Tricia J. Johnson, PhD, Department of Health Systems Management, Rush University Medical Center, 1700 West Van Buren Street, TOB Suite 126b, Chicago, IL 60612, 312-942-7107, tricia_j_johnson@rush.edu, William G Johnson, PhD, School of Health Management and Policy and Department of Economics, Arizona State University, Box 874506, Tempe, AZ 85287-4506, and Amy M. Bartels, MPH, School of Health Administration and Policy, Arizona State University, Box 874506, Tempe, AZ 85287-4506.

Introduction: This study is a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of disability benefits and health care utilization by disabled persons. The number of disabled persons age 40 to 64 who meet SSDI program requirements is estimated using the SIPP, and the MCBS is used to examine differences in the types of disabling conditions and health care use for men and women. The absolute growth in SSDI and Medicare participation is projected through 2025 by type of disabling condition, and a series of simulations are used to explore how changes in the rates and types of medical conditions, composition of the labor force and other factors will impact SSDI and Medicare. Findings: The proportion of women eligible for SSDI will continue to increase, but remain constant for men through 2010, with the largest growth for women age 55 to 64. Results are compounded by the changing nature of disabilities, with a disproportionate share of disabled women suffering mental illnesses and musculoskeletal conditions. There is a greater difficulty in demonstrating that these types of illnesses are permanently disabling and a greater likelihood of a disability application being denied. Conclusions: A shift to more musculoskeletal conditions and mental disorders could greatly impact the costs of health care for Medicare and other payers, particularly if these disorders are associated with more intensive service utilization over time. Changes in the types of disabling conditions, coupled with an increase in the population age 40 to 64, are likely to dramatically increase the costs and utilization of health care.

Learning Objectives:

• 1.Examine differences in the demographic characteristics, labor market experiences and health conditions of men and women with disabilities who receive SSDI.
• 2.Describe the effects of the changing size and composition of the baby boom aged labor force population on the types of disabilities qualifying for Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Medicare.

Keywords: Disability, Health Care Utilization

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.