Articles tagged with Health Insurance
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
A Harvard study found that 20% of diabetes patients with high-deductible health plans reported skipping medications due to cost, compared to 16% in traditional plans. Patients with insulin reliance were 31% more likely to miss medication.
Nearly 54% of US-born minor migrants in Mexico are underinsured, with limited access to quality care and financial protection. The study calls for transborder policies to address place-based inequities and recommends solutions such as reintegration policies and expedited dual-citizenship application processes
Research found that adult patients under 65 had less trouble paying for medications, dental care, and delayed treatment due to cost. The ACA's key features, including the Health Insurance Marketplace, led to a significant decrease in financial burdens.
A study compared health care access and quality scores between US states and high-income countries with universal health insurance coverage. The researchers found that the US ranked lower in these areas, highlighting the need for healthcare reform.
A new analysis reveals that households with recent birthdays are 30% more likely to have a COVID-19 diagnosis in counties with high infection rates. The study suggests that social gatherings like birthday parties may have contributed to infections during the pandemic.
Stroke patients from rural areas and American Indian communities face significant challenges in accessing certified stroke centers due to longer distances. Demographic factors such as age, income, and insurance status also impact the distance to stroke care, with rural areas showing a reversal of expected relationships.
A study analyzing California data from 2004-2013 reveals that heat events and ozone have substantial spatial variation in their impact on respiratory hospitalizations, with stronger joint effects in lower-income areas. The results suggest establishing local temperature and ozone thresholds to protect population health.
A recent study analyzed the association of county-level telemedicine use with community factors among people with commercial or Medicare Advantage insurance. The researchers found geographic variation in telemedicine use, which was attributed to local healthcare infrastructure and population demographics.
A new study of Michigan's Medicaid expansion program found that even small monthly fees for health insurance can lead to increased disenrollment among healthy, low-income individuals. This can result in a sicker pool of patients for the insurance company and decreased access to preventive care.
A new survey found that one in six US adults (16%) are staying in jobs they might otherwise leave out of fear of losing their employer-sponsored health insurance. Black workers are 50% more likely to stay in an unwanted job than their White and Hispanic counterparts.
Near-poor Americans, just above the federal poverty level, face high medical bills and forgo essential health care due to a Medicaid eligibility cliff. Researchers propose solutions to fix this gap, including expanding supplemental coverage and simplifying the application process.
A new study found that Michigan Medicaid expansion's dental coverage improved oral health in 57% of enrollees, with Black respondents and those uninsured for a year or more experiencing the greatest improvements. The program also helped participants find work or improve their job search by 76%.
A study by Drexel University researchers found that rural seniors in Medicare Advantage plans switched to traditional Medicare at a higher rate than nonrural seniors, mainly due to limited access to providers. This highlights the need for policies to incentivize healthcare professionals to practice in rural areas.
A third of patients with COVID-19 did not have another health condition before contracting the virus, highlighting the need to protect those with pre-existing conditions. This study suggests that repealing Affordable Care Act protections for pre-existing conditions could further increase health disparities among people of color.
An analysis of health insurance claims data reveals a 7-fold variation in euthanasia rates across the Netherlands. Regional differences and demographic, socioeconomic, and personal factors are associated with varying euthanasia rates.
Patients with autism spectrum disorder in Taiwan showed a higher risk of substance use disorder compared to the general population. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, used health insurance data to investigate this association and found that individuals with autism were more likely to die prematurely due to substance-related causes.
Researchers analyzed 16.7 million people's telemedicine and in-person visits during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic to understand changes in outpatient care delivery. The study found that telemedicine compensated for declining volumes and geographic variation, suggesting a new model for healthcare delivery.
Diseases of despair, including substance abuse and suicidal thoughts, have soared in the US over the past decade, affecting all ages. Between 2009 and 2018, life expectancy fell year on year, and deaths among middle-aged white non-Hispanic men and women rose sharply.
A recent study by Washington State University's Bidisha Mandal found that the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion program has reduced the number of uninsured low-income residents, particularly in rural areas. However, the likelihood of repeated emergency room visits for non-urgent reasons has not decreased.
A new analysis by Harvard Medical School and Hunter College found a 2.3 million increase in uninsured Americans between 2016-19, leading to 25,180 excess deaths; overturning the Affordable Care Act could lead to up to 68,000 extra deaths annually
A study by University of Kansas researchers found that individuals with disabilities overwhelmingly believe access to healthcare is a vital human right. However, they also reported feeling marginalized and stigmatized, with many facing barriers to employment and healthcare due to restrictive policies.
Research suggests that having a spouse in the ICU increases the risk of cardiovascular disease events and hospitalization within a few weeks. The study found that spouses faced significant psychological stress, which may lead to increased cardiovascular risks.
A recent study by RAND Corporation found that private health insurers paid hospitals an average of 247% of what Medicare would pay, highlighting a significant disparity in hospital pricing across the US. The analysis covered over half of the nation's community hospitals and revealed wide variations in prices among states.
Out-of-pocket and total visit expenditures for primary care physicians have shifted towards private insurance and Medicare, impacting access. The study suggests that continued trends may lead to increased difficulty in accessing primary care services, particularly for Medicaid patients.
A new study finds the ACA nearly fully offsets reduction in employer-sponsored insurance for people who left or lost their job after its implementation. The law is critical in alleviating coverage losses related to the Covid-associated recession, but its future remains uncertain.
A new study reveals that half of those who have opened a health savings account haven't put money into it in the past year. Those with lower levels of education and health insurance literacy are less likely to open or contribute to an HSA.
A new study published in Stroke Journal found that having multiple social disadvantages can increase stroke risk by 50% or more. Researchers analyzed data from over 27,000 adults and found that those with three or more social determinants of health were nearly two and a half times more likely to experience an incident stroke.
A recent study by Case Western Reserve University reveals a correlation between states' voting patterns in the 2016 presidential election and decreases in health insurance coverage. States classified as 'red' had the highest uninsured rates, while 'blue' states saw a decrease of over 7.6 million uninsured adults.
A public health insurance option could reduce premiums for individuals by 10-27% due to lower provider payment rates. However, its impact on expanding coverage is limited, with only a 3-8% increase in insured individuals under most scenarios.
Researchers analyzed a large private health insurance database to investigate the association between health insurance nondiscrimination policies and mental health outcomes in gender minority individuals. The study found significant disparities in access to mental health care and treatment, highlighting the need for policy changes.
An analysis of medical insurance claims and productivity data reveals that non-fatal US injuries result in an estimated $1,590 and 11 days off work per injured employee every year. The study found that total medical costs for emergency care visits exceed $133 billion annually.
A new study from Annals of Internal Medicine reveals COVID-19 disparities affecting U.S. healthcare workers with risk factors for poor outcomes, as well as African Americans and Latinos disproportionately affected by the pandemic. The authors discuss lessons learned from prior experiences to reduce observed disparities.
A survey of US cancer survivors and their spouses found that nearly half stay in their jobs due to concerns about losing health insurance. The study suggests that maintaining employment is crucial for accessing post-treatment care and managing long-term health needs.
A study found that uninsured older adults in China are 35% less likely to receive needed inpatient care due to financial barriers. They also experience poorer health outcomes, including higher rates of perceived illness and mental distress.
FAIR Health has launched a groundbreaking website feature that combines clinical and cost information to support seriously and chronically ill patients in shared decision making with clinicians. The new tool offers three palliative care scenarios, including kidney dialysis, nutrition options, and breathing assistance.
A new study finds that the Affordable Care Act has reduced racial and ethnic gaps in access to health insurance, but significant disparities remain. The analysis shows that Black and Hispanic Americans are still less likely to have health coverage and more likely to avoid care due to cost, compared to non-Hispanic whites.
A recent study by Saint Louis University found that Medicare's current risk payment system unfairly reimburses healthcare providers for caring to patients with certain conditions. The system fails to account for factors like frailty, dementia, depression, and poverty, leading to unequal reimbursement rates.
Nearly half of middle-aged adults in their 50s and early 60s lack confidence they can afford health insurance in the next year. Two-thirds worry about potential changes to health insurance policies affecting them. Many avoid seeking care due to cost concerns, with those in fair or poor health being four times more likely.
A study of Medicaid expansion enrollees in Michigan found a six-point increase in employment or student status in one year, with larger gains seen among African-Americans, men, and those with low incomes. The findings suggest that expanding Medicaid coverage can help achieve fuller employment among low-income residents.
States with Medicaid work requirements have higher opioid overdose death rates and fewer substance use disorder treatment facilities. Increasing access to evidence-based opioid addiction care is crucial for individuals with these conditions.