Health Care Utilization among Children Enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP via Express Lane Eligibility

作者：Colby Margaret^*; Natzke Brenda

来源：Health Services Research, 2015, 50(3): 642-662.

DOI：10.1111/1475-6773.12241

• Medicaid
• health care utilization
• express lane eligibility
• enrollment simplification

ObjectiveTo assess health care utilization among children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP via Express Lane Eligibility (ELE).
Data Sources/Study SettingEnrollment, claims, and encounter data for children enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP in Alabama, Iowa, Louisiana, and New Jersey during 2009-2012.
Study DesignWe compared health care utilization among children enrolled via ELE and nondisabled children who enrolled through standard pathways in each state. We used a two-step estimation approach, examining the likelihood of utilization and then the volume and cost of services among users. Regression adjustment corrected for demographic differences.
Principal FindingsMost ELE and comparison group children used services within a year of enrollment and accessed a variety of services, including outpatient care, prescription drugs, and dental and vision care. ELE enrollees were somewhat less likely to use each service type, and those who used services often did so less intensively compared to other enrollees in their state.
ConclusionsHealth care use patterns suggest that ELE enrollees are aware of their coverage; enrollees accessed and repeatedly used services covered by public health insurance. However, states considering this policy may expect that remaining eligible but uninsured children may be less expensive to cover than existing beneficiaries.

• 出版日期2015-6