Healthcare affordability is emerging as a major concern for older Americans ahead of Tuesday’s elections, as Medicare, prescription drugs and long-term care put pressure on household budgets; an AARP poll conducted in early October found 83% of voters over 50 were extremely motivated to vote.

Barbara Weigand, 83, of North Canton, Ohio, withdrew $4,000 from retirement savings to cover expenses related to shoulder surgery and bladder cancer treatment, and is reviewing her Medicare coverage during open enrollment.

Prescription costs are prompting patients to change how they take medication despite Trump administration initiatives such as drug-pricing agreements and TrumpRx; a March KFF survey found about 4 in 10 adults had not taken medication as prescribed because of cost, including about 1 in 5 who skipped doses or split pills.

Weigand is considering taking her medication every other day to make it last, showing how affordability pressures can lead people to ration essential drugs.

Medicare enrollees are comparing coverage during open enrollment as changes for 2027 approach, including higher Part D out-of-pocket caps, the end of temporary federal Part D premium subsidies, negotiated drug prices, and Medicare Advantage insurers limiting enrollment, withdrawing from markets or discontinuing plans.

Weigand worries that many older people will struggle to understand shifting coverage options, while KFF’s Juliette Cubanski says enrollment offers a chance to compare plans and find needed care at lower cost.

Social Security benefits are set to rise 3.6% in 2027, adding about $75 a month on average, but the program’s combined trust funds are projected to be unable to pay full benefits starting in 2034, when incoming revenue would cover about 83% of scheduled payments.

The strain extends to family caregivers: AARP reported average annual out-of-pocket caregiving costs of $11,508, nearly 60% higher than the $7,242 average in 2021, and about one-third of Americans over 50 regularly care for an adult relative or friend with health needs.

Polling strategist Matt Hogan said candidates seeking support from older voters should address Social Security and Medicare in their campaign messaging, regardless of party.