Community variation: disparities in health care quality between Asian and white medicare beneficiaries

Abstract

Few studies have focused on Asian-white disparities. This study examines the use of selected cancer screening and diabetes services under the traditional Medicare program of whites and Asians by socioeconomic status and among U.S. metropolitan statistical areas in which elderly Asians reside. It demonstrates that existing data, with enrichment, can be used to examine Asian-white disparities. It finds that Asians often receive poorer quality of care than whites, but disparities differ among metropolitan areas. This research enables policymakers to better understand and target resources to address Asian-white disparities at the national and local community levels.