title: Effects of cost-sharing on users of a state's health service program.
abstract: This study analyzed some of the effects of the introduction of cost-sharing on users of the state's health service program. The study population had previously received services at no charge and consisted of people with provider-determined medical need, and included, but was not limited to people in financial need. The study sample was selected from 3 years of program service records (1977-1980). Sampling was random and stratified by key variables. Time-series analysis as well as pre/post-policy comparisons were employed. Analysis of changes in the distributions of service user characteristics and in services provided indicated that use of services was not affected adversely and that lower-income, medically needy people were not deterred from using services following the introduction of cost-sharing. Limitations to the study are reviewed, and implications of using cost-sharing in programs such as Medicaid are considered.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003669:Deductibles and Coinsurance; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008484:Medicaid / Q000191:economics*; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States