As the world around us becomes more entwined with technology, we’ve seen a steady transformation of many services, products, and important information to the online marketplace. Twenty years ago, most of us would order a pizza by looking up the number in a phone book, calling on a landline phone, and talking to a live person who would manually take the order. Nowadays, you can order a pizza in a matter of seconds and your order simply appears on a screen in front of the pizza assembly line. Pizza is only one of the countless examples, however. From the comfort of your home or office, you can now order food, apply for a mortgage, and research any topic under the sun — including how to manage your healthcare and the high costs that come with it.
Finding Google
Unfortunately, a large percentage of seniors is still slow to adopt to technology. A study by the Pew Research Center found that through 2014, 40% of Americans aged 65 and above still do not have access to the internet. While some of them have real limitations such as visual impairments, other restricting health conditions, or simply lack the ability to afford an internet connection, the same study found that 53% of those seniors without access to the internet simply believe that they are not missing out on any important information.
This statistic is particularly worrisome considering how complicated our healthcare system has become. Because they are far more likely to need treatment, medications, and other various health services, it is vital for seniors more than any other group to be able to access information and resources in order to obtain the appropriate care and, correspondingly, the best outcome.
Seniors are now faced with several difficult choices when they retire, including what kind of Medicare plans in which they should enroll, how much coverage they need, whether or not to purchase a supplemental plan, and how to afford any of these options in the first place. Without adequate information, seniors far too often have to decide between getting all of the healthcare that they legitimately need or being able to afford essentials like groceries. While the costs associated with healthcare continues to increase, the amount of information and resources available online also continues to increase, providing access to important weapons in the fight against these mounting costs to anyone with a little motivation and an internet connection.
If You Build It, They Will Come
There are already a number of great tools available online such as physician finders provided by insurance companies, independent organizations like 211.Org who can help identify assistance programs, and even free savings programs like our very own RefillWise that can save money on nearly every prescription at over 50,000 pharmacies around the country. Many of our leaders in the federal government, state governments, and even most major internet providers have recognized the importance of internet access and have begun offering various programs to provide internet services at sharply discounted rates, in many cases for as low as $5 or $10 a month.
Get Connected
Having access to the internet and being able to use it can not only save some frustration, but it could very likely help you save money, time, and have a positive effect on your overall health. As our country continues to shift to an online identity, it is essential that all of us — seniors included — do our part to remain proactive and stay informed about our own health. In 2016, it is nearly impossible to do so without at least a basic level of internet literacy and access. If you are a senior, we highly encourage you to check out these 5 useful links that are great examples of resources available today.
5 Useful Online Resources for Seniors
RefillWise.com — RefillWise is a free prescription discount card that can be used at any major chain pharmacy to save money on nearly any prescribed medication. Although it cannot be used in addition to insurance, it can especially help seniors who don't have a Part D plan, those who have something prescribed that is not covered by their Part D plan, and those who fall into the coverage gap.
How to Sign Up For Medicare - The Center for Medicare (& Medicaid) Services has a very comprehensive website with great links, info, and answers to commonly asked questions.
211.Org — 211 is a non-profit organization that helps to connect those in need of assistance with any programs that may benefit them, including seniors who are having trouble affording healthcare that they need.
MedLinePlus.gov — MedLine Plus is a wonderful website filled with general information and articles that address some very common issues that affect nearly all seniors, including tips on how to stay healthy as a senior.
MedicareRights.org — The folks at MedicareRights are an extremely helpful group of advocates working to make sure our seniors are getting the most out of Medicare. They also have a team of Medicare counselors who can help assist you if you have any questions about how Medicare works, where to find help, etc.
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