The study, which analyzed data from 450 hospitals in 25 states, 13 of which expanded Medicaid programs under the PPACA, found:
- Expansion states saw 5.6 percent more ED visits on average in the second quarter of 2014 than the second quarter of 2013.
- In states forgoing Medicaid expansions, ED visits increased 1.8 percent between Q2 2013 and Q2 2014.
- Medicaid volumes in expansion states were up 24 percent in Q1 2014 and up 9 percent in Q2 2014.
- Non-expansion states saw an increase in Medicaid patients and a decline in self-pay patients, likely due to the “woodwork effect,” where patients discovered they were eligible for Medicaid.
According to the researchers, the volume increase indicates a need for healthcare that has not previously been met, as the volume trends are consistent across the nation among states that have expanded Medicaid and among states that have not.
More articles on capacity management:
Americans 26 and younger now visit EDs less
When services are siloed, capacity stalls
South Arkansas Hospital expands ED
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