Impact of Changes to Premiums, Cost-Sharing, and Benefits on Adult Medicaid Beneficiaries: Results from an Ongoing Study of the Oregon Health Plan

Authors

Bill J. WrightFollow
Matthew J. Carlson, Portland State UniversityFollow
Jeanene Smith
Tina Edlund

Sponsor

Support for this research was provided by The Commonwealth Fund.

Document Type

Technical Report

Publication Date

7-2005

Subjects

Oregon Health Plan, Health insurance -- Oregon, Medicaid beneficiaries

Abstract

In 2003, Oregon implemented changes to its Medicaid program to cope with budget shortfalls. In addition to reducing benefits, increasing premiums, and implementing copays for a substantial portion of enrollees, the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) also eliminated premium exemptions and instituted a six-month lockout for individuals missing premium payments. In 2004, OHP rolled back some of these policies. An ongoing study of the impact of OHP’s program changes finds that, after the initial cost-sharing increases and benefit reductions, nearly two-thirds of individuals surveyed had lost their coverage, many directly resulting from increased costs. Those who left because of premiums and cost-sharing reported worse access to care, less primary care utilization, and greater financial hardships than those who remained enrolled or left OHP for other reasons. Many also reported a decline in health status. Analysis suggests that these negative impacts may be reduced considerably if coverage is restored within three to six months.

Description

Commonwealth Fund publication no. 848. This publication is available online at: http://www.cmwf.org/publications/publications_show.htm?doc_id=288765

Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/12326

Citation Details

Wright B, Carlson MJ, Smith J, Edlund T. Impact of Changes to Premiums, Cost-Sharing, and Benefits on Adult Medicaid Beneficiaries: Results from an Ongoing Study of the Oregon Health Plan. Commonwealth Fund, July 2005.