Disparities in Health Care Quality for Medicare Recipients

It has been known for a long while that not all healthcare is equal.  In fact, whether you are on Medicare or Medicaid, have no benefits at all or are self-paying, studies show that most often the quality of healthcare has to do with the area you live in and your economic status among other things.

For instance, diabetes testing, breast cancer screening and other essential tests are not provided as often in low-income situations as in areas that have higher income levels, more doctors and hospitals and less Medicare and Medicaid restrictions.  Aside from lack of essential tests and treatment, the results end up being more leg amputations, kidney failure and eye disease leading to blindness.

It is not that low income individuals and families that have some sort of assistance from Medicare or Medicaid do not work, are not legitimately disabled or don’t deserve to be treated as well as others who need medical attention.  The issue is how to provide quality services to everyone who needs them, regardless of their income or neighborhood.

Studies have shown that the differences in care levels are not just simple; they are dangerously different and uneven throughout the country.  This disparity begins with BASIC care to keep people somewhat well or medically stable.  We are not talking about complicated, high priced procedures; this is basic medical care, which could save money, taxes and, more importantly, lives.

One example is that one in three women receiving Medicare did not receive a mammogram in the two year period between 2004 and 2005.  Black patients were less likely to receive mammograms than white patients. 

Diabetic patients are not receiving essential blood tests necessary to monitor and maintain safe blood sugar levels.  Black patients are losing legs at a rate of 4 to 1 above whites.  Heart and vascular issues are not being addressed.  And the disparities are even greater between different states than they are between blacks and whites.  There is also a disparity between those beneficiaries who have regular primary care physicians and those who do not.

These disparities are beginning to be addressed in the hope that raising awareness will begin to eliminate the disparities – or at least start working on them.  It will take forward thinking and planning, plus incentives for doctors and hospitals to serve in underserved areas and to realize the importance of preventative and maintenance care, rather than reactive care that leads to amputations, blindness, heart failure, decreased quality of life, and often, death.

Filed under: General-Medicare

Tags: Disparities, General-Medicare, Low Income Medical Benefits, medicaid, Medical Care, testing