Formal health care costs among older people in Ireland: methods and estimates using The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA)

Background: Reliable data on health care costs in Ireland are essential to support planning and evaluation of services. New unit high-quality utilisation offer the opportunity estimate individual-level for research policy. Methods: Our main dataset was The Irish Longitudinal Study Ageing (TILDA). We used participant interviews with those aged 55+ years Wave 5 (2018) all available end-of-life (EOLI) February 2020. weighted observations by age, sex last year life at population level. estimated total formal combining reported usage TILDA (non-acute care) public payer reimbursement (acute hospital admissions, medications). All were adjusted inflation 2022, analysis. examined distribution estimates across population, composition categories care, using descriptive statistics. identified factors associated generalised linear models. Results: There 5,105 observations, equivalent level 1,207,660 people not life, 763 EOLI 28,466 life. Mean sample EUR 8,053; 6,624 68,654 Overall, 90% accounted 20% users. Multiple functional limitations proximity death largest predictors costs. Other that outcome included educational attainment, entitlements subsidised serious chronic diseases. Conclusions: Understanding patterns costs, very high some individuals, can inform efforts improve patient experiences optimise resource allocation.