A University of Michigan study published in JAMA Network Open on Jan. 30 revealed that older adults in the United States considering elective surgery commonly cite concerns about missed work and out-of-pocket costs. The study, which surveyed over 2,000 adults aged 50 to 80 who contemplated elective surgery in the past five years, found that one-fifth of respondents worried about out-of-pocket expenses, while a similar proportion expressed concerns about taking time off work for the procedure. Interestingly, those expressing such concerns were less inclined to proceed with surgery, according to the researchers.
The researchers also highlighted data from the U.S. Census Bureau showing a doubling in the share of adults aged 60 and above who are employed between 2000 and 2020. They suggested future studies should investigate the impact of surgery on employment status and job productivity, while also examining workplace policies regarding time off for recovery.
Cost considerations loom large in elective procedures, mirroring broader trends in healthcare. The Employee Benefits Research Institute reported that employees’ share of out-of-pocket costs in employer-sponsored health plans increased from 17.4% in 2013 to 19% in 2019, partly driven by the adoption of high-deductible health plans. Notably, out-of-pocket spending for outpatient services outpaced that for inpatient services. Mercer’s 2023 survey projected a 5.4% increase in overall employer healthcare costs for the year.
However, cost concerns are not limited to older workers. A Commonwealth Fund study in 2022 found that many employees covered by employer-sponsored plans are underinsured, with a significant percentage foregoing medical care due to financial constraints. Moreover, the pandemic exacerbated issues around deferred preventative care, raising concerns about missed opportunities for early disease detection, particularly for chronic conditions like cancer.
As the workforce ages, employers may grapple with the impact of deferred care among older workers. Bain & Co.’s 2023 report projected that workers aged 55 and above could constitute more than a quarter of the workforce in countries like the U.S. and Canada by 2031. In addition to healthcare strategy, employers may need to address age discrimination in the workplace, which often goes unnoticed but requires cultural adjustments to mitigate.
