Introduction
A recent study by the Urban Institute, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, reveals a significant decline in the number of adults delaying necessary medical care due to cost from 2019 to 2022. This reduction highlights the positive impact of pandemic-era policies on healthcare accessibility and affordability.
Impact of Pandemic Policies on Medical Care
Reduction in Skipped Medical Care
The study found that nearly 5 million fewer non-elderly Americans skipped necessary medical care from 2019 to 2022. The percentage of adults foregoing care due to cost decreased from 12.1% to 9.7%, a notable improvement indicating enhanced healthcare access.
Influence of Medicaid and Tax Credits
Researchers attribute this improvement to key policy changes during the pandemic, particularly the Medicaid continuous coverage requirements and enhanced tax credits. These measures provided a safety net for millions, ensuring continuous healthcare coverage even during economic uncertainties.
Insurance Coverage Improvements
Decrease in Uninsured Adults
The share of uninsured adults fell from 14.5% to 12.4% during the study period. This decline is a testament to the effectiveness of policies aimed at expanding health insurance coverage and making it more affordable for the population.
Role of Medicaid Expansion
States that expanded Medicaid between 2019 and 2022 saw the largest declines in uninsurance rates and the most significant increases in full-year coverage. Seven states adopted Medicaid expansion during this period, contributing to these positive outcomes.
Implications of Policy Changes
Medicaid Continuous Coverage Requirement
Michael Karpman, principal research associate at the Urban Institute, emphasizes the importance of the Medicaid continuous coverage requirement. This policy, along with enhanced Marketplace subsidies, played a crucial role in improving health insurance coverage and healthcare access.
Enhanced Marketplace Subsidies
Enhanced subsidies, extended through 2025 under the Inflation Reduction Act, are associated with increased marketplace enrollment. These subsidies have made health insurance more affordable, particularly for low-income families, reducing financial barriers to care.
Future Recommendations
Expanding Medicaid
The study suggests that further Medicaid expansion could continue to improve uninsurance rates. Expanding Medicaid would provide coverage to more low-income individuals, ensuring they have access to necessary medical care without the burden of high costs.
Postpartum Coverage
Improving pregnancy-related coverage for 12 months postpartum is another recommendation. This policy could significantly enhance healthcare access for new mothers, reducing uninsurance rates and ensuring continuous care during a critical period.
Conclusion
The study by the Urban Institute underscores the success of pandemic-era policies in reducing the number of adults skipping medical care due to cost. These policies have led to significant improvements in health insurance coverage and healthcare access, particularly for low-income families. However, the future of these gains depends on the continuation and expansion of such policies.
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FAQs
Q1: What was the main finding of the Urban Institute study?
A1: The study found that nearly 5 million fewer non-elderly Americans skipped necessary medical care due to cost from 2019 to 2022.
Q2: Which policies contributed to the reduction in skipped medical care?
A2: The Medicaid continuous coverage requirements and enhanced tax credits were key policies that contributed to this improvement.
Q3: How did the uninsured rate change between 2019 and 2022?
A3: The share of uninsured adults fell from 14.5% to 12.4% during this period.
Q4: What are the future recommendations from the study?
A4: The study recommends further expanding Medicaid and improving pregnancy-related coverage for 12 months postpartum to continue reducing uninsurance rates.
Q5: What is the impact of enhanced Marketplace subsidies?
A5: Enhanced Marketplace subsidies, extended through 2025, have made health insurance more affordable and increased marketplace enrollment.
