Baby Boomers tackle health care

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Driven by economic concerns, Baby Boomers are taking a more active part in their health. They are asking more about generic drugs, which are less expensive. And, according to a new AARP survey, they are becoming more engaged about their overall health -- better health means potentially fewer expensive medical bills.

“The Boomers are at a high risk of being uninsured, and they’re particularly worried. They’re concerned about losing their job-based coverage or not keeping up with the high premiums of individual coverage. And they don’t have the safety net that Medicare provides for older people,” AARP Senior Vice President Cheryl Matheis said in a news release yesterday.

With concerns about cost on the increase, the new AARP survey of Americans 55 to 64 shows they have adopted habits to improve their health and lower their health care costs:

• 80 percent are using their medications wisely by having regular assessment of their prescriptions by their doctor,
• 67 percent are asking about generics when getting a new prescription,
• 60 percent are asking their doctor about ways to reduce medications, like exercise and better eating habits.

In addition:

• 70 percent have talked to their doctor or pharmacist about drug side effects,
• 82 percent read the literature provided with their prescriptions.

“It’s promising to see so many older Americans taking personal responsibility for their health and making healthy decisions about their prescription drugs,” Matheis said. “It’s crucial that Americans make the effort to review their prescriptions with their doctor and pharmacist, and seek out detailed information about the drugs they’re taking. They cannot count on the health care system to do it for them.”

The survey was discussed yesterday on NBC's "Today" show during its Boomer Nation segment: