Differences in health status, disability, health insurance, access to care, and utilization exist between men and women, and among women within different racial/ethnic groups. Women are more likely than men to have public health insurance whereas men are more likely to be uninsured. White women under age 65 are more likely than either black or Hispanic women to have private health insurance. The life expectancy of black women is significantly less than that of white women. Overall, however, the life expectancy of women is increasing due to advances in prevention and treatment of disease. Women who live longer have a greater risk in developing chronic illness and disabilities. In 1996, women age 65 and over were ten times more likely than younger women to have had at least one formal home health care visit. In addition, they were significantly more likely to have obtained at least one prescribed medication. Using data from the 1996 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, we present comparisons of women's health issues including the impact sex, employment, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, income, and age have on health status, disability, health insurance, access to care, and utilization of health care services. We also compare 1996 data to data from the 1987 National Medical Expenditure Survey. This graphical depiction of the health of women in America will be published in 2001 in the forthcoming chartbook Women's Health, 1996. The comprehensive focus of the chartbook identifies improvements and disparities in women's health and needs in health services research.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. Identify disparities in women's health status between racial/ethnic groups. 2. Interpret trends over time in women's health insurance, access to care, and utilization of health services. 3. Assess the need for future health services research for women
Keywords: Health Insurance, Access to Health Care
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.