Seniors are the segment of our population least likely to take advantage of the benefits of the Internet. While children are educated by interacting with computers and the Web, older Americans are left behind.

More seniors have begun taking advantage of computers, but a technological gap continues to separate many seniors from the mainstream way that modern society disperses information. This separation impacts healthcare for seniors on several levels.

Younger adults are more likely to learn about changes in healthcare and health insurance online than seniors. If older adults are limited to the information that is available in local newspapers and on TV, it’s likely they have less of the information they need to make informed decisions about protecting their health.

Medicare, Medigap, and Medicare Advantage Plans

Seniors need to know about the research into whether traditional Medicare, Medicare Supplement Insurance, or Medicare Advantage Insurance provides the best health for senior populations. Many of these studies are only reported online.

In addition, these plans change as earlier plans are taken off the market, and new one are presented. Seniors need access to new plan benefits and rates as they become available. For example, new plans with lower premiums will soon be available this summer.

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Without access to online independent information sharing, seniors must rely on biased third parties to learn about the choices that are available. Rather than comparing plan benefits and prices online, seniors without Web access spend more time phoning agents, and reading company literature that is intentionally biased.

Web access offers more perspectives. With greater input, comes more choice, and a better chance of finding the best health insurance option at the best price.

Web Access Is Even More Important for an Aging Population

Researchers at Florida State University go so far as to charge that leaving seniors behind as information sharing moves online, “threatens to turn senior citizens into second-class citizens.”

Researchers Boot and Charness point out that, “The technology gap is a problem because technology, particularly computer and Internet technology, is becoming ubiquitous, and full participation in society becomes more difficult for those without such access.”

To help to prevent this, the Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) has received a .5 million, five-year subcontract from the National Institute of Aging. Their goal is to study how to use technology to promote senior cognition and health.

Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap Work Better Online

The whole process from learning about changes in Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap to enrolling in a plan is easier, faster, and/or less expensive with Web access. For seniors who have reduced mobility, or even just trouble standing in lines, the physical demands of gathering information, completing forms, and making payments puts them at a disadvantage.

Web access through libraries, senior centers, and community college classes can help. Public libraries offer not only free Web access (with time limits), but also instruction to help seniors search for information online.

In minutes, seniors can find expert advisors online and arrange free phone consultations to get help comparing Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage Plans. Most applications can be done online quickly, or printed and later faxed or mailed.

The Web offers seniors a wealth of information, including studies about how Medicare Advantage and Medigap Plans have helped seniors maintain their health, and have reduced their need for hospitalization. Online searches can keep seniors up-to-date on new plan benefits and rates, and can even connect them with licensed experts to answer their questions about how to fill the gaps in their Medicare coverage.

This :30 local commercial highlights the availability of Butte Home Health & Hospice’s services via Medicare benefits while also touting it’s exclusive recognition by the home health industry 5 years running. Updated May, 2011