Objective To assess the relationship between a composite measure of neighborhood disadvantage, the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), and control of blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol in the Medicare Advantage (MA) population. Data Sources Secondary analysis of 2013 Medicare Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set, Medicare enrollment data, and a neighborhood disadvantage indicator. Study Design We tested the association of neighborhood disadvantage with intermediate health outcomes. Generalized estimating equations were used to adjust for geographic and individual factors including region, sex, race/ethnicity, dual eligibility, disability, and rurality. Data Collection Data were linked by ZIP+4, representing compact geographic areas that can be linked to Census block groups. Principal Findings Compared with enrollees residing in the least disadvantaged neighborhoods, enrollees in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods were 5 percentage points (P < 0.05) less likely to have controlled blood pressure, 6.9 percentage points (P < 0.05) less likely to have controlled diabetes, and 9.9 percentage points (P < 0.05) less likely to have controlled cholesterol. Adjustment attenuated this relationship, but the association remained. Conclusions The ADI is a strong, independent predictor of diabetes and cholesterol control, a moderate predictor of blood pressure control, and could be used to track neighborhood‐level disparities and to target disparities‐focused interventions in the MA population.

This qualitative study examines the perspectives of representatives of US Medicare Advantage plans on how their organizations can enact programs to promote social determinants of health in light of expansions offered under the Creating High-Quality Results and Outcomes Necessary to Improve Chronic (CHRONIC) Care Act.

Author Contributions: Mr Meyers had full access to all of the data in the study and takes responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis.