California Elder Economic Security Standard Index By County

The California Elder Economic Security Standard Index (Elder Standard Index) measures how much income is needed for a retired, older adult to adequately meet his or her basic needs – without public or private assistance. It is based on the costs individuals 65 and older  face on a daily basis – housing, food, out-of-pocket medical expenses, transportation, and other necessary spending – and provides a complete picture of what it takes for elders to make ends meet.  In contrast, the Federal Poverty Line (FPL), which is often used to determine income eligibility for public programs, is based on the outdated assumption that food represents one-third of a family’s budget. The FPL also fails to take into account housing and transportation costs, geography, and, most importantly, medical costs, which can be particularly debilitating for the elderly.

The Elder Standard Index has been calculated for all 58 California Counties. It is based on credible, publicly available sources, including:

•    Housing Costs: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Fair Market Rents for U.S.,
     and ACS, Bureau of the Census
•    Food costs: US Department of Agriculture’s low-cost food plan
•    *Health insurance costs: Medicare, Private insurance company prices, and Medical Expenditure
      Survey
•    Transportation costs: National Transportation Survey
*Costs included in Elder Standard Index assumes elder is in good health. Click here to get cost calculation for other levels of health.

"Federal Poverty Guideline Underestimates Costs of Living for Older Persons in California" research brief was developed by UCLA Center for Health Policy Research in collaboration with the Insight Center.  It provides a summary of the Elder Standard Index across California, and shows that the FPL covers less than half the basic costs experienced by adults age 65 an older in the state.

How much is needed for elders to make ends meet in your county? Click below to find out.

The Elder Standard methodology was developed by Wider Opportunities for Women and applied by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research in California

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