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

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.