Healthcare and Community Based Organizations Integrated Care Partnerships for the Aging Population Since Health Reform

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) and United Healthcare are currently collaborating on an annual survey of 4,000 people with oversampling of certain sub-populations.  The US of Aging survey has been conducted every year for the past three years and includes a formal launch with major media partners such as USA Today and others.  Demographics, economic stability/ housing, health and wellness, and other areas were measured with the surveys. 

The NCOA conducted analysis from select questions in the 2012, 2013 and 2014 surveys to answer the following research question: What is the trajectory of Community Based Organization and Healthcare Integration for those in the aging population with multiple chronic conditions?  The passage of the Patient Protection and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and other state and federal initiatives has created a perception of health systems transformation- a transition from an infectious disease-based health model to a more integrated model of care.  With the information from the US of Aging surveys, we were able to look into specific populations to determine is the transformation in health systems is actually taking place.  We were able to create a regression model from select questions to determine the trajectory of integration over the course of three years.  Results of our analysis found that there are some important initial steps being taken- those in the aging population with multiple chronic conditions are able to access more resources and more integrated care.