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HEALTH
INSURANCE
Enrollment in coverage supports the health and well-being of individuals and communities. Studies confirm that coverage improves access to care; supports positive health outcomes, including an individual’s sense of their own health and well-being; incentivizes appropriate use of health care resources; and reduces financial strain on individuals, families and communities.
Impact of the Uninsured on the Health Care System
The high rate of uninsured puts stress on the broader health care system. People without insurance put off needed care and rely more heavily on hospital emergency departments, resulting in scarce resources being directed to treat conditions that often could have been prevented or managed in a lower-cost setting. Being uninsured also has serious financial implications for individuals, communities and the health care system.
Impact of Health Insurance Coverage
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Coverage Improves Access to Care
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Adult Medicaid enrollees are five times more likely to have regular sources of care and four times more likely to receive preventative care services than individuals without coverage. Children with Medicaid coverage are four times more likely to have regular sources of care and two to three times more likely to receive preventative care services than uninsured children.2 In addition, low-income children with parents covered by Medicaid are more likely to receive well-child visits than those with uninsured parents.
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A higher proportion of individuals in Medicaid expansion states have a personal doctor than those in non expansion states.
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Individuals with coverage are more likely to obtain access to prescription drug therapies. Individuals in states that expanded Medicaid have improved access to diabetes and asthma medications, contraceptives, and cardiovascular drugs.
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Individuals with coverage are more likely to obtain an early diagnosis and treatment, which may ultimately contribute to improved health outcomes.
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Coverage improves access to behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment.
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Coverage is Associated with Improved Health Outcomes
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Coverage expansion is associated with decreases in mortality. Medicaid expansion is associated with lower cardiovascular mortality specifically.
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More individuals in expansion states quit smoking, consistent with Medicaid coverage for preventive care and evidence-based smoking cessation services.
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A study found that individuals who became eligible for Medicaid experienced lower rates of depression than those who did not.
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Individuals with coverage report a greater sense of well-being, with an increase in individuals reporting being in excellent health after states expanded Medicaid.
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Coverage Supports Appropriate Health Care Utilization
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Coverage can help direct individuals to the most appropriate site of care. Young adults who could stay on their parents’ health plan experienced decreases in non-emergent emergency department (ED) visits. Expansion populations in some states also experienced a decrease in ED visits and an increase in outpatient visits.
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Coverage facilitates use of preventive care and management of chronic conditions. Individuals in expansion states saw significant increases in screening for diabetes, glucose testing among patients with diabetes, and regular care for chronic conditions.
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Coverage Improves Individual, Family and Community Well-being
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Hospitals, particularly rural hospitals, in states that expanded Medicaid experienced improved financial performance and were less likely to close.
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Medicaid expansion is associated with a decrease in both violent and property crimes, and associated government spending to reduce crime.
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Coverage reduces individuals’ and families’ financial burden and risk by reducing annual out-of-pocket spending41 and essentially eliminating catastrophic expenditures.
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Individuals who became eligible for and enrolled in Medicaid reported that enrollment made it easier to work and to seek work.
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Enrollment in Medicaid following Medicaid expansion is found to be associated with improved financial health, including a reduction in unpaid medical bills. Enrollees with the greatest medical needs, e.g., chronic illness diagnoses, saw the greatest improvement in their financial health.
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