Racial Disparities in the Quality of Care for Enrollees in Medicare Managed Care

Abstract

The technology of medical care has improved dramatically in the past century, yet for some populations in the United States, care has fallen short of important goals.^1,2 In particular, blacks have been less likely to receive many types of medical services and procedures.^3-8 Blacks bear a disproportionate share of suffering related to a variety of chronic diseases. To the extent that they fail to receive quality care, they may be at risk for complications that could otherwise have been ameliorated or prevented altogether.