Week of March 18: 73 people age 85 and older are estimated to have died in Delaware

By First State Times

Apr 4, 2023

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 73 individuals age 85 and older died during the week ending March 18.

According to the CDC, only 60% of deaths are reported within the first 10 days. Due to this lag, the CDC provides a predicted number for the most recent weeks. So far, the total reported deaths for the age group 85 and older during that week is 55.

While a lag in death reporting is normal, some use it for more nefarious reasons. In a statement by the Office of the Inspector General, they state that using someone’s benefits after they die is a federal crime. In that same statement, they point to a recent case in which a daughter continued to receive her father’s benefits for 18 years after his death. In March 2019, she ended up being sentenced to jail time and ordered to repay the benefits.

Figures accurate as of March 30.

Deaths by age group - unweighted vs predicted (Week of March 18)