Racial patterns in disabled elderly persons' use of medical services

Objective. This study examines the extent that older persons experience pat terns of health service use that vary by race. Methods. Using the 1989 NLTCS database, researchers estimate ten binomial l ogistic regressions of community medical service use by disabled White and Black older persons. Chow tents and Oaxaca decomposition analysis inform wh y racial differences continue to exist, although most elderly persons have Medicare. Results. With similar medical conditions. Blades are less likely to use ser vices, particularly prescription medications and physician services. Use of some medical services is more likely for elderly Black persons who live in rural areas. small cities. and Western states, or who have more IADLs. joi nt and breathing problems, and broken parts. An Oaxaca decomposition indica tes that differences in personal characteristics (e.g., income and health) do not fully explain racial differences in use of prescriptions and physici an services. Discussion. For reasons that are unrelated to financial assets, blacks rema in vulnerable in their ability to access services commonly used by older pe rsons. To remedy racial disparities in medical utilization, public policy m ust expand its focuses beyond health finance issues and consider difference s in availability, accessibility, and acceptability.