STATISTICAL BRIEF #429: Trends in Health Care Expenditures for the Elderly, Age 65 and Over: 2001, 2006, and 2011

STATISTICAL BRIEF #429: Trends in Health Care Expenditures for the Elderly, Age 65 and Over: 2001, 2006, and 2011

AHRQ Stats

Among people age 65 and over, the portion of total expenses for hospital inpatient stays was lower in 2011 than in 2001, while the portions for ambulatory care and prescribed medicines were higher. (Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Statistical Brief #429: Trends in Health Care Expenditures for the Elderly, Age 65 and Over: 2001, 2006, and 2011.)

STATISTICAL BRIEF #429: Trends in Health Care Expenditures for the Elderly, Age 65 and Older: 2001, 2006, and 2011

January 2014

Lisa B. Mirel, MS and Kelly Carper, MEd

Highlights

• A similar proportion (about 96 percent) of the elderly had some expenses for health care in 2001, 2006, and 2011.
• In 2011, the average total annual expense per person with expenses was higher than 2001 for the elderly.
• The proportion of the elderly with expenses for dental visits in 2011 was higher than 2001. Conversely, the proportions with emergency room, outpatient, and inpatient hospital expenses were lower in 2011 than 2001.
• Among persons age 65 and over, the portion of total expenses accounted for by inpatient care was lower in 2011 than 2001 while the portions for ambulatory care and prescribed medicines were higher.
• The average expense per office visit and prescription medicine purchase for the elderly was higher in 2011 than in 2006 or 2001. The average expense for an inpatient hospital stay per day, an emergency room visit, and a dental visit was significantly higher in 2011 than 2001.