Ahead Of Elections, Healthcare Concerns Of Hoosier Seniors

A new poll of older Hoosier voters finds health care is their top issue this election season. 

The AARP poll surveyed about 800 Indiana residents over the age of 50.  More than 90 percent support Medicare and efforts to strengthen it. A majority of respondents say their priorities are lower costs and Medicare reform.

Jason Tomcsi with AARP Indiana says 83 percent say fairness in health care is a concern.

"Having insurance companies charge older people up to five times more for their health insurance, so it’s definitely an issue that’s important to a lot of folks," says Tomsci. 

The poll found 82 percent of respondents think it’s unfair to deny coverage for people with pre-existing conditions. The nonprofit organization’s poll found majority support for caregiver tax credits and prescription drug importation.

Tomsci says the group also held tele-town hall calls with U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) and candidate Mike Braun.

"A lot of the callers, the majority of them, were around those concerns about the cost of health care and in particular prescription drug costs," says Tomsci. 

Three-quarters of those polled say candidate’s positions on rising drug prices are very important.