Medicare Facts and Figures: A California Perspective

Publication Date: February 2006

Publisher: California HealthCare Foundation

Author(s): Cynthia R. Schuster; Dana P. Goldman; Mary E. Vaiana; Rand Corporation

Research Area: Health

Type: Report

Coverage: California

Abstract:

This graphic overview of Medicare in California covers demographics, health status, insurance coverage, quality of care, utilization, and spending. It provides a framework to better understand current and anticipated trends, and serves as a tool to help decision-makers and advocates design policies and programs that meet the needs of beneficiaries. Drawing on the most recent national and state-level data, the presentation highlights several trends, including an aging Medicare population. The number of elderly Californians (65 and older) is expected to increase nearly 130% by 2030. Beneficiaries are also becoming increasingly diverse, with the number of non-English-speaking households on the rise. Together, these changes will create a demand for more services, not only in quanitity, but also in terms of accessibility for the diverse population. Despite spending an average of $6,680 per beneficiary, per year ($700 more than the national average), the quality of care for California's Medicare patients ranks among the worst in the nation. As more Medicare beneficiaries use hospitals and inpatient care, typically the most expensive category of treatment, spending increases are expected as well. The full report is available under Document Downloads below.