CMS reports on quality disparities for MA patients by gender, including race/ethnicity

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today released reports highlighting gender differences on selected patient satisfaction and clinical care measures for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, including racial and ethnic differences. According to the reports, women were more likely than men to receive medications that help control chronic lung disease and rheumatoid arthritis, but were less likely to receive timely treatment for alcohol or drug dependence. Among other findings, disparities between black and white MA beneficiaries in rates of colorectal cancer screening, provision of medications to reduce risks for chronic lung disease and heart attack, and management of rheumatoid arthritis were larger for men than for women. Nearly 1,500 hospitals and health systems have signed the AHA’s #123forEquity pledge to advance health equity and eliminate health care disparities. For more on the pledge and resources on how to collect and use data, visit www.equityofcare.org.