Articles tagged with Health Insurance
A new study from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago highlights the variation in Medicaid programs for children with complex medical needs across states. The research reveals that these disparities can lead to delays in care and impact health outcomes for these vulnerable children.
Researchers found that marital stress among younger adults (ages 18–55 years) is associated with poorer recovery after a heart attack. The study of over 1,593 participants showed that higher levels of marital stress were linked to reduced physical and mental health outcomes.
A study found that nearly half of Medicaid beneficiaries who completed opioid rehab did not receive follow-up care or medication-assisted treatment within a month. Patients with prior prescriptions for opioid use disorder medications were 24% more likely to get follow-up care and medication.
Spending on prescription drugs was a significant portion of healthcare spending among Medicare beneficiaries, accounting for approximately 27%, even after post-sale rebates. The study highlights the need to address rising medication costs and explores ways to mitigate this burden on individuals and the healthcare system.
A substantial proportion of ethnically diverse children from low-resource backgrounds with severe COVID-19 illness are reporting long-term complications. The study found that pediatric patients with private health insurance were 66% less likely to report long COVID symptoms versus those with government insurance.
A study by the Radiological Society of North America found that health insurance companies often pay more than necessary for radiology services, leading to higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs. The study also suggests that radiologists can play a key role in delivering high-quality, low-cost care to patients.
A study of 1.6 million Medicare patients found significant disparities in surgical consultation rates based on race, with Black patients receiving fewer consultations for emergency general surgery conditions than their white counterparts.
Nonadherence with buprenorphine treatment was associated with increased opioid overdose risk and higher healthcare expenditures in a study of 34,000 Medicare patients. The study found that treatment gaps led to more frequent overdoses and increased healthcare costs.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that Medicare eligibility at age 65 is associated with significant improvements in health care access and financial strain for low-income adults. The study also found modest effects on higher-income adults, suggesting that lowering the age of Medicare eligibility could advance health equity ...
A new study found that placing a monthly cap on out-of-pocket costs for commercially insured patients could lower their highest monthly healthcare bills by 50-60%. A $500 monthly limit would affect about 25% of enrollees and reduce in-network OOP costs over a year by 46%, while a $250 limit would show a 51% reduction.
The Medicaid program's eligibility, enrollment, and spending are examined to assess areas of policy expansion and racial/ethnic disparities. The study aims to achieve health equity by exploring the program's effectiveness in addressing these disparities.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that adults with more chronic health conditions are at higher risk of serious financial problems, including late payments, poor credit scores, and bankruptcy. The study analyzed nearly 3 million privately insured adults and found that those with seven or more chronic conditions had three to four...
A study published in JAMA Health Forum found that out-of-state telemedicine visits among Medicare patients surged during the pandemic, with 422,000 out-of-state visits recorded in 2021. These visits were most common among patients living near state borders and those seeking primary care and mental health treatment.
A study found that many people with health insurance still struggle with medical debt, which can lead to evictions, foreclosures, and food insecurity. The analysis of survey data suggests a significant association between medical debt and worsening social determinants of health.
Researchers found that 12% of cancer survivors lived in poverty, experiencing negative effects on physical and mental health. Financial burden of cancer care persists years after diagnosis, leading to poor health outcomes and increased mortality.
The study found that pregnant individuals younger than 25 years, non-Hispanic Black individuals, unmarried individuals, and those with obesity before pregnancy experienced higher gestational weight gain. The pandemic also led to a higher risk of excessive gestational weight gain among these groups.
A new analysis found that increased Medicaid dental payment policies were associated with modest improvements in children's dental visits. The study also showed a link between the payment rates and better oral health outcomes for kids.
A study of 2.4 million Medicare beneficiaries found that those enrolled in Medicare Advantage had lower rates of low-value care, including unnecessary tests and treatments. This study highlights the potential benefits of Medicare Advantage plans in reducing waste in healthcare.
Researchers found that providing default alternatives and using ordering and partitioning together can improve consumer choice. This study aims to provide a more efficient way for consumers to make better decisions about healthcare products, ultimately improving health outcomes and the efficiency of the healthcare system.
Researchers analyzed 2.8 million adults with chronic disease diagnoses and found a correlation between adverse credit outcomes and rising medical debt. The study highlights the significant financial burden associated with chronic conditions.
Working-aged adults with and without a history of cancer reported healthier behaviors and steady health insurance status during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalence of unhealthy behaviors decreased, including insufficient sleep and smoking, while self-rated health improved among all groups.
A recent observational study found that out-of-pocket naloxone costs hindered access among the uninsured population, particularly those with opioid use disorder. The study's findings suggest that cost barriers may not significantly limit naloxone use in this vulnerable group.
A RAND Corporation study found that the out-of-pocket cost of naloxone increased by more than 500% for those without health insurance, while decreasing for those with coverage. The high cost may be a significant barrier to naloxone adoption among the uninsured, highlighting the need for policymakers to address financial barriers.
Research found annual earnings for men in same-sex couples decrease by $2,650 when PrEP drugs become available. Part-time employment also increases by 10.7% among young white men taking HIV prevention drugs.
A new study led by MIT economist Amy Finkelstein found that for every nine adults who gained access to Medicaid in Oregon, one previously eligible child was added to the Medicaid rolls. The effect is modest but economically meaningful, with children costing four times less to cover than adults.
A new study by Columbia University and MIT researchers found that expanding Medicaid coverage to adults can also help enroll children, a phenomenon known as the 'woodwork effect'. The study examined Oregon's 2008 Medicaid lottery and found that for every nine adults who gained coverage, one additional child also enrolled.
A study investigated total and out-of-pocket costs of genetic counseling among commercially insured adults with cancer, finding that these costs can significantly impact patient care. Factors contributing to higher costs were identified, highlighting the need for more affordable genetic testing options.
A recent study published in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that only 35.9% of articles reported patient race, 15.4% reported ethnicity, and 8.3% reported income. Including demographics in multivariable analyses is crucial to determine the applicability of study results to diverse patient populations.
A study of nearly 3 million adults found no increased mortality among uninsured or Medicaid patients after major surgery during the pandemic compared to commercial insurance holders. The findings contradict previous concerns about unequal access to care.
A new report by the American Cancer Society shows individuals without health insurance coverage were more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage cancer and have worse survival rates. Uninsured individuals diagnosed with Stage I disease had worse survival rates for six cancers compared to those with private health insurance.
A new study found that while the availability of lower-priced epinephrine auto-injector competitors has improved affordability for many patients, a significant minority still pay significantly more for life-saving medication. High-deductible health plans are a major contributing factor to these high costs.
A study of 56,000 older adults found that health-related social needs were associated with significantly higher rates of acute care utilization. Unreliable transportation was particularly linked to hospital stays and emergency department visits.
A study of 720 patients with thoracic cancer found increased odds of unsuccessful telemedicine visits among Black and disadvantaged patients. Unsuccessful telemedicine visits were associated with worse clinical outcomes, highlighting the need for improved access to healthcare.
A new UCLA study found that transgender patients who underwent gender-affirming facial feminization surgery reported higher scores in seven measures of psychosocial health, including anxiety, depression, and positive affect. The study suggests that facial feminization surgery is an important procedure for treating gender dysphoria.
This analysis evaluated changes in short-course radiation therapy use and spending on low-grade lymphoma patients from 2015 to 2019. The study found a significant increase in the use of this therapy among Medicare beneficiaries, suggesting potential cost savings and improved patient outcomes.
A new UCLA study found that fixed vial sizes for the controversial Alzheimer's drug aducanumab could result in significant wasteful spending of up to $605 million per year on Medicare. The researchers suggest reducing vial sizes to contain costs and improve the value of future Medicare spending.
Research found significant disparities in cardiac rehabilitation participation by race/ethnicity regardless of income. Cardiac rehabilitation programs combine physical activity with counseling to improve recovery after a major cardiovascular event.
Research found that people who experience little unemployment after age 35 have better health than those with frequent unemployment in their twenties and thirties. Frequent unemployment can also lead to worse physical and mental health by age 50.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted access to addiction treatment for adolescents and young adults, particularly those with private health insurance. Prescription claims data shows a significant decline in buprenorphine prescriptions among this age group, especially among those with commercial insurance coverage.
Unemployment-related health insurance coverage loss was substantially higher in non-expanded Medicaid states, whereas expanded eligibility helped buffer households. Researchers found that Medicaid expansion reduced periods without health insurance coverage due to job loss.
Researchers found that states implementing Medicaid expansion saw a slower increase in suicide rates compared to those that didn't expand access. The study estimated that 1,818 suicides were averted between 2014 and 2018, with improved mental health care playing a crucial role.
A recent study found that older adults in later-born generations are more likely to have multiple chronic health conditions than prior generations. This trend may lead to increased strain on the well-being of older adults and medical insurance systems, particularly as the US population ages. The researchers suggest that sociodemographi...
A study of HealthCare.gov Marketplace enrollment data from 2015 to 2021 found that 32% of enrollees lacked reported race or ethnicity information. Disproportionately, Black and Hispanic individuals were more likely to have missing data, suggesting the marketplace may serve a more diverse population than indicated by self-reported data.
A study of nearly 2 million Medicaid enrollees in 2016 revealed racial disparities in healthcare spending and use. Black enrollees used fewer primary care services and recommended care for acute and chronic conditions, but had higher emergency department use compared to white enrollees.
Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic decedents with dementia used less hospice but more emergency department and inpatient services. They incurred higher Medicare inpatient expenditures, with a 60% increase compared to white decedents.
A new study by Michigan Medicine reveals that people in some states will be significantly affected by restrictions on interstate telehealth. Rural residents have taken advantage of this service, with 18% using it for in-person care or telehealth, compared to 13% of non-rural residents.
The study reveals disparities in receiving smoking cessation assistance based on regional differences, with some areas having significantly lower access. The research highlights the importance of addressing these disparities to ensure equitable healthcare for smokers.
The US healthcare system faces a significant challenge in providing high-quality, personalized obesity care due to lack of insurance coverage for effective medications and societal stigma. Recent efforts aim to address this issue through framework development and policy changes, which may lead to improved patient outcomes and cost savi...
Researchers found a significant rise in proportion of patients in SWOG cancer trials insured by Medicaid after ACA's Medicaid expansion. The proportion increased by 20% each year following the expansion, resulting in a threefold increase over expected levels.
A large US hospital study found that hospitals providing more registered nurse hours of care can decrease mortality rates in Medicare patients with sepsis. The analysis of over 702,000 patients suggests a strong association between nurse staffing and patient outcomes.
A new study found that unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for nonhospitalized children resulted in 2.8 million cases of avoidable infections, costing the US at least $74 million. Children prescribed inappropriate antibiotics were up to eight times more likely to develop complications such as diarrhea and skin rashes.
Researchers analyzed nearly 3.5 million patients and found no disparity in elective surgery case volume reductions among racial groups, with Black, Asian, and other non-white individuals showing similar decreases as white counterparts. The study challenges existing assumptions about the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare disparities.
Researchers found that people living with SCD have more medical appointments and urgent care visits, leading to higher out-of-pocket costs of $1,300 annually. The study suggests that curative therapies could reduce these costs, but accessing them will depend on conversations among policymakers, insurers, and patients.
A survey study found that cost was the most common reason for young adults aged 18-25 to avoid seeking depression treatment from 2011 to 2019. Increasing inadequate insurance coverage for mental health treatment also contributed to this issue.
A study analyzing Medicare claims data found that policy changes reduced the share of patients receiving hospice care for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The changes also slowed growth in hospice care use by these patients.
A new study reveals that Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act has led to a significant decrease in diabetic foot amputations among racial and ethnic minority adults. The study found that this expansion has resulted in better healthcare outcomes for these underserved populations, reducing rates of diabetes-related major ampu...
Researchers analyzed changes in gender-affirming surgery across US regions between 2008-2017, finding that policy shifts and insurance coverage significantly influenced surgical rates. The study suggests a positive correlation between increased insurance coverage and higher rates of gender-affirming surgery.
A 25-year study found steady improvement in mortality rates and hospitalizations for another heart attack among older adults who survived a heart attack. However, men and Black patients were more likely to experience adverse outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address disparities.
A recent study found racial and ethnic disparities in health insurance coverage among Black and Hispanic adults aged 60-64, compared to white adults. The research suggests that policy reforms could help reduce these disparities.
A new study by Brown University found that postpartum insurance loss decreased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consistent Medicaid coverage among postpartum participants increased during the pandemic, suggesting that the Families First Coronavirus Response Act was a primary factor in reducing postpartum Medicaid loss.