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. 1984 Spring;5(3):117-31.

The use and costs of Medicare services in the last 2 years of life

J Lubitz, R Prihoda

The use and costs of Medicare services in the last 2 years of life

J Lubitz et al. Health Care Financ Rev. 1984 Spring.

Abstract

This study reports on the use of services by Medicare enrollees who died in 1978. Decedents comprised 5.9 percent of the study group but accounted for 28 percent of Medicare expenditures. The use of services became more intense as death approached. Despite the idea that heroic efforts to prolong life are common, only 6 percent of persons who died had more than $15,000 in Medicare expenses in their last year of life. As shown here, the unique patterns of health care use by decedents and survivors should be fully understood and considered when contemplating changes in the Medicare program.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Unadjusted and mortality-adjusted rates of reimbursement per enrollee: 1978
Figure 2
Figure 2. Percent of Medicare expenses in the last year of life, according to selected time intervals before death: United States, 1976
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