Medicare beneficiaries are happier, healthier than those with private coverage

Medicare works better for its beneficiaries than private insurance. Those enrolled in Medicare were more likely to receive care, had fewer problems accessing care due to cost, were less likely to be financially burdened by medical bills and more likely to be satisfied with their insurance than those enrolled in employer sponsored insurance plans, according to an article published in the July issue of Health Affairs.  

Using data from the Commonwealth Fund’s 2010 health insurance survey, researchers led by Commonwealth Fund President Karen Davis analyzed the responses of 3,033 individuals aged 19 to 64 to questions regarding experiences with healthcare, out-of-pocket spending for care, benefit characteristics, income, health status, insurance status, age and other demographic characteristics.

“The 2010 survey results indicate that compared to people who are privately insured, Medicare beneficiaries are less likely to have cost-related access problems, high premium and out-of-pocket health care expenses as a share of income, and financial problems because of medical bills,” Davis wrote. “And compared to nonelderly adults with employer-based coverage, Medicare beneficiaries are more likely to have access to a medical home—a primary care provider who knows their medical history well, is accessible and helps coordinate their care.”

Based on the survey’s results, Davis suggested that legislators consider offering both traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage on state insurance exchanges to the nonelderly population.