older people’s health issues
Indirect Influences on Health in Older People
Finances
In the United States, poverty is more common among older people than among the general population, despite the financial help provided by Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid. Medicare Part D (the prescription drug program), has made drug costs more manageable especially for older people with a low income. Yet, despite these programs, some older people still have significant out-of-pocket expenses, making it difficult to pay for health care. When paying for health care is difficult, otherwise treatable disorders often are undertreated or untreated or are treated at a late stage. People with higher education tend to have better health and live longer. 