A RESOLUTION to commemorate Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month.
The resolution underscores the financial strain osteoporosis-related fractures place on the Medicare system, with costs for treatment projected to rise significantly as the population ages. Specifically, it cites that the total annual cost for osteoporotic fractures among Medicare beneficiaries was $57 billion in 2018 and is expected to exceed $95 billion by 2040 without reform. The focus on bone health, particularly among the elderly, could prompt policy discussions aimed at better care coordination and treatment options to mitigate these costs.
SJR0215 is a resolution commemorating Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month in May 2025. The resolution highlights the significant public health challenge posed by osteoporosis, a condition that affects an estimated 54 million Americans, with a higher prevalence in individuals aged fifty and older. It emphasizes the need for increased awareness and preventive measures, particularly as studies show a striking likelihood of bone fractures due to the disease, which can result in severe health and economic consequences.
While the resolution primarily aims to raise awareness, it implicitly calls for critical examination of current Medicare practices and the availability of post-fracture care, which can significantly impact the rates of subsequent fractures. Notably, the resolution addresses the insufficient incentives for effective post-fracture care within the existing healthcare framework. This could lead to debates around healthcare funding, policy reform, and the responsibilities of healthcare providers in facilitating preventive care services.