News Resources for Seniors

Majority of seniors opposed to raising Medicare benefits costs

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In the midst of the ongoing debt debates in Washington D.C., a recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of RetireSafe and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) found that 79 percent of seniors oppose making changes to Medicare.

Eighty-one percent of the surveyed group of seniors, aged 65 or older, said that having to pay any more for Medicare benefits would put a serious financial burden on them. The 81 percent said that they would be forced to make tough financial decisions if Medicare costs were raised.

Fifty-nine percent said that they would go to the doctor less to save money, 58 percent said they would postpone medical tests or procedures, 37 percent said they would being rationing their medications and another 20 percent indicated they wouldn't get prescriptions. Robert B. Blancato, NANASP's executive director, spoke on the results.

"As Congress considers legislation on the debt ceiling, these concerns of seniors should factor into what they decide on the future of Medicare," Blancato said. "It is not shared sacrifice when seniors are forced to choose between maintaining their health and gambling with it by not doing regular doctor visits or getting required tests."

Those looking for additional ways to save money could look into annuities. In 2009, there were more than 35 million Medicare beneficiaries across the United States, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.  

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