Access Type
Open Access Dissertation
Date of Award
January 2019
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Department
Economics
First Advisor
GAIL JENSEN SUMMERS
Abstract
Introduction: The objective of this study is to compare the performance of Medicaid health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and fee-for-service (FFS) Medicaid regarding the prevalence of potentially preventable hospitalizations and emergency room (ER) visits, a recognized measure of outpatient care quality.
Methods: Nationally representative data on non-institutionalized Medicaid recipients, ages 18-64, from the 2003-2012 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Separate analyses are conducted for recipients insured through both Medicaid and Medicare (“dual eligibles”) and recipients whose only health insurance is Medicaid (“non-duals”). In each group the occurrence of potentially preventable hospital use is measured, and then survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression models are fit to quantify the relationship between Medicaid HMO status and the occurrence of such stays. The possibility of selection bias into HMOs is considered and explicitly addressed in model estimation using propensity score methods.
Results: Adjusting for covariates and confounders dual eligibles are more likely to have a potentially preventable hospitalization relative to those covered under FFS Medicaid (survey weighted logit model OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 0.95-2.97; propensity score weighted logit model OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.05-3.19). In contrast, the odds ratios did not differ among non-duals in Medicaid HMOs versus FFS Medicaid. Furthermore, no significant differences exist in the patterns of ER use (any or avoidable) between Medicaid HMO and Medicaid FFS enrollees for both duals and non-duals
Conclusion: These findings suggest that, at least for dual eligibles, the quality of outpatient care in Medicaid HMOs may be worse than under FFS Medicaid. Better and more streamlined clinical preventive approaches for this high risk and vulnerable population might be required in Medicaid HMOs.
Recommended Citation
Toseef, Mohammad Usama, "Medicaid Managed Care And Its Impact On Potentially Preventable Hospital Utilization (inpatient And Emergency Room Visits)" (2019). Wayne State University Dissertations. 2247.
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/oa_dissertations/2247