Massachusetts AG: More healthcare dollars spent on high-income communities

Healthcare spending in Massachusetts' commercial insurance market is larger for high-income patients than for low-income patients, a report from Massachusetts' Attorney General's Office found.

Attorney General Maura Healey's Office used information on healthcare premiums, cost, use and spending and consulted with healthcare experts, health insurance users, consumer groups and other experts to complete the report.

Below are three findings.

1. About half of Massachusetts' high-income communities also have the highest commercial dollars spent on healthcare. This is not explained by health needs or higher health burdens, according to the report. 

2. Nearly one-third of Massachusetts' low-income communities saw the lowest levels of commercial dollars spent on healthcare.  

3. Some factors contributing to the spending discrepancies include healthcare providers offering varying prices and socioeconomic barriers to healthcare access.

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