CEO of CVS warns there’s a Medicare ‘tsunami’ heading for the U.S.

[Northeast Agent]

[EXTERNAL LINK] - CEO of CVS warns there's a Medicare 'tsunami' heading for the U.S.

Engagement as the key to improving provider-patient relationships is a timely priority, Lynch says, as the number of Americans 65 and older will more than double in the next 40 years, according to the Urban Institute.


“There’s like a tsunami of people coming into Medicare,” Lynch says, underscoring the growing aging population that is on track to outnumber children. “That’s going to put pressure on the entire health care system.”

 

[somarco]

Related . . .

Indeed, some evidence does suggest that there are opportunities to save money and improve health through prevention. Preventable causes of death, such as tobacco smoking, poor diet and physical inactivity, and misuse of alcohol have been estimated to be responsible for 900,000 deaths annually — nearly 40% of total yearly mortality in the United States. Moreover, some of the measures identified by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, such as counseling adults to quit smoking, screening for colorectal cancer, and providing influenza vaccination, reduce mortality either at low cost or at a cost savings.

Sweeping statements about the cost-saving potential of prevention, however, are overreaching.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmp0708558

Prevention costs money and does not generate a monetary return . . . but what it CAN do is lead to early diagnosis which can save lives and money long term.

The challenge with most preventive care is lack of compliance by the patient. Stop smoking, lose weight, exercise, reduce alcohol consumption, dietary changes work but only if implemented. Far too many people would rather take a pill than make lifestyle changes.

 

[Deborah Armstrong]

Related . . .

Indeed, some evidence does suggest that there are opportunities to save money and improve health through prevention. Preventable causes of death, such as tobacco smoking, poor diet and physical inactivity, and misuse of alcohol have been estimated to be responsible for 900,000 deaths annually — nearly 40% of total yearly mortality in the United States. Moreover, some of the measures identified by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, such as counseling adults to quit smoking, screening for colorectal cancer, and providing influenza vaccination, reduce mortality either at low cost or at a cost savings.

Sweeping statements about the cost-saving potential of prevention, however, are overreaching.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmp0708558

Prevention costs money and does not generate a monetary return . . . but what it CAN do is lead to early diagnosis which can save lives and money long term.

The challenge with most preventive care is lack of compliance by the patient. Stop smoking, lose weight, exercise, reduce alcohol consumption, dietary changes work but only if implemented. Far too many people would rather take a pill than make lifestyle changes.

It is so true. People would rather take a pill than change their lifestyle. Better health is not a pill it is a better diet and exercise.

 

[policywunk]

[EXTERNAL LINK] - CEO of CVS warns there's a Medicare 'tsunami' heading for the U.S.

Engagement as the key to improving provider-patient relationships is a timely priority, Lynch says, as the number of Americans 65 and older will more than double in the next 40 years, according to the Urban Institute.


“There’s like a tsunami of people coming into Medicare,” Lynch says, underscoring the growing aging population that is on track to outnumber children. “That’s going to put pressure on the entire health care system.”

This isn't exactly news .I have been surfing the Grey Tsunumi for years now and there are still good sets coming in for the next 5 years. One thing for sure is if all of these eligible were in the original Medicare all you can eat healthcare model there would be much higher Medicare and supplement premiums .

 

[20th Maine]

And half of them are gonna get scammed or get some kid that enrolls them and vanishes