Medicare patients get different stroke care depending on plan, analysis reveals
Medical Xpress
February 19, 2026
A first-of-its-kind analysis has revealed significant differences in stroke outcomes and stroke care for patients on government-run traditional Medicare plans versus those on Medicare Advantage, offered by private insurers. UVA Health researchers found that patients on traditional, or "fee-for-service," Medicare Part A, B and D plans operated by the government were less likely to have access to certain stroke-preventing care. They were more likely, however, to receive intensive post-stroke care and rehabilitation than those enrolled in Medicare Advantage, where private insurance plans are incentivized to limit more expensive medical care.
Verticals
healthmedical
Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/19/2026