The question of whether President Biden’s inflation is driving seniors with Alzheimer’s into poverty is complex and involves multiple economic and policy factors. Inflation, particularly when it affects essential goods and services, can severely strain the finances of seniors, especially those with chronic conditions like Alzheimer’s disease who often require costly medical care and support.
Seniors with Alzheimer’s are among the most vulnerable populations because their condition demands ongoing medical treatment, medications, and often long-term care, which can be very expensive. Inflation increases the cost of living broadly—food, housing, utilities, and healthcare costs all rise. For seniors on fixed incomes, such as Social Security or limited retirement savings, these rising costs can quickly erode their purchasing power, pushing them closer to or into poverty.
Under the Biden administration, some policies have aimed to address healthcare costs, such as the Inflation Reduction Act, which empowered Medicare to negotiate prices for certain high-cost medications and capped insulin costs for Medicare beneficiaries. These measures are designed to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for seniors, including those with Alzheimer’s who often rely on multiple medications. However, other factors complicate the picture. For example, some subsidies related to health insurance premiums under the Affordable Care Act are set to expire, potentially increasing costs for many, including older adults who are not yet eligible for Medicare but require significant medical care.
Moreover, there have been reductions or proposed cuts in Medicaid funding and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, which many low-income seniors depend on for long-term care and basic needs. Cuts to Medicaid can reduce access to home care and nursing facility services, which are critical for Alzheimer’s patients who often cannot live independently. These funding changes, combined with inflation-driven cost increases, can exacerbate financial hardship.
Healthcare premiums and deductibles have also been rising faster than wages and general inflation, making insurance coverage more expensive and less accessible. This trend affects seniors who may need supplemental insurance or long-term care coverage beyond what Medicare provides. As premiums and ou
