CMS report details health disparities among Medicare Advantage enrollees

Black, Indigenous and Alaska Native patients experienced the most significant disparities in clinical care among Medicare Advantage enrollees last year, according to a report from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the RAND Corp.

The CMS Office of Minority Health and the consulting company analyzed information from the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) and the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) for the study, which compares clinical data and patient satisfaction surveys across demographics.

Black, American Indian and Alaska Native enrollees ranked lowest on clinical measures, while Asian American and Pacific Islander beneficiaries reported the worst customer service experiences, according to the report, which published Thursday.

American Indian and Alaska Native enrollees ranked lowest among all demographic groups for breast cancer screenings, respiratory conditions and diabetes care.

Black enrollees were less likely to receive follow-up care after emergency department visits for mental and behavioral health events than other populations, the report shows. These patients also faced the most adverse prescribing practices, with clinicians more likely to dispense medications with significant side effects to Black people.