Telemedicine use in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic among community dwelling U.S. Medicare beneficiaries

Abstract

Objective: CMS reimbursement regulations for telemedicine changed after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess telemedicine utilization patterns offered by health care providers and used by Medicare beneficiaries during the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020.Methods: This study used the Fall 2020 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) supplemental COVID-19 survey to identify Medicare beneficiaries (≥ 65 years) with a regular place for medical care that offered telemedicine during 2020. Major outcomes: prevalence for whether telemedicine was offered before and during the pandemic, telemedicine use, and digital access to telemedicine. Logistic regression identified the demographic factors associated with telemedicine use.Results: The study sample included 4,380 eligible individual Medicare beneficiaries ≥ 65 years. Of those, 42.9% made telemedicine visits during the pandemic. Approximately 60% of the telemedicine visits were conducted via telephone. Telemedicine was offered to 18% of the respondents before the pandemic vs. 64% during year 2020 of the pandemic. Among telemedicine users, 57.2%, 28.3%, and 14.5% used voice calls, video calls, and both voice and video calls for health care appointments, respectively. Overall telemedicine use varied by sex, race, and region. Individuals 65-74 years, female, living in a metropolitan area, with higher incomes were more likely to make video visits. Experience using telecommunications via the internet influenced telemedicine use significantly.Conclusions: Telemedicine offered to older Medicare beneficiaries increased dramatically after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, less than half used telemedicine and differences in utilization existed by demographic characteristics.

Availability and use of telehealth services among patients with ADRD enrolled in traditional Medicare vs. Medicare advantage during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Internet access was defined according to whether the respondent had access to the internet. Having previously used video or voice calls was defined according to whether the respondent had previously used video or voice calls (for any reason) ( 19 , 20 ). Telehealth-related technology access was defined according to whether the respondent owned a computer, smartphone, or tablet.…”

A Year After Implementation of the Telehealth Waiver: Being Offered and Utilizing Video-Specific Telehealth Among Dual-Eligible Medicare Recipients During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…20,21 Specifically, studies examining telehealth adoption during the pandemic among Medicare recipients found that patients who identified as non-Hispanic Black and those with comorbidities were more likely to use telehealth services when offered by their usual providers. [21][22][23][24] Similarly, another study also found individuals from racially minoritized groups were less likely to have telehealth visits compared to their White counterparts. 25 Other studies 26,27 examined disparities in specific telehealth utilization by highlighting that patients who were older, Black, and were Medicaid recipients were less likely to have video telehealth visits compared with audio-only telehealth visits during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

“…Previous literature found disparities among older adults in telehealth accessibility and uptake related to sociodemographic factors, including gender, race, and income during the COVID-19 pandemic 20,21. Specifically, studies examining telehealth adoption during the pandemic among Medicare recipients found that patients who identified as non-Hispanic Black and those with comorbidities were more likely to use telehealth services when offered by their usual providers 21–24. Similarly, another study also found individuals from racially minoritized groups were less likely to have telehealth visits compared to their White counterparts 25.…”