Articles tagged with Health Insurance
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A new study found that lower-income adults with Medicare Advantage plans struggling to pay for dental, vision, and hearing services despite coverage. Higher-quality plans had better dental coverage, but not for hearing and vision.
A recent analysis reveals that the Dependent Coverage Expansion (DCE) provision of the Affordable Care Act has improved the survival rates and reduced the death rates of young adults diagnosed with cancer. The study found a significant improvement in both cancer survival and death rate trends after ACA implementation, particularly for ...
Researchers at Brown University found that the federal government may be paying more than $78 billion annually to care for U.S. military veterans enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, raising questions about federal overpayments to those private plans. The study suggests that dual enrollment of some veterans could result in more federa...
A new study found that over 60% of individuals with moderate and severe menopause symptoms were not receiving treatment, with public insurance being associated with a 47% increase in nontreatment. The primary reason for lack of treatment was clinician recommendation, emphasizing the need for education among healthcare teams.
A new study analyzing over five million births found a 10.6% increase in preterm births between 2011 and 2022, with racial and socioeconomic disparities persisting. Factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, and mental health conditions became more common, while protective factors such as prenatal care and WIC participation declined.
A cohort study of 1.5 million patients found that at-risk groups are disproportionately affected by denied claims for preventive services, perpetuating unequal access to high-value healthcare.
The study found that home discharge rates increased more for Hispanic compared to non-Hispanic white patients, highlighting the importance of considering differential outcomes in Medicare payment policies. These findings suggest the need for tailored approaches to address racial and ethnic disparities in joint replacement care.
A new scientific statement emphasizes the role of social determinants, such as immigration status, socioeconomic position, and access to healthcare, in shaping cardiovascular health among Asian American adults. The statement identifies future research directions to advance health equity and reduce disparities in these communities.
The study found that all three payer markets for pharmacy benefit manager services were highly concentrated in 2023, with the highest concentration in Medicare Part D. The top three PBMs pursued different market strategies, highlighting the importance of considering payer-specific concentration when evaluating anticompetitive practices.
A new study published in Health Affairs found that the Colorado insulin price cap law resulted in a 40% reduction in out-of-pocket costs for insulin prescriptions. The law, which caps monthly costs at $100 for state-regulated health insurance plans, had the largest impact on children and adults aged 18-34, as well as rural patients.
A cross-sectional study of commercially insured patients suggests that there may be meaningful heterogeneous associations between cannabis policy and state-level outcomes, as well as between cannabis policy and drug class, with implications for patient substance use and mental health outcomes.
Researchers found that informing people about future self-benefits from the healthcare system can increase health insurance contributions, but only among those unaware of fiscal risks. The study suggests that policymakers should implement fiscal consolidation policies to build trust in public finance.
A cross-sectional study found that approximately 50% of cancer survivors experience financial hardship, with social vulnerability playing a key role in increasing levels of hardship. Younger, Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries, and those with advanced disease are particularly vulnerable to financial strain.
A study by Texas A&M University found that Americans want their state governments to reduce Medicaid's administrative burden, allowing more people to enroll. The survey, which assessed burden tolerance during the pandemic, showed broad support for burden reduction, with bipartisan agreement on the need for easier enrollment processes.
A new study shows that healthcare costs, including medical care, prescription drugs, and long-term care, are among the top health-related concerns of older adults heading into the US election. Financial scams and fraud also made the top six concerns, with significant differences among age, gender, and political ideology.
The researchers argue that accurate assessment of driving skills in older adults is crucial to mitigate harm and improve safety on the road. Comprehensive driving evaluations are estimated to cost $500-$800, a significant expense that may deter those who need it most.
A study of nearly 30,000 US caregivers found that comprehensive mental health coverage laws reduced difficulties in accessing care for children. Caregivers from diverse backgrounds faced more challenges, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive services.
A national cohort study found that no routine clinical lab test can aid in diagnosing post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Ongoing inflammation is thought to contribute to symptoms like anosmia and PASC. Researchers also discovered a link between SARS-CoV-2 and diabetes risk, independent of PASC symptoms.
The number of semaglutide prescriptions filled reached 2.6 million in 2023, with Wegovy accounting for most fills since its approval in June 2021. Most Wegovy fills were among commercially insured populations, despite the disproportionate burden of obesity in Medicaid and Medicare Part D.
A new study found no racial or ethnic disparities in prior authorization outcomes for Black and Hispanic patients, but Asian patients had higher rates of approvals compared to White patients. The study analyzed data from 18,041 cancer patients diagnosed between 2017 and 2020.
A recent study found that medical and educational debt collectively exceeds $150 billion among US health care workers. Educational debts disproportionately burden Black workers, while medical debts are more prevalent among women, home health personnel, and those with recent hospitalizations.
Critically injured trauma patients with private or Medicaid insurance tend to delay life-sustaining therapy withdrawals compared to uninsured patients. Socioeconomic factors, such as ability to pay, are likely associated with decision-making for withdrawing life-sustaining therapies.
A new study by New York University researchers found that Medicare Advantage plans with high star ratings are less available in counties with higher poverty and unemployment rates. This limited access may further exacerbate existing health disparities and limit federal funds from reaching regions most in need.
A cohort study found increased patient coinsurance in Medicare Part D's coverage gap and catastrophic coverage phases at age 65, associated with higher spending on T2D medications. This may lead to reduced diabetes medication utilization, increasing the risk of nonadherence and complications.
A new report by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine offers key findings on reducing health inequities and improving healthcare outcomes for marginalized communities. The report highlights complex interactions driving inequality and recommends community-based approaches to address these disparities.
A survey of hospital-at-home care acceptability found substantial agreement among respondents, regardless of sociodemographics or health status. Most participants indicated they could handle many caregiver responsibilities, suggesting a manageable burden.
A cross-sectional study found that LGBTQ+ individuals' health insurance coverage and access to care improve with Medicare eligibility, especially among sexual minorities and states with high disparities. However, the association is not consistently greater than for heterosexual and cisgender individuals.
A new study finds that single-payer financing based on the current federal income tax schedule can increase progressivity of household payments. Rate setting led to slight increases in payments for higher-income households, while spending growth targets reduced payments slightly across all income groups.
A recent study found that nearly half of those who lost Medicaid coverage during the Medicaid unwinding process were left uninsured by late 2023. The researchers also discovered that individuals who had been disenrolled reported significantly worse access to healthcare, including more cost-related delays in care and less affordability.
A survey study found that 6 months into Medicaid unwinding, 1 in 8 beneficiaries reported exiting the program, with wide state variation. Many who lost coverage experienced gaps in care, and adults exiting Medicaid faced more difficulties accessing healthcare services than those remaining enrolled.
A new commentary in JAMA explains the benefits and barriers of CMS' recommendations to incorporate sexual orientation and gender identity questions into Medicaid applications. The guidance aims to improve health equity by collecting self-reported SOGI data from 88 million adults enrolled in Medicaid, but limitations include non-represe...
Researchers found significant variation in surgical outcomes within each hospital star rating group, despite CMS star ratings being associated with mortality, complications, and readmissions. This study emphasizes the need for continued improvement of publicly reported hospital grade measures to accurately reflect surgical quality.
Rates of cannabis-related disorders increased from 2017 to 2022 among Medicare-insured older adults, particularly in states that legalized adult and medical cannabis. Higher average annual increases were observed in these states compared to others.
The number of US individuals with chronic hypertension in pregnancy increased significantly, while medication treatment remained low, according to a new study. The findings highlight the need for improved maternal health strategies to address high blood pressure and cardiovascular complications.
A study published in JAMA found that high out-of-pocket costs are a significant barrier to filling naloxone prescriptions. The study, which utilized data from a national pharmacy transactions database, estimated that a $10 increase in cost would decrease the rate of filling prescriptions by about 2-3 percentage points.
A new study found that adolescents with higher rates of prediabetes often experience adverse social determinants of health, such as food insecurity and low household income. Screening for these non-medical factors may help identify youth at risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes.
A new poll reveals that most older adults are unaware of available resources to help them navigate aging and caregiving. Only a small minority have used programs like Area Agencies on Aging, State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, and long-term services and supports. The findings highlight the need for more awareness about these se...
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that Black and Hispanic people were twice as likely to lose Medicaid coverage due to inability to complete the renewal process. Researchers call for improved Medicaid enrollment processes to reduce health disparities.
A new study by George Mason University found that Medicare Advantage (MA) plans do not equally improve the quality of care across all racial and ethnic groups. The study measured three measures of adverse health events and found smaller gaps in quality of care for Hispanic people versus non-Hispanic White people in MA.
Inflation-adjusted healthcare spending among privately insured US families increased, with low-income families facing a substantial financial medical burden. Financial medical burden was more than 26% of postsubsistence income for low-income families, compared to approximately 6% for higher-income families.
A cohort study found that high levels of telehealth use were associated with more clinician encounters, ambulatory care-sensitive hospitalizations, and higher healthcare costs. COVID-19 cases still remained high during the study period, suggesting that HSAs with higher telehealth intensity may have better capacity for health services.
A study by Ohio State University found that rural Americans are less likely to initiate care for substance use disorders and have limited access to ongoing treatment compared to urban residents. The Collaborative Care Model may be a potential approach to addressing these challenges.
Black and Hispanic patients with atrial fibrillation were less likely to initiate direct oral anticoagulants at study onset, but these disparities narrowed over time. The study highlights the need to address unequal access to novel therapies for Black and Hispanic populations.
A study published by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that ACA insurance expansions led to an increase in patients receiving care at accredited cancer hospitals in Pennsylvania. The study suggests that these expansions make a difference in improving access to high-quality cancer care, particularly for those living in areas wi...
A new poll suggests health-related costs are a major concern for older Americans of all backgrounds, with five out of six very concerning issues involving health costs. Nearly half say they're very concerned about the cost of prescription medications, while nearly half also express concerns about dental care.
A cohort study found statistical signals for myocarditis and pericarditis after BNT162b2 vaccination in children aged 12-17 years, consistent with previous reports. Seizures after mRNA-1273 vaccinations in younger age groups require a robust epidemiologic investigation to confirm findings.
Contraceptive services experienced downward trends from an initial increase in the month after Dobbs v. Jackson, indicating growing challenges for access. The study found decreasing workforce numbers providing contraception methods.
A new study found that access to genomic testing for cancer is limited by factors such as test availability, patient information, and insurance coverage in both Japan and Switzerland. Despite universal insurance coverage, barriers persist due to differences in hospital accessibility, language barriers, and varying levels of reimbursement.
A new study found that understanding racial inequities in healthcare access can have a negative impact on both Black and white populations' views of their own health. Accurate awareness is crucial, but also poses an additional burden on Black individuals, causing unnecessary stress.
A new study found that extending Medicaid eligibility for birthing people increases treatment for perinatal mood and anxiety disorder by 20.5 percentage points, compared to those with commercial insurance. Retaining postpartum Medicaid coverage also significantly lowers patients' out-of-pocket spending for mental healthcare.
Researchers found that nontraditional stroke risk factors like migraines are as important as traditional risk factors like high blood pressure for adults younger than ages 35-45. The association between stroke and nontraditional stroke risk factors was stronger in adults younger than 35 years old.
State policies on insulin copayment caps showed no increase in insulin use but reduced OOP costs, particularly for high-deductible health plans with HSAs. Insulin users benefited from cost savings, but higher-income users experienced larger decreases in OOP costs.
Black and Hispanic individuals received fewer telemedicine visits than white individuals after controlling for geographic region, contrary to national trends. The study suggests systemic inequalities in access to telemedicine care exist despite increased use during the pandemic.
A study of older adults in Medicare Advantage plans found that both members of a couple tend to stick with each other's enrollment decisions. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,800 couples and found that about 80% of Partner A individuals stayed in the same plan, and among those who changed, most partners did as well.
Continuous Medicaid eligibility during the pandemic significantly reduced loss of Medicaid after birth. Post-pandemic postpartum Medicaid extensions may also reduce uninsurance rates similarly.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that reinsurance programs increased minimum cost coverage for middle-class enrollees in Georgia, leading to lower enrollment rates. The programs, intended to reduce premiums, ultimately made coverage less affordable for those with incomes between 251% and 400% of federal poverty level.
A study of 2,943 US counties found that medical debt is associated with poorer health status, increased premature deaths, and higher mortality rates. Expanding affordable healthcare coverage may improve population health in these areas.
A study found that Medicaid expansion primarily benefits higher-earning healthcare workers, with no notable effects on lower-wage staff. The findings suggest a potential widening of economic inequality within the healthcare sector.
The study reveals a significant prevalence of refractive error in African American adults, affecting their quality of life and work productivity. Providing universal vision care coverage can reduce this burden by over two-thirds, improving lives and increasing economic opportunities.
A new study reveals that utilization of PCSK9 inhibitors is low among high-risk patients, despite extensive evidence documenting their role in LDL-C reduction and the prevention of heart attacks. The study found that insurance coverage rejection or abandonment leads to significantly more cardiovascular events within 12 months.