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 that we purchased before does not happen during these days and times.
There are some necessities that we need, and we can’t compromise about them. They cost more, yet we will pay the extra costs for them. That is just the reality now in our country.
Overall, we know costs for healthcare have increased dramatically. Records indicate that it has reached $4.9 to $ 5.2 trillion dollars. Going to the doctor, paying for insurance, going to the hospital and paying for pre-scription drugs are just out of control.
This has resulted in people not going for 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 is about the Gen Z population. 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 most need for overall healthcare and prescription drugs. Increasingly, seniors are being challenged by the cost of healthcare.
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 measurement, 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 resources and information to seniors that will help them in this stage of their life. There are studies that show that quality of life is important for those who have retired.
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 with Medicare Part D. Some may have a different view; however upcoming midterm elections may set the groundwork for changes in the future. Healthcare is an important topic for all Americans. It is something that we all need and opinions about the direction of it will not stop.
