Medicare changes and rising health costs are top of mind for older voters as Election Day nears

Rising health costs are weighing on older Americans just before Tuesday's midterm elections, and the group is among the most dependable voters. An AARP survey conducted in early October showed 83% of those over 50 describe themselves as highly eager to turn out, according to The Independent.

Barbara Weigand, 83, of North Canton, Ohio, illustrates the strain. After shoulder surgery and a bladder cancer diagnosis, she withdrew $4,000 from her retirement savings for treatment costs and began shopping for a replacement for her Medicare Advantage plan during open enrollment. She is also considering taking her medication every other day to stretch supplies. Enrollees face several 2027 changes, including higher Part D out-of-pocket caps, the expiration of temporary premium subsidies and new drug price negotiations, while some insurers are leaving markets or dropping plans.

President Donald Trump has made lower drug prices a priority through most-favored-nation agreements with drugmakers and the TrumpRx website. Even so, a March KFF survey found about 4 in 10 adults skipped prescribed doses because of cost. AARP reports that family caregivers now spend an average of $11,508 yearly, up from $7,242 in 2021. Social Security benefits will rise 3.

Summarized by PolitiKool from The Independent’s reporting. Read the full story at The Independent →