eHealth, Inc.’s Post

A new Gallup poll found that adults in the U.S. are more worried than ever about whether #Medicare and Social Security benefits will be available when they need them. The findings echoed a similar poll conducted by eHealth, Inc. in May, which also found that most Gen X and millennials would pay more in taxes now to preserve Medicare for the future. More here in this new reporting from Melissa Rudy for Fox News TV featuring Whitney Stidom, vice president of Medicare Operations at eHealth. #Medicare #SocialSecurity #GenX #millennial #CMS #MedicareAdvantage #healthinsurance #openenrollment #OEP #AnnualEnrollment #AEP

We sampled more than 5,000 American adults across the nation and the results are staggering: nearly half of U.S. adults (46%) say they are “not very confident” or “not at all confident” they will have the financial resources needed to pay for health care as they age.   In partnership with Gallup, our West Health-Gallup 2024 Survey on Aging in America highlights the growing anxiety around social safety programs among the aging population.    It is time for policymakers to act to protect a future where all Americans can age with health, dignity, and connection. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eqm3jPTT.   #healthyaging #olderadults #olderamericans

The latest West Health-Gallup Survey on American Aging reveals that three-quarters of Americans under 65 are concerned about Medicare's future, while 80% of those under 62 worry about the longevity of Social Security. With the U.S. Census Bureau projecting that by 2034 adults 65+ will outnumber children under 18, these concerns are especially pressing as Medicare and Social Security trust funds face potential depletion by 2036 and 2037, respectively. Click here for more highlights from the survey: https://lnkd.in/dyit3gia #Medicare #SocialSecurity Gallup Managed Healthcare Executive MJH Thought Leaders

Medicare plays a key role in supporting the health and well-being of women. We examine 10 key facts about women with Medicare — a population that numbers 35 million, more than half of all Medicare beneficiaries. Learn more:

A staggering 17 million older Americans are eligible for but not enrolled in major public benefits programs, including SNAP, SSI, and Medicare Savings Programs, according to a new data tool from the National Council on Aging and Urban Institute. The NCOA interactive map is very insightful on participation rates. This data highlights the urgent need to address service gaps and improve enrollment processes for older adults. As the data shows, many seniors struggle to access these programs due to administrative barriers—not just lack of outreach. With integrated technology solutions that support streamlined applications and data-driven outreach, we can help agencies improve service delivery and ensure seniors get the support they need to live healthier, more secure lives. National Council on Aging #PublicBenefits #SNAP #SeniorCare #GovTech #DataDriven

What’s top of mind for seniors going into this year’s election? According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging from University of Michigan, America’s seniors are most concerned about the cost of health care. Recent data from ATI Advisory shows that Medicare Advantage beneficiaries spend an average of $2,541 less per year on out-of-pocket costs and premiums compared to those enrolled in Fee-for-Service Medicare. The takeaway is clear: Medicare Advantage is the best value for seniors, and the gap with Fee-For-Service Medicare is only growing. Read more about what’s concerning seniors today from KFF: https://lnkd.in/eVEGUYAV

Our latest 2024 Survey on Aging in America with Gallup was featured in Fortune: nearly 3 in 4 Americans under 65 are worried about the availability of Medicare, underscoring the growing fear many adults have about the future of health care.   With the aging population expected to nearly double in the next 40 years, it is crucial to ensure the sustainability of Medicare and other social safety nets.    West Health remains committed to lowering the cost of health care and creating a safe, healthy future for all Americans as we age. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e7P-zNYM.   #healthyaging #olderadults #olderamericans

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open highlights a concerning disparity in Medicare Advantage (MA) plan ratings based on the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) of counties in the U.S. The SVI assesses factors like socioeconomic status, household characteristics, racial and ethnic minority status, and housing and transportation. Here are some key findings: 1. Star Ratings Variation: 🔸 Least Vulnerable Counties: Average MA star rating is 4.1. 🔸 Most Vulnerable Counties: Average MA star rating is 3.8. 2. Plan Availability: 🔸 Highly-Rated Plans: Most available in counties in the middle of the SVI (third quintile). 🔸 Low-Rated Plans: Highest availability in the most vulnerable areas and lowest in the most advantaged areas. 3. Impact on Bonus Payments: 🔸 Star ratings directly affect the bonus payments MA plans receive from CMS. 🔸 Lower star ratings in disadvantaged areas mean fewer bonus payments. 🔸 This potentially reduces supplemental benefits for beneficiaries in these vulnerable communities. These findings underscore the need for policies that address these disparities to ensure equitable access to high-quality healthcare for all Medicare beneficiaries. https://lnkd.in/e2cSYEVg #MedicareAdvantage #SVI #PayerContracting

✨ Financial benefits programs like #SNAP, #SSI, and #MedicareSavingsPrograms provide a vital safety net for eligible people who struggle to afford basic living costs. ☝️ More than that, said NCOA’s Jessica Johnston, they act as a form of #PreventiveCare—helping enrollees better afford the doctor’s visits, treatments, and #PrescriptionDrugs they need to manage one or more #ChronicConditions that many of us will develop as we #Age. 👉 Yet many states and counties lag behind when it comes to enrolling people in these programs, Jessica recently explained to Route Fifty’s Kaitlyn Levinson. As #MedicareOpenEnrollment approaches, a new data tool developed by NCOA and Urban Institute can help #Policymakers, #BenefitsEnrollmentCenters, and #AgingServices professionals identify and bridge key coverage gaps so that more eligible older adults can access the assistance they deserve. ✔️ Learn more. 👇👇 https://lnkd.in/gRj3W4Ut?