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Uninsured Americans raise Medicare costs

Patient Financial Services Weekly Advisor, July 13, 2007

A recent study revealed that the Medicare recipients who were uninsured before qualifying for Medicare coverage cost the government more than those who were insured all along, reports the Washington Post.

The Medicare population which was originally uninsured had 51% higher medical costs. Experts believe that providing healthcare to adults younger than 65 could help lower Medicare spending while also improving the health of many Americans.

The study shows that the people who receive health coverage first from Medicare suffer from many of the same illnesses that routine care would prevent.

The previously uninsured suffered from chronic health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Although it is unclear what type of change in the healthcare program will do the most good, policymakers realize that the place to start may be with those in the 60-64 age group. Many 60- to 64-year olds are retired and no longer eligible for insurance through an employer, making healthcare especially expensive.

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