Journal article
Effects of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act on Coverage Continuity and Access for Medicaid Beneficiaries
Inquiry (Chicago), Vol.61, pp.1-10
09/24/2024
DOI: 10.1177/00469580241282052
PMCID: PMC11425735
PMID: 39315678
Abstract
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) enacted in March 2020 prohibited states from redetermining Medicaid eligibility until March 31st, 2023. However, there has been little direct evidence on how the FFCRA affected coverage continuity, health care access and utilization among Medicaid beneficiaries. In this cross-sectional study, we employ data from the 2015 to 2022 National Health Interview Survey and a difference-in-differences design to study the FFCRA effects by comparing changes in outcomes between Medicaid and privately insured individuals over time. The sample is limited to non-elderly adults aged 19 to 64 years with income below 300% of the federal poverty level. We find that Medicaid beneficiaries experienced a decline in coverage interruptions in 2021 and 2022 relative to privately insured individuals. Additionally, Medicaid beneficiaries had improved access in 2021, with less reporting of unaffordable healthcare needs and delayed medical care due to cost. There were no discernable effects on hospitalizations, ED visits, and doctor/health professional visits. The continuous Medicaid coverage provision under the FFCRA was associated with enhanced coverage stability and improved access to care for Medicaid beneficiaries. Findings highlight potential benefits from new policy initiatives to improve Medicaid coverage continuity.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Effects of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act on Coverage Continuity and Access for Medicaid Beneficiaries
- Creators
- Wei Lyu - University of MemphisGeorge L. Wehby - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Inquiry (Chicago), Vol.61, pp.1-10
- Publisher
- SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
- DOI
- 10.1177/00469580241282052
- PMID
- 39315678
- PMCID
- PMC11425735
- ISSN
- 0046-9580
- eISSN
- 1945-7243
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 09/24/2024
- Academic Unit
- Preventive and Community Dentistry; Health Management and Policy; Economics
- Record Identifier
- 9984719238602771
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