Nationally, among Hispanics age 65 years and older we find several distinct patterns of program participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs that require additional attention. For example, the proportion reporting that they do not participate in either Medicaid or Medicare by national origin group is as follows: Central/South American 21%; Mexican 7%; Other Hispanic 8%; Puerto Rican 6%; Cuban 5%. Geographic differences and other social characteristics appear in those who do not participate in either the Medicare or Medicaid programs. For example, in Los Angeles 13%, New York 10%, Miami 7%, and San Antonio 4% do not participate in either medical care financing program. Clearly, issues regarding recent immigration and immigration law restrictions may play a role in this non-participation phenomena. But recent immigration cannot explain this failure of the nation's only "universal" national health insurance program. The reasons for this failure have not been adequately explored. This presentation will illustrate the magnitude and potential explanations for this failure based on an exploratory study in Los Angeles County. Many Latino elders have a work history of high levels of unemployment and high labor force participation in low wage jobs. Frequent and extended periods of unemployment not only create immediate financial hardship; they also can disqualify a worker from receiving pension benefits due to vesting requirements. For example, among Hispanic elders, only 75% report receiving Social Security payments compared to 91% of Anglo seniors. This vesting problem can also affect eligibility and participation in the Medicare program.
Learning Objectives: - Participants will be able to describe the characteristics of Medicare utilization by different latino groups in the United States - Participants will enumerate several reasons for the differences in utilization of Medicare by latino elders
Keywords: Elderly, Medicare
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.