aging & disabilities in new hamsphire

AGING & DISABILITIES IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

The Institute on Disability (IOD) at the University of New Hampshire

released its annual Disability Types and Statistics for Those

Over the Age of 65

Hearing Disabilities: 48.5%

Vision Disabilities: 16.9%

Cognition: 22.6%

Ambulatory Concerns: 59.2%

Unable to Provide Self-Care: 18.5%

Inability to Live Independently: 35.8%

The numbers include:

But how well is its senior care?

Snapshot of Senior Care

In a U.S. Today report in August, 2013, New Hampshire was ranked number three in its quality of health care for seniors and the

elderly

34 measures of senior health were used to define the healthcare

statistics

Among them were physical activity, poverty, drug coverage,

hospital re-admissions and flu vaccinations

From a national perspective:

1 in 8 Americans (13% or 40.3 million) are 65 or older

By 2030, projections are for this segment of the population to grow to

19.3% or 72 million

By then, the collective baby boomer generation will have reached the age

of 65

The Bureau of Census states that by 2050, seniors will make up 25% of the

population

Further, those 85 and older are projected to increase from 5.8 million in 2010 to 8.7 million in

2030

Higher Ranking States

Those states that scored well reflect a number of factors, including a large number of seniors who report being

in very good or excellent health, high

rates of creditable drug coverage, easier

access to home health care workers and a

low rate of seniors at risk of going hungry

Those states in the top three also have lower hospitalization rates

for fractures

By contrast, the lower ranking states (Mississippi ranked lowest), a high percentage of seniors live

in poverty and are at risk of going hungry

Premature deaths are high and a troubling low percentage of

seniors say they are in GOOD HEALTH

These seniors are less likely to see a dentist or ENT

Other Tax Factors and Benefits for Seniors in New

Hampshire

New Hampshire is one of just 9 states that has no income taxes, though federal taxes may still

apply

Social Security benefits are not taxed by New Hampshire but again, federal taxes may still

apply

Retirement income is not taxed at the state level and there is also a $1,200 exemption residents 65 or older for

taxable dividends and interest

There are no inheritance taxes or estate taxes at the state level

New Hampshire also offers a number of programs designed exclusively for

its aging population, including a seamless state agency group that

focuses on getting seniors the best options for their needs

The Office of Medicaid Business and Policy (OMBP)

The Office of Medicaid Business and Policy (OMBP) oversees the New Hampshire

Medical Assistance program (Medicaid), along with other health planning, reporting,

data and research

OMBP is responsible for the administration of the Medical Assistance

Program, called New Hampshire Medicaid, for low-income NH adults and children, including persons with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and

those residing in long term care facilities

OMBP's development and facilitation of program policy and financial

management for Medicaid services assists other DHHS program areas

Manages specialized Medicaid programs for children, seniors, the blind or

disabled, including persons with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and

those residing in long term care facilities

LEARN MORE ABOUT AGING AND DISABILITIES IN NEW

HAMPSHIRE