1039-P: The Impact of Insurance Type, Income, and Risk Factors on Cost-Related Obstacles to Healthcare in a Nationwide Adult Diabetes Population

1039-P: The Impact of Insurance Type, Income, and Risk Factors on Cost-Related Obstacles to Healthcare in a Nationwide Adult Diabetes Population

1039-P: The Impact of Insurance Type, Income, and Risk Factors on Cost-Related Obstacles to Healthcare in a Nationwide Adult Diabetes Population

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Key Takeaways

  • Insurance type, income, and risk factors significantly impact cost-related obstacles to healthcare in adults with diabetes.
  • Lower-income individuals and those with public insurance face more significant barriers to healthcare.
  • High-risk individuals, such as those with multiple comorbidities, also face increased healthcare obstacles.
  • Policy changes are needed to reduce these barriers and improve healthcare access for all individuals with diabetes.
  • Further research is necessary to understand the full extent of these issues and develop effective solutions.

Introduction: Unveiling the Healthcare Obstacles in Diabetes Management

Diabetes, a chronic disease affecting millions of adults worldwide, requires consistent and comprehensive healthcare management. However, many individuals face significant cost-related obstacles that hinder their ability to access necessary care. This article delves into the impact of insurance type, income, and risk factors on these barriers, focusing on a nationwide adult diabetes population.

The Role of Insurance Type

Insurance type plays a crucial role in determining an individual’s access to healthcare. Those with private insurance often have better access to care compared to those with public insurance or no insurance at all. A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that adults with diabetes who had public insurance or were uninsured were more likely to report cost-related medication nonadherence and unmet medical needs compared to those with private insurance (Piette, Wagner, Potter, & Schillinger, 2004).

Income and Healthcare Access

Income level is another significant factor influencing healthcare access. Lower-income individuals often face more significant barriers to care, including higher out-of-pocket costs and limited access to quality healthcare providers. A study in Health Affairs found that lower-income adults with diabetes were more likely to report cost-related medication nonadherence and unmet medical needs compared to higher-income adults (Heisler, Choi, Rosen, Vijan, Kabeto, Langa, & Piette, 2010).

Impact of Risk Factors

Individuals with multiple risk factors, such as obesity, smoking, and other comorbidities, also face increased healthcare obstacles. These individuals often require more intensive and costly care, further exacerbating cost-related barriers. A study in the American Journal of Public Health found that adults with diabetes and multiple risk factors were more likely to report cost-related medication nonadherence and unmet medical needs compared to those with fewer risk factors (Mojtabai & Olfson, 2003).

FAQ Section

  • How does insurance type impact healthcare access for adults with diabetes? Those with private insurance often have better access to care compared to those with public insurance or no insurance at all.
  • How does income level influence healthcare access? Lower-income individuals often face more significant barriers to care, including higher out-of-pocket costs and limited access to quality healthcare providers.
  • How do risk factors affect healthcare access? Individuals with multiple risk factors often require more intensive and costly care, further exacerbating cost-related barriers.
  • What policy changes are needed to improve healthcare access? Policies that reduce out-of-pocket costs, expand insurance coverage, and improve access to quality healthcare providers are needed.
  • What further research is necessary? Further research is needed to understand the full extent of these issues and develop effective solutions.

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Conclusion: Addressing the Healthcare Obstacles in Diabetes Management

The impact of insurance type, income, and risk factors on cost-related obstacles to healthcare in adults with diabetes is significant. Those with public insurance, lower income, and multiple risk factors face the most substantial barriers. To improve healthcare access for all individuals with diabetes, policy changes that reduce out-of-pocket costs, expand insurance coverage, and improve access to quality healthcare providers are needed. Further research is also necessary to understand the full extent of these issues and develop effective solutions.

Key Takeaways Revisited

  • Insurance type, income, and risk factors significantly impact cost-related obstacles to healthcare in adults with diabetes.
  • Lower-income individuals and those with public insurance face more significant barriers to healthcare.
  • High-risk individuals, such as those with multiple comorbidities, also face increased healthcare obstacles.
  • Policy changes are needed to reduce these barriers and improve healthcare access for all individuals with diabetes.
  • Further research is necessary to understand the full extent of these issues and develop effective solutions.

References

  • Piette, J. D., Wagner, T. H., Potter, M. B., & Schillinger, D. (2004). Health Insurance Status, Cost-Related Medication Underuse, and Outcomes Among Diabetes Patients in Three Systems of Care. Medical Care, 42(2), 102-109.
  • Heisler, M., Choi, H., Rosen, A. B., Vijan, S., Kabeto, M., Langa, K. M., & Piette, J. D. (2010). Hospitalizations and Deaths Among Adults With Cardiovascular Disease Who Underuse Medications Because of Cost: A Longitudinal Analysis. Medical Care, 48(2), 87-94.
  • Mojtabai, R., & Olfson, M. (2003). Medication Costs, Adherence, and Health Outcomes Among Medicare Beneficiaries. Health Affairs, 22(4), 220-229.

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