SelectQuote Research Reveals Critical Gaps in Medicare Care, Underscoring Need for Personalized Healthcare Solutions
OVERLAND PARK, Kan.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–SelectQuote, Inc. (NYSE: SLQT), a leading distributor of Medicare insurance policies and the owner of a rapidly expanding healthcare services platform, today published a comprehensive research brief that provides in-depth insights into the complex medical, social, and financial needs of the population it serves. The findings, derived from tens of thousands of patient health needs assessments conducted by the Company’s Healthcare Select division, reveal significant challenges in chronic care management, medication adherence, access to pharmacy services, and financial stability. These results underscore the urgent need for personalized, integrated healthcare solutions tailored to the unique needs of Medicare beneficiaries.
Key Findings from the Research
The research identifies critical gaps across multiple dimensions of care, highlighting the vulnerabilities of the population served by Healthcare Select:
- Underserved Beneficiaries: A substantial portion of SelectQuote’s member base resides in areas historically underserved by traditional healthcare providers. Notably, 45% of Healthcare Select members live in rural zip codes, while 36% are located in urban areas, leaving only 11% in suburban settings. These geographic disparities highlight the challenge of accessing consistent, high-quality care, particularly for those relying on telephonic and remote engagement as their primary point of contact with healthcare services.
- Chronic Conditions: The study found that 74% of members report living with two or more chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses. These findings reflect the high medical complexity of the population and emphasize the need for tailored disease management strategies that address multiple conditions simultaneously.
- High Prescription Use: Medication management is a significant challenge for this population, with 75% of members taking five or more prescription medications regularly. Managing complex regimens increases the risk of non-adherence, medication errors, and negative health outcomes, especially among beneficiaries with limited support systems or understanding of their treatment plans.
- Financial Headwinds: Economic challenges further complicate healthcare management. Approximately 77% of SelectRx patients report annual household incomes below $20,000, a factor that often exacerbates barriers related to Social Determinants of Health. Nearly 19% of members report struggling to access sufficient food, and 36% express concerns about paying bills if faced with a serious illness. These financial pressures can lead to deferred care, skipped medications, and overall poor health management.
- Medication Delays and Non-Adherence: Sixteen percent of members report delaying medication due to financial constraints, while 40% indicate challenges with adherence, either by forgetting doses or failing to pick up prescriptions. Independent studies have shown that medication non-adherence contributes to reduced treatment efficacy, increased emergency department visits and hospitalizations, and higher morbidity and mortality rates.
- Limited Pharmacy Access: Approximately two-thirds of the population served by SelectRx resides in so-called “pharmacy deserts,” areas with limited access to local pharmacies. Combined with transportation challenges—reported by 31% of Healthcare Select members—these barriers severely limit the ability of beneficiaries to obtain essential medications on a consistent basis.
Commitment to Personalized Care
“This research provides a data-driven view into the multifaceted barriers faced by a large segment of the Medicare-eligible population,” said Bob Grant, President of SelectQuote. “The prevalence of chronic conditions, compounded by geographic, financial, and logistical obstacles, clearly demonstrates why traditional, one-size-fits-all approaches to healthcare are insufficient. Our findings reinforce the need for tailored, integrated solutions that address these gaps effectively.”
Grant continued, “Healthcare Select and our SelectRx pharmacy model were designed specifically to meet the needs of underserved Medicare beneficiaries. Through telephonic outreach, personalized care coordination, direct prescription delivery, and innovative packaging designed to improve adherence, we remove barriers such as limited pharmacy access and transportation challenges. By doing so, we empower patients to manage complex medication regimens, improve adherence, and achieve better health outcomes.”
Addressing Social Determinants and Chronic Care Management
Healthcare Select focuses on addressing the most pressing gaps in care, including medication adherence, Social Determinants of Health, remote diagnostics and therapeutics, and comprehensive chronic condition management. Through telehealth engagement and personalized interventions, the platform ensures that patients receive the support they need to navigate healthcare complexities, maintain treatment schedules, and access vital resources.
The research also highlights opportunities for collaboration. SelectQuote actively seeks innovative partners and solution providers to address these systemic challenges. By leveraging strategic partnerships, the Company aims to develop scalable programs that enhance patient outcomes, reduce healthcare disparities, and provide sustainable, patient-centric care models.
The findings from this research emphasize the importance of personalized, integrated healthcare solutions for Medicare beneficiaries. SelectQuote is committed to translating these insights into actionable strategies that improve patient adherence, enhance care coordination, and ultimately, drive better health outcomes. By combining technology, personalized support, and direct-to-patient services, SelectQuote’s Healthcare Select division is shaping the future of Medicare care delivery, ensuring that patients in underserved communities have access to the resources and treatments they need to thrive.
Through these efforts, SelectQuote continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation, patient advocacy, and the development of solutions that address the complex and evolving needs of the Medicare population.
