The Impact of Sociodemographic Factors on CMS HCC Risk Scores for Aged/Dual (AGDU) Beneficiaries in the US

This study investigates how sociodemographic factors of an area impact the CMS HCC risk score for dual eligible or Aged/Dual (AGDU) beneficiaries. This study examined factors like population, income, age distribution, and healthcare resources across 587 US counties. Data from the CMS HCC risk score repository, US Census Bureau, CMS Home Health Compare, and the National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report were considered for the study. Data from 2016 to 2023 were considered for the study. Multiple predictive models were implemented, and the two best-performing models were selected for analysis. Results emphasize the crucial impact of “Adults with Dedicated Caregivers” and “Median Household Income” on influencing risk scores in a given area. This research underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to healthcare resource allocation, considering the demographic characteristics to optimize health outcomes for Aged/Dual beneficiaries.