Abstract Body: Self-reported stroke prevalence has increased among US adults aged 18-64 over the past decade and is projected to rise. As younger stroke survivors live longer, access to healthcare is essential for the detection, treatment, and monitoring of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors to prevent recurrent stroke or other acute CVD events. Adults aged <65 years may face more challenges accessing healthcare compared to older adults, who have access to Medicare. This study examined the prevalence of healthcare access among US adults aged 18-64 years who reported surviving a stroke.

Data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2011-2022) included 78,857 self-reported stroke survivors. Data were stratified by age group, sex, race and ethnicity, and education. Those with missing demographics, CVD risk factors, and healthcare access information were excluded. Adjusted Wald-F chi-square tests assessed associations between sociodemographic characteristic and measures of healthcare access (having health insurance coverage, >1 personal healthcare provider, the ability to afford to see a doctor in the past year, and a routine checkup within the past year).

Most stroke survivors reported healthcare access: 86.3% (95% CI 85.7 – 86.8 had insurance coverage and >1 personal healthcare provider); 26.6% (95% CI 25.9 – 27.3) couldn’t afford a doctor in the past year; and 81.2% (95% CI 80.6 – 81.1) had a routine checkup in the past year. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found across all sociodemographic groups. Younger adults (aged 18-29 and 30-44), men, and those with lower education reported less healthcare access. Varying measures of access were reported across racial/ethnic groups.

Overall, most stroke survivors reported access to healthcare, although opportunities exist to improve access for younger adults, men, different racial/ethnic minorities, and those with lower education. Prior access to healthcare might have contributed to stroke survival for some individuals. Continued and improved healthcare access could help prevent recurrent stroke or other acute CVD event among stroke survivors.