Study: Medicaid ‘churn’ increases hospitalizations, costs

Researchers at George Washington University have found that Medicaid enrollees coming on and off of the program leads to more hospitalizations and higher costs for patients (Source: “Study: Medicaid 'churn' bad for patients,” The Hill, May 10, 2013).

According to the Association for Community Affiliated Plans study of Medicaid “churn” –- or when beneficiaries move on and off the rolls because of small variations in income –- a beneficiary enrolled consistently for 12 months pays $333 in medical bills per month, on average. Patients enrolled for six months paid $469 per month, and those enrolled for one month paid $625.