Piamjariyakul U, Yadrich DM, Russell C, Myer J, Prinyarux C, Vacek JL, Ellerbeck EF, Smith CE. Patients' annual income adequacy, insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses related to heart failure care.
Heart Lung 2014;
43:469-75. [PMID:
25012635 DOI:
10.1016/j.hrtlng.2014.05.013]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Revised: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To (1) identify the amount patients spend for insurance premiums, co-payments, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs related to HF and chronic health care services and estimate their annual non-reimbursed and out-of-pocket costs; and (2) identify patients' concerns about nonreimbursed and out-of-pocket expenses.
BACKGROUND
HF is one of the most expensive illnesses for our society with multiple health services and financial burdens for families.
METHODS
Mixed methods with quantitative questionnaires and qualitative interviews.
RESULTS
Patients (N = 149) reported annual averages for non-reimbursed health services co-payments and out-of-pocket costs ranging from $3913 to $5829 depending on insurance coverage. Thirty one patients (21%) reported inadequate health coverage related to their non-reimbursed costs.
CONCLUSIONS
Non-reimbursed costs related to HF care are substantial and vary depending on their insurance, health services use, and out-of-pocket costs. Patient referral to social services to assist with expenses could provide some relief from the burden of high HF-related costs.
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