TheStateofHealthCare: ASurveyofNew York ResidentsAge50-64

TheStateofHealthCare: ASurveyofNew York ResidentsAge50-64 January2008

The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 Report Prepared by Joanne Binette and Kate Bridges Copyright 2008 AARP Knowledge Management 601 E Street NW Washington, DC 20049 http://www.aarp.org/research/ Reprinting with Permission

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice, and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. We produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our website, www.aarp.org. AARP Foundation is our affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. 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 New York State Office, State Affairs, and Knowledge Management contributed to the design and implementation of this study. Special thanks go to AARP staff including Bill Ferris, New York State Office; Ilene Henshaw, State Affairs; Rachelle Cummins, Darlene Matthews, Kate Bridges, Sam Gager, and Jennifer Leslie, Knowledge Management who assisted with survey design and report preparation. Thanks also go to Michael Schuster and Jamie Wyatt, Office of General Counsel, for their review of the report. John Woelfel of Woelfel Research insured a timely and high quality survey. Joanne Binette, AARP Knowledge Management, managed all aspects of the project and co-wrote the report with Kate Bridges. For more information, contact Joanne Binette at 202.434.6303.

New Yorkers Age 50-64 Want Access to Quality, Affordable, and Adequate Health Care Coverage In 2006, 53 million Americans were age 50-64 and 7 million of these individuals or 13 percent in this age group were uninsured for the entire year. 1 The number of Americans age 50-64 is projected to rise to 58 million in 2010 and 63 million in 2015, which will make this age group 20 percent of the total U. S. population. 2 Uninsured rates among the 50-64 population in New York mirror the national rates. In 2006, 3.3 million New York residents were age 50-64 and 415,000 of these residents or 12 percent in this age group were without health insurance coverage for the entire year. 3 The 50-64 year old population is at greater risk for being uninsured or underinsured than their younger or older counterparts for a myriad of reasons. Individuals age 50-64 are not yet eligible for Medicare and typically do not qualify for retiree health benefits. This population can also be at an increased risk for changes in their personal health status, such as the onset of chronic health conditions or disabilities and therefore may need more medical care. In addition, people in this age group are sometimes the victims of organizational downsizing which often results in the loss of employer-based health care coverage. Seeking affordable health care coverage outside of the traditional employer-based insurance is often difficult for this age group given that many insurers charge higher rates for older people and those with a declining health status. AARP s New York State Office, in response to the issue of many adults age 50-64 not having adequate health care coverage, commissioned a telephone survey to explore the opinions of New York residents age 50-64 on the current state of health care in New York. The survey specifically gauged respondents concerns about the costs of health care including prescription drugs, maintaining health care coverage, and their support for ensuring access to quality, affordable, and adequate health care coverage for all New Yorkers. This survey of 802 New York residents age 50-64 was conducted in October 2007 and had a sampling error of plus or minus 3.5 percent. Survey findings include: New Yorkers age 50-64 are concerned about maintaining their current health care coverage and the cost of care. About four in ten respondents are extremely or very concerned about keeping their current coverage. Fully one-quarter of respondents says it is extremely or very difficult to pay their out-of-pocket medical expenses. In addition, the top five primary health concerns of respondents are related to the cost of care. 1 AARP Public Policy Institute analysis based on the Bureau of the Census, March 2007 Current Population Survey released in September 2007. 2 Gerry Smolka, Leigh Purvis, Carlos Figueiredo. Health Coverage Among 50-64 Year Olds. AARP Public Policy Institute. Washington, DC. 2007. 3 AARP Public Policy Institute analysis based on the Bureau of the Census, March 2007 Current Population Survey released in September 2007. The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 i

Four in ten New York residents age 50-64 are concerned about affording prescription drugs over the next two years. Many New Yorkers age 50-64 have taken serious steps to be able to afford their prescriptions. One in five have not filled or delayed filling a needed prescription and one in six have taken less medicine than prescribed. Over seven in ten New York residents age 50-64 strongly agree that the Governor and state legislators should work to ensure access to quality, affordable, and adequate health care coverage. Importantly, 67 percent say that they would be more likely to vote for a candidate for state office who supported such a measure. Eight in ten respondents say that they always vote or vote most of the time. New York policymakers should carefully consider the findings in this study, as New York residents age 50-64 are currently facing challenges in obtaining adequate health care coverage that they can afford. New York residents polled overwhelming agree that state policymakers should work to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to quality, affordable, and adequate health care coverage. With the potential for so many New York residents age 50-64 to be uninsured or underinsured, policymakers and state officials need to fully examine the feasibility of any proposed statewide systems that will provide all New Yorkers with access to quality, affordable health care coverage. The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 ii

Table of Contents Detailed Findings...1 Health Care Coverage...1 Prescription Drug Affordability...2 Health Care Concerns...4 Legislative Action...5 State Health Resources...7 Health Care Coverage Profile...8 Respondent Demographics...9 Methodology...10 Appendix: Annotated Questionnaire...11 The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 iii

Detailed Findings Health Care Coverage Over four in ten New York residents age 50-64 with health care coverage are extremely or very concerned about being able to maintain their current level of coverage. Another one in five indicates that they are somewhat concerned about it. Concern About Maintaining Current Health Care Coverage** (n = 748)* Extremely concerned 24 Very concerned 20 Not sure/ refused <.5 Somewhat concerned 19 Not at all concerned 20 *Respondents who say they currently have health care coverage. **Percentage may not sum to 100 due to rounding effects. Not very concerned 16 More than three-quarters (77) of all New York residents polled, regardless of health insurance coverage status, report paying up to $500 each month in out-of-pocket medical expenses, including insurance premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. Moreover, one-quarter of these respondents finds it extremely (12) or very difficult (13) to pay these out-of-pocket expenses on a monthly basis; and another quarter finds it somewhat difficult (26). New York residents polled who currently have health care coverage but were without coverage at some point during the past two years (n=87) and those who report they do not currently have health care coverage (n=53) were asked why they did not have coverage in the past or do not have coverage in the present. About one-quarter (24) indicates they could not or cannot afford to purchase a health care insurance policy. About one in ten says they were or are unemployed (11) or lost their job and health benefits (8). 4 One in six (16) of all New York residents polled reports that there was a time during the past two years when they needed to see a doctor but did not. 4 Caution must be used in interpreting these results due to the small sample size of these groups. The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 1

Prescription Drug Affordability New York residents participating in this survey were also asked about their concerns about and their experiences with prescription drug affordability, particularly actions they have taken to help them afford their prescriptions. About four in ten New York residents polled are extremely or very concerned about affording prescription drugs over the next two years and another quarter is somewhat concerned. Concern About Being Able to Afford Prescription Drugs Over the Next Two Years (N = 802) Extremely concerned 19 Very concerned 18 Not sure/refused 1 Not at all concerned 19 Not very concerned 19 Somewhat concerned 24 Many New York residents polled have taken serious steps to be able to afford their prescription drugs. Almost two in five have not filled or delayed filling a prescription. One in seven have cut back on necessities in order to afford their prescription drugs and one in six have taken less medicine than prescribed to make it last longer. Actions to Reduce Out-of-Pocket Prescription Drug Costs (N = 802) Not filled/delayed filling a prescription 19 Taken less medicine than prescribed 16 Cut back on food, fuel, or electricity 14 0 20 40 60 80 100 The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 2

Most New York residents surveyed receive some form of help paying for their prescription drugs. In fact, about seven in ten of New York residents polled rely on at least one source for prescription drug assistance. Eight in ten have coverage through their own or their spouse s current or former employer. One in six cites other sources such as a prescription drug discount card. One in ten says they have no coverage and pay the full retail price for their prescriptions. How New York Residents Age 50-64 Pay for Prescription Drugs (N = 802)* Insurance through own or spouse's current employer Insurance through own or spouse's former employer Other 16 25 56 Full retail price, no coverage Coverage through federally sponsored program like Medicare Part D Coverage through state sponsored program like Medicaid 6 6 11 0 20 40 60 80 100 *Percentage will not sum to 100 because respondents were allowed to choose multiple answers. The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 3

Health Care Concerns New York residents polled are concerned primarily with increasing cost of health care, followed by access and quality issues. When asked what worries them (with regard to health care), nearly half claim to be extremely or very worried about having to pay more for their current health care, an increase in their health insurance premiums they pay, and paying more for their family s health care. Notably, one-third reports that they are worried about not being able to change jobs or retire due to their need to maintain health insurance coverage. Primary Health Care Concerns (N = 802) Having to pay more for your health care 48 29 23 An increase in premiums you pay 45 29 25 Having to pay more for your family's health care 44 29 25 Having an major medical problem you cannot afford 42 25 33 Not being able to afford health care services 39 26 34 Current or previous employer increasing cost of insurance 36 28 34 Not being able to afford Rx drugs 34 22 44 Having access to needed health care 33 23 44 Not being able to change jobs or retire 33 14 48 Your spouse not being able to change jobs or retire 32 22 43 Spouse's current or previous employer increasing cost of insurance 32 36 30 Quality of health care services 30 22 48 Spouse's current or previous employer dropping insurance 23 17 59 Current or previous employer dropping insurance 23 19 56 0 20 40 60 80 100 Extremely/Very worried Somewhat worried Not very/not at all worried *Percentage may not sum to 100 due to the accounting of not sure and no answer responses. The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 4

Legislative Action Over seven in ten strongly agree that the New York State Governor and State Legislators should work to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to quality, affordable and adequate health care coverage. Should the Governor and State Legislators Work to Ensure that All New Yorkers Have Access to Quality, Affordable, and Adequate Health Care Coverage? (N = 802) Strongly agree 72 Somewhat agree 15 Neither agree nor disagree 5 Not sure/ refused 2 Strongly/ somewhat disagree 6 New York residents polled who self-identify as Democrats are more likely than those who self-identify as Republicans or Independents to strongly agree that the Governor and State Legislators should work to ensure that all state residents have quality, affordable health care coverage (Democrat: 85 vs. Independent: 68 and Republican: 57). Members with relatively lower annual incomes are more likely to strongly agree that the Governor and state legislators should work to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to quality, affordable and adequate health care coverage than do their higherincome counterparts. Specifically, 83 percent of respondents earning less than $35K annually strongly agree with this action, versus 71 percent of those earning $35K per year or more. The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 5

Over two-thirds of New York residents polled say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate for public office if he or she supports giving all New Yorkers access to quality, affordable and adequate health care coverage. Likelihood of Voting for a Public Office Candidate who Supports Giving All New Yorkers Access to Quality, Affordable and Adequate Health Care Coverage (N = 802) More likely 67 Would not make a difference 19 Less likely 7 Not sure/refused 7 New York residents polled who self-identify as Democrats are more likely than those who self-identify as Republicans or Independents to say they would vote for a state candidate who supports giving all New Yorkers access to quality, affordable and adequate health care coverage (Democrat: 83 vs. Independent: 66 and Republican: 47). The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 6

State Health Care Resources The New York State Department of Health web site has information comparing hospitals, nursing homes, and doctors. Less than one in ten New York residents polled says they have used the information on this web site to make health care decisions for themselves or their family members. Use of the New York State Web Site Comparing Hospitals, Doctors, and Nursing Homes (N = 802)* Yes 7 No 93 Not sure <.5 *Percentage may not sum to 100 due to rounding effects. The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 7

New York Residents Age 50-64: Current Health Care Coverage Profile It is important to note that seven percent of New York residents age 50-64 polled do not have any kind of health care coverage, including health insurance or government plans such as Medicare or Medicaid. Of the 93 percent who have health care coverage, most maintain such coverage through their own or their spouse s employer. Health Care Coverage for New York Residents Age 50-64 (n = 748) Current employer Spouse's employer 33 40 Previous employer Individual policy Medicare Spouse's previous employer Veterans/Military benefit Through some other way Through Medicaid or some other state program 18 14 12 7 7 5 5 0 20 40 60 80 100 The majority of New York residents polled believe they are in excellent (16), very good (34), or good (28) health. The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 8

Respondent Demographics (N = 802) Age 50-59 72 60-64 26 Gender Male Female 47 53 Income <$35K 19 $35K-<$75K 37 75K+ 30 Employment Retired 25 Employed 56 Not working 18 Education High school or less Some college 30 30 College grad+ 39 Marital Status Married 72 Not married 27 Political Affiliation Democrat 39 Republican Independent 23 22 Other 11 0 20 40 60 80 100 *Percentage may not sum to 100 due to rounding effects, as well as the accounting of not sure and no answer responses. The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 9

Methodology AARP commissioned Woelfel Research, Inc. to conduct a telephone survey of New York residents age 50 to 64 years old. The survey was conducted between October 10 and 20, 2007, and a total of 802 interviews were completed. 5 A sample of this size has a sampling error of plus or minus 3.5 percent. 6 The sample of 50-64 year old New York residents was drawn at random from a list of the New York adult population age 50-64 in New York. Accudata, Inc. provided the telephone sample according to WRI specifications. The sample was a listed sample of households containing telephone numbers with a high probability of having an occupant falling within the age of 50-64. The population of telephone numbers from which the sample was drawn is contained in public records. These records include credit card information, drivers license information, automobile registration information, county deed information, and other proprietary sources. Each record is double verified, at a minimum, in order to be on the file. Accudata estimates that the population of 50-64 on their file with phone numbers represents 75 percent of the population of aged 50-64 in New York State. Survey responses were weighted to reflect the actual distribution of age and gender for the population of residents age 50-64 in New York. Weighted responses to all survey questions are in the attached annotated questionnaire. Throughout the report, statistics representing responses are reported in percentage. Percentage may not add up to 100 due to rounding effects. 5 The response rate is 18 percent and the cooperation rate is 92 percent. The response rate is Response Rate 3 and the cooperation rate is Cooperation Rate 3 (AAPOR, 2007). 6 This means that in 95 out of 100 samples of this size, the results obtained in the sample would be within ± 3.5 percentage points of the results obtained had everyone in the 50-64 population in New York been interviewed. The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 10

APPENDIX ANNOTATED QUESTIONNAIRE The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 11

2007 NEW YORK HEALTH CARE SURVEY (Population: State Residents Age 50-64 years old) (Weighted N=802, sampling error = ±3.5) Hello, this is calling from Woelfel Research, Inc., a national opinion research firm. We are not telemarketers and are not trying to sell you anything. We would like to find out your opinions on some important issues concerning health care in New York. Your views are important and we would greatly appreciate your participation. All your responses will be kept entirely confidential. Screener QS1. Are you between the age of 18 and 49, 50 and 64 or are you 65 years of age or older? 1. 18-49 [ASK TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE AGE 50-64] 2. 50-64 3. 65 or Older [ASK TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE AGE 50-64] 4. UNDER 18 [ASK TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE AGE 50 5. REFUSED [ASK TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE AGE 50 QS2. And, are you a resident of New York? 1. Yes [CONTINUE] 2. No [THANK AND TERMINATE] 3. Refused [THANK AND TERMINATE] QS3. W hat is your current marital status? Are you.[read OPTIONS] Married 72 Not married, living with your partner or significant 3 other Separated 2 Divorced 10 Widowed 4 Or are you currently single and never Married 8 Not Sure - Refused [DO NOT READ] 1 The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 12

Main Questionnaire 1. Do you have any kind of health care coverage, including health insurance or government plans such as Medicare or Medicaid? Yes 93 No [SKIP TO Q4] 7 Not sure [SKIP TO Q4] [DO NOT READ] - Refused [SKIP TO Q4] [DO NOT READ] <1 2. [ASK IF Q1=YES] How are you covered? Are you covered.[multiple RESPONSE] [RANDOMIZE ORDER EXCLUDING DK AND REFUSED] [READ AND RECORD ANSWER FOR EACH] [INTERVIEWER NOTE: IF 65 OR OLDER, CONFIRM WHETHER THEY HAVE MEDICARE AND SOME OTHER COVERAGE SUCH AS AN INDIVIDUAL POLICY.] [INTERVIEWER NOTE: IF RESPONDENT GIVES NAME OF INSURER OR SPECIFIC COMPANY NAME, ASK WHETHER THEY PAY FOR THE POLICY ON THEIR OWN OR IF IT IS PAID FOR BY AN EMPLOYER /PREVIOUS EMPLOYER AND RECORD APPROPRIATELY] (n=748 Respondents who have health care coverage) Yes No Don t Know Not Covered Any Other Way Through current employer... 40 61 - - Through your spouse s employer (n=663 Respondents who have health care coverage and who are not widowed or not single)... 33 62 <1 5 On your own, through an individually purchased insurance policy... 14 78 <1 8 Through a previous employer [MAY BE RETIREMENT BENEFIT]... 18 78-4 Through a spouse s previous employer... 7 91 <1 2 Through Veterans or military benefits... 7 92 <1 1 Through Medicaid or other state paid plan such as Family Health Plus... 5 94 <1 1 Through Medicare... 12 88 <1 <1 Through some other way: [PLEASE SPECIFY: ]... 5 95 <1 - The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 13

3. How concerned are you that you won t be able to maintain your current health care coverage for yourself, your spouse, or your dependent children at a cost you can afford over the next five years? Are you.? (n=748 Respondents who have health care coverage) Extremely concerned 24 Very concerned 20 Somewhat concerned 19 Not very concerned 16 Not at all concerned 20 Not sure [DO NOT READ] <1 Refused [DO NOT READ] <1 4. How much do you currently pay in out-of-pocket medical expenses, including insurance premiums, prescription drugs, deductibles, and co-pays each month? [READ EACH ANSWER CATEGORY] Less than $50 per month 17 $50 but less than $100 per month 18 $100 but less than $200 per month 19 $200 but less than $500 per month 22 $500 but less than $1000 per month 8 $1000 or more per month 3 Nothing; do not currently pay any out-of-pocket medical expenses 5 Not sure [DO NOT READ] 6 Refused [DO NOT READ] 2 5. How difficult is it to pay for these monthly out-of-pocket medical expenses? Is it.? (n=766 Respondents who currently pay in out-of pocket medical expenses) Extremely difficult 12 Very difficult 13 Somewhat difficult 26 Not very difficult 22 Not at all difficult 26 Not sure [DO NOT READ] <1 Refused [DO NOT READ] <1 [SKIP RESPONDENTS WHO ANSWERED NO TO QUESTION 1 TO QUESTION 7] The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 14

6. During the past 2 years, was there a time that you, your spouse, or your dependent children did not have any health insurance or coverage? (n=748 Respondents who have health care coverage) Yes 12 No [SKIP TO Q8] 88 Not sure [SKIP TO Q8] [DO NOT READ] - Refused [SKIP TO Q8] [DO NOT READ] <1 7. What was the reason you, your spouse, or your dependent children were without health care coverage during that time? [IF RESPONDENTS ANSWER NO TO QUESTION 1 INTERVIEWER READS: What is the reason you, your spouse, or your dependent children are without health care coverage? ] [DO NOT READ LIST. CODE APPROPRIATE RESPONSE ACCORDING TO WHETHER OR NOT RESPONDENT IS CURRENTLY UNINSURED OR WAS UNINSURED. ACCEPT ONLY ONE ANSWER.] (n=140 Respondents who do not have health care coverage and all those who say there was a time during the past 2 years when they were without health care coverage) I lost my job and health benefits... 8 I am/was unemployed... 11 I am/was self-employed and cannot/could not afford health insurance... 4 Health benefits are/were not offered through my employer... 3 Health benefits are/were offered through my employer but I cannot/could not afford the premiums... 2 I cannot/could not afford to purchase health insurance... 24 No health insurance is/was available because of a pre-existing medical condition... - It is/was less expensive to pay for medical care out of pocket than through insurance... - I can/could get free medical care at the hospital... 1 Other [Specify: ]... 43 Not sure [DO NOT READ]... 4 Refused [DO NOT READ]... 3 The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 15

8. Was there a time in the past 2 years when you, your spouse, or your dependent children needed to see a doctor but did not? Yes 16 No 83 Not sure [DO NOT READ] 1 Refused [DO NOT READ] <1 9. How do you pay for prescription drugs for yourself, your spouse, or your dependent children? Do you/does your/do you pay through a.? Yes No Don t Know Refused Pay full retail price... 11 87 1 <1 Your employer or your spouse s employer pay all or part of the cost... 56 44 <1 - Your former employer or your spouse s employer pay all or part of the cost... 25 74 1 <1 State sponsored program such as Medicaid or Family Health Plus... 6 94 1 - Federally sponsored program such as Medicare Part D... 6 92 2 - Other... 16 84 <1-10. How concerned are you about being able to afford the cost of needed prescription drugs over the next two years for yourself, your spouse, or your dependent children? Are you.? Extremely concerned 19 Very concerned 18 Somewhat concerned 24 Not very concerned 19 Not at all concerned 19 Not sure [DO NOT READ] 1 Refused [DO NOT READ] <1 The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 16

11. Many people face difficult decisions when buying prescription drugs. In the last 12 months, have you done any of the following for yourself, your spouse, or your dependent children? [READ AND RANDOMIZE ITEMS A THROUGH C] delayed getting a prescription filled or not filled a prescription because you didn t have enough money to pay for it 19 taken less medicine than your doctor prescribed to make it last longer 16 cut back on items such as food, fuel, electricity, or utilities to be able to afford a prescription drug 14 13. I m going to read you a list of things that some people worry about and other people do not and ask you how worried you are about them. How worried are you about.? [RANDOMIZE ORDER] [READ AND RECORD ANSWER FOR EACH] Are you.? Extremely Worried Very Worried Somewhat Worried Not Very Worried Not at All Worried Having to pay more for your health care... 27 21 29 9 14 <1 <1 Having to pay more for your family s health care... 26 18 29 10 14 1 1 Not being able to afford the health care services you think you or your family will need... 23 16 26 16 18 1 <1 Having a major, medical problem and not being able to afford the care for this problem... 25 17 25 15 19 <1 - [IF Q2=YES THROUGH A CURRENT OR PREVIOUS EMPLOYER] [IF A CURRENT EMPLOYER READ] Your current employer dropping health care insurance. (n=295 through current employer)... 15 7 18 18 40 1 1 [IF A PREVIOUS EMPLOYER READ] Your previous employer dropping health care insurance... 13 7 24 15 40 2 - (n=138 through previous employer) [IF Q2=YES THROUGH A CURRENT OR PREVIOUS EMPLOYER] [IF A CURRENT EMPLOYER READ] Your current employer increasing your cost of health care and insurance. (n=295 through current employer)... 19 20 26 12 21 2 1 Not Sure Ref The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 17

Extremely Worried Very Worried Somewhat Worried Not Very Worried Not at All Worried [IF A PREVIOUS EMPLOYER READ] Your previous employer increasing your cost of health care and insurance. (n=138 through previous employer)... 15 11 35 14 23 1 - [IF MARRED, LIVING WITH PARTNER, SEPARATED, OR DIVORCED OR IF Q2=YES THROUGH A SPOUSE S CURRENT OR PREVIOUS EMPLOYER] [IF A SPOUSE S CURRENT EMPLOYER READ] Your [INSERT SPOUSE S, PARTNER S, EX-SPOUSE S DEPENDING ON MARITAL STATUS] current employer dropping health care and insurance. (n=221 through spouse s current employer)... 13 6 16 24 41-1 [IF SPOUSES PREVIOUS EMPLOYER READ] Your [INSERT SPOUSE S, PARTNER S, EX-SPOUSE S DEPENDING ON MARITAL STATUS] previous employer dropping health care and insurance. (n=49 through spouse s previous employer)... 20 17 27 9 25 2 - [IF MARRED, LIVING WITH PARTNER, SEPARATED, OR DIVORCED OR IF Q2=YES THROUGH A SPOUSE S CURRENT OR PREVIOUS EMPLOYER] [IF A SPOUSE S CURRENT EMPLOYER READ] Your [INSERT SPOUSE S, PARTNER S, EX-SPOUSE S DEPENDING ON MARITAL STATUS] current employer increasing your cost of health care and insurance. (n=221 through spouse s employer)... 16 13 38 14 18 2 - [IF A SPOUSE S PREVIOUS EMPLOYER READ] Your [INSERT SPOUSE S, PARTNER S, EX-SPOUSE S DEPENDING ON MARITAL STATUS] previous employer increasing your cost of health care and insurance. (n=49 through spouse s previous employer)... 28 16 23 4 27 2 - [IF Q1=YES] An increase in the insurance premiums you pay (n=748 have health care coverage)... 25 21 29 9 16 <1 1 Not Sure Ref The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 18

Extremely Worried Very Worried Somewhat Worried Not Very Worried Not at All Worried Having access to health care services and providers that you or your family need... 17 16 23 19 25 <1 <1 Not being able to afford the prescription drugs you or your family need... 19 15 22 20 23 <1 <1 The quality of the health care services you or your family receive... 15 15 22 20 27 1 <1 [IF Q2=YES THROUGH A CURRENT OR PREVIOUS EMPLOYER] Not being able to change jobs or retire in order to keep your health insurance benefits (n=421 through current employer/previous employer)... 18 15 14 12 36 2 3 [IF MARRED, LIVING WITH PARTNER, SEPARATED, OR DIVORCED OR IF Q2=YES THROUGH A CURRENT OR SPOUSE S PREVIOUS EMPLOYER] Your [INSERT SPOUSE, PARTNER, EX-SPOUSE DEPENDING ON MARITAL STATUS] Not being able to change jobs or retire in order to keep health insurance benefits (n=257 through spouse s employer/spouse s previous employer)... 19 13 22 14 29 <1 2 14. The New York State Department of Health web site has information comparing hospitals, nursing homes, and doctors. Have you used the information on this web site to make health care decisions for yourself, your spouse, or your dependent children? Yes 7 No 93 Not sure [DO NOT READ] <1 Refused [DO NOT READ] - Not Sure Ref The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 19

15. How strongly do you agree or disagree that the Governor and State Legislators should work to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to quality, affordable and adequate health care coverage? Do you? Strongly agree 72 Somewhat agree 15 Neither agree nor disagree 5 Somewhat disagree 3 Strongly disagree 3 Not sure [DO NOT READ] 1 Refused [DO NOT READ] <1 16. Would you be more or less likely to vote for a candidate for public office if he or she supports giving all New Yorkers access to quality, affordable and adequate health care coverage, or would it not make a difference in how you vote? More likely 67 Would not make a difference 19 Less likely 7 Not sure [DO NOT READ] 6 Refused [DO NOT READ] 1 Demographics The following questions are for statistical classification purposes only and will be kept entirely confidential. D1. RECORD RESPONDENT S GENDER. ASK ONLY IF ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY: To ensure it is recorded accurately, could you please state your gender? Male 47 Female 53 D2. Would you say that in general your health today is? Excellent 16 Very good 34 Good 28 Fair 16 Poor 5 Not sure [DO NOT READ] <1 Refused [DO NOT READ] <1 The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 20

D3. What is your age as of your last birthday? [IN YEARS] 50-59 72 60-64 26 Refused 2 D4. What is your current marital status? Are you.[read OPTIONS] Married 72 Not married, living with your partner or significant other 3 Separated 2 Divorced 10 Widowed 4 Or are you currently single and never Married 8 Not Sure - Refused [DO NOT READ] 1 D5. [IF D4 = 1 ASK: Are you or your spouse currently a member of A-A-R-P? IF D4 = 2 ASK: Are you or your partner currently a member of AARP? OTHERWISE ASK Are you currently a member of AARP? ] Yes 51 No 47 Not sure [DO NOT READ] 2 Refused [DO NOT READ] - D6. What is the highest level of education that you completed? [READ OPTIONS] 0 to 12 th grade, but with no diploma 3 High school graduate or equivalent 27 Post high school education, but with no degree 18 2 year degree 12 4 year degree 18 Post graduate study, but with no degree 7 Graduate or professional degree 15 Not sure [DO NOT READ] <1 Refused [DO NOT READ] 1 The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 21

D7. Which of the following best describes your current employment status? [READ OPTIONS] Self-employed full-time 9 Self-employed part-time 3 Employed full-time 34 Employed part-time 10 Retired and not working at all 25 Unemployed and looking for work 5 Or are you not in the labor force for other reasons 14 Not sure [DO NOT READ] <1 Refused [DO NOT READ] 1 D8. Are you of Hispanic, Spanish, or Latino origin or descent? Yes 2 No 96 Not sure [DO NOT READ] <1 Refused [DO NOT READ] 1 D9. What is your race? White or Caucasian 87 Black or African American 8 Native American or Alaskan Native <1 Asian 1 Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander <1 Or are you some other race? [Please Specify: ] 2 Refused [DO NOT READ] 2 D10. Thinking about your state elections for New York Governor and Legislators in the last ten years, which of the following best describes your voting behavior? Would you say you vote always, most of the time, about half of the time, seldom, or would you say you never vote? Always 61 Most of the time 21 About half of the time 6 Seldom 5 Never 6 Not sure [DO NOT READ] <1 Refused [DO NOT READ] 1 The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 22

D11. What is your 5-digit zip code? D12. In general, how often do you go online to access the Internet or World Wide Web or to send and receive email? Would you say several times a day, about once a day, 3-5 days a week, 1-2 days a week, once every few weeks, less often than every few weeks, or do you never go online to use the Internet or check email? Several times a day 33 About once a day 21 3-5 days a week 7 1-2 days a week 8 Once every few weeks 3 Once a month or less 5 Or do you never go online to use the Internet or World Wide Web? 23 Not sure [DO NOT READ] <1 Refused [DO NOT READ] 1 D13. Do you consider yourself to be a Democrat, a Republican, an Independent, or something else? Democrat 39 Republican 23 Independent 22 Other 11 Not sure [DO NOT READ] 2 Refused [DO NOT READ] 3 D14. How would you characterize your political views? Conservative 30 Moderate 34 Liberal 18 None of the above 13 Not sure [DO NOT READ] 4 Refused [DO NOT READ] 2 The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 23

D15. Are you employed by or retired from. [READ AND RECORD ANSWER FOR EACH] [CREATE COLUMN THAT INDICATES EITHER DOES OR DOES NOT WORK IN HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY BASED ON THIS QUESTION] A healthcare insurance provider 5 A healthcare provider such as a hospital, 10 pharmacy, or managed care facility Some other aspect of the healthcare industry 9 [Please Specify: ] D16. We realize income is a private matter and so rather than ask you anything specific about your income, I d like to ask you to please stop me when I get to the category that your includes your household s income before taxes in 2006. Was it.[read OPTIONS] Less than $10,000 4 $10,000 to less than $20,000 5 $20,000 to less than $35,000 10 $35,000 to less than $50,000 16 $50,000 to less than $60,000 11 $60,000 to less than $75,000 10 $75,000 or more 30 Not sure [DO NOT READ] 1 Refused [DO NOT READ] 12 That was our last question for tonight. Thanks you very much for taking the time to help us out. Have a great day/night! The State of Health Care: A Survey of New York Residents Age 50-64 24

AARP Knowledge Management For more information, please contact Joanne Binette at: 202.434.6303 or e-mail jbinette@aarp.org.