Medicare Advantage and Medicare–Medicaid eligible patients less likely to use highly rated stroke rehabilitation
Medical Xpress
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Stroke patients enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans are less likely to receive care at highly rated post-acute facilities compared to those insured under traditional Medicare, according to a study published in *JAMA Network Open*. The research highlights significant disparities in access to quality rehabilitation services, particularly among individuals dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. These findings underscore the importance of evaluating how different insurance models impact patient outcomes following a stroke.
The study analyzed data from over 200,000 stroke patients discharged from hospitals between 2016 and 2019. It revealed that Medicare Advantage enrollees were 13% less likely to be sent to highly rated skilled nursing facilities or inpatient rehabilitation centers compared to traditional Medicare beneficiaries. This disparity was most pronounced among dually eligible patients, who are often sicker and have greater healthcare needs.
Post-acute care plays a critical role in recovery after a stroke, as it helps individuals regain strength, mobility, and independence. The study suggests that Medicare Advantage plans may be steering patients toward lower-rated facilities, potentially due to network restrictions or financial incentives. This could lead to poorer outcomes for these vulnerable patients, including longer hospital stays, reduced functional recovery, and increased costs.
The findings raise important questions about the quality of care under different insurance models. While Medicare Advantage plans are designed to provide comprehensive coverage, the study highlights a potential trade-off in access to high-quality post-acute services. For dually eligible patients, who already face significant barriers to care, these disparities could exacerbate existing inequalities in the healthcare system.
This research has important implications for policymakers, insurers, and healthcare providers. Ensuring equitable access to quality post-acute care is essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing long-term costs associated with stroke recovery. As the population ages and the demand for post-acute services grows, addressing these disparities will be critical to building a more inclusive and effective healthcare system.
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Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/25/2026