ANN ARBOR, MI (UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN) - As we age, our health is often at the top of our minds. A new national poll from the University of Michigan finds the cost of many types of health care at the top of many older adults’ lists of health-related concerns.
The poll found that 56% of people over 50 say they are very concerned about the cost of medical care for older people in their community, and nearly as many said the same about the cost of prescription drugs. The cost of health insurance and dental care were also top concerns.
The director of the university’s Institute for Health Care Policy and Innovation says older adults who struggle with healthcare costs can make decisions that might save money in the short run but negatively impact their health.
“What we find is people are making tradeoffs between the costs of their medicines or their medical appointments and their food, housing, or transportation. We also find that sometimes people cut back on the services that they need in their health care; they may take their medicines less frequently and not fill their prescriptions for high blood pressure and diabetes. They may hold back on seeing the doctor when they have a new symptom that's concerning. And their doctor either might be able to help them identify the problem or reassure them that it's not serious.”
This concern over multiple kinds of health costs was similar across all older results in the poll, regardless of gender, race, or where someone lived.
Those surveyed were also worried about the cost of home care, assisted living, or long-term care.
Outside of healthcare, a top concern was scam and fraud attempts, in which older adults are increasingly targeted.
“When older adults or adults of any age are faced with a financial scam or fraud attempt, it has a substantial effect on their mental health that can trigger anxiety, depression, a weariness of interacting with others, a loss of confidence if someone is affected by a scam. So these are some of the ways that financial concerns play into mental health and sometimes even physical health.”
The poll team hopes the findings will alert policymakers to how strongly older adults feel about this issue, especially in an election year. They also hope older adults will speak up about cost concerns to their doctors and pharmacists so they can make decisions that save money while protecting their health.
