Benefits of Medicaid Expansion: Access to Healthcare Makes a Difference

A recent study of the effects of Oregon’s Medicaid Expansion has received a lot of attention in Mississippi—and it should.  The Oregon study findings, along with those from other studies, illustrate a number of beneficial outcomes for individuals with access to Medicaid through expansion compared to those without. 

Studies from Early Expansion States Show Benefits of Increased Healthcare Access

Increased usage of preventative health care services, like Mammogramsi

Such a finding is especially important in Mississippi where the incidence of diagnosed breast cancer is relatively low (Mississippi ranks 38th in the countryii), but the rate of death from breast cancer in Mississippi is the 4th highest in the country.iii

 

  

Elimination of catastrophic out of pocket medical expenses for families

The Oregon study found that Medicaid coverage nearly eliminated catastrophic out of pocket medical expenses.iv  Less out of pocket medical expense means more family income can be used on housing, food, and education expenses. 

 

 

Diagnosis and treatment of Diabetes

The Oregon study found that those with Medicaid coverage were more likely to identify their diabetes and begin treatment than those without coverage.v   In 2010, Mississippi ranked 2nd in diabetes prevalence.vi    Early detection and treatment of diabetes is important to prevent or delay major complications, like limb amputation.  Mississippi has one of the highest per capita concentrations of leg amputations in the country.vii

 

Reduction in mortality rates

A study of the Medicaid expansions in other states (Arizona, Maine, and New York) found that Medicaid expansion was associated with a reduction in mortality rates and a decrease in delayed care due to concerns about costs.viii 

 

Decreased Hospitalization

A study of the expanded Medicaid program in Wisconsin found that hospitalizations declined by 59 percent for participants as chronic diseases were better managed through outpatient care.ix

 

A review of recent and rigorous studies on the outcomes of people who receive health coverage through the expansion of the Medicaid program reveals that enrollees are more likely to get preventative care, be better off financially and begin treatment earlier for chronic diseases like diabetes than those without Medicaid.  Such findings underscore the importance of implementing expansion in Mississippi.

 

Sources:

  1. Katherine Baicker, Ph.D., Sarah L. Taubman, Sc.D., Heidi L. Allen, Ph.D., Mira Bernstein, Ph.D., Jonathan H. Gruber, Ph.D., Joseph P. Newhouse, Ph.D., Eric C. Schneider, M.D., Bill J. Wright, Ph.D., Alan M. Zaslavsky, Ph.D., and Amy N. Finkelstein, Ph.D. for the Oregon Health Study Group, “The Oregon Experiment — Effects of Medicaid on Clinical Outcomes” N Engl J Med 2013; 368:1713-1722 May 2, 2013
  2. The Kaiser Family Foundation, statehealthfacts.org. Data Source: U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. United States Cancer Statistics: 1999:2008 Incidence and Mortality Web‐based Report. Atlanta (GA): Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Cancer Institute; 2012.
  3. The Kaiser Family Foundation, statehealthfacts.org. Data Source: National Cancer Institute, State Cancer Profiles, Death Rate Report by State.
  4. Katherine Baicker, Ph.D., Sarah L. Taubman, Sc.D., Heidi L. Allen, Ph.D., Mira Bernstein, Ph.D., Jonathan H. Gruber, Ph.D., Joseph P. Newhouse, Ph.D., Eric C. Schneider, M.D., Bill J. Wright, Ph.D., Alan M. Zaslavsky, Ph.D., and Amy N. Finkelstein, Ph.D. for the Oregon Health Study Group, “The Oregon Experiment — Effects of Medicaid on Clinical Outcomes” N Engl J Med 2013; 368:1713-1722 May 2, 2013
  5. ibid. Baicker et al.
  6. Mississippi State Department of Health.  http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/43,0,296.html Retrieved June 2013.
  7. Center for Mississippi Health Policy. The Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care. http://www.dartmouthatlas.org/data/table.aspx?ind=158 Retrieved July 2012.
  8. Benjamin D. Sommers, M.D., Ph.D., Katherine Baicker, Ph.D., and Arnold M. Epstein, M.D, “Mortality and Access to Care among Adults after State Medicaid Expansions.”  N Engl J Med 2012; 367:1025-1034 September 13, 2012
  9. Thomas DeLeire, Laura Dague, Lindsey Leininger, Kristen Voskuil and Donna Friedsam, “Wisconsin Experience Indicates That Expanding Public Insurance To Low-Income Childless Adults Has Health Care Impacts” Health Affairs, 32, no.6 (2013):1037-1045

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