mass health insurance survey
TRANSCRIPT
Deval L. Patrick, GovernorCommonwealth of Massachusetts
Timothy P. MurrayLieutenant Governor
JudyAnn Bigby, SecretaryExecutive Office of Health and Human Services
Sarah Iselin, CommissionerDivision of Health Care Finance and Policy
Sharon K. Long, Allison Cook, and Karen StockleyUrban Institute
Access to Health Care in Massachusetts:Estimates from the
2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
March 2009
2
Executive Summary
Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
In 2008, Massachusetts residents reported relatively good access to health care across a number of key measures. However, access to affordable health care remains an issue for many residents, especially for the uninsured, lower-income, the disabled, and those in fair or poor health.
Source of CareIn 2008, the vast majority of Massachusetts residents (92%) had a usual place they went to seek health care. A smaller share of non-elderly adults (89%) had a usual source of care compared with children (97%) and elderly adults (95%).
Doctor VisitsIn the 12 months prior to the survey, most residents (88%) had at least one doctor visit, and 78% had a preventive care visit. The uninsured were much less likely to have had any type of doctor visit or a visit for preventive care. Only 45% of uninsured non-elderly adults visited a doctor and only 31% had a visit for preventive care.
Emergency CareAcross all residents, 26% made at least one visit to the emergency room (ER) in the previous year. Some 9% of all residents reported that their most recent ER visit was for a non-emergency condition, suggesting that these residents may be seeking care in the ER that could be obtained in the community.
Barriers to CareDespite relatively high use of health care services among residents, nearly one quarter (24%) reported having difficulty obtaining health care in 2008. The disabled and those in fair or poor health were most likely to report difficulties. Some 27% of children with an activity limitation or in fair or poor health reported difficulties obtaining care, compared with 16% of healthy, non-disabled children. Similarly, some 40% of non-elderly adults in fair or poor health reported difficulties, compared with 27% of other non-elderly adults.
Unmet NeedMore than one-fifth (21%) of residents did not get the care they needed due to cost in the 12 months prior to the survey. Uninsured residents had an especially high degree of unmet need, with 64% of uninsured non-elderly adults forgoing needed care due to cost. Among children and non-elderly adults, those in families with incomes between 150-299% of the federal poverty level (FPL) were more likely than any other income groups to forgo necessary care due to cost (19% and 40% for children and adults, respectively). Among elderly adults, those in families with income less than 150% FPL reported more unmet need due to cost (22%) than did higher income adults.
Access to Health Care in Massachusetts
3
Executive Summary
Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Medical BillsSome 16% of residents lived in families reporting difficulties paying medical bills. The uninsured, the disabled, and those in fair or poor health had the greatest difficulties paying for health care within all age groups. Again, among children and non-elderly adults, those with family incomes between 150-299% FPL were the income groups most likely to experience problems paying medical bills (25% and 32%, respectively). Among elderly adults, those in families with incomes below 150% FPL had the most difficulties (14%).
Access for Different Population GroupsNot surprisingly, lower-income residents had lower access to care across all measures compared with higher-income groups. Across age groups, non-elderly adults (19-64) consistently reported lower access compared with children and elderly adults. Among race/ethnicity groups, Hispanics were more likely to experience lower access to care compared with white, non-Hispanics and other, non-Hispanic residents. The largest users of health care services, the disabled and those in fair or poor health, also experienced greater barriers to care and had more unmet need due to cost compared with non-disabled residents and those in better health. Although a lower share of uninsured non-elderly adults reported difficulties obtaining care compared with insured residents, this most likely reflects the reluctance of uninsured residents to seek care they can not afford, as unmet need is much higher for this group.
Access to Health Care in Massachusetts
Table of Contents
Methodology3
All Residents4
Usual Source of Care5
Doctor Visits6
Not Getting Needed Care7
Difficulty Obtaining Care8
Emergency Room Visits9
Medical Bills10
Non-Elderly Adults11
Usual Source of Care12
Doctor Visits17
Not Getting Needed Care22
Difficulty Obtaining Care 27
Emergency Room Visits 32
Medical Bills37
Children42
Usual Source of Care43
Doctor Visits46
Not Getting Needed Care 49
Difficulty Obtaining Care 52
Emergency Room Visits 55
Medical Bills58
Elderly Adults61
Usual Source of Care62
Doctor Visits66
Not Getting Needed Care 70
Difficulty Obtaining Care 74
Emergency Room Visits 78
Medical Bills82
4
Methodology
Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
The 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey (HIS) provides information on health insurance coverage and access to and use of health care for the non-institutionalized population in Massachusetts. In the survey, an adult member of the household responded to questions about health insurance coverage and demographic information for all members of the household. More detailed socioeconomic characteristics and health care information were collected for one randomly selected household member and other members of his or her family who were residing in the household.
In order to ensure that the survey covered nearly all residents of Massachusetts, a dual sample frame was employed, combining a random-digit-dial (RDD) sample with an address-based sample. The survey was conducted between June and August 2008 via telephone, web, and mail by International Communications Research (ICR). It was available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and took, on average, about 19 minutes to complete.
Surveys were completed with 4,910 Massachusetts households. The margin of error was +/-1 percentage point for estimates based on the full sample. The response rate was 42% for the RDD-sample and 28% for the address-based sample, for a combined response rate of 32%. A lack of standardization in calculating response rates makes it difficult to compare response rates across surveys and likely explains much of the difference in the response rate for the RDD-sample in the 2008 HIS and those reported for prior years of the survey. (Prior years of the HIS relied on RDD-samples.) Further, unlike earlier years of the HIS, the 2008 HIS has very little missing data, with item nonresponse generally less than 2% for most key questions and only 6% for the primary income question. Additional information on the 2008 HIS is available at www.mass.gov/dhcfp.
For these charts, we define children as age 0 to 18, non-elderly adults as age 19 to 64, and elderly adults as age 65 and older.
Survey Methodology
5Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
All Residents
6Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Residents with a Usual Source of Care by Age Group
The majority of children, non-elderly adults, and elderly adults in Massachu-setts have a usual source of care, with non-elderly adults least likely (89%) and children most likely (97%) to have a usual source of care.
All Residents
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
92%97%
89%95%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
TotalPopulation
Children Non-ElderlyAdults
Elderly Adults
7Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Residents with a Doctor Visit in Past 12 Months by Age Group
High shares of both children and elderly adults had a doctor visit and a preventive care visit. Among non-elderly adults, 85% had a doctor visit and 72% had a preventive care visit.
All Residents
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
88%94%
85%
95%
78%
89%
72%
87%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
TotalPopulation
Children Non-ElderlyAdults
Elderly Adults
Any doctor visit Visit for preventive care
8Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Residents Not Getting Needed Care Due to Cost in Past 12 Months by Age Group
Non-elderly adults were most likely to have gone without needed health care because of cost. Some 26% skipped needed health care, compared with 12% of children and 13% of elderly adults.
All Residents
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
21%
12%
26%
13%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
TotalPopulation
Children Non-ElderlyAdults
Elderly Adults
9Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Residents with Difficulty Obtaining Care in Past 12 Months by Age Group
Non-elderly adults were the most likely to report difficulty obtaining health care, at 28%.
All Residents
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
24%
17%
28%
15%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
TotalPopulation
Children Non-ElderlyAdults
Elderly Adults
10Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Residents with an ER Visit in the Past 12 Months by Age Group
Children and elderly adults were more likely to have an ER visit than were non-elderly adults. Children were about twice as likely as adults to have had a non-emergency visit as their most recent ER visit.
All Residents
*A non-emergency ER visit is one that the respondent says could have been treated by a regular doctor if one had been available.Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
26%
32%
23%
31%
9%
13%
7% 7%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
TotalPopulation
Children Non-ElderlyAdults
Elderly Adults
Any ER visit Most recent visit was a non-emergency ER visit*
11Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Residents in Families with Problems Paying Medical Bills in Past 12 Months by Age Group Non-elderly adults and
children were more than twice as likely to be in families with difficulties paying medical bills than were elderly residents (17% versus 8%).
All Residents
16%
17% 17%
8%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
TotalPopulation
Children Non-ElderlyAdults
Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
12Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults(Ages 19 through 64)
13Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults with a Usual Source of Care by Income
Most non-elderly adults have a usual source of care. Those with higher family incomes were more likely to have a usual source of care than those with lower incomes
Non-Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
89%84% 86%
90% 92%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
TotalPopulation
<150%FPL
150-299%FPL
300-499%FPL
500% FPLand higher
14Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults with a Usual Source of Care by Race/Ethnicity
Other, non-Hispanic adults were less likely to have a usual source of care than white adults and adults reporting other race/ethnicities.
Non-Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
89% 90% 93%
85% 86%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
TotalPopulation
White,non-
Hispanic
Black,non-
Hispanic
Other,non-
Hispanic
Hispanic
15Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults with a Usual Source of Care by Health Status
Most Massachusetts adults, regardless of health status, have a usual source of care.
Non-Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
89% 89% 89%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Total Population Good, very good,or excellent health
Fair or poor health
16Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults with a Usual Source of Care by Disability Status
Disabled and non-disabled non-elderly adults are equally likely to have a usual source of care (89%).
Non-Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
89% 89% 89%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Total Population No activitylimitations due tohealth problems
Activities limitedby health problems
17Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults with a Usual Source of Care by Insurance Status
Compared with the insured, uninsured non-elderly adults were much less likely to have a usual source of care (42% versus 91%).
Non-Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
89% 91%
42%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Total Population Insured Uninsured
18Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults with a Doctor Visit in Past 12 Months by Income
Non-elderly adults with family income between 150% and 299% of FPL were the least likely to have had any doctor visit or a visit for preventive care in the past 12 months.
Non-Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
85%80% 79%
84%
90%
72%67% 66%
73%77%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
TotalPopulation
Less than150% of
FPL
150-299%of FPL
300-499%of FPL
500% ofFPL orhigher
Any doctor visit Visit for preventive care
19Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults with a Doctor Visit in Past 12 Months by Race/Ethnicity
Among non-elderly adults, those who reported other, non-Hispanic race/ethni-cities were less likely than white, non-Hispanic or Hispanic adults to have had any doctor visits or a preventive care visit.
Non-Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
85% 86% 84%
76%
87%
72% 73% 73%68%
73%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
TotalPopulation
White,non-
Hispanic
Black,non-
Hispanic
Other,non-
Hispanic
Hispanic
Any doctor visit Visit for preventive care
20Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults with a Doctor Visit in Past 12 Months by Health Status
Non-elderly adults in fair or poor health were more likely than those in better health to have had any doctor visits (91% versus 84%) or a preventive care visit (77% versus 72%).
Non-Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
85% 84%
91%
72% 72%77%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Total Population Good, very good,or excellent health
Fair or poor health
Any doctor visit Visit for preventive care
21Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults with a Doctor Visit in Past 12 Months by Disability Status
Non-elderly adults with a disability were more likely than those without a disability to have had any doctor visits (91% versus 83%) or a preventive care visit (78% versus 71%).
Non-Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
85% 83%
91%
72% 71%
78%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Total Population No activitylimitations due tohealth problems
Activity limitationsdue to health
problems
Any doctor visit Visit for preventive care
22Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults with a Doctor Visit in Past 12 Months by Insurance Status
Uninsured non-elderly adults were much less likely than those with insurance to have had any doctor visits (45% versus 86%) or a preventive care visit (31% versus 74%).
Non-Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
85% 86%
45%
72% 74%
31%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Total Population Insured Uninsured
Any doctor visit Visit for preventive care
23Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults Not Getting Needed Care Due to Cost in Past 12 Months by Income Unmet need for care
because of cost was highest among non-elderly adults with family income between 150% and 299% FPL. Some 40% of residents in this income group skipped needed health care in the past 12 months, compared with 15% of those with family income at or above 500% FPL.
Non-Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
26%
34%
40%
29%
15%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
TotalPopulation
<150% FPL 150-299%FPL
300-499%FPL
500% FPLand higher
24Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults Not Getting Needed Care Due to Cost in Past 12 Months by Race/Ethnicity Among non-elderly
adults, one-quarter of white, non-Hispanic adults skipped needed health care due to cost, compared with 29% of other, non-Hispanic adults and 35% of Hispanic adults.
Non-Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
26% 25%
31%29%
35%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
TotalPopulation
White,non-
Hispanic
Black, non-Hispanic
Other, non-Hispanic
Hispanic
25Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults Not Getting Needed Care Due to Cost in Past 12 Months by Health Status Non-elderly adults in
fair or poor health were more likely than those in better health to have gone without needed health care because of cost (43% versus 24%).
Non-Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
26%24%
43%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
Total Population Good, very good,or excellent health
Fair or poor health
26Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults Not Getting Needed Care Due to Cost in Past 12 Months by Disability Status Non-elderly adults with
a disability were more likely than those without a disability to have gone without needed health care because of cost (38% versus 23%).
Non-Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
26%23%
38%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
Total Population No activitylimitations due tohealth problems
Activities limited byhealth problems
27Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults Not Getting Needed Care Due to Cost in Past 12 Months by Insurance Status Non-elderly adults
without insurance were much more likely than those with insurance to have gone without needed health care because of cost (64% versus 24%).
Non-Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
26% 24%
64%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Total Population Insured Uninsured
28Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults With Difficulty Obtaining Care in Past 12 Months by Income More than a quarter of
non-elderly adults at all income levels reported difficulty obtaining health care in the past 12 months, with close to a third of those with the lowest family incomes reporting problems.
Non-Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
28%
31%
28%27% 27%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
TotalPopulation
Less than150% of
FPL
150-299%of FPL
300-499%of FPL
500% ofFPL orhigher
29Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults With Difficulty Obtaining Care in Past 12 Months by Race/Ethnicity Hispanic non-elderly
adults were most likely to report problems obtaining care, compared to other race/ethnicity groups.
Non-Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
28% 28%
22%
29%
33%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
TotalPopulation
White,non-
Hispanic
Black, non-Hispanic
Other, non-Hispanic
Hispanic
30Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults with Difficulty Obtaining Care in Past 12 Months by Health Status Non-elderly adults in
fair or poor health were more likely to report difficulty obtaining health care than those in better health (40% versus 27%).
Non-Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
28%27%
40%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
Total Population Good, very good,or excellent health
Fair or poor health
31Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults With Difficulty Obtaining Care in Past 12 Months by Disability Status Non-elderly adults with
a disability were more likely to report difficulty obtaining health care than those without a disability (38% versus 26%).
Non-Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
28%26%
38%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
Total Population No activitylimitations due tohealth problems
Activities limiteddue to health
problems
32Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults with Difficulty Obtaining Care in Past 12 Months by Insurance Status
Non-elderly adults with insurance were more likely to report difficulties obtaining health care than those without insurance (28% versus 15%).
Note: Uninsured adults were less likely to use care and more likely to report skipping needed health care because of cost.
Non-Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
28% 28%
15%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
Total Population Insured Uninsured
33Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults with an ER Visit in the Past 12 Months by Income
Low-income non-elderly adults were more likely to have had an ER visit than higher income adults. Some 36% of those with family income below 150% FPL had an ER visit, compared with 19%-24% of those at higher income levels.
Non-Elderly Adults
*A non-emergency ER visit is one that the respondent says could have been treated by a regular doctor if one had been available.Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
23%
36%
24%21%
19%
7%
12%9%
7%5%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
TotalPopulation
Less than150% of
FPL
150-299%of FPL
300-499%of FPL
500% ofFPL orhigher
Any ER visit Most recent ER visit was a non-emergency ER visit*
34Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults with an ER Visit in the Past 12 Months by Race/Ethnicity
Among non-elderly adults, Hispanics were much more likely to have had an ER visit overall and an ER visit for a non-emergency than other race/ethnicity groups.
Non-Elderly Adults
*A non-emergency ER visit is one that the respondent says could have been treated by a regular doctor if one had been available.Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
23% 22%
25%
20%
45%
7% 7% 7% 8%
18%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
TotalPopulation
White,non-
Hispanic
Black, non-Hispanic
Other, non-Hispanic
Hispanic
Any ER visit Most recent ER visit was a non-emergency ER visit*
35Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults with an ER Visit in the Past 12 Months by Health Status
Among non-elderly adults, those in fair or poor health were much more likely to have had an ER visit and an ER visit for a non-emergency than those in better health.
Non-Elderly Adults
*A non-emergency ER visit is one that the respondent says could have been treated by a regular doctor if one had been available.Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
23%21%
45%
7% 7%
14%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
Total Population Good, very good,or excellent health
Fair or poor health
Any ER visit Most recent ER visit was a non-emergency ER visit*
36Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults with an ER Visit in the Past 12 Months by Disability Status
Among non-elderly adults, those with a disability were much more likely to have had an ER visit and an ER visit for a non-emergency than those without a disability.
Non-Elderly Adults
*A non-emergency ER visit is one that the respondent says could have been treated by a regular doctor if one had been available.Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
23%
20%
39%
7% 6%
12%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
Total Population No activitylimitations due tohealth problems
Activity limitationsdue to health
problems
Any ER visit Most recent ER visit was a non-emergency ER visit*
37Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults with an ER Visit in the Past 12 Months by Insurance Status
Among non-elderly adults, those without insurance were more likely to have an ER visit and an ER visit for a non-emergency than those with insurance.
Non-Elderly Adults
*A non-emergency ER visit is one that the respondent says could have been treated by a regular doctor if one had been available.Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
23% 23%
29%
7% 7%
12%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
Total Population Insured Uninsured
Any ER visit Most recent ER visit was a non-emergency ER visit*
38Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults in Families with Problems Paying Medical Bills in Past 12 Months by Income Non-elderly adults with
family income between 150% and 299% FPL were most likely to have problems paying medical bills (32%), while adults with family incomes at or above 500% FPL were the least likely (9%).
Non-Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
17%
22%
32%
17%
9%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
TotalPopulation
<150% FPL 150-299%FPL
300-499%FPL
500% FPLand higher
39Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults in Families with Problems Paying Medical Bills in Past 12 Months by Race/Ethnicity Among non-elderly
adults, black, non-Hispanics were more likely to report problems paying medical bills than were white, non-Hispanic adults.
Non-Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
17%16%
25%
20% 20%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
TotalPopulation
White,non-
Hispanic
Black, non-Hispanic
Other, non-Hispanic
Hispanic
40Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults in Families with Problems Paying Medical Bills in Past 12 Months by Health Status Non-elderly adults in
fair or poor health were twice as likely to have had trouble paying medical bills than adults in better health (31% versus 15%).
Non-Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
17%15%
31%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
Total Population Good, very good,or excellent health
Fair or poor health
41Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults in Families with Problems Paying Medical Bills in Past 12 Months by Disability Status Non-elderly adults with
a disability were more than twice as likely to have had trouble paying medical bills as adults without a disability (30% versus 14%).
Non-Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
17%
14%
30%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
Total Population No activitylimitations due tohealth problems
Activities limited byhealth problems
42Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Non-Elderly Adults in Families with Problems Paying Medical Bills in Past 12 Months by Insurance Status Uninsured non-elderly
adults were more than twice as likely to have had trouble paying medical bills as insured adults (34% versus 16%).
Non-Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
17% 16%
34%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
Total Population Insured Uninsured
43Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Children(Ages 0 through 18)
44Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Children with a Usual Source of Careby Income
While nearly all children had a usual source of care, those with family income less than 150% FPL were least likely to have a usual source of care (93%).
Children
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
97%93%
98% 100% 98%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
TotalPopulation
<150%FPL
150-299%FPL
300-499%FPL
500% FPLand higher
45Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Children with a Usual Source of Care by Race/Ethnicity
Hispanic children were least likely to have a usual source of care, compared to other race/ethnicity groups.
Children
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
97% 98% 98%93%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
TotalPopulation
White, non-Hispanic
Other, non-Hispanic
Hispanic
46Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Children with a Usual Source of Care by Health and Disability Status
Children who are in fair or poor health or are disabled are less likely to have a usual source of care than children in better health and without a disability (94% versus 98%).
Children
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
97% 98%94%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Total Population Good, very good,or excellent health
AND no activitylimitations due tohealth problems
Fair or poor healthOR activity
limitations due tohealth problems
47Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Children with a Doctor Visit in Past 12 Months by Income
Nearly all children with family income above 300% FPL had a doctor visit in the past 12 months, compared with 89 to 92% of poorer children. Poorer children were also less likely to have had a preventive care visit.
Children
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
94%89% 92%
97% 96%
89%85% 86%
90%93%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
TotalPopulation
Less than150% of
FPL
150-299%of FPL
300-499%of FPL
500% ofFPL orhigher
Any doctor visit Visit for preventive care
48Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Children with a Doctor Visit in Past 12 Months by Race/Ethnicity
Hispanic and other, non-Hispanic children were less likely than white, non-Hispanic children to have had any doctor visit or a preventive care visit in the past 12 months.
Children
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
94% 95%91% 92%
89% 90%86% 86%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
TotalPopulation
White, non-Hispanic
Other, non-Hispanic
Hispanic
Any doctor visit Visit for preventive care
49Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Children with a Doctor Visit in Past 12 Months by Health and Disability Status
Children in good health and with no activity limitations were more likely than those in fair or poor health or with an activity limitation to have had a doctor visit in the past 12 months.
Children
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
94% 94% 91%89% 89% 87%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Total Population Good, very good,or excellent health
AND no activitylimitations due tohealth problems
Fair or poor healthOR activity
limitations due tohealth problems
Any doctor visit Visit for preventive care
50Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Children Not Getting Needed Care Due to Cost in Past 12 Months by Income
Unmet need for health care because of cost was greater among lower-income children. Of children with family income less than 300% FPL, 17%-19% went without needed care, compared with 3% of children at the highest income level.
Children
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
12%
17%19%
11%
3%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
TotalPopulation
<150% FPL 150-299%FPL
300-499%FPL
500% FPLand higher
51Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Children Not Getting Needed Care Due to Cost in Past 12 Months by Race/Ethnicity Unmet need for health
care due to cost was highest for Hispanic children, at 22%.
Children
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
12%10%
11%
22%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
TotalPopulation
White, non-Hispanic
Other, non-Hispanic
Hispanic
52Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Children Not Getting Needed Care Due to Cost in Past 12 Months by Health and Disability Status Children in fair or poor
health or with a disability were more than twice as likely to have unmet need for health care as children in better health and without a disability (22% versus 10%).
Children
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
12%10%
22%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
Total Population Good, very good,or excellent health
AND no activitylimitations due tohealth problems
Fair or poor healthOR activity
limitations due tohealth problems
53Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Children with Difficulty Obtaining Care in Past 12 Months by Income
Children with family income less than 150% FPL were most likely to face difficulties getting health care, at 24%.
Children
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
17%
24%
17%18%
13%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
TotalPopulation
Less than150% of
FPL
150-299%of FPL
300-499%of FPL
500% ofFPL orhigher
54Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Children with Difficulty Obtaining Care in Past 12 Months by Race/Ethnicity
While Hispanic children were most likely to face difficulties obtaining health care, 17% of all children faced barriers to getting care.
Children
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
17% 17%18%
19%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
TotalPopulation
White, non-Hispanic
Non-white,non-Hispanic
Hispanic
55Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Children With Difficulty Obtaining Care in Past 12 Months by Health and Disability Status Children in fair or poor
health or with a disability were more likely to face difficulties obtaining care than children in better health and without a disability (27% versus 16%).
Children
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
17%16%
27%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
Total Population Good, very good,or excellent health
AND no activitylimitations due tohealth problems
Fair or poor healthOR activity
limitations due tohealth problems
56Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Children with an ER Visit in the Past 12 Months by Income
Lower-income children were more likely to have had an ER visit, with 41% of those with family income less than 150% FPL visiting the ER.
Children
*A non-emergency ER visit is one that the respondent says could have been treated by a regular doctor if one had been available.Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
32%
41%
35% 36%
22%
13%
17%18%
15%
6%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
TotalPopulation
Less than150% of
FPL
150-299%of FPL
300-499%of FPL
500% ofFPL orhigher
Any ER visit Most recent ER visit was a non-emergency ER visit*
57Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Children with an ER Visit in the Past 12 Months by Race/Ethnicity
Hispanic children were much more likely than non-Hispanic children to have had an emergency or non-emergency ER visit.
Children
*A non-emergency ER visit is one that the respondent says could have been treated by a regular doctor if one had been available.Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
32% 31%
28%
44%
13%11% 12%
24%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
TotalPopulation
White, non-Hispanic
Other, non-Hispanic
Hispanic
Any ER visit Most recent ER visit was a non-emergency ER visit*
58Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Children with an ER Visit in the Past 12 Months by Health and Disability Status
Over half of children in fair or poor health or with a disability had an ER visit (55%), compared with nearly three out of ten children in better health and without a disability (29%). Rates of non-emergency ER visits were also higher among children in poorer health or with a disability (20% versus 12%).
Children
*A non-emergency ER visit is one that the respondent says could have been treated by a regular doctor if one had been available.Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
32%29%
55%
13% 12%
20%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Total Population Good, very good,or excellent health
AND no activitylimitations due tohealth problems
Fair or poor healthOR activity
limitations due tohealth problems
Any ER visit Most recent ER visit was a non-emergency ER visit*
59Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Children in Families with Problems Paying Medical Bills in Past 12 Months by Income Problems paying
medical bills were most common in the families of lower-income children, particularly those with family income between 150 and 299% FPL.
Children
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
17%
23%25%
20%
7%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
TotalPopulation
<150% FPL 150-299%FPL
300-499%FPL
500% FPLand higher
60Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Children in Families with Problems Paying Medical Bills in Past 12 Months by Race/Ethnicity Other, non-Hispanic
and Hispanic children were most likely to live in families that had trouble paying medical bills (22%).
Children
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
17%15%
22% 22%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
TotalPopulation
White, non-Hispanic
Other, non-Hispanic
Hispanic
61Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Children in Families with Problems Paying Medical Bills in Past 12 Months by Health and Disability Status Children in fair or poor
health or with a disability were twice as likely to live in families with difficulty paying medical bills than were other children (31% versus 15%).
Children
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
17%15%
31%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
Total Population Good, very good,or excellent health
AND no activitylimitations due tohealth problems
Fair or poor healthOR activity
limitations due tohealth problems
62Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Elderly Adults(Ages 65 and Older)
63Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Elderly Adults with a Usual Source of Care by Income
Nearly all elderly adults had a usual source of care, although those with lower family incomes were less likely to have a usual source of care.
Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
95%
89%94%
97% 98%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
TotalPopulation
<150%FPL
150-299%FPL
300-499%FPL
500% FPLand higher
64Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Elderly Adults with a Usual Source of Care by Race/Ethnicity
Among elderly adults, white, non-Hispanic adults were more likely to have a usual source of care than other adults (96% versus 88%).
Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
95% 96%
88%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Total Population White, non-Hispanic
Other
65Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Elderly Adults with a Usual Source of Care by Health Status
Elderly adults in fair or poor health were less likely than those in better health to have a usual source of care (92% versus 96%).
Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
95% 96%92%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Total Population Good, very good,or excellent health
Fair or poor health
66Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Elderly Adults with a Usual Source of Care by Disability Status
Nearly all elderly adults had a usual source of care, regardless of disability status.
Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
95% 96% 94%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Total Population No activitylimitations due tohealth problems
Activities limitedby health problems
67Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Elderly Adults with a Doctor Visit in Past 12 Months by Income
Nearly all elderly adults had a doctor visit over the prior year and most had a preventive care visit. However, elderly adults with family income less than 150% FPL were less likely than higher-income elderly adults to have had a doctor visit or a preventive care visit.
Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
95%90%
95% 96% 97%
87%82%
87% 89% 90%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
TotalPopulation
Less than150% of
FPL
150-299%of FPL
300-499%of FPL
500% ofFPL orhigher
Any doctor visit Visit for preventive care
68Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Elderly Adults with a Doctor Visit in Past 12 Months by Race/Ethnicity
Among elderly adults, white, non-Hispanic adults were more likely to have a doctor visit and a preventive care visit than adults of other races/ethnicities.
Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
95% 95%
88%87% 88%85%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Total Population White, non-Hispanic
Other
Any doctor visit Visit for preventive care
69Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Elderly Adults with a Doctor Visit in Past 12 Months by Health Status
Nearly all elderly adults, regardless of health status, had a doctor visit. Those in fair or poor health were less likely than other elderly adults to have had a preventive care visit.
Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
95% 95% 95%
87% 88%84%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Total Population Good, very good,or excellent health
Fair or poor health
Any doctor visit Visit for preventive care
70Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Elderly Adults with a Doctor Visit in Past 12 Months by Disability Status
Nearly all elderly adults, regardless of disability status, had a doctor visit and most had a preventive care visit.
Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
95% 94% 96%
87% 87% 87%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Total Population No activitylimitations due tohealth problems
Activity limitationsdue to health
problems
Any doctor visit Visit for preventive care
71Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Elderly Adults Not Getting Needed Care Due to Cost in Past 12 Months by Income Unmet need for care
because of cost was highest among elderly adults with family income below 150% FPL. Some 22% of those adults skipped needed health care compared with 8% of those with family income at 500% FPL or higher.
Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
13%
22%
17%
10%8%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
TotalPopulation
<150% FPL 150-299%FPL
300-499%FPL
500% FPLand higher
72Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Elderly Adults Not Getting Needed Care Due to Cost in Past 12 Months by Race/Ethnicity White, non-Hispanic
elderly adults were much less likely to have unmet need for care because of cost than were other elderly adults (11% versus 31%).
Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
13%11%
31%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Total Population White, non-Hispanic
Other
73Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Elderly Adults Not Getting Needed Care Due to Cost in Past 12 Months by Health Status Among elderly adults,
those in fair or poor health were more likely to have unmet need for care because of cost than were those in better health (20% versus 11%).
Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
13%11%
20%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Total Population Good, very good,or excellent health
Fair or poor health
74Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Elderly Adults Not Getting Needed Care Due to Cost in Past 12 Months by Disability Status Among elderly adults,
those who were disabled were more likely to have unmet need for care because of cost than were those without a disability (20% versus 10%).
Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
13%10%
20%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Total Population No activitylimitations due tohealth problems
Activities limited byhealth problems
75Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Elderly Adults With Difficulty Obtaining Care in Past 12 Months by Income
About 1 in 7 elderly adults at all family income levels reported difficulty obtaining care in the past 12 months.
Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
15% 13%15% 15% 15%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
TotalPopulation
Less than150% of
FPL
150-299%of FPL
300-499%of FPL
500% ofFPL orhigher
76Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Elderly Adults With Difficulty Obtaining Care in Past 12 Months by Race/Ethnicity White, non-Hispanic
elderly adults were less likely to have had difficulty obtaining care than were other elderly adults (14% versus 18%).
Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
15% 14%
18%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
Total Population White, non-Hispanic
Other
77Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Elderly Adults With Difficulty Obtaining Care in Past 12 Months by Health Status
About 1 in 7 elderly adults, regardless of health status, reported difficulty obtaining health care.
Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
15% 14%16%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
Total Population Good, very good,or excellent health
Fair or poor health
78Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Elderly Adults With Difficulty Obtaining Care in Past 12 Months by Disability Status Elderly adults with a
disability were more likely to have had difficulty obtaining health care than those without a disability (17% versus 13%).
Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
15%13%
17%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
Total Population No activitylimitations due tohealth problems
Activity limitationsdue to health
problems
79Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Elderly Adults with an ER Visit in the Past 12 Months by Income
Elderly adults with family incomes below 300% FPL were more likely to have had an ER visit in the past 12 months than higher-income adults.
Elderly Adults
31%
44%
35%
24% 24%
7%9% 9%
5% 6%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
TotalPopulation
Less than150% of
FPL
150-299%of FPL
300-499%of FPL
500% ofFPL orhigher
Any ER visit Most recent ER visit was a non-emergency ER visit*
*A non-emergency ER visit is one that the respondent says could have been treated by a regular doctor if one had been available.Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
80Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Elderly Adults with an ER Visit in the Past 12 Months by Race/Ethnicity
About 3 in 10 elderly adults, regardless of race or ethnicity, had an ER visit in the past 12 months. White, non-Hispanic elderly adults were half as likely to visit the ER for a non-emergency as elderly adults in other race/ethnicity groups.
Elderly Adults
31% 31% 32%
7% 6%
12%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
Total Population White, non-Hispanic
Other
Any ER visit Most recent ER visit was a non-emergency ER visit*
*A non-emergency ER visit is one that the respondent says could have been treated by a regular doctor if one had been available.Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
81Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Elderly Adults with an ER Visit in the Past 12 Months by Health Status
Elderly adults in fair or poor health were much more likely than those in better health to have had an ER visit (46% versus 26%).
Elderly Adults
31%
26%
46%
7% 7%9%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
Total Population Good, very good,or excellent health
Fair or poor health
Any ER visit Most recent ER visit was a non-emergency ER visit*
*A non-emergency ER visit is one that the respondent says could have been treated by a regular doctor if one had been available.Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
82Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Elderly Adults with an ER Visit in the Past 12 Months by Disability Status
Nearly 4 in 10 (38%) elderly adults with an activity limitation had an ER visit in the past 12 months, compared with close to 3 in 10 (27%) non-disabled residents.
Elderly Adults
31%
27%
38%
7%9%
3%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
Total Population No activitylimitations due tohealth problems
Activity limitationsdue to health
problems
Any ER visit Most recent ER visit was a non-emergency ER visit*
*A non-emergency ER visit is one that the respondent says could have been treated by a regular doctor if one had been available.Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
83Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Elderly Adults in Families with Problems Paying Medical Bills in Past 12 Months by Income Elderly adults with
family incomes below 300% FPL were most likely to live in families that had had problems paying medical bills in the past 12 months.
Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
8%
14%
11%
4%
2%
0%
10%
20%
30%
TotalPopulation
<150% FPL 150-299%FPL
300-499%FPL
500% FPLand higher
84Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Elderly Adults in Families with Problems Paying Medical Bills in Past 12 Months by Race/Ethnicity Compared with white,
non-Hispanic elderly adults, other elderly adults were three times as likely to live in families that had problems paying medical bills (6% versus 18%).
Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
8%6%
18%
0%
10%
20%
30%
Total Population White, non-Hispanic
Other
85Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Elderly Adults in Families with Problems Paying Medical Bills in Past 12 Months by Health Status Elderly adults in fair or
poor health were more than 4 times as likely than those in better health to live in families that had problems paying medical bills (17% versus 4%).
Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
8%
4%
17%
0%
10%
20%
30%
Total Population Good, very good,or excellent health
Fair or poor health
86Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Elderly Adults in Families with Problems Paying Medical Bills in Past 12 Months by Disability Status Elderly adults with a
disability were much more likely than those without a disability to live in families that had problems paying medical bills (14% versus 4%).
Elderly Adults
Source: 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey
8%
4%
14%
0%
10%
20%
30%
Total Population No activitylimitations due tohealth problems
Activities limited byhealth problems
Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
Two Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (627) 988-3100
Fax: (617) 727-7662
Website: www.mass.gov/dhcfp
Publication Number: 12-345-02 HCF