How health care costs impact older adults

[jenannebeard]

Hey all,

I have to answer a question and I can't seem to find a good resource for information. The question is...

How does current health care financing influence the lives of older adults?

I've been trying to search how the cost of health care impacts older adults but all I can find is how older adults are a large part of medical expenses. Any have any good links? Thanks!

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Try Google Scholar.

[Asystole RN]

http://www.aarp.org/health/health-care-reform/

http://www.medicare.gov/default.aspx

http://www.healthcare.gov/

[bagladyrn, RN]

How about asking some older adults, particularly those on a fixed income?

There are many of them out there who have to decide every month whether to pay the bills, buy food, or get their prescriptions filled.

Maybe contact your nearest senior center.

[dudette10, MSN, RN]

It helps to understand the different "parts" of medicare. It can be very confusing for older adults, and those who don't purchase a supplemental Part B can get stuck with medical bills they don't expect. Part D is another animal all together, and people can get a rude awakening to prescription costs once they hit the donut hole.

For example, my MIL has Part A, Part B, part B supplemental and Part D. Last year, she paid more than $10,000 out of pocket between premiums, co-pays, deductibles, and prescriptions. This is on a SS income of less than $1K per month. She scrimped and saved all her life. That is the only way she's survived financially this long.

People think Medicare is "free healthcare." No, it is definitely not "free."