The report analyzed discrepancies in insurance coverage, care access and medical debt in California, Florida, New York and Texas, taking into account which provisions each state chose to implement under the ACA, like Medicaid expansion. The analysis included data from the 2016 Commonwealth Fund Biennial Health Insurance Survey.
Here are four report findings.
1. Nationally, 37 percent of adults reported problems with medical debt.
2. Over the past year, 41 percent of Florida adults reported either difficulties with paying or inability to pay their medical bills. Forty-four percent of adults in Texas reported the same difficulties.
3. In California and New York, the rate was lower, with 28 percent of adults in each state reporting issues with medical debt.
4. Study authors concluded the discrepancies may be “explained by several factors: whether the state expanded Medicaid eligibility; whether it ran its own health insurance marketplace; what the uninsured rate was prior to the ACA; differences in the cost protections provided by private health plans; and demographic differences.”
More articles on healthcare finance:
Gainesville Radiology Group extends full practice management agreement with Zotec Partners
53% of Americans equate unaffordable medical bills to being diagnosed with a serious illness
RCM tip of the day: Keep a close watch on Medicare, Medicaid managed care denials
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.
