Seniors sound off on medical care

A survey of 321 seniors 65 and older revealed that 61% think the healthcare reform bill has weakened Medicare in the year since it became law. At the same time, 57% of those surveyed say they will take advantage of a free physical exam and personal wellness plan benefit included in the bill that went into effect this year.

Moreover, 73% of seniors surveyed think the health care bill will continue to weaken Medicare over the long term. When asked about attempts under way in the U.S. House of Representatives to defund the bill, 43% of seniors surveyed support defunding the bill entirely and 29% think only certain provisions of the bill should be defunded.

The survey was fielded from March 18-21, 2011 by Extend Health, Inc., which operates a private Medicare exchange. The company says the bill does not cut any Medicare benefits, and instead adds some benefits, including the previously mentioned free physical exam and other free preventative care services.