Articles tagged with Health Insurance
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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...
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.
A new study found that quality of heart failure care is equitable for 11 of 14 evidence-based clinical care measures, with no disparities in care between Black and white patients. However, the study highlights areas for improvement, including gaps in care quality and social determinants of health.
A new study found that the Medicaid 'cliff' - an abrupt end to supplemental insurance above federal poverty threshold - disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic older adults. This results in reduced healthcare use, including fewer doctor visits and prescribed medications, exacerbating existing health disparities.
A new study from the University of Kansas reveals significant racial wealth gaps and disparities in health outcomes among young adults. The study found that white and Hispanic individuals with higher wealth had better health outcomes, but Black respondents showed a more nuanced relationship between wealth and health. Policymakers argue...
Studies investigate multimorbidity, which is increasing due to improved survival from chronic diseases and population aging. The prevalence of multimorbidity varies greatly depending on the number and types of conditions considered, with some combinations spending more than the sum of individual diseases.
A study of 460,000 privately insured postpartum women found that those giving birth after March 2020 were more likely to fill potent opioid prescriptions. This increase was particularly notable among cesarean births, raising concerns about opioid misuse and overdose risk.
A new study by Oregon Health & Science University reveals a significant variance in Medicaid reimbursement rates for mental health services across US states. The study found that Nebraska, Alaska, and Arkansas reimburse at the highest rates, while Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Maine reimburse the least for the same set of services.
Researchers found that receipt of opioid use disorder-related telehealth services was associated with reduced risk for fatal drug overdoses. Additionally, medication from opioid treatment programs and buprenorphine in office-based settings also showed a protective effect.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that food insecurity is associated with a decline in executive function among older adults. The research used data from 3,037 community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries and suggests that interventions to increase healthy food access may be crucial in mitigating cognitive decline.
A county-based approach in Pennsylvania's Medicaid program integrates behavioral health and physical health services, resulting in improved access to care and better outcomes. This model has been recognized as a national best practice, with the state ranking among the top three for addressing mental health challenges.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that nearly one-third of Black and Latina women experienced depressive symptoms during the pandemic. Women who prayed reported different effects on depression rates among these two groups, highlighting the need for targeted coping strategies.
Research found significant room for improvement in accuracy of California's provider directories and timely access to mental health care. Despite stringent regulations, inaccurate directories and inadequate networks hindered access to essential services.
Consumer financial vulnerability (CFV) is a risk of experiencing future harm given current access to financial resources and future uncertainty. Most consumers across the socioeconomic spectrum experience varying degrees of CFV at different life stages, due to factors like age, economic cycles, and unforeseen crises.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found a significant association between long-term exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of late-life depression diagnosis in older adults. The research analyzed data from 8.9 million Medicare enrollees, highlighting the potential health impacts of air pollution on mental health.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement outlines ideal foundational requirements for stroke program development and growth. The guidelines aim to minimize inconsistencies and improve services provided by certified stroke centers across the U.S., emphasizing leadership, personnel resources, and quality improvement.
A recent study found that nearly half of older adults receive no dental care and half lack dental insurance. After becoming eligible for Medicare, the percentage of people receiving restorative dental care decreased by 8.7%, while complete edentulism increased by almost 5 percentage points among those aged 65 and above.
Cancer screening rates for breast and lung cancers persisted despite initial pandemic surges, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. The study found that successful strategies to improve screening rates must address pandemic-related barriers.
Patients living in Southern states with expanded Medicaid were more likely to receive early treatment for invasive breast cancer. Despite this, the proportion of patients undergoing treatments actually decreased across all states.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people hospitalized for sepsis are at a higher risk of heart failure and rehospitalization within 12 years. The researchers analyzed data from over 2 million adults who survived non-surgical hospitalizations between 2009 and 2019.
Characteristics of a patient's neighborhood and hospital where they received treatment are both associated with risk of death after inpatient surgical procedures. Efforts should include improving hospital quality and addressing drivers of neighborhood deprivation to reduce postoperative mortality.
A study of commercial and Medicare Advantage claims data from 2003 to 2017 found no statistically significant difference in psychosis-related diagnoses or prescribed antipsychotics between states with medical or recreational cannabis policies and those without. The findings suggest continued evaluation of psychosis as a potential conse...
The implementation of the Affordable Care Act led to a significant reduction in uninsured adults under 65 with schizophrenia, from 8.4% to 4%. Medicaid coverage increased by 70%, while Medicare and private insurance coverage also rose.
A recent study from West Virginia University found that states permitting nurse practitioners to exercise full practice authority (FPA) tend to have a more diverse and racially aligned NP workforce. In FPA states, Black NPs serve 2.8% more Black Medicare beneficiaries than in non-FPA states.
A study finds that increasing health insurance coverage explains 63% of increased healthcare expenditure and boosts medical patent registrations by 57%. Health insurance expansion also increases life expectancy by 1.2 years due to stimulation of medical progress.
A recent study found that Medicaid expansion is associated with a decrease in eviction judgments and rates across states. The association varies by state and county, suggesting that Medicaid expansion may have different effects on housing stability.
A new study by Brown and NYU researchers found that expanding Medicaid led to improved postpartum health for low-income birthing people. The study showed a 17% reduction in hospitalizations during the first 60 days postpartum, primarily due to decreased childbirth-related hospitalizations.
Researchers at NYU School of Global Public Health found that healthcare costs and out-of-pocket expenditures have continued to rise despite the Affordable Care Act improvements. Women with employer-sponsored insurance report greater difficulty paying for needed health care services, particularly dental and mental health care.
A large study found that Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act leads to better survival outcomes for young adults aged 18-39 newly diagnosed with cancer. The research showed a significant increase in two-year survival among young adults of Hispanic ethnicity or non-Hispanic Black race.
A new study reveals that older adults are hesitant to seek emergency care due to financial worries. Among those who may need care, 22% skip the visit altogether. Those in their 50s and early 60s, women, uninsured individuals, low-income households, and those with poor mental health are disproportionately affected.
A new study published in JAMA found that choosing a Medicare Advantage plan does not significantly improve heart attack survival rates compared to traditional Medicare. Despite this, Medicare Advantage participants still had higher rates of certain care procedures and lower hospital readmission rates.