Articles tagged with Health Insurance
A new study analyzes the value of Medicaid for low-income adults in Oregon, finding they value it at a fraction of their medical costs. The study suggests that Medicaid effectively acts as a subsidy for healthcare providers and state programs covering uninsured patients.
Patient visits to primary care physicians increased by 3.6% after Medicaid expansion, but ER department visits remained unchanged. The study found that factors such as data quality and state policies may limit the accuracy of findings.
An analysis found that rural subsidized enrollees pay less in premiums than urban counterparts after the Trump Administration's 2017 cut of Cost Sharing Reduction payments. Silver loading and switching have led to more affordable insurance for some consumers, but also encourage enrollment in bronze plans with less financial protection.
A RAND Corporation study finds that allowing people aged 50-64 to buy into Medicare would lower health care premiums for this group. However, it would drive up costs for younger Americans who buy health insurance on exchanges created under the Affordable Care Act. The estimated premium to buy into Medicare would be around $10,000 per y...
Researchers found that people with ACA health insurance are more likely to find themselves in 'artificial provider deserts,' areas with limited coverage, and must travel further to access care. The study highlights the need for consumers to carefully consider their insurance options to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
A new analysis suggests that Medicaid expansion provided greater improvements in health insurance coverage for married people, particularly women, compared to unmarried individuals. The study found that after expansion, uninsured rates were lower for married women by 1.6 percentage points than for unmarried women.
A new American Cancer Society study links health insurance literacy with medical and non-medical financial hardships among adult cancer survivors. The study found that those with health insurance literacy problems were more likely to report material and psychological hardships, as well as make non-medical financial sacrifices.
A study found that losing the automatic reenrollment option in California's Covered California marketplace led to a decrease in enrollment. The researchers analyzed data and reported a significant decline in enrollment following the removal of this feature.
The Affordable Care Act significantly reduced the number of people with diabetes without health insurance. Among those with undiagnosed diabetes, coverage increased from approximately one in four to just eight percent. This shift has substantial implications for the health and economic outcomes of these individuals.
Despite a decline in overall health insurance coverage for US youth, the number of well-child visits rose from 81% to 85%, thanks to ACA provisions covering preventive services. Racial disparities in access to care narrowed slightly, although Latino youth still lag behind.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that repeat ER users in states with Medicaid expansion shifted their use of the ED toward more severe conditions requiring hospitalization. The study also found a similar increase for illnesses not easily avoided by outpatient care.
A University of Pittsburgh analysis confirms that cutting ACA cost-sharing reduction payments improved health insurance affordability for Marketplace enrollees. Silver loading and switching strategies maximize premium affordability for both on- and off-Marketplace customers.
A new RAND Corporation study reveals that private health plans pay hospitals an average of 241% of what Medicare would pay, with significant variations in prices among states. The analysis suggests that employers can redesign their health plans to better align hospital prices with care value.
Researchers found that patients with vision loss experienced longer hospital stays and higher healthcare costs compared to those without vision loss. The study estimates excess health costs of over $500 million annually due to vision loss in hospitalized patients.
A new study found that the Affordable Care Act improved healthcare affordability and access for women, especially in low- and middle-income groups. The study demonstrated a significant increase in preventive care screenings and influenza immunization among women after the ACA's implementation.
Research finds that aging immigrants without health insurance are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease due to lack of preventive care and socioeconomic barriers. Health insurance coverage plays a critical role in mitigating this risk, particularly among recent immigrants.
A new study suggests the Affordable Care Act's requirements on pre-existing conditions and age clauses had a significant impact on adults with diabetes. The percentage of people with private health insurance who had diabetes increased after the ACA provisions began, especially among those in their 50s.
A recent study found that patients in Medicare Advantage plans are more likely to receive guideline-recommended therapy for coronary artery disease, compared to those in traditional fee-for-service Medicare. However, there were no significant differences in blood pressure and cholesterol control between the two groups.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that medical problems contributed to 66.5% of all bankruptcies, with 530,000 families affected annually. The study suggests that health insurance offers little protection to middle-class Americans and that private health insurance is a defective product.
A new national poll suggests that many people in their 50s and early 60s harbor serious worries about their health insurance status, now and in the future. The poll found that 45% of those age 50-64 concerned they won't be able to afford insurance in retirement.
This observational study found scheduled dialysis to be associated with reduced mortality, healthcare utilization and costs among patients with end-stage renal disease. The researchers call for scheduled dialysis to be the standard of care for any patient with ESRD in the US.
A national study found that older adults with unmet transportation needs, depression, or recent moves are more likely to lose their usual source of care. The study suggests clinical and social factors play a crucial role in maintaining stable relationships with clinicians.
Research suggests that the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion helped low-income families access more comprehensive care, leading to a significant drop in emergency department visits by uninsured patients in Illinois. The study found a 40% reduction in uncompensated care in emergency departments between 2009 and 2015.
A new study by Drexel University researchers found that Medicaid expansion reduced uninsurance rates for noncitizens from 70% in 2010 to 54% in 2015. However, disparities persisted between noncitizens and native citizens, with growth in the disparity observed between states that expanded and those that did not.
A study analyzed TV ads for ACA health insurance plans, finding a shift towards targeting younger, healthier individuals and emphasizing financial assistance, as well as a decline in mentions of 'ObamaCare' or 'Affordable Care Act'. The researchers suggest this trend may be related to low public understanding of the law.
A new study found that Medicaid expansion in Michigan boosted the financial health of low-income residents, with significant reductions in medical bills, unpaid debts, and bankruptcies. Those with chronic illnesses experienced the largest financial benefits, including improved credit scores and increased borrowing power.
A new study by Bradley T. Shapiro found that TV advertising for health insurance has a small effect on brand enrollments, particularly in lower-income populations. The research suggests that regulators' concerns about 'cream-skimming' may not be supported by data.
A new study led by UCLA researchers found that the ACA reduced disparities in healthcare between Mexican-heritage Latinos and other Latinos, with a significant increase in health insurance coverage among Mexican-heritage Latinos after implementation of the law's major provisions. However, disparities persist due to legal status, income...
A study by Washington University researchers found that community outreach and educational support led to a higher enrollment rate in ACA plans among Missourians in 2018. The initiative also developed an online decision support tool, Show Me Health Plans, which reported higher health insurance knowledge and confidence among users.
A new study finds that lesbian, gay and bisexual adults have similar rates of health insurance as their straight peers but are more likely to avoid necessary medical treatment due to cost. They also report higher levels of poor health days and mental health issues compared to their straight counterparts.
Experts recommend states guide doctors in certifying patients who cannot work due to illness, and connect Medicaid enrollees with job training and support services. States should also consider fluctuating work patterns when implementing reporting requirements.
A study published in The BMJ found that US opioid use has not declined over the last decade, with higher average daily doses in 2017 compared to 2007. Disabled Medicare beneficiaries were particularly prone to opioid use, taking higher doses for longer periods.
A recent study found that US sexual minorities are more likely to be unemployed and uninsured than their straight counterparts, with poorer health and quality of life reported. The disparities may be even wider due to the predominantly white and affluent sample used in the study.
A new study found that one in four working-age adults with type 1 diabetes experienced at least one gap of 30 days or more in their private health insurance, leading to a five-fold increase in emergency room visits and hospital stays. The gaps resulted in higher blood sugar levels and decreased satisfaction with life.
A new study found that Medicaid expansion increased the number of chronic kidney disease patients with Medicaid coverage who were placed on the kidney transplant waiting list. States that expanded Medicaid saw a significant boost in Medicaid-covered preemptive listings, especially among racial and ethnic minority patients.
A recent study by Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons found that poor older adults with Medicaid insurance who receive treatment for a critical illness in the ICU are more likely to die after hospital discharge compared to those with commercial insurance. The disparity is greatest among survivors of critical illness wi...
A new study found that breast cancer places a significantly greater financial burden on black women than white women, with 58% of black women experiencing negative financial impact compared to 39% of white women. Black women were more likely to experience barriers to care due to cost, lose jobs or private health insurance.
A new study finds that nurse-led task shifting combined with health insurance coverage is an effective strategy to control hypertension in Ghana. The intervention led to a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure compared to health insurance coverage alone.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) reduced uninsured rates among Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs), narrowing disparities with whites.
Researchers found that medical expenses account for approximately 4 percent of bankruptcy filings, contrary to commonly cited estimates. Poor health leads to negative economic consequences, including a 20 percent drop in earnings and an 11 percent drop in employment among adults aged 50-59 who were hospitalized.
A recent study by Boston University School of Medicine found that cardiac events and urinary tract infections were more common in Medicare patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. The study also showed increased risks of central nervous system complications, gastrointestinal issues, and mortality among Medicare patients compared to...
A new study shows that parent mentors are highly effective in providing uninsured Latino children with health insurance coverage. At one year follow-up, 95% of Latino children assigned a parent mentor obtained health insurance, compared to 69% in the control group.
A study published in Medical Care found that the Affordable Care Act significantly reduced the uninsured rate among adult cancer survivors, with a 38% relative decrease. Cancer survivors eligible for Medicaid expansion under the ACA had the largest reduction in uninsured rate, with a 16.7 percentage point drop.
A Drexel University public health study found that Mexican immigrant health access plummets after crossing into the US, and remains low even when returning to Mexico. The study revealed a significant drop in healthcare access, from 78% to 47-60%, among Mexican adults before and after migration.
Medical professionals in the US should use trained medical interpreters to ensure patients with limited English proficiency receive accurate communication. Language access plans involving professional interpreters improve health outcomes, ethical patient care, and patient satisfaction, reducing costly repeat visits.
The ACA Medicaid expansion was positively associated with improved hospital performance and a reduced likelihood of hospital closure, particularly in rural markets. This is due to increased access to healthcare for previously uninsured adults, resulting in better health outcomes and less need for emergency care from hospitals.
A study of over 4,000 Michigan Medicaid enrollees found that nearly half are employed, while 11% are unable to work due to serious health issues. Those who cannot work face significant health challenges and may be more likely to experience worsening conditions without treatment
A study published in Diabetes Care found that diabetes-related mortality in Germany is higher than expected, with approximately 21% of all deaths attributable to the disease. The majority of deaths occurred among older adults, and men had a significantly higher number of preventable excess deaths compared to women.
A study published in Population Health Management found that state-level Medicaid expansion improved health care access among low-income US residents, increasing insurance coverage and reducing barriers to care. Residents in non-expansion states were disproportionately negatively affected by the decision not to expand Medicaid coverage.
A new study finds that Medicaid expansion in states leads to improved health insurance coverage and routine check-ups for low-income residents. However, very low-income residents in non-expansion states face disproportionately poor access to care.
A national cancer survey found 23% of childhood cancer survivors experienced job lock, staying at jobs for health insurance coverage. Female survivors and those with chronic conditions were more likely to report job lock. The study highlights the need for education and literacy about insurance options to support employed cancer survivors.
Recent research finds that Obamacare has reversed the trend of declining social trust in the US, as worsening health no longer negatively impacts citizens' generalized trust. The study, published in Social Science & Medicine, is based on two consecutive panel studies from the US General Social Survey.
A RAND Corporation report finds that repealing the Affordable Care Act would likely lead to increased demand for VA services and more uninsured veterans. The study estimates that older, low-income veterans are most at risk of losing health insurance coverage.
A new study reveals that up to 11% of older Americans with well-controlled diabetes are being overtreated, while around 7% are undertreated. The research emphasizes the need for personalized care in treating diabetes in older patients.
The Affordable Care Act has expanded Medicaid coverage, leading to significant decreases in medical visits among uninsured patients across all racial and ethnic groups. However, disparities persist, with Hispanic patients experiencing smaller declines in uninsured visit rates compared to non-Hispanic whites and blacks.
A study published in Health Affairs found that China's New Cooperative Medical Scheme (NCMS) increased health insurance coverage to 100% of counties by 2012. However, the scheme was not significantly correlated with reductions in mortality rates among people aged sixty and older.
Health insurance coverage in China rebounded from 32.3% in 1991 to nearly universal coverage of 94.7% in 2011. The study found that increasing health insurance rates led to higher treatment-seeking for chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
A recent study shows that corporate wellness programs can significantly increase worker productivity, with participants showing a 6-11% gain in productivity. The program's benefits include improved employee motivation and capabilities due to physical and mental wellness improvements.
New research shows that Obamacare significantly improved health insurance coverage and access to care for US youth, with over half a million Latino children gaining insurance. However, disparities remain, with Latino children still more than twice as likely to lack insurance compared to white and black youth.
A US Department of Agriculture-funded study found that affordable health insurance is a major concern for American farmers, affecting their business risk and ability to run a successful enterprise. The study also highlights the impact of health-related costs on farm succession issues and access to land for young farmers.