A Comparison of Seasonal Resident and Year- Round Resident Hospitalizations in Florida

Abstract

Florida, like many “sunbelt” states, attracts a large number of temporary seasonal residents who migrate from colder climates during winter months. This research explores the characteristics of seasonal residents (i.e., “snowbirds”) who were discharged from a Florida hospital. The purpose of this research was two-fold. First, we wished to determine whether hospitalizations for snowbirds could be identified in public use data files. Second, we assessed the characteristics of hospital stays for patients identified as snowbirds versus year-round resident Floridians. This observational research relies on data previously collected by Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and the Florida Hospital Association (FHA). We found that snowbirds were older and healthier than year-round residents who were hospitalized in 1996, but that their inpatient care needs were similar.