Policy Update

New Poll Shows the Importance of Presidential Candidates' Stances on Alzheimer's

As the election season heats up, Americans are paying attention to the candidates' positions on issues that are important to caregivers. For example, a recent poll by the Alzheimer's Association suggests that candidates' attitudes about Alzheimer's disease could play a crucial role in the election. According to the poll, women (who constitute the majority of caregivers) are "more likely to vote for a candidate who supports increasing government spending for Alzheimer's research." The expense of long-term care is also on prospective voters' minds—"almost two-thirds (62 percent) polled indicated they would be more likely to vote for a presidential candidate who sought to increase financial assistance for families taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's."

The issue seems to cut across partisan lines, with Republicans, Democrats, and independents all about equally concerned about developing the disease, according to the survey results. In fact, Americans are "more afraid of developing Alzheimer's disease (69 percent) than becoming a victim of a natural disaster, such as a wildfire or hurricane (42 percent)." With more and more Americans becoming seniors each year, it's becoming clear that candidates for elected office just can't ignore these issues. Read More

Widening Budget Deficit May Pose Problems for Health Care Reform

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that California's rising budget shortfall is likely to impair efforts by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and legislators to strike adeal on overhauling the state's health care system. In the wake of the release of estimates that California's budget deficit will be anywhere from $6 billion to $14 billion, the governor ordered all state departments to cut spending by 10% for next fiscal year. But the governor and some Republican lawmakers are now suggesting more immediate cuts that would go into effect by mid-year.

The dismal forecast comes just as the Schwarzenegger administration and Democratic legislators are trying to reach a compromise on a health care reform plan. With the clock ticking on the end of the legislative session, issues such as employer contributions, an individual coverage mandate, and subsidies remain unresolved. Pundits are increasingly skeptical of the ability of California's politicians to push through a reform bill this year. Read More

To subscribe or unsubscribe to California Caregiver, please visit www.californiacrc.org/californiacrc/jsp/newsletter/registration.jsp