Effect of Medicaid Expansion on ED Utilization

Despite predictions to the contrary, Medicaid expansion did not lead to significantly higher rates of emergency department use in most states.

In 2014, as part of the Affordable Care Act, some 17 million previously uninsured individuals acquired health insurance as a result of Medicaid expansion (as defined by expanded eligibility) in 28 states and the District of Columbia, and every state offered subsidized private health insurance to qualifying individuals through federal programs. To assess its effect, investigators evaluated emergency department (ED) utilization rates at 478 hospitals in 36 states (representing 35% of the U.S. population) during 2012–2014. They compared changes in the 19 states that expanded Medicare and the 17 states that did not.

Using a difference-in-difference analysis, the investigators found a significant impact of Medicaid expansion on payer mix during t…

Reviewing Author

Jennifer L. Wiler, MD, MBA, FACEP

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesColorado Medical Society (Member, Board of Directors)

Jennifer L. Wiler, MD, MBA, FACEP

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesColorado Medical Society (Member, Board of Directors)

Effect of Medicaid Expansion on ED Utilization

Topics

Reviewing Author