Medical Economics January 26, 2024
Better primary care could help reduce the disparities
An analysis conducted by the Urban Institute and supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found racial disparities regarding preventable hospitalizations among Medicaid enrollees. The study, spanning 21 states, reveals that Black Medicaid enrollees, as well as nonelderly adults enrolled through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, face significantly higher rates of preventable hospitalizations compared to their White counterparts.
The report defines preventable hospitalizations as inpatient stays for conditions that could be avoided through timely and high-quality primary care. Asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and heart failure emerged as the top three reasons for preventable hospitalizations. Regardless of SSI status, Black Medicaid enrollees are more likely to experience preventable hospitalizations for heart...
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