More People Actually Went To Emergency Department For Non-Urgent Issues When Medicaid Was Expanded

The study counters a common talking point that expanding the program would get people to stop using the emergency department in non-emergency situations. The author say it's not surprising because patients under Medicaid don't have to fear debt collection, removing one big barrier that could deter someone from a hospital visit. So those visits may be perceived as more convenient than a regular doctor's office, which can be difficult as many providers don't take Medicaid.

from Kaiser Health News https://ift.tt/2UyiDge