The SCAN Foundation

Strategy 1.1.2 – Mobilize the public and policy makers in support of long-term care reform

Lake Research Partners and American Viewpoint completed this survey on behalf of The SCAN Foundation and UCLA Center for Health Policy Research in order to examine the views of California voters age 40 and older about issues of long-term care, and their ability to afford these services. The purpose goals of the survey were to understand how prepared voters are for the costs of long-term care, gauge their concern about its issues, and explore whether voters think the issue should be a priority for gubernatorial candidates and elected officials. The poll surveyed 1,218 California registered voters ages 40 and older on March 5 through 22, 2010 in English and Spanish.

The poll shows most voters 40 and older are largely unprepared for the costs of long-term care should they need it. Most do not have long-term care insurance, nor are they aware that Medicare does not cover extended long-term care services. Additionally, a majority of these voters could not pay for more than three months of nursing home or part-time in-home care if they needed it. Considerable proportions of voters could not afford just one month of such care. This lack of preparedness spans demographic groups, including income and political party affiliation. Voters 40 and older are worried about being able to afford long-term care, concerned about losing their savings to pay for it, and look to elected officials to improve the affordability of services.