For the brief, researchers examined transaction data from JPMorgan to gain insight into how short-term changes in household cash flow affect consumers’ healthcare payments.
Researchers found consumers immediately increase their healthcare use after experiencing a large increase in available cash. For example, consumers’ healthcare spending increases by 60 percent in the week after receiving a tax refund.
“This finding suggests that consumers make health decisions — some of which have long-term consequences — based on short-term financial factors,” according to the brief. “Far from affecting only low-income people, immediate cash shortages cause people at all income levels to delay care.”
For the full Health Affairs brief, click here.
More articles on healthcare finance:
Kentucky hospital files for bankruptcy
Michigan hospital CEO will take pay cut to boost facility’s finances
Partners HealthCare’s annual operating income soars 489%
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
