Alzheimer’s Association report finds state Medicaid costs to increase over the next 10 years
November 7, 2015
South Carolina to See 6th Highest Increase in Alzheimer’s State Medicaid Costs in the US
GREENVILLE, SC – Released on the first week of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association’s new report, The Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease on Medicaid Costs: A Growing Burden for States, found that between 2015 and 2025, Medicaid costs for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias will increase in every state in the U.S. and the District of Columbia. In fact, by 2025, 35 states will see increases in Alzheimer’s Medicaid costs of at least 40 percent from 2015, including 22 states that will see increases of at least 50 percent.
In South Carolina, Medicaid spending on people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias will increase 61% by 2025. This represents the 6th highest rate of growth projected among states, following Alaska, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Wyoming. This year, spending will total $520 million, increasing to $840 million in 2025.
“While South Carolina’s current Medicaid spending on people with Alzheimer’s disease accounts for just 9% of the overall 2015 Medicaid budget in South Carolina, it is important to note that long-term care patients in Medicaid are the most expensive in cost per beneficiary,” said Cindy Alewine, President/CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association South Carolina Chapter. “As the Baby Boomer population continues to grow rapidly in our state, we must ensure that South Carolina is planning ahead to anticipate future needs of our citizens.”
Seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementias often rely on Medicaid, which is funded by state and federal governments, at a rate nearly three times greater than other seniors due to the long duration of the disease, the intense personal care needs and the high cost of long-term care services. According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures 2015 report, by the age of 80, 75 percent of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias will be admitted to a nursing home, compared with just four percent of the general population.
“Fortunately, with the release of Creating Direction: A Guide for Improving Long-Term Care in South Carolina, we are well-positioned to begin a vital dialogue about strengthening long-term services and supports in our state,” said Alewine. “The Alzheimer’s Association is a huge supporter of this collaborative effort, convened by the South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Health.”
With the quickly rising Medicaid costs for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, South Carolina needs a comprehensive review of state preparedness to meet the immediate and future care needs of people affected by this devastating disease. Alzheimer’s is a triple threat, with soaring prevalence, lack of treatment and enormous costs that no one can afford. Barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent, stop or slow Alzheimer’s disease, state governments must anticipate the demands of long-term care on their Medicaid budgets.
To read the full report findings, visit alz.org/trajectory.
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
Alzheimer’s Association report finds state Medicaid costs for people living with Alzheimer’s will increase significantly over the next 10 years
November 6, 2015
South Carolina to See 6th Highest Increase in Alzheimer’s State Medicaid Costs in the US
COLUMBIA, SC – Released on the first week of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association’s new report, The Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease on Medicaid Costs: A Growing Burden for States, found that between 2015 and 2025, Medicaid costs for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias will increase in every state in the U.S. and the District of Columbia. In fact, by 2025, 35 states will see increases in Alzheimer’s Medicaid costs of at least 40 percent from 2015, including 22 states that will see increases of at least 50 percent.
In South Carolina, Medicaid spending on people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias will increase 61% by 2025. This represents the 6th highest rate of growth projected among states, following Alaska, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Wyoming. This year, spending will total $520 million, increasing to $840 million in 2025.
“While South Carolina’s current Medicaid spending on people with Alzheimer’s disease accounts for just 9% of the overall 2015 Medicaid budget in South Carolina, it is important to note that long-term care patients in Medicaid are the most expensive in cost per beneficiary,” said Cindy Alewine, President/CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association South Carolina Chapter. “As the Baby Boomer population continues to grow rapidly in our state, we must ensure that South Carolina is planning ahead to anticipate future needs of our citizens.”
Seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementias often rely on Medicaid, which is funded by state and federal governments, at a rate nearly three times greater than other seniors due to the long duration of the disease, the intense personal care needs and the high cost of long-term care services. According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures 2015 report, by the age of 80, 75 percent of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias will be admitted to a nursing home, compared with just four percent of the general population.
“Fortunately, with the release of Creating Direction: A Guide for Improving Long-Term Care in South Carolina, we are well-positioned to begin a vital dialogue about strengthening long-term services and supports in our state,” said Alewine. “The Alzheimer’s Association is a huge supporter of this collaborative effort, convened by the South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Health. We look forward to addressing the needs of Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers within the broader spectrum of long-term care.”
With the quickly rising Medicaid costs for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, South Carolina needs a comprehensive review of state preparedness to meet the immediate and future care needs of people affected by this devastating disease. Alzheimer’s is a triple threat, with soaring prevalence, lack of treatment and enormous costs that no one can afford. Barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent, stop or slow Alzheimer’s disease, state governments must anticipate the demands of long-term care on their Medicaid budgets.
To read the full report findings, visit alz.org/trajectory.
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
