As more Americans live longer, the overall population continues to age. There are now 63 million seniors over age 65 enrolled in Medicare. Each day, an average of 10,000 Baby Boomers reach age 65. The quality of healthcare they receive will vary depending on where they live.
A recent study by MedicareGuide rates all 50 states and the District of Columbia to determine which are best and worst for seniors. Their analysts used such criteria as cost, quality, and access to rate each locale. Here are the final results:
Best 5 States (from first on down): Minnesota; North Dakota; Massachusetts; California; Nebraska.
Worst 5 States (from worst on up): Oklahoma; Georgia; District of Columbia; Mississippi; Louisiana.
Cost factors included average Medicare supplement premiums, plan deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses, prescription drug costs, and nursing home/assisted living costs. To rate quality, analysts looked at statistics for average life expectancy, the number of people with type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, cancer, and stroke mortality rates.
You’re Entitled to the Benefits You Were Promised
Extra income will help cover out-of-pocket healthcare costs. That’s one reason why here at Council of Seniors, we’re working diligently to get Congress to pass The SAVE Benefits Act. With the annual Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) not keeping up with inflation in some recent years, you need this bill enacted as soon as possible. If it’s approved, seniors will be reimbursed the missing $581 the COLA should have provided.
Sign our petition right now to show your support!
We’d love for you to connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!