Bridging the Telehealth Divide: Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Medicare Telehealth Usage Highlights the Need for Equity-Focused Approaches
Akshaya Srikanth Bhagavathula, Wafa Ali Aldhaleei
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a dramatic increase in Medicare reimbursed telehealth utilization in the United States, but significant racial disparities persist. Methods: This research analyzed trends and disparities in Medicare reimbursed telehealth usage and claims from 2020 through 2022 using data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Results: Medicare telehealth user claims were 10.1 million in 2020, 52.7 million in 2021, and 85.3 million in 2023. The adjusted odds of telehealth use were significantly lower in 2021 (adjusted odds ratios [aORs]: 0.746; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.683–0.815) and 2022 (aOR: 0.529; 95% CI: 0.484–0.578) compared with 2020. Large racial differences were observed in 2020–2022, with lower telehealth usage among African Americans (aOR: 0.068; 95% CI: 0.054–0.087), Hispanics (aOR: 0.036; 95% CI: 0.027–0.047), American Indians/Alaska Natives (aOR: 0.012; 95% CI: 0.009–0.017), and Asian Pacific Americans (aOR: 0.001; 95% CI: 0.001–0.002) versus Non-Hispanic Whites. Rural residents, older adults, and beneficiaries with disabilities also had reduced telehealth utilization. However, women were more likely to use telehealth versus men (aOR: 1.689; 95% CI: 1.363–2.094). Conclusion: Despite telehealth expansion during the pandemic, significant disparities remain, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to increase access and reduce barriers among underserved populations. Addressing disparities is critical to ensuring equitable access to health care through telehealth.