MACPAC: Gaps in Medicaid coverage increase preventable hospitalizations

A new study released by the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission found emergency department visits and hospitalizations for certain preventable conditions more than doubled in the first month after adult Medicaid beneficiaries temporarily lost coverage, a process known as churn. The study examined ED visits and hospitalizations for diabetes complications, heart failure, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

“These findings suggest that policies to reduce churn and reduce the length of gaps in coverage may help reduce potentially preventable hospitalizations, improve health outcomes, and potentially result in cost savings from avoidable hospitalizations,” the report states.