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Older Americans often postpone elective surgeries due to concerns about out-of-pocket expenditures, time away from work, and potential exposure to COVID-19, according to a study by the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. About half of the respondents in the study, who expressed severe concern about cost and work absence, chose not to undergo a considered surgery. These concerns outweighed fears about surgery-related pain or recovery process, with financial issues and employment implications being significant factors in their decision-making process.
Older Americans Forego Elective Surgeries Due to Financial and COVID-19 Concerns
It appears that older Americans are opting out of elective surgeries due to concerns about out-of-pocket costs, loss of work time, and potential exposure to COVID-19. This is according to a study by the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation.
The study found that financial concerns and work obligations deterred older Americans from proceeding with their surgeries more than fear of pain or recovery period. Nearly half of the respondents highly concerned about costs and over half of those worried about taking time off work decided against the surgeries. Meanwhile, concerns about surgery-related pain didn’t deter those deciding whether to proceed.
Over the past two decades, employment among those aged 60 and above has doubled. Furthermore, enrolment in Medicare Advantage plans with limited networks and high-deductible health plans is on the rise. The most common surgeries considered by the respondents were hip or knee replacement, cataract surgery, hernia repair, gallbladder removal, and hysterectomy, which are typically covered by insurance.
Nicholas Berlin M.D., a surgeon and author of the report, noted that many insured patients have had to abandon necessary surgeries due to inability to afford out-of-pocket costs or take time off work for recovery. While policymakers have made efforts to compel hospitals to provide transparent operation costs, these measures do not tackle concerns about loss of employment income or health insurance structure related costs.
COVID-19 Concerns and Caregiving Considerations
The study theorized that COVID-19 concerns were likely influenced by the timing of the poll, which was conducted in August 2021, covering five years prior. At that time, two-thirds of those highly concerned about COVID-19 exposure during surgery and recovery ended up forgoing the procedure. Jeffrey Kullgren, M.D., the poll director and senior author of the paper, also highlighted the role of caregiving concerns in the decision-making process. This includes worries about not being able to care for dependents and concerns about needing someone to care for them during recovery.
Related: How health insurance has become a barrier to health care
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