There has been growing public attention to the dramatic reduction in Medicaid enrollment that is widely believed to be an unintended consequence of welfare reform. Yet we know almost nothing about the health and economic impact of this trend. The first objective of this research was to estimate the impact of the recent trend of Medicaid disenrollment in New York City on health, as measured by the rate of selected Ambulatory Care Sensitive (ACS) hospitalizations among adults and children. ACS hospitalizations represent in-patient stays that potentially can be prevented with effective and timely primary care. The second objective of this research was to quantify some of the economic costs associated with ACS hospitalizations that are linked to Medicaid disenrollment.
Data used in the study came from the Statistical Planning and Area-wide Research Council (SPARCS), Medicaid enrollment data from the Department of Social Services, and Census data. To estimate the impact of Medicaid disenrollment on ACS hospitalizations, we aggregated all data to the zip code area level and implemented longitudinal regression methods that controlled for a range of other factors that affect ACS hospitalization rates cross-sectionally and over time. Preliminary results suggest that despite an overall decline in hospitalization rates in New York City, the rate of ACS hospitalizations has increased. Session participants will learn how quantifying the unintended consequences of welfare reform may help shape local and national public policy debates over Medicaid and social welfare programs.
Learning Objectives: Session participants will learn how quantifying the unintended consequences of welfare reform may help shape local and national public policy debates over Medicaid and social welfare programs
Keywords: Medicaid, Welfare Reform
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.