Eating disorders in the U.S. Medicare population

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Public Health
• Health Economics
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Eating disorders represent a substantial social and economic burden.
• Medicare, the primary US insurer for older adults and some disabled individuals, covers a population potentially affected by these conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence, characteristics, and healthcare spending of Medicare enrollees diagnosed with eating disorders.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional analysis of 2016 Medicare fee-for-service and Medicare Advantage data.
• Comparison of sociodemographic factors, comorbid conditions, and healthcare expenditures between enrollees with and without eating disorder diagnoses.

Main Results:

• 0.15% of Medicare enrollees had an eating disorder diagnosis.
• Enrollees with eating disorders were more likely to be female, under 65, and dually eligible for Medicaid.
• Higher rates of cardiac arrhythmias, arthritis, and thyroid conditions were observed in those with eating disorders.
• Mean annual healthcare spending was substantially higher for enrollees with eating disorders ($29,456 vs. $7,418).

Conclusions:

• Eating disorders are present in the Medicare population.
• Enrollees with eating disorders exhibit risk factors linked to elevated healthcare spending and adverse health outcomes.