A recent study has shed light on the unintended consequences of high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), revealing their role in exacerbating health disparities among different racial and ethnic groups in the United States. The research, conducted by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), found that HDHPs disproportionately affect Black and Hispanic individuals, potentially leading to worse health outcomes.
The study analyzed data from over 5 million people enrolled in employer-sponsored health plans between 2017 and 2020. It discovered that Black and Hispanic individuals were more likely to be enrolled in HDHPs compared to their white counterparts. This disparity in enrollment has significant implications for healthcare access and utilization.
One of the most striking findings was the impact on preventive care. Despite the Affordable Care Act mandating that preventive services be covered without cost-sharing, individuals enrolled in HDHPs were less likely to use these services. This reluctance was particularly pronounced among Black and Hispanic participants, who showed lower rates of preventive care utilization compared to white enrollees.
The study also highlighted disparities in healthcare spending. Black and Hispanic individuals in HDHPs spent less on healthcare overall, including out-of-pocket expenses and prescription drugs. This reduced spending raises concerns about potential underutilization of necessary medical services and medications.
Paul Fronstin, director of EBRI’s Health Benefits Research, emphasized the importance of these findings: “As the prevalence of HDHPs continues to grow, it is crucial to understand their impact on different populations and address the potential for widening health disparities.”
The research underscores the need for employers and policymakers to consider the equity implications of health plan designs. It suggests that targeted interventions and education programs may be necessary to ensure that HDHPs do not inadvertently contribute to existing health inequalities.
See “High-deductible health plans exacerbate health disparities” (October 9, 2024)
