New Poll Shows Seniors Turn Against Medicare Bill; Overwhelming Number Oppose Cost Increases, Loss of Coverage

11/20/2003

From: Kevin McVicker of the Club for Growth Advocacy, 703-739-5920 or 800-536-5920

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- A poll conducted this week for Club for Growth Advocacy shows overwhelming opposition to the likely effects of the pending prescription drug legislation by America's senior citizens. Even before seniors learn of the bill's effects there is only lukewarm support, which turns to strong opposition.

The poll of 800 likely voters -- at least 65 years old -- was conducted by Basswood Research Nov. 18. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percent. Initially those polled slightly favor the bill by a 43 percent to 31 percent margin, but after learning of likely harmful effects of the legislation, respondents oppose it by an overwhelming 54 percent to 19 percent margin.

Among the poll's key findings are:

-- 71 percent of those surveyed disapprove of the effect that the "average employer-covered senior may have to pay an additional $500 a year more in premiums and co-payments than under the current system."

-- 79 percent disapprove of the effect that "approximately one of every three seniors with employer-based drug coverage may lose that coverage."

-- 71 percent disapprove of the effect that "over the next thirty years, this legislation would add more than $1 trillion to the national debt."

"All year we have known that this was bad bill," said Club for Growth Advocacy president Stephen Moore. "When America's seniors learn of the potentially devastating impact of the bill they turn strongly against it. Congress must do the right thing and vote 'no' on this bill. It is bad politics and bad policy.

"The desire for an election year talking point cannot justify an explosion of the federal budget and jeopardizing seniors' health care benefits," said Mr. Moore.

The full poll can be viewed at http://www.clubforgrowth.org/advocacy.php. For more information, or to schedule an interview, please contact Kevin McVicker at 703-739-5920.