How often do disadvantaged patients use emergency services?
A new University of California, Los Angeles-led study reveals socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals continue to underuse the Emergency Department (ED) services for potentially serious illnesses, despite an overall rebound in ED visits following the COVID-19 pandemic. Published in Health Affairs, the study found that while ED use rebounded for those with commercial insurance or Medicare, it remained lower for patients covered by Medicaid or dual Medicare/Medicaid, often those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The research highlights a concerning trend where Medicaid and dual-eligible patients are avoiding emergency care, even when they need it most. “Our findings highlight a mixed reality: while fewer potentially