Surveillance for Use of Preventive Health-Care Services by Older Adults, 1995–1997

Problem/Condition: In 1995, a total of 55 million persons aged ≥55 years lived in the United States. The members of this large and growing segment of the population are major consumers of health care. Their access to medical and dental preventive services contributes to their likelihood of healthy later years and influences their long-term impact on the health-care delivery system. Reporting Period: 1995–1997. Description of Systems: This report summarizes data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), the state-based Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), and the Medicare Current Beneficiary Study (MCBS) to describe national, regional, and state-specific patterns of access to and use of preventive services among persons aged ≥55 years. Results: During 1995–1997, approximately 90% of persons aged ≥55 years living in the United States reported having a regular source of health-care services. However, only 75%–80% reported receiving a routine checkup during the preceding 2 years. The estimated percentage of persons who reported not being able to receive medical care because of cost was highest for those aged 55–64 years. Within this age group, the percentage was highest among Hispanics (4%) and persons without a high school diploma. Approximately 11% of Medicare beneficiaries reported delaying care because of cost or because they had no particular source of care. Percentage estimates varied according to age, race/ethnicity, and sociodemographic status. Approximately 95% of persons aged ≥55 years reported having their blood pressure checked during the preceding 2 years, but only 85%–88% had received a cholesterol evaluation during the preceding 5 years. The percentage of women receiving breast and cervical cancer screening decreased with increasing age, and the percentage of persons aged ≥55 years who had received some form of screening for colorectal cancer was low — approximately 25% for fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) and 45% for endoscopy. State-specific rates of compliance with vaccination recommendations among persons aged ≥65 years were higher for influenza vaccine (range: 54%–74%) than for pneumococcal vaccine (range: 32%–59%), and compliance increased with advancing age. State-specific estimates of the percentage of annual dental visits varied 40%–75%, and 41%–88% of persons aged ≥65 years reported not having dental insurance. Interpretation: Access to medical services among adults living in the United States is greater for per