The Healthy People 2010 objectives encourage surveillance activities for disabled persons, noting a lack of data sources and tracking mechanisms. The Medicare program, known primarily as health insurance for the elderly, also provides coverage for disabled persons. In North Carolina, 212,621 disabled beneficiaries represent 18% of the state's Medicare population. Using Medicare beneficiary enrollment files for North Carolina, we identified four groups of beneficiaries: persons with end-stage renal disease (ESRD); disabled persons less than age 65 (Disabled <65); persons age 65 and older but who were originally enrolled for disability reasons (Disabled >=65); and those who are eligible for Medicare based on an age of >=65 (Aged >=65). Hospital discharge records were analyzed to determined primary and secondary causes of hospitalization. Odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated to assess associations between disability status and the likelihood of hospitalization, in general and for selected conditions. In 1998, disabled beneficiaries were more likely to be hospitalized than aged beneficiaries (OR=1.35, 95%CI: 1.34-1.37). The leading cause of hospitalization among disabled beneficiaries was the same as that of aged beneficiaries, congestive heart failure. Analyses of secondary diagnoses revealed higher rates of mental conditions, substance abuse, sickle-cell anemia and multiple sclerosis among the disabled population. These analyses provide insight into the chronic conditions affecting the Medicare disabled population and support the need for surveillance activities for this population. This study illustrates an innovative use of an existing data source to enhance our understanding of the health needs of the disabled.
Learning Objectives: After attending this session, participants will be able to: 1) Articulate the types of disabled persons covered under the Medicare program 2) Describe the leading causes of hospitalization among the Medicare disabled population 3) Identify chronic conditions affecting the disabled Medicare population 4) Evaluate Medicare as a source of data for surveillance activities related to disabled persons
Keywords: Disability, 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.