Grid: Talking with Seniors
13 October 2010
Goal
Expand public knowledge and support among seniors (and family caregivers) for health reform and the health law.
Objectives
(1) message proactively on reforms* of the law and how the reforms will benefit them/their families
(2) respond to attacks/untruths that opponents to the law use to scare seniors
NOTE: In a recent poll of older voters, support among seniors rose 14 points after they heard positive information on the law. And, from 2000 to 2008, under Republican leadership, Medicare premiums more than doubled. In the last two years, with Democratic leadership, middle class seniors have not had a single increase to their Medicare Part B premiums.
|
Concern |
Key Audiences | Best Messenger(s) | Best Message(s) |
| Seniors are scared that the new law gives to others (all those who are now not insured, expanding Medicaid, etc) while taking away from them; their health care and Medicare benefits will be diluted in order to provide for others. | All seniors (especially white women 75+)
Persuadable public (blue collar working women, Latinos, and family caregivers who worry about their parents and/or their own futures) |
Doctors/nurses; member of the community with personal story of how the law benefits them (remember first person voice is always best; second person voice OK but less compelling); advocates | Hit hard on 'don't let them scare you:' "With billions of dollars at stake, the insurance industry has put in place a well oiled, well coordinated, and well funded attack to keep the status quo— the one where the federal government overpays them on average 14% for providing coverage to seniors on private insurance Medicare plans. No wonder CEO's of insurance companies, who make more in one day than most seniors ever made in a year, don't want health reform and spend millions more dollars on funding the campaigns of politicians who vote their way. Don't listen to those unreliable sources who think it's OK to scare seniors and tell tall tales. They're thinking about their bottom line, not the quality of your care." Hit hard on the law aggressively cracking down on waste and fraud in Medicare: Hit hard on 'Medicare will be improved and strengthened;' push back on claim that Medicare benefits will be cut: Hit hard on the new benefits* and protections the law provides for seniors including:
|