How to Manage Alzheimers Care
More than five million older Americans are living with Alzheimers disease or other dementias, a 10% increase in prevalence from just five years ago, according to an estimate commissioned by the Alzheimers Association. As this situation worsens, how can
Medicare supplemental coverage protect those suffering from this disease?
In its 2007 Alzheimers Facts and Figures, the association estimated that 2.4 million people age from the ages of 75 to 84 years -- 19% of the all U.S. adults in this age range -- have Alzheimers. And, there are approximately 500,000 Americans younger than 65 with Alzheimers or another dementia. It is estimated that at least 200,000 of these people younger than 65 have early-onset Alzheimers
Sadly, those who are diagnosed with early-onset will find that managing their Alzheimers care will be difficult. People under age 65 with dementia who lose their jobs are also likely to lose employment-related health insurance. But, they're too young to qualify for Medicare. Individuals eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments also receive Medicare, but only after a two-year waiting period.
The Alzheimers Association recommends that Congress provide immediate access to Medicare for individuals who are under age 65 by eliminating the two-year waiting period for SSDI recipients with Alzheimers disease, a measure that could alleviate the suffering of thousands of people.
Facts on:
Medicare Supplemental Coverage
Did you know...
2.4 million people age from the ages of 75 to 84 years have Alzheimers?
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For those who do qualify for Medicare, Medicare supplemental coverage may be helpful when Alzheimers care becomes more involved. Medicare typically pays up to a certain amount (usually 80%) for hospital care, doctors' visits, etc. and the individual beneficiary is responsible for the remainder.
Medicare supplemental coverage covers the remaining costs. This is especially important because deductibles for nursing home costs and additional home-care services may be covered by a supplemental plan.
For those who do qualify for Medicare, supplemental insurance can make Alzheimers care a great deal easier. For those who do not yet qualify, it's important to register for SSDI immediately, and find good, short term insurance to cover medications and treatments in the meantime.
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