The influence of changes in dental care coverage on dental care utilization among retirees and near-retirees in the United States, 2004-2006.

TitleThe influence of changes in dental care coverage on dental care utilization among retirees and near-retirees in the United States, 2004-2006.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsManski, RJ, Moeller, JF, St Clair, PA, Schimmel, J, Chen, H, Pepper, JV
JournalAm J Public Health
Volume101
Issue10
Pagination1882-91
Date Published2011 Oct
ISSN Number1541-0048
KeywordsAge Factors, Aged, Dental Care, Employment, Female, Health Care Surveys, Humans, Insurance, Dental, Male, Medically Uninsured, Middle Aged, Retirement, Socioeconomic factors, United States
Abstract

OBJECTIVES: We examined dental care utilization transition dynamics between 2004 and 2006 in the context of changing dental coverage status.

METHODS: We used data from the Health and Retirement Study for persons aged 51 years and older to estimate a multivariable model of dental care use transitions with controls for dental coverage and retirement transitions and other potentially confounding covariates.

RESULTS: We found that Americans aged 51 years and older who lost dental coverage between the 2004 and 2006 survey periods were more likely to stop dental care use between periods, and those who gained coverage were more likely to start dental care use between periods, than those without coverage in both periods.

CONCLUSIONS: Dental coverage transitions and status have a strong effect on transitions in dental care use. Given that retirement is a time when many experience a loss of dental coverage, older adults may be at risk for sporadic dental care and even stopping use, leading to worse dental and potentially overall health.

Notes

Times Cited: 0 Manski, Richard J. Moeller, John F. St Clair, Patricia A. Schimmel, Jody Chen, Haiyan Pepper, John V.

DOI10.2105/AJPH.2011.300227
User Guide Notes

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21852656?dopt=Abstract

Endnote Keywords

dental Care/dental insurance/employee benefits/health care policy/health Status/health Insurance

Endnote ID

69712

Alternate JournalAm J Public Health
Citation Key7678
PubMed ID21852656
PubMed Central IDPMC3174340
Grant ListU01 AG009740 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
R01 DE021678-05 / DE / NIDCR NIH HHS / United States
R01 DE021678 / DE / NIDCR NIH HHS / United States
R01DE021678 / DE / NIDCR NIH HHS / United States
R01AG026090 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
R01 AG026090-03 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
U01AG009740 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
R01 AG026090 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States