Document Type
Article
Department/Program
Economics
Journal Title
Health Affairs
Pub Date
11-2012
Volume
31
Issue
11
First Page
2464
Abstract
During the US recession of 2007–09, overall health care spending growth fell, but Medicare spending growth increased. Using state-level data from the period 1991–2009, we show that these divergent trends were also observed within states. Furthermore, increases in state unemployment rates were associated with higher Medicare spending per capita and increased hospital use by Medicare beneficiaries. For example, a one-percentage-point point rise in the unemployment rate was associated with a $40 (0.7 percent) increase in Medicare spending per capita. Our results suggest that economic downturns contribute to Medicare spending and use. One of many possible explanations may be that health care providers have greater capacity, inclination, and financial incentive to treat Medicare patients during recessions as a result of slackening demand from the non-Medicare population.
Recommended Citation
McInerney, Melissa, State Unemployment In Recessions During 1991–2009 Was Linked To Faster Growth In Medicare Spending (2012). Health Affairs, 31(11), 2464-2463.
https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2012.0005
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2012.0005
