The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #66532

Lobat Hashemi, MS, Frederick H. Hooven, MMHS, Jianying Zhang, MPH, and Jay Himmelstein, MD MPH. Center for Health Policy and Research, UMass Medical School, 222 Maple Ave, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, 508-856-8525, lobat.hashemi@umassmed.edu

The Massachusetts CommonHealth program (CH) is one of the first Medicaid programs in the country to provide healthcare benefits for the working disabled population. This study uses Medicaid claims and eligibility data to examine the demographics, healthcare utilization and income of the CH members who had previously been enrolled in the MassHealth Standard Disabled (SD) program. We will also examine differences between those who transition to CH and those who remain on SD programs. Total of 3,879 individuals between the ages of 18 and 64 were enrolled in the CH program on June 30, 00. Approximately 10% (N=404) had been enrolled in the SD program for approximately 1 year prior to their enrollment into the CH program and continued their enrollment in CH for one more year. Inpatient and outpatient hospitalization claims for these members decreased by 9 and 13 percent, respectively (p<0.001). Claims for physician and medical services (e.g. Personal Care Assistance) also decreased by 12 and 3 percent respectively (p<0.001). Pharmacy use also decreased by 2.4% after member transition into the CH program. A primary goal of state Medicaid buy-in programs like CH is to help persons with disabilities return to work. This study provides one of the first descriptions of the healthcare use and earnings characteristics of disabled persons who leave a means tested program (SD) because of an increase in income. Given the implementation of many such buy-in programs across the country, this is important information for policymakers, administrators, and disability and employment service providers.

Learning Objectives:

Learning Objectives: After this session, participants will be able to:
• Learn about one of the first Medicaid programs in the country that provides healthcare benefits for the working disabled population
• Understand the characteristics and healthcare utilization of the members enrolled in this program
• Learn about the costs of providing Medicaid benefits to a working disabled population and how costs change over time.

Keywords: Disability, Disability Policy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.