10/29/2008
AARP releases preliminary findings from South Carolina member survey on healthcare
CONTACT: Todd Pack, 615-872-5897, NFIB
Patrick Cobb, 803-765-7373, AARP
GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Divided We Fail partners AARP and the National Federation of Independent Business, two of the four national partners in the Divided We Fail movement, convened a town hall meeting on healthcare in Greenville. Divided We Fail has been working for the past two years to ensure that candidates and elected officials include the discussion of healthcare and financial security into platforms and conversations.
"In South Carolina, there are 700,000 individuals including over 100,000 children who lack healthcare, said Jane Wiley, AARP South Carolina state director. Both presidential candidates have signed the Divided We Fail pledge as well as six of the eight members of the South Carolina Congressional delegation.
"Healthy, growing small businesses are vital to the South Carolina's economic health. Yet, the rising cost of healthcare threatens to put small business out of business," said Wendy Homeyer, state director of NFIB/South Carolina, the state's leading small business association. "Premiums have skyrocketed more than 100 percent over the last eight years; and to make matters worse, small businesses pay nearly 20 percent more than large businesses. We need to have access to quality and affordable healthcare and make it a reality for every South Carolinian."
During the town hall meeting, AARP released preliminary findings from a South Carolina AARP member survey on healthcare. "The preliminary report demonstrates that South Carolina residents 50+ are concerned about affordable and accessible healthcare," said Wiley. Eighty-four percent surveyed somewhat or strongly support the idea of ensuring access to affordable quality healthcare for all residents. In addition, 76 percent say that either the country's healthcare system needs major changes or a complete overhaul. According to the preliminary results, the top three healthcare issues include:
- Controlling the cost of prescription drugs (91 percent)
- Improving the quality and safety of medical care (88 percent)
- Improving the quality of nursing homes and long-term care (82 percent)
The town hall meeting format featured panelists who have experience and knowledge of the healthcare system in South Carolina. The panel included: Dr. Oscar Lovelace, family practice doctor, Prosperity, S.C.; Dr. Mary Jo Cagle, chief medical officer, Bon Secours St. Francis; Wendy Homeyer, state director, NFIB/South Carolina; and Gross, Ph.D., AARP manager of Health Issues.
