Burden of Pain on Quality of Life Among Adults with Medicare Supplement Insurance

Research Objective: To estimate the burden of three common types of pain (arthritis, sciatic, and back) on quality of life among adults with an AARP® Medicare Supplement (i.e., Medigap) plan, insured by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company (for New York residents, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York). Study Design: A mail survey was sent to a random sample of 45,000 Medigap insureds in 10 states from 2008-2010. The Medicare Health Outcomes Survey instrument was used, but renamed the Health Update Survey for use with a Medigap sample. Population Studied: 15,909 (35%) of the sample members responded to the survey. About 48% reported arthritis pain, 21% reported sciatic pain, 23% reported back pain, while 43% did not report having any of these pains and served as the comparison group. Principle Findings: Average physical component scores (PCS) were about 11.0, 10.5 and 15.5 points lower, respectively (p < 0.001 in all cases) for those with arthritis, sciatic, and back pain compared to the comparison group. Average mental component scores (MCS) were about 3.2, 3.3, and 5.3 points lower, respectively (p < 0.001 in all cases) for those with arthritis, sciatic, and back pain compared to the comparison group. Conclusions: Pain is common among older individuals, with nearly 60% of the respondents reporting either arthritis, sciatic, or back pain. The burden of pain on quality of life varied by condition. Back pain had a stronger negative influence on quality of life than arthritis or sciatic pain.