Feature ArticleHomebound older adults: Prevalence, characteristics, health care utilization and quality of care

The purpose of this study was to estimate prevalence rates of homebound older adults, their characteristics and the impact of homebound status on health care utilization, expenditures and quality of medical care measures. Surveys were sent to new enrollees (n = 25,725) in AARP® Medicare Supplement plans (insured through UnitedHealthcare) to screen for serious chronic conditions, ambulatory disabilities and eligibility for care coordination programs. Health care utilization and expenditures were determined from paid claims. Member-level quality measures considered compliance with medication adherence and care patterns. Among survey respondents, 19.6% were classified as being homebound. The strongest predictors of being homebound included serious memory loss, being older, having more chronic conditions, taking more prescription medications and having multiple hospitalizations. Homebound had significantly higher health care utilization and expenditures. Homebound were more likely to be noncompliant with medication adherence and care pattern rules. Ongoing screening and subsequent interventions for new enrollees classified as homebound may be warranted.