States are ranked based on quality, cost, and access to health care for adults 65 and older, based on data from the MedicareGuide data study. Updated on September 10, 2024 Our goal is to help you make informed healthcare decisions. While this post may contain links to lead generation forms, this won't influence what we write. We follow strict editorial standards to provide you with the most accurate and unbiased information.
Older Americans are constantly looking for affordable, quality health care, and more and more American adults are getting older. Every day, 10,000 people from the baby boomer generation celebrate their 65th birthday. However, not everyone receives the same quality of care. We compared all 50 states and Washington, D.C., to find out how they rank based on measures of cost, access and quality.
To conclude, we asked four experts to answer key questions and provide advice on Medicare. Read our findings and methodology below. What are the cost-saving tips for older people who need health care? While there are no unique savings tips for healthcare, there are some general principles that can minimize out-of-pocket expenses. The first rule is to turn to health care providers in your health plan's network, except in cases where there's a compelling medical reason to leave the network. Out-of-network care is more expensive and may not be covered at all, depending on the health plan's rules for non-emergency situations.
A similar recommendation is to use the medications listed on the health plan formulary (that is,The list of covered prescription drugs). However, it's always worth comparing prices on a website like GoodRx to see if drugs can be purchased for less than your health plan's copay. Another important step for savvy consumers in the healthcare industry is to review every medical bill they receive, as billing errors occur more often than you might suspect. What should you consider when choosing a health plan? What can you expect as you qualify for Medicare? What are the most common misconceptions about Medicare? Medical care? A common misconception about American healthcare is consistency.
The quality of health care (and the resulting health outcomes) can vary considerably from provider to provider. In addition, the fact that a hospital is recognized for a particular specialty (for example, orthopedic surgery) does not mean that the other specialties of that hospital are of the same quality. The cost varies as much as the quality of health care. Unfortunately, a higher price for a procedure (such as a knee replacement) doesn't mean it's going to be of a higher quality than the same procedure obtained from a lower-cost provider. What is the future of Medicare? The biggest mistake people make when buying health plans is focusing on premium costs.
The fact is, if the premium is low, the health plan operator collects other items to maintain their earnings. In general, the lower the premium, the higher the co-payments or the percentage of the shared cost of other vendors' services, the higher the deductible before the company pays a cent, and the smaller the network from suppliers. If you're young and healthy, a plan with lower premiums may work for you because you rarely need to see a doctor, maybe not even for an annual checkup. On the other hand, if you have health problems, you may very well get better results if you spend more to access the doctors and specialists you need to stay well.
In addition, many workers who have traditionally been laid off have signed up to the COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budgetary Reconciliation Act), a national program that allows workers to keep their health plan for up to 36 months if the worker pays all the costs. 80% of the costs that many companies pay to active workers go to the party that has been fired, under the law SNAKE. Now, several experts say that laid-off workers should instead turn to an Affordable Care Act plan. Laid-off workers are immediately eligible, and the sudden decline in their income often makes them eligible for significant cost-cutting subsidies.
The most common misconception about Medicare is that most doctors don't accept Medicare patients because of low government rates, which can account for half or a third of what they charge from private insurers or 10% of uninsured patients. The most common misconception people have about health care is that it's more expensive than they can afford. About one in four people do not see a doctor when they think they should, for fear of the amount of the bill. Make no mistake, healthcare in the United States isn't cheap.
However, there are many ways to get the care you need at affordable prices. For example, you can get a medical discount if you request it. Start by establishing how much the service will cost you if you continue. Then, clearly state that you cannot afford that amount right now. You may need to show the supplier some documents to explain your situation, such as pay stubs or your tax return.
Even so, if you're sincere in a face-to-face conversation with your suppliers, many have permanent policies that reduce their rates by half for people in need, maybe up to 10%, or even to zero. At a minimum, you should be able to agree on a more manageable monthly payment plan. You should also look to hospitals for the best rates if you're going to undergo a larger procedure, such as elective knee surgery or childbirth. Don't go near the billing department.
People there are paid to raise money. Instead, meet with the hospital's ombudsman, who is expected to defend patients. Like doctors, ombudsmen negotiate prices, especially if you receive competing written offers from one or two hospitals. Once you have agreed on the conditions, get the agreement in writing so that there are no misunderstandings later on. If you have health insurance with a high deductible before your plan starts paying or high coinsurance of 30% or more for expensive procedures, consider paying in cash. By law, you are not required to use your health insurance.
Increasingly, providers accept less cash from patients in cash than they could eventually collect from the insurance company. By accepting cash, they avoid lots of insurance paperwork, payment delays, and other problems. Original Medicare will continue to provide low-cost access to approximately 90% of all doctors, 75% of all specialists, and virtually all of the 5,000 hospitals. Medicare will continue to pay 80% of the bills, and the overwhelming majority of members will continue to buy supplemental Medigap insurance to cover the remaining 20%.
The good news is that many congressional legislators are pushing to extend Original Medicare benefits to eye, hearing and dental care. Many also continue to advocate allowing the federal government to begin negotiating lower drug prices with manufacturers. And legislators want to lower the age of eligibility for Medicare from 65 to 60, thereby reducing overall costs by bringing in younger, healthier older people. Health Educator, Health Care Policy Advocate, and Health Insurance Agent Coverage, costs, and choice of providers are primary considerations when choosing a health plan. Coverage refers to what is covered or benefits, as well as the amount of coverage.
Ideally, you should have 100% coverage, but realistically, that plan would probably have a high premium. For prescription drug plans, make sure the plan covers all or most of your medications. Use the Medicare plan finder to find Part D plans that cover your drugs. The costs include the premium and cost-sharing.
Don't choose a plan with a low premium without checking coverage or cost-sharing. The choice of providers concerns both doctors and pharmacies. With Original Medicare, you can choose between doctors willing to bill Medicare; with HMO Medicare Advantage plans, you can choose within the network. With Part D plans, use network pharmacies for lower co-pays.
For even lower copays, use preferred network pharmacies instead of standard network pharmacies. If you didn't apply for Social Security benefits before your 65th birthday, you must sign up voluntarily. If you're covered by your employer's health plan, you can delay enrollment in Medicare without penalty. Enroll during your initial enrollment period (IEP), which begins three months before your month of birth and ends three months after your month of birth.
Don't stop enrolling during your IEP, unless you have your employer's health coverage. Sign up for a Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan, or apply for a Medicare supplement plan during your IEP. Get guidance from an authorized agent or SHIP advisor. Efforts to curb rising prescription drug prices may pay off as the issue becomes a national health issue.
The 2003 law that created Medicare Part D prohibited the federal government from negotiating drug prices. Drug manufacturers supported the ban and have successfully rejected proposals to lift it. Allowing the government to negotiate drug prices on behalf of 62 million Medicare beneficiaries will likely lower drug prices in the Part D market and other markets. The Medicare program will change if the age of eligibility is lowered to include more young people.
Even if people under 65 without disabilities are allowed to buy Medicare, the program is likely to change. Owner, Secure Medicare Solutions Healthcare can be one of the biggest items in an older person's budget, so saving money is a priority for many seniors. Some money-saving tips include using generic drugs when they're available, using in-network medical providers if your Medicare plan has a network, and performing regular preventive checkups to detect any potential medical problems early. It's also a good idea to check the price of your health insurance periodically (we recommend that you do so at least twice a year) to make sure you have the best possible plan for your medical needs and financial resources. What is the future of Medicare? Medicare expert, registered nurse and nationally recognized serial entrepreneur What are the most common misconceptions about Medicare? These are two very common myths.
We evaluated those categories using 24 relevant metrics, which are detailed below. Each metric was rated on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the best healthcare for the elderly at the most affordable cost. Finally, we determined each state and district's weighted average across all metrics to calculate their overall score and used the resulting scores to rank our sample. Check your options to find savings. MedicareGuide's Annual Health Funding Survey American women face significant difficulties paying. Our mission is to provide information that helps ordinary people make better decisions about buying and maintaining their health coverage.
Our editorial team is comprised of industry professionals and experts in the ACA, private health insurance markets and government policies. Request for personal information under the CCPA If you have difficulty accessing the content of our website or need help with the functions of the site, please use one of the contact methods below. For help with Medicare plans, call 888-391-5203. For other plans, call 888-380-0672. The group found a great deal of variation between states. Overall, the best performing countries were in the Northeast, from Maryland to Maine, and on the West Coast.
The worst occurred in the southeastern and south-central United States, on a block from Oklahoma to Florida and the Carolinas. For more information, read more about housing for the elderly in Virginia. Spending your senior years in Hawaii is more than just having fun in the sun. This tropical state has many characteristics that make it suitable for the elderly.
In addition to having plenty of recreational and leisure activities to enjoy in near-perfect weather, retirees who live on a budget can enjoy low property and sales taxes. While income taxes are among the highest in the country, Hawaii offers exemptions for social security income, which can really help offset the burden paid by elderly people. Hawaii also offers excellent health care and housing resources for the elderly, which is part of the reason why the state of Aloha has the longest life expectancy in the United States. Learn more about caring for the elderly in Hawaii.
Learn more about senior living in Nebraska. Oklahoma also scores highly, largely because of its economic advantages for older people. Tax rates are relatively low here and the cost of living is near the end of all 50 states. In addition, health care and housing for the elderly are among the most affordable in the country, as the overall costs of nursing care, assisted and independent living, adult day care and home care are low.
Oklahoma also scored well because of its high access to quality health care, including some top-notch hospitals and abundant access to doctors who accept Medicare. Get all the details about caring for the elderly in Oklahoma. Kansas, another Midwestern jewel for seniors, scored the highest for its overall quality of life, access to Medicare hospitals and doctors, and its affordable cost of living. In addition to affordable housing, food and health care, the prices of home care, nursing homes and assisted living were much lower than the national average for those living in the Sunflower State.
However, the advantages of living in Kansas aren't quite practical. Since approximately one-third of residents are over 55, there are ample opportunities for older people to enjoy a good social life, no matter what their interests are. Read more about senior living in Kansas. For more details, visit our page on senior living in Maryland. Retirees have flocked to Florida's warm and welcoming climate for decades, so it shouldn't surprise us that The Sunshine State is high on our list.
Florida is one of the most fun and social places in the United States for retirees. The state is home to a huge population of seniors, more than 1,000 golf courses, parks, beaches, and just about any other service one could want. But Florida has more to offer than just sun and fun. It also has first-rate access to health care, low costs for senior living and a series of specific tax advantages for people over 65. Read all about housing for the elderly in Florida.
The Lone Star State has some of the highest-quality health care services for seniors in every state in the country. With nationally ranked hospitals and health centers across the huge state, it also offers a high level of access to Medicare doctors for those who are retired. The cost of living is also very low compared to national averages, there are no income taxes, and there are tax breaks for older people to help offset increased property taxes in the state. Texas also offers pleasant weather for most of the year, with warm summers and relatively mild winters everywhere, so there's plenty of sunshine to enjoy the incredible parks and nearly 800 golf courses across the state.
Arizona is another state that has become synonymous with retirement in recent decades. The warm climate and the large number of parks and golf courses make Arizona a fun place to settle down. This is probably why about 30% of Arizona's population is comprised of people aged 55 and over. Not only are elderly care options widely accessible in Arizona, but they are also affordable, as the costs of assisted living, nursing homes and home health care cost less than the country's national average. Financially, Arizona also scores highly with low state and property taxes and no estate or inheritance taxes.
West Virginia completes the list of the 10 best states to live in for seniors thanks to its numerous hospitals, low property taxes and an affordable cost of living. Since home health care and assisted living costs are more affordable than the national average, along with low-cost housing, it's easy to understand why this state is so favorable for older people. And while the mountainous state is close to the services offered by the larger states on the East Coast, its sparse population offers plenty of space to enjoy the beautiful parks and landscapes around. the state.
Learn more about senior living in West Virginia. The Empire State is undoubtedly one of the world's cultural and financial centers, but it's not a good place to settle if you're living on a retirement budget. The state imposes an enormous tax burden on both property and income, and the overall cost of living is one of the highest of the 50 states. Those looking to invest in a retirement home can expect to pay a lot of money for real estate, not to mention the high costs of food, healthcare and other household items.
first need. Those who need a higher standard of care can also expect to go broke, as the costs of nursing homes, assisted living, home care and adult day care are well above national averages. Arkansas is ranked 46th for several reasons. Access to health care and housing services for the elderly is lower than in most states, especially for people who live outside one of the state's major urban areas.
This may be one of the reasons why The Land of Opportunity also has one of the lowest life expectancies in all 50 states. Unfortunately, Arkansas has also experienced fairly high crime rates in recent years, further tarnishing its ranking. Finally, while the cost of living is generally low, the state also has one of the highest income tax rates in the country, which can be a major disadvantage for those who live on investment income in retirement. Learn more about senior living in Arkansas.
North Dakota is in last place with 49, primarily because it is one of the most rural states in the country. Older people who need medical care or other services, such as assisted living or home care, usually can't get it close to where they live. It also makes it difficult to socialize because there simply isn't much for retirees to do. Finally, for those who want to get out and enjoy their golden years, it's best to keep warm because arctic conditions can make it difficult to leave home for much of the year. Utah will be the healthiest state in the country for older adults in 2024, according to the United Health Foundation's twelfth annual report on the United Health ranking of the health of older adults Foundation.
The May 30 report provides a comprehensive view of the health and well-being of Americans over the age of 65. Delaware may be small, but it has a lot of character. This northeastern coastal state is filled with charming small towns with plenty to keep you busy during your retirement. From Atlantic coast cities like Rehoboth Beach to the quiet suburban area of Greenville, you'll find what you're looking for in Delaware. Not to mention the state's proximity to other major metropolises (Baltimore; Washington, D.C.) While the cost of living is slightly higher in Delaware than the national average, state income tax is relatively low and there are no state or local sales taxes.
In fact, it's the third cheapest state to retire in among the 10 best states to retire in. Residents also enjoy robust access to healthcare and a lower risk of social isolation. If you like relaxing by a campfire in winter, you'll have plenty of opportunities with Delaware's long, snowy winters. And don't worry if the cold isn't your thing; the spring and fall months in Delaware are beautiful and the summers are mild. If Delaware is the ideal place for you, start your search with Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach and Millville, three of the best places to retire in Delaware.
Not only do Wyoming residents enjoy a cost of living 2.5 percent lower than the national average, but they pay a smaller proportion of their income in taxes than most from other states. It should be noted that it is one of nine states without state income tax. It also doesn't hurt that Wyoming's natural landscape is breathtaking. It's no wonder that Thrillist called it the tenth most beautiful state in the U.S.
UU. Surely you've heard of Yellowstone National Park, which attracts tons of visitors every year with its incredible geysers, hot springs, majestic canyons and abundant life Silvester. But there are also plenty of other natural sights to see in Wyoming, from Grand Teton National Park to Red Canyon. As for the best places to retire in Wyoming, Niche recommends Thermopolis (the Wyoming city with the second lowest cost of living), Ranchettes (also ranked 14th best place to live overall in Wyoming) and Worland (ranked 5th best place to buy a home in Wyoming).
The best state to retire in 2024 is sunny Florida, thanks to its relative affordability and high quality of life for seniors. There are as many opinions about places to retire as about retirement itself, especially in a country as large and diverse as the United States. For example, Retirement Living ranked New Hampshire as the best state to retire in its 2024 study, followed by Maine, Iowa, Idaho and Mississippi. Why New Hampshire? The Retirement Living methodology evaluated quality of life and cost of living using 13 metrics.
New Hampshire ranked first in terms of affordability and 13th in quality of life, while Maine ranked fifth in affordability and 15th in quality of life (enough to place the Pine Tree State in second place). While Kentucky has a lower than average cost of living, it has a state fixed income tax of 4 percent and ranks low in WalletHub's assessments of quality of life and medical care. New Jersey has a cost of living nearly 20 percent higher than the national average, a state income tax that can reach up to 10.75 percent, and a climate that ranges from cold, snowy winters to hot, humid summers. And while Oklahoma ranks fairly well in terms of affordability (thanks in part to a cost of living nearly 18 percent lower than the national average), it has one of the lowest rankings for quality of life.
Those who want to retire in Oklahoma should be wary of tornadoes, extreme temperatures, and limited access to public transportation and health care options. As expected, the best state to retire in 2024 it's sunny Florida.
