New AARP Poll Says More than Half Think They Won't Have Enough Money for Health Care

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, AARP released a new survey that says more than half of working Americans over age 50 (55%) don't think they'll have enough money for health care as they reach the age they expect to retire. While Medicare only covers about half of health costs, four in ten (38%) say they haven't saved anything at all for such expenses even though multiple studies show that these costs often reach more than $200,000 for a retired couple. AARP also found that among 50+ workers, most (57%) say they plan to work past the age of 65.

Although AARP found that 68% believe they should begin saving at age 35 or younger, just 28% began saving at that age. AARP's recently launched free online Health Care Costs Calculator, a major addition to its Ready for Retirement suite of planning tools, could help families and individuals of all ages plan for health savings. The calculator is available to all for free at www.aarp.org/hccc.

"Our survey shows that Americans haven't planned enough for health expenses in retirement," said AARP Vice President for Financial Security Debbie Banda. "Even though these costs can have a significant impact on retirement savings, families and individuals often struggle to save what they need because they are paying other necessary expenses or helping to support other family members or loved ones. We hope that we can help people of all ages get a better handle on these expenses with AARP's free Health Care Costs Calculator."

The Health Care Costs Calculator estimates health costs in retirement by utilizing a database that includes $136 billion in costs from actual health care claims. Users can select from 82 medical conditions to estimate how much they may need to spend on out-of-pocket health care costs. The calculator also assumes that individuals will be eligible for and select Medicare Parts A, B and D.

After estimating costs with the calculator, users can create a customizable action plan to help save for health care in retirement and make lifestyle changes that could help reduce their out of pocket costs. For example, if a person chooses "get to a healthier weight" as a goal, the tool will show how that action can lower their predicted costs, as well as offer possible next steps for pursuing that goal. 

"When faced with future health costs, many people are either overwhelmed or overconfident," added Banda. "Thinking that your health care will be paid for by Medicare alone or avoiding health care planning altogether are not the right solutions. The more you know and plan for you and your family's health care, the better off you will be in the long run."

The Health Care Costs Calculator requires no registration and collects no personal data on any user. To learn more about the tool visit www.aarp.org/hccc. For the 2014 survey Planning for Health Care Costs in Retirement: A 2014 survey of 50+ Workers, telephone interviews were conducted by Woelfel Research, an independent research company, June 4 – June 22, 2014.  The margin of error for the national sample of 1,002 non-retirees is +/- 3%. The margin of error for the national sample of 502 retirees is +/- 4%. 

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

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SOURCE AARP