Medicare Beneficiaries and High Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses

According to the AARP Public Policy Institute, half of all people receiving Medicare benefits spent at least $3,595 of their own money on health care in 2011. This figure results approximately 18% or more of their income being spent on healthcare premiums and medical expenses. One in 10 beneficiaries, which amounts to over 3.5 million people, spent almost $10,500 on health care expenses. For beneficiaries of Medicare, who are over the age of 65 or younger and disabled, this often constitutes a large portion of their monthly income. Many of these individuals have a fixed income, consisting of Social Security disability or retirement benefits. For the beneficiaries with the most health care problems, who are the oldest, and who have little or no income, these medical expenses can be completely overwhelming.

For example, in 2011, each inpatient hospitalization had a deductible of $1,132.00 for Medicare beneficiaries. After 60 days of hospitalization or 20 days of skilled nursing care, Medicare beneficiaries have daily copays until they reach 90 days of hospitalization or 100 days of skilled nursing care. At that point, Medicare beneficiaries become fully responsible for the entire costs of their care. Unless they are lucky enough to have some form of supplemental care insurance, long-term care can become completely out of reach from a financial expensive.

Beneficiaries who have Medicare Part B coverage pay about $115.40 per month in premiums. There also is an annual Part B deductible of $162 for outpatient services and 20% of all Part B costs beyond the deductible. There are also related healthcare expenses that Medicare does not cover at all. These expenses include hearing aids, glasses, dental services, and most long-term care services.

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