SES Differences in HMO Utilization by Older Americans;Final rept. 1 Apr 00-31 Mar 03

摘要

This project used administrative data from two Medicare + Choice Plans and surveys of enrollees and recent disenrollees to evaluate the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on provider visits; use of preventive care, home care and durable medical equipment; and medical care expenditures. The project also assessed the influence of health status on disenrollment from Medicare + Choice plans. We found that socioeconomic status had an important impact on utilization and expenditures in the two study plans. However, the effects of SES on different components of utilization and expenditures often diverged, suggesting varying mechanisms for SES effects. Our findings also suggest that the Medicare beneficiaries who disenrolled from the study plans were those who were sicker from the outset, and the changes in health during the enrollment period did not play an important role.