There is a considerable difference in quality of care among Medicare managed care plans across racial and geographic lines, according to a study in the American Journal of Managed Care.
The study found that:
- There was a small but statistically significant level of racial disparity among all regions in the U.S.;
- Racial composition of a region might not be the cause of low quality of care; and
- Low-quality care sometimes can be attributed to geographic conditions.
The researchers concluded that efforts to address racial disparities should include a geographic focus, a consideration that could improve outcomes for all beneficiaries (Virnig et al.,
American Journal of Managed Care, January 2007).