t translating directly to their own pocketbooks. The overwhelming majority find their personal economic situation stagnant. This is more true for seniors 65+ on a fixed income, but still the case for the vast majority of near-retirees as well. Women 50+ are significantly more pessimistic about the economy and their own financial situation than men ) Especially with health care costs and rising cost of living keeping them up at night. It s not always their own health care either: One-third of voters 50+ often worry about having to take care of an aging family member. Voters are particularly focused on health care costs, and want their state leaders to be as well. 5

6 8 Key Storylines About Voters 50+ In Target States, Cont. 5) Voters 50+ don t trust their leaders on issues affecting older Americans and strongly oppose the overhauls on the table. Fewer than half of voters 50+ trust Trump on issues affecting older Americans, and barely more than half trust their Senator. AARP is a more trusted advocate for older Americans, though intensity of that trust is low in today s cynical age. It s not surprising then that voters 50+ are more scared of what Congress will do on the programs that matter to them Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid than of inaction entirely. They also oppose block grants and premium support in vast majorities. 6) If leaders want voters 50+ to see them as allies and advocates for older Americans, they d be wise to take up prescription drug reform Voters 50+, across states and across parties, are deeply unhappy with prescription drug pricing. They re ready for action, and support a wide variety of reforms to crack down on price-gouging and other practices that drive up costs. 7) And take aggressive stances on opioid abuse. In all states tested, support for increased funding was high and intense and voters would look very favorably on a Senator who took that issue on in their state. But very few think their Senator is currently doing a good job. 8) In these especially divided times, voters 50+ crave bipartisanship. From citing America s division as a top fear, to supporting bipartisan legislation on health care, voters are looking for leaders willing to work in the middle. 6

7 Local And National TV News Dominate Sources Of Information; Family, Friends More Important For Voters 50+ Than Social Media Which do you rely for news/info on political issues and government? Which do you do at least a few times a week? Cable television news Local television news Newspapers and magazines Radio Your family and friends Much higher in DE, FL, VA Much higher in AK Watch political news on cable television channels Watch political news on local television channels Read political news in print Read political news online The organizations you belong to 23 Listen to political news on the radio 42 Facebook 21 Log on to Facebook 34 Twitter 5 Read Twitter 6 Q42: Which of the following sources do you rely on to obtain news and information about political issues and government? Please tell me all that apply. Multiple responses accepted. Q43: Which of the following do you do at least a few times a week? Please tell me all that apply. Multiple responses accepted. 7

8 Mindset of Voters 50+

9 Outside Of Colorado And Florida, Perception Of US Economy Is Stronger Than State Economy Is State/US economy getting stronger or weaker? State Economy Stronger Same/Don't know Weaker U.S. Economy ALL ALL Colorado Colorado Florida Florida Tennessee Tennessee Virginia Virginia Ohio Ohio Delaware Delaware Iowa Iowa Alaska Alaska Q15: In general, would you say STATE economy is...? Q16: In general, would you say the U.S. economy is...? 9

10 Across Most States, Women, Lower Incomes And Those Without Degrees Are Less Optimistic Is State economy getting stronger or weaker? Stronger Same/Don't know Weaker ALL Dem Ind Rep Men Women <$50k $50k+ <Coll Coll+ Q15: In general, would you say STATE economy is...? 10

11 Despite Perceptions Of U.S. Economy s Strength, Only A Fraction In Each State Feels Like They re Getting Ahead Financially Which describes you personal financial situation today? Getting ahead Staying where you are Struggling to keep up Falling backward ALL Virginia Alaska Colorado Delaware Iowa Tennessee Florida Ohio Q17: Which of the following comes closest to describing your personal financial situation today? 11

12 Economic And Health Care Issues Top Concerns Within Their State Specifically, Though Opioid Crisis Is Top-Of-Mind For Many In Delaware, Ohio, And Tennessee What is the single most important issue facing State today? (open end question, showing top answers across states) ALL AK CO DE IA FL OH TN VA Economy/jobs 19% 33% 7% 20% 22% 17% 20% 16% 20% Health care/costs 17% 13% 20% 11% 30% 13% 18% 16% 13% Drugs/heroin epidemic 12% 7% 8% 18% 3% 7% 30% 17% 7% Taxes/tax bill 8% 6% 8% 6% 11% 6% 7% 10% 9% Budget/finances 6% 21% 2% 9% 4% 1% 3% 3% 1% Social security/medicare 5% 3% 3% 4% 7% 5% 7% 5% 5% Education 5% 2% 4% 5% 5% 6% 2% 9% 5% Q13: In your opinion, what is the single most important issue facing STATE today? Open end question 12

13 Unaided, Health Care A Top Fear Affecting 50+ And Their Families Across All States; Social Security And Medicare Second In Most What is the biggest fear you have facing you and your family today? (open end question, showing top answers across states) ALL AK CO DE IA FL OH TN VA Health care 17% 15% 19% 18% 20% 13% 18% 16% 13% Social Security/Medicare not being available 10% 8% 8% 11% 11% 11% 10% 14% 10% Economy/jobs not available 9% 13% 7% 7% 7% 9% 12% 8% 6% Donald Trump being president 9% 10% 7% 11% 10% 8% 8% 6% 14% Financial hardship 8% 4% 8% 12% 7% 11% 9% 7% 7% 13% combined: War + North Korea Terrorism/war 7% 6% 5% 6% 8% 6% 6% 6% 10% Taxes/tax bill 6% 9% 6% 4% 6% 6% 4% 6% 7% Nuclear war/north Korea 6% 7% 6% 7% 5% 4% 5% 6% 8% Q14: Please briefly describe the biggest fear you have facing you and your family today. Open end question 13

14 Division Is The Top Concern For Voters 50-64, Though Rising Prices Are Not Far Behind; Nearly Half Also Often Worry About Affording Health Care How often do you worry about? (% often, among year olds) % Often ALL AK CO DE IA FL OH TN VA How divided America and Americans have become Prices rising faster than your income Not being able to afford health care you need The threat of terrorism in our country today Not being able to retire when you want to, for financial reasons Having to take care of an aging parent or family member Q22-Q27: Do you worry about this very often, somewhat often, from time to time, or almost never? 14

15 Health Care, Retirement, And Caregiving Are All Lower Concerns For 65+, While Rising Prices And Division Remain Troubling To This Group As Well How often do you worry about? (% often, among 65+ year olds) % Often ALL AK CO DE IA FL OH TN VA How divided America and Americans have become The threat of terrorism in our country today Prices rising faster than your income Not being able to afford health care you need Having to take care of an aging parent or family member Not being able to retire when you want to, for financial reasons Q22-Q27: Do you worry about this very often, somewhat often, from time to time, or almost never? 15

16 These Concerns Leave Fewer Than 1-In-4 Very Secure In Their Retirement Future How confident are you that you will have enough money to live comfortably through your retirement? Very confident Somewhat confident Not very + Not at all confident ALL Alaska Virginia Colorado Iowa Delaware Florida Tennessee Ohio Q18: Overall how confident are you that you will have enough money to live comfortably throughout your retirement years? 16

17 Women, Non-White, Lower Income, And Near-Retirees Are Lowest In Confidence How confident are you that you will have enough money to live comfortably through your retirement? Very confident Somewhat confident Not very + Not at all confident ALL Dem Ind Rep Men Women White Non-white <$40k $40-75k $75k+ Q18: Overall how confident are you that you will have enough money to live comfortably throughout your retirement years? 17

18 Senior Issues

19 SOCIAL SECURITY MEDICARE MEDICAID HEALTH CARE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS With Such Little Trust In Senators And Trump, Voters 50+ More Afraid Of What Congress Will Do Rather Than Won t Do With SS Which concerns you more? Congress won't make changes to Social Security and the program will go bankrupt Congress will make changes to Social Security that will harm seniors ALL Tennessee Florida Virginia Delaware Ohio Colorado Iowa Alaska Q30: When it comes to the future of Social Security, which of the following concerns you more? 19

20 SOCIAL SECURITY MEDICARE MEDICAID HEALTH CARE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS...And The Same Holds True For Medicare Which concerns you more? Congress won't make any changes to Medicare and future retirees and our kids will pay the price Congress will make changes to Medicare that would hurt seniors and near-retirees ALL Colorado Florida Tennessee Delaware Ohio Virginia Iowa Alaska Q31: Which of the following worries you more? 20

21 SOCIAL SECURITY MEDICARE MEDICAID HEALTH CARE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Consequently, Reforms Like Including Coverage Of Dental Services Sees Overwhelming Support Do you support or oppose this proposal? Expanding Medicare to pay for dental care services Strong support Somewhat support Total support ALL Ohio Tennessee Delaware Iowa Florida Virginia Colorado Alaska QAK6,QDE5,QIA6,QCO6,QFL5,QOH5,QTN6,QVA6: Do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose or strongly oppose this proposal? 21

22 SOCIAL SECURITY MEDICARE MEDICAID HEALTH CARE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS But Overhauls Like Conversion To Premium Support Are Non-Starters Do you support or oppose this proposal, which is sometimes called premium support? There is a proposal in Congress to restructure Medicare. The proposal says that for future seniors, Medicare would no longer pay for health care services directly but instead would provide each senior with a set amount of money to help purchase an insurance plan in the private marketplace. Total support Total oppose ALL Colorado Alaska Florida Iowa Virginia Ohio Delaware Tennessee Q32: Do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose or strongly oppose this proposal, which is sometimes called 'premium support? 22

23 SOCIAL SECURITY MEDICARE MEDICAID HEALTH CARE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Medicaid Has High But Soft Favorability Among Older Voters, Especially In Ohio Where Expansion Has Been Topic Of Debate Favorability toward Medicaid program Very favorable Somewhat favorable Total favorable ALL Ohio Delaware Colorado Virginia Alaska Iowa Tennessee Florida Q33: Thinking about the Medicaid program generally, would you say you have a very favorable view of Medicaid, somewhat favorable, somewhat unfavorable, or very unfavorable view of Medicaid? 23

24 SOCIAL SECURITY MEDICARE MEDICAID HEALTH CARE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS As Such, Strong Majority Of Voters Prefer Current Approach To Block Grants And State Control Which approach to Medicaid would you prefer? Change Medicaid so the federal government gives each state a set amount of money, known as a 'block grant', and the state decides how much state funding to give the program, who gets coverage and what services are covered The current approach where states determine who qualifies for Medicaid and what services are covered within federal guidelines, and the states and federal government split the costs ALL Colorado Delaware Ohio Virginia Alaska Iowa Florida Tennessee Q34: Which approach to Medicaid would you prefer? 24

25 SOCIAL SECURITY MEDICARE MEDICAID HEALTH CARE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Across All States, Voters Lean Towards Supporting Bipartisan Solution On Health Care But Significant Number Remain Wary Based on what you know today, do you support or oppose the bipartisan health care agreement made by Senators Alexander and Murray that provides government funding to lower premiums for middle class Americans? Support Don't know Oppose ALL Dem Ind Rep Tennessee Delaware Florida Virginia Ohio Iowa Colorado Alaska Q29: Based on what you know today, do you support or oppose the bipartisan health care agreement made by Senators Alexander and Murray that provides government funding to lower premiums for middle class Americans? 25

26 SOCIAL SECURITY MEDICARE MEDICAID HEALTH CARE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Voters Overwhelmingly Blame Greedy Drug & Health Insurance Companies As Culprits For Rising Health Care Costs What do you think is most responsible for rising health care costs in this country? ALL Dem Ind Rep Drug companies charging too much for medications and treatment Health care insurance companies being too focused on profits and not people's health Doctors, hospitals and other providers ordering unnecessary treatments and over-testing The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare Overall responses remarkably similar between states Medical malpractice lawsuits An aging U.S. population Q28: What do you think is most responsible for rising health care costs in this country? You may select up to two things. 26

27 SOCIAL SECURITY MEDICARE MEDICAID HEALTH CARE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Strong Call For Action On Opioids And Few See Their Senators Heeding The Call Do you support or oppose providing additional services and addiction treatment for those who suffer from opioid addiction? Iowa Delaware Virginia Tennessee Florida Colorado Alaska Ohio Support Don't know Oppose QAK7,QDE6,QIA7,QCO7,QFL4,QOH4,QTN4,QVA4: Do you support or oppose providing additional services and addiction treatment for those who suffer from opioid addiction? Q7. How good a job is Senator doing fighting the opioid crisis? 27

28 SOCIAL SECURITY MEDICARE MEDICAID HEALTH CARE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS By 2:1 Or More Across The States, Voters Think Monopoly Not Free Market Determines Drug Prices Which comes closest to your opinion? Prices for prescription drugs are the result of a pharmaceutical corporation monopoly that controls the prices Prices for prescription drugs are determined on a free, open market that is subject to the laws of supply and demand ALL Dem Ind Rep Alaska Colorado Iowa Florida Delaware Ohio Tennessee Virginia Q41: Which of the following comes closest to your own opinion? 28

29 SOCIAL SECURITY MEDICARE MEDICAID HEALTH CARE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS This Leaves A Myriad Of Reforms Popular; Policies Aimed At Letting Medicare Negotiate, Speeding Up Availability Of Generic, & Transparency In Particular Are Most Popular Do you support or oppose this proposal? (% strongly support) % strongly support ALL AK CO DE IA FL OH TN VA Allow Medicare to negotiate with drug companies for lower prices Allow lower cost generic drugs to come to the prescription drug market faster Ensure transparency in drug pricing Close loopholes that allow pharmaceutical companies to keep prices high Close loopholes that allow drug companies to prevent consumers from accessing lower priced generic drugs Limit the profits that drug companies can make on medications Q35-Q40: Do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose this proposal? 29

30 SOCIAL SECURITY MEDICARE MEDICAID HEALTH CARE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS And Support Holds Strong Across Parties Do you support or oppose this proposal? (% strongly support) % strongly support Dem Ind Rep Allow Medicare to negotiate with drug companies for lower prices Allow lower cost generic drugs to come to the prescription drug market faster Ensure transparency in drug pricing Close loopholes that allow pharmaceutical companies to keep prices high Close loopholes that allow drug companies to prevent consumers from accessing lower priced generic drugs Limit the profits that drug companies can make on medications Q35-Q40: Do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose this proposal? 30