Role of race and ethnicity in private long-term care insurance ownership

Abstract

Purpose of the study: To determine if racial/ethnic disparities exist in the ownership of private long-term care insurance (LTCI) among current Medicare beneficiaries.

Design and methods: This study used the 2011 wave of the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were employed to isolate the independent effects of race/ethnicity on LTCI uptake. Stratified multivariate analyses were used to further examine the effect of race/ethnicity on LTCI ownership.

Results: 12.3% of Blacks and 5.8% of Hispanics, compared with 20.2% of Whites (p < .001), reported having LTCI coverage. We found that Hispanics were 48% less likely to have LTCI (p = .005) compared with Whites, whereas no difference was found between Blacks and Whites. Compared with White women, Hispanic women were 81% less likely to be insured (p < .001). Ethnic disparities persisted among individuals who, based on income and assets, are considered appropriate for purchasing private LTCI coverage.

Implications: This study demonstrates that ethnic differences exist in the ownership of LTCI among elderly Americans. Additional research is needed to determine what factors are responsible for the apparent underrepresentation of Hispanics in the LTCI market.

Keywords: Access; Disparities; Health care financing; LTC insurance.