Throughout U.S. history, health care has undergone significant transformations, both in its practices and the way it is perceived. These changes have been driven by advancements in medical knowledge, technology, and shifting societal attitudes towards health and well-being. Health care no longer applies to simply our physical well-being, it now encompasses mental and emotional wellness.
Each generation has been influenced by unique social, technological, and cultural shifts, shaping their distinct health needs. Recognizing these differences—and similarities—is vital for health care providers, policymakers, and individuals alike.
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), health insurance plans must cover essential health benefits, ensuring access to vital health care services. These services encompass a range of preventive care measures, catering to the diverse needs of people across generations.
In the following sections, we’ll explore how these essential health benefits under the ACA address the top health concerns of individuals from different generations and how the ACA has helped:
Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964):
Everyday 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 and age into Medicare, however, a significant portion of this generation still qualify for and enroll in exchange coverage. As baby boomers age, they are at increased risk for chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and osteoarthritis/osteoporosis. Like most of the generations, another set of common health concerns are anxiety and depression, especially as they face life transitions, retirement, and potential social isolation. The risk of developing cancer increases with age, as do vision and hearing problems.
The ACA’s provision prohibiting insurers from denying coverage or charging higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions has been critical for baby boomers, as they may be more likely to have pre-existing health conditions due to their age.
For those Boomers who have aged out of Exchange coverage, the ACA has implemented provisions to gradually close the coverage gap, commonly known as the “donut hole,” in Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Baby boomers who were enrolled in Medicare Part D experienced reduced out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications.
Generation X (born between 1965 and 1979/80):
Broadly speaking, the most prevalent issues for Gen X include cardiovascular disease, with issues like hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart attacks being common, mental health concerns, such as stress, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
The ACA mandates coverage for a range of preventive services without cost-sharing, such as blood pressure screenings and cholesterol tests. These screenings can help identify risk factors for cardiovascular diseases early. The ACA also introduced crucial protections, ensuring that insurers cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions. This benefit has been particularly important for Generation X, as they entered the age range when chronic diseases become more prevalent.
Millennials (born between 1981 and 1994/6):
Millennials have been vocal about their mental health challenges, with anxiety and depression being prevalent concerns. The impact of social media and the pressures of the digital age have been cited as contributing factors. This generation also faces issues related to obesity and unhealthy dietary habits.
The ACA mandates coverage for mental health and substance use disorder services. This includes coverage for addiction treatment, such as detoxification, rehabilitation programs, and counseling.
The ACA also places a strong emphasis on preventive care and wellness initiatives. Health insurance plans are required to cover preventive services, including obesity screening and counseling, without cost-sharing. These services can help identify and address obesity-related issues early on, providing individuals with guidance and support to manage their weight and make healthy lifestyle choices.
Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012):
Similar to Millennials, Generation Z has expressed concerns about mental health, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Gen Z is also facing increasing rates of obesity and related health issues, partly due to sedentary behaviors and poor dietary choices. While not specific to Gen Z, the current drug crisis across the country has also presented challenges related to substance abuse and addiction.
As mentioned before, under the ACA, Health insurance plans are required to cover a wide range of prescription medications. This makes it more affordable for individuals to access the wide range of available drugs to treat anxiety and depression.
The ACA classifies substance use disorder treatment, including drug rehab services, as an essential health benefit. This designation means that insurance plans must cover these services as part of their comprehensive coverage offerings.
Generation Alpha (born from 2012 and may continue through 2025):
It’s challenging to predict specific health concerns for Generation Alpha since they are still very young, and their health trends will evolve over time. However, early childhood health issues such as vaccination, childhood obesity, and screen time limits are some areas of concern.
The ACA emphasizes the importance of preventive care and well-child visits by requiring insurance plans to cover these services without cost-sharing. This provision ensures that children in Generation Alpha have access to routine check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings, enabling early detection of any health issues and promoting well-being from an early age.
