Medical Costs of Children's Food Allergies Differ by Family Income

Among children with food allergies, lower income was associated with higher emergency department and hospitalization costs, but with lower specialist costs and out-of-pocket medication spending.

Prevention and treatment of food allergy complications in children results in significant medical and nonmedical costs for the healthcare system and families. A family's socioeconomic status may affect its ability to access needed care and avoid hospitalization.

In a cross-sectional study of 1643 children with food allergies, researchers surveyed families about healthcare utilization (outpatient and emergency department [ED] visits, hospitalizations) and out-of-pocket costs (medications, special foods, travel) related to food allergy. Direct and out-of-pocket costs were analyzed by annual household income level (<$50,000, $50,000–$100,000, >$100,000) and race/ethnicity. Forty-two percent of families were in the lowest income group; 74% were …

Reviewing Author

John D. Cowden, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

John D. Cowden, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Medical Costs of Children's Food Allergies Differ by Family Income

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Reviewing Author