Survey reveals impact of health care law on seniors

A survey of 460 seniors 65 and older revealed that 70% believe the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) will reduce their Medicare benefits, despite the fact that the bill does not cut Medicare benefits and instead adds some, including a yearly free checkup and other free preventive care services.

The survey was conducted from December 10-17, 2010 by Extend Health, Inc., which operates the nation's largest private Medicare exchange. The results are consistent with surveys from other third parties throughout 2010 showing that many Americans, including seniors, have strong opinions about the overall health care bill without knowing what is in the bill and that often contradict how they feel about its individual provisions.

The survey also revealed the following views of seniors on the impact of the health care law:

• 72% expect reductions in their choice of Medicare Advantage or Medigap insurance plans
• 64% expect reductions in their choice of Part D prescription drug plans
• 87% expect increases in the cost of their Medicare insurance premiums
• 84% expect increases in their prescription drug premiums
• 82% expect increases in their out-of-pocket prescription drug expenses

The survey was the last of four surveys conducted between December 2009 and December 2010 to track seniors' confidence in Medicare and how specific issues might affect their confidence.

Said Bryce Williams, CEO of Extend Health, "These survey results are a reminder of the complexity of our health care system. When you couple that with media coverage and points of view from individuals and organizations with their own political agendas, it can make it virtually impossible for smart, well-educated people to separate fact from fiction. To reform health care, we need to end the confusion and instead empower consumers to make informed choices."

Respondents to Extend Health's Medicare Confidence surveys are part of panel of more than 4,000 individuals 65 and older, most of whom are retirees or spouses of retirees who worked for large U.S. corporations. Complete results for the December 2010 survey, with comparisons to previous surveys and analysis, are published in the first Extend Health Medicare Confidence Report for 2010, which is now available for free at https://www.extendhealth.com/about/press-center.

Extend Health has helped more than 300,000 seniors compare and choose the private Medicare plans that best meet their needs and budgets. Extend Health is the only place seniors can compare more than 3,500 plans from 67 carriers side by side and find a plan that best meets their needs. Licensed benefit advisors are available to help seniors evaluate their Medicare coverage and explore new options quickly and easily.

Source: Extend Health