Dr. Joseph Betancourt, President of The Commonwealth Fund, says, despite Medicare being a national program, the scorecard reveals that where a person lives can shape how easy it is to see a doctor, whether or not one can afford prescriptions, and whether or not one can avoid preventable hospital stays.
“The report uncovers wide gaps in healthcare access, cost, and quality," said Betancourt. "Medicare, while a vital safety net for millions of Americans, is not working the same for everyone."
This scorecard looks at 31 measures grouped into four dimensions of health system performance: health care access, care quality, care affordability, and overall population health.
The report finds Kentucky seniors struggle with preventable hospitalizations and are often prescribed medications not recommended for seniors. Nearly 40 percent haven't seen a dentist in the past year - the second worst rate in the country. And Kentucky seniors aren't just struggling with access to care: they're also living shorter lives. Life expectancy after age 65 in Kentucky is nearly two years below the national average.
"My hope is that policymakers use this report as a benchmark to identify gaps and adopt strategies to ensure everyone with Medicare can get the care they need," said Betancourt, "No matter who they are or where they live."
The rankings reflect each state's overall health care infrastructure and policies. High-performing states share certain characteristics: Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans that offer better coverage, low Medicare program spending per person, and a health care system that also performs well for people not covered by Medicare.
Dr. Gretchen Jacobson, Vice President of The Commonwealth Fund, said both federal and state policymakers have roles to play in improving outcomes.
"Federal policymakers can improve care by setting standards for private plans and participating providers. They can also incentivize providers to apply best practices and reduce wasteful spending and care," said Jacobson. "State policymakers also have a role in improving a state's health care infrastructure and setting policies to improve clinical practice norms."
The report is available to view online, with individual state breakdowns available for download.