1
|
Rennane S, Sobol D, Stein BD, Dick A. Insurance coverage during transitions: Evidence from Medicaid automatic enrollment for children receiving supplemental security income. Health Serv Res 2024; 59:e14261. [PMID: 37985435 PMCID: PMC11063087 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To analyze relationships between Medicaid automatic enrollment for child Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients and health insurance coverage during transitions. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING Medical Expenditure Panel Study, 2000-2020 and National Survey for Children with Special Health Care Needs, 2001-2010. STUDY DESIGN Leveraging variation in SSI-Medicaid automatic enrollment status across regions and over time, we estimate a regression model to quantify associations between automatic enrollment and insurance coverage. We validate our findings in the NS-CSHCN. DATA COLLECTION Our sample includes children receiving SSI for a disability. We also analyze a subsample of children newly enrolled in SSI. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Automatic enrollment is associated with a statistically significant increase in insurance coverage. Expanding automatic enrollment to all states is associated with increases in Medicaid enrollment of 3% (CI 0.9%-6.7%) among all SSI children and 7% (CI 1.1%-13.9%) among children newly enrolled in SSI. We find similar decreases in uninsurance. Analysis in the NS-CSHCN replicates these findings. CONCLUSIONS Medicaid automatic enrollment policies are associated with increased insurance coverage for SSI children, particularly those transitioning into the program. Medicaid policy defaults could play an important role in reducing administrative burdens to improve children's coverage and access to care.
Collapse
|
2
|
Anyigbo C, Todd E, Tumin D, Kusma J. Health Insurance Coverage Gaps Among Children With a History of Adversity. Med Care Res Rev 2023; 80:648-658. [PMID: 37329285 DOI: 10.1177/10775587231180673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Health insurance stability among children with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is essential for accessing health care services. This cross-sectional study used an extensive, multi-year, nationally representative database of children aged 0 to 17 to examine the association between ACE scores and continuous or intermittent lack of health insurance over a 12-month period. Secondary outcomes were reported reasons for coverage gaps. Compared with children having 0 ACEs, those with 4+ ACEs had a higher likelihood of being part-year uninsured rather than year-round private insured (relative risk ratio [RRR]: 4.20; 95% CI: 3.25, 5.43), year-round public insured (RRR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.76), or year-round uninsured (RRR: 2.28; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.63, 3.21). Among children who experienced part-year or year-round uninsurance, a higher ACE score was associated with a greater likelihood of coverage gap due to difficulties with the application or renewal process. Policy changes to reduce administrative burdens may improve health insurance stability and access to health care among children who endure ACEs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chidiogo Anyigbo
- Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Emmalee Todd
- Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Dmitry Tumin
- Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer Kusma
- Division of Advanced General Pediatrics and Primary Care, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago IL, USA
- Mary Ann & J.Milburn Smith Child Health Outcomes, Research and Evaluation Center; Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cholera R, Anderson D, Raman SR, Hammill BG, DiPrete B, Breskin A, Wiener C, Rathnayaka N, Landi S, Brookhart MA, Whitaker RG, Bettger JP, Wong CA. Medicaid Coverage Disruptions Among Children Enrolled in North Carolina Medicaid From 2016 to 2018. JAMA HEALTH FORUM 2021; 2:e214283. [PMID: 35977295 PMCID: PMC8796937 DOI: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2021.4283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rushina Cholera
- Duke Margolis Center for Health Policy, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - David Anderson
- Duke Margolis Center for Health Policy, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Sudha R. Raman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Bradley G. Hammill
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Bethany DiPrete
- NoviSci, Durham, North Carolina
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | | | | | | | | | - M. Alan Brookhart
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- NoviSci, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Janet Prvu Bettger
- Duke Margolis Center for Health Policy, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Charlene A. Wong
- Duke Margolis Center for Health Policy, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Green B, Sanders MB, Tarte JM. Effects of Home Visiting Program Implementation on Preventive Health Care Access and Utilization: Results from a Randomized Trial of Healthy Families Oregon. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2020; 21:15-24. [PMID: 30511149 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-018-0964-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Home visiting programs are an increasingly popular mechanism for providing a broad set of early prevention supports to high-risk families. A key intended outcome for these programs is to support maternal and child health by helping families increase access to and use of preventive health care services. For many community-based home visiting programs, however, there is less evidence of positive outcomes in the health care domain. The current study used a randomized trial conducted in a statewide early childhood home visiting program, Healthy Families Oregon (HFO), to examine program impacts on families' use of preventive health care services. The study recruited a large sample of participants (n = 1438 HFO families and n = 1289 controls) and utilized state agency health insurance and medical records as the primary data source. There were challenges in providing services in alignment with an intent-to-treat research design, leading to the need to take alternative approaches to analyzing effects of service receipt on outcomes. Results found that while there were no significant differences in health care access or utilization in the intent-to-treat models, positive outcomes were found when propensity score matching was used to limit the program sample to those who actually received services. Further, within the program group, children who were enrolled for longer had fewer gaps in health insurance coverage and received more well-baby visits and immunizations compared to those with less service. The role of the home visitor in helping families navigate the complexities of publicly funded health care is discussed. Investments in professional development strategies that can increase staff expertise in this area and improve family retention may be needed to more effectively achieve intended health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beth Green
- Early Childhood & Family Support Research, Center for Improvement of Child and Family Services, Portland State University, 1600 SW 4th Ave, Portland, OR, 97207, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pan IW, Lam S, Clarke DF, Shih YCT. Insurance transitions and healthcare utilization for children with refractory epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 89:48-54. [PMID: 30384099 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.09.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of the study is to investigate the association between insurance transitions and healthcare utilization among children with refractory epilepsy. METHODS We applied published algorithms to identify the study cohort of children with a diagnosis of refractory epilepsy who were treated between 10/1/2013 and 9/30/2014 at 36 children's hospitals in the United States. Insurance transition was defined as having any change in the type of primary payer from the first date of diagnosis to the date of the last visit at the same hospital. Univariate and multilevel multivariable analytical methods were used in the study. RESULTS Among 3488 children hospitalized with refractory epilepsy, rates of insurance transitions at 1, 2, and 5 years of refractory epilepsy diagnosis were 8.1%, 14%, and 29.9%, respectively. Patients whose primary payer at diagnosis was Private or Others were more likely to experience insurance transitions than patients whose primary payer was Medicaid. Younger children were associated with a higher risk of insurance transitions than older children. The high intensity of insurance transitions was associated with a higher number of emergency department and inpatient visits. CONCLUSIONS Insurance transitions interrupted the continuity of medical care for children with refractory epilepsy and were associated with more frequent hospitalizations and emergency department visits, which then translated to higher healthcare costs. Medicaid provided stable insurance coverage and is critically important for these patients and should be the main focus for policies aiming to minimize insurance transitions and optimize healthcare delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I-Wen Pan
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, 7200 Cambridge St, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America; Texas Children's Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, 6701 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America.
| | - Sandi Lam
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, 7200 Cambridge St, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America; Texas Children's Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, 6701 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America.
| | - Dave Fitzgerald Clarke
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience Section, 6701 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America; Texas Children's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, 6701 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America.
| | - Ya-Chen Tina Shih
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Health Services Research, 1155 Pressler St., Houston, TX 77030, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pati S, Calixte R, Wong A, Huang J, Baba Z, Luan X, Cnaan A. Maternal and child patterns of Medicaid retention: a prospective cohort study. BMC Pediatr 2018; 18:275. [PMID: 30131062 PMCID: PMC6103876 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-018-1242-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to determine whether maternal Medicaid retention influences child Medicaid retention because caregivers play a critical role in assuring children's health access. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal prospective cohort study of a convenience sample of 604 Medicaid-eligible mother-child dyads followed from the infant's birth through 24 months of age with parent surveys. Individual enrollment status was abstracted from administrative Medicaid eligibility files. Generalized estimating equations quantified the effect of maternal Medicaid enrollment status on child Medicaid retention, adjusting for relevant covariates. Because varying lengths of gaps may have different effects on child health outcomes, Medicaid enrollment status was further categorized by length of gap: any gap, > 14-days, and > 60-days. RESULTS This cohort consists primarily of African-American (94%), unmarried mothers (88%), with a mean age of 23.2 years. In multivariable analysis, children whose mothers experienced any gaps in coverage had 12.6 times greater odds of experiencing gaps when compared to children whose mothers were continuously enrolled. Use of varying thresholds to define coverage gaps resulted in similar odds ratios (> 14-day gap = 11.8, > 60-day gap = 16.8). Cash assistance receipt and maternal knowledge of differences between Temporary Assistance to Needy Families and Medicaid eligibility criteria demonstrated strong protective effects against child Medicaid disenrollment. CONCLUSIONS Medicaid disenrollment remains a significant policy problem and maternal Medicaid retention patterns show strong effects on child Medicaid retention. Policymakers need to invest in effective outreach strategies, including family-friendly application processes, to reduce enrollment barriers so that all eligible families can take advantage of these coverage opportunities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susmita Pati
- Division of Primary Care Pediatrics, State University of New York at Stony Brook, 100 Nicolls Rd, Stony Brook, NY 11794 USA
| | - Rose Calixte
- Division of Primary Care Pediatrics, State University of New York at Stony Brook, 100 Nicolls Rd, Stony Brook, NY 11794 USA
| | - Angie Wong
- Division of Primary Care Pediatrics, State University of New York at Stony Brook, 100 Nicolls Rd, Stony Brook, NY 11794 USA
| | - Jiayu Huang
- Division of Primary Care Pediatrics, State University of New York at Stony Brook, 100 Nicolls Rd, Stony Brook, NY 11794 USA
| | - Zeinab Baba
- Pediatric Generalist Research Group, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Xianqun Luan
- Healthcare Analytics Unit, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Avital Cnaan
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, 2121 I St NW, Washington, DC 20052 USA
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Children’s National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010 USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Arthur KC, Lucenko BA, Sharkova IV, Xing J, Mangione-Smith R. Using State Administrative Data to Identify Social Complexity Risk Factors for Children. Ann Fam Med 2018; 16:62-69. [PMID: 29311178 PMCID: PMC5758323 DOI: 10.1370/afm.2134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Screening for social determinants of health is challenging but critically important for optimizing child health outcomes. We aimed to test the feasibility of using an integrated state agency administrative database to identify social complexity risk factors and examined their relationship to emergency department (ED) use. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study among children younger than 18 years with Washington State Medicaid insurance coverage (N = 505,367). We linked child and parent administrative data for this cohort to identify a set of social complexity risk factors, such as poverty and parent mental illness, that have either a known or hypothesized association with suboptimal health care use. Using multivariate analyses, we examined associations of each risk factor and of number of risk factors with the rate of ED use. RESULTS Nine of 11 identifiable social complexity risk factors were associated with a higher rate of ED use. Additionally, the rate increased as the number of risk factors increased from 0 to 5 or more, reaching approximately twice the rate when 5 or more risk factors were present in children aged younger than 5 years (incidence rate ratio = 1.92; 95% CI, 1.85-2.00) and in children aged 5 to 17 years (incidence rate ratio = 2.06; 95% CI, 1.99-2.14). CONCLUSIONS State administrative data can be used to identify social complexity risk factors associated with higher rates of ED use among Medicaid-insured children. State agencies could give primary care medical homes a social risk flag or score to facilitate targeted screening and identification of needed resources, potentially preventing future unnecessary ED use in this vulnerable population of children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbara A Lucenko
- Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Research and Data Analysis, Olympia, Washington
| | - Irina V Sharkova
- Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Research and Data Analysis, Olympia, Washington
| | - Jingping Xing
- Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Research and Data Analysis, Olympia, Washington
| | - Rita Mangione-Smith
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington.,University of Washington Department of Pediatrics, Seattle, Washington
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hatch B, Marino M, Killerby M, Angier H, Hoopes M, Bailey SR, Heintzman J, O'Malley JP, DeVoe JE. Medicaid's Impact on Chronic Disease Biomarkers: A Cohort Study of Community Health Center Patients. J Gen Intern Med 2017; 32:940-947. [PMID: 28374214 PMCID: PMC5515790 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-017-4051-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the impact of health insurance is critical, particularly in the era of Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion. The electronic health record (EHR) provides new opportunities to quantify health outcomes. OBJECTIVE To assess changes in biomarkers of chronic disease among community health center (CHC) patients who gained Medicaid coverage with the Oregon Medicaid expansion (2008-2011). DESIGN Prospective cohort. Patients were followed for 24 months, and rate of mean biomarker change was calculated. Time to a controlled follow-up measurement was compared using Cox regression models. SETTING/PATIENTS Using EHR data from OCHIN (a non-profit network of CHCs) linked to state Medicaid data, we identified three cohorts of patients with uncontrolled chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia). Within these cohorts, we included patients who gained Medicaid coverage along with a propensity score-matched comparison group who remained uninsured (diabetes n = 608; hypertension n = 1244; hyperlipidemia n = 546). MAIN MEASURES Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) for the diabetes cohort, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP, respectively) for the hypertension cohort, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) for the hyperlipidemia cohort. KEY RESULTS All cohorts improved over time. Compared to matched uninsured patients, adults in the diabetes and hypertension cohorts who gained Medicaid coverage were significantly more likely to have a follow-up controlled measurement (hazard ratio [HR] =1.26, p = 0.020; HR = 1.35, p < 0.001, respectively). No significant difference was observed in the hyperlipidemia cohort (HR = 1.09, p = 0.392). CONCLUSIONS OCHIN patients with uncontrolled chronic conditions experienced objective health improvements over time. In two of three chronic disease cohorts, those who gained Medicaid coverage were more likely to achieve a controlled measurement than those who remained uninsured. These findings demonstrate the effective care provided by CHCs and the importance of health insurance coverage within a usual source of care setting. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT02355132 [ https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02355132 ].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brigit Hatch
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,OCHIN, Inc., Portland, OR, USA
| | - Miguel Marino
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jennifer E DeVoe
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,OCHIN, Inc., Portland, OR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wisk LE, Finkelstein JA, Toomey SL, Sawicki GS, Schuster MA, Galbraith AA. Impact of an Individual Mandate and Other Health Reforms on Dependent Coverage for Adolescents and Young Adults. Health Serv Res 2017; 53:1581-1599. [PMID: 28556901 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.12723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of state-level dependent coverage expansion (DCE) with and without other state health reforms on exit from dependent coverage for adolescents and young adults (AYA). DATA SOURCES Administrative longitudinal data for 131,542 privately insured AYA in Massachusetts (DCE with other reforms) versus Maine and New Hampshire (DCE without other reforms) across three periods: prereform (1/00-12/06), poststate reform (1/07-9/10), and postfederal reform (10/10-12/12). STUDY DESIGN A difference-in-differences estimator was used to determine the rate of exit from dependent coverage, age at exit from dependent coverage, and re-uptake of dependent coverage among AYA in states with comprehensive reforms versus DCE only. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Implementation of DCE with other reforms was significantly associated with a 23 percent reduction in exit from dependent coverage among AYA compared to the reduction observed for DCE alone. Additionally, comprehensive reforms were associated with over two additional years of dependent coverage for the average AYA and a 33 percent increase in the odds of regaining dependent coverage after a prior loss. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that an individual mandate and other reforms may enhance the effect of DCE in preventing loss of coverage among AYA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Wisk
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jonathan A Finkelstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA.,Center for Healthcare Research in Pediatrics (CHeRP), Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Sara L Toomey
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Gregory S Sawicki
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA.,Division of Respiratory Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Mark A Schuster
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Alison A Galbraith
- Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA.,Center for Healthcare Research in Pediatrics (CHeRP), Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
The Association Between Medicaid Coverage for Children and Parents Persists: 2002-2010. Matern Child Health J 2016; 19:1766-74. [PMID: 25874876 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-015-1690-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
To assess the association between a child's and their parent's public health insurance status during a time when children had access to coverage independent of policies that impacted adults' access. Secondary data from the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) [Oregon's Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Programs] for families with at least one parent and one child with OHP coverage at any time during the study period (2002-2010). We linked children to their parents in the OHP data set and examined longitudinal associations between the coverage patterns for children and their parents, controlling for several demographic and economic confounders. We tested for differences in the strength of associations in monthly coverage status in five time periods throughout the nine-year study period. The odds of a child being insured by the OHP in months in which at least one parent had OHP coverage were significantly higher than among children whose parents were not enrolled at that time. Children with at least one parent who maintained or gained OHP coverage in a given month had a much higher probability of being enrolled in the OHP in that month, compared to children who had no covered parents in the given month or the month prior. Despite implementation of policies that differentially affected eligibility requirements for children and adults, strong associations persisted between coverage continuity for parents and children enrolled in Oregon public health insurance programs.
Collapse
|
11
|
Hatch B, Bailey SR, Cowburn S, Marino M, Angier H, DeVoe JE. Community Health Center Utilization Following the 2008 Medicaid Expansion in Oregon: Implications for the Affordable Care Act. Am J Public Health 2016; 106:645-50. [PMID: 26890164 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2016.303060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess longitudinal patterns of community health center (CHC) utilization and the effect of insurance discontinuity after Oregon's 2008 Medicaid expansion (the Oregon Experiment). METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study with electronic health records and Medicaid data. We divided individuals who gained Medicaid in the Oregon Experiment into those who maintained (n = 788) or lost (n = 944) insurance coverage. We compared these groups with continuously insured (n = 921) and continuously uninsured (n = 5416) reference groups for community health center utilization rates over a 36-month period. RESULTS Both newly insured groups increased utilization in the first 6 months. After 6 months, use among those who maintained coverage stabilized at a level consistent with the continuously insured, whereas it returned to baseline for those who lost coverage. CONCLUSIONS Individuals who maintained coverage through Oregon's Medicaid expansion increased long-term utilization of CHCs, whereas those with unstable coverage did not. POLICY IMPLICATIONS This study predicts long-term increase in CHC utilization following Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion and emphasizes the need for policies that support insurance retention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brigit Hatch
- Brigit Hatch, Steffani R. Bailey, Miguel Marino, Heather Angier, and Jennifer E. DeVoe are with Oregon Health and Science University, Portland. Stuart Cowburn and Jennifer E. DeVoe are with OCHIN, Portland
| | - Steffani R Bailey
- Brigit Hatch, Steffani R. Bailey, Miguel Marino, Heather Angier, and Jennifer E. DeVoe are with Oregon Health and Science University, Portland. Stuart Cowburn and Jennifer E. DeVoe are with OCHIN, Portland
| | - Stuart Cowburn
- Brigit Hatch, Steffani R. Bailey, Miguel Marino, Heather Angier, and Jennifer E. DeVoe are with Oregon Health and Science University, Portland. Stuart Cowburn and Jennifer E. DeVoe are with OCHIN, Portland
| | - Miguel Marino
- Brigit Hatch, Steffani R. Bailey, Miguel Marino, Heather Angier, and Jennifer E. DeVoe are with Oregon Health and Science University, Portland. Stuart Cowburn and Jennifer E. DeVoe are with OCHIN, Portland
| | - Heather Angier
- Brigit Hatch, Steffani R. Bailey, Miguel Marino, Heather Angier, and Jennifer E. DeVoe are with Oregon Health and Science University, Portland. Stuart Cowburn and Jennifer E. DeVoe are with OCHIN, Portland
| | - Jennifer E DeVoe
- Brigit Hatch, Steffani R. Bailey, Miguel Marino, Heather Angier, and Jennifer E. DeVoe are with Oregon Health and Science University, Portland. Stuart Cowburn and Jennifer E. DeVoe are with OCHIN, Portland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Smits-Seemann RR, Kaul S, Hersh AO, Fluchel MN, Boucher KM, Kirchhoff AC, Smits-Seemann RR, Kaul S, Hersh AO, Fluchel MN, Boucher KM, Kirchhoff AC. ReCAP: Gaps in Insurance Coverage for Pediatric Patients With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. J Oncol Pract 2016; 12:175-6; e207-14. [DOI: 10.1200/jop.2015.005686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
QUESTION ASKED: We sought to determine the likelihood that pediatric and adolescent acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients experience a gap in health insurance coverage in the first 2 years of therapy. SUMMARY ANSWER: We found that 12% of patients with ALL in our sample who had insurance at diagnosis experienced a gap in insurance coverage during the first 2 years of therapy; that is, they had one or more clinic encounter at which they did not have insurance. Patients with public insurance at diagnosis were more likely to experience an insurance gap than those with private insurance at diagnosis, and those diagnosed in more recent years were less likely to experience a gap. METHODS/APPROACH: We determined insurance status at all clinic encounters at a tertiary children’s hospital within 2 years of diagnosis for patients diagnosed with ALL between 1998 and 2010, and calculated the odds of a gap occurring on the basis of demographic and diagnostic variables. BIAS, CONFOUNDING FACTOR(S), DRAWBACKS: Our assessment is from years before the roll-out of key Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act provisions, which should improve insurance coverage for pediatric and adolescent patients with ALL. In addition, we lacked information on patient or caregiver socioeconomic status, which may be important for explaining insurance gaps. Finally, our assessment is based on a single institution. REAL-LIFE IMPLICATIONS: Gaps in health insurance may exacerbate the financial and emotional burden associated with pediatric and adolescent cancer. Understanding the likelihood that these gaps will occur, as well as predictors of insurance gaps, will allow social workers and other providers to help families manage anticipated changes in insurance, with the goal of reducing unnecessary burden. [Figure: see text]
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rochelle R. Smits-Seemann
- University of Utah; Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah; and Primary Children’s Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Sapna Kaul
- University of Utah; Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah; and Primary Children’s Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Aimee O. Hersh
- University of Utah; Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah; and Primary Children’s Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Mark N. Fluchel
- University of Utah; Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah; and Primary Children’s Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Kenneth M. Boucher
- University of Utah; Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah; and Primary Children’s Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Anne C. Kirchhoff
- University of Utah; Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah; and Primary Children’s Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Rochelle R. Smits-Seemann
- University of Utah; Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah; and Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Sapna Kaul
- University of Utah; Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah; and Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Aimee O. Hersh
- University of Utah; Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah; and Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Mark N. Fluchel
- University of Utah; Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah; and Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Kenneth M. Boucher
- University of Utah; Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah; and Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Anne C. Kirchhoff
- University of Utah; Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah; and Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hatch B, Tillotson C, Angier H, Marino M, Hoopes M, Huguet N, DeVoe J. Using the electronic health record for assessment of health insurance in community health centers. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2016; 23:984-90. [PMID: 26911812 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocv179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To demonstrate use of the electronic health record (EHR) for health insurance surveillance and identify factors associated with lack of coverage. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using EHR data, we conducted a retrospective, longitudinal cohort study of adult patients (n = 279 654) within a national network of community health centers during a 2-year period (2012-2013). RESULTS Factors associated with higher odds of being uninsured (vs Medicaid-insured) included: male gender, age >25 years, Hispanic ethnicity, income above the federal poverty level, and rural residence (P < .01 for all). Among patients with no insurance at their initial visit (n = 114 000), 50% remained uninsured for every subsequent visit. DISCUSSION During the 2 years prior to 2014, many patients utilizing community health centers were unable to maintain stable health insurance coverage. CONCLUSION As patients gain access to health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, the EHR provides a novel approach to help track coverage and support vulnerable patients in gaining and maintaining coverage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brigit Hatch
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland Oregon, USA
| | - Carrie Tillotson
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland Oregon, USA
| | - Heather Angier
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland Oregon, USA
| | - Miguel Marino
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland Oregon, USA
| | - Megan Hoopes
- OCHIN, Inc, Research Division, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Nathalie Huguet
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland Oregon, USA
| | - Jennifer DeVoe
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland Oregon, USA OCHIN, Inc, Research Division, Portland, Oregon, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
DeVoe JE, Tillotson CJ, Angier H, Wallace LS. Predictors of children's health insurance coverage discontinuity in 1998 versus 2009: parental coverage continuity plays a major role. Matern Child Health J 2015; 19:889-96. [PMID: 25070735 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-014-1590-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
To identify predictors of coverage continuity for United States children and assess how they have changed in the first 12 years since implementation of the Children's Health Insurance Program in 1997. Using data from the nationally-representative Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, we used logistic regression to identify predictors of discontinuity in 1998 and 2009 and compared differences between the 2 years. Having parents without continuous coverage was the greatest predictor of a child's coverage gap in both 1998 and 2009. Compared to children with at least one parent continuously covered, children whose parents did not have continuous coverage had a significantly higher relative risk (RR) of a coverage gap [RR 17.96, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 14.48-22.29 in 1998; RR 12.88, 95 % CI 10.41-15.93 in 2009]. In adjusted models, parental continuous coverage was the only significant predictor of discontinuous coverage for children (with one exception in 2009). The magnitude of the pattern was higher for privately-insured children [adjusted relative risk (aRR) 29.17, 95 % CI 20.99-40.53 in 1998; aRR 25.54, 95 % CI 19.41-33.61 in 2009] than publicly-insured children (aRR 5.72, 95 % CI 4.06-8.06 in 1998; aRR 4.53, 95 % CI 3.40-6.04 in 2009). Parental coverage continuity has a major influence on children's coverage continuity; this association remained even after public health insurance expansions for children. The Affordable Care Act will increase coverage for many adults; however, 'churning' on and off programs due to income fluctuations could result in coverage discontinuities for parents. If parental coverage instability persists, these discontinuities may continue to have a negative impact on children's coverage stability as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E DeVoe
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Mailcode FM, Portland, OR, 97239, USA,
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Angier H, Marino M, Sumic A, O'Malley J, Likumahuwa-Ackman S, Hoopes M, Nelson C, Gold R, Cohen D, Dickerson K, DeVoe JE. Innovative methods for parents and clinics to create tools for kids' care (IMPACCT Kids' Care) study protocol. Contemp Clin Trials 2015; 44:159-163. [PMID: 26291916 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2015.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite expansions in public health insurance, many children remain uninsured or experience gaps in coverage. Community health centers (CHCs) provide primary care to many children at risk for uninsurance and are well-positioned to help families obtain and retain children's coverage. Recent advances in health information technology (HIT) capabilities provide the means to create tools that could enhance CHCs' insurance outreach efforts. OBJECTIVE To present the study design, baseline patient characteristics, variables, and statistical methods for the Innovative Methods for Parents And Clinics to Create Tools for Kids' Care (IMPACCT Kids' Care) study. METHODS/DESIGN In this mixed methods study, we will design, test and refine health insurance outreach HIT tools through a user-centered process. We will then implement the tools in four CHCs and evaluate their effectiveness and barriers and facilitators to their implementation. To measure effectiveness, we will quantitatively assess health insurance coverage continuity and utilization of healthcare services for pediatric patients in intervention CHCs compared to matched control sites using electronic health record (EHR) and Oregon Medicaid administrative data over 18months pre- and 18months post-implementation (n=34,867 children). We will also qualitatively assess the implementation process to understand how the tools fit into the clinics' workflows and the CHC staff experiences with the tools. CONCLUSIONS This study creates, implements, and evaluates health insurance outreach HIT tools. The use of such tools will likely improve care delivery and health outcomes, reduce healthcare disparities for vulnerable populations, and enhance overall healthcare system performance. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02298361.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rachel Gold
- OCHIN, Inc., USA; Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
DeVoe JE, Marino M, Angier H, O’Malley JP, Crawford C, Nelson C, Tillotson CJ, Bailey SR, Gallia C, Gold R. Effect of expanding medicaid for parents on children's health insurance coverage: lessons from the Oregon experiment. JAMA Pediatr 2015; 169:e143145. [PMID: 25561041 PMCID: PMC4918752 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2014.3145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE In the United States, health insurance is not universal. Observational studies show an association between uninsured parents and children. This association persisted even after expansions in child-only public health insurance. Oregon's randomized Medicaid expansion for adults, known as the Oregon Experiment, created a rare opportunity to assess causality between parent and child coverage. OBJECTIVE To estimate the effect on a child's health insurance coverage status when (1) a parent randomly gains access to health insurance and (2) a parent obtains coverage. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Oregon Experiment randomized natural experiment assessing the results of Oregon's 2008 Medicaid expansion. We used generalized estimating equation models to examine the longitudinal effect of a parent randomly selected to apply for Medicaid on their child's Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage (intent-to-treat analyses). We used per-protocol analyses to understand the impact on children's coverage when a parent was randomly selected to apply for and obtained Medicaid. Participants included 14409 children aged 2 to 18 years whose parents participated in the Oregon Experiment. EXPOSURES For intent-to-treat analyses, the date a parent was selected to apply for Medicaid was considered the date the child was exposed to the intervention. In per-protocol analyses, exposure was defined as whether a selected parent obtained Medicaid. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Children's Medicaid or CHIP coverage, assessed monthly and in 6-month intervals relative to their parent's selection date. RESULTS In the immediate period after selection, children whose parents were selected to apply significantly increased from 3830 (61.4%) to 4152 (66.6%) compared with a nonsignificant change from 5049 (61.8%) to 5044 (61.7%) for children whose parents were not selected to apply. Children whose parents were randomly selected to apply for Medicaid had 18% higher odds of being covered in the first 6 months after parent's selection compared with children whose parents were not selected (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=1.18; 95% CI, 1.10-1.27). The effect remained significant during months 7 to 12 (AOR=1.11; 95% CI, 1.03-1.19); months 13 to 18 showed a positive but not significant effect (AOR=1.07; 95% CI, 0.99-1.14). Children whose parents were selected and obtained coverage had more than double the odds of having coverage compared with children whose parents were not selected and did not gain coverage (AOR=2.37; 95% CI, 2.14-2.64). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Children's odds of having Medicaid or CHIP coverage increased when their parents were randomly selected to apply for Medicaid. Children whose parents were selected and subsequently obtained coverage benefited most. This study demonstrates a causal link between parents' access to Medicaid coverage and their children's coverage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E. DeVoe
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland2OCHIN, Inc, Portland, Oregon
| | - Miguel Marino
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | - Heather Angier
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | - Jean P. O’Malley
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | - Courtney Crawford
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | | | - Carrie J. Tillotson
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | - Steffani R. Bailey
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | - Charles Gallia
- Office of Health Analytics, Oregon Health Authority, Portland
| | - Rachel Gold
- OCHIN, Inc, Portland, Oregon5Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, Oregon
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
DeVoe JE, Angier H, Burdick T, Gold R. Health information technology: an untapped resource to help keep patients insured. Ann Fam Med 2014; 12:568-72. [PMID: 25384821 PMCID: PMC4226780 DOI: 10.1370/afm.1721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent confluence of: (1) changing state and national insurance-related policies, and (2) the rapid growth in electronic health record (EHR) use, yields an unprecedented opportunity for patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs) and other primary care practices or care settings to use health information technology (HIT) and health information exchange (HIE) in novel ways to impact patient health. We propose that HIT is an untapped resource for supporting clinic-based efforts to help eligible patients obtain and maintain insurance coverage. This commentary presents a conceptual model and guiding principles for this idea. Additionally, it describes insurance support tools that could be used to conduct 'inreach' and 'outreach' with patients around health insurance, similar to how HIT is used to manage chronic disease and panels of patients, and to improve population health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E DeVoe
- Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon OCHIN, Inc., Portland, Oregon
| | - Heather Angier
- Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Tim Burdick
- Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon OCHIN, Inc., Portland, Oregon
| | - Rachel Gold
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Lee JY, Divaris K, DeWalt DA, Baker AD, Gizlice Z, Rozier RG, Vann WF. Caregivers' health literacy and gaps in children's Medicaid enrollment: findings from the Carolina Oral Health Literacy Study. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110178. [PMID: 25303271 PMCID: PMC4193870 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 09/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Recent evidence supports a link between caregivers’ health literacy and their children’s health and use of health services. Disruptions in children’s health insurance coverage have been linked to poor health care and outcomes. We examined young children’s Medicaid enrollment patterns in a well-characterized cohort of child/caregivers dyads and investigated the association of caregivers’ low health literacy with the incidence of enrollment gaps. Methods We relied upon Medicaid enrollment data for 1208 children (mean age = 19 months) enrolled in the Carolina Oral Health Literacy project during 2008–09. The median follow-up was 25 months. Health literacy was measured using the Newest Vital Sign (NVS). Analyses relied on descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate methods based on Poisson modeling. Findings One-third of children experienced one or more enrollment gaps; most were short in duration (median = 5 months). The risk of gaps was inversely associated with caregivers’ age, with a 2% relative risk decrease for each added year. Low health literacy was associated with a modestly elevated risk increase [Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) = 1.17 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88–1.57)] for enrollment disruptions; however, this estimate was substantially elevated among caregivers with less than a high school education [IRR = 1.52 (95% CI 0.99–2.35); homogeneity p<0.2]. Conclusions Our findings provide initial support for a possible role of caregivers’ health literacy as a determinant of children’s Medicaid enrollment gaps. Although the association between health literacy and enrollment gaps was not confirmed statistically, we found that it was markedly stronger among caregivers with low educational attainment. This population, as well as young caregivers, may be the most vulnerable to the negative effects of low health literacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Y. Lee
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- Department of Health Policy and Management, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Kimon Divaris
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Darren A. DeWalt
- School of Medicine and Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - A. Diane Baker
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Ziya Gizlice
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - R. Gary Rozier
- Department of Health Policy and Management, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - William F. Vann
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Insurance coverage and anticipatory guidance: are Hispanic children at a disadvantage? J Pediatr 2014; 165:866-9. [PMID: 25091259 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2014.06.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Revised: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We examined pediatric insurance status and receipt of weight-related anticipatory guidance in the 2008-2010 Medical Expenditures Panel Survey (n = 12,438). Hispanic children were more likely than white children to report diet and exercise counseling, regardless of insurance. Given the risks of overweight and obesity among Hispanic children, these findings are promising.
Collapse
|
20
|
DeVoe JE, Tillotson CJ, Angier H, Wallace LS. Recent health insurance trends for US families: children gain while parents lose. Matern Child Health J 2014; 18:1007-16. [PMID: 23817728 PMCID: PMC4918757 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-013-1329-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In the past decade, political and economic changes in the United States (US) have affected health insurance coverage for children and their parents. Most likely these policies have differentially affected coverage patterns for children (versus parents) and for low-income (versus high-income) families. We aimed to examine--qualitatively and quantitatively--the impact of changing health insurance coverage on US families. Primary data from interviews with Oregon families (2008-2010) were analyzed using an iterative process. Qualitative findings guided quantitative analyses of secondary data from the nationally-representative Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) (1998-2009); we used Joinpoint Regression to assess average annual percent changes (AAPC) in health insurance trends, examining child and parent status and type of coverage stratified by income. Interviewees reported that although children gained coverage, parents lost coverage. MEPS analyses confirmed this trend; the percentage of children uninsured all year decreased from 9.6 % in 1998 to 6.1 % in 2009; AAPC = -3.1 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] from -5.1 to -1.0), while the percentage of parents uninsured all year rose from 13.6 % in 1998 to 17.1 % in 2009, AAPC = 2.7 % (95 % CI 1.8-3.7). Low-income families experienced the most significant changes in coverage. Between 1998 and 2009, as US children gained health insurance, their parents lost coverage. Children's health is adversely affected when parents are uninsured. Investigation beyond children's coverage rates is needed to understand how health insurance policies and changing health insurance coverage trends are impacting children's health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E DeVoe
- Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA,
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Hatch B, Angier H, Marino M, Heintzman J, Nelson C, Gold R, Vakarcs T, DeVoe J. Using electronic health records to conduct children's health insurance surveillance. Pediatrics 2013; 132:e1584-91. [PMID: 24249814 PMCID: PMC4918749 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2013-1470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Health insurance options are changing. Electronic health record (EHR) databases present new opportunities for providers to track the insurance coverage status of their patients. This study demonstrates the use of EHR data for this purpose. METHODS Using EHR data from the OCHIN Network of community health centers, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of data from children presenting to a community health center in 2010-2011 (N = 185,959). We described coverage patterns for children, used generalized estimating equation logistic regression to compare uninsured children with those with insurance, and assessed insurance status at subsequent visits. RESULTS At their first visit during the study period, 21% of children had no insurance. Among children uninsured at a first visit, 30% were uninsured at all subsequent visits. In multivariable analyses (including gender, age, race, ethnicity, language, income, location, and type of clinic), we observed significant differences in the characteristics of children who were uninsured as compared with those with insurance coverage. For example, compared with white, non-Hispanic children, nonwhite and/or Hispanic children had lower odds of being uninsured than having Medicaid/Medicare (adjusted odds ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval: 0.71-0.75) but had higher odds of being uninsured than having commercial insurance (adjusted odds ratio, 1.50; 95% confidence interval: 1.44-1.56). CONCLUSIONS Nearly one-third of children uninsured at their first visit remained uninsured at all subsequent visits, which suggests a need for clinics to conduct insurance surveillance and develop mechanisms to assist patients with obtaining coverage. EHRs can facilitate insurance surveillance and inform interventions aimed at helping patients obtain and retain coverage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brigit Hatch
- Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, FM, Portland, Oregon 97239.
| | - Heather Angier
- Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Miguel Marino
- Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - John Heintzman
- Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | | | - Rachel Gold
- Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, Oregon
| | | | - Jennifer DeVoe
- Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon,Research, OCHIN, Inc, Portland, Oregon
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Guevara JP, Moon J, Hines EM, Fremont E, Wong A, Forrest CB, Silber JH, Pati S. Continuity of Public Insurance Coverage. Med Care Res Rev 2013; 71:115-37. [DOI: 10.1177/1077558713504245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Publicly financed insurance programs are tasked with maintaining coverage for eligible children, but published measures to assess coverage have not been evaluated. Therefore, we sought to identify and categorize measures of health insurance continuity for children and adolescents. We conducted a systematic review of Medline and HealthStar databases, review of reference lists of eligible articles, and contact with experts. We categorized measures into 8 domains based on a conceptual framework. We identified 147 measures from 84 eligible articles. Most measures evaluated the following domains: always insured (41%), repeatedly uninsured (36%), and transition out of coverage (29%), while fewer assessed single gap in coverage, always uninsured, transition into coverage, change in coverage, and eligibility. Only 18% of measures assessed associations between continuity of coverage and child and adolescent health outcomes. These results suggest that a number of measures of continuity of coverage exist, but few measures have assessed impact on outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeanhee Moon
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Ettya Fremont
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Angie Wong
- Stony Brook Long Island Children’s Hospital, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Susmita Pati
- Stony Brook Long Island Children’s Hospital, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Grant R, Gracy D, Goldsmith G, Shapiro A, Redlener IE. Twenty-five years of child and family homelessness: where are we now? Am J Public Health 2013; 103 Suppl 2:e1-10. [PMID: 24148055 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2013.301618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Family homelessness emerged as a major social and public health problem in the United States during the 1980s. We reviewed the literature, including journal articles, news stories, and government reports, that described conditions associated with family homelessness, the scope of the problem, and the health and mental health of homeless children and families. Much of this literature was published during the 1980s and 1990s. This raises questions about its continued applicability for the public health community. We concluded that descriptions of the economic conditions and public policies associated with family homelessness are still relevant; however, the homeless family population has changed over time. Family homelessness has become more prevalent and pervasive among poor and low-income families. We provide public health recommendations for these homeless families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roy Grant
- Roy Grant, Delaney Gracy, and Grifin Goldsmith are with Children's Health Fund, New York, NY. Alan Shapiro is with Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY. Irwin E. Redlener is with Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Does health insurance continuity among low-income adults impact their children's insurance coverage? Matern Child Health J 2013; 17:248-55. [PMID: 22359243 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-012-0968-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Parent's insurance coverage is associated with children's insurance status, but little is known about whether a parent's coverage continuity affects a child's coverage. This study assesses the association between an adult's insurance continuity and the coverage status of their children. We used data from a subgroup of participants in the Oregon Health Care Survey, a three-wave, 30-month prospective cohort study (n = 559). We examined the relationship between the length of time an adult had health insurance coverage and whether or not all children in the same household were insured at the end of the study. We used a series of univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to identify significant associations and the rho correlation coefficient to assess collinearity. A dose response relationship was observed between continuity of adult coverage and the odds that all children in the household were insured. Among adults with continuous coverage, 91.4% reported that all children were insured at the end of the study period, compared to 83.7% of adults insured for 19-27 months, 74.3% of adults insured for 10-18 months, and 70.8% of adults insured for fewer than 9 months. This stepwise pattern persisted in logistic regression models: adults with the fewest months of coverage, as compared to those continuously insured, reported the highest odds of having uninsured children (adjusted odds ratio 7.26, 95% confidence interval 2.75, 19.17). Parental health insurance continuity is integral to maintaining children's insurance coverage. Policies to promote continuous coverage for adults will indirectly benefit children.
Collapse
|
25
|
Percheski C, Bzostek S. Health insurance coverage within sibships: Prevalence of mixed coverage and associations with health care utilization. Soc Sci Med 2013; 90:1-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2013.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2012] [Revised: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
26
|
Devoe JE, Tillotson CJ, Wallace LS, Lesko SE, Angier H. The effects of health insurance and a usual source of care on a child's receipt of health care. J Pediatr Health Care 2012; 26:e25-35. [PMID: 22920780 PMCID: PMC3512198 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2011.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2010] [Revised: 01/13/2011] [Accepted: 01/18/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although recent health care reforms will expand insurance coverage for U.S. children, disparities regarding access to pediatric care persist, even among the insured. We investigated the separate and combined effects of having health insurance and a usual source of care (USC) on children's receipt of health care services. METHODS We conducted secondary analysis of the nationally representative 2002-2007 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data from children (≤ 18 years of age) who had at least one health care visit and needed any additional care, tests, or treatment in the preceding year (n = 20,817). RESULTS Approximately 88.1% of the study population had both a USC and insurance; 1.1% had neither one; 7.6% had a USC only, and 3.2% had insurance only. Children with both insurance and a USC had the fewest unmet needs. Among insured children, those with no USC had higher rates of unmet needs than did those with a USC. DISCUSSION Expansions in health insurance are essential; however, it is also important for every child to have a USC. New models of practice could help to concurrently achieve these goals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Devoe
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We aimed to demonstrate the application of national pediatric quality measures, derived from claims-based data, for use with electronic medical record data, and determine the extent to which rates differ if specifications were modified to allow for flexibility in measuring receipt of care. METHODS We reviewed electronic medical record data for all patients up to 15 years of age with ≥1 office visit to a safety net family medicine clinic in 2010 (n = 1544). We assessed rates of appropriate well-child visits, immunizations, and body mass index (BMI) documentation, defined strictly by national guidelines versus by guidelines with clinically relevant modifications. RESULTS Among children aged <3 years, 52.4% attended ≥6 well-child visits by the age of 15 months; 60.8% had ≥6 visits by age 2 years. Less than 10% completed 10 vaccination series before their second birthday; with modifications, 36% were up to date. Among children aged 3 to 15 years, 63% had a BMI percentile recorded; 91% had BMI recorded within 36 months of the measurement year. CONCLUSIONS Applying relevant modifications to national quality measure definitions captured a substantial number of additional services. Strict adherence to measure definitions might miss the true quality of care provided, especially among populations that may have sporadic patterns of care utilization.
Collapse
|
28
|
DeCamp LR, Bundy DG. Generational status, health insurance, and public benefit participation among low-income Latino children. Matern Child Health J 2012; 16:735-43. [PMID: 21505783 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-011-0779-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to (1) measure health insurance coverage and continuity across generational subgroups of Latino children, and (2) determine if participation in public benefit programs is associated with increased health insurance coverage and continuity. We analyzed data on 25,388 children income-eligible for public insurance from the 2003 to 2004 National Survey of Children's Health and stratified Latinos by generational status. First- and second-generation Latino children were more likely to be uninsured (58 and 19%, respectively) than third-generation children (9.5%). Second-generation Latino children were similarly likely to be currently insured by public insurance as third-generation children (61 and 62%, respectively), but less likely to have private insurance (19 and 29%, respectively). Second-generation Latino children were slightly more likely than third-generation children to have discontinuous insurance during the year (19 and 15%, respectively). Compared with children in families where English was the primary home language, children in families where English was not the primary home language had higher odds of being uninsured versus having continuous insurance coverage (OR: 2.19; 95% CI [1.33-3.62]). Among second-generation Latino children, participation in the Food Stamp (OR 0.26; 95% CI [0.14-0.48]) or Women, Infants, and Children (OR 0.40; 95% CI [0.25-0.66]) programs was associated with reduced odds of being uninsured. Insurance disparities are concentrated among first- and second-generation Latino children. For second-generation Latino children, connection to other public benefit programs may promote enrollment in public insurance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Ross DeCamp
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholars Program, Center for Child and Community Health Research, University of Michigan, Mason F Lord Bldg, Ste. 4200, 5200 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Gold R, Angier H, Mangione-Smith R, Gallia C, McIntire PJ, Cowburn S, Tillotson C, DeVoe JE. Feasibility of evaluating the CHIPRA care quality measures in electronic health record data. Pediatrics 2012; 130:139-49. [PMID: 22711724 PMCID: PMC3382922 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2011-3705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA) includes provisions for identifying standardized pediatric care quality measures. These 24 "CHIPRA measures" were designed to be evaluated by using claims data from health insurance plan populations. Such data have limited ability to evaluate population health, especially among uninsured people. The rapid expansion of data from electronic health records (EHRs) may help address this limitation by augmenting claims data in care quality assessments. We outline how to operationalize many of the CHIPRA measures for application in EHR data through a case study of a network of >40 outpatient community health centers in 2009-2010 with a single EHR. We assess the differences seen when applying the original claims-based versus adapted EHR-based specifications, using 2 CHIPRA measures (Chlamydia screening among sexually active female patients; BMI percentile documentation) as examples. Sixteen of the original CHIPRA measures could feasibly be evaluated in this dataset. Three main adaptations were necessary (specifying a visit-based population denominator, calculating some pregnancy-related factors by using EHR data, substituting for medication dispense data). Although it is feasible to adapt many of the CHIPRA measures for use in outpatient EHR data, information is gained and lost depending on how numerators and denominators are specified. We suggest first steps toward application of the CHIPRA measures in uninsured populations, and in EHR data. The results highlight the importance of considering the limitations of the original CHIPRA measures in care quality evaluations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Gold
- aKaiser Permanente Northwest Center for Health Research, Portland, Oregon, USA.
| | | | | | - Charles Gallia
- Oregon Division of Medical Assistance Programs, Portland, Oregon; and
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
DeVoe JE, Tillotson CJ, Wallace LS, Lesko SE, Pandhi N. Is health insurance enough? A usual source of care may be more important to ensure a child receives preventive health counseling. Matern Child Health J 2012; 16:306-15. [PMID: 21373938 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-011-0762-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite the promise of expanded health insurance coverage for children in the United States, a usual source of care (USC) may have a bigger impact on a child's receipt of preventive health counseling. We examined the effects of insurance versus USC on receipt of education and counseling regarding prevention of childhood injuries and disease. We conducted secondary analyses of 2002-2006 data from a nationally-representative sample of child participants (≤17 years) in the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (n = 49,947). Children with both insurance and a USC had the lowest rates of missed counseling, and children with neither one had the highest rates. Children with only insurance were more likely than those with only a USC to have never received preventive health counseling from a health care provider regarding healthy eating (aRR 1.21, 95% CI 1.12-1.31); regular exercise (aRR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.12), use of car safety devices (aRR 1.10, 95% CI 1.03-1.17), use of bicycle helmets (aRR 1.11, 95% CI 1.05-1.18), and risks of second hand smoke exposure (aRR 1.12, 95% CI 1.04-1.20). A USC may play an equally or more important role than insurance in improving access to health education and counseling for children. To better meet preventive counseling needs of children, a robust primary care workforce and improved delivery of care in medical homes must accompany expansions in insurance coverage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E DeVoe
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Hill HD, Shaefer HL. Covered today, sick tomorrow? Trends and correlates of children's health insurance instability. Med Care Res Rev 2012; 68:523-36. [PMID: 21903663 DOI: 10.1177/1077558711398877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Many children with health insurance will experience gaps in coverage over time, potentially reducing their access to and use of preventive health care services. This article uses the Survey of Income and Program Participation to examine how the stability of children's health insurance changed between 1990 and 2005 and to identify dynamic aspects of family life associated with transitions in coverage. Children's health insurance instability has increased since the early 1990s, due to greater movement between insured and uninsured states and between private and public insurance coverage. Changes in the employment and marital status of the family head are highly associated with an increased risk of a child losing and gaining public and private coverage, largely in hypothesized directions. The exception is that marital dissolution and job loss are associated with an increased probability of a child losing public insurance, despite there being no clear policy explanation for such a relationship.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather D Hill
- School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
DeVoe JE, Westfall N, Crocker S, Eigner D, Selph S, Bunce A, Wallace L. Why do some eligible families forego public insurance for their children? A qualitative analysis. Fam Med 2012; 44:39-46. [PMID: 22241340 PMCID: PMC4407493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Central to health insurance reform discussions was the recurring question: why are eligible children not enrolled in public insurance programs? We interviewed families with children eligible for public insurance to (1) learn how they view available services and (2) understand their experiences accessing care. METHODS Semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 24 parents of children eligible for public coverage but not continuously enrolled were conducted. We used a standard iterative process to identify themes, followed by immersion/crystallization techniques to reflect on the findings. RESULTS Respondents identified four barriers: (1) confusion about insurance eligibility and enrollment, (2) difficulties obtaining public coverage and/or services, (3) limited provider availability, and (4) non-covered services and/or coverage gaps. Regardless of whether families had overcome these barriers, all had experienced stigma associated with needing and using public assistance. There was not just one point in the process where families felt stigmatized. It was, rather, a continual process of stigmatization. We present a theoretical framework that outlines how families continually experience stigma when navigating complex systems to obtain care: when they qualify for public assistance, apply for assistance, accept the assistance, and use the public benefit. This framework is accompanied by four illustrative archetypes. CONCLUSIONS This study provides further insight into why some families forego available public services. It suggests the need for a multi-pronged approach to improving access to health care for vulnerable children, which may require going beyond incremental changes within the current system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E DeVoe
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
DeVoe JE, Tillotson CJ, Lesko SE, Wallace LS, Angier H. The case for synergy between a usual source of care and health insurance coverage. J Gen Intern Med 2011; 26:1059-66. [PMID: 21409476 PMCID: PMC3157522 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-011-1666-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2010] [Revised: 01/10/2011] [Accepted: 02/09/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2010, the United States (US) passed health insurance reforms aimed at expanding coverage to the uninsured. Yet, disparities persist in access to health care services, even among the insured. OBJECTIVE To examine the separate and combined association between having health insurance and/or a usual source of care (USC) and self-reported receipt of health care services. DESIGN/SETTING Two-tailed, chi-square analyses and logistic regression models were used to analyze nationally representative pooled 2002-2007 data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). PARTICIPANTS US adults (≥18 years of age) in the MEPS population who had at least one health care visit and who needed any care, tests, or treatment in the past year (n = 62,067). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We assessed the likelihood of an adult reporting unmet medical needs; unmet prescription needs; a problem getting care, tests, or treatment; and delayed care based on whether each individual had health insurance, a USC, both, or neither one. KEY RESULTS Among adults who reported a doctor visit and a need for services in the past year, having both health insurance and a USC was associated with the lowest percentage of unmet medical needs, problems and delays in getting care while having neither one was associated with the highest unmet medical needs, problems and delays in care. After adjusting for potentially confounding covariates (age, race, ethnicity, employment, geographic residence, education, household income as a percent of federal poverty level, health status, and marital status), compared with insured adults who also had a USC, insured adults without a USC were more likely to have problems getting care, tests or treatment (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-1.37); and also had a higher likelihood of experiencing a delay in urgent care (aRR 1.12; 95% CI 1.05-1.20). CONCLUSIONS Amidst ongoing health care reform, these findings suggest the important role that both health insurance coverage and a usual source of care may play in facilitating individuals' access to care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E DeVoe
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Insurance coverage gaps among US children with insured parents: are middle income children more likely to have longer gaps? Matern Child Health J 2011; 15:342-51. [PMID: 20195722 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-010-0584-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Millions of US children have unstable health insurance coverage. Some of these uninsured children have parents with stable coverage. We examined whether household income was associated with longer coverage gaps among US children with at least one insured parent. A secondary data analysis of the nationally-representative 2004 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, this study uses logistic regression models to examine the association between income and children's insurance gaps. We focused on children with at least one parent insured all year (n = 6,151; estimated weighted N = 53.5 million). In multivariate models, children from families earning between 125 and 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL) had twice the odds of experiencing coverage gaps >6 months, as compared to those from high income families. Children in the poorest income groups (<125% FPL) did not have significantly greater odds of a gap >6 months. However, the odds of a gap ≤6 months were significantly greater for all income groups below 400% FPL, when compared to the highest income group. Among children with continuously insured parents, those from lower middle income families were most vulnerable to experiencing coverage gaps >6 months, as compared to those from the lowest and highest income families. These findings are likely due to middle class earnings being too high to qualify for public insurance but not high enough to afford private coverage. This study highlights the need for new US health care financing models that give everyone in the family the best chance to obtain stable coverage. It also provides valuable information to other countries with employer-sponsored insurance models or those considering privatization of insurance payment systems and how this might disproportionately impact the middle class.
Collapse
|
35
|
DeVoe JE, Ray M, Graham A. Public health insurance in Oregon: underenrollment of eligible children and parental confusion about children's enrollment status. Am J Public Health 2011; 101:891-8. [PMID: 21421944 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2010.196345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We identified characteristics of Oregon children who were eligible for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), the state's combined Medicaid-Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), but were not enrolled in January 2005. We also assessed whether parents' confusion regarding their children's status affected nonenrollment. METHODS We conducted cross-sectional analyses of linked statewide Food Stamp Program and OHP administrative databases (n = 10 175) and primary data from a statewide survey (n = 2681). RESULTS More than 20% of parents with children not administratively enrolled in OHP reported that their children were enrolled. Parents of 11.3% of children who were administratively enrolled reported that they were not. Eligible but unenrolled children had higher odds of being older, having higher family incomes, and having employed and uninsured parents. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal an important discrepancy between administrative data and parent-reported access to public health insurance. This discrepancy may stem from transient coverage or confusion among parents and may result in underutilization of health insurance for eligible children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E DeVoe
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, 97239, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
DeVoe JE, Ray M, Krois L, Carlson MJ. Uncertain health insurance coverage and unmet children's health care needs. Fam Med 2010; 42:121-132. [PMID: 20135570 PMCID: PMC4918751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) has improved insurance coverage rates. However, children's enrollment status in SCHIP frequently changes, which can leave families with uncertainty about their children's coverage status. We examined whether insurance uncertainty was associated with unmet health care needs. METHODS We compared self-reported survey data from 2,681 low-income Oregon families to state administrative data and identified children with uncertain coverage. We conducted cross-sectional multivariate analyses using a series of logistic regression models to test the association between uncertain coverage and unmet health care needs. RESULTS The health insurance status for 13.2% of children was uncertain. After adjustments, children in this uncertain "gray zone" had higher odds of reporting unmet medical (odds ratio [OR] =1.73; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.07, 2.79), dental (OR=2.41; 95% CI=1.63, 3.56), prescription (OR=1.64, 95% CI=1.08, 2,48), and counseling needs (OR=3.52; 95% CI=1.56, 7.98), when compared with publicly insured children whose parents were certain about their enrollment status. CONCLUSIONS Uncertain children's insurance coverage was associated with higher rates of unmet health care needs. Clinicians and educators can play a role in keeping patients out of insurance gray zones by (1) developing practice interventions to assist families in confirming enrollment and maintaining coverage and (2) advocating for policy changes that minimize insurance enrollment and retention barriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E DeVoe
- Oregon Health and Science University, Department of Family Medicine, 3181 Sam Jackson Park Road, Mailcode: FM, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
DeVoe JE, Tillotson CJ, Wallace LS. Children's receipt of health care services and family health insurance patterns. Ann Fam Med 2009; 7:406-13. [PMID: 19752468 PMCID: PMC2746508 DOI: 10.1370/afm.1040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Insured children in the United States have better access to health care services; less is known about how parental coverage affects children's access to care. We examined the association between parent-child health insurance coverage patterns and children's access to health care and preventive counseling services. METHODS We conducted secondary analyses of nationally representative, cross-sectional, pooled 2002-2006 data from children (n = 43,509), aged 2 to 17 years, in households responding to the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). We assessed 9 outcome measures pertaining to children's unmet health care and preventive counseling needs. RESULTS Cross-sectionally, among US children (aged 2 to 17 years) living with at least 1 parent, 73.6% were insured with insured parents, 8.0% were uninsured with uninsured parents, and the remaining 18.4% had discordant family insurance coverage patterns. In multivariable analyses, insured children with uninsured parents had higher odds of an insurance coverage gap (odds ratio [OR] = 2.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.02-2.97), no usual source of care (OR = 1.31; 95% CI, 1.10-1.56), unmet health care needs (OR = 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01-1.22), and having never received at least 1 preventive counseling service (OR = 1.20; 95% CI, 1.04-1.39) when compared with insured children with insured parents. Insured children with mixed parental insurance coverage had similar vulnerabilities. CONCLUSIONS Uninsured children had the highest rates of unmet needs overall, with fewer differences based on parental insurance status. For insured children, having uninsured parents was associated with higher odds of going without necessary services when compared with having insured parents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E DeVoe
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Leininger LJ. Medicaid expansions and the insurance coverage of poor teenagers. HEALTH CARE FINANCING REVIEW 2009; 31:23-34. [PMID: 20191755 PMCID: PMC4195066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
This article employs a comparison group research design to examine the effects of the Medicaid expansions of the late 1990s on the insurance coverage of poor teenagers. Results suggest that the expansions were associated with a decrease in the likelihood of poor teens experiencing uninsured spells over the course of a calendar year, as measured by spending any part of the prior year uninsured and spending over half of the prior year uninsured. While the expansions were successful in increasing coverage among poor adolescents, they fell far short of facilitating near-universal coverage for this population.
Collapse
|
39
|
DeVoe JE, Graham AS, Angier H, Baez A, Krois L. Obtaining health care services for low-income children: a hierarchy of needs. J Health Care Poor Underserved 2008; 19:1192-211. [PMID: 19029746 DOI: 10.1353/hpu.0.0080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Basic health care is beyond the reach of many families, partly due to lack of health insurance. Many of those with insurance also experience unmet need and limited access. In this study, low-income parents illuminate barriers to obtaining health care services for their children. METHODS We surveyed a random sample of families from Oregon's food stamp population with children eligible for public insurance, based on household income. Mixed-methods included: (1) multivariable analysis of data from 2,681 completed surveys, and (2) qualitative study of written narratives from 722 parents. RESULTS Lack of health insurance was the most consistent predictor of unmet health care needs in the quantitative analysis. Qualitatively, health insurance instability, lack of access to services despite having insurance, and unaffordable costs were major concerns. CONCLUSIONS Parents in this low-income population view insurance coverage as different from access to services, and reported a hierarchy of needs. Insurance was the primary concern; access and costs were secondary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E DeVoe
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Genel M, McCaffree MA, Hendricks K, Dennery PA, Hay WW, Stanton B, Szilagyi PG, Jenkins RR. A National Agenda for America's Children and Adolescents in 2008: recommendations from the 15th Annual Public Policy Plenary Symposium, annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies, May 3, 2008. Pediatrics 2008; 122:843-9. [PMID: 18829810 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2008-2143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Myron Genel
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|