Healthcare utilization among Japanese older adults during later stage of prolonged pandemic

This study examines healthcare utilization patterns among Japan's older population (aged 75 and above) during a prolonged public health emergency, focusing on the later phase of the COVID-19 pandemic (November 2021-September 2022). This period was characterized by the Omicron variant, widespread vaccination coverage, and adapted public health measures. Using a comprehensive dataset of 189,841,257 medical claims linked with income tax records, we analyze how healthcare utilization correlates with public health measures, pandemic severity, and income levels. Our findings reveal distinct utilization patterns: moderate decreases in healthcare visits during periods of public health measures, with the association between pandemic severity and healthcare use varying based on whether these measures are in place. Despite fluctuations in visit frequency, healthcare costs remain stable, indicating consistent service intensity. While income-related differences in general healthcare access are modest, dental care shows more pronounced socioeconomic variations. These patterns suggest a transition from initial widespread healthcare avoidance to more stable healthcare engagement, indicating adaptation to prolonged crisis conditions. Our findings provide insights for maintaining healthcare access during extended public health emergencies, particularly in aging societies where balancing healthcare needs with public health measures is crucial.