Agenda - 04-24-2003-3 - Laserfiche WebLink

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As the older population grows in age and magnitude, the percentage of disabilities and chronic conditions will increase sharply for both the United States and North Carolina. For the 80+ age group In the United States, almost three-fourths (73.6%) reported at least one disability, over half (57.6%) indicated one or more severe disabilities, and over one-third (34.9%) needed assistance as a result of disability (Figure 4). (AoA, Ref #6) Figure 4: Percent 80 years and Older with Disabilities e„ ~~ s~i disability disabilities due to disability The economic costs and social impact of this phenomenon on the health care system and society will be catastrophic unless society focuses on chronic diseases through prevention, home health and rehabilitative services rather than merely reimbursing short-term acute care needs. While most older people only see their doctor for a chronic condition, doctors are limited in what they can prescribe for the chronically ill. In 1999, the Administration on Aging reported older Americans (65+) as compared to the under age 65 group, had four times the number of days of hospitalization (1.6 days vs. 0.4 days) and averaged more doctor contacts (6.8 contacts vs. 3.5 contacts). Out--0f-pocket health care expenses for older Americans increased to an average of $3,019 in 1999, a rise of more than one third since 1990. As illustrated in Figure 5, these health care costs add up to an average of $1554 (51 %) for insurance, $706 (23%) for medications, $601 (20%) for medical services, and $158 (6%) for medical supplies. Older Americans spend twice as much on total health care (11 % vs 5%) as the rest of the population. (AoA, Ref #6) Page 6 of 18 At least one One or more severe Assistance needed