STATUS OF THE ELDERLY HEALTHCARE COSTS

One of the most fundamental aspects of healthcare for the elderly is planning to reduce challenges associated with their healthcare costs. The present study aimed to assess the status of the elderly health care costs in North Khorasan Province in 2013. In this descriptive-analytical study, all elderly citizens in North Khorasan Province comprised the study population. Sample size was found 400 people using cluster sampling method. Study tools for collecting data consisted of a questionnaire that was completed through interviews with the elderly or their first degree family members. Data were analyzed with SPSS-16 software using descriptive statistical tests of chi square and Kruskal-Wallis. Of the 400 participating elderly, 50.7% were female and the rest male. Mean total healthcare costs of the elderly were 3,335,200 IRR, with mean outpatient care costs of 2151900 IRR and mean in-patient service costs of 1183290 IRR. Mean costs in urban and rural areas were 2609220 IRR and 4039720 IRR, respectively. There was a significant relationship between variables of gender and the service providing center. Given the results obtained, mean costs incurred for the elderly in the province is high, particularly in the male elderly group. Outpatient costs are higher than the in-patient service costs. Furthermore, compared to the urban areas, costs are higher in rural areas.