A licensed practical nurse is aware that the costs associated with health care have been rising steadily and are predicted to continue to rise for the foreseeable future. Which reason for these rising costs is most significant?
A) HIV-positive population is growing and living longer, and the lifelong treatments are extremely costly, and with the Affordable Care Act, no one can be denied affordable health insurance because of preexisting diseases.
B) The large baby boomer population is graying, and aging brings an increase in chronic diseases, which increases health costs, and Medicare funds are depleting and may not be able to handle the growing older population.
C) There are more people receiving organ transplants and the drugs to prevent rejection are increasing the health care costs.
D) The increase in number of malpractice lawsuits and the increase in settlement costs make the costs for health care continue to rise.
Ans: B
Feedback:
All of the choices are reasons why it is difficult to control or reduce spending. One of the most significant is the increased number of elderly people in America. By 2030, it is predicted the population 65 or older will double, and it is feared that the Medicare fund will not be able to handle this increase in the population. Medicare is the largest health insurance provider and the most dollars are spent in this insurance plan.
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