Racial Disparities in Access to Health Care Are Associated With Medicaid Eligibility

Background: Older adults have a greater burden of chronic conditions but are less likely to visit a physician and receive recommended care. A larger percentage of black and Hispanic compared to white beneficiaries who do not qualify for Medicaid due in incomes above the federal poverty level. Objective: To determine if the loss of Medicaid supplemental insurance eligibility above the income threshold (100% of poverty level, referred to as the “cliff”) exacerbate racial and ethnic health care disparities. Design: Cross-sectional study. Participants: Individuals who previously responded to the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and were linked to Medicare data. Methods: Analyzed respondents from the HRS over multiple years according to their self-identified racial or ethnic group. All were continuously enrolled in Medicare during this time as well as reported income. These were analyzed using Medicare data claims for inpatient admissions, medications filled, as well as outpa more...