News Report | February 17, 2019
Medicare Beneficiaries Requiring LTSS Are More Likely Than Other Beneficiaries To Report Financial Hardship
In 2015, Medicare beneficiaries requiring long-term services and supports (LTSS) were more likely than other beneficiaries to report difficulty paying for food, rent, utilities, medical care, and prescription drugs. Beneficiaries with high LTSS needs have higher Medicare and out-of-pocket spending for medical care. Medicare spending increased to an annual average $15,109 for those with high LTSS need. The average out-of-pocket spending for Medicare-covered services by older beneficiaries is $2,337 for those with any LTSS need; and $2,759 for those with high LTSS need.
Adverse Consequences . . .