Older Americans Worried About Insurance Coverage, Health Costs as They Approach Retirement

More than one-fourth of Americans between the ages of 50 and 64 worry they will not be able to afford their insurance over the next year, and nearly half expressed little to no confidence in being able to afford their insurance when they retire, according to a new poll from the University of Michigan cited by Fierce Healthcare . Although some of these concerns include things people cannot directly control, such as policy changes, many are focused on maintaining current coverage provided through an employer while reducing personal healthcare expenses. The survey found 13 percent of respondents delayed medical care within the last year due to cost concerns, and another 15 percent postponed procedures until they could change their plan the following coverage year. Additionally, 8 percent of respondents between the ages of 60 and 64 reported delaying a procedure until they could get Medicare. Nearly one-fifth of respondents said they were keeping a job, delaying retirement, or considering delaying retirement to keep their employer-sponsored insurance. Finally, the study found that more than two-thirds said they are worried about how their coverage may change due to federal policies.