Older Adults Embrace Health Technology for Medicare Management
Washington, D.C., Friday, 31 October 2025.
A recent KFF survey shows a growing number of older adults on Medicare are using digital health tools, indicating a shift towards tech-enabled healthcare management and patient empowerment.
The Rise of Technology Use Among Medicare Beneficiaries
A recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) reveals that 80% of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older have used a healthcare app or website in the last year [1]. This reflects a significant shift towards technology adoption among older adults, who are increasingly embracing digital tools for healthcare management. The survey further indicates that 63% of these beneficiaries express interest in using apps specifically designed to manage chronic conditions [1]. These findings illustrate a growing trend of integrating technology into healthcare routines, offering potential improvements in health outcomes and patient empowerment [1].
Barriers to Widespread Adoption
Despite the increasing use of digital health tools, significant barriers remain. Income disparities are evident, with higher-income seniors more likely to use these technologies compared to their lower-income counterparts [2]. Additionally, concerns about privacy and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare persist, with only 31% of Medicare beneficiaries expressing trust in AI for managing medical records and providing personalized health information [2]. These issues highlight the need for healthcare providers and technology developers to address privacy concerns and ensure equitable access to digital tools [2].
Potential for Enhanced Healthcare Delivery
The integration of digital health tools into Medicare services offers promising potential for enhancing healthcare delivery. According to a study by MERGE, 58% of consumers reported using at least one health or wellness technology prescribed by a doctor or provided by their health insurer [3]. Personalization and user-friendly interfaces are critical factors for sustained user engagement, as nearly 50% of consumers have discontinued use due to confusing interfaces and lack of integration [3]. This underscores the importance of designing intuitive digital health experiences that cater to the needs of older adults [3].
The Role of AI and Future Prospects
The role of AI in healthcare is expanding rapidly, with large language models moving from pilot projects to consumer-facing tools [4]. At the recent HLTH2025 conference, experts emphasized the convergence of healthcare, technology, and consumer expectations as a critical area for future development [4]. As AI technologies become more integrated into healthcare systems, they hold the potential to revolutionize patient care by providing personalized and efficient solutions [4]. However, addressing ethical, regulatory, and privacy concerns remains essential to achieving widespread adoption and trust in AI-driven healthcare solutions [4].