Disease-Specific Contributions to Geographical Disparities in Mortality Among Medicare Beneficiaries
2024
Geographical Disparities in Mortality Among Medicare Beneficiaries
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Ouyang Meishuo, Akushevich Igor, Kravchenko Julia
Primary Institution: Duke University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Improving life expectancy in lagging states could eliminate health inequalities in the U.S.
Conclusion
Disease-specific contributions significantly explain mortality disparities among Medicare beneficiaries in different age groups.
Supporting Evidence
- Disease-specific contributions explained 44% and 63% of mortality disparities in the 80- and 80+ age groups, respectively.
- Exposure effects dominated in the 80- group, while vulnerability was the main contributor in the 80+ group.
- Heart failure, influenza, and pneumonia explained 21.3% of the disparity in the 80- group.
- Cerebrovascular diseases and blood diseases are major contributors to vulnerability in the 80+ group.
Takeaway
Some states have lower life expectancy, and certain diseases are making this difference bigger. We need to help people with these diseases to improve health for everyone.
Methodology
Analyzed Medicare claims data from 2000-2020 using the Powers-Yun decomposition technique.
Participant Demographics
Two age groups: 80- and 80+.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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