Why Baby Boomers Should Be Paying Attention to the 2020 Census

Why Baby Boomers Should Be Paying Attention to the 2020 Census

The Data Collected Will Impact Them Directly

It doesn’t seem possible that it’s already 2020. There are no flying cars yet, but technology has certainly advanced, and it’s truly a miraculous time to be alive. It’s equally hard to conceptualize that in 2030, the next time the United States census will roll around, every single baby boomer in the United States will be over the age of 65. And that is exactly why this 2020 census means so much to seniors.

The census is important for many reasons. It determines where funds are allocated for things like new roads and bridges. It helps decide where the country will develop new technology and updates. It also determines where the money will be allocated for programs to help seniors get better care. If there is an area with a low senior population, they will receive less funding than a place with a high density of elderly residents. That’s why boomers can’t afford to ignore this census. The numbers won’t lie, and the future of the programs they will have available will be directly affected by census results. Want more tangible proof? Take a look at the three most impactful programs for seniors that are governed by census numbers. 

Medicaid

Medicaid uses census numbers to determine allocation as well as to request funding from the government. In 2015, Medicaid received $312 in funding (AFS).

SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) spent $71 billion in 2015 and uses census data to allocate funds. 

Medicare Part B

Medicare Part B provides insurance to all citizens over the age of 65, regardless of income. In 2015, they spent $70.3 billion dollars allocated again based on census data (AFS).

That is nearly $500 billion in funds allocated to seniors based on census data. That’s why it’s so important for boomers to help decide, through the census, how that money is distributed. If you haven’t taken it seriously before, it’s time to do so now!