Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal

Accession No.:

J75013

Journal:


Disability and Health Journal

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

, 10, 1, 39-47

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study examined whether subgroups of people with disabilities are more likely than people without disabilities to delay/forgo necessary care, in general and among the insured. Pooled Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data (2004-2010) were used to examine delaying or forgoing medical, dental, and pharmacy care among five disability subgroups (physical, cognitive, visual, hearing, multiple) and the non-disabled population. Logistic regression was conducted to examine delayed/forgone care, controlling for sociodemographic, health, and health care factors. Results indicated that more than 13 percent of all working-age adults had delayed/forgone necessary care; lack of insurance was the strongest predictor of unmet needs. Among the insured, disability subgroups were greater than two times more likely to report delayed/forgone care than adults without disabilities. Insured working-age adults with multiple chronic conditions and those with activities of daily living (ADL) or instrumental ADL assistance needs had higher odds of delayed or forgone care than their peers without these characteristics. Reasons related to affordability were most often listed as leading to unmet needs, regardless of disability. This study showed that, although insurance status most strongly predicted unmet needs for care, many people with insurance delayed/forewent necessary care. Even among the insured, all disability subgroups had significantly greater likelihood of having to delay/forgo care than those without disabilities. Differences also existed between the disability subgroups. Cost was most frequently cited reason for unmet needs.

Author(s):


Reichard, Amanda, Stransky, Michelle, Phillips, Kimberly, McClain, Monica, Drum, Charles

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