Research

1) The Impact of Closing Medicare Part D Coverage Gap on Mental Health of Adults Over Age 65

https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648241290324

Using Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data from 2006 to 2019, this study assessed the effect of closing Medicare Part D coverage gap on mental health of older adults. We employed difference-in-differences and compared mental health outcomes of older adults on Medicare with those on private insurance before and after the 2011 policy change. Findings showed a 0.447-point reduction in the Kessler Index 6 (K-6) score after closure. These findings were mainly attributable to women, Hispanics, individuals with multiple chronic conditions, and those in Traditional Medicare. A reduction in out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures appeared to be the primary mechanism for this finding. Our analysis was robust to several specifications, including using different measures of mental health and alternate constructions of treatment and control groups. The closure of the Medicare Part D coverage gap improved mental health among beneficiaries, potentially by reducing financial strain associated with high OOP expenditures. 

2) The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Age-Based Disparities in Digital Health Technology Use: Secondary Analysis of the 2017-2022 Health Information National Trends Survey

doi:10.2196/65541

Our study reveals a significant increase in the use of digital health technology among all age groups during the pandemic. However, while the disparities in accessing online information have narrowed, age-based disparities, particularly for older adults, have widened in most areas such as looking up test results and making appointments with doctors. Therefore, older adults are more likely left behind by the rapidly digitalized US health care system during the pandemic. Policy makers and health care providers should focus on addressing these disparities to ensure equitable access to digital health resources for US baby boomers.