Medicare Misconceptions Could Land Many Retirees in Financial Hardship
Boomers nor retirees on Medicare have good understanding of the program
Feb. 7, 2012 A significant number of retirees on Medicare lack a solid understanding of the health insurance programs
coverage and costs. Two out of three, for example, did not know if Medicare covers long-term care. This lack of knowledge results in
unexpected financial surprises, according to research by the Bankers Life and Casualty Company Center for a Secure Retirement.
The study, Retirement Healthcare for Middle-Income Americans, focused on 400 pre-Medicare Baby Boomers (age 47 to 64) and
400 senior citizens (age 65 to 75) with an annual household income of between $25,000 and $75,000.
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It found that one in three Medicare enrollees still did not know how much the program covers for doctor's visits (33
percent) or hospitalization (31 percent), which are the basic components of the program's health benefits.
The CSR study also found nearly half (49 percent) do not understand their benefits for vision care and hearing care, both
which are services typically not covered by Medicare.
Long-term care was found to be the least understood and the greatest perceived threat to financial security for
middle-income Americans. Two out of three (66 percent) Medicare recipients did not know if the program covers long-term care or overestimate
its long-term care coverage.
Medicare has long been labeled as an entitlement program but middle-income Americans say it is not the free ride many
assume it is. Two-thirds (65 percent) of those on Medicare report paying the same or more for healthcare now that they are on Medicare,
resulting in unexpected financial surprises.
The most common financial surprises for Medicare enrollees is the cost of monthly Part B premiums with nearly half (44
percent) who report paying more than they had expected.
The unexpected financial surprises coupled with the uneasy economy have forced 78 percent of middle-income Americans on
Medicare to take at least one action to reduce their healthcare expenses, including -
● switching to generic prescriptions (69 percent),
● holding off going to the doctor (22 percent),
● changing to a less expensive health plan (15 percent) or
● splitting pills to make their prescriptions last longer (12 percent).
"Financial fallout from healthcare related expenses can devastate savings and strip away the enjoyment of one's
retirement years," said Chris Campbell, vice president of strategic marketing and business development for Bankers Life and Casualty Company,
a national life and health insurer.
"Review your Medicare plan options annually and look into new health and prescription drug plans that better meet your
needs. Also, consider purchasing additional healthcare insurance to address services not covered by Medicare and out-of-pocket expenses."
According to the CSR study, three out of four (77 percent) have purchased an insurance product or a Medicare Supplement
insurance plan to help pay out of pocket expenses typically not covered by the Medicare program.
Methodology The Bankers Life and Casualty Company Center for a Secure Retirement's study Retirement Healthcare for Middle-Income Americans was
conducted in September 2011 by the independent research firm The Blackstone Group. The complete report can be viewed at
www.CenterForASecureRetirement.com.
About the Center for a Secure Retirement The Bankers Life and Casualty Company Center for a Secure Retirement is the Company's research and consumer education program. Its studies
and consumer awareness campaigns provide insight and practical advice for how everyday Americans can achieve financial security during
retirement.
Established in 1879 in Chicago, Bankers Life and Casualty Company focuses on the insurance needs of the retirement
market. The nationwide company, a subsidiary of CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:
CNO), offers a broad portfolio of life and health insurance retirement products
designed especially for Boomers and retirees.
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Feb. 7, 2012 A significant number of retirees on Medicare lack a solid understanding of the health insurance programs
coverage and costs. Two out of three, for example, did not know if Medicare covers long-term care. This lack of knowledge results in
unexpected financial surprises, according to research by the Bankers Life and Casualty Company Center for a Secure Retirement.
Download this free, handy sheet for keeping track of your free Medicare preventive services
- Jan. 22, 2012
Financial Relief for Volkswagen Diesel Owners 