Many Seniors Think Health Care Law Will Increase the Deficit, Poll Finds

A new poll on the health care law conducted for the National Council on Aging found that nearly half of the seniors surveyed believe the overhaul will increase the federal deficit — which it won’t, according to official government projections.

Additionally, the poll released on Monday found that Medicare beneficiaries are unclear on the impact of key provisions, such as changes in Medicare Advantage. Some 62 percent, for example, said they don’t know whether the private managed care Medicare program will be eliminated or stay in place.

Medicare Advantage will remain, though government payments to the private insurance plans will be trimmed and tied to quality improvements.

The poll was conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the council among 636 adults age 65 and older, between July 9 and 12.

The nonprofit council is also launching an “educational campaign” called “Straight Talk for Seniors” that will focus on communicating accurate information about the new law and its impact on Medicare beneficiaries. It kicked off with a town hall meeting for seniors in Washington, D.C., and will continue through the fall.

The findings on the deficit were interesting in light of lawmakers’ budgetary concerns, which have stalled social spending initiatives in recent weeks.

Specifically, the poll found that 49 percent of seniors thought the new health law would increase the federal budget deficit over the next 10 years and beyond, and 37 percent of those surveyed said they don’t know. Just 14 percent said it would not increase the deficit. Read more.