The Impact of Cost Sharing on Appropriate Utilization and Health Status: A Review of the Literature on Seniors

The Impact of Cost-Sharing on Appropriate Utilization and Health Status: A Review of the Literature on Seniors

This article provides a review of research that has addressed the impact of patient cost-sharing on the use of health care services and subsequent health status for those ages 65 and older. Twenty-two studies are reviewed — 16 focusing on cost-sharing for prescription drugs and 6 on cost-sharing for medical services. The article concludes that most studies examined show increased cost-sharing reduces either or both the utilization and health status of seniors.

The Impact of Cost-Sharing on Appropriate Utilization and Health Status: A Review of the Literature on Seniors (.pdf)

This research was funded by the Kaiser Family Foundation and is presented here courtesy of Medical Care and Research Review.