Election 2012: Medicare A Top Issue
By: Mark Gruba
Updated: September 28, 2012
There is no doubt overall the number one issue in this election cycle is
the economy, but for seniors at Rochester's Maplewood YMCA, their
top concern is Medicare health coverage.
"I don't want anybody messing with Medicare," says senior Betty Abercrombie.
Betty Abercrombie and Gordon Blom, like millions 65 and older, rely upon Medicare for their health needs. As the various candidates talk about reforming the entitlement, there is uncertainty.
"I wouldn't vote for anybody that wanted to have a voucher system," Abercrombie said.
Ron Brandwein is a health insurance information specialist for Lifespan, which offers seniors an array of services.
"A lot of seniors become very scared about what they think they've heard and uncertain about what their future is," Brandwein said.
Brandwein helps them understand the Medicare debate. Political science professor Dr. Tim Kneeland says because seniors are loyal voters, they have a powerful voice. Even has they try to shape the discussion for retirees, Democrats and Republicans must walk a fine line.
"The elections are going to turn on that age demographic. Any kind of benefit that you tackle is going to make that demographic very nervous," Dr. Kneeland said.
Seniors also worry about future generations. They want leaders who will protect Medicare for the long run.
"There has to be some stability there, otherwise planning for it is going to be a pain in the neck because we're going to have a bunch of old people," said senior Bob Stevenson.
Medicare is one of the main campaign issues facing President Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney. For more information on their platforms, click here.
To learn more about Medicare, click here.
"I don't want anybody messing with Medicare," says senior Betty Abercrombie.
Betty Abercrombie and Gordon Blom, like millions 65 and older, rely upon Medicare for their health needs. As the various candidates talk about reforming the entitlement, there is uncertainty.
"I wouldn't vote for anybody that wanted to have a voucher system," Abercrombie said.
Ron Brandwein is a health insurance information specialist for Lifespan, which offers seniors an array of services.
"A lot of seniors become very scared about what they think they've heard and uncertain about what their future is," Brandwein said.
Brandwein helps them understand the Medicare debate. Political science professor Dr. Tim Kneeland says because seniors are loyal voters, they have a powerful voice. Even has they try to shape the discussion for retirees, Democrats and Republicans must walk a fine line.
"The elections are going to turn on that age demographic. Any kind of benefit that you tackle is going to make that demographic very nervous," Dr. Kneeland said.
Seniors also worry about future generations. They want leaders who will protect Medicare for the long run.
"There has to be some stability there, otherwise planning for it is going to be a pain in the neck because we're going to have a bunch of old people," said senior Bob Stevenson.
Medicare is one of the main campaign issues facing President Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney. For more information on their platforms, click here.
To learn more about Medicare, click here.
