Tips to Lower the Costs of Aging

Protect your life savings as you get older. Understanding your benefits and the higher cost of health as you age can help you budget and save accordingly.

Why Healthcare Costs Increase as You Age

Our bodies change as we get older and become more complex. You might need more medical attention like tests, screenings or medication due to age-related diseases and health concerns, such as:

• Chronic, ongoing conditions like heart disease and diabetes
• Dementia that impacts your memory and thinking skills
• Hearing and vision loss
• Lower bone density (osteoporosis) that affects your stability and balance, putting you at a higher risk for falls
• Physical therapy

Find a SHIP Counselor

Navigate Medicare with the help of State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP). Your local area agency on aging, a non-profit agency that helps senior residents, can help you:

• Find the right Medicare Plan
• File for medical benefits
• Prevent healthcare fraud
• Save money with Medicare Savings and Extra Help programs

Get a Personal Lifeline Medical Alert System

Save money by staying safe at home and reducing hospitalizations with a medical alert system. With a simple push of a button, you get immediate assistance. Not only will you and your family have 24/7 peace of mind, but your medical alert system will also:

• Help you feel more confident to continue living independently
• Ensure you get timely medical attention when you need it
• Notify your loved one of medical emergencies

VHC is the only hospital in the metro region that offers the Lifeline upon discharge as part of the Safe Transition for Hospital Patients (STHP) program.

Ask Your Doctor About Palliative Care

Palliative care can potentially offer cost savings by reducing hospital stays for those living with serious medical conditions. Our compassionate palliative care team can:

• Advocate for you and your goals
• Simplify your care needs and prescriptions
• Provide complimentary pain and symptom management
• Connect you with community resources like prescription discounts and transportation assistance

Ways VHC Can Help You Save

Billing and financial assistance services are available at VHC. We can help you:

• Apply for financial assistance
• Confirm your insurance health plan is in-network
• Understand standard charges with price transparency information
• Estimate the out-of-pocket costs of your healthcare services
• Determine if MDSAVE, transparent upfront prices, is right for you

Join Our Senior Associates Membership Program

If you are 60 or older, get a Senior Associate annual membership for $65 (individual) or $90 (couple) and enjoy:

• 50 Complimentary hospital parking passes per year
• Free setup and discounted Lifeline services
• 15% off our exercise classes
• 20% off food court purchases
• 10% off over the counter items from the hospital pharmacy