“What We Know About Provider Consolidation,” by Karyn Schwartz, el al., Kaiser Family Foundation Quote: “The COVID-19 pandemic has led to dramatic decreases in health care spending, as patients and providers have delayed a wide range of health care services. The decrease in service use and spending resulted in a decline in revenue for many providers at the same time that some are facing increased costs due to the pandemic. Given the uncertain timing of a ‘return to normal’ and potentially lingering effects of the current economic crisis, some providers may continue to experience sustained declines in revenue even with
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“COVID-19 could lead to billions in long-term healthcare costs: experts,” by Amy Novotney, McKnight’s Senior Living Quote: These experts point to the potential for billions of dollars in long-term healthcare expenses, as studies of patients with COVID-19 continue to uncover new complications associated with the disease. They say the costs stem from COVID-19’s toll on multiple organs, including heart, lung and kidney damage that likely will require costly care, such as regular scans and ultrasounds, as well as neurologic deficits that are not yet fully understood. The added costs likely will lead to increases in insurance premiums and long-term care costs.”
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“After COVID-19: A Health Care Forecast for Older Americans,” by Bart Astor, NextAvenue Quote: “(This is Part 2 of a two-part series forecasting life for older adults after COVID-19. Part 1 focused on what housing is likely to look like for the oldest Americans. Part 2 looks at the future of health care and geriatric medicine.) Once the coronavirus pandemic fades — whenever that happens — two health trends for America’s older adults seem nearly unquestionable. Medical appointments through telehealth will be common, especially for those on Medicare. And the need for geriatricians will be great. Since people over 65 have accounted for roughly 80% of the
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