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.
A positive association was found between total prescription opioid dose dispensed and the odds of spontaneous preterm birth in a study of 251,000 pregnant patients. Minimizing opioid exposure during pregnancy is crucial to prevent spontaneous preterm delivery.
A recent study reveals significant disparities in emergency department use among transgender and cisgender Medicare beneficiaries. The findings highlight increased utilization of emergent services, particularly for psychological care, which are more likely to lead to hospital admissions.
Researchers developed a novel AI technique to detect Medicare fraud in big data, using Random Undersampling and supervised feature selection. The method improved classification performance, especially when reducing features, and outperformed models with all available features.
A new study found that nearly half of older adults who considered elective surgery were deterred by financial concerns and the need for paid time off. In contrast, those worried about post-operative pain were more likely to proceed with surgery.
A study of Medicare patients in 2022 revealed disparities in COVID-19 therapy access based on patient age, race and ethnicity, Medicaid eligibility, and nursing home residence. Higher-risk individuals received COVID-19 therapy less often than those with lower risk factors.
A new study reveals that Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities are more efficient than private sector hospitals and clinics, with significantly lower administrative staff. By adopting the VHA's lean approach to care, nearly 900,000 fewer paperwork-filled jobs could be eliminated.
A study of U.S. families with employer-sponsored health insurance found a significant association between rising premiums and reduced annual earnings, as well as increased earnings inequality by race and ethnicity and wage level. The research suggests that this growth may have contributed to wage stagnation over the past three decades.
A study by Tufts University found that employer-sponsored health insurance costs are holding back wage growth, with premiums eating up a growing proportion of workers' compensation. This has contributed to income inequality, particularly among Black and Hispanic families, as well as lower-wage workers.
A study of nearly 15,000 adults with non–small cell lung cancer found that Medicaid expansion decreased postoperative mortality within 30 and 90 days after hospital discharge. This suggests that expanded Medicaid coverage may improve cancer outcomes and access to care for this population.
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh highlights how lack of contraceptive coverage by Medicare prevents disabled enrollees from accessing contraception. Contraceptive use is low among reproductive-aged people with disabilities enrolled in Medicare, with only 14.3% having an insurance claim for contraception in 2019.
Private equity acquisition of hospitals was associated with increased hospital-acquired adverse events, suggesting poorer quality of inpatient care. These findings highlight concerns about the implications of private equity on healthcare delivery, particularly among Medicare beneficiaries.
Researchers found that less than two percent of patients in Medicaid and commercially insured plans received Z-codes to document Social Determinants of Health. The study highlights the need for improved tracking and documentation of SDOH in healthcare settings, with recommendations for policy changes and provider education.
A new study found that sexual minority women faced worse access to care and were more likely uninsured than heterosexual peers. Sexual minority men had greater difficulty affording necessary medical care despite having health insurance.
A new study found that senior physicians in cognitive and procedural specialties see fewer Medicaid patients and those from racial/ethnic minorities compared to junior physicians. This raises concerns about a two-tiered healthcare system and disparities in patient access.
This study reveals racial and ethnic differences in hospice use, with Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black individuals having lower odds of receiving hospice care. Hispanic individuals had the highest odds of a short hospice stay, highlighting potential barriers to access and acceptance among low-income populations.
Researchers analyzed data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and found that some private insurers were reimbursing pharmacies at much higher rates than what they spent to acquire generic drugs. This can lead to higher out-of-pocket costs for seniors due to copayments and deductibles.
A study of Medicare claims data found that higher segregation of hospital care is associated with poorer health outcomes for both Black and white patients. Policymakers can address this issue through payment reform efforts and expansion of health insurance coverage to reduce racial disparities in healthcare.
The study found that median premiums decreased across the board, especially for rural communities. Rural counties gained an average of three plans overall after the switch, while urban counties lost almost nine plans.
A recent study led by UNC Greensboro researcher Mathieu Despard found that one-third of frontline healthcare workers experienced food insecurity, with even those earning over $75k facing housing hardship. The study highlights the importance of benefits in mitigating financial insecurity among healthcare workers.
A study by Brigham researchers found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp decline in surgical abortions for commercially insured patients, with no concurrent increase in medical abortions. The rate of surgical abortions remained below pre-pandemic levels through June 2022.
The Million Hearts Model significantly reduced first-time heart attacks and strokes, supporting guidelines for CVD primary prevention. The study's findings also suggest that the model can have a positive impact on Medicare spending.
The American Academy of Pediatrics hosted its 2023 National Conference & Exhibition in Washington, D.C., presenting original research on topics such as the national opioid crisis, obesity prevention, and mental health challenges. The AAP also released two new policy statements: one proposing bold reforms in Medicaid and CHIP, and anoth...
A study found significant disparities in Medicare-funded home health services across US counties, highlighting socioeconomic disadvantage and inadequate care access. Nearly a quarter of counties lacked sufficient clinicians, exacerbating the vulnerability of homebound Medicare beneficiaries.
A study of over 13 million US infants found maternal Medicaid insurance associated with higher infant mortality rates. Novel strategies are needed to improve outcomes among women and infants enrolled in Medicaid.
A new study found that Medicare Advantage generally had lower resource use and cost compared to traditional Medicare for many conditions, but not all. For example, MA used fewer resources for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, where proper care management can prevent hospitalizations.
A significant burden of cardiovascular disease and cardiometabolic risk factors has been identified among 220,000 American Indian and Alaska Native patients with Medicare insurance. The study emphasizes the critical need for future efforts to prioritize cardiovascular health in this population.
A new study co-authored by MIT economist Jonathan Gruber found that a New York City program helped arrange medical appointments for undocumented immigrants with limited incomes, leading to a substantial drop in emergency room use. The program resulted in a 21 percent decline in ER visits and a 42 percent decrease for individuals with h...
A study of 44,000 low-income adults found that providing public health insurance to immigrants has a lower direct cost than for US-born individuals. Upon coverage, immigrants' healthcare utilization remains relatively modest, contradicting the assumption that offering insurance would significantly impact healthcare expenses.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that improvements in socioeconomic status are not equally beneficial for all racial or ethnic groups. Higher socioeconomic status is linked to better heart health, but this link is greatest among white adults compared to people in other groups.
A study of Medicare beneficiaries with chronic low back pain and opioid use disorder found that physical therapy and chiropractic care were underutilized, particularly among minority groups. The findings underscore the importance of addressing inequities in pain management to improve health outcomes.
Researchers have been awarded $600K each to lead projects improving healthcare access for underserved populations, including Black women and rural/minority communities. These projects will use innovative strategies such as at-home blood pressure monitoring and telemedicine-assisted testing to address health disparities.
The Michigan Medicaid expansion has been effective in reducing uninsurance, promoting primary care, and supporting financial well-being for low-income individuals. However, some aspects of the program, such as income-based cost-sharing, were only partially effective in achieving their aims.
A new study found that fewer than a third of children have had their vision checked in the past year, with uninsured and public-insured kids having lower rates than privately insured peers. The disparity in screening rates is linked to disparities in primary care visits focused on prevention and early detection.
A study found low primary care vision testing rates for children and adolescents, with lower rates among those without private insurance. Despite yearly testing recommendations, less than half of those with private insurance received testing.
The study reveals that people have limited understanding of the digital infrastructure behind electronic health records, with many assuming that all doctors' offices can automatically view patient data. The researchers also argue that health insurance companies play a critical role in securing these records, and that users need educati...
A new study by Northwestern University found that non-Hispanic Black individuals have a significantly higher rate of pre-term births compared to non-Hispanic white individuals. Pre-pregnancy cardiovascular health and social determinants of health explain racial differences in preterm birth rates.
A study published in JAMA Network Open reveals nearly ubiquitous bilateral hearing loss among older US individuals, with increasing severity and low hearing aid use. The findings highlight the need for more precise measures of hearing loss to address this growing health concern.
A new study by Texas A&M University researchers found substantial public support for shifting administrative burdens away from individuals and improving communication on Medicaid enrollment procedures. The survey-based study showed that people with experience in Medicaid, political liberalism, and those who struggle with administrative...
Participation in a home visiting program reduced risk of adverse birth outcomes by up to 23% among Medicaid recipients. Black individuals saw greater risk reductions, highlighting disparities in prenatal and postnatal care.
A large-scale study found that exercise programs for dialysis patients lead to significant improvements in physical fitness, quality of life, and reduced hospital stays. Personalized exercise plans showed low costs per training unit, making them a viable option for standard healthcare coverage.
A new UCF study found that insurance coverage of extended-release buprenorphine injections is lacking, with only 46% of commercial plans and 19% of Medicare Advantage plans covering it. Prior-authorization requirements also pose a barrier to access, particularly for Medicaid plans.
The American Heart Association policy statement outlines strategies to shift towards value-based healthcare and payment models, prioritizing equity, patient and clinician experience, and individual and population health. The recommendations include person-centered, equitable, coordinated care that improves outcomes and controls costs.
A new study found that people with low incomes in states that expanded Medicaid received more preventive care and overall health care compared to those in non-expansion states. The likelihood of high-value care, such as medications for heart problems or osteoporosis, increased in expansion states.
A new study finds nearly two-thirds of Medicare Advantage psychiatrist networks contain less than 25% of all psychiatrists, leaving many seniors without access to mental health care. The research suggests that this limited coverage may lead to higher out-of-pocket costs, delays in care, and foregone treatment.
Infants with Medicaid are less likely to receive helmet therapy for deformational plagiocephaly (DP) than those with private insurance, according to a new study. Delayed treatment is also more common among Medicaid patients, who are about three times more likely to experience delayed evaluation and treatment.
A new study finds that exposure to posthospitalization home-delivered meals is associated with lower 30-day rehospitalization and mortality rates. The study suggests that this service may help prevent hospital readmissions and improve patient outcomes.
The study found that lung cancer screening rates among eligible adults in Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, and Rhode Island increased in 2021 compared to 2019. Consistent with prior studies, the likelihood of lung cancer screening was higher among individuals with a primary health professional
A new analysis found that expanding Medicaid eligibility to more people improved patient outcomes, prevention measures, and screening access. The study suggests that increasing health insurance coverage results in better health outcomes for those with heart disease.
A study of 142 nations found a strong link between access to formal financial services and lower COVID-19 mortality rates. Access to bank accounts, credit cards, or loans from a financial institution is a key predictor of lower mortality risk, even stronger than comorbidities.
Four state policies associated with increased telehealth access for mental health care in U.S. facilities, but disparities found in counties with higher Black resident populations and Medicaid acceptance. The expansion has improved mental health care accessibility during the pandemic.
A study found that autistic individuals who experience Medicaid coverage disruptions are more likely to receive an intellectual disability diagnosis later. This could be due to the fact that autism diagnoses alone may not be sufficient for retaining Medicaid coverage in states without specific criteria.
The University of Virginia Health System has developed a plan to improve the use of electronic health records, reduce clinician workload, and enhance patient care. The plan outlines three 'essential' steps for improving electronic health reforms, including implementing unique personal safety identifiers to streamline operations.
The study found that medication for chronic conditions was relatively stable during the first 2 years of COVID-19, with no significant disparities by race or ethnicity. This stability holds lessons for outpatient services during future pandemics.
The statement highlights enormous inequities in stroke care, leading to significant gaps in functional outcomes for historically disenfranchised groups. Upstream interventions, such as policy changes and place-based initiatives, are crucial to address these disparities.
A cost analysis suggests Lecanemab, an antidementia medication with modest clinical benefit, could add billions to Medicare spending each year. Beneficiaries without supplemental coverage would face substantial out-of-pocket costs.
A randomized clinical trial found that community health workers in early childhood well-child care teams improved receipt of preventive care services compared to usual care. The intervention resulted in better outcomes for Medicaid-insured children, highlighting the potential benefits of team-based approaches to healthcare.
A growing number of states have implemented policies to cover outpatient hemodialysis for undocumented immigrants with kidney failure. This expansion may be due to increased awareness of poor outcomes with emergency hemodialysis and advocacy efforts. The move towards covering dialysis in all 50 states is called for by experts, who also...
A majority of people over 50 are open to stopping one or more prescription medicines, but many don't discuss it with their health provider first. The poll shows that comprehensive medication reviews and cost considerations play a crucial role in deprescribing conversations.
Researchers found deaths from gallstone disease increased in younger populations and those with Medicaid after Medicaid expansion, highlighting the need for proactive prevention over reactive emergency care. A new healthcare model emphasizing primary care and prevention is proposed to address these inequities.