Population trends have varied greatly over the course of U.S. history, as well as the dynamics that impact governmental and fiscal decisions. Current trend patterns indicate that the overall population is expected to reach over 400 million in the next fifty years, an estimated twenty (20%) percent of those will be age sixty-five (65) and older. The evolution of the age structure of a population and the leading causes of death of that population are key determinants for establishing a plan in future financial sustainability and successful delivery of health care to that population.
Statistics indicate that the average age of the typical American is getting older. In part, this is a result of increasing longevity and lower fertility. It is expected that this increase in the older …show more content…
Cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and respiratory diseases are the leading causes of death in the U.S.. Often, these illnesses are chronic, resulting in exorbitant health care costs prior to death. Additionally, as the health care system focuses on curative measures, the last year of life averages 620% higher health care cost. It is clearly expected, that that health care costs associated with these illnesses, will continue to rise. By the 2030, it is projected that patients will spend over $818 billion as a nation on heart disease and over $157 billion on cancer by the year 2020. (Heart Disease, 2015; Yabroff, Lund, Kepka, & Mariotto, 2012).
Medicare, will require a restructuring as health care costs continue to rise, given the increasing number of recipients. Without an overall of how the system currently reimburses providers, the system will be unable to support itself. Legislators should seriously consider a change in the requirement to be eligible to receive Medicare benefits for future generations or transition to a palliative care system for those after a certain age or
Statistics indicate that the average age of the typical American is getting older. In part, this is a result of increasing longevity and lower fertility. It is expected that this increase in the older …show more content…
Cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and respiratory diseases are the leading causes of death in the U.S.. Often, these illnesses are chronic, resulting in exorbitant health care costs prior to death. Additionally, as the health care system focuses on curative measures, the last year of life averages 620% higher health care cost. It is clearly expected, that that health care costs associated with these illnesses, will continue to rise. By the 2030, it is projected that patients will spend over $818 billion as a nation on heart disease and over $157 billion on cancer by the year 2020. (Heart Disease, 2015; Yabroff, Lund, Kepka, & Mariotto, 2012).
Medicare, will require a restructuring as health care costs continue to rise, given the increasing number of recipients. Without an overall of how the system currently reimburses providers, the system will be unable to support itself. Legislators should seriously consider a change in the requirement to be eligible to receive Medicare benefits for future generations or transition to a palliative care system for those after a certain age or