A new study reveals that limited access to high-performing Medicare Advantage (MA) plans in vulnerable counties is exacerbating health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities and low-income individuals in the United States and contribute to significant health costs for these populations.
Most Medicare beneficiaries, especially those from minority groups, are increasingly turning to Medicare Advantage plans. However, many struggle to find options with high star ratings in their areas. The study found that counties with higher proportions of racial and ethnic minorities and low-income individuals have fewer high-performing MA plans available.
“Our findings show that residents of counties that are disadvantaged across multiple dimensions have fewer high-quality Medicare Advantage plan choices,” said Sumedha Gupta, the study’s lead author and an associate professor at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
The human cost of these disparities is profound. Limited access to quality healthcare plans can lead to delayed treatments, poorer health outcomes, and a diminished quality of life for vulnerable populations. Low-income and minority groups often face challenges navigating the healthcare system, resulting in missed opportunities for preventive care and essential treatments.
As fewer high-quality MA plans are available in disadvantaged regions, the disparity gap continues to widen. This underscores an urgent need for action to address these injustices within the healthcare system, as the health of entire communities is at stake.
The study’s findings emphasize the critical role that access to quality healthcare plans plays in overall health outcomes and highlight the need for policies to ensure more equitable access to high-performing Medicare Advantage plans across all communities.
See “Top Medicare Advantage Plans Less Available in Disadvantaged Areas” (July 23, 2024)
