Articles tagged with Health Insurance
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
A study of 1.1 million patients with type 2 diabetes found disparities in the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists by racial and ethnic groups, as well as by sex and socioeconomic status. The findings highlight concerns about unequal access to effective diabetes care.
A survey study of 13,000 Medicare enrollees found that unaffordable medical care is prevalent among those with lower incomes or worse health conditions. The study highlights the need for healthcare policies to address this issue and ensure access to necessary medical care for all eligible individuals.
Between 2015 and 2019, Medicare spending on drugs with an accelerated approval indication more than doubled, reaching $9.1 billion in 2019, primarily driven by Part B drugs. The study's findings highlight the growing concern of rapidly increasing costs associated with these medications.
A new study by the Keck School of Medicine of USC finds that Medicaid expansion is associated with a significant reduction in mortality rates. The study, which tracked data from 2014-2018, found that expanding Medicaid coverage resulted in an estimated 3.8% decrease in adult deaths per year.
A study found an increase in older adults receiving help at home with daily activities from 2011 to 2017, potentially reflecting changes in post-discharge care. This shift may be related to the changing location and payment for care away from Medicare-reimbursed facilities.
Many older adults plan extended trips, considering COVID-19 cases at their destination. Vaccinated adults face a lower risk of severe infection compared to unvaccinated peers. Most respondents would make necessary preparations for travel, such as bringing enough medications and medical supplies.
A study of nearly 500,000 Medicare patients with long-term dialysis revealed COVID-19 risk factors and associated mortality rates. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to protect vulnerable populations.
A study found that lung cancer screening rates increased significantly among high-risk males who gained access to Medicare, with a 16% jump in screenings reported. The rise is attributed to the reduced out-of-pocket costs and greater access to care for these individuals, many of whom were previously uninsured.
A recent study analyzed commercially insured patients and found that inpatient stays for eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, rose during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study included over 3.2 million people and highlighted the need for continued support and treatment for individuals affected by these conditions.
A new RAND Corporation report suggests that extending temporary tax credits could help insurance markets in the future. Analysis found that current federal legislative proposals could be critical to avoiding coverage loss in future recessions.
In a large commercially insured population, overall outpatient care usage didn't change significantly despite increased telemedicine use. Telemedicine appeared to substitute for in-person visits, suggesting its potential as a convenient alternative.
A recent study in Indonesia found that full subsidies increased enrollment by 18.6 percentage points, while registration assistance alone boosted signups by 3.5 percent. The experiment also highlighted the importance of infrastructure and administrative capacity in addressing the challenges of universal health insurance.
A new study analyzed 4,000 COVID-related hospitalizations and found that patients with private insurance could face $3,800 bills, while those with Medicare Advantage plans might owe $1,500. The lack of waivers for hospitalization costs could lead to increased financial burden on patients.
Two new studies examine rising cancer drug spending in the US, finding that many patients receive treatments with no documented overall survival benefit. The studies suggest that the combination of regulatory, pricing, and reimbursement policies contributes to wasteful healthcare spending.
A recent study used national claims data to estimate out-of-pocket spending for COVID-19 hospitalizations in 2020. The results show that these costs significantly affect the financial burden on patients, especially those with private insurance and Medicare Advantage plans.
A study by Boston University School of Medicine found that only 15% of North Carolina residents who became unemployed gained Medicaid coverage, with higher rates in socially vulnerable counties. The state's high uninsurance rate overall underscores the need for Medicaid expansion to ensure access to healthcare.
There was significant growth in telemedicine use among rural Medicare beneficiaries between 2010 and 2019. The majority of this growth was attributed to care delivered by nurse practitioners and other non-physician clinicians.
The study found a significant increase in pregnancy complications during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting approximately 1.4 million women in the US. Researchers attributed these changes to various factors, including social distancing measures, delayed prenatal care, and increased risk of maternal mortality.
A new study finds that bariatric surgery increased among lower-income white adults, but remained unchanged for Hispanic and Black adults following Medicaid expansion. The increase in weight-loss surgery rates is a significant finding with implications for health policy.
Dual-eligible cancer patients receive higher-quality end-of-life care at cancer centers with prioritized communication and decision planning. These facilities experience a significant jump in patients choosing hospice and dying outside of hospitals.
Researchers examined association between access to health insurance coverage and COVID-19 mortality among individuals aged 65 and older. The study found that Medicare eligibility was associated with lower excess deaths during the pandemic.
A new study reveals that COVID-19 deaths were underreported due to inadequate healthcare access and at-home deaths in rural areas. The research found that counties with reduced access to health insurance and primary care services had higher excess mortality rates not attributed to COVID-19.
A new study suggests that lowering the age when older adults can enroll in Medicare might save them a significant amount of money. The study found that average out-of-pocket healthcare costs dropped by 27% for those turning 66, while nearly 9% of 64-year-olds were considered 'catastrophic' due to high health expenses.
The study found large reductions in uninsurance and improvements in blood pressure and blood sugar control among Hispanic and Black patients after Medicaid expansion. The first five years of expansion were associated with significant benefits for these populations.
A new poll suggests that older adults are not using tax-advantaged savings accounts to save for future health expenses, with those who do more likely to have high incomes and education levels. The findings highlight the need for better understanding and support for low-income and vulnerable populations.
A study led by Duke University researchers found that nearly 2.7 million people in the US lost employer-based health insurance during the spring and summer of 2020, but gained coverage through government programs like Medicaid. The study suggests that recent policy changes created a safety net to support those affected by job loss.
A new study found that Republicans are less likely to use ACA subsidies for health insurance, resulting in an average annual loss of $800 compared to Democrats. The study suggests that political polarization may lead individuals to avoid full utilization of federal programs intended to make healthcare more affordable.
The study analyzed US Census survey data to assess changes in health insurance coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Significant changes were found in enrollment rates and access to care, highlighting the need for policies addressing these issues.
A new study led by UC researcher Daniel Woo found high blood pressure to be a significant risk factor for strokes in Black and Hispanic patients. The study also identified sleep apnea as a novel risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) strokes, which are often deadly and cause high disability.
Research by Jason Huh found that Medicaid expansion can increase the number of dentists per capita in low-income counties, with a 13% increase. This growth is driven by private practice dentists responding to financial incentives offered by expanded coverage.
A study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that voting restrictions are associated with an increased risk of being uninsured. The study analyzed data from 242,727 adults in the US and found that those who face barriers to voting are also less likely to have health insurance.