by New research suggests that Medicare should consider covering driving assessments for older adults who exhibit increased risk on the road. According to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, these assessments could help identify seniors who may benefit from interventions to improve their driving safety.
The study, led by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, found that older adults with certain health conditions, such as cognitive impairment, dementia, or mobility issues, are more likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents. However, these individuals often lack access to driving assessments and subsequent interventions that could help mitigate their risks.
To address this issue, the researchers are advocating for Medicare coverage of driving assessments for at-risk older adults. These assessments would evaluate their ability to Driving safely operate a vehicle and identify any underlying conditions that may impact their driving skills. Based on the results, healthcare providers could then recommend appropriate interventions, such as driver rehabilitation programs, vehicle modifications, or public transportation alternatives.
The researchers believe that expanding Medicare coverage for driving assessments would not only improve road safety for older adults but also reduce the financial burden on individuals and their families in the event of an accident. Furthermore, it could potentially save Medicare costs by preventing accidents and related healthcare expenses.
The call for Medicare coverage of driving assessments comes as the number of older adults on the road continues to grow. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were over 36 million licensed drivers aged 65 and older in the United States in 2019. With an increasing aging population and the associated risks, the need for proactive measures to ensure road safety for older adults is more crucial than ever.
Researchers are urging Medicare to consider covering driving assessments for older adults with increased risk on the road. These assessments could help identify seniors in need of interventions to improve their driving safety, ultimately reducing the risk of accidents and related healthcare expenses.
*Note:
1.Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2.We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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