In the 1998 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), [conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics] a nationally representative sample of the U.S. civilian non-institutionalized population, 6,334 adults aged 65 years and above (older adults) provided information about their health. Data from the 6,334 older adults were weighted to represent data for a population of 32 million non-institutionalized older adults. In 1998, 32% of older adults were covered by a managed healthcare arrangement. This paper will explore the differences in the use of clinical/preventive services among older adults, comparing Managed Care (MC) to Fee-For-Service (FFS), as well as comparing Private Insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. Outcome measures include flu/pneumoccal vaccinations, general physical exams, visits to doctors offices, visits to eye/foot/mental health specialists, mammography/proctoscopic/blood stool exams, and unmet healthcare needs due to cost. Socio-demographic variables such as race/ethnicity, sex, and educational level will be controlled for in the analysis. Preliminary analysis from 1998 indicates that while 96% of older adults had a regular source of care, only 63% received a flu vaccination. For the Medicare-only group, 63% of those older adults in MC arrangements received a flu vaccination, while only 54% of those in a FFS arrangement received a flu vaccination. For those older adults with Private Insurance, 66% in MC and 67% in FFS arrangements received a flu vaccination and for those older adults with Medicaid, the comparable figures were 54% vs 56%.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Identify and discuss the different types of health insurance for older adults (aged 65 years and above) that are analyzed in health services research. 2. Describe and discuss how managed care and other factors (including gender, race/ethnicity, educational level, and chronic conditions such as diabetes) may affect access to clinical and/or preventive health services for older adults.
Keywords: Medicare/Medicaid, Managed Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: National Center for Health Statistics
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment