Leaders from two of the nation’s most influential interest groups said that the CMS must focus on health management rather than treatment in order to financially adapt to the more than 37 million baby boomers who will have at least one chronic condition by the time they are Medicare-eligible.
American Hospital Association President Richard Umbdenstock, speaking Tuesday at the association’s annual membership conference in Washington, cited statistics from a new report that says by 2011—when the leading edge of the baby boom generation turns 65—six out of 10 of them will either have diabetes, arthritis or will be classified as obese.
To meet those challenges, Umbdenstock said, “We will need a greater focus on wellness and prevention, new approaches to care delivery and a new look at the American healthcare system.”
Bill Novelli, chief executive officer of AARP, said that from a payer’s perspective, the CMS and others will need a “laserlike” focus on wellness, prevention and chronic-care management.
The report, called When I’m 64: How Boomers will Change Health Care, also says that by 2020, the baby boom generation will account for four out of 10 physician office visits and that by 2030, the number of boomer hospital admissions will more than double, to 22.9 million. -- by Matthew DoBias
