Hoosiers. Have Their Say about Medicare and Social Security

Transcription

1 Hoosiers Have Their Say about Medicare and Social Security

2 Hoosiers 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, Hoosiers Have Their Say about Medicare and Social Security, features comments from residents of Indiana 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 Hoosiers 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 by state and, for the first questionnaire, by congressional district. Responses to questionnaires 2 & 3 are still coming in, and congressional district results will be available before the end of the year. Hoosiers have earned their say about Medicare and Social Security. This is what they have told us. Hoosiers 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. 20% C. 26% A. 28% B. 26% A. 28% B. 26% C. 26% D. 20% 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. 17% C. 32% A. 26% B. 25% A. 26% B. 25% C. 32% D. 17% 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. 40% A. 28% B. 32% A. 28% B. 32% C. 40% 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. 13% C. 40% A. 35% B. 13% A. 35% B. 13% C. 40% D. 13% 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. 4% B. 51% A. 44% A. 44% B. 51% C. 4% Hoosiers 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. 21% C. 36% A. 30% B. 14% A. 30% B. 14% C. 36% D. 21% 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. 16% E. 26% D. 14% A. 2% B. 16% C. 26% A. B. C. D. E. F. 2% 16% 26% 14% 26% 16% 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. 59% A. 32% B. 9% A. 32% B. 9% C. 59% 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. 10% B. 55% A. 36% A. 36% B. 55% C. 10% 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. 48% A. 52% A. B. 52% 48% Hoosiers 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. 14% C. 47% A. 21% B. 18% A. 21% B. 18% C. 47% D. 14% 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. 2% F. 12% D. 39% A. 16% B. 17% C. 14% A. 16% B. 17% C. 14% D. 39% E. 2% F. 12% 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. 22% A. 78% A. 78% B. 22% 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. 2% B. 63% A. 35% A. 35% B. 63% C. 2% 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. 39% A. 22% B. 7% D. 31% A. 22% B. 7% C. 0% D. 31% E. 39% Hoosiers Have Their Say about Medicare and Social Security 5

6 Questionnaire 1 Q1. 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 Q2. 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 Q3. Do you expect to get more back from Medicare and Social Security than you have contributed, less, or about the same? State/ Congressional District Number of Any Respondents A B C D A B C D A B C IN 11,427 28% 26% 26% 20% 26% 25% 32% 17% 28% 32% 40% 1 1,580 30% 24% 26% 20% 28% 22% 31% 19% 29% 29% 42% 2 1,468 26% 29% 25% 20% 24% 28% 32% 17% 29% 30% 41% 3 1,300 25% 28% 28% 19% 23% 28% 33% 16% 26% 32% 42% 4 1,201 28% 26% 25% 20% 25% 24% 33% 18% 27% 37% 36% 5 1,251 27% 25% 28% 19% 26% 24% 34% 16% 27% 35% 37% 6 1,222 30% 24% 26% 20% 29% 24% 31% 16% 29% 31% 40% % 24% 25% 24% 24% 24% 35% 17% 28% 35% 37% 8 1,255 29% 24% 28% 19% 26% 25% 33% 16% 29% 30% 41% 9 1,281 26% 26% 25% 22% 23% 25% 34% 18% 30% 33% 37% A. More B. Less C. Same Questionnaire 1 continued Q4. When it comes to 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 Q5. 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 State/ Congressional District Number of Any Respondents A B C D A B C IN 11,427 35% 13% 40% 13% 44% 51% 4% 1 1,580 35% 11% 40% 13% 49% 47% 4% 2 1,468 35% 13% 40% 12% 41% 55% 5% 3 1,300 35% 12% 40% 13% 41% 54% 4% 4 1,201 34% 13% 40% 13% 42% 53% 5% 5 1,251 34% 14% 40% 12% 45% 51% 4% 6 1,222 38% 13% 38% 11% 45% 51% 4% % 15% 42% 10% 48% 46% 5% 8 1,255 35% 14% 37% 14% 44% 51% 4% 9 1,281 35% 12% 41% 13% 45% 51% 4% Hoosiers Have Their Say about Medicare and Social Security 6

7 What People Are Saying With the growing retirement population, we HAVE to get Medicare and Social Security back on track, and into the hands of those who have paid into it in good faith. Stephen, Indianapolis If the elected officials had to partake of the same Social Security program that the common working person has, they would fix the problem quickly. Dennis, Advance There are a lot of people counting on these benefits in their retirement, including my wife and me. Scott, Mishawaka It is an insurance program that benefits those of us who have spent 45 years planning on it. Carolyn, Anderson Yes, minor changes should be made over time, so that we, and those who come after us, know what to expect without fear of our future. Everyone will age to a point where he or she cannot work. Lora, Richmond Healthcare is fundamental to our civil society; Social Security represents a longstanding collective commitment to citizens that we need to extend, even if it requires more funding or changes in eligibility rules and benefits. Elizabeth, Indianapolis Medicare and Social Security have too many ways for people to gain benefits. Too many people are on disability, who could be employed in a career that accommodates their disability. Kemal, Fort Wayne People are living longer, and I hope to be one of these people. I want to know that I will be able to obtain benefits from something that I have been paying into since I was 16 years old. Lesley, Kokomo Many of us will depend on Medicare and Social Security for much of our retirement income. It is NOT an entitlement; we have paid all of our lives! Nancy, Delphi They do need to be strengthened and need more funding. Increase the cap on Social Security to $150,000 or more, if needed. We do NOT need a voucher system in Medicare! John, Sullivan My parents lived through the Depression. It was the darkest time in American history. Medicare and Social Security were established to help the working middle class never suffer like that again. After all, we paid for it; it was not given to us. Willard, Crown Point Yes, this country needs a support system for aging citizens. I believe that should be Social Security and Medicare. All citizens should be a part of these systems, including ALL elected officials and government officials. Dennis, Crawfordsville Medicare will not be there for my grandchildren, if there are not some drastic changes. When people behind bars who have committed murder have better healthcare than our senior citizens, there is something wrong with the whole government. Earl, Terre Haute There are a lot of people who depend on Medicare and Social Security each month. In some cases, this is the only money coming into the home. These people will suffer greatly if the benefits are reduced. Some are doing without meds and food now. Linda, Frankfort Without Medicare and Social Security benefits, I will be homeless or a drain on my children. Donna, Boonville Hoosiers Have Their Say about Medicare and Social Security 7

8 What People Are Saying, continued It s sad that a country that is considered a world leader cannot provide for its citizens as they age. Our legislators should not provide so much better for themselves than for their constituents. Kathleen, Indianapolis Health care and financial security are basic human rights. Furthermore, these are specific promises made to a generation who supported those who came before them. Rod, Georgetown People have lived knowing that they are there to help in the senior years. Changes to the benefits will be hard to swallow. Gradual changes need great planning, but not by politicians. Larry, Indianapolis Yes. These programs are critical to the happiness and health of seniors. Only the very wealthy can make do without them. Costs of medical care are such that the average person becomes insolvent without these programs when he becomes ill. Thomas, Carmel Politicians are the problem with Social Security now. If Congress would make a few hard choices, they would be viable for the future. Social Security and Medicare fill important gaps in people s pension income at retirement. Frederick, Mount Vernon Strengthen, YES but this means changing the income and outgo schedules. Holding on to these programs, as we know them, will WEAKEN them. James, Granger I want it to be there for my children s children s children. Edward, South Bend These benefits have been earned by working people. Most of the elderly would not have a roof over their head or food on the table without these benefits. We need national medical coverage, too. Not just Medicare. Cindy, Bedford Yes, because the people who have paid into it deserve at least some of it back. Congress needs to start looking at it as a business and trim costs and strengthen laws to cut fraud. Patty, Crawfordsville The future of Medicare and Social Security must be strengthened by limiting benefits or reducing health care costs. We must balance. I would take less to ensure the future. Edmund, Colfax Yes to maintain a safety net for citizens who need help: the elderly, the disabled, survivors of deceased breadwinners, the uninsured faced with medical catastrophes, etc. Elizabeth, Mishawaka I ve paid into Social Security my entire life. It would be nice for it to exist when I need it. I don t have any confidence that it will be there by that time. I m almost 53, so it won t be long. Peggy, Anderson So far Medicare has taken good care of me, but there are some issues as to why some areas are not covered. I don t receive enough disability income to support me if I lived alone. I believe Social Security income should be gauged by cost of living. Maria, Elkhart If it wasn t for Social Security, I would have to live with one of my children and could not make it on only the $520 a month I get from my husband s pension. Social Security keeps me independent! Sharon, Schererville Hoosiers Have Their Say about Medicare and Social Security 8

9 What People Are Saying, continued I feel that Medicare and Social Security are not banks that the government has the right to borrow from leave them alone. They are there for retirees, the elderly and poor. Celeste, Munster Yes, we should strengthen Medicare and Social Security. When initiated, the principles were established so that no Americans would have to work until the day they die. Strengthening these entitlements will fulfill the purposes. Janna, Sullivan Social Security and Medicare need to be phased out over the next 50 years. A consumption tax could be used to fund the system during the transition. People need to take more responsibility for their individual retirement plans. Michael, Greenfield The country s retirees depend on Medicare and Social Security, so, by strengthening Medicare and Social Security, we build a stronger country. Matthew, Cloverdale It is definitely important to strengthen these issues, but until there is a system that enables our politicians to all get along and work together, it will never happen. Kevin, Huntingburg I think it s ridiculous for the most prosperous nation in human history to even have these discussions. Health care for all and security for the elderly and infirm. No exceptions no excuses. Maurice, Marion We are only as strong as our weakest link. Valerie, Wabash Most people are not able to save for retirement. They are living paycheck to paycheck. A society is judged by the way it cares for the elderly, the poor and the children. Honie, Indianapolis These are self-funding programs. I have paid into the programs for over 30 years. If the programs need to be fixed, fix them don t eliminate them. David, Fishers The poor condition of both programs, Medicare and Social Security, affect my children and grandchildren, and they should not be required to pay for our mistakes. David, Indianapolis Yes, because so many are dependent on it. However, we need to get people to put away money for themselves and depend on it less or not at all. Robin, Morristown I have worked and struggled as a single mother through most of my career. As a result, I have not been fortunate enough to save for my retirement. I would not be able to survive and keep my home without Social Security and Medicare. Donna, Jeffersonville We have people retiring who are not going to be able to set aside more money, since their earning years are behind them. It s a little late to change the rules for those about to retire. Crystal, Cedar Lake Yes. Those of us receiving the benefits depend on them. Younger people will have to be encouraged to start saving much earlier. We grew up knowing that our benefits would be there for us. Mary, Indianapolis The future of the USA and the senior citizens depends on how we handle Medicare and Social Security. Susan, Indianapolis Many people depend on Medicare and Social Security as their sole means of income. I believe we need to strengthen Medicare and Social Security for this generation and the ones to come. Bonnie, Hope Hoosiers Have Their Say about Medicare and Social Security 9

10 What People Are Saying, continued Yes, it is important. Both are needed in today s world, where neighbors are no longer motivated to help neighbors in times of need, AND many health care services are denied to those who are uninsured. Carol, Indianapolis Paid in all my life; just want what was promised. Owen, Wheatland Privatize it more, reduce the costs to operate the system, allow for some choice in investment, and treat more like a retirement fund. Tony, Indianapolis I think we need a major overhaul of both. Our country has overspent for far too long. We need to eliminate unnecessary pet projects. Julie, Claypool The simple answer is that Medicare and Social Security are earned. If it requires adjustment, then phase it in with those not yet working and paying into it. Marina, Seymour Hoosiers Have Their Say about Medicare and Social Security 10

11 earnedasay.org Why Social Security and Medicare Are Vital to Indiana 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 Indiana Indiana s seniors count on Social Security benefits earned through a lifetime of work A total of 96 percent, or 820,232 of older (65+) Indiana residents, received Social Security in The average annual benefit was only $14,700. Social Security accounted for 67 percent of the typical older Hoosier s income. Low- and middle-income seniors in Indiana are even more reliant on Social Security s earned benefit, typically receiving 79 percent of their individual income from Social Security. Social Security keeps middle-income older Hoosiers from falling into poverty About 9 percent, or 78,162, older Hoosiers were in poverty. Without Social Security income, an additional 40 percent of older Hoosiers, or 339,146 people, would fall into poverty. Social Security plays an important role in Indiana s economy Social Security provided $16.5 billion in benefits to all Hoosiers and $12.1 billion in benefits to Hoosiers 65 and older in MEDICARE IN Indiana Medicare provides guaranteed health coverage, but out-of-pocket costs are high On average, Indiana s Medicare beneficiaries spent an estimated $5,000 on out-of-pocket health care costs in In 2011, average Indiana seniors on Medicare spent an estimated 14 percent of their income on out-of-pocket health care costs. Medicare provides peace of mind for Indiana seniors Nearly 98 percent of older Indiana seniors, or 828,285, were enrolled in Medicare in In contrast, roughly 13 percent of Indiana s 50-to 64-year-olds were uninsured in Medicare plays an important role in Indiana s economy The Medicare program spent an estimated $8.37 billion on health care services for Indiana s seniors in Hoosiers Have Their Say about Medicare and Social Security 11