To evaluate differences in utilization between Medicare Advantage (MA) and Traditional Medicare (TM) among Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic White beneficiaries.
Approach:
Study Design: Cohort study using HEDIS data from 2021 linked with Medicare Beneficiary Summary File.
Population: Included beneficiaries enrolled in either TM or MA for the entire year, excluding certain groups.
Utilization Assessment: Utilization was assessed across discretionary and less discretionary procedure categories, as well as ED encounters and hospitalizations.
Key Findings:
White beneficiaries had a greater relative reduction in discretionary procedures in MA compared to TM.
Differences in utilization between MA and TM were comparable across racial groups for less discretionary procedures.
MA was associated with fewer discretionary procedures and reduced ED visits and hospitalization rates.
Limitations:
The study did not account for all potential confounding factors influencing care access and utilization.
Exclusions based on enrollment duration and other criteria may limit generalizability.
