As we age, more and more health issues tend to arise. Senior healthcare is expensive and can sometimes come unexpectedly. Planning for the future is important in all aspects of life, especially when it comes to senior healthcare expenses. Unforeseen medical bills, devices, and diagnoses can rack up hefty bills, so it’s imperative to be financially prepared. Most seniors rely on Medicare for their insurance, but that won’t cover everything. Consider the following top four unexpected healthcare expenses for seniors:
1. Long-Term Care
Eventually, most of our loved ones need to be taken care of, and that’s where assisted living, supportive living, and at-home care come into play. Unfortunately, Medicare doesn’t cover all of the costs associated with long-term care; it will only cover your costs if you’re staying in a senior care community for a medical problem or recovery. Whether you plan to move to an assisted or supportive living community or are thinking about hiring an at-home caregiver, both options can add up over time. It’s essential to plan for this expense so you can do what is best for you and your loved ones.
2. Vision Care
Our vision weakens as we age, which can cause a myriad of age-related vision issues. Cataracts, glaucoma, presbyopia, and floaters are among the most common vision problems for older adults. Luckily, Medicare covers some costs associated with the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. However, it does not include routine eye screenings and glasses. With over 77% of people over the age of 55 wearing glasses, this is a cost that can add up over time. Make sure to keep an eye out for these extra expenses!
3. Prescriptions
The number of prescriptions medications we take tends to increase as we grow older. This can be a result of severe or chronic health conditions. Over 7.5 million seniors cannot afford a medicine prescribed by their doctor. These seniors who cannot afford their prescriptions report that 80% of the medications are for a severe health condition. Being prepared for prescription expenses is vital in receiving the best treatment possible for your specific situation.
4. Doctor Visits
The number of doctor visits also starts to increase in our later years, which can become costly. Co-pays on multiple appointments per month can add up depending on the Medicare plan you have. This causes some seniors to skip appointments and only go when necessary, or when the problem is at its worst. Planning for expenses from doctor visits can help your health and your checkbook later.
Being a senior can become expensive due to unexpected healthcare costs. Preparation for these expenses is important, so you’re not blindsided if a new health condition pops up. At Evergreen Place Assisted Living and Evergreen Village Supportive Living, we make it our mission to provide excellent, affordable, quality care for all of our seniors. We offer assistance in navigating the healthcare world! If you have questions, please contact Evergreen Place at (309) 451-9355 or Evergreen Village at (309) 452-7300.
