Many overwhelmed seniors express feelings when selecting healthcare plans, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing their specific needs over cost. Let’s learn more about it.
Overwhelmed Seniors Seek Healthcare Plans Aligned with Needs
A survey of over 2,000 Americans aged 65 and older revealed that nearly 24% of seniors have previously chosen healthcare plans that left them dissatisfied. Surprisingly, a similar percentage (24%) made their choices solely based on affordability.
However, current trends indicate a shift, with 54% now focusing on selecting plans that cater to their healthcare requirements rather than solely fixating on cost.
Despite having maintained the same healthcare plan for an average of five years, a staggering 50% of seniors find the process of reading through their plans headache-inducing.
Despite this, 86% of seniors believe they possess adequate knowledge about their existing healthcare plans. When asked about terms they’d need to research, “deductible” (27%), “out-of-pocket limit” (26%), and “co-payment” (26%) were the top terms that perplexed them.
This survey, conducted by OnePoll for ClearMatch Medicare, disclosed that 41% of respondents were uncertain about how much they’d have to spend in the event of a medical emergency.
Furthermore, more than a third (34%) faced unexpected costs following medical care, with these unforeseen expenses averaging over $550 in the past year.
Surprisingly, 20% of seniors confessed that an unplanned medical expense had, at least once, left them struggling to pay their bills. When contemplating these unexpected expenses, seniors admitted to feeling frustrated (27%), annoyed (22%), and worried (21%).
Ben Pajak, CEO of ClearMatch Medicare, acknowledged the challenges seniors face, mentioning the importance of choosing a financially viable plan that minimizes unexpected costs. He advised seniors to consult with a licensed agent to navigate the open enrollment process effectively.
While only 11% of respondents plan to switch their healthcare plans during the upcoming open enrollment, an impressive 79% are well-aware of when it commences.
During previous enrollment periods, seniors resorted to online research (35%) and discussions with licensed insurance agents (33%) to ensure they made informed decisions.
Regrettably, almost two in five (39%) seniors admitted they were likely to merely “click through” annual enrollment options without delving into the details.
This phenomenon could be attributed to the overwhelming nature of the multitude of choices offered during enrollment, as reported by 54% of seniors.
The survey also highlighted the increasing healthcare needs among seniors, with 32% now requiring more healthcare-related services compared to the previous year.
Jennifer Girdler, vice president of sales, stressed the importance of seniors finding insurance plans that cater to their budget and healthcare needs during the annual enrollment period, which runs until December 7.
In summary, the survey underscores the challenges seniors face in navigating the complex healthcare landscape, emphasizing the need for prioritizing personalized healthcare requirements over cost.
With the annual enrollment period ongoing, seniors have the opportunity to review their options and make informed choices.
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