Analysis of Regional Gaps in the Impact of COVID-19 on Elderly Health Care Utilization

This study examines regional disparities in the impact of COVID-19 on health check-ups and outpatient care utilization among the elderly, a medically vulnerable population. By analyzing healthcare access differences across regions during the pandemic, it explores resulting disparities in healthcare and health. Using data from the Korea Welfare Panel Study (2017-2020), elderly panel datasets were constructed for two regions: metropolitan/large urban areas versus small cities and rural areas. A regional panel model estimation was conducted to compare how COVID-19 affected health check-ups and outpatient visits. Results show both regions experienced significant declines, but the decrease was more pronounced in smaller cities and rural areas, highlighting regional disparities. Given that reduced healthcare utilization can hinder early disease detection and chronic disease management, such disparities raise concerns about long-term health equity. Beyond pre-existing regional healthcare gaps, findings suggest the pandemic further widened disparities in healthcare supply and accessibility. Identifying the causes of these differences and developing countermeasures is crucial for future policy improvements.