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California MedicareInterestingly, where a senior citizen lives in California may be an indicator of how long they live, according to a recent study for the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies in Washington. The results indicated that an elder Californian’s ZIP code may make a difference in their life expectancy, in some instances, by as much as 21-years. The difference is apparently not related to the characteristics of those in a particular location, but is connected to the conditions in that area.

Life expectancy statistics are indicators for health officials to assess the overall public health risks for those living in each area, including seniors. A difference of up to 21 years in life expectancy tells insurance companies what health risks may be prevalent as well, and what to charge for premiums for those living in low life expectancy areas. It is a good indication that seniors would be well advised to ensure they have adequate Medicare and Medigap supplement coverage.

It appears that the lowest life expectancy levels are found in ZIP codes with a higher number of Hispanics and/or African-Americans and low-income families. For example, those living 20 miles away from Woodward Park, Fresno, in low-income Southwest Fresno, live nine years less than those in the more affluent Fresno. Sixty minutes away from Fresno, in a small town called Huron, the average life expectancy is 94 years of age.

A close look at access to healthy foods indicates one major reason people are not living as long in some areas in California. Fast food is a major staple for many in some ZIP codes, including elder Americans, because it is cheap, mostly ready to eat and does not require a lot of preparation. Additionally, many of the other residents of a lower life expectancy area are commercial ventures that pollute the air, such as animal fat rendering plants.

In high-end neighborhoods, like Woodward Park, money talks and there is clean air, access to universities and many health care facilities close by. It is a community that offers a good quality of life, and residents are expected to live to at least 84-years of age.

It is clear, according to the statistics, that seniors may expect to live longer lives in better areas of California, making it all the more important to ensure they have the proper Medicare and Medigap supplements to cover their health care needs. Ultimately, it is important for all California seniors to have the proper Medicare coverage to improve their quality of life and life expectancy.

Medicare Supplements by State

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