Articles tagged with Health Insurance
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.
A study found that Medicare Advantage patients are more likely to be treated by less experienced surgeons and have higher mortality rates after complex cancer surgeries. They also experience longer delays in diagnosis and treatment due to prior authorization requirements.
A survey of community-living people with spinal cord injury revealed lower-than-recommended healthcare utilization rates for primary care, dental, and optical services. Demographic, socioeconomic, and injury-related factors contributed to disparities in healthcare access.
US adults with mental health and substance use disorders saw significant reductions in smoking, while those without MH/SUD did not experience comparable changes. The study attributed these disparities to increased health insurance coverage under the ACA.
A recent study published in JAMA Surgery found that self-reported loneliness is associated with an increased risk of death at 30 days post-surgery among Medicare patients. The research suggests that loneliness may be a significant social determinant affecting postoperative outcomes, particularly for non-elective care.
Rates of complications, death, and subsequent surgery were similar for gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy in adolescents with severe obesity. Adolescents who underwent sleeve gastrectomy had lower emergency room visits and hospital admissions compared to those who had gastric bypass surgery.
A new study finds that working-age people who survive serious traumatic injuries face a lasting financial burden, with higher rates of medical debt in collections and bankruptcy. The study suggests that restructuring health insurance plans to reduce or cap cost-sharing for highly necessary trauma care could help alleviate this issue.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst study found that over 37% of insured Massachusetts residents experienced an insurance transition during the perinatal period. Individuals with Medicaid and Medicaid managed care were more likely to have a transition than those covered by private insurance, suggesting disruptions in continuity of care.
A new poll finds that more than half of people over 50 have helped at least one person over 65 with various tasks, including health care needs, home repairs, and finances. The experience can be rewarding but also challenging, especially for those helping individuals with complex needs.
Researchers found that structural racism and insurance barriers limit access to advanced epilepsy care for minority groups in New Jersey. Black patients with private insurance and Medicaid had the lowest EMU admission rates relative to emergency room visits.
A recent study shows that a third of American women now face excessive travel times to obtain an abortion, with residents in the South facing the biggest jump. The share of women traveling over an hour for care has doubled, exceeding the US government benchmark for reasonable access to primary care. Black and indigenous women are dispr...
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.