Evaluating Medicare Performance: Perceptions of Performance Pre- and Post- ACA
Medicare is a national single-payer system that provides health coverage for the elderly, disabled, and terminally ill in the United States. Rising enrollment, costs, and decreases in financing options may affect the way Medicare performs. This study aimed to investigate participants’ perceptions of Medicare performance before and after the Affordable Care Act. A 3-part questionnaire was created and validated for use in this study. Respondents affiliated with several social work agencies were invited via email to participate in this study. 287 out of 519 invited questionnaires were used in data analyses. 27.5% of respondents reported being currently enrolled in Medicare, while 33.2% reported lifetime enrollment. Overall, retired/disabled, elderly and low-income participants reported currently or ever using Medicare. One’s perception of Medicare performance was determined by their status as a Medicare beneficiary. Medicare service efficacy was rated more positively over-time by current and life-time enrollees; additionally, Medicare performance was determined to be better in 2013 than in 2009. Ultimately, this study showed that health service and financial fairness factors are indicative of Medicare performance. Additional research should explore possible implications for the healthcare field as well as formulate a broad range of possible management and/or improvement strategies. Lastly, differences in performance across years can inform decision-makers and bolster the fundamental foundation of health policies at the state and national level.