There has been a big change in internet usage among older adults with Medicare, with persistent but narrowing gaps in accessibility, as revealed by recent research published on January 8, 2024, in the Journal of General Internal Medicine amid the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study, authored by Megan K. Beckett, reveals the difficulties faced by older adults, especially those with multiple chronic conditions relying on primary care for disease management, in accessing healthcare providers. The study demonstrates the changes in internet use patterns among individuals aged 65 and older with Medicare during the pandemic, emphasizing the internet’s role in facilitating access to healthcare information, resources, and social support.
Concerted efforts, marked by regulatory relaxations and initiatives, were made to bridge the digital divide in expanding internet access amid the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. This comprehensive approach, coupled with the increase in telemedicine adoption, prompted researchers to investigate whether these changes have indeed led to a more equitable environment in internet usage among older adults with Medicare. The study utilized the of data from 823,262 respondents to the 2019, 2021, and 2023 Medicare Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Survey, meticulously evaluating the proportion of Medicare beneficiaries reporting internet use at home.
The study uncovered variations in internet use rates. The findings revealed that rates were higher for White individuals (80.9%) compared to their Asian American and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander counterparts (76.3%), Black individuals (62.3%), and American Indian Alaska or Native individuals (54.3%). The study also revealed that Hispanic older adults who responded to the survey in Spanish, revealing lower rates of internet use at 46.1%. The complexity of the digital divide became evident as internet use was further shaped by age, education, health status, and income/assets, demonstrating the intersectionality of factors contributing to the disparities in access.
When scrutinizing the changes in internet use from 2019 to 2023, the study highlighted an overall increase of 8.5 percentage points. The increases were more pronounced among groups with lower internet use in 2019. The largest increase was observed among Hispanic older adults responding in Spanish, indicating an impressive increase of +18.1%. In contrast, White older adults exhibited the smallest increase at +7.4%. While these findings suggest a trend toward the narrowing of digital equity gaps, the study underscores that substantial differences persist, particularly for those deemed less healthy, economically disadvantaged, older, Spanish-preferring, and racially or ethnically minoritized.
The research highlights the advancements in internet usage among older adults with Medicare, propelled by pandemic-induced changes and interventions. Despite strides made in addressing the digital divide, disparities remain, requiring sustained efforts to ensure a truly inclusive and equitable access to telemedicine and healthcare resources. The findings emphasize the value of ongoing initiatives tailored to the diverse needs of vulnerable populations, reinforcing the importance of equitable digital access in the evolving healthcare sector.
