Chronic health conditions in Medicare beneficiaries 65 years old, and older with HIV infection. (23rd October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Friedman, Eleanor E.; Duffus, Wayne A.
• Is Part Of: AIDS. Volume 30:Number 16(2016)
• Page Start: 2529
• Page End: 2536
• Publication Date: 2016-10-23
• Subjects: chronic conditions -- HIV -- Medicare -- older; AIDS (Disease) -- Periodicals; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; AIDS (Disease); Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.9792005
• DOI: 10.1097/QAD.0000000000001215
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-9370

Abstract

Abstract : Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Abstract : Objectives: To examine sociodemographic factors and chronic health conditions of people living with HIV (PLWHIV/HIV+) at least 65 years old and compare their chronic disease prevalence with beneficiaries without HIV. Design: National fee-for-service Medicare claims data (parts A and B) from 2006 to 2009 were used to create a retrospective cohort of beneficiaries at least 65 years old. Methods: Beneficiaries with an inpatient or skilled nursing facility claim, or outpatient claims with HIV diagnosis codes were considered HIV+. HIV+ beneficiaries were compared with uninfected beneficiaries on demographic factors and on the prevalence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, ischemic heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis/osteoarthritis, and diabetes. Odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and P values were calculated. Adjustment variables included age, sex, race/ethnicity, end stage renal disease (ESRD), and dual Medicare–Medicaid enrollment. Chronic conditions were examined individually and as an index from zero to all five conditions. Results: Of 29 060 418 eligible beneficiaries, 24 735 (0.09%) were HIV+. HIV+ beneficiaries were more likely to be Hispanic, African-American, male, and younger ( P > 0.0001) and were 1.5–2.1 times as likely to have a chronic disease [diabetes (adjusted OR) 1.51, 95% CI (1.47, 1.55): rheumatoid arthritis/osteoarthritis 2.14, 95% CI (2.08, 2.19)], and 2.4–7 times as likely to have 1–5 comorbid chronic conditions [1 condition (adjusted OR) 2.38, 95% CI (2.21, 2.57): 5 conditions 7.07, 95% CI (6.61, 7.56)]. Conclusion: Our results show that PLWHIV at least 65 years old are at higher risk of comorbidities than other fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries. This finding has implications for the cost and health management of PLWHIV 65 years and older.