Association between Priority Conditions and Access to Care, Treatment of an Ongoing Condition, and Ability to Obtain Prescription Medications among Medicare Beneficiaries during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Several comorbid conditions have been observed to be associated with an increased risk of poor outcomes following a diagnosis of COVID-19. The purpose of this investigation was to assess associations between Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) designated priority conditions and an inability to access care, treat ongoing conditions, and obtain prescription medications among Medicare beneficiaries in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nationally representative CMS Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) COVID-19 Supplement Public Use Files (PUF) were analyzed via bivariable, binomial generalized linear models across three time periods: (1) Summer 2020; (2) Fall 2020; and (3) Winter 2021. Across an estimated 55.3–57.4 million Medicare beneficiaries, approximately one-fifth reported an inability to access at least one type of care at the onset of the pandemic. Significantly worse odds of an ability to get care across various time periods was observed among several priority conditions including immune disorders, cancer, depression, osteoporosis, diabetes, arthritis, and numerous cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions. Among those reporting an inability to access care, approximately one-third involved treatment of an ongoing condition, and under one-tenth involved prescription medications. To identify modifiable risk factors and to develop active interventions, future work should continue to assess the complex associations between outcomes, access to care, comorbidities, evolving healthcare infrastructures, computerization, and various public health initiatives.