As the 2024 presidential election quickly approaches, many are wondering what issues will be most important to voters, especially amongst millennials and Generation X. A new study by eHealth found that more than three quarters of respondents said that Medicare is one of their top three voting issues for 2024.
According to the study, Gen Xers and millennials largely approve of the U.S. health care system, with more than 75% of respondents describing it as "good" or "excellent." Similarly, the majority of Gen Xers and millennials greatly value Medicare and what it provides. The study found that 94% said they are entitled to coverage for their health care needs in retirement.
Despite this, only 30% of respondents said they know that Medicare is a program primarily intended for people who are aged 65 and older. More specifically, only 28% of millennials and 41% of Gen Xers are aware of the intended purpose of Medicare, according to the study.
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Among those who know what Medicare is, many worry about the program's long-term sustainability. The study found that 65% of respondents worry that Medicare won't be around for them, and 56% say they don't trust elected officials to do what is necessary to preserve the program.
Millennials and Gen Xers place much of the blame on baby boomers, arguing that many were fiscally irresponsible and are leaving younger generations to foot the bill. Regardless of who faces responsibility, 84% of respondents said they'd be willing to pay increased taxes, if it ensured Medicare would still be around for them in the future.
As the U.S. population continues to age, 67% of survey respondents said that access to quality, affordable health care access will become increasingly important to them as they get older. The upcoming election is sure to highlight health care as a growing priority with nearly 50% of survey respondents stating that health care is their number one priority when it comes to voting this fall.
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