Food Insecurity, Medication Non‐adherence, and Inpatient Hospital Readmissions in Low‐income Older Medicare Beneficiaries in Need of Food Assistance

Abstract

The prevention of hospital readmissions is a major focus of healthcare quality improvement. This study examined the relationships among food insecurity, medication non‐adherence, and hospital readmissions in a sample of low‐income older Medicare beneficiaries in need of food assistance in Georgia with 1+ hospital admission in 2008 (n=315, mean age 75.1 + 8.1 years, 27.0% Black, 69.5% female). Self‐reported data on food insecurity and medication non‐adherence, and Medicare inpatient claims data were used. About 52.1% and 47.3% reported food insecurity and medication non‐adherence, respectively, while 51.4% experienced 1+ readmission. Over 90% were homebound. Food insecure individuals with/without medication non‐adherence were more likely younger, poorer, took more medications, and relied more heavily on subsidy support. Those with 1+ readmission had higher morbidity, chronic diseases, and depression. In multivariate analyses, multimorbidity (OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.2‐1.5) and depression (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.4‐4.8) were significantly associated with hospital readmissions. More research is warranted to understand potential causes of hospital readmissions.