Massachusetts coverage expansion associated with reduction in primary care utilization among Medicare beneficiaries.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To examine whether expanding coverage for the nonelderly affects primary care utilization among Medicare beneficiaries.

Data source

Zip code-level files from Dartmouth Atlas for Massachusetts and surrounding states, including Medicare utilization for 2005 (pre expansion) and 2007 (post expansion), and health insurance coverage for 2005.

Study design

We use two zip code-level outcomes: arc percent change in primary care visits per Medicare beneficiary per year, and percentage point change in the share of beneficiaries with one or more primary care visits. We use a regression-based difference-in-difference analysis that compares Massachusetts with surrounding states, and zip codes with high, medium, and low uninsurance rates in 2005. The 2005 uninsurance rates

SUBMITTER: Bond AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3876406 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature