OBJECTIVES: To identify factors associated with disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) receipt among Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. METHODS: This study used a large nationally representative administrative claims data, supplemented by new sources of socioeconomic and community resource data (i.e., market source (at zip+4 levels) and area health resource files) in addition to CMS published contract information and Monthly Membership Report.  The sample consisted of MA members (≥18 years) who were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during 2013. The generalized linear mixed model was used to determine factors associated with DMARD receipt. RESULTS: A total of 12,835 RA patients were identified, of which 9,850 (76.74%) received DMARD. Factors associated with less likelihood of receiving DMARD were male gender (OR: 0.72), increasing age (80-84 years, OR: 0.67; ≥85 years, OR: 0.45; vs. 18-54 years), more comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index, OR: 0.96; HCC Risk Score, OR: 0.89), living in South Atlantic region compared to Mid-Atlantic (OR: 0.76), and percent households with 1st Individual who completed college (1-15% vs. 0%, OR: 0.82). Factors associated with more likelihood of DMARD receipt were Hispanic compared to White (OR: 1.38), use of glucocorticoids (OR: 2.22), living in New England region compared to Mid-Atlantic (OR: 1.82), median household income ($50,000-$74,999, OR: 1.31; $75,000 - $99,999, OR: 1.34; $100,000+, OR: 1.42; vs. $0-$15,000), end-stage renal disease (OR: 2.77), enrolled in employer group waiver plan (OR: 1.40), MA plans market penetration rate in service area (3-4%, OR: 1.26; 5-8%, OR: 1.45; 9-100%, OR: 1.60; vs. 0-2%).  CONCLUSIONS: The probability of receiving DMARD is correlated with sociodemographic, clinical, health plan and community characteristics. This study provides new evidence that can be used to identify subgroups of members to effectively target interventions to improve arthritis management in the Medicare managed care population.