understanding the next wave of medicare enrollees

Understanding the next wave of Medicare enrolleesMedicare Advantage plans may need new strategies to capture and retain younger Baby Boomers

Copyright © 2017 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved. Understanding the next wave of Medicare enrollees 1

This next wave of Medicare enrollees, referred to as “trailing-edge,” is different from “leading-edge” Boomers, many of whom have already enrolled in Medicare.

As this next wave of our population ages into Medicare, will health plans be ready to capture and retain them?

With trailing-edge Boomers aging into Medicare at a rate of 10,000 per day over the next 10 years, health plans may want to listen up.

Approximately 26 million Baby Boomers will age into Medicare through 2030.


Places like Boise, Idaho and Austin, Texas have exploded in population in the last 15 years for adults aged 55 to 64. And, many retirees are gathering in college towns too.

They’re making new retirement spots popular.

Develop new partnerships beyond traditional health care organizations.

Revisit network size and configuration in areas that are growing in popularity.

Health plan considerationsBoise

Austin


For some, it’s sentiment. Others lost value in their homes and savings during the recession.

Many prefer to stay in or near their home—or can’t afford not to.

Structure benefits to cover personal care and long-term care support services.

Health plan considerations

Get ahead of health issues by addressing nutrition, housing, transportation, and other social needs.


Women retiring now are more likely to have been in the workforce. They’ve been making benefit decisions for years and likely won’t stop just because they’ve entered retirement.

Female Boomers will be an important set of decision makers.

Embrace segmentation in know-your-customer and messaging efforts.


Help ease the transition from employer coverage to Medicare.


Among trailing-edge Boomers, diabetes and obesity are more common. But healthy habits and wellness knowledge among this group are higher too.

Chronic diseases are on the rise. But so is health engagement.

Provide tools to help manage chronic conditions.


Offer online and immersive experiences to help members—especially ones with high disease burden—control their health conditions.


Many in the new wave of Boomers don’t trust the same health information sources their older peers do, many are less trusting, and many are dissatisfied with their current plans.

This younger age group has different attitudes about care.


Use analytics and health risk assessments to inform outreach to members.

Enlist friends, family, and other trusted sources to renew trust.


Many trailing-edge Boomers are interested in new technologies (e.g., telemedicine) to support aging in the home. However, privacy and security are major concerns when it comes to connected health.

They’re getting older, but many know their technology.


Invest in age-at-home technologies like telemedicine and self-service offerings.

Highlight tools that safeguard personal data.

Let’s talk


To learn more about the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, its projects, and events, please visit:

www.deloitte.com/centerforhealthsolutions

@DeloitteHealth

Leslie ReadPrincipalUS Health Plans Consumer & Digital Transformation Leader Deloitte Consulting [email protected]

Claire B. Cruse, MPHHealth Policy ManagerDeloitte Center for Health SolutionsDeloitte Services [email protected]

https://twitter.com/DeloitteHealth

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About the Deloitte Center for Health SolutionsThe source for fresh perspectives in health care: The Deloitte Center for Health Solutions (DCHS) is the research division of Deloitte LLP’s Life Sciences and Health Care practice. DCHS looks deeper at the biggest industry issues and provides new thinking around complex challenges. Cutting-edge research and thought-provoking analysis gives industry insiders the insights they need to see things differently and address the changing landscape.

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Copyright © 2017 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved.

understanding the next wave of medicare enrollees

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