How Can CMS Address Senior Poverty, Patient Healthcare Costs?

Late last month, the agency noted the importance of addressing poverty as a social determinant of health, or a social issue that impacts a patient’s ability to achieve health and wellness.

Poverty is a critical issue that impacts senior patients, CMS said. Approximately 25 percent of Medicare beneficiaries has less than $15,000 in savings. Nearly one in 12 beneficiaries has no savings or is even in debt.