Study examines how patient cost-sharing liability affects hospital finances

A Health Affairs report published April 6 examined how changes in patient cost-sharing liability can impact hospital finances. The study found that the combined inpatient and outpatient mean allowed amount per enrollee increased from $1,048 to $1,616 between 2012 and 2022 and annual mean cost sharing increased from $105 to $149. The study also found a 1% increase in patient cost sharing greater than $1,000 and that patients in rural settings on average owe a higher percentage of the allowed amount than patients in non-rural settings. The authors noted that since patient cost sharing is not always paid, it is important to consider patient cost sharing amounts when evaluating hospital finances, rather than assuming hospitals are receiving the full allowed amount.