Login / Signup

Impact of the First-Wave COVID-19 Pandemic on Medical Expenditure for Older Adults in China: Lessons from a Natural Experiment.

Xiyuan HuDianqi YuanYuyu ZengChao Guo
Published in: Journal of aging & social policy (2024)
Older adults' access to healthcare services may have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explored the effect of the first wave pandemic on the medical expenditure of older adults in China. Difference-in-Difference models captured both temporal and geographical variation in COVID-19 exposure to estimate the impacts of the pandemic on medical expenditure through a quasi-natural experiment. Data derived from the China Family Panel Studies. Results indicate that exposure to the pandemic significantly decreased total medical expenditures, hospital expenditures, and non-hospital medical expenditures of Chinese older adults by 15% (95% CI 12%-17%), 5% (95% CI 2%-7%), and 15% (95% CI 13%-16%), respectively, for each standardized severity increment. Females, less well-educated people, and individuals without internet access were most susceptible to experiencing these reductions. This study revealed that COVID-19 exerted a detrimental influence on the medical expenditure of older adults in mainland China. The "hidden epidemic" of non-COVID-19 medical needs of older adults deserves more attention on the part of policymakers.
Keyphrases
  • healthcare
  • coronavirus disease
  • sars cov
  • physical activity
  • emergency department
  • health information
  • mental health
  • electronic health record
  • single cell
  • adverse drug
  • artificial intelligence
  • drug induced