Association Between Self-reported Health-Related Social Needs and Acute Care Utilization Among Older Adults Enrolled in Medicare Advantage

JAMA Network July 8, 2022
Melanie Canterberry, PhD; Jose F. Figueroa, MD, MPH; Charron L. Long, PharmD; Angela S. Hagan, PhD; Suhas Gondi, BA; Andy Bowe, MPH; Stephanie M. Franklin, MPS; Andrew Renda, MD, MPH; William H. Shrank, MD, MSHS; Brian W. Powers, MD, MBA

Key Points

Question To what extent are self-reported health-related social needs (HRSNs) associated with acute care utilization among older adults enrolled in Medicare Advantage, and are there specific HRSNs that seem to matter more?

Findings In this cross-sectional study of 56 155 older adults enrolled in Medicare Advantage, HRSNs were associated with statistically significantly higher rates of acute care utilization, with the largest association observed for avoidable hospital stays (53.3% increase). Unreliable transportation had the largest association with hospital stays and emergency department visits (marginal effects of 51.2 and 95.5 events per 1000 beneficiaries, respectively).

Meaning Among older adults enrolled in Medicare Advantage, self-reported HRSNs are associated with increased rates of acute care utilization.

Importance There is increased...

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