Longevity and Medicare expenditures

Article Abstract:

The greatest economic impact on Medicare in the years to come may result from a greater number of elderly people rather than an increase in longevity. Researchers calculated the lifetime Medicare payments for all people in a database of Medicare patients who were 65 or older and died in 1989 or 1990. They also estimated the lifetime Medicare payments for people born in 1955, who will turn 65 in 2020. The average lifetime payment for each person who turned 65 in 1990 was $53,256. The average lifetime payment for each person who will turn 65 in 2020 was estimated to be $54,326 in 1990 dollars. Total payments for those who turned 65 in 1990 were an estimated $112 billion. Total payments for those who will turn 65 in 2020 were estimated at $210 billion. Seventy-four percent of the difference of $98 billion resulted from the greater numbers of 65-year-olds in 2020. However, these projections did not include nursing home costs, which tend to be greater in those who live longer.

Social aspects, Medicare

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The effect of longevity on spending for acute and long-term care

Article Abstract:

An increase in the number of elderly people may place a substantial burden on the health care system. It is estimated that 20% of the American population will be elderly by the year 2030, up from 13% in 2000. An analysis of data from Medicare, the National Mortality Followback Survey and the National Medical Expenditure Survey show that total expenditures increase considerably from the age of 65 until death. Much of this increase is a result of long-term care in nursing homes. However, this effect will be magnified by the increased number of people who survive to the age of 65 and beyond.

Statistical Data Included, Demographic aspects, Long-term care of the sick, Long term care

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Health, life expectancy, and health care spending among the elderly

Article Abstract:

Interventions to improve the health of the elderly may prolong their lives without increasing health care expenditures, according to data from the 1992-1998 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey. Healthy 70-year-olds lived about three years longer than those with at least one disability but health care costs were similar in both groups. Elderly people who had to be placed in a nursing home or skilled care facility incurred greater health care costs than those who were not.

United States, Health aspects, Aged, Elderly, Life expectancy

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