Does Primary Care Provider Supply Influence Medicaid Acceptability?

In this study, we determine whether physician’s willingness to accept new Medicaid patients is moderated by the availability of other providers in close proximity. Methods: The study uses Michigan simulated patient (ie, “secret shopper”) data collected during 2014 and 2015, and applies a difference-in-differences styled event-study regression approach comparing trends in Medicaid acceptability and appointment scheduling between areas in Michigan with higher densities of primary care providers against those with lower densities of providers that could arguably be classified a health professional shortage areas. Results: Through one year after Michigan’s Medicaid expansion, practices in low-supply areas appeared no more likely (P>0.10) to turn away a newly insured Medicaid patient than a practice in a supply-rich area. The wait times for patients in a low-supply area were about a day longer (P
Source: Medical Care - Category: Health Management Tags: Brief Report Source Type: research