AARP Hearing Center
AARP conducted a survey in eight states, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Nevada, West Virginia, among 50+ likely voters to explore attitudes towards the American Health Care Act and the policies included in this bill.
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Key findings include the following:
- There is little support for the American Health Care Act. One-third of 50+ likely voters support this bill. In addition, a sizeable number of 50+ likely voters say they do not know whether they support or oppose this bill.
- There is strong opposition towards the policies included in the bill. Across political parties, majorities of likely voters age 50+ oppose policies such as charging older Americans five times more for health insurance, charging those with pre-existing conditions more, and reducing funding for Medicare and Medicaid.
- Health care is a top priority for 50+ likely voters. When asked what Congress’ top priority should be, health care was the top issue. This is significantly more than the number who said the economy/jobs or terrorism/national security.
These surveys were conducted via telephone among 600 likely voters age 50+ in each of eight states to gauge public opinion on the proposed health care bill and the various policies included in the bill. The sample utilized an age-targeted registered voter landline and cell phone list. The data was collected from June 2 through June 13, 2017. The data was weighted by age, gender, race/ethnicity and geographic region and is generalizable to registered voters age 50+ in the respective state. For more information contact Laura Skufca at LSkufca@aarp.org.
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