Accessibility and utilisation of telehealth services among older adults during COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.

The removal of regulatory and reimbursement barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States presented opportunities to explore the potential of telehealth to improve access to and use of healthcare among underserved populations. Therefore, we examined factors associated with accessibility and utilisation of telehealth among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analysed the nationally representative Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey COVID-19 Supplement File of community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years (n = 5,189), administered from 5 October 2020, through 15 November 2020. Two survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the association between factors (i.e., socio-demographics, co-morbidities and digital access/literacy) and whether (1) beneficiaries' regular providers offered telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic, and (2) those being offered telehealth used it. Furthermore, subgroup analyses by residing area and income status were conducted. Of study beneficiaries, 83.6% reported their regular providers offered telehealth during COVID-19. Disparities in accessibility of telehealth by sociodemographic status were observed [e.g., those living in a non-metro area (versus metro) were 7.1% (marginal effect [ME] = -7.1%; p < 0.01) less likely to report accessibility of telehealth]. Beneficiaries who had no access to internet (ME = -8.2%; p < 0.001) and had not participated in video/voice calls/conferencing prior (versus participated) (ME = -6.6%; p < 0.001) were less likely to report having access to telehealth. Among those being offered telehealth services, 43.0% reported using telehealth services. Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Black beneficiaries (e.g., Black versus White; ME = 11.3%; p < 0.01) and those with co-morbidities (versus 0-1 condition) (e.g., 2-3 co-morbidities, ME = 7.3%; p < 0.01) were more likely to report using telehealth services when offered. Similar results were observed in the subgroup analyses regarding disparities in accessibility and utilisation of telehealth. The accessibility and utilisation of telehealth have increased amidst the pandemic; however, disparities in accessibility of telehealth were observed. A telehealth triage protocol is needed to ensure underserved patients continue to receive appropriate care.

Prescription drug coverage satisfaction, cost-reducing behavior, and medication nonadherence among Medicare beneficiaries with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Medication nonadherence in individuals with type 2 diabetes can lead to poor glycemic control, resulting in increased risk for diabetes-related complications. OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between factors (ie, drug coverage satisfaction and cost-reducing behavior) and medication nonadherence among Medicare beneficiaries with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: We analyzed the 2016 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey Public Use File for beneficiaries aged 65 years and older with reported type 2 diabetes (n=1,430; weighted n=5,846,943). Medicare beneficiaries were considered to have medication nonadherence if they reported skipping doses or taking smaller doses than prescribed. A survey-weighted logistic model, adjusted for sociodemographics and comorbidities, was conducted to examine associations of drug coverage satisfaction and cost-reducing behavior with medication nonadherence. RESULTS: Among Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and older with type 2 diabetes, 10.3% reported medication nonadherence. In the adjusted analysis, the risk for medication nonadherence was higher among those who were dissatisfied with the amount paid for medications (OR = 2.43; P = 0.002) compared with those who were satisfied, and those who spent less on basic needs to save for medications were more likely to report medication nonadherence (OR = 2.23; P = 0.011) than those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that medication nonadherence among Medicare beneficiaries with type 2 diabetes is associated with dissatisfaction with the amount paid for medications and cost-reducing behavior. Interventions that lower medication costs for Medicare beneficiaries may help to improve medication adherence among this at-risk population. DISCLOSURES: No outside funding supported this study. The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.