EXTENDED COVERAGE FOR PREVENTIVE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY - RESPONSE AND RESULTS IN A DEMONSTRATION POPULATION

Objectives. This study was undertaken-to test the acceptability of pre ventive services under Medicare waivers to a community-dwelling popula tion aged 65 and over and to examine the effect of such services on he alth. Methods. Medicare beneficiaries and designated primary care prov iders were, sampled, and beneficiaries were screened and surveyed. A t otal of 4195 individuals were then randomized into intervention or con trol groups. Those in the intervention group were offered free prevent ive visits (under waivers) to their physicians. A follow-up survey of the entire group was administered after completion of the intervention . Results. Sixty-three percent of the intervention group made a preven tive clinical visit, and about half of them a counseling visit. for me n, being, married and having a solo practitioner were positively assoc iated with accepting the intervention services, while for women, havin g had a mammogram, having a confidant, having a high school education, and having a female practitioner were so associated. The intervention group showed a greater health: benefit than did the control group and had a significantly lower death rate: 8.3% vs 11.1%. Conclusions. Old er individuals will respond to preventive programs, and such services will result in modest health gains.