Obamacare increased palliative care access for cancer patients
Obamacare increased palliative care access for cancer patients
Medicaid Expansion Increases Access to Palliative Care for Cancer Patients
New research has shed light on an unexpected benefit of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare – an increase in the number of cancer patients receiving palliative care. Palliative care is a specialized medical approach that focuses on improving the quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses, such as cancer, by providing pain relief and addressing psychological, emotional, and social needs.
Dr. Xuesong Han, the scientific director of health services research at the American Cancer Society (ACS), shared the study’s findings, stating, “Our findings are encouraging, especially with growing evidence of the important benefits of palliative care for patients with cancer. It’s imperative to know how to target ways to increase access to these services, as use, overall, still remains low in the U.S.”
Medicaid Expansion and Palliative Care
The study revealed that the use of palliative care varies depending on a patient’s location in the United States. To conduct their research, the team utilized data from the National Cancer Database, a nationwide hospital-based cancer registry jointly sponsored by the American College of Surgeons and the ACS.
The study included data from individuals aged 18 to 64 who were newly diagnosed with stage 4 cancers between 2010 and 2019. The findings indicated that in states that expanded Medicaid, the percentage of eligible patients receiving palliative care increased from 17% before expansion to 18.9% after expansion. In non-expansion states, the increase was from 15.7% to 16.7%.
Moreover, the research highlighted that the impact of Medicaid expansion on palliative care was most significant for patients with advanced pancreatic, colon, lung, and oral cavity and pharynx cancers, as well as non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These results suggest that Medicaid coverage expansion may play a role in boosting the utilization of palliative care services.
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Addressing Geographic Disparities
The study’s lead author, Dr. Han, emphasized the potential widening geographic disparity in access to guideline-recommended palliative care between states with different health policies regarding income-based Medicaid eligibility requirements. These findings underscore the importance of addressing these disparities and ensuring that all patients, regardless of their location, have equal access to palliative care.
Implications for Patient Care
The study’s findings provide valuable insights into the impact of Medicaid expansion on palliative care utilization for cancer patients. By increasing access to palliative care services, more patients can benefit from the comprehensive support provided by these specialized care teams.
The benefits of palliative care extend beyond physical symptom management. Patients receiving palliative care have reported improvements in their overall well-being, including reduced anxiety and depression, enhanced communication with healthcare professionals, increased treatment adherence, and better understanding of prognosis and treatment options. Incorporating palliative care into cancer treatment plans can result in improved patient outcomes, increased satisfaction with care, and potentially reduced healthcare costs.
Looking Ahead
This research sheds light on the importance of policies that expand access to palliative care services. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial to identify effective ways to increase access to palliative care for all patients facing serious illnesses. By addressing geographic disparities and implementing policies that prioritize palliative care, the overall quality of life for patients with cancer and other chronic conditions can be greatly improved.
The study’s publication in the journal Health Affairs further emphasizes the need for healthcare providers, policymakers, and insurance companies to recognize the value of palliative care as an integral component of comprehensive cancer care. By working collaboratively, stakeholders can develop strategies that ensure equitable access to palliative care, empowering patients and their families to navigate the challenges associated with serious illnesses.
