The American journal of managed care
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Most Medicare beneficiaries obtain supplemental insurance or enroll in Medicare Advantage (MA) to protect against potentially high cost sharing in traditional Medicare (TM). We examined changes in Medicare supplemental insurance coverage in the context of MA growth. ⋯ The rapid rise in MA enrollment from 2005 to 2019 was accompanied by substantial changes in supplemental insurance with TM. Our results emphasize the interconnectedness of different insurance choices made by Medicare beneficiaries.
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Cardiovascular risk factors and history of cardiovascular disease are associated with greater morbidity and mortality in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Limited English proficiency (LEP) has also been associated with worse outcomes in this setting, including requiring intensive care unit (ICU) level of care and in-hospital death. Whether non-English-language preference (NELP) modifies the association between cardiovascular risk factors or disease and outcomes in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 is unknown. ⋯ NELP was not significantly associated with odds of death or ICU admission, nor did it modify the association between cardiovascular risk factors or history of cardiovascular disease and this composite outcome. Because most patients with NELP received interpreter services, these findings may support the role of such services in ensuring equitable outcomes.
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The number of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) surgeries for adolescent patients has been increasing, and so are the costs for medical care services and the general cost of living. We proposed a novel economic model assessing the cost associated with adolescent ACL-R over time and how this compared with price measures in the US economy. ⋯ The rising cost of adolescent ACL-R has been outpacing the inflation in the cost of medical services and the general economy in the US. The COVID-19 pandemic and market rigidity in medical services may have impacted these trends. Optimizing OR time usage may mitigate the rising cost.
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If we are to achieve the clinical and economic benefits of primary care and care continuity, the implementation and evaluation of strategies that reward clinicians and patients are warranted.