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A series of studies conducted by 451 Research from S&P Global Energy Horizons focuses on the experiences of retired and near-retired respondents to better understand the attitudes, habits and spending patterns of this important economic group when it comes to technology, leisure, finance and related products and services. This blog post presents insights from the most-recently conducted study in the series, which focuses on medical and health devices, medication management and telemedicine.
The Take
Telemedicine adoption has been steady among retirees, and those who have used the service report high satisfaction. Yet, the proposed expiration of Medicare telemedicine coverage earlier this year would have certainly undone some of that progress. Ultimately, Medicare telemedicine coverage was extended through the end of 2027, but what happens then? This series of events lays bare a potentially recurring problem for retirees who rely on Medicare and Medicaid to help with their healthcare expenses. It also illustrates that retiree adoption of certain medical technologies may depend greatly on whether the services are covered by Medicare — even for something as basic as telemedicine visits.
Summary of findings
There have been no major changes in telemedicine adoption, but could a dip be on the horizon? About 36% of retired respondents report participating in one or more telemedicine visits over the last 12 months, consistent with our previous surveys. Among those who use telemedicine, the average number of visits is up from two to three, indicating an increase in frequency.
Also noteworthy is the greater prevalence of video conferences (57%) compared to voice calls (39%), with routine checkups (53%) as the most common reason for visits. Importantly, 73% of respondents say their visits are completely covered by insurance. This is crucial, as Medicaid and Medicare coverage for telemedicine, which was set to expire at the time of this survey, has been extended until the end of 2027.
If Medicare or Medicaid coverage of telemedicine lapses, it could result in a sharp decrease in use by retirees who rely on these insurances to cover their medical costs.
Attitudes toward telemedicine services are improving. It is disconcerting that the government is considering reducing or terminating telemedicine coverage when retirees maintain very positive attitudes toward these services: 93% of telemedicine participants say they are very or somewhat satisfied with their visits over the last 12 months. Telemedicine can help improve the quality of care by saving retirees time and travel; opening access to more care options; and limiting exposure to other ill patients. Some of these conveniences would be severely limited by reductions in Medicare or Medicaid coverage of telemedicine.
Technology remains a mainstay in health management. All told, 69% of respondents use one or more devices to help monitor their health. For a couple of years now, retirees have identified smartwatches (31%), dedicated health monitors (29%), hearing aids (23%) and fitness trackers (14%) as the most used types of medical devices. It is no surprise that dedicated health monitors remain high on the list, as the category encompasses several popular devices, including blood pressure monitors, pulse oximeters, CPAP machines and blood glucose monitors.
Health device satisfaction remains lackluster. Despite their growing prevalence, satisfaction with health-related devices continues to lag other commonly used consumer tech covered in our surveys. Looking at one of the most used dedicated health devices, blood pressure monitors, 52% of respondents say they are very satisfied, down noticeably compared to 2025. This mediocre satisfaction rating falls near the bottom compared to other consumer devices, such as smartphones, tablets and wearables. Low satisfaction ratings for the health functions integrated into smartwatches (40%) and fitness trackers (31%) also stand out, although both show some improvement compared to 2025. Even with health functions as key drivers of smartwatch and fitness tracker purchasing, retirees are not thrilled with how these functions work.
Retirees take a hands-on approach to pill management. One area of health management that remains decidedly analog is medication management. When asked how they manage their medicines, 58% of retired respondents say they use physical pill organizers to track their medicines and supplements. Another 33% use personal reminder strategies. When it comes to technology-based solutions, just 16% rely on pharmacy/medication delivery services and 7% use a digital medication management tool. Notably, the most used digital medicine management tools are default smartphone health apps and spreadsheets rather than one of the many specific stand-alone services available..
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