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Effects of cost sharing on care seeking and health status: Results from the Medical Outcomes Study

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  • Wong, M.D.
  • Andersen, R.
  • Sherbourne, C.D.
  • Hays, R.D.
  • Shapiro, M.F.

Abstract

Objectives. This study sought to determine the effect of cost sharing on medical care use for acute symptoms and on health status among chronically ill adults. Methods. Data from the Medical Outcomes Study were used to compare (1) rates of physician care use for minor and serious symptoms and (2) 6- and 12-month follow-up physical and mental health status among individuals at different levels of cost sharing. Results. In comparison with a no-copay group, the low- and high-copay groups were less likely to have sought care for minor symptoms, but only the high-copay group had a lower rate of seeking care for serious symptoms. Follow-up physical and mental health status scores were similar among the 3 copay groups. Conclusions. In a chronically ill population, cost sharing reduced the use of care for both minor and serious symptoms. Although no differences in self-reported health status were observed, health plans featuring cost sharing need careful monitoring for potential adverse health effects because of their propensity to reduce use of care that is considered necessary and appropriate.

Suggested Citation

  • Wong, M.D. & Andersen, R. & Sherbourne, C.D. & Hays, R.D. & Shapiro, M.F., 2001. "Effects of cost sharing on care seeking and health status: Results from the Medical Outcomes Study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 91(11), pages 1889-1894.
  • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:2001:91:11:1889-1894_4
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    Cited by:

    1. Holst, Jens, 2008. "Kostenbeteiligung für Patienten - Reformansatz ohne Evidenz! Theoretische Betrachtungen und empirische Befunde aus Industrieländern," Discussion Papers, Research Group Public Health SP I 2008-305, WZB Berlin Social Science Center.
    2. Elkins, Rosemary Kate & Schurer, Stefanie, 2017. "Introducing a GP copayment in Australia: Who would carry the cost burden?," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 121(5), pages 543-552.
    3. Matthew L. Maciejewski & Chuan‐Fen Liu & Andrew L. Kavee & Maren K. Olsen, 2012. "How Price Responsive Is The Demand For Specialty Care?," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 21(8), pages 902-912, August.
    4. Costa Font, Joan & Gemmill Toyama, Marin, 2011. "Does cost sharing really reduce inappropriate prescriptions among the elderly?," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 101(2), pages 195-208, July.
    5. Gemmill-Toyama M & Costa-Font J, "undated". "Does Cost Sharing Affect the Quality of Pharmaceutical Care for the Elderly?," Health, Econometrics and Data Group (HEDG) Working Papers 09/04, HEDG, c/o Department of Economics, University of York.

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