Purpose: This presentation will examine veterans’ insurance and utilization of VHA and non-VHA services in order to help policy makers better manage care and allocate funding.
Methods: The Insurance/Utilization module of VHA’s ‘1999 Health Survey of Veterans’ (175,276/300,00; 58.4%) asked about veterans’ public and private insurance coverage and their use of VHA and non-VHA inpatient and outpatient care in the 3 months preceding the survey. Inpatients and outpatients were grouped into VHA, non-VHA, and dual users.
Results: Only 23% of VHA users do not have any other type of health care coverage; 61% are enrolled in Medicare (18% are age <65). Of Medicare enrollees, 44% have basic Medicare coverage; 43% have Medigap; 7% are in HMOs and another 7% have both HMO and Medigap. VHA patients report considerable utilization: 22% had inpatient care and 77% used outpatient services; 24% of Medicare enrollees used inpatient care compared to 16% of non-Medicare population. As much as 76% of veterans without any other coverage received all of their inpatient care from VHA compared to 43% for veterans with some type of insurance. 60% of veterans’ having basic Medicare received all of their inpatient care from VHA compared to 32% for people who had Medigap or HMO. These patterns of utilization were similar for outpatient visits.
Conclusion: VHA is clearly a safety net for veterans with very limited insurance coverage (public or private) and also provides a great deal of care to veterans with alternative sources of health care coverage.
Learning Objectives: Participants will understand veterans' insurance coverage and their need for VA care and non-VA care
Keywords: Insurance,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Office of Performance & Quality, Veterans Health Administration
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: grants & employment