Oanh M. Vuong¹, Russell Mardon, PhD², Richard Mierzejewski, MS, MBA², and David G. Moriarty, BSEE³. (1) NCQA, 2000 L St NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036, 202-955-1777, vuong@ncqa.org, (2) Research and Analysis, NCQA, 2000 L Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036, (3) Health Care and Aging Studies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, N.E, Mailstop K-45, CDC/NCCDPHP/DACH, Atlanta, GA 30341

Given the growing numbers of the older population, it is important to track health-related quality of life in different populations to identify subgroups with poor physical or mental health and health-related factors that can help guide interventions to improve their health. The purpose of this study was to compare the Healthy Days reported by adults age 65 years and older in Medicare managed care versus the general community as well as to identify factors associated with reported unhealthy days. The Healthy Days measures include questions on recent physically and mentally unhealthy days and activity limitations. We compared respondents in the HEDIS® Medicare Health Outcomes Survey (HOS, n=107,000) and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS, n=38,000). The HOS sample was more likely to be age 85 years and older, female and in poor health. On average during the past 30 days, HOS respondents reported fewer healthy days (21.3 days vs. 23.3 days) and more limited activity days (3.4 days vs. 2.6 days). Older age, females, Hispanics, and those with lower income and education as well as those in poorer levels of self-rated health tended to report fewer healthy days. The Healthy Days measures are highly correlated with reported functional limitations and chronic conditions. Respondents reporting emotional health problems had fewer healthy days compared to those with physical problems (9.8 days vs. 12.7 days).

Learning Objectives:

• Examine correlation of the Healthy Days measures with other self-reported health, demographic, and socioeconomic measures; Compare Healthy Days reported by older adults in managed care versus general community

Keywords: Aging, Quality of Life

Related Web page: www.ncqa.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
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.