Eren USUL, Maşide ARI, Kerim ABATAY, Mehmet Hilmi HÖKE, Emrah ARI
Türk Geriatri Dergisi - 2026;29(2):252-262
Introduction: The growing proportion of the elderly population worldwide and in Türkiye has significantly affected healthcare utilization patterns and expenditure structures. This study aimed to evaluate healthcare service utilization and expenditures among individuals aged >=65 years according to service type, service area, and age group. Materials and Method: This descriptive, cross-sectional study utilized administrative data from the 2024 Social Security Institution (SSI) General Health Insurance system. Individuals aged >=65 years who used at least one SSI-covered healthcare service were included. Healthcare utilization and expenditures were analyzed descriptively across hospital services, pharmacy services, medical supplies, and outpatient visits, stratified by age groups and selected chronic disease categories. Results: Healthcare expenditures were mainly driven by hospital and pharmacy services, with hospital services accounting for approximately half of total spending. Cardiovascular diseases showed the highest healthcare utilization and expenditure among chronic disease groups. Although total expenditures were highest in the 65-69 age group, per capita expenditure increased steadily with age and reached its highest level in individuals aged >=80 years, where it was approximately twice that of the 65-69 age group. Conclusion: The findings indicate that healthcare utilization among the elderly population is shaped by the burden of chronic diseases and age-related care needs, while per capita healthcare expenditures increase markedly in more advanced age groups. These results provide important implications for healthcare planning and the financial sustainability of health systems in the context of population aging.
