The dramatic shift in demographics
America is experiencing a dramatic shift in demographics, and in 2019, people older than 65 years will outnumber those younger than five. As Americans age and live longer, increasing numbers of them will live with multiple chronic conditions, such as diabetes or dementia, and functional impairments, such as difficulty with the basics of life like mobility and managing one’s household.
One of the greatest health care challenges facing our country is ensuring that older Americans with serious chronic illness and other maladies of aging can remain as independent as possible. Our success with this challenge will help ensure that Americans age with dignity in a manner that meets their expectations, preferences and care needs.
The financial health of our federal and state governments also hangs in the balance because of the implications for Medicare and Medicaid costs. Meeting this challenge will require envisioning the potential value of home-based health care, creating a pathway for home-based care to maximize its potential, and integrating it fully into the U.S. health care system.
Factors Driving Change
Demographic impetus and cost
The graying of the U.S. population is a major impetus for change in health care. According to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), Medicare enrollment is projected to increase by more than 50% over the next 15 years from 54 million beneficiaries today to more than 80 million in 2030.
This reflects the overall aging of the United States population: the Census projects that by 2030, the proportion of U.S. residents older than 65 will have nearly doubled from 2010 (20% vs. 13%). Among the oldest Americans, the Census predicts that the population age 85 and above will double by 2036 and triple by 2049.
Although by some accounts the upcoming Medicare population is healthier than previous generations—life expectancies are longer and smoking rates have declined—baby boomers have higher rates of obesity and diabetes compared with previous generations. According to a 2002 study, 88% of people 65 years or older have at least one chronic condition, with a quarter of these having four or more conditions. The effect of these chronic conditions on spending is massive: Estimates suggest that chronic illness accounts for three-quarters of total national health care expenditures. As the number of older beneficiaries with multiple chronic conditions continues to rise, providing care in the most effective and efficient setting will become even more critical.
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