Effect of Cost Sharing on Screening Mammography in Medicare Health Plans

In this study of women between the ages of 65 and 69 years who were enrolled in Medicare managed-care plans from 2001 through 2004, enrollees were less likely to undergo screening mammography if their health plan charged patients a copayment. In this study of women between the ages of 65 and 69 years who were enrolled in Medicare managed-care plans, enrollees were less likely to undergo screening mammography if their health plan charged patients a copayment. Most Americans with health insurance are required to pay part of the cost of a physician visit, hospitalization, or other health service as an out-of-pocket expense. This financial responsibility, known as patient cost sharing, is designed to control health care spending because persons tend to use fewer health services when they are required to bear higher portions of the cost. 1 – 3 Payers and insurers have increased cost-sharing requirements in recent years. 4 Since 2001, the average deductible in employer-based plans has increased by 60%, and the most common copayment for an office visit has doubled. 5 A growing number of employers offer . . .