Overcoming Key Challenges in Geriatric Care: Innovative Strategies for Managed Care Organizations

Overcoming Key Challenges in Geriatric Care: Innovative Strategies for Managed Care Organizations
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​Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) in the United States play a pivotal role in delivering healthcare services to older adults. However, they face significant challenges that hinder their ability to provide optimal care. Addressing these challenges is crucial for enhancing the quality of life for seniors and ensuring the sustainability of healthcare systems.​

1. Shortage of Geriatric Care Providers

The United States is experiencing a critical shortage of geriatric care providers. Currently, there are approximately 7,400 board-certified geriatricians, whereas the estimated need is around 30,000 by the end of the decade. This disparity leads to longer wait times for appointments and strains on nursing homes, many of which are already experiencing staff shortages and turning away patients.

2. Financial Barriers to Long-Term Care

Long-term care costs are a significant concern for older adults and their families. In 2024, according to Carescout, the average annual cost of nursing home care in the United States with a shared room was $111,324, while assisted living communities averaged $70,800 per year. These expenses often surpass the typical family's retirement savings, making long-term care unaffordable for many. Medicaid serves as the primary payer for long-term care, but reimbursement rates often cover only 70% to 80% of costs, leading to financial strains on care facilities.

3. Insufficient Health and Digital Literacy

Many older adults face challenges in navigating the healthcare system due to limited health and digital literacy. This can result in missed appointments, improper medication management, and inefficient healthcare utilization. As healthcare increasingly incorporates digital tools, the gap in digital literacy among seniors can lead to decreased engagement and poorer health outcomes.​

How GetSetUp Can Help

GetSetUp offers innovative solutions to address these challenges:​

  • Enhancing Digital Literacy: GetSetUp provides interactive classes tailored for older adults, focusing on building digital skills. These sessions empower seniors to confidently use technology, improving their ability to access telehealth services and manage their health online.​
  • Promoting Preventive Health: Through its platform, GetSetUp offers courses on preventive health measures, enabling older adults to take proactive steps in managing their well-being. This education can lead to reduced healthcare costs and improved quality of life.​
  • Supporting Caregivers: Recognizing the vital role of caregivers, GetSetUp provides resources to support them, alleviating some of the burdens associated with caregiving and enhancing the overall care environment.​

By leveraging GetSetUp's best-in-class literacy and preventive health programs, MCOs can implement cost-effective and scalable solutions that enhance care for older adults, address workforce shortages, and improve financial sustainability.

Bring GetSetUp to your organization

We partner with Medicare Advantage plans, dual eligible plans,  healthcare providers, Departments of Health & Human Services, Government aging services and more.