Number One Issue for Seniors in Election: Healthcare

KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine - March 1, 2016 - PRLog -- March 1, 2016
Contact:  Clarice W. Dowdle
Seniorcaregivingtoday.com
404-394-6745
cwdowdle14@gmail.com

NUMBER ONE ISSUE FOR SENIORS IN ELECTION: HEALTHCARE

KENNEBUNK, ME  It’s no surprise that the number one issue on America’s seniors’ minds in this year’s presidential election is healthcare, according to Clarice W Dowdle, COO and Founder of Seniorcaregivingtoday.com.    With a 30.7% growth rate in the last ten years, there are now over 44.7 million Americans over the age of 65, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.  This huge demographic of our voting population is expected to grow even larger by 21.7% in the year 2040.  These seniors are concerned about rising costs, physician availability and quality of care, according to Dowdle.  What does this all mean for the candidates running?  If you want the senior vote, pay attention to the numbers!

According to statistics, if a person reaches the age of 65 he/she has an average life span of an additional 19.3 years.  And although most (43%) believe their health is excellent or good, they are still concerned about the rising costs of healthcare, and a possible traumatic illness.   The average out-of-pocket amount paid in 2013 was $5,069 up 35% from a decade ago.  And with 93% of seniors on Medicare they are also concerned about the rising number of doctors opting out of the program, leaving them to scramble and find alternative care.  The number of physicians opting out of the Medicare program in 2013 has tripled due to lowered set payment rates and mounting rules, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

68 year-old Florida senior, Michael Witaszek practices a healthy lifestyle; staying active, eating fresh foods and exercises regularly.   Although Witaszek is concerned that “even with Medicare and a supplemental medical and prescription drug policy I am still constantly being hit with another out-of-pocket bill I just can’t afford.”

So what is a candidate to do to capture this market segment?

1.    Develop a concrete plan to bring out-of-pocket costs down especially on prescription medications.

2.    Find a way to keep physicians in the Medicare loop

3.    Create incentives for healthier lifestyle choices

4.    Develop a cost-effective program that would encourage more Americans to enter the medical field

5.    Dedicate more funding to attack illnesses most encountered by our aging population ie:  diabetes.

Dowdle added, “The senior demographic has always been a ticket to the White House, but now even more so with aging baby boomers.  Somebody better start listening.”