New Missouri Foundation for Health study reveals
While two studies analyzing the cost of uncompensated health care for the uninsured in Missouri came up with different figures, they both conclude that the price tag is astronomical.
Two different sets of data were used for the Missouri Foundation for Health “Cover Missouri Project: Data Book 2” study including household data on health care expenditures and from health care providers and pubic programs data.
Uncompensated care cost estimates come to $666 million, according to the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, which is based on provider and program data.
The estimate of public sector revenue available to support uncompensated care to the uninsured is between $723 million and $898 million, “with the lower estimate likely being closer to the amount which reaches uncompensated care providers.”
About 76 percent of that $726 million comes from the federal government.
MFH examined the “Cost Access and Utilization of Medicaid” earlier this year, as well. This program provides health and long-term care services to low-income Missouri residents who might otherwise be uninsured. The in-depth report compares individuals covered by Medicaid with those covered by private insurance, and those who have no health insurance.
The report concluded that Medicaid beneficiaries fare better than the uninsured when it comes to access and utilization of healthcare and that expenditures are less.
Other key findings included:
* Medicaid spending levels, on a per person basis, are less than those with private insurance when the poorer health and disability status of the Medicaid population is taken into account.
* Medicaid spending on optional services, on a per person basis, is lower than under private insurance.
* The growth in Medicaid spending, per person, has been slower than the private sector growth.
* Children on Medicaid fare better than children with private insurance on many measures of access and utilization of healthcare services.
* Expansion of Medicaid coverage improves access and utilization of health services for children.
The real health cost
In February, MFH released the first of 13 reports on health care in Missouri. The “Consequences of the Lack of Health Insurance on Health and Earnings” report revealed that the uninsured:
* Are more likely to die from a heart attack or breast cancer, as well as other diseases.
* Enter the health care system in poorer health, since they tend to postpone seeking medical care because of cost and lack of access to preventative screenings.
* Receive less care for serious illnesses because they cannot afford surgery, follow-up visits, prescriptions or other treatment.
“The cost consequences of being uninsured cannot be ignored,” said Dr. James R. Kimmey, president and CEO of MFH.
“People die younger and live sicker. Employers lose significant productivity because of reduced efficiency or increased absences by sick workers. The uninsured often are forced to use the hospital emergency room as their ‘doctor,’ which drives up health care costs even further.”