Volume 44 | Number 5p1 | October 2009

Abstract List

Alan N. West, William B. Weeks


Objective

To compare Veterans Health Administration (VA) patients, non‐VA‐using veterans, and nonveterans, separated by urban/rural residence and age group, on their use of major categories of medical care and payment sources.


Data Source

Expenditures for health care–using men in Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys from 1996 through 2004.


Study Design

Retrospective, cross‐sectional analysis.


Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Controlling for demographics, health status, and insurance, we compared groups on population‐weighted expenditures for inpatient, hospital‐based outpatient, office‐based, pharmacy, and other care, by major payers (self/family, private insurance, Medicare, other sources, and VA).


Results

VA users received most of their health care outside of the VA system, paid through private insurance or Medicare; self‐payments were substantial. VA users under 65 reported worse health if they were rural residents but also lower expenditures overall and less care through private insurance.


Conclusions

VA health care users get most of their medical care from non‐VA providers. Working‐age VA users have less insurance coverage and rely more on VA care if they live in rural areas.