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Medicaid Disenrollment and Disparities in Access to Care: Evidence from Tennessee

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Health Services Research

Published online on

Abstract

Objective To assess the effects of Tennessee's 2005 Medicaid disenrollment on access to health care among low‐income nonelderly adults. Data Source/Study Setting We use data from the 2003–2008 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Study Design We examined the effects of Medicaid disenrollment on access to care among adults living in Tennessee compared with neighboring states, using difference‐in‐difference models. Principal Findings Evidence suggests that Medicaid disenrollment resulted in significant decreases in health insurance and increases in cost‐related barriers to care for low‐income adults living in Tennessee. Statistically significant changes were not observed for having a personal doctor. Conclusions Medicaid disenrollment is associated with reduced access to care. This finding is relevant for states considering expansions or contractions of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.