Health Needs of Older Adults in Puerto Rico
Author Information
Author(s): Rivera-Hernandez Maricruz, Campos Matthew
Primary Institution: Brown University School of Public Health
Hypothesis
Older adults in Puerto Rico have unique health care challenges compared to those in the U.S. mainland.
Conclusion
The study found that a significant proportion of older adults in Puerto Rico enrolled in Medicare Advantage have complex health needs, with many facing disparities in care.
Supporting Evidence
- Older adults in Puerto Rico have higher rates of chronic conditions and poverty compared to those in the U.S. mainland.
- Disparities in quality and access to care exist for older adults in Puerto Rico.
- 57.09% of Medicare enrollees from Puerto Rico were identified as high-need adults.
Takeaway
Many older people in Puerto Rico need extra help with their health, and they might not be getting the care they need.
Methodology
Data was collected from the Medicare Health Outcomes Survey and the Master Beneficiary Summary File from 2010 to 2019.
Limitations
The study may not fully capture all aspects of health care challenges faced by older adults in Puerto Rico.
Participant Demographics
Approximately 57.09% of the participants were identified as high-need adults, with a higher proportion being female and having lower household incomes.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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