Research Objective. The overall objective of this research is to determine how different presentation approaches affect how information is interpreted and used by Medicare beneficiaries. Older adults may not be able to process as much information as younger adults, and may need more assistance in using information to make decisions.
Methods. Medicare beneficiaries (n=250), ages 65-94, were randomly assigned to different experimental conditions and were asked to complete several tasks related to using comparative information and making health plan selections. Dependent variables include: how accurately the information is interpreted and the weight given to quality information under different presentation approaches.
Findings. The preliminary data show that older consumers are have a high level of inaccuracy in interpreting information in comparative quality information tables. Accuracy declines with more information in a data display. At the same time, the data display approaches that are designed to be easier to evaluate assist some but not all beneficiaries. Data displays that use added visual cues (e.g. stars) or order the data by performance make it easier for some beneficiaries to use the information in decisions.
Conclusions. Older consumers have difficulty using comparative quality information in decisions. They are less accurate in interpreting data displays and are less able to differentially weight factors in choices than younger adults. Data displays designed to be easier to evaluate, do help a subset of the population. Older adults may need additional assistance in using comparative information for making choices. These and other policy implications are discussed.
Learning Objectives: 1. participants will be able to describe the major barriers Medicare beneficiaries face in using comparative quality information in health plan decisions. 2. Participants will be identify data presentation approaches that help beneficiaries use information more effectively in choices
Keywords: Decision-Making, 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.