HIGH COST OF DYING

(WSJ, 1993) One in every seven dollars spent on health care is spent during the last six months of life. Most Americans say every person deserves life prolonging care. But is it worth it? Further, can we afford it?

28% OF THE MEDICARE BUDGET IS SPENT IN REIMBURSEMENTS TO PEOPLE OVER AGE 65 IN THEIR LAST YEAR OF LIFE. THE BULK IS SPENT IN THE LAST 30 DAYS.

That's about $30 billion. That amount could account for about 2/3 of the cost of providing health care for the 37 million uninsured Americans. About 70% of all who die annually are elderly. And as the average age of Americans get older- currently 12.5% are over age 65- the cost for care will rise dramatically. The ever increasing use of new diagnostic and life prolonging technologies adds another 25%. The issue creates a dilemma for all- morally and financially. But it seems logical that the most care should be spent ONLY on those who have a chance to recover. The right to life forms should be mandatory and limit the excess costs and efforts.

A recent survey of 7,600 elderly in 1986 noted that elderly women have a less healthy last year of life as compared to elderly men. It showed that 14% of all who died after 65 were fully functional and 10% were severely restricted. As age progressed, the statistics obviously got worse. 20% between ages of 65 to 74 were fully functional while only 3% were severely restricted. At age 85, only 6% were fully functional while 22% were severely restricted. Of particular note is that women were 40% less likely than men to be fully functional in the last year of life and 70% more likely to be severely restricted. That's why more women should consider long term health care policies and why all should have Durable Powers of Attorney for Health Care.

DYING COSTS: (1999) The National Funeral Directors Association says that the average funeral is $4,782 excluding the vault, cemetery plot, market and some miscellaneous items. According to the Cremation Association of North America, the average cremation is $1,200.

Cryogenic Suspension- $35,000 (33,000 head only)

Long term Cryogenic Storage- $100,000; $85,000 with small patient discount

DYING COSTS: (2000) End-of-life costs account for about 10 percent of total-health care spending and 27 percent of Medicare expenditures

Symptoms of Major Health Conditions Affecting the Elderly 2006