Characteristics of black Medicaid elderly and their access to postacute care.

The delivery and financing of health-care services are among the nation's most debated issues. Policymakers, providers, and the government are challenged to improve access to medical services for those who are underserved and in need. This study examines the characteristics of underserved black elderly patients and the components that contribute to their long-stay status. The findings suggest that black elderly patients suffer a variety of illnesses that confine them to longer stays in the hospital. Controlling health-care costs will be difficult unless barriers to postacute care services are eliminated for poor, minority, elderly patients. As health reform strategies are developed, consideration should be given to policies and models that improve access to postacute care.