Midterm voters over 50 face rising Medicare, drug, and care costs

Healthcare costs are driving a surge in political participation among older Americans as the November 3 midterm elections approach. An AARP poll conducted in early October found that 83% of voters over the age of 50 said they are extremely motivated to vote. These voters are weighing decisions against a backdrop of rising premiums, prescription drug prices, and the cost of long-term care.

Barbara Weigand, an 83-year-old resident of North Canton, Ohio, illustrates the financial pressure many seniors face. She spent years saving for retirement while maintaining good health. This year, however, she underwent shoulder surgery and received a diagnosis of bladder cancer. Weigand recently withdrew $4,000 from her retirement account to cover medical expenses related to her cancer treatment. She stated that her monthly income would not cover her new medical bills.

Weigand is currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and began searching for new coverage in October when the Medicare open enrollment period started. The enrollment window runs through mid-December. Enrollees are evaluating changes that will take effect in 2027, including higher out-of-pocket caps for Part D and the end of temporary federal premium subsidies. Some insurers in certain states have also placed caps on the number of people who can enroll in Advantage plans or have eliminated specific plans.

Juliette Cubanski, director of KFF’s program on Medicare policy, told The Associated Press that the open enrollment period allows individuals to evaluate their current coverage. She noted that it provides an opportunity to see if better options exist for accessing necessary care at a lower cost. Weigand acknowledged the need for research but expressed concern for older peers who may feel overwhelmed by the volume of changes. She said, “There are so many changes, and a lot of people my age who don’t know where to start.”

Prescription drug affordability remains a top concern for many households. The Trump administration has prioritized lowering drug prices by striking most-favored-nation deals with pharmaceutical companies. The administration also launched the discount drug website TrumpRx. In September, officials announced that all 50 states would join a program providing most-favored-nation pricing for some drugs within the Medicaid program.

Despite these initiatives, costs continue to impact medication adherence. A KFF survey from March found that about four in 10 U.S. adults have not taken their medication as prescribed in the past year due to cost. The report added that about one in five people had cut pills in half or skipped doses because of the expense. Weigand is considering rationing her own medications to extend their duration. She said, “I’ve been thinking, if I could just do this every other day rather than every day to make the medicine last longer.”

The cost of long-term support has also risen sharply. An AARP report released on Wednesday details the financial burden on family caregivers. The report found that family caregivers are spending nearly 60% more to support a family member or friend than they did five years ago. The average annual expenditure for these caregivers is $11,508, up from $7,242 in 2021. A national poll by the University of Michigan conducted in September 2025 found that about one-third of Americans over 50 provide regular care to an adult relative or friend with a health issue or disability.

Nancy LeaMond, AARP’s executive vice president and chief advocacy officer, said the organization is hearing from members about healthcare affordability, including prescription drug costs, caregiver costs, co-pays, and premiums. She said the organization aims to help family caregivers with their finances and provide the information needed to assist their loved ones.

The solvency of Social Security is another key issue for older voters. The Social Security Administration announced this month that the annual cost-of-living adjustment will rise by 3.6% beginning in 2027. This increase will add $75 per month for the nearly 72 million people who receive monthly Social Security benefits and about 7.3 million beneficiaries who receive Supplemental Security Income. The agency faces a funding shortfall if Congress does not address the issue.

The Social Security and Medicare trustees’ report from June states that Social Security’s combined trust funds will be unable to pay full benefits beginning in 2034. After that date, incoming revenue would cover about 83% of scheduled benefits. Matt Hogan, a partner at the Impact Research polling firm, advised candidates that Social Security and Medicare should be part of their messaging in the closing days of the midterm campaign to make inroads with these voters.