Leveraging Medicaid Claims to Map Complex Chronic Conditions for Emergency Preparedness

Populations with complex chronic conditions (CCCs), especially those reliant on medical technology, face disproportionate risks during disasters. Medicaid enrollees make up a large portion of these vulnerable populations, yet states often lack rapid identification systems to inform disaster planning.

Florida Medicaid developed a claims-based method to identify enrollees with CCCs, including those dependent on medical technology, to support emergency preparedness and response activities.

Using the Florida Medicaid Management Information System, the team applied a validated diagnostic and procedural code framework to classify enrollees into 12 CCC categories. Data were analyzed by age, geography, and technology dependence. Health plans received real-time reports before and after hurricanes in 2022 to 2024.

Among 4.4 million enrollees, 7.2% had CCCs, and 18.2% of those were technology dependent. Geographic mapping showed higher concentrations in rural and coastal areas prone to disasters. Health plans reported using the data to contact members and coordinate services during hurricane recovery.

This effort demonstrates the feasibility and utility of applying claims data to support disaster management. Other states may adapt this approach to improve emergency response and continuity of care for Medicaid's most medically vulnerable populations.