Articles tagged with Health Insurance
Differences in coinsurance rates associated with racial and ethnic disparities in out-of-pocket spending for maternity care. Changes to health plan benefit design could improve equity in maternal healthcare access and outcomes.
A cohort study found that telemedicine adoption was associated with modestly lower use of 7 out of 20 examined low-value tests, while having no effect on other tests. The results suggest potential benefits of telemedicine and mitigate concerns about increased spending.
A recent study found that Medicare decedents with advanced cancer often receive aggressive care at the end of life, despite a lack of support. The study highlights the need for improved quality of care and more comprehensive approaches to address this issue.
New research from USC reveals that Medicare Part D plans are increasingly tying patient costs to list prices, leading to substantially higher out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries. The study found that the share of stand-alone plans using coinsurance for preferred branded drugs grew from 9.9% in 2020 to 71.9% in 2024.
Nearly 1 in 3 Americans face long drives and high costs for surgical care within an hour's drive. Rural adults are particularly affected, with 44% driving over an hour for operations.
A new poll by Michigan Medicine reveals that working past age 50 has positive impacts on physical health, mental wellbeing, and overall wellbeing. However, some experience negative effects, with 33% citing a negative effect on physical health and 29% saying it affects mental health.
The study found a notable drop in common ophthalmic procedures following the COVID-19 pandemic, especially laser peripheral iridotomy, which declined significantly in the hardest hit areas of the Northeast. Eye drug injections showed minimal changes during this time.
A recent study found that patients who left emergency departments before being medically advised had higher rates of readmission, mortality, and increased costs. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 53.6% increase in such cases, primarily due to concerns about infection, long wait times, and dissatisfaction with care.
Research highlights three vulnerable populations: racial and ethnic minorities, financially insecure individuals, and those with chronic health conditions. Depression is a significant factor in social isolation among these groups.
A new study found a significant increase in firearm-related hospitalizations during the COVID-19 pandemic, with rates 34% higher than predicted pre-pandemic trends. The gap was largest for Black patients, children, and those covered by Medicaid, who experienced rates 44%, 46%, and 41% higher, respectively.
A significant increase in firearm-related hospital admissions was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a 34% rise reported between 2020 and 2021. This surge had a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, including children, Medicaid patients, and Black individuals.
A new microdosing approach using low doses of buprenorphine has been tested on patients with opioid use disorder, but most found it ineffective. The study, which included 126 participants, showed that only 34% were able to work up to a full dose of buprenorphine.
Two new studies found that those who turned 65 after the ACA took effect had lower out-of-pocket health costs and fewer hospitalizations. However, dual-eligible individuals over 65 saw negative impacts from Medicaid 'unwinding,' with 12% losing coverage and many going without needed care due to cost.
A Michigan Medicine study suggests that higher out-of-pocket costs for initial cardiac rehabilitation sessions are a major barrier to participation. Patients who shared the cost of their first session attended more sessions than those who paid nothing, but still had lower odds of completing over 24 sessions.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that older adults with Medicare insurance wait an average of over a month to see a neurologist. Wait times varied depending on the condition, with people with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease facing longer delays.
A recent study found that pregnant individuals with opioid use disorder enrolled in Medicaid are at a disproportionately high risk of severe maternal morbidity. Targeted interventions, such as early Medicaid enrollment and coverage continuity, may be necessary to reduce adverse outcomes in this group.
A longitudinal cohort study found that state cannabis legalization is associated with increased cannabis use disorder and poisoning diagnoses. Communities with increased access to cannabis may experience increased healthcare use and costs due to these rising diagnoses.
A new study found significant disparities in the use of obesity-management medications among different racial and ethnic groups. People of Asian, Black, and Hispanic descent were significantly less likely to use these medications compared to whites, even after adjusting for income, education, health insurance coverage, and clinical need.
The American Psychological Association's survey found that 34% of psychologists do not accept any form of health insurance, while 48% have participated in insurance networks. Insufficient reimbursement rates and administrative challenges are significant obstacles to psychologists working with insurance companies.
Researchers aim to identify 'ghost networks' in Medicare Advantage plans, where advertised providers differ from actual access options. The study will analyze nationwide data from 2017-2021 to pinpoint the extent of these disparities and their impact on patients.
A cross-sectional study found substantial projected annual savings from weight loss among U.S. adults with obesity, particularly for Medicare and employer-based insurance. The estimated reduction in healthcare spending is substantial, offering a potential benefit for individuals with obesity.
A RAND study found that hospitals increased the frequency of high-intensity care coding by 41% from 2011 to 2019, resulting in $14.6 billion in extra payments. This upcoding trend was largely driven by increases in heart failure and shock discharges.
A new study found that 5% of Canadian respondents skipped or reduced dosages due to cost-related issues. The research highlights the burden of prescription costs on vulnerable populations, including females, bisexual, and Indigenous individuals. The authors suggest that national pharmacare plans can help address these disparities.
A new UCLA study categorizes people with chronic liver disease into four unique risk groups based on barriers to outpatient care, increasing the likelihood of hospitalization. The study highlights the need for interventions aimed at reducing avoidable hospitalizations among the highest-risk individuals.
A preliminary study of over 4,000 pregnant individuals found that socioeconomic status during early pregnancy may explain most of the disparities in cardiovascular health among women from different racial and ethnic groups. The study suggests that addressing social determinants of health can help eliminate these disparities.
A new University of Michigan study analyzed 2022 data from Michigan Medicare participants to assess the impact of virtual care on low-value care. The study found that high-telehealth-use clinics did not see a rise in unnecessary tests and scans, while some saw a faster drop in these procedures.
A cohort study found that hospital COVID-19 burden was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital adverse effects among patients with and without COVID-19. The results highlight the importance of hospitals having greater resilience and surge capacity to prevent declines in patient safety during surges in demand.
A new study by the American Cancer Society found that lack of health insurance coverage accounts for significant racial and ethnic disparities in advanced-stage cancer diagnoses. The findings highlight the importance of access to healthcare in reducing these disparities.
A Colorado School of Public Health study reveals that gender affirming care patients experience disproportionately high levels of trauma, homelessness, and housing insecurity. Commercial insurance covers most treatments, but access to care varies by region.
The UCLA Urology department has been awarded $6 million to continue the IMPACT program, providing comprehensive prostate cancer treatment for underinsured and uninsured Californians. The program has helped over 2,300 men receive treatment services since its inception.
A new study found that 3% of people with traditional Medicare switch to Medicare Advantage each year, but many switch back after a short period. The researchers discovered that people who switched from MA to traditional Medicare were more likely to choose higher-rated plans or those with broader networks.
A first-of-its-kind study assesses how closely patients' perceptions of network adequacy align with those of insurers. The survey found strong support for definitions related to timely access, specialty care, and mental health care, as well as broader concepts like public transportation access and cultural competency.
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 ...
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.
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 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 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 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.