By Islam El-Sakka
Rising healthcare costs are shaping the political priorities of older Americans as the midterm elections approach, with Medicare changes, prescription drug prices, long-term care expenses, and Social Security solvency dominating their concerns.
Changes to Medicare Plans
Medicare open enrollment began in mid-October, bringing changes that take effect in 2027, including higher Part D out-of-pocket caps, the end of temporary federal premium subsidies, and new drug price negotiations. In some states, insurers have capped Advantage plan enrollment or withdrawn from markets. Juliette Cubanski, director of KFF’s Medicare policy program, said the period allows enrollees to evaluate coverage for better options at lower cost. Barbara Weigand, 83, of North Canton, Ohio, who recently withdrew $4,000 from retirement savings for cancer treatment, worries many seniors lack the resources to navigate the changes. “There are so many changes, and a lot of people my age who don’t know where to start,” she said.
Prescription Drug Affordability
The Trump administration has pursued most-favored-nation drug deals and launched the TrumpRx discount website, with all 50 states joining a Medicaid program to lower prices for selected drugs. Yet a KFF survey from March found about 40% of U.S. adults did not take medication as prescribed due to cost, and one in five cut pills or skipped doses. Weigand said she has considered rationing her drugs to save money. “I've been thinking — if I could just do this every other day rather than every day to make the medicine last longer. Isn't that sad?” she said.
Long-Term Care Costs
Family caregivers are spending nearly 60% more than five years ago, averaging $11,508 annually compared with $7,242 in 2021, according to an AARP report released Wednesday. Nancy LeaMond, AARP’s executive vice president, said members are struggling with prescription costs, caregiver expenses, co-pays, and premiums. About one-third of Americans over 50 provide regular care to an adult relative or friend, a University of Michigan poll found in September 2025.
Social Security Solvency
The Social Security Administration announced a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment for 2027, adding $75 monthly for nearly 72 million beneficiaries. Trustees project combined trust funds will be unable to pay full benefits starting in 2034, covering only 83% thereafter. Matt Hogan of Impact Research advised candidates to make Social Security and Medicare central to their messaging to reach older voters, who polls show are highly motivated to vote.
