Characteristics of high-cost older adults who are newly enrolled in an HMO.

With membership in Medicare-risk HMOs increasing, health plans are attempting to develop mechanisms to identify seniors who are "at risk" for high utilization and therefore increased costs. Developed in 1991, the Secure Horizons Health Inventory is a self-administered survey that questions new HMO members on self-perceptions of health, the presence of chronic conditions, functional limitations, prior health care utilization, and the availability of social support. Early identification will enable HMOs to develop appropriate interventions to manage the care of these members.