By James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D.
The cost of everything is up. There are no exceptions. Going to the store now requires a strict budget and discipline. Anything extra we bought before doesn’t happen in these days and times.
Some necessities are non-negotiable. They cost more, but we will pay the extra cost. That is the reality in our country now.
Overall, we know costs for healthcare have increased dramatically. Records indicate that it has reached $4.9 to $5.2 trillion. Going to the doctor, paying for insurance, going to the hospital, and paying for prescription drugs are just out of control.
This has resulted in people skipping scheduled doctor appointments. Co-pays have increased or, in some cases, aren’t available anymore. Unfortunately, healthcare isn’t a priority anymore when compared to putting food on the table. That’s sad, but these are the choices we are having to make.
Confirmed reports say, “Surveys indicate that roughly 15% to 25% of adults skip routine doctor visits or care when sick because of financial strain or limited local access.”
Another concerning report focuses on Gen Z. At least 25% of this population do not have primary care physicians. Doctor visits just aren’t on their radar screen.
Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University, said, “An annual visit isn’t just about today’s health. It helps identify future risks, keeps preventative care on schedule, and gives you a trusted clinician who knows your medical condition and can help navigate medical concerns.”
I believe if you assess all demographics and age groups, you will find senior citizens have the greatest need for overall healthcare and prescription drugs. Increasingly, seniors are being challenged by healthcare costs.
Some in the industry suggest that if you are retired, you’ll probably spend around $185,000.00 during this period in your life. By any measure, that is a lot of money to use for a specific part of one’s life.
“Older adults are stuck in a healthcare system that is not responsive to their goals and preferences. Boomers want healthcare that maximizes their health and ability to function, and they want their providers to listen to them,” said Terry Fulmer, president of The John A. Hartford Foundation.
In a survey, 82% of older Americans say the U.S. healthcare industry is ill-equipped to understand their needs. Are you a senior citizen who isn’t going to see a healthcare specialist?
You’re sitting at home, not feeling well and not getting the care you need. Organizations like AARP are trying to provide seniors with resources and information to help them at this stage of life. Studies show that quality of life matters for retirees.
Being able to do things at a decent level is important for retirees. Getting exercise, eating properly,
and being emotionally stable are all important ingredients to aging well with dignity.
Being retired is a privilege. Not everyone gets the chance to close one chapter and open another chapter. Life is far from over so you must live it that way. It is a mindset that you must acquire. Become an unofficial ambassador for senior citizens and spread the word. Becoming sedentary is not a good option.
While federal legislation has intervened in putting caps on spending, it still presents a financial burden. Currently, the cap is $2,100.00 for Medicare Part D. Some may disagree; however, upcoming midterm elections may lay the groundwork for future changes. Healthcare is an important topic for all Americans. We all need it, and opinions about its direction will not stop.
