Articles tagged with Health Insurance
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.
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.
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.
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...
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...
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.
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 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.
A study of 309 people with long COVID found that fatigue, shortness of breath, and loss of sense of smell were the most persistent symptoms. The research also revealed that factors such as history of hospitalization, diabetes, and body mass index increased the risk of developing Long COVID.
A recent study by Cathy Bradley found that Medicaid patients with continuous coverage have better cancer survival rates compared to those without. Conversely, screening programs for low-income women may not be as effective as general insurance coverage.
A new study found that hysteroscopic and laparoscopic sterilization procedures have higher-than-expected failure rates of five to six percent at 5 years post-procedure. The study, led by Dr. Aileen Gariepy, used Medicaid claims data to compare the effectiveness of these methods.
PrEP users in Germany experienced infrequent testing, with 26.3% not following recommended frequencies for HIV, STI, and renal function testing. Regular testing is crucial to prevent missed diagnoses and manage asymptomatic STIs, particularly in MSM populations.
A randomized controlled trial found that community health workers (CHWs) employed by Medicaid plans can help low-income individuals rely less on emergency rooms and more on outpatient care. The study showed significant reductions in acute care visits and costs, while outpatient visits increased among participants who connected with a CHW.
A study of 3.5 million Medicare decedents found the percentage of dementia diagnoses at end-of-life increased from 35% in 2004 to 47% in 2017. This rise may be attributed to heightened awareness and changes in billing practices.
A study of 29,000 Medicare claims data found a strong association between midlife BMI and later-life health outcomes. The research suggests that individuals with higher BMIs in midlife are more likely to experience adverse health and reduced longevity.
Health policy experts review existing coverage systems and propose rigorous research to inform the US debate on universal healthcare coverage. They identify areas where additional research and stakeholder input are needed to achieve high-performing universal health insurance.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicaid patients in Wisconsin with opioid use disorder experienced decreased access to treatment, including buprenorphine and urine drug testing. The study highlights the need for continued support and resources for these individuals.
A recent study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that birthing parents are at a higher risk of financial burden due to out-of-pocket medical costs, with low-income families facing the highest risks. Public health insurance, including Medicaid, was associated with lower risks of catastrophic health expenditures.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitalization rates for non-SARS-CoV-2 conditions increased significantly among Medicare beneficiaries. The study found that these rates rose by over 50% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute examines cost-related experiences of families with non-group health insurance plans. Despite lower out-of-pocket spending among subsidy-eligible enrollees, negative cost-related experiences persist, highlighting the need for expanded subsidies to address affordability challenges.
A randomized clinical trial found that low-cost letters encouraging individuals to complete the enrollment process resulted in a significant increase in health insurance enrollment. The study suggests that such letters could be an effective tool for promoting health insurance coverage, particularly among underserved populations.
A study of nearly 40,000 Medicare beneficiaries found racial disparities in the use of MRI among Black and white patients with new prostate cancer diagnoses. The study identified factors such as insurance coverage, socioeconomic status, and geographic location that contribute to these disparities.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study analyzed over 3,800 patients with prediabetes and found that only 13% received formal diagnosis, nutritionist referral, or metformin prescription. The researchers recommend improved screening and treatment options to prevent disease progression.
Prices paid to anesthesia practitioners increased by 16.5% in facilities that contracted with a PMC versus non-PMC facilities, and by 19% when facilities contracted with a PMC without PE investment. PE-backed PMCs commanded higher prices, possibly due to market share and negotiating expertise.
A study by Aldridge found that hospice care during the last days and months of life is associated with reduced total health care costs. This association has significant implications for healthcare policy and strategy.
A study of 790,000 Wisconsin Medicaid enrollees found that maintenance of eligibility requirements were associated with decreased enrollment, while pandemic-related employment shocks led to significant increases in enrollment. The study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on Medicaid enrollment patterns.
A new study found that crowdfunding has limited success in helping people pay their medical bills, particularly in low-income and under-insured communities. Despite raising over $650 million annually, 33.8% of campaigns remain unfunded, highlighting the need for better health insurance coverage and social assistance programs.
A new study published in JAMA Health Forum found significant variations in care delivery among physicians with the same specialty and city, despite delivering care in the same clinical scenarios. The researchers analyzed medical insurance records from 2016 to 2019 and found that top-performing physicians were five to 10 times more like...
A new study found that rural patients rely on primary care physicians and nurses more often, leading to higher copays and out-of-pocket costs for mental health care. The usage gap narrowed over time, but quality and cost of care remained inequitable.
A study of 2.5 million adults found that hospital readmission rates among dual-eligible Medicare patients differ significantly across states and communities. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities and improve health outcomes.
The study examines changes in mental health care and telemedicine use among over 650,000 Medicare patients with severe mental illness during the pandemic. The findings highlight significant disruptions in care, leading to reduced access to essential services.
Researchers evaluated reimbursement fund distribution to healthcare professionals and facilities for uninsured patients with COVID-19, highlighting key disparities. The study found significant variations in funding allocation across different regions and provider types, affecting treatment access for vulnerable populations.
A UCLA-led study found that Americans' use of common outpatient health services dipped during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for those with Medicaid or Medicare-Medicaid dual eligibility insurance. The study suggests that patients may be missing treatments for acute illnesses and delaying preventive care.
A new study reveals that health insurers are covering most of the cost of ivermectin prescriptions for COVID-19, despite the drug's ineffective treatment against the virus. The study estimates that U.S. private and Medicare plans may have paid $2.4 million for ivermectin prescriptions in a single week alone.
The ACA Medicaid expansion significantly improved preconception and postpartum insurance coverage for pregnant people, leading to reduced uninsurance and insurance churn. However, the study found limited evidence that it improved overall perinatal healthcare use or infant birth outcomes.
A recent study found that three out of four patients with metastatic colorectal cancer experienced major financial hardship within 12 months of diagnosis, despite having access to health insurance. The study also showed a link between financial hardship and decreased quality of life and social functioning.
A study by Harvard Medical School found significant racial and ethnic disparities in hospitalization outcomes during the pandemic. The research revealed that Black, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander patients were more likely to experience severe illness and death compared to White patients.