State Policy
Epic Data Shows Medicaid Coverage Restrictions Shift Costs to Cash-Paying Patients
An Epic research analysis of over 550 million healthcare encounters found that restricting Medicaid coverage drives low-income patients to pay out-of-pocket for medical care. The study quantifies how Medicaid eligibility changes affect patient payment patterns and access to care. The findings are relevant to state policymakers considering Medicaid coverage restrictions and to providers managing increased bad debt and charity care. The research provides evidence of downstream financial impacts when states tighten Medicaid eligibility or benefits.
Why it mattersEpic's encounter-level data quantifies the direct financial impact of Medicaid coverage restrictions on patient payment patterns and provider uncompensated care, informing state decisions on eligibility policy and provider financial planning.