Alzheimer's May Overwhelm Medicare

A wave of Baby Boomers with Alzheimer's threatens to overwhelm Medicare and other health programs, says a group seeking more federal money for research to prevent or at least stall the disease. Alzheimer's, which robs the elderly of their memories and the ability to care for themselves, already costs the federal government about $50 billion, the Alzheimer's Association said in a report recently. The group wants Congress to double the money spent researching the ailment, which has no known cure. In the next decade, says the report, government costs to treat Alzheimer's patients are expected to rise to $82.3 billion, the price of increased hospital and doctors' visits for approximately 5.5 million sufferers.

Own Your Future Campaign

The Department of Health and Human Services launched an initiative aimed at increasing long term care awareness in January 2005. The “Own Your Future” campaign is primarily aimed at increasing awareness of the need for planning for future long term care needs to increase the individual’s future choices for care and to preserve their dignity.

The program primarily focuses on a letter from the governor of each state to every household in the 50-70 year age band. The letter highlights some key long term care needs and the resources for long term care planning. The individual may request an LTC Planning Kit by calling a toll-free number, sending in a postcard or ordering directly from the Web site. The consumer can also download a kit from the Web site www.ltcaware.info.

The federal government is sending a strong message regarding long term care planning, as the program is primarily funded by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the US Department of Health and Human Services. Consumers receiving these materials are more prepared for a Long Term Care insurance purchase, and they understand the importance of planning for these events.